New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

Abel Tasman National Park

Tongariro National Park

Milford Sound

Aoraki / Mount Cook

The Otago Peninsula is New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destination and is bursting with natural sites to explore. 

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Just a few kilometers from the town of Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula can easily be visited in a day and will captivate you with its breathtaking scenery. During my trip to the headland, my first stop was Sandfly Bay. It is well known, not just for its penguin colony, but above all for the beauty of the landscape. I would suggest that you get there around 4 p.m. to maximize your chances of seeing the local wildlife. You may also get the chance to see a few sea lions, but luck will need to be on your side! Afterwards, why not climb Sandy Mount, which overlooks the peninsula, and from where I could enjoy 360-degree, panoramic views. The small trail that starts in the car park will take you to the summit, passing by meadows with grazing sheep, as well as impressive cliff faces. However, please be assured that the walk is quite short and not very steep. Finally, once I'd returned to the tip of the peninsula, I decided to stop at Pilots Beach to watch the little blue penguins arrive. I didn't actually get the chance to see them, as access to the beach is chargeable after 4 p.m. Business is business I guess... Not far from there, however, albatross lovers will find the Royal Albatross Center, where they can learn more about these majestic seabirds. A great place to stop during a <a href="/new-zealand/">trip to New Zealand.</a>

The Otago Peninsula is New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destination and is bursting with natural sites to explore.

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