12 Reasons Why You Should Visit New Zealand at least Once
With its endless diversity of animals, plants in the massive rainforest to the jaw-dropping topography, sharp peak mountains, and glaciers, New Zealand is simply beautiful.
There are million and one things to do in New Zealand and trust me you won't get tired doing them.
New Zealand is a safe and friendly country that can be reached in half to one day via air. Still not convinced, well maybe these 12 reasons on why you should visit New Zealand at least once in your lifetime will convince you to book your tickets right away.
Roaming around New Zealand has never been so easy. Whether you opt for renting a motorcycle for faster and comfortable rides, a rental car or public transports – New Zealand is guaranteed to blow your mind.
At the bottom of the article, there's a map where I've marked the destinations that are discussed. Enjoy!
1. The world-famous vineyards
Nothing compares to a peaceful holiday where you get to stay in a warm, cozy cottage tucked in the vines. New Zealand vineyards are world famous since they tender incredible accommodation services ranging from quiet, calm cottages to luxury houses where you can feel the sea breeze from the balcony.
Apart from all the massive vineyards, Central Otago sparkles to most visitors due to the number of various red grapes it has to offer. Also, don't forget to get your way to Marlborough to get boozed with some of the premium produced wines in the country.
See also: Martinborough Winery Tour
2. Queenstown adventure
A site of unforgettable adventure, Queenstown. Unsplash/Jeff Finley.
Despite the calm, peaceful nature, New Zealand offers an adventurous life in Queenstown. Most commonly known as the playground for thrill seekers, it offers various adventures to see and experience. You can witness a breathtaking scenery from the top of ice glazed mountains, skate and zoom around the mountain tracks. If you prefer an adrenaline rush activity, simply jump from the peak of mountains (of course with a bungee rope tied on) or go canyoning.
If you're too faint hearted for the things listed above, simply jump into the cold water lakes or chill yourself on a slow steamboat. Need more adventure on water? Then ride on a speed jet boat to quench your thirst for the thrill.
3. Hahei Beach Town
Cathedral Cove in Hahei, New Zealand. Flickr/Alex Schwab.
Situated on the east side of Coromandel Peninsula, Hahei is a scenic beach town that offers all kinds of ocean experiences. If you're not in the mood for action-packed activities, you can always get yourself a can of mangorita and simply chill out at the bay.
The most famous attraction of Hahei is the Cathedral Cove. It is a gorgeous cove with a huge stone arch that somehow resembles a building, or a church. In Hahei, you can grab the chance to explore tons of marine lives and watch the dolphins swim in the ocean just metres away from your feet.
4. Tongariro Crossing
Two hikers in the Tongariro Alpine Pass. Unsplash/Emily Woolerton.
The Tongariro Alpine Pass is a paradise for hikers and mountain climbers. You can also walk your way around the mountain but the crossing is the most famous part of the Tongariro National Park.
You will get a chance to ramble across volcanic craters and a rain forest which concludes an 18.5 km walk in total. It is an exhausting one day trek, but witnessing the beautiful blue emerald lake on top of it makes it all worth the hassle.
5. The impressive culture of the Maori's
A Maori woman. Unsplash/Sandy Millar.
Maoris who originated from Easter Polynesia arrived into New Zealand in the times between 1250 and 1300. Though the Maori ancestors decayed years ago, the people, the land they cherish and their indigenous culture are still alive in the islands of New Zealand.
While you visit their territory you get the chance to experience some of the eccentric traditions like ‘Hongi' which is a greeting that consists of briefly pressing each other's nose and forehead simultaneously.
6. The magnificent landscape
A lovely vista in Fiordland National Park. Unsplash/Samuel Ferrara.
New Zealand is enchanted with spectacular mountains, skyscraping trees from the lush forest, volcanic craters, and glaciers lying along the southern part of it while North offers the travelers with a sublime view of geothermal treasures, astonishing 19,000 km long of coastlines as well as glow worm caves which gleam like stars in the sky is a real treat to eyes.
It's no surprise that most of the gorgeous landscapes shot in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie were in New Zealand.
7. Auckland, the most populous city of New Zealand
The harbour of Auckland. Unsplash/Kirsten Drew.
Though the capital of New Zealand is Wellington, Auckland is the city that steals the hearts of many visitors. Being the most populous city, Auckland has a vast variety of cafes and bars for you to ease off and get a cup of coffee or beer.
See also: A Day Tour Discovering Auckland's Highlands + a Cruise and Auckland: Bay of Islands Tour
8. Get on an Ogo in Rotorua
NZ Trip OGO Roll from Gareth SAMBROOK/Vimeo.
An Ogo is a human-sized hamster ball filled with a little bit of water that you get into and move around. It's so much fun to be pushed from the top of a hill and tumble down. It is the weirdest thing of all, but you going to have so much fun.
9. Milford Sound Cruise
The Milford Sound Cruise is a 4 hour cruise in New Zealand. Flickr/Denisbin.
The Milford Sound is a gorgeous fjord in New Zealand, and the best way to experience it is by going on a cruise. Surrounded by courageous mountain landscapes as seen in the The Lord of the Rings to massive waterfalls piercing through the rocks, you will enjoy the most panoramic views of all New Zealand.
On top of all, relaxing on a deck chair with a glass of Dalmore meanwhile viewing the sun gloaming behind the mountain peaks is simply calming as heaven. This is where you will sense the true beauty of nature that lies in New Zealand.
10. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Visitor Centre at the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Flickr/Kristina D.C. Hoeppner.
When you are in New Zealand, don't forget to check out the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. This place is typically crowded by tourists, yet it is worth to go just to check on the incredibly glowing caverns of the cave. The tiny glowing things you'll see are a type of fungus that glows with a bright light while they attract their prey. You will need a boat ride along the dark cave to watch this breathtaking sight.
11. Visit the Hobbiton
Looks familiar? Unsplash/Andres Iga.
Getting into Hobbiton is like getting into a real-life movie set. You can't tell the difference. You can take a tour towards the Fangorn Forest and visit the most amazing hobbit houses that are still left behind by the film crew.
The pub, or if you call it to bar, from the movie is still running and you could go and grab a nicely brewed beer and a meat pie to chill. Even if you aren't a fan of the Lord of the Rings, this place is simply eye-catching in every way.
12. Helicopter hiking in Franz Josef Glacier
You'll need a helicopter ride in order to be able to do this fantastic glacier hike. Unsplash/Belle Hunt.
Hiking has never been this much fun. For this hike, you will get on a helicopter and land on the base of a glacier. Then, you will have to hike around the ice-glazed mountains for two to three hours. This is truly an exhausting hiking experience you should have once in your lifetime.
This is just a drop from the ocean of New Zealand and there is a lot to see, explore and experience. To know more about New Zealand get you backpacks and roof-rack accessories ready and fly your way to this magnificent country!
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