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New Zealand is an extensive island nation with varied breathtaking scenery, rich culture and adventurous people. From the unique towering mountains of the Southern Alps to the fine sand beaches in the North Island, there is a wide range of things to do in New Zealand. This country accommodates the young who hike up mountains looking for adventures and the old who sit by quiet lakes during their peaceful vacations. New Zealand is a perfect destination for a unique travel experience.
10 Best Things To Do In New Zealand
Let’s explore the best things to do in New Zealand, including top places to go to, activities, and undiscovered parts of the country:
1. Discover Tongariro National Park
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1887, Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its beautiful volcanic landscapes and the rich history of the Māori culture. The park boasts three active volcanoes, namely Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. Each has distinct geographic features including green-colored crater lakes, bubbling fumaroles and petrified lava flows. One of the mountain’s main draws is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered to be one of the best day hikes in the world.
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early autumn (November to April) for optimal hiking conditions.
2. Explore The Bay Of Islands
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
The Bay of Islands is an exceptional region in the northern North Island of New Zealand. It is subtropical in nature and has 144 islands famous for their picturesque and historical features. This region is equally favorable for the beach tourists as well as for the adventurists, such as sailing, kayaking, and swimming in the clear waters. There is the possibility of visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where people can learn about the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. They can also go for an adventurous boat ride to places such as the famous Hole in the Rock found at Cape Brett.
Best Time To Visit: December to February (summer) for warm weather.
3. Try Jet Boating On Shotover River
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jet boating on the Shotover River highlights the picturesque Queenstown’s scenery and provides the much-needed joy and thrill. Shotover Jet provides the unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking Shotover Canyons, where a high-speed boat can pass through the narrow gorges at a speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). The best part of this famous ride is the crazy, heart-throbbing 360-degree rotations coupled with the breathtaking views of the high cliffs and green vegetation all around. The excursion takes about 25 minutes and involves navigating in and out of the canyon’s curves with jet boats driven by skilled drivers for an optimal view of this attraction.
Location: Shotover Jet base, Arthurs Point
4. Experience Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the landmarks that Rotorua claims to fame is the geothermal activities present, where some of the world’s most dynamic geothermal systems are on display. This volcanic region falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire and contains pools of boiling mud, geysers that expel steam, and other hot water discharges. The famous Pohutu Geyser, in Te Puia, actually erupts about 20 times a day and reaches maximum heights of 30 meters (100 feet) on those occasions. Visitors can also visit WaioTapu Thermal Wonderland, known for its Champagne Pool of different colors and the Lady Knox Geysers.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round; however, spring and summer (September to March) offer the best weather
5. Explore Fiordland National Park
Photo: Sam Ferrara samferrara / Wikimedia Commons
Fiordland National Park is an amazing natural phenomenon situated at the south-western end of the South Island of New Zealand. Spanning over 12,607 square kilometers, it is the biggest national park in New Zealand, with UNESCO World Heritage Site status. As the park is most known for its stunning forests, a place frequently referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. You can enjoy beautiful steep cliffs, waterfalls, and the rainforests perched at the edge of the mountains, all of which are captivating sights within this park.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round; however, summer (December to February) offers the best weather for outdoor activities
6. Hike In Abel Tasman National Park
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
Abel Tasman National Park is famous for its beautiful beaches, rich natural landscapes, and clear coastal waters. Abel Tasman National Park also contains one coast track associated with the Great Walks of New Zealand, the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. This trail is easy to follow and provides sights of rugged coastlines with unspoiled beaches, clear waters, and rich marine life. The hikers can either do the entire track, which can take 3 to 5 days, or shorter day hikes. This makes it convenient for people with different levels of fitness. Notable attractions here include Cleopatra’s Pool, a moss-covered waterslide leading into a rock pool, and the Torrent Bay 47-meter-long suspension bridge.
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early autumn (November to April) for optimal weather
7. Relax At Hot Water Beach
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Hot Water Beach is an exotic and crowd-pulling place on the Coromandel Peninsula known for its hot sand with geysers rising through it. Ready-made hot tubs are also found at the beach. The guests can arrive at low tide to do the digging, which makes a nice all-inclusive spa. The most appropriate time to do this is two hours before low tide or low tide itself, and two hours after that when the hot water is within easy reach. It is about 12 kilometers from the town of Whitianga in the southeast and about 175 kilometers from Auckland.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round, but check tide times for optimal digging conditions
8. Discover Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Photo: Николай Максимович / Wikimedia Commons
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a beautiful place to visit while in New Zealand, as they are located on the North Island and offer the amazing sight of caves filled with Arachnocampa luminosa, the bioluminescent worms. This unique breed is only found in New Zealand, and as the tourists float in boats around the caves, its glistening lights captivate everyone’s attention. The caves too have beautiful limestone structures, which include stalactites and stalagmites and took ages to develop, a millions of years in fact.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round; however, summer (December to February) is popular for its warm weather
9. Enjoy Wineries In Marlborough
Photo: Phillip Capper / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Marlborough, or the northernmost region of the South Island of New Zealand, is largely known by wine enthusiasts all over the globe, primarily for its famous Sauvignon Blanc. With over 150 wineries in Marlborough, it is the wine-growing region in New Zealand that does the most, including almost 70% of wine production in the whole country. Tourists can walk the beautiful vineyards and have tasting sessions for not only the famous Sauvignon Blanc but also the amazing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and others. The Marlborough Wine Trail is a beautiful route taken by visitors to cycle or drive from one cellar door to another in order to sample their delicious wines and discover how they are made.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) for mild weather and harvest activities
10. Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Photo: russellstreet / Wikimedia Commons
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a spectacular region found in New Zealand. It houses the apex of all peaks in New Zealand, the Aoraki (Mount Cook), towering at 3724 meters (12218 feet) above sea level. The park is also famous for its spectacular all-weather scenery that is characterized by high mountains, ice fields, and beautiful freshwater lakes. Tourists can take the well-known Hooker Valley Track that culminates at Hooker Lake filled with floating ice cubes. They can also do cross-fitting and other activities, as well as take part in less complex hikes.
Best Time To Visit: Summer (December to February) for hiking; winter (June to September) for skiing
Whether you opt for adventures or simply embrace nature in its full glory, there is a wide range of things to do in New Zealand. When not busy trekking the various national parks, one can visit the surreal beaches. This country covers all the possible aspects of a traveller’s needs. Each place offers something to every tourist and promises them a memorable time. Plan an itinerary with TripXL that would help you capture the beauty that New Zealand is with its nature and culture.
Cover Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons
