Mt Eden (Maungawhau)
Located in the heart of Auckland, Mt Eden is the highest natural point in the city. It is one of 48 volcanic cones dotting the region.
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The Highlight: Stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens at its base. We recommend a guided tour to see the ancient Māori settlement sites, including occupation terraces and storage pits.
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Why go? It offers the best 360-degree views of Auckland City and its two harbours.
Mt Maunganui (Mauao)
Known simply as ‘The Mount’ to Kiwis, this extinct volcanic cone sits at the end of a stunning white-sand peninsula.
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The Highlight: Standing 230 metres above sea level, the summit offers spectacular ocean views. It’s also a site of huge archaeological significance, with historic Pa (Māori fort) sites still visible.
Mt Taranaki
Arguably New Zealand’s most perfectly formed volcano, Mt Taranaki is a climber's dream and a photographer's muse.
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The Highlight: The mountain is famous for its lush rainforest-covered slopes. The walking tracks around its base lead you through "goblin forests" to pristine rivers, pools, and waterfalls.
The Tongariro Trio (Ngauruhoe, Tongariro & Ruapehu)
Located in the dual World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, these three active volcanoes offer a landscape like nowhere else on Earth.
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Mt Ngauruhoe: Famously featured as Mt Doom in The Lord of the Rings. While it looks like a separate mountain, it is actually a vent of Mt Tongariro. Keep an eye out for native short and long-tailed bats in the forest below!
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Mt Tongariro: Home to the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This 19km hike takes you through lava fields and past the brilliant Emerald Lakes.
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Mt Ruapehu: A commercial ski resort in the winter and a hiking playground in the summer. When it’s safe to do so, you can actually hike up to view the stunning Crater Lake.
The South Island: Southern Alps and Glaciation
Aoraki / Mt Cook
The tallest and most spectacular mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki is the crown jewel of the Southern Alps.
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The Highlight: Surrounded by jagged peaks, glaciers, and permanent snowfields. If you take a boat tour on the Tasman Glacier lake, you can even see icebergs floating in the water. An absolute must-see on any South Island road trip.
Roys Peak
We’ll admit it - this is our all-time favourite because it’s right here in Wānaka, where we are based!
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The Highlight: It’s not just home-town bias; it really is spectacular. A steady three-hour hike (or a breathtaking 10-minute helicopter flight) brings you to the summit for jaw-dropping views of Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, and the snow-capped Alps.
Mt Sunday (Edoras)
Hidden in the Canterbury high country, Mt Sunday is as wild and remote as it gets.
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The Highlight: Fans of The Lord of the Rings will recognise this as Edoras, the capital of Rohan. While the film sets are gone, the 2.5km walk to the summit offers incredible views of the braided Rangitata River.
Mitre Peak (Rahotu)
Perhaps the most photographed peak in the country, Mitre Peak rises straight out of the dark waters of Milford Sound.
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The Highlight: Named for its resemblance to a Christian Bishop’s mitre (headwear), it is a commanding presence as you enter the Fiord. It’s well worth the long drive into the heart of Fiordland National Park.
Driving Tip: New Zealand mountain weather can change in a heartbeat! Even if you're just stopping for a photo, always have a warm jacket handy in the back of the car.
Are you planning to tackle any of our "Great Walks" while you're here, or are you strictly in it for the scenic lookouts?