The region was chosen in National Geographic’s Best of the World list of the year’s must-see destinations.
The publication’s annual list is a great reference for travelers planning their upcoming trips and includes up-and-coming destinations as well as timeless locations that have something new and exciting to offer.
Among them, New Zealand’s “little-visited” Northland region was included for its opportunity to engage with marine wildlife.
“International travelers landing in Auckland usually head south, but the little-visited Northland region has fascinating wildlife and warm waters that offer excellent diving, especially in the Poor Knights marine reserve,” reads the National Geographic inclusion.
It mentions the many fish species such as spotted black groper, mosaic moray, and Lord Howe coralfish, unique to the reserve.
It also points out the opportunity to catch a glimpse of kiwi in natural, but protected, habitat.
“On land, normally elusive and threatened kiwis are abundant thanks to the Kiwi Coast, a coalition of more than 250 community-led conservation projects that aims to create the first protected corridor for New Zealand’s beloved national bird.”
Northland was one of only two locations Down Under included in the list. The other is Murray River in Australia, which the publication lauded for offering multi-night cruises including riverside barbecues, wine tastings, wildlife spotting, and visits to historic sites like Perricoota Station.
This year’s list features experiences that are beneficial for both locals and travellers, locations where visitors are welcomed and support the destination’s environment and community. It also includes a new rock-climbing haven in India and Stockholm’s new and lesser-known island-hopping trail.
The list is chosen by National Geographic’s explorers, photographers, and editors.
“I like to think of Best of the World as National Geographic’s annual invitation to get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world,” said Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic.
“This year, at a time of uncertainty and difficult challenges, that feels more important than ever. My hope is that our 2025 list is a reminder that there’s still so much to be excited about, and that through travel, we can connect with joy and hope.”
National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025
- Northland, New Zealand
- Murray River, Australia
- Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- Boise, Idaho
- Ocala National Forest, Florida
- Los Angeles, California
- Barbados
- Cerrado, Brazil
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Cork, Ireland
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Greenland
- Brasov, RomaniaCenobitic
- Monasteries, Italy
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Tunisia
- Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Senegal
- Suru Valley, India
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia
