Curio Bay

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Curio Bay Cliffs

Curio Bay Cliffs

2.6
4.5/5
3 reviews
Curio Bay · 881m from downtown
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

7.8
4.6/5
483 reviews
Milford Sound is a world-famous natural wonder, a glacial landform located in the South West Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. Steep, jagged cliffs emerge from calm, dark waters, lush rainforest grows on the rock walls, and waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters into the sea. 1. The beautiful road in the world The road from Queenstown to the Fiordland is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Along the way, it passes many scenic spots, such as Mirror Lake, trails, and Homer Tunnel. Many small waterfalls formed by melting snow. 2. Enjoy the scenery of the fjord by cruise ship The water tour of Milford Sound is the main way to enjoy the beauty of the fjord. After the sightseeing boat slowly leaves the pier of Milford Sound, you can see the The Baowen Waterfall is more than 100 meters high. When the wind is strong, the water of the waterfall will splash on the pier. On the opposite side of the waterfall is a small gravel pile called a small cemetery, which is the resting place of the whalers and sealers who lived nearby. Continue to drive forward, and on the left is the towering Matthew Peak, which stands directly on the sea. On the other side are Lion Mountain and Elephant Mountain, with very vivid names. Not far away is Tongjiao, which is the relatively channel of the fjord. When the wind is strong, it passes through the mountains, and the wind is amazing. When the boat comes to the Fairy Falls, the bow of the boat will meet directly below the waterfall, and the water of this waterfall is drinkable. After looking at the Tasman Sea from the boat, the boat will slowly turn around and re-enter the fjord, and a fjord cruise is basically complete. Airplane tours and sea kayaking tours are two other great ways to experience mountains, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. There are also sightseeing boats with underwater viewing windows, allowing tourists to observe coral reefs and other marine landscapes from the bottom of the water. Dolphins, fjord penguins, seals and other aquatic creatures can also be seen in the fjord, especially in the seal headland where a large number of young seals often gather. 3. One of the filming locations of "The Lord of the Rings" As one of the filming locations of "The Lord of the Rings", it attracts many fans to this place.New Zealand · Milford Sound
Glenorchy

Glenorchy

6.9
4.3/5
210 reviews
Glenorchy's Chinese name translates to Glenorchy. Located on the north bank of Lake Wakatipu, just 45 minutes from Queenstown, it is the gateway to many hiking trails and the magical world of Middle-earth. 1. An outdoor lover's paradise This rustic town is a veritable outdoor lover's paradise. Surrounded by native beech forests and towering mountains, Glenorchy's surroundings are never lacking in excitement. Stunning Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River offer plenty of options for jet boating and kayaking, and it's a popular base for New Zealand's many walking trails. Horseback riding is also one of the most popular activities here. 2. The spectacular scenery of Glenorchy, the filming location of "The Lord of the Rings", has made it a filming location for blockbusters. The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Chronicles of Narnia" have been shot here in large numbers. Twenty kilometers from Glenorchy, as idyllic farmland is gradually replaced by beech forest, we come to the town of Paradise. The origins of the name vary, with some saying it got its name from the natural charm of the place, while others say it got its name from the ducks of paradise that inhabit it. No one can be sure of the origin of its name, but the suffocating natural beauty here has been unanimously recognized by everyone. . "This is the Middle-earth I've always fantasized about," Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) said of Paradise.New Zealand · Glenorchy
Wānaka

Wānaka

6.5
4.8/5
119 reviews
Wānaka is backed by the Southern Alps and is a lakeside town that blends refined living, family vacations, and outdoor adventure. Cafes, restaurants, and unique shops in the town center line the lakeshore. Just a few steps away, you can sit by the water and watch the snow-capped mountains reflected in the clear lake. The lone willow tree standing in the lake is an iconic image of the town. The soft light during the morning mist and at sunset are popular times for photography. The town has a deep connection with aviation. You can book sightseeing flights, helicopter tours, or skydiving at the airport to overlook Lake Wānaka and the glacial peaks of Mount Aspiring from the air. The town hosts a biennial airshow featuring classic military aircraft, a traditional local event. During the winter ski season, ski resorts such as Cardrona and Treble Cone are within a 1-hour drive. In spring and summer, the Roy's Peak track attracts many hikers with its panoramic views of Lake Wānaka. It is also a convenient base if you want to venture into Mount Aspiring National Park for hiking or mountaineering.New Zealand · Wanaka
Lake Wakatipu
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Lake Wakatipu

