Beautiful New Zealand has amazing scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and interesting things to do. No matter if you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or a history buff, New Zealand has plenty to offer.
Visit Milford Sound, which is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. This gorgeous fjord is included in the Fiordland National Park and is well-known for its stunning landscape, dramatic waterfalls, and high cliffs. To explore the area, you can climb one of the surrounding trails or take a boat tour of the sound.
The city of Queenstown is another well-liked vacation spot. This charming town, which is situated on the beaches of Lake Wakatipu, is well-known for its breath taking scenery and exciting outdoor pursuits. You may ski, snowboard, go bungee jumping, or take a picturesque gondola ride to the top of the mountain for sweeping city views.
Numerous geothermal wonders, including the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, can be found in New Zealand. Awe-inspiring geothermal activity, such as the Lady Knox Geyser and the Champagne Pool, can be seen here. You can also go to the Hobbiton Movie Set, which was used to film The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies.
Finally yet importantly, New Zealand is renowned for its hospitable residents and distinct culture, which is influenced by Maori customs. Visit a traditional Maori village to discover their traditions and take part in a hangi feast. In conclusion, New Zealand is a must-visit place for everyone looking for adventure, stunning natural scenery, and cultural encounters. In this article, we will explore what you should do and see when you visit New Zealand.
Visit Queenstown
The South Island of New Zealand’s Queenstown is a well-known travel destination that draws tourists from all over the world. It is renowned for its breath taking scenery, daring adventures, and exciting nightlife. Due to the abundance of adventurous activities offered, like bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and skiing, Queenstown is frequently referred to as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Visitors can also go hiking, mountain biking, or on a beautiful helicopter tour to discover the breath taking natural splendor of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys.
Along with outdoor adventures, Queenstown has a thriving nightlife with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Live music, comedic performances, and drinks at one of the many pubs or bars are all available for visitors to enjoy on a night out in the city. The town also holds a number of celebrations and occasions all through the year, such as the Arrowtown Autumn Festival and the Queenstown Winter Festival.
A local winery tour or a lake boat are just a couple of the ways in Queenstown that people can unwind and relax if they prefer a slower pace. For anyone seeking adventure, beautiful landscapes, and a lively environment, Queenstown is a must-visit location.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
In Rotorua, New Zealand, there is a geothermal park called Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Geysers, boiling mud pools, and vibrant hot springs are some of its most well-known features. The 18 square kilometer park features a number of walking routes that let visitors explore the distinctive topography.
The Champagne Pool, a sizable hot spring with striking orange and yellow hues brought on by mineral deposits, is the park’s main attraction. Visitors can also see the Lady Knox Geyser, which shoots boiling water up to 20 meters into the air every day at 10:15 a.m.
The Devil’s Bath, a vividly green hot spring produced by a combination of sulphur and other minerals, is another must-see site in Wai-O-Tapu. Other hot springs and mud pools in the area go by the names Artist’s Palette and Primrose Terrace.
A guided tour is advised to discover more about the geothermal activity and the Maori cultural significance of the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, which is a unique experience. Visitors should wear suitable walking shoes, carry drink and sunscreen, and the park is open all year.
Visit Auckland
The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland, is situated on the North Island. This lively city is recognized for its eclectic culture and one-of-a-kind experiences. It is surrounded by breath taking surroundings. The landmark Sky Tower in Auckland is the tallest freestanding building in the Southern Hemisphere and offers sweeping views of the city.
To discover more about New Zealand’s lengthy history, visitors can also explore Auckland Harbor, board a ferry to one of the neighboring islands, including Waiheke Island, or go to the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Foodies will enjoy the wide variety of restaurants and cafes that serve dishes with fresh fish, locally grown produce, and exotic flavors. With bars, clubs, and music venues strewn across the city, Auckland also has a thriving night time culture.
Exploring the nearby Waitakere Ranges will allow nature lovers to hike through lush rainforest, visit waterfalls and take in breath taking coastal views. Surfers and beachgoers alike enjoy the adjacent West Coast beaches. In general, anyone visiting New Zealand should make sure to visit Auckland.
