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Explore New Zealand’s 7 blue wonders: new and unusual things to do when you visit

Everyone knows about the 7 wonders of the world. They are magnificent, remarkable, and unforgettable. But do you know that New Zealand has its very own 7 blue wonders that are sure to capture one’s imagination? 

With its breathtaking delightful sights, New Zealand is a visual seeker’s treasure chest that is waiting to be opened. From azure lakes to turquoise pools, these dazzling blue attractions need to be seen to be believed.

Here are New Zealand’s 7 blue wonders:

 Blue wonders - Poor Knights Islands - Northland PC_ Alistair Guthrie
Blue wonders – Poor Knights Islands – Northland PC_ Alistair Guthrie

Poor Knights Islands

Beneath the waves at the Poor Knights Islands, you’ll find subtropical fish that can’t be seen anywhere else in New Zealand. Diving and snorkelling are the best ways to enjoy this underwater world, located 30 kilometres from Whangarei in Northland & Bay of Islands region.

 Blue wonders - Te Waikoropupu - Nelson PC_
Blue wonders – Te Waikoropupu – Nelson PC_

Te Waikoropupu Springs

Be amazed by some of the clearest water ever measured at Te Waikoropupū Springs, in Takaka, the largest freshwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere. Also known as Pupu Springs, local Māori see it as a taonga (treasure) and wāhi tapu, a place held in high cultural and spiritual regard.

The Blue Spring

Stroll and admire the pure water of The Blue Spring in the Waikato-Hamilton region, so clean it supplies around 70 per cent of New Zealand’s bottled water. The Te Waihou Walkway winds through wetlands, across rolling pastures and past small waterfalls to the turquoise water of the spring, one of the purest water sources in the world.

Glowworm caves

Blue wonders - Waitomo – Waikato PC_Shaun Jeffers
Blue wonders – Waitomo – Waikato PC_Shaun Jeffers

An ancient subterranean world in the heart of New Zealand’s central North Island, the Waitomo Cave system is a series of fascinating and dramatic natural wonders. Take a boat ride to observe the glowing wonders up close or get your adrenaline pumping with Black Water Rafting.

Blue Pools

 Blue wonders - Wanaka Blue Pools swing bridge PC_Johan Lolos
Blue wonders – Wanaka Blue Pools swing bridge PC_Johan Lolos

Take a short and easy walk through mature beech trees and over a swing bridge to discover the awe-inspiring Blue Pools. The deep, clear glacial pools of the Makarora River can be found in Mount Aspiring National Park.

Lake Pukaki

 Blue wonders - Aoraki - Canterbury PC Rob Suisted
Blue wonders – Aoraki – Canterbury PC Rob Suisted

Lake Pukaki, a shimmering blue jewel set against a backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook, gets its distinctive deep blue tones from finely-ground minerals carried in the glacier-fed waters. Discover nearby walks, take a scenic flight, or go at night for a spectacular stargazing experience.

Huka Falls

 Blue wonders - Huka Falls Trail - Lake Taupo PC_Fraser Clements
Blue wonders – Huka Falls Trail – Lake Taupo PC_Fraser Clements

One of New Zealand’s most popular natural attractions, Huka Falls is just 10 minutes from Lake Taupo. Watch as the mighty Waikato River, which measures about 100 metres wide, is squeezed through a narrow gorge and down a 20-metre drop. You can feel the thundering Falls up close on a jet boat ride or marvel from a safe distance on one of the many viewing platforms.

You can experience these amazing places once the borders open in August.

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