6.4
4.7/5
554 reviews
Lake Wakatipu is located on the South Island of New Zealand, and Queenstown is located on its north shore. The charming river bay is dotted with Queenstown. It is shaped like a lightning and the lake is clear. It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities in New Zealand. 1. Sky Gondola Overlook If you are in Queenstown, you can choose to take the Sky Gondola to overlook Lake Wakatipu. The Sky Gondola sits at the top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a great place to overlook downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. 2. Steamboat cruise The TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu is undoubtedly one of the ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery, so that you can not only appreciate the lake and mountains more closely, but also feel the tranquility and serenity of the lake, and enjoy the shocking experience. The breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious barbecue and experience the authentic New Zealand culture. The TSS Earnslaw steamship will cross Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm (Walter Peak High Country Farm). You'll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at the ranch or dinner at Colonel's Homestead restaurant and watch a unique farm show. 3. The neighboring Gibbston Valley (Gibbston Valley) has more than 70 wineries, producing a variety of wines, especially Pinot Noir. You can sign up for AppellationCentral WineTours' daily wine tasting tour, which includes visits to 4 wineries, wine tasting, and lunch. At the end of the lake is a place called Glenorchy, the town of The Lord of the Rings. The town is very quiet, there are only sporadic tourists by the lake, and the small bridge in the lake attracts many tourists.New Zealand · Walter Peak
Queenstown Gardens
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Queenstown Gardens

6.4
4.4/5
129 reviews
Queenstown Gardens is located on a small peninsula extending into Lake Wakatipu, just a short walk from the town center. This botanical garden is filled with towering ancient trees. Walking along the lakeside path around the peninsula, you will see shimmering lake waters and distant mountains on one side, and dense groves of trees on the other. The colors are particularly vibrant in late fall, making it a great place to unwind after sightseeing. The details of the park are worth slowing down to appreciate: many notable trees, such as English oaks, Chilean pines, and giant sequoias, were planted by the first mayor and are now listed as protected trees. The rose garden next to the tennis courts turns into a sea of flowers during the blooming season. The bandstand and the memorial to Scott's Antarctic Expedition chronicle the town's history. If you want to experience outdoor sports, the park has a disc golf course, where throwing discs through the trees is a fun experience. While walking, keep an eye out for birds in the forest; the birdsong accompanied by the lake breeze offers visitors a relaxing and pleasant natural experience.New Zealand · Queenstown
Lake Pukaki
No. 14 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Lake Pukaki

6.3
4.2/5
149 reviews
Lake Pukaki is nestled among the mountains of the Canterbury region and is a large lake in the northern Mackenzie Basin that flows from north to south. When ancient glaciers retreated, moraine deposits blocked the river valley, forming a dammed lake, making it a typical moraine-dammed lake. Fine rock flour ground by glaciers over the years remains suspended in the water, scattering light into a rich milky blue and turquoise color, resembling a whole lake of poured, rich milk, which is how it earned the nickname "Blue Milk Lake." The lake surface is at an altitude of over 500 m, and the lake water mainly comes from the meltwater of the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier. Looking north, you can see the continuous snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. On clear days, standing at the viewing point on the southern shore, you can capture both the snow-capped peaks and the lake in your camera lens.New Zealand · Ben Ohau
Lake Wānaka
2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Lake Wānaka

6.2
4.6/5
350 reviews
Lake Wānaka is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is the fourth-largest lake in New Zealand and the source of the Clutha River, a major river on the South Island. The lake water is crystal clear and blue, with exceptional clarity. On clear days, snow-capped peaks and the blue sky are reflected on the lake's surface. Viewed from above, it looks like a sapphire embedded in the valley. It is a year-round destination: enjoy flowers in spring, swimming in summer, photography in fall, and skiing in winter. You can sit on the pebble-covered beach, look around, and admire the beautiful lake and mountain scenery; you can take a small plane to circle the lake and look down from above at the white of the snow-capped mountains and the deep blue of the lake. The poplar-lined avenue by the lake is renowned, and the rows of trees reflected on the lake's surface are poetic and picturesque. Especially in the golden fall, the yellow leaves by the lake are a stunning sight, with the entire forest painted in golden hues, full of fall charm.New Zealand · Minaret Bay
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Dunedin

Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World

6.2
4.4/5
95 reviews
Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World is a residential street considered the steepest residential street in the world. The street is about 350 m long and rises about 70 m from the valley floor. The lower section is relatively gentle, but it gets steeper toward the top, with the steepest part at about 35%, which is equivalent to gaining 1 m in elevation for every just under 3 m traveled forward. This section is paved with concrete rather than asphalt, which makes it easier to maintain and more resistant to winter frost and slipperiness. Its steepness was purely accidental — mid-19th-century planners drew the grid on paper without following the hill, which resulted in a world record. The title has had its ups and downs: in 2019 it was briefly taken by a street in Wales, but the following year, after local surveyors appealed and remeasured along the street's centerline, it was returned. Today, it feels more like an open-air photo spot. Visitors like to use the slope to create optical illusions, posing as if they are pushing a bike uphill or leaning back while staying steady for photos, and some come specifically to experience the feeling of climbing from the bottom to the top, like mountaineering. Each summer, the more-than-30-year-old hill-climb challenge Gutbuster takes place here, with participants racing from the bottom to the top and back. Long-time Dunedin locals also recall a former local spectacle: tens of thousands of orange candy-coated chocolate balls bouncing down the steep slope.New Zealand · Dunedin
Dunedin Railway Station
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Dunedin

Dunedin Railway Station

6.1
4.3/5
208 reviews
Dunedin Railway Station is a product of the city's gold rush heyday. At that time, Dunedin rose to become the commercial center of New Zealand thanks to its gold wealth, and this station is the magnificent facade left behind by that golden age. It was designed by architect George Troup in the Flemish Renaissance style, with exterior walls made of black basalt accented with creamy Oamaru limestone, making it as exquisite as a fairy-tale gingerbread house, which earned the designer the nickname "Gingerbread George." The interior is equally worth exploring: the floor of the booking hall is composed of a mosaic of nearly 750,000 Royal Doulton tiles, which look particularly beautiful when sunlight streams in from the central dome. The stained glass windows featuring train motifs, the intricate stair railings, and the warm yellow tones of the hall make the space luxurious yet cozy. Today, most of the ground floor has been converted into a restaurant, while the second floor houses an art gallery, the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, and a souvenir shop. The Taieri Gorge Railway and Pacific coastal sightseeing trains still depart from here. If you have time, consider taking a trip through the gorge and along the coast. If you are just passing through, don't miss the vintage carriages on the platform and the symmetrical white stone towers on the main facade.New Zealand · Dunedin

Free things to do in Curio Bay

What travellers say about Curio Bay

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王海娃子19 December 2019
4.0
The southeast corner of the South Island faces the vast South Pacific Ocean. The wind and waves in the bay area are relatively strong, and the waves keep hitting the reefs on the shore, which is quite spectacular. It is close to the Antarctic continent and there is a penguin landing place on the beach.

Curio Bay Cliffs

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Anonymous user1 October 2026
5.0
Milford Sound is one of the most iconic natural landscapes on New Zealand's South Island, often hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Fiordland National Park. The most classic experience here is a boat tour. The boat glides through the dark waters of the fjord, flanked by steep cliffs carved by glaciers. Mettler Peak soars into the clouds, and Bowen and Stirling Falls flow year-round. After rain, countless temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. With luck, you might spot seals basking on the rocks, or even encounter dolphins and Fiordland penguins. Overall, Milford Sound isn't a "check-off" destination; it's best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The waterfalls are often more spectacular on rainy days, so don't let rain deter you from your trip. If you have ample time, consider departing from Te Anau or opting for an overnight cruise to avoid the daytime crowds and create a more immersive experience.

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

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Claire Young21 March 2023
5.0
This is known as the place closest to heaven. It is a very simple town. Many scenes are shot here in the movie. There is also a place called paradise. Seeing the vast grassland, rivers, sheep and horses, you can feel comfortable physically and mentally.