Visit Milford Sound
On the southwestern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, in the Fiordland National Park, is the breath-taking natural wonder known as Milford Sound. It is renowned for its breath-taking landscape, which includes soaring mountains, gushing waterfalls, and calm rivers. Due to the area’s abundance of vegetation and animals, tourists frequently see dolphins, seals, and even penguins.
Milford Sound can be experienced in a variety of ways, including scenic flights, boat trips, kayaking, and hiking. Taking a boat by famous sites like the Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls is a well-liked method to experience the fjord. In order to understand more about the marine life in the fjord, visitors can also explore the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory.
The best time to visit Milford Sound is from November to April when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. Milford Sound is a year-round destination. But even in the winter, tourists who prefer fewer people can still take in the breath taking scenery.
Any itinerary for New Zealand must include a trip to Milford Sound because of the area’s breath taking natural beauty.
Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set
Fans of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies, as well as those who enjoy gorgeous natural surroundings, must visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. The mythical house of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins may be explored in Hobbiton, which is situated in the small town of Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island. Visitors can also get a glimpse of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth there.
Visitors to Hobbiton are guided through the exquisitely detailed Shire, which includes hobbit dwellings, gardens, and the famous Green Dragon Inn. The history of the farm where Hobbiton was based and the filming of the films are also available to visitors. Additionally, the tour includes a free beverage at the Green Dragon Inn, where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Booking in advance is strongly advised, especially during busy tourist seasons, for The Hobbiton Movie Set. It is also conveniently reachable from other well-known New Zealand locations, including Auckland and Rotorua, making it an ideal complement to any vacation itinerary for the country.
Visit Tongariro National Park
In the middle of New Zealand’s North Island is Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is well-known for its magnificent volcanic landscapes, which include Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu, three active volcanoes. The park is a well-liked location for skiing and hiking, and tourists may take advantage of a variety of paths that range from short strolls to multi-day hikes.
One of the most well-known walks in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers breath taking vistas of volcanic craters, alpine meadows, and emerald lakes. It takes about 7-8 hours to finish the hike, therefore it’s advised to set out early in the morning to beat the throng and enjoy the greatest scenery.
At the Whakapapa and Turoa ski resorts on Mount Ruapehu, visitors can go skiing and snowboarding in the winter in addition to hiking. The Tokaanu Thermal Pools provide natural hot springs to soak in after a day of outdoor activities for those looking for a more tranquil experience. For nature enthusiasts and those looking for adventure, Tongariro National Park offers a singular and remarkable experience.
Visit the Bay of Islands
A well-liked tourist site in New Zealand’s north is the Bay of Islands. The natural beauty, marine life, and extensive cultural past of this region are well-known. Magnificent turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and boating encircle the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands.
The Hole in the Rock, an unusual geological phenomenon that may be explored by boat, is one of the most well-known sights in the Bay of Islands. Visitors can also take fishing cruises, dolphin watching excursions, and tours of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where Maori chiefs and the British Crown formally ratified the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
Some of New Zealand’s top beaches, like Paihia Beach and Russell Beach, can be found in the Bay of Islands. Visitors can learn about the Maori culture at the historical landmarks and museums in this area, which is rich in history. For those seeking adventure, leisure, and an authentic New Zealand experience, the Bay of Islands is a must-visit location.
Visit Mount Cook National Park
One of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural treasures is Mount Cook National Park. Aoraki/Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in the nation, is found there and is situated in the middle region of the South Island. Outdoor adventurers and environment lovers frequent the park to take in the breath taking alpine vistas, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes.
Hiking is one of the most well-liked activities in the park. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from short strolls to strenuous hikes that reward hikers with breath-taking vistas of the mountains and glaciers in the area. Visitors can also take a picturesque helicopter flight or a guided ice trek to learn more about the Tasman Glacier.
