New Zealand, surrounded by ocean waters ranging from sub-tropical to sub-Antarctic, is a breathtaking destination, even if it takes a while to get there. The country boasts over 15,000 kilometers of coastline, featuring numerous bays, islands, towering cliffs, sandy beaches, harbors, and fjords along its rocky shores.

I have a deep love for water, whether it’s the salty ocean, surging rivers, bubbling brooks, or tranquil lakes. That’s why I want to share my top five destinations in New Zealand, all of which are near vast expanses of water.

**Cape Reinga** is the northwestern tip of the Aupouri Peninsula on the North Island. This spot is fascinating because it’s where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse, built in 1941, stands guard over these wild and unpredictable waters, where the seas swirl and clash together. The views are spectacular, making you feel like you’re at the end of the world.

**Bay of Islands** is an incredible area with rocky shorelines and 144 islands. Discovered by the legendary Maori navigator Kupe, this region is a blend of Maori and European cultures. It was once a bustling seafaring area and is now home to the historic site of Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. A yacht day trip here is a must, allowing you to explore the bays, inlets, islands, and beaches. If the seas are calm, you might pass through the Hole in the Rock and see dolphins, seals, penguins, and even whales during migration season.

**Auckland**, known as the ‘City of Sails,’ offers nearly constant views of the water. For a different perspective, take a ferry to Rangitoto Island, the largest and youngest extinct volcano in the Auckland region. The walk to the crater top takes you over lava flows and through native trees and flowering plants, rewarding you with stunning 360-degree views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.

**Coromandel Peninsula** is home to rainforests, beaches, and hideaways, including Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and the Kauri Grove. At Hot Water Beach, you can dig your own spa pool in the sand during low tide. An hour-long coastal walk will take you to Cathedral Cove, where you’ll find white sands, blue seas, sheer limestone cliffs, and a sea cove. The Kauri Grove, with its 13 towering Kauri trees, is also worth a visit.

**Queenstown**, the adventure capital of New Zealand, never fails to impress. Each season offers something special, with changing vistas as the seasons roll in. Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake, has crystal clear waters that shimmer in the sunlight and become mysterious when shrouded in fog. The autumn foliage adds vivid colors to Queenstown’s backdrop, making it perfect for kayaking or sailing on the lake, and skiing on the surrounding slopes.