10 Peaceful spots of New Zealand

As it gets towards the time of year that I spend time reflecting, I like to find peaceful spaces to be alone with my thoughts in. I thought I’d share some of my favourite peaceful spots I’ve discovered in New Zealand in the last few years.

1. Lake Matheson

Seeing the reflection of mountains and valley around, Lake Matheson on New Zealand’s South Island West Coast is one of the most beautiful peaceful spots I’ve visited. I wandered around quietly on Christmas Day and then again early on Boxing Day to capture it in the quiet and stillness.

2. High above Wanaka at Rocky Mountain

After a bit of a strenuous hike, when you sit up on the top of Rocky Mountain you feel above the world below. Far below is Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Behind you are snowy mountains and vast ranges. Truely a world apart.

3. Quiet bench by the beach, Mt. Maunganui

While Mt. Maunganui can be busy and bustling at times, its an area that I love. Without a doubt, you’ll wander around listening to Tui birds and be treated to vibrant pohutukawa trees at Christmas time. Then when you spot the sunshine creating crystals in the ocean you can find a bench and sit and ponder life.

4. Calming purely waters of Hokitika Gorge

Arriving early in the day you can beat the crowds and just share the gorge with the birds and sounds of nature. I enjoyed wandering the paths around the purely blue waters of Hokitika Gorge. I settled myself on a rock near the end by the water at the end where a fantail bird fluttered around me.

5. Snowy mountain tops

Just before I set off on my snowboard at the top of a mountain I like to look around and breath in the truely fresh crisp air around me. On a clear day there’s nothing quite as beautiful as snowy mountains and icy waterfalls.

6. Bush walks, West Auckland

Amazingly many of the bush walks in the North Island of New Zealand are free of people. The busy ones are the ‘Great Walks’ mainly found in the South Island. West Auckland has many great tracks full of beautiful native plants and trees, waterfalls and rivers. You can feel completely engulfed with nature in New Zealand’s native forests.

7. Waterfront walks, Eastern Bays of Auckland

If you pick an early or late summers day you’ll enjoy a peaceful wander. From Saint Heliers, via Kohimarama, bustling Mission Bay and quaint Orakei, the walkway along the waterfront of Auckland’s Eastern Bays is beautiful. The soft swish of the ocean, glistening waters and fresh sea air. One of my frequent and favourite walks.

8. Reserve walks, Conifer Grove, Wattle Downs

Since moving out to South, I’ve discovered the reserves around South Auckland are pretty free of people too. The water may not be as beautiful as other areas, but the scenery on a nice sunny day with landscaped paths and trees that wind around the waters edge is quaint and peaceful.

9. Waterfalls off the beaten track, Whangarei Falls

When you’re tired of driving, getting a small nature escape is a welcomed treat and Whangarei Falls doesn’t disappoint. The loop track allows a decent short walk amongst nature and you can sit and enjoy the vast falls before returning to your journey.

10. Remote nature walk, Hooker Valley, Aoraki Mount Cook

Combining my love for snowy mountains and walks, the Hooker Valley doesn’t disappoint. During my road trip around the South Island this was one of my epic highlights. The track itself can get busy, but not so much that you’re fighting for space. I generally shared my walk with the birds and the sound of the pearly rivers. At the end of the walk the mountains take your breath away, the air is crisp and only noise you can hear is the odd crushing of ice falling from high above.

Those are a few of my favourite peaceful spots around New Zealand, have you got any favourites?