2.5 million people visited remote New Zealand in 2012. Why? See for yourself – have a closer look at New Zealand through the lens of 7 flickr photos captured by photography nerds, hobbyists and a few professionals. Enjoy.

1. Breathtaking views – mountains, lakes & forests

New Zealand’s South Island is a paradise for hikers, explorers and photographers. From fiordlands to snowbound mountain tops, there is plenty of views that will take your breath a way.

Pictured: Reflection of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in Lake Matheson, a 5-hour drive from Christchurch. Photo by ogwen.

2. Rotorua

(or as the locals call it Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoeu)

Rotorua

Are you thinking of how pleasant it must be to jump into a pool of natural hot water accompanied by the sweet smell of sulphur? Well, maybe you aren’t, but you will get all that and more in Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and geysers. Rotorua is a 3-hour drive south-east of Auckland, the nations largest city.

Pictured: Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, photo by jopetsy.

3. NZ had a little lamb

(and several million more)

What can be cuter than a cuddly little lamb? New Zealand is home to more than 30 million of these wooly animals and you’ll find the little fellows all over the country.

Pictured: a little lamb lost (oh my!) in the vast green expanses of New Zealand. Photo by Tim Pokorny.

4. Auckland, a city of many… volcanoes

Auckland at night

Located on a dormant volcanic field with 50 extinct volcanoes, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city.

Auckland is also the biggest gateway to the country with Auckland Airport serving 14 million passengers each year.

Pictured: Auckland skyline at night. Photo captured from Devonport shore by Jeff Pang.

5. More rugged mountains & walking tracks

McKinnon Pass

The Milford Track is a popular destination for hikers and can be reached by car from Queenstown with a 2-3 hour drive.

Pictured: McKinnon Pass on the Milford Track (South Island), photo by almassengale.

6. Plenty of bird wild-life

Paradise Shelduck with young

While New Zealand is famous for the flightless kiwi, the country is a haven to many endemic and sometimes rare species of birds.

Pictured above: a somewhat more common Paradise Shelduck with her tiny ducklings. Photo by Dave Young.

7. Sailing & watersports

Sailing school on Lake Taupo

Auckland is known as the city of sails, but with thousands of kilometres of coastline in the country and dozens of lakes sailing is a national favourite.

Pictured: sailing school on Lake Taupo by Abaconda.

… but before you start packing for a flight, you need to know – New Zealand does have its problems, such as…

8. Heavy traffic in New Zealand

Once you get there, drive safely. For more tips on getting around the country check our New Zealand car hire guide.

Pictured: sheep on the road to Mt Cook on New Zealand’s South Island. Photo by Vera & Jean-Christophe.

All images featured in this article are licensed under the Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) or similar license.