Fancy owning a home in the world’s most beautiful country? Then cast your eyes (and your home hunt) on New Zealand.
Mount Cook, NZ’s tallest mountain.
Recently, travel company Rough Guides asked its readers to vote for the most beautiful country in the world. Beauty is, of course, in the eye of beholder and as it turns out, many people count New Zealand as the most beautiful country that they have ever laid eyes on.
The top twenty, in ascending order, were as follows: Japan, Slovenia, Portugal, Indonesia, India, Croatia, Argentina, Iceland, Chile, USA, South Africa, Greece, Australia, Norway, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Canada, Italy and New Zealand. Italy was the winner of the previous survey, but New Zealand has snatched the crown in 2024.
So, if you like the idea of boasting at dinner that you own a home in the most beautiful country in the world or just want to whet your appetite for all the extremely visually appealing things you’ll see in New Zealand, this is the article for you. Let’s dig into New Zealand’s beauty.
Mighty Mountains
Rough Guides’ readers highlighted the beauty of New Zealand’s mountains. Whether you love mountains for snapping, painting, strolling by or taking strenuous hikes up, here are some of New Zealand’s most majestic offerings:
Taranaki Maunga: most picture-perfect mountain
Taranaki Maunga.
Topping the beauty leader board has to be Taranaki Maunga as it has the most symmetrical volcano in the world. It is also the most climbed. You can pass through lush rainforests, gentle waterfalls and fresh-water pools.
Aoraki (Mount Cook): tallest mountain
At an impressive 3,000 feet tall, Aoraki boasts of the nation’s longest glaciers.
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Mount Ngauruhoe: greatest movie star
You may recognise Mount Ngauruhoe from the Lord of the Rings, in which it starred as Mount Doom. It is located in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park, where you can enjoy hiking, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Beautiful beaches
The beaches in New Zealand are also breathtakingly beautiful and varied.
Piha Beach: most dramatic
Piha beach.
Only an hour from Auckland, Piha Beach is known for its rugged cliffs, distinctive black sand and strong waters.
Cathedral Cove: most romantic
What makes Cathedral Cove unique is it’s the gigantic arched carven that passes through the headland to join two secluded coves. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, swim or a proposal. Hot Water Beach, where naturally heated bubbles create a natural spa, is nearby.
Maunganui Beach, Bay of Plenty: best for surf
Nicknamed “The Mount” by locals, this beach is frequently voted as the best for surfing in New Zealand. It has endless white sands and the chilled out atmosphere.
Other must-see natural wonders of New Zealand
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
Located on the west coast of the South Island, Milford Sound is a jaw-droppingly beautiful fiord. Head there to see cliffs, mountainous peaks and waterfalls as high as 1,000 metres. It’s one of the rainiest spots in the country, but wear the right clothing, and it’s totally worth it. Rain only adds to the scenery. Enjoy a hike, kayak or a snorkel.
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
One of the most unique (and exciting) natural wonders of New Zealand, the Waitomo Caves are known for being home to an abundance of glow worms. You can take a short boat ride to see cave walls lit up with glow worms. Strange? Cool? Both?
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
These two glaciers have achieved UNSECO World Heritage site status. Many love to hike up their snowy peaks for the fantastic vistas.
Beautiful cities
While New Zealand’s natural beauty might seem like a given, how do its cities fare? From mountainous surroundings to elegant Edwardian architecture, we take a look at what makes New Zealand’s cities dashing.
Auckland
Auckland View from Mt Eden.
Despite being New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has not been taken over by a cramp, urban feel that spoils the beauty of so many major cities. It is surrounded by forty extinct volcanos and is lined by white-sand beaches. It’s the perfect place for hunting for a waterfront home in a bustling location. Plus, it is often awarded the status of one of the most liveable cities in the world.
Christchurch
New Regent Street.
It makes sense that the country’s oldest city has retained an old-fashioned, quaint feel. It has been dubbed the “Garden City of New Zealand” and “the Most English city outside of England” – both titles that might make your ears prick, should you be an Englishman keen to move to Kiwi land and still feel at home. Highlights include the Botanic Gardens, the tram that runs through the centre, the Art Gallery and New Regent Street, distinctive for its colourful Spanish mission style buildings.
Napier
Colourful houses in Napier. Boyloso / Shutterstock.com
Located in Hawke’s Bay, Napier owes its beauty to its carefully preserved 1930s Art Deco style architecture. It’s also the go-to spot for vintage cars, boutique fashion, music and all things retro.
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