Are you ready for the biggest adventure of your life?
New Zealand, the Adventure Capital of the World, Middle Earth. Whatever you wish to call it, the Kiwis have a lot to brag about.
From some of the best wine on the planet, many of the best spots to enjoy it, a whole host of famous creatures and a culture embedded so deeply it is hard to not find yourself getting involved.
Here are the 11 biggest things to do in New Zealand:
Adventure sports
Home to the Adventure Capital of the World, anyone hoping to make the most of the great weather, adventurous landscape and sporty scene has come to the right place.
Since bungy jumping was invented in Queenstown, if you are going to brave the chord even once in your life, let it be here! You’ll have plenty of chances to go diving headfirst into the picturesque abyss, even at nighttime with some companies.
Another native sport you must try is zorbing – the plastic inflatable balls that send you rolling gleefully down hills.
Other ways to get your adrenaline kicks to include abseiling, black-and-white water rafting and caving. You can actually go underground rafting in Waitomo Caves to see the unique glowworms that look like something from a sci-fi flick.
Wine Tasting
Some of the world’s most adored wines stem from the wineries of NZ. Recognised by their punchy reds and crisp whites, be sure to include a vineyard pitstop to your need-to-dos.
Big names of the likes of Marlborough and Hawkes Bay are well worth your time. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are well-renowned across the islands and go well with the olives found in the groves of Waiheke Island.
You can’t go wrong with wine in New Zealand, just be sure to allow time to admire the wine lists and leave room in your suitcase for a bottle or three.
Queenstown
There’s a reason Queenstown is one of the most popular hotspots in New Zealand. Nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the snowy Alps, you can enjoy the very best of South Island here.
Nicknamed the Adventure Capital of the World, this is the birthplace of bungy jumping and a top place to fire up your engines. It roars fun at every corner.
Enjoy views head-on from the Kawarau Bridge bungee or from the comfort of Skyline Gondola and its panoramic restaurant.
Queenstown has something for everyone and is praised for its vineyards, treks and open-air dining. The possibilities are endless!
Māori
A fundamental part of New Zealand culture; is the parents of the Haka. Māori is the indigenous community of the Kiwis.
Say Kia Ora to the ancient warrior traditions in the cultural capital of Rotorua. Stay overnight in the Tamaki Māori Village and immerse yourself in their way of life.
Join in with a greenstone carving lesson at the Māori Art and Crafts Institute to learn about and create your own meaningful necklace.
Te Papa Museum in Wellington can teach you the ins and outs in the afternoon and is a useful place to start your trip. Meanwhile, catch authentic Haka performances in Rotorua and eat a traditional Hangi meal cooked over hot rocks.
The Lord of The Rings
Take a quest through Middle-earth to the Lord of the Rings filming locations. New Zealand is famous for being the backdrop for Peter Jackson’s movies of the Tolkien classics.
Discover the set tour and stop for a second breakfast in the Millhouse and explore the home of Bilbo Baggins.
Mount Victoria in Wellington is where you will find the Shire and Hobbiton Woods. Just outside the capital is the Elven town of Rivendell. Later on, saddle up for a hack through Mordor (Tongariro National Park).
Beaches
As a lengthy country, you will find you are never too far from the beach!
New Zealand is recognised for its stunning stretches of golden sand. Those that make the most impact include:
Ninety Mile Beach: The name does not lie. Northland’s impressive stretch is 90 miles (145 km) long. Phenomenal for horseriding and marathon practice!
Hawkes Bay: So great it got a best-selling wine named after it! Any of the beaches here work magic; Ocean Bay is known to be the most breathtaking with wondrous hilly surroundings.
Scorching Bay: For top views of Wellington Harbour, spend your day watching the boats sailing two and fro. Lounge on the grass and cook up a BBQ in the sunshine.
Oriental Bay: Another popular beach, also in Wellington. The crystal-clear water is ideal for snorkelling and runs alongside the promenade.
Cathedral Cove: One of the best things to do in NZ, is a showstopping cave carved by the sea, with even better views. You may recognise it from ‘Narnia’.
Stargazing
New Zealand is known to be one of the best places on planet Earth for stargazing.
On South Island, Mount Cook has the darkest sky in the world. Meanwhile, Great Barrier Island was the first Starlight Reserve ever.
If you don’t want to travel, the Milky Way can be seen most nights from North Island and during winter, Queenstown is known as one of the best places to see the dancing Sothern Lights.
For the best look and some expert advice, head o one of the observatories found all over. Head to Space Place at Wellington’s Carter Observatory to use the important historical telescope and amuse in the interactive exhibits.
Nightlife
They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but we beg to differ. The Kiwis are known to love a party and the adventure doesn’t end when the night gets dark.
Door-to-door bars are always thumping in the capital. Check out Bohemian Cuba Street which is party central – particularly popular with younger crowds. While Queensland has the boldest nightlife in the country.
Take a break from your bar crawl at one of the exhilarating street performances. Or make the most of the islands with a beer in hand on a Superyacht!
Hot Springs
It is no secret that New Zealand is the holder of a diverse landscape. Across the country, you can find all sorts of natural wonders. It is hardly a surprise that more than one of the world’s Top 20 Most Surreal Places is here.
Bubbling and steaming at 93 degrees Fahrenheit is the alien paradise of Rotorua Hot Springs. So hot in fact that the local tribes cook their food off of it. You can enjoy the calmer hot pools that surround it.
Over at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, you can watch the spurting geysers as they hiss their vibrantly coloured mineral water.
If you fancy a dunk, The Lost Spring is an underground amethyst cave where you can relax and enjoy cocktails and spa treatments in the natural pool.
Wellington
Allow yourself to be fascinated by contemporary experimentalist architecture in New Zealand’s capital city. Cast your eyes over the Parliament Beehive and don’t shy from the bizarre Kumutoto Public Toilets that look somewhat like dinosaurs.
The Wellington Zoo is worth a visit to spot kiwi birds and sun bears and a trip to the Botanical Gardens introduces you to the greenery of New Zealand.
Feel the buzz of Cuba Street day and night, as the whir continues in the form of The Wellington Night Market. Use the Wellington Cable Car to get from A to B and take in the surroundings.
Pick yourself up with a warming blend of beans in the Coffee Capital of the World. And don’t forget to head to the waterfront to see the city and its port lit up at night!
Sky Tower
The iconic Sky Tower is the tallest building in all of New Zealand and is the perfect spot to take in the views.
Sticking out in Auckland, from here you can enjoy fine dining or a coffee over the sparkling city below. Enjoy its 360-degree view of the sunset or brave it all on the walkway around the top.
There are activities for everyone, whether it’s yoga or the SkyJump that steals the show. Do you have what it takes to face the 53 floors plummet?
