Kia Ora! Kei te pēhea koe? … One of the first Māori phrases you might pick up while in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Us Kiwis are a proud bunch and we love to tell everyone far and wide how beautiful it is. We're always recommending the best spots to spend your time when visiting our little corner of the world. North Island and South, I've got you covered with some amazing spots that you need to get to!

1. Tutukaka (North Island)

Hidden two and a half hours north of Auckland, Tutukaka needs to be on your list for a visit. Swimming, diving, surfing, restaurants and secluded beaches are all must dos and it is worth exploring, you never know when you'll walk down a hidden path and find a beach all to yourself!

2. The Coromandel Peninsula (North Island)

Fancy a bit of a dip in warm water? Hot Water beach has two hot springs that keep the water warm… what more could you want? Not too far away is Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei) where the infamous arch towers over the beach, the perfect spot for a picnic and a swim.

3. Lake Tekapo (South Island)

Tekapo may be one of the most beautiful places on this earth. With some of the clearest night skies in the world and a glacial lake that will have your Instagram pictures looking absolutely magical.

4. Queenstown (South Island)

If you are a bit of an adventure junkie or just love an adrenalin rush you need to get to Queenstown. Bungee jumping started in New Zealand and the Nevis Jump, 45 minutes from Queenstown is the highest (and one of the most majestic) in the country. If you aren’t into plunging from great heights there is another thrill seeking option - The Shotover jet which will have you racing through the Shotover canyons at 85kph.

5. Wanaka (South Island)

Just over the Crown Range from Queenstown is Wanaka where a stop off at Black Peak Gelato is definitely necessary and if you have time a hike up Roy’s Peak you will not regret it.

6. Waitomo caves (North Island)

If you are after an experience that is just a little bit magical you definitely have to take a trip through the Waitomo caves where thousands of glow worms light up the ceilings. You can go by boat along the underground rivers or if you’re brave try the Black Water rafting to see the lit up caves.

7. Fiordland (South Island)

Time for a geography lesson… the Fiordland region was carved out by glaciers over millions of years and is quite possibly the most unique area of Aotearoa. Head to Milford Sound for sky high waterfalls, untouched lakes and incredible mountains towering directly above the water below.