One of the best spots in the world to view the night sky for astronomy enthusiasts is Mount Cook National Park. The park is the perfect location for astronomers and night photographers because it features some of the world’s darkest skies.
The park offers a variety of lodging alternatives, including hotels, lodges, and camping areas, in addition to outdoor activities. Mount Cook National Park is undoubtedly well a visit, whether you are a hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just seeking a quiet vacation.
Visit Franz Josef Glacier
On New Zealand’s South Island, the west coast is home to the well-known Franz Josef Glacier. It is a component of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site, which honors the region’s importance in both nature and culture. The glacier, which is around 12 kilometers long and extends from the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea, winds through precipitous slopes and tropical rainforests.
Numerous activities are available for Franz Josef Glacier visitors, such as hiking, glacier walks, and helicopter tours. Hiking routes provide breath taking views of the glacier and the mountains in the area, while guided glacier walks let tourists get up close to the glacier’s special characteristics and ice formations. A bird’s eye view of the glacier and its surrounds is provided through helicopter tours.
Waitomo Caves
One of New Zealand’s most fascinating and distinctive natural attractions is Waitomo Caves. It is found on New Zealand’s North Island and is well-known for its amazing glowworms, underground streams, and limestone formations. The stalactites and stalagmites in the Waitomo Caves, which were formed over millions of years, are absolutely captivating.
A boat tour of the Glowworm Grotto is one of the most well-liked things to do at the Waitomo Caves. Thousands of tiny glowworms light up the cave’s walls and ceiling, illuminating the grotto and lending it a surreal feel. The history, geology, and ecology of the region may all be learned by taking guided tours of the caverns.
The surrounding scenery, which includes picturesque farmland and rolling green hills, is as breathtakingly gorgeous as the caverns themselves. Black water rafting, which involves riding an inner tube down an underground river, is another activity that visitors can try out. Overall, Waitomo Caves is an essential stop for visitors to New Zealand since it provides a singular and remarkable experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
A magnificent waterfall called Sutherland Falls may be found in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. With a total height of 580 meters (1,903 feet) and a vertical drop of 580 meters (1,903 feet), it is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Lake Quill, a glacier lake situated above the falls, supplies water to the falls. At the foot of the falls, a large pool of water is created before the water eventually empties into the Arthur River.
The Milford Track, a 53.5-kilometer (33.2-mile) hiking track that passes through some of New Zealand’s most breath-taking scenery, is the best way to get to Sutherland Falls. One of the most well-known multi-day hikes in the world, the trail is frequently referred to as the “finest walk in the world.” You will journey through a beautiful jungle, traverse alpine passes, and encounter a variety of wildlife along the way. The trail’s high point is the hike to Sutherland Falls, which offers breath-taking views of the waterfall and the surroundings.
12. Do a Wine Tour in New Zealand
New Zealand is a haven for wine lovers thanks to its beautiful vineyards, top-notch wineries, and superb wines. Visitors can discover New Zealand’s many wine areas and enjoy in tastings of fine varietals on wine tours, which provide a fascinating and immersive experience.
The three most well-known wine-producing regions in New Zealand are Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago. While Hawke’s Bay is home to world-class red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Marlborough, on the South Island, is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc. Outstanding Pinot Noir is produced in Central Otago, which is renowned for its stunning surroundings.
Wine tours frequently involve excursions to vineyards where visitors can see the winemaking process firsthand and get knowledge of the distinctive terroir of the area. Knowledgeable tour guides offer commentary on wine production methods and insights into the history of the wineries.
The best part of wine tours are the tastings, when guests may sample a variety of New Zealand wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. Food pairings are a common addition to tours, increasing the whole sensory experience.
New Zealand offers a wonderful wine tour experience that highlights the nation’s rich viticultural legacy and pleases the palates of wine enthusiasts from all over the world with its beautiful scenery, welcoming locals, and top-notch wines.
To book a wine tour of New Zealand, click here or on one of the images below.
