Guest post: Visiting New Zealand: Where to Go and What to Do

This is a guest post by Charlotte Jenkins.

People are often put off by the long distance they need to travel to reach New Zealand.

But don’t let that stop you. The epic journey time is worth it. New Zealand is a beautiful country, with something to discover at every turn, no matter which island you decide to visit.

Of course, it’s a good idea to explore both of them if you can. Especially since it takes so long to get there in the first place.

However you decide to experience New Zealand, here’s a list of where to go and what to do when you visit for the first time. Pick and choose what suits you, and happy travelling!

North Island

Auckland

Very popular and for good reason. It’s a bustling city with all the culture you’d expect, but you can also enjoy the great outdoors without going too far away, thanks to the parks, beaches, and views of the nearby volcanoes.

For a truly unique experience, kayak to the volcanic island of Rangitoto to view the harbour in Auckland from a distance. You could also visit Rotoroa Island, where you can learn about its lost history, see the old jail, and spend time on the pristine white beaches.

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is where the Treaty of Waitangi (i.e. the country’s founding document) was signed, back in February 1840. You’ll experience the perfect blend of nature and history here. Go on a cruise so you can admire the scenery, swim in the waters, or go looking for the local dolphins. You could even admire the islands from above by taking a scenic flight.

Afterwards, rest and recuperate by enjoying a spa treatment, then sample the local seafood (all washed down with New Zealand wine, of course).

Coromandel

If your holiday isn’t complete without a day at the beach, you need to head to Coromandel. Cathedral Cove is well known and well loved, thanks to its scenic arches and pristine stretch of sand. Head there by foot or by boat to see it for yourself.

If you’d prefer somewhere quieter, Onemana Beach is ideal, and normally visited only by locals and wildlife. There are several sanctuaries along the coast.

Hobbiton

Located in Matamata, Hobbiton is a must for film buffs. Take a guided tour of the set for The Shire (featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies) and see how it was created. The attention to detail is astonishing. End with a drink and a bite to eat in The Green Dragon Inn.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Exactly what you’d expect — limestone caves illuminated by glowworms. They must be seen to be truly appreciated. Most people opt for the traditional guided boat tour, but you can also go canyoning if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, the tiny living lights have to be seen to be believed.

Wellington

New Zealand’s capital is the gateway between the north and south islands. It boasts an excellent food scene — whether you want fine dining, down-to-earth local dishes or cuisine from around the world, Wellington will deliver. Party animals will enjoy the lively nightlife, too, with nightclubs, cocktail bars and pubs to suit all tastes.

During the day, be sure to take the cable car so you can visit the botanic gardens and witness the incredible panoramic views across the city. And don’t forget to stop at Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand, which displays exhibits about the country’s rich history.

South Island

Christchurch

Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is artsy, outdoorsy, and a great place to spend a day wandering around. Stop by the open-range zoo, Orana Wildlife Park, to see animals such as lions and rhinos, or hire a bike and see the city on wheels.

The city is awash with art galleries, so pick a couple to visit— there’s something to please all tastes, whether you like the contemporary or the traditional.

Fiordland National Park

It’s difficult to decide, but we think this national park is possibly the most scenic area of New Zealand. Fiordland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with lakes, mountains, fiords and rainforests all housing a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Book a day cruise around Milford Sound to see the cliff faces up close, or splash out and make your trip an overnight stay. Over 190,000 Kiwis chose to cruise in 2017, so you’ll be in good company!

Mount Cook

The highest peak in New Zealand, Mount Cook is a haven for those who love to hike and offers stunning scenery, with snow and glaciers all year round. There are lots of tracks and trails to follow, with something for all levels of fitness and experience. Pack your walking boots and prepare to get lost in nature.

If you’d prefer to do something more relaxed, wait until the sun goes down and then go stargazing — some companies even offer guided tours so you can learn about the constellations you’re seeing.

Queenstown

The adventure capital of the world has long appealed to adrenaline junkies. Feeling daring? This is the place to try activities such as bungee jumping or canyon swinging.

But Queenstown also has a quieter side. The region is known for its excellent wineries, where you can enjoy cellar door tasting or spend time in the winery restaurants. History buffs will love exploring the heritage walks and museums, not to mention the old gold mining villages, where you can learn about what life was like in historic New Zealand.

 

Wherever you decide to go, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in New Zealand.

Have you visited New Zealand before? If you did, which place did you like the most?

---

Learn more about Charlotte Jenkins

Charlotte is an engineer and travel enthusiast who spends her spare time planning her next trip. She fell in love with New Zealand as a child and finally returned last year to tour both islands.