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As Google Maps celebrates its 20th anniversary, they have revealed a snapshot of how people explore Aotearoa — and it turns out, we’re a nation in love with nature, towers, and treetop strolls.
New data from Google shows that Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Sky Tower, and the Redwoods Treewalk are among New Zealand’s most reviewed attractions. The list, created purely by the number of reviews left on Google Maps, paints a picture of what inspires people to post, rate, and share.
Google spokesperson Carrie Jones says “The popularity of natural landmarks speaks to an enduring human connection with nature. “We see a global inclination towards exploring renowned natural wonders, which Maps facilitates and is evident here in New Zealand.”
Carrie says this trend isn’t isolated. “For example, when we looked at these top reviewed lists across APAC, they unearthed a rich array of nature spots like hidden beaches and parks, more so than other categories, highlighting the strong desire for outdoor and natural experiences across the region.”
Even as short-form video reshapes how we discover places, Google Maps continues to evolve. “The way Kiwis, and many others around the world, use Maps has evolved significantly with the rise of AI-driven search, particularly through Ask Maps with Gemini,” Carrie says.
“This feature allows users to directly query Maps for highly specific and immediate answers, transforming it from a navigation tool into a powerful, conversational discovery platform. For instance, you can now simply ask Maps, ‘What’s a dog-friendly, romantic cafe in Ponsonby?’, or ‘fun winter activities in Dunedin’ and get an instant, AI-powered recommendation.”
Visual discovery is also playing a growing role in travel planning. “Circle to Search has in fact made it even easier for people to get inspiration from social media! You can now simply circle a place or object of interest on a social media post, and immediately get quick, relevant results from Google, seamlessly transitioning from discovery to actionable planning,” she says.
Google’s Gemini AI is helping travellers cut through the noise, too. “If you’re feeling overwhelmed by travel videos, Gemini can help to cut through with its YouTube integration enabling you to quickly extract key insights, saving you hours of watching to plan your perfect holiday.”
And the digital toolkit is only getting smarter. “Launch Gemini and type ‘@YouTube’ to start searching for videos. For instance: ‘@YouTube. Show me the top things to do in Tokyo and Singapore.’ Then ask Gemini to compare the videos or extract highlights to refine your plans,” says Carrie.
As the world continues to discover our peaks, trees, and towers, it’s clear that Google Maps has moved beyond simple directions — it’s now a discovery engine for the curious and the connected.
And with over 250 million places logged, and two decades of innovation under its belt, Maps shows no signs of slowing down.
