If you have watched the trilogy of Lord of the Rings, the wonderful places in the film such as Minas Tirith, Fangorn Forest, Edoras, and Hobbiton are all found in New Zealand and of course, the characters are fictional. No wonder why they chose this place because of its rich agricultural and untouched nature all over the country.
This island country located southeast in the Pacific Ocean is a place that proves that the earth’s land is on the move and still on the move. It was believed that New Zealand was part of South America that was once included in the supercontinent Gondwana. National Parks in Oceania is accounted for mostly by Australia and then New Zealand.
And after millions of years it has drifted apart the main continent and with constant motion, grew islands and mountains that we now see as one of the wonders in this country.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Visitors will never miss this natural wonder in New Zealand. With the sparkling lights that reflect in the waters of the cave, these glowworms which reside in the Waitomo Caves is one of the most popular must-see places in this country.
The glowworms (Arachnocampa_luminosa) are only found exclusively in New Zealand in which they feed on the mushroom-like fungus on the walls of the cave. Millions of these luminous insects will marvel your trip in this amazing Waitomo Caves. Mother Nature always gives us something to admire in every place on Earth.
Orakei Korako Geyser land
In the northern islands in New Zealand, you will get to see the Orakei Korako Geyser land. From the name itself, it describes the might of geothermal activities happening in that place every day. These geysers eject water with such power due to the extreme heat from under the surface and pressure causing the water to be flying out in the air.
Think of it as a waterfall but in reverse. Aside from this feature, Orakei Korako also provides a suitable home for some flora and fauna that is native there. Orakei Korako is the perfect place for tourists that want to relax with hot springs, nature walks and watching views on this wondrous Geyser land.
Mt. Cook
The highest mountain in New Zealand having 12,316 high that lies on the Southern Alps. The peak of this mountain is named Aoraki, this is New Zealand’s best alpine park. It is protected by Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
A folk legend tells of a young boy, Aoraki, being stranded in his tilted canoe on a reef along with his brothers. They climbed up on one side of the wreckage and they were frozen by the incoming south wind, thus forming the Southern Alps. Because of the magnificent landscape and haven for animals and plants, Mt. Cook has been declared a national park in 1953 for protection.
Unique Animals
Because of the geographic drift that separated New Zealand from South America, their animals have adapted to the new climate and land profile that they are now living. Evolution has played a big part in selecting the most suitable creature to roam on this island.
Flightless small birds called Kiwi, a dinosaur-like lizard named tuatara, and the annoying mountain parrot named Kea are some of these unique animals that live on the island. But unfortunately, these one-of-a-kind creatures are marked as endangered due to the endless hunting. They are endemic in New Zealand and have unique physical characteristics that make them a wonder.
Punakaiki Pancake Rock Formation
These giant pancake-like stones are made by a long process that took millions of years ago when the decaying creatures solidify on the seabed. After some catastrophes, these seabeds were exposed and became rock formations.
With the help of factors such as wind an acid, the delicious-looking rocks are now made. Found in the Putai Area, just about 30-minute walk from the main highway at Punakaiki, you can have a great day once you get to see this wonderful formation. No human can create this kind of art but Mother Nature itself.