Things To Do In New Zealand

The best things to do in New Zealand when you visit

New Zealand is one of those countries that just keeps on giving. You could be a bushman hunter type, a snow bunny, or a beach-going city slicker. With a diverse array of attractions and activities to do you are more than likely covered. The country has a mixture of cultures and traditions and some of the best thrill-seeking adventures to be had on this planet. It is also very unique because it is the first county in the world to see the sunrise in the morning and also has three two islands, the North, and the South. It also has a very tine Island at the very bottom called Stewart Island. New Zealanders are more fondly known as ‘kiwis’ after their country’s mascot the kiwi bird. Whatever your buzz, you are spoilt for choice.

Let’s start with the beaches. From the top of the country at Cape Reinga North Island, through to Ocean Beach bluff in the South Island, there is a multitude of things to do. If you are a surfing buff then NZ has some of the best surf in the world. I highly recommend visiting Piha Beach in the North Island and also Manu beach in Raglan. If you are in the South Island then why not check out Farewell Spit, Puponga farm. Puponga farm also offers some of the best walking tracks in the country because walking is another thing Kiwis like doing.

But wait there is far more.

If you are the hiking or tramping type then New Zealand will be like a child in a lolly shop for you. From the top of the North Island and right to the bottom of the south, NZ has you sorted. There are hundreds of hiking tracks for beginners right through to seasoned trampers. You can even book huts to stay in overnight in the bush through the Department of Conservation website. I also highly recommend checking out New Zealand's nine great walks through the country on the Switchback Travel website. Here you will see an endless source of information to get you on the right track.

Snow bunnies keep calm we have you sorted.

In the wintertime, NZ offers up some of the best snow sports and activities in the world. If you are a climber then tackling the Franz Joseph Glacier will be right up your alley. This location is only accessible by helicopter which only adds to the experience. Others might want to try the Tongariro alpine crossing in Mount Ruapehu but this track is only available to walk in the summertime. This walk is 19.4 Kilometers long and takes an average of 7–8 hours to complete.

Skiing.

One thing Kiwis like to do is ski. Scattered throughout the North and South Island are plenty of ski fields. The biggest one in the North Island is Whakapapa Ski Field which is situated in the Mount Ruapehu District. On the other side of the mountain is the Turua skifield in Ohakune. If you are in the South Island then check out Cardrona ski resort, the biggest ski resort in New Zealand. Another top Ski resort to try is The Remarkables in Queenstown, South Island which also offers a feast of other activities to do.

Get funky with the glowworms and go blackwater rafting.

Waitomo caves offer up a very unique experience. There are three caves to choose from that have an abundance of glowworms. You have the option to explore the caves by boat and also by a path with handrails. If thrill-seeking is your buzz then you will be right at home going black water rafting. Explore the caves eighty meters below ground while going through the rapids in a tube and jumping off waterfalls. You will need to plan for a day or weekend trip to get the most out of the experience.

Explore nature.

• For the nature lovers amongst us, you will not feel let down. The Botanical gardens in Christchurch, South Island, offer up the finest gardens and flowers imaginable. Feel free to wander around, take photos, or stop and have lunch at one of the many beautiful picnic spots throughout the gardens or the cafe. There are also art features scattered around the gardens to be amazed by. If a great day out with nature is your thing then go and check it out. But don't forget to take your camera.

Thrill-seekers we have not forgotten about you.

For the adrenalin junkies, there is no shortage of adventure to choose from. If you are not afraid of heights then perhaps a visit to AJ Hackett Bungy is in order. AJ Hackett provides thrill-seeking from sky diving, zip lines, bungy jumping, and much more throughout the country. Here you are guaranteed to get your thrill-seeking buzz on and you will no doubt walk away with great memories and an even better story to tell.

Perhaps you are a speed freak and boats are more your thing.

If you feel the need for speed and happen to be in the South Island then why not visit the Shot Over Jet in Queenstown. This hair-raising boat ride will have you speeding through very enclosed waterways covered by rock faces. The boat even does three hundred and sixty degree turns at high speed. It would not be a silly idea to take a spare pair of underpants because this ride is not for the faint-hearted. But make sure you have deep pockets. A 25-minute boat ride for two adults and two children will set you back a cool $299. Well worth it though if it is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

City nightlife.

If you want to hit the city to take a look around then there is no shortage of bars, clubs, and events happening throughout the country. There are far too many to list here. Nationwide there is always an event or occasion to celebrate. This is increased by the fact that New Zealand is a very multicultural country. Kiwis have a habit of making foreigners feel welcome so we do our best to be as inclusive as possible by joining in with celebrations that teach us about different cultures and ways of life.

So there you have it. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in New Zealand. There is so much more to experience and take in. Why not put it on your bucket list of things to do. We will welcome you with arms wide open and give you the experiences of a lifetime.

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