New Zealand‘s Best Free Attractions for a Road Trip39

New Zealand is a stunning country with a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions. While there are many great paid attractions in New Zealand, there are also plenty of free things to see and do. If you're planning a road trip around New Zealand, here are some of the best free attractions:

1. Drive the Milford Road

The Milford Road is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It winds through Fiordland National Park, past towering mountains, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you'll have the chance to stop at several free attractions, including the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, and the Homer Tunnel. You can also take a short hike to the Sutherland Falls.

2. Hike the Hooker Valley Track

The Hooker Valley Track is a 5-mile hike that leads to the Hooker Lake. The trail is relatively easy to hike and offers stunning views of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Along the way, you'll see several hanging glaciers and waterfalls. You can also take a boat trip to the Tasman Glacier.

3. Visit the Waitomo Caves

The Waitomo Caves are a series of underground caves located in the North Island of New Zealand. The caves are home to thousands of glowworms, which emit a faint light. You can take a guided tour of the caves and see the glowworms up close. The tours are free, but you'll need to book in advance.

4. Explore the Tongariro National Park

The Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to three active volcanoes: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. You can hike to the summit of Mount Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom from "The Lord of the Rings" movies) or take a scenic drive through the park. The park is also home to several free camping areas.

5. Visit the Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier is a glacier located on the West Coast of the South Island. You can take a guided walk to the glacier or view it from the viewing platform. The walks are free, but you'll need to book in advance. You can also take a helicopter ride to the glacier.

6. Hike the Roy's Peak Track

The Roy's Peak Track is a 5-mile hike that leads to the summit of Roy's Peak. The trail is relatively steep, but it's worth the climb for the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The hike is free, but you'll need to be prepared for a challenging hike.

7. Visit the Te Papa Museum

The Te Papa Museum is New Zealand's national museum. The museum is located in Wellington and is home to a wide range of exhibits on New Zealand's history, culture, and art. The museum is free to enter.

8. Visit the Auckland Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery is New Zealand's largest art gallery. The gallery is home to a wide range of New Zealand and international art. The gallery is free to enter.

9. Drive the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a 150-mile drive that stretches along the coast of Victoria, Australia. The drive offers stunning views of the ocean, beaches, and cliffs. Along the way, you'll have the chance to stop at several free attractions, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the London Arch.

10. Hike the Cape to Cape Track

The Cape to Cape Track is a 125-mile hike that stretches along the coast of Western Australia. The trail offers stunning views of the ocean, beaches, and cliffs. Along the way, you'll have the chance to stop at several free attractions, including the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, the Margaret River, and the Busselton Jetty.

2025-02-02

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