New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Now that Australia and New Zealand have agreed to a travel bubble we can start thinking about holiday options again. So here are 10 things to do on your next holiday to New Zealand.
Milford Sound
Hailed as New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonder Milford Sound is even sometimes called the 8th wonder of the world. It’s no wonder then that it is absolute must-see when visiting New Zealand. On South Island, the Fiordland National Park is host to steep cliffs, dense rainforest, wine-dark waters, and gushing waterfalls. There’s a multitude of ways of getting to Milford Sound. The simplest way is by road which you drive yourself, or if you’re uncomfortable driving in icy alpine conditions then there are professional coach tours available. If that sounds too simple for you, then you can take a cruise on the water. This option also allows for unique views of the region.
The Marlborough Wine Region
The Marlborough wine region is New Zealand’s largest growing region, accounting for at least three quarters of the entire country’s wine production. The region is famous for it’s Sauvignon Blanc and there are a bunch of wineries to choose from. One of the big ones, Brancott Estate, is a must see but the best way to explore the whole region is to rent a bicycle. There are several options for this but Wine Tours By Bike has absolutely stellar reviews. You’ll be riding through some beautiful scenery all while you’re tasting some of the best wine New Zealand has to offer.
Whale Watching
There are numerous places in the world that afford sights of these gentle giants but not many can boast a 95% success rate. Whale Watch Kaikoura almost guarantee you will see a whale and if in you end up in the unlucky 5% who don’t, Whale Watch Kaikoura will refund 80% of your tour price! The reason for this is because the small town of Kaikoura on the South Island is the natural habitat of many sperm whales all year round. So, what do you have to lose here? Nothing. Go see some whales.
Hobbiton
Found in the Waikato region, the world-famous set of Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films is open to all visitors and provides a delightfully wholesome and magical experience. There are several tours you can take through the set. To start, with there is the standard 2-hour tour that takes you around the 12-acre set past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and then finishes off at the Green Dragon Inn where you are given a complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing beverage. Or you take the 4-hour evening tour where you do everything the same as the standard tour but there is a banquet feast at the end in the Green Dragon Inn. Similarly, there is also a 3-hour breakfast tour option with dinner replaced with breakfast.
Kayaking Around Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is the must visit places in The Coromandel on New Zealand’s North Island. There are several scenic tracks on land that goes through Gemstone Bay, Mare’s Leg and finally Cathedral Cove. While that’s all well and good, the best way to see these places is by boat or kayak. Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours takes you paddling through sea caves, to pristine beaches and islands. The Cathedral Cove Classic Tour is rated as one of the best kayaking trips in the entire country so why not get amongst it?
The Glow Worm Caves at Waitomo
The Glow worm caves in Waitomo have something for everyone. The caves are 30 million years old and display one of nature’s most beautiful light displays. These glow worms are specific to New Zealand so you can’t get sights like this anywhere else in the world. You can take a boat ride through the grotto or a walking tour but if you want to feel your adrenaline pumping there is the Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Adventure. This package is a 5-hour trip that will take you abseiling into the earth, zip lining through the glowing caves, climbing underground waterfalls and then tubing through the fast-flowing waters.
Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa
New Zealand has such an interesting landscape that it even offers geothermal springs. These were used for centuries by the native Maori people and now you can discover their beauty and power today at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa. The springs were once used by Maori warriors to heal themselves after battle. Now you can book a spa day in the rich waters and mud of Rotorua. You can also book a guided or self-guided tour of the geothermal walk and then indulge in the geothermal mud and sulphurs waters for the ultimate relaxation experience.
White-Water Rafting down The Waiau River
New Zealand has plenty of opportunities for adrenaline junkies, but few countries can boast as many white-water rafting options as the Kiwis can. On the Waiau river the waters flow from the mountains in the Lewis Pass region. This river provides more than just white water, but views of stunning gorges and open valleys. There are two options on this river aimed at different skill levels. A Grade 2-3 rapid is better for less experienced rafters but there are ‘The Narrows’. This is a short gorge that has Grade 3-4+ rapids, perfect for those wanting a little more from their rafting. Hidden Valleys has plenty of deals for white-water fans.
Stargazing in Tekapo
Tekapo Stargazing is the only guided star gazing experience in New Zealand that also comes with hot pools! The whole experience is two hours long with the first hour being dedicated to a tour of the southern night sky while the second hour allows exclusive use of the hot pools heated at a comfortable 38°C. While in the pool too, there is nothing to stop you from continuing your gaze into the heavens at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This is some of the best stargazing in the southern hemisphere!
Golf At Cape Kidnappers
Built with a ridge on one side and a valley on the other, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course provides amazing ocean views as you putt atop cliffs. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for golfers of all skill levels. There are no other golf courses that allow you to play 140 metres above sea level that also let you see how high that really is.
1 Comment
Jimavest / 3 March 2022
Really interesting post!