What sets Kaikōura apart are the extraordinary marine encounters that begin just off the shoreline. The Kaikōura Canyon, an underwater gorge that plunges to great depths close to land, creates currents rich with nutrients that attract a remarkable array of sea life year-round. Sperm whales are a common sight here and are frequently spotted on local boat tours. Dusky dolphins twist and leap in large pods, and colonies of New Zealand fur seals laze on rocky outcrops along the coast.

The Dades Gorges, carved by the Dades River in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, offer a winding stretch of road, towering rock walls, and centuries-old kasbahs perched on the cliffs. Located between the towns of Boumalne Dades and M’semrir, the gorge is especially known for its switchback road, often nicknamed “the snaking road of Tissadrine.” It’s a favorite among photographers and motorcyclists, with hairpin curves that reveal a new layer of landscape with every turn.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia has captured the attention of travelers with its rugged landscape and storied past. Established as a national park in 2020, this area was long known for its coal mining heritage and railroad history. Today, visitors can explore remnants of old mining towns and take in views from historic train trestles, all while experiencing some of the most dramatic river and canyon scenery in the eastern United States.

Fitzroy Island sits off the coast from Cairns in Queensland, Australia, rising from the Coral Sea with rainforest and beaches that draw visitors year-round. A short, scenic ferry ride from Cairns’ marlin marina brings visitors to this tropical island, part of the Fitzroy Island National Park where rainforest meets reef.

Lake District National Park, in northwest England’s Cumbria, is a landscape of lakes, fells, and valleys that has inspired poets, painters, and travelers for centuries. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is famed for its literary connections.