New Zealand is a truly majestic place. If you’re looking for a glimpse into New Zealand’s enigmatic and rich history, these landmarks are a must-see in this incredible South Pacific country.

THE LIVING MAORI VILLAGE

New Zealand’s Māori heritage is something that the country and its people are famously proud of. Whakarewarewa, the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao people, is an amazing area that’s known as New Zealand’s only living Māori village. Situated within the geothermal region of Taupō, which is thought to provide life-giving energy to those who live there, the Māori population of Whakarewarewa can trace its ancestry back to the Te Arawa people who first occupied the valley in 1325.

WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS

It’s located on the North Island and features many other attractions for visitors, including a stunning view of the Bay of Islands. Next to the actual spot of the signing and the flagstaff, you can also visit the carved Maori meeting house and the largest waka (canoe) in the world.

QUEEN VICTORIA STATUES, AUCKLAND & WELLINGTON

Also, Queen Victoria is one of Wellington’s most significant statues, but it also sparked some controversy. The building of the monument was first planned in 1901, after the Queen’s death and it was first placed in the Post Office Square to serve as kind of a welcoming statue for visitors. However, traffic issues ensued and it was moved to its present site on Kent Terrace.

KEMP HOUSE

Built in 1821, “Kemp House, which is officially called The Stone Store and Mission House, is New Zealand’s oldest surviving building. It was occupied by the Kemp family (hence the name) and served as a mission house”, says Melanie Barton, a travel writer at PickWriters.

EDWIN FOX MUSEUM

It started its sea journeys with Sir George Hodgkinson at the helm, who sold it to Duncan Dunbar less than a year later. When Dunbar died in 1863, the ship was sold to Gallatly, Hankey & Company of London and mostly sailed on the London-India route.

OLD ST PAUL’S

Located in Mulgrave Street, Wellington, Old St Paul’s is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in New Zealand. It was built in 1866 and played an important part in the city’s history ever since.

Tourists often like to complain that all churches look similar and “if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all”. However, you can prepare for something totally different when you visit Wellington’s Old St Paul’s.

LARNACH CASTLE

Despite its title, Larnach Castle is in fact a ‘mock castle’ and is one of the very few houses in New Zealand to achieve such a prestigious and momentous accolade. Owned by the Barker family, Larnach is cited as “New Zealand’s only castle” and attracts thousands of visitors every year.