Things to do in New Zealand
New Zealand, a breathtaking country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, offers a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Known for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and welcoming culture, New Zealand is a must-visit destination.
From thermal waters to beaches, bungee jumping to wine-tasting and stargazing, New Zealand has so much to offer. Find a list of our favorites activities to do in this amazing country below.
Explore the Ninety Mile Beach
Located on the Western Coast of the North Island of New Zealand, the Ninety Mile Beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets, vast horizons and some of the best surf scenes in the country. Ironically, the beach is 88 km long (55 miles); despite its name. There are a lot of activities you can do at this beach, like swimming, bodyboarding down the sand dunes, take pictures, surf or look for shellfish; but to enjoy the vast landscapes and amazing views are for sure the principal attractions.
Immerse yourself in the Maori Culture
The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.They are an integral part of the culture of New Zealand, influencing all aspects of the society, from cuisine and customs to language. Experiencing the Maori culture is a must if you are traveling to New Zealand. The best place to learn about them is on a Marae, their sacred communal place, a focus for social, cultural & spiritual life; where you will hear them singing, dancing the Haka, greet the locals and enjoy their amazing cuisine.
Becoming a Hobbit in Matamata
Matamata is a town located in the Waikato region, on New Zealand’s North Island. A thriving farming area, it is famous for being featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, the Hobbiton Movie Set is a 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. In March 1999, the crew began to create the movie set, building the Hobbit houses as described by JRR Tolkien. Nowadays 44 Hobbit Holes remain with the same fantastic detail seen in the movies. Guest can now experience the magical place and have a taste of the Southfarthing™ ale on the Green Dragon Pub.
Wine tasting in Waiheke Island
Located on the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand, the Waiheke Island is the most populated island after the Great Barrier. It is a beautiful island filled with vineyards, seaside villages, olives groves and white sandy beaches; perfect for swimming, kayaking or just enjoying the sun.
There isn’t a shortage of things to do in Waiheke, with its world class wines, mouth watering cuisine and pristine beaches:
- Wine Tours: Waiheke is known as the “island of wine”, with over 30 vineyards.
- Beaches: The island has 25 miles (40 km) of beaches, perfect to do some kayaking and sailing.
- Walking Tracks: There are plenty of native tracks in the island, with amazing views of the landscape.
- Scenic Flights: Enjoy the view from the top!
Visit the hot water beach and the Cathedral Cove in Coromandel
The are many beaches in Coromandel, but nothing like the hot water beach; made of natural springs, emerging through the sand in the form of a naturally heated mineral water. Dig a hole and relax in your own spa while looking at the pacific ocean. Besides its beaches, one of the most picturesque spots in the island is Cathedral Cove, an area filled with natural archways and caverns; where you have an exotic tunnel separating two beautiful sand beaches. Dive, kayak or snorkel and discover the beauty of this place.
Explore the Waitomo Glowworms Caves
The Waitomo caves are one of New Zealand’s must-see natural attractions. A labyrinth of caves, stalactite and stalagmites formations and underground rivers, filled with magical Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm specie endemic to New Zealand. The Geological and volcanic activity of the area created the limestone caves over the last 30 million years, when the region was still under the ocean. The system is comprised by the Glowworm caves, the Ruakuri cave and the Aranui cave. You can walk them, take a tour, do some rafting or even get on the zipline through the dark caves. Take a ride through the caves and discover the magical luminescent worms from another world.
Enjoy the Southern Lights
The Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora australis, is a natural light display in the sky; just like the northern or the polar lights, mostly seen in high-latitude regions (like the Arctic and Antarctic). The Auroras occur when charged particles from the sun break through the magnetosphere. The particles accelerate along Earth’s magnetic field toward the poles. When they hit the atmosphere; they collide with atoms and molecules, releasing colorful photons that create the lights we know as Southern or Northern Lights.
The key to see the Southern Lights (or any Aurora) is a dark sky and a pollution-free atmosphere. Skies are at their darkest in winter, and night also last longer, increasing the chances to see these beauties. Fortunately, unlike the Northern Lights, there’s chance to see the Aurora Australis at any point in the year.
Go bungee jumping in Queenstown
If you are an adventure seeker, bungy jumping (aka bungee) in Queenstown, New Zealand needs be on your bucket list. Home to the world’s original bungy jump since 1987, Queenstown currently have three bunny sites that operate all year round:
- The Kawarau Bungy, the world’s first commercial bungy jumping, offering a fall from an old bridge positioned 141 feet (43m) above the Kawarau river.
- The Ledge Bungy, located at the top of the Skyline complex 984 feet (300 metres) above central Queenstown, and 154 feet high, with the bungy platform literally on the edge of a cliff.
- The Nevis Bungy, is the biggest bungy in Queenstown and New Zealand measuring 440 feet high (134 m)
