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Piopio is a small town or village in New Zealand that became famous as it was a featured in the The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Piopio with its brusque and picturesque landscapes sits between the famous Waitomo Caves and rugged Taranaki Coast. Its dramatic limestone formations, inspire many to take forest walks and cycling routes around it.

Note - should try some locally-made berry ice cream at the Piopio orchard.

Although colorful sunrises and sunsets can be seen anywhere, New Zealand its especially famous for its twilight hues... the blurred silhouettes of mountain ranges against a beautiful sunset at Queenstown...

Hagley Park is enjoyed by the locals as well as visitors - it is renowned for its extensive area of 165 hectares or 407 acres, its wide-open green spaces and mature woodlands. Joggers make the most of the tree-lined avenues year-round.

Doesn't matter which season you prefer Hagley Park is a great place to stroll, whether on a misty autumn morning, or a warm spring day when the cherry trees lining are in flower.

‘Chasing waterfalls’ in Milford Sound is incredibly easy as there just too many - note only a few of the waterfalls in Milford are permanent. Locals refer to the waterfalls as ‘liquid sunshine’.

Much of the Aoraki / Mount Cook Mackenzie region is a part of the Dark Sky Reserve - an area reserved for stargazing and mesmerizing views of the cosmos.

To explore the wonders of the night sky, you many consider joining a stargazing tour - or head to one of the observatories - Tekapo's Mount John Observatory is one of the prominent ones that gives visitors access to professional telescopes + expert guides who add tremendously to the stargazing experience.

Nugget Point Lighthouse is located at Nugget Point in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand.

Built in 1869-70 - the lighthouse originally was powered by an oil burner replaced by an electric one and then an LED beacon - that has been fully automated since 1989.

A simple walking track from the car park leads to a viewing platform right next to the lighthouse overlooking 'The Nuggets. Note the lighthouse itself is fenced off.

With the South Island's stunning Southern Alps as a backdrop this 'lone tree of Lake Wanaka' is supposedly the most photographed of all trees in New Zealand.

The easiest way to reach 'the lone tree of Lake Wanaka' > it is located right at the foothills of Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Site, which has even more breathtaking landscapes.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park encompasses 23 peaks that are over 3000 metres high, and the longest glaciers. It is usually described as alpine in its purest form - with soaring peaks almost like snow skyscrapers, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a dramatic star-studded sky.

And it is still very accessible - the Mount Cook Village which is located besides the scenic Lake Pukaki is the perfect base for all types of alpine activities.

What else to expect at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park? Surreal milky lakes as the glacier's ground rock sediment makes the water opaque - Encounters with cheeky kea or the mountain parrots - Stargazing at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is magnificent and is acclaimed to be once in a life tine experience.

A willow tree semi-submerged has been massively popular thanks to social media - the easiest way to reach 'the lone tree of Lake Wanaka' > it is located right at the foothills of Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Site, which has even more breathtaking landscapes.

The Shotover River is located near Queenstown - it is a 75 km long river that is fast flowing, with numerous rapids.

Thrilling white water rafting trips and high performance jet boat rides - gets adrenaline-fueled riders to explore the Skippers Canyon that is made up of squeezed narrow rock walls that are steeply carved over thousands of years by billions of tonnes of fast flowing river water from the heart of the Southern Alps.

Nugget Point is an iconic panoramic platform with one of New Zealnd’s oldest lighthouses perched above the famous rocks named by Captain Cook because they looked like pieces of gold. (Source: newzealand.com)

A short stroll away the viewing platform near the old lighthouse delivers sensational views of the big blue thrashing waves. The area is home to some of the rarest penguins plus you could catch seals, sea lions or spoonbills. Many come in hope to catch dolphins in their upward spin. Needless to say the best scenes are created for you either early morning or at sunset.

Franz Josef Glacier is about 5 km from Franz Josef village - yes they have the same name - you could either hike up to the glacier or opt for a guided ice walk - or opt for comfortable aerial views via air-safaris. Other options would be to explore the nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes.

There are Glacier Hot Pools available in the village as well as Wildlife Centre. Many choose to kayak at the Lake Mapourika or rent a stand-up paddle-board.

Auckland is a large vibrant city - activities that one should really try would include - sunset kayaking from the shores of Auckland to Rangitoto Island, the largest volcano in the city - or Sunrise at Mt Eden (it is Auckland’s highest natural vantage point) or check the city lights from the Sky Tower up high from its observation decks yup there are 3 three of them - or pick a beautiful spot and look up 'go stargazing' - Auckland has many options to stargaze...