From local hotshots to exhilarating adventure trails, New Zealand is your place to be! Explore this gorgeous land this holiday season and experience the best of everything. However, it is very easy to go off track in finding the perfect destinations, and that’s why we have curated a list of must-visit places and top 10 things to do in New Zealand.
Scroll through to travel along to the best of places in New Zealand and to be patrons of exciting activities.
Waiheke Island is an exquisite paradise with a unique blend of wineries, olive groves, beaches, art studios, and funky eateries. Sip some of New Zealand’s best wines while taking in the scenery at one of the numerous vineyards. Looking for the top 10 things to do in New Zealand? Here’s giving you a headstart!
Queenstown is the ideal location for a thrilling adventure. Jetboat rides, skiing, river rafting, hiking, and biking are all available, as well as bungy jumping, which is where it all began. Not your cup of tea? For a calming alternative, try wine sampling, spa treatments, or patio seating.
In Rotorua, New Zealand’s cultural hub, soak up Maori culture and hospitality. For a cultural spectacle, visit an actual pre-European Maori village. The thermal hot pools will be calling after a delectable ‘hangi’ feast. This is one of the top 10 things to do in New Zealand that will overwhelm you to the core.
Cathedral Cove, also known as Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, is regarded as one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations. Its remote location on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the North Island, contributes to its seductive attraction.
Boat trips allow you to explore the caverns and cliffs while learning about the area’s history, whereas kayaking provides a more intimate experience with the option to ‘park up’ and enjoy the beach whenever the mood strikes.
The Hamilton Gardens are an award-winning attraction that is well-known among garden enthusiasts but less well-known among the general public. The complex concepts that they’re constructed upon are what actually sets them apart. Walking through the gardens is like taking a globe trip, but it’s much more manageable!
6. Become a patron of Hobbiton and evoke the movie nerd in you
Hobbiton is one of the most popular attractions on the north island, as well as one of New Zealand’s most unique experiences! Where else can you walk into a film set and be instantly transported to Middle Earth?
Explore the shire, which served as a real-life film location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Take your time to enjoy the effort that has gone into making this fairytale realm a magical place by paying attention to every detail.
Whether you’re a fan of Peter Jackson’s films or not, it’s an unforgettable experience!
While seeing one of New Zealand’s native night birds in a zoo or sanctuary is relatively easy, seeing one in the wild is more difficult. But this only adds to the uniqueness of the occasion!
Many New Zealanders, like me, have never seen a wild kiwi in the wild. Due to invasive animals such as stoats, possums, and dogs, their number has quickly declined in contemporary times. However, thanks to meticulous conservation efforts, kiwi is still prospering in several reserves. Take advantage of the opportunity to observe one of these unique birds. This is truly one of the top 10 things to do in New Zealand.
Hector’s Dolphins are a threatened species of dolphin found in New Zealand’s South Island. Hector’s Dolphins have found a safe home near the mouth of the Akaroa Harbour, making it the greatest site to watch them in the wild.
A variety of tour companies provide dolphin-watching excursions, with the option of getting up close and personal. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphins.
The 19th-century estate, which is located on the Otago Peninsula, is one of the country’s oldest structures. It’s a popular (and grand!) venue for weddings and balls, but you don’t need an invitation to go there.
The castle is open to the public all year, and if you wish to stay longer, you may spend a night in one of the castle’s tastefully outfitted guesthouses.
The northern lights are well-known, but did you know there’s another natural phenomenon occurring in the southern hemisphere? As it dances through the atmosphere, the aurora australis lights up the sky in pink and green colors, leaving onlookers in awe of the amazing sight unfolding in front of them. This is also one of the top 10 things to do in New Zealand.
The greatest area to see the southern lights is in the far south, far away from big cities and other sources of light pollution. Even so, you’ll require a healthy dose of luck! Winter is your best bet, especially in distant regions like Stewart Island, the Catlins, and near Lake Tekapo.
So, which one was your most favorite? Tell us in the comments down below!
