Are you making your way to the long white cloud land? How fortunate you are! Take a look at our list of the top activities in New Zealand.
The best things to do in New Zealand are incredibly varied; this South Pacific paradise has so much more to offer than just lamb, Hobbits, and All Blacks. Known by its Māori name, Aotearoa, offers breathtaking natural beauty, a vibrant Māori and Pacific Island culture, and countless opportunities to raise your adrenaline levels from 0 to 100 in less than 30 seconds. With her multicolored geothermal terrain, magnificent mountain ranges, jaw-dropping glaciers, gorgeous beaches, and picturesque lakes in every hue, Mother Nature truly shows off here. Don't let that deter you from having a good time in the city, though; New Zealand, the last inhabited nation before Antarctica, is far from a backwater in terms of culture; its theater, wine, and craft beer scenes can compete with those of much larger nations.
The Top 12 Activities in New Zealand
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| The Top 12 Activities in New Zealand |
1. See emerald and blue lakes from the summit of a volcano that will captivate you.
An amazing range of New Zealand's best scenery can be seen in just eight hours at the Tongariro Crossing, a UNESCO dual World Heritage arearange if you don't have time for one of the country's well-known multi-day walks. Experiences ranging from breathtaking blue and emerald lakes to red craters, active volcanoes, mountain springs, and frozen lava flows. Fans of the Lord of the Rings will go crazy when they see Mount Doom of Mordor up close.
2. Cross one of the most breathtaking fjords in the world.
Milford Sound, with its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and sheer rock faces that appear to sprout straight out of its deep blue waters, is one of the main draws to New Zealand. Go 10 meters below sea level in a boat to the floating underwater observatory to observe the marine life without getting wet at all.
3. After viewing glaciers, relax in hot springs.
Take the Valley Walk to see the face of this slowly moving frozen giant if you can't afford to take the helicopter ride to get up close and personal with its crevasses and icefalls. The Franz Josef Glacier is 11 kilometers of magnificent blue-tinged sparkling ice. After certain guided walks, guests can unwind in the Glacier Hot Springs.
4. Go on a Wellington craft beer and satay bar hop.
Wellington's Cuba Street, once the epicenter of cool, is currently out of style. The newest craft beer breweries and bars are adding to the excitement on Ghuznee Street, which is also creating a stir. The abundance of excellent Malaysian restaurants in Wellington's vicinity only serves to enhance the flavor of this dish. Is there anything better than delicious local IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers paired with roti canai and satay?
5. In Matamata, sip like a hobbit
New Zealand's scenic splendor gained international recognition thanks to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and visiting Matamata gives you a chance to experience the essence of Hobbiton. If you're a fan of Peter Jackson's The Shire, you won't want to miss the chance to snap some selfies next to Bag End and then sip on some English or amber ale, Sackville Cider, or Frogmorton Ginger Beer at the Green Dragon Inn.
6. Take in the outdoor artwork in Dunedin.
Dunedin's street art project embodies the city's edgy, artistic vibe. Amid offices, secret side lanes, and heritage buildings, 30 contemporary pieces of art by well-known international artists have appeared in unexpected locations. The pieces are about three or four stories high. Download the map for an outdoor art treasure hunt from the official website and act like a kid. For food on the way, stop by Vogel Street Kitchen, Precinct Food, Southern Johnnie's Kitchen, or Good Good Burgers.
7. Cruise around the Bay of Islands in a tall ship
The Bay of Islands region is well-known for its deep, clear waters, picture-perfect beaches, and the plethora of marine life. It is also a very popular destination due to its lovely weather and adorable dolphins. Go all out and take a trip on the R Tucker Thompson, a working tall ship, rather than just seeing it from the ground or by ferry. Included in the fun are a midday swim, an island visit, a BBQ lunch, and opportunities to climb the rigging or take the helm.
8. Sip wine on an island 35 minutes from the heart of Auckland
Waiheke Island's distinct microclimate makes it possible to visit over thirty top-notch vineyards within a short ferry ride from Auckland's city center. You could be in the middle of the biggest commercial district in the nation one minute, and then you could be lying on a white sand beach, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and deciding which winery to visit next—chardonnay or pinot. Enchantment.
9. See some of the South Island's most breathtaking scenery without exerting much effort
Leave the driving to someone else so you can relax in a cozy train car, sip coffee, and marvel at the almost-too-beautiful-to-be scenery as you gaze out the window. From Christchurch to Greymouth, the TranzAlpine passes through expansive plains with winding rivers, striking gorges, woods, and mountain ranges covered in snow. One of the world's greatest train trips, the outdoor platforms are perfect for taking pictures.
10. Visit the busiest museum in New Zealand for a crash course in Kiwi culture.
Te Papa in Wellington contains all the information you could possibly need about New Zealand. Te Papa offers a plethora of fascinating exhibitions on Māori culture, wildlife, geology, immigration, and pop culture, as well as giant acrylic elephants suspended from the ceiling. Forget about the dusty, dry museums of your childhood. This is a fantastic overview of what has shaped New Zealand and its people and should be your one indoor activity if you only plan one while visiting.
11. In the Coromandel, get into hot water
The Coromandel Peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, particularly Cathedral Cove, a golden sand stretch distinguished by a sentinel rock arch. Two hours on either side of high tide, the nearby Hot Water Beach offers a unique experience where natural hot springs bubble through the sand. Create a hole for yourself and take a dip in your homemade jacuzzi.
12. In Blenheim, ride for your salvation
Riding a bike is a better option than being driven from vineyard to vineyard! An incredibly charming way to explore the diverse vineyards and cellar doors of the Marlborough wine region is on a guided cycling tour. The finest part? At the finish, another guide will come get you all so you won't have to try to backtrack to base.