Glenorchy

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jing0ling23 January 2024
5.0
wanaka is a nice place that can travel with family . Kids and Parents will love that and the people there is so nice and friendly.

Wānaka

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去旅行YJQ7 July 2023
5.0
Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. In addition to its beautiful scenery, it is also the center of New Zealand's outdoor activities. Mountain skiing, surfing, parachuting, jet boats, whitewater kayaking are all available here. The world-famous bungee jumping first emerged here.

Lake Wakatipu

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D了个Y30 May 2022
4.0
Queenstown Gardens is located in the southeast of Queenstown, on a small peninsula by Lake Wakatipu. The garden is close to the city and the environment is quite quiet. There are towering ancient trees and not many people. The trails in the park are surrounded by trees and flowers. It is a good place for leisure strolls. The garden is not very big. It is a good choice to stroll along the lake after dinner.

Queenstown Gardens

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旅の径26 October 2020
4.0
New Zealand has many lakes, most of which are surrounded by mountains, with winding coastlines, clear water and pleasant scenery. It is an excellent tourist destination. Lake Pukaki, located in the central part of the South Island, is worth visiting for its four unique features. First, the lake is rich in rock particles and minerals. Under the sunlight, it reflects a unique blue color, which is dreamy and attractive, and has the reputation of "Blue Milk Lake". Second, the lakeside is the best place to overlook Mount Cook. When the weather is fine, standing on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, the Southern Alps on the north bank 55 kilometers away are clearly visible, and the highest peak is Mount Cook. Third, the lifelike Tahr sheep statue. The Tahr sheep, native to the Himalayas, lives between high mountain cliffs. It is a first-class protected animal in my country and is listed as a "near endangered" animal in the world. In 1904, a British man brought five Tahr sheep to the South Island. Because they had no natural enemies, Tahr sheep thrived in the Cook Range and became the favorite hunting animal for European and American hunters to hunt in New Zealand. In 2014, people erected a handsome and mighty Tahr sheep statue on the shore of Lake Pukaki to commemorate the contributions of relevant people in protecting Tahr sheep worldwide. Taking a photo with the statue is the only choice for all tourists. Fourth, on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, there is a Mount Cook salmon farm. The salmon produced is firm and tender, cheap and good quality. Many food lovers come here to taste and buy.

Lake Pukaki

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Lavender and Sun11 March 2022
5.0
Created by giant glaciers 10,000 years ago, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea sit side by side, separated by a small strip of silvery white land called The Neck. Surrounded by stunning mountains, the two lakes have beautiful pebble beaches and are a popular attraction for locals and tourists, especially during the long, warm summers.

Lake Wānaka

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FancyHansi1 January 2026
5.0
Tips: better if you can avoid rainy weather. Good to have a companion. wear hiking shoes if possible.Reasons to Recommend: unique. good for the body.

Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World

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果汁分你一半✔22 January 2021
5.0
Dunedin is full of cultural atmosphere, with many historical buildings, museums and bird sanctuaries. Many typical Scottish-style buildings are still preserved in the city, and it is known as the city that is "most like Scotland outside of Scotland". Dunedin is full of cultural atmosphere, with many historical buildings, museums and bird sanctuaries. Many typical Scottish-style buildings are still preserved in the city, and it is known as the city that is "most like Scotland outside of Scotland".

Dunedin Railway Station

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Curio Bay?

Don't miss these attractions in Curio Bay: Curio Bay Cliffs, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and Glenorchy. If you like Outdoor experiences, try Te Anau to Dunedin one-way 1-day tour | The Catlins + Nugget Point Lighthouse | small group of 16. If you enjoy Day tours, try Te Anau to Dunedin one-way 1-day tour | The Catlins + Nugget Point Lighthouse | small group of 16.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Te Anau to Dunedin one-way 1-day tour | The Catlins + Nugget Point Lighthouse | small group of 16, Te Anau to Dunedin via the Catlins & Invercargill 1 Way Tour, and Dunedin: to Invercargill via the Catlins One Way Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 19 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Curio Bay is around TRY 6,648.13 – TRY 8,119.36. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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