Wanaka

Wanaka is a charming lakeside town on New Zealand's unspoiled, mountainous South Island. It was given its name after its eponymous river and has as its backdrop views of snow-capped mountain peaks. The magnificent Mount Aspiring National Park, which is right outside its front door and is home to several waterfalls, glaciers, and towering peaks, has also been used as a backdrop in The Lord of the Rings.

It's only natural that Wanaka has developed into a shelter and base for tourists experiencing the South Island's rough, untouched beauty given the presence of the beautiful Mount Aspiring National Park and two pristine alpine lakes right outside its door. The park, which is a World Heritage Site and was shown in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is home to spectacular peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers. There are numerous other recreational opportunities in the town's namesake Lake Wanaka and the close-by Lake Hawea, including kayaking, cruising, and fishing. Wanaka has a cosmopolitan community of cafes and restaurants serving cuisine from award-winning chefs, so foodies won't be let down either.

TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0

Location: South Island, New Zealand