New Zealand is one of those places that really gets people excited.
An exotic land of mystery, Maori culture, and magical landscapes.
A place where you can ski and ride waves on the same day, walk on a glacier before diving into a natural hot spring, or sail across a lake filled with glowworms before heading off to Hobbiton.
As a reminder, and to encourage people to visit this remote island country, I’ve compiled a list of the top 7 things to do in New Zealand that will ensure your visit will be unforgettable!
Here are some fun things that you can do in New Zealand
1. Go surf on the sand dunes at the 90-Mile beach
For anyone who wants to enjoy some fun activities, Ninety Mile Beach has plenty of things to offer.
At the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island lies miles of pure white sand.
Popular activities include surfing on the left-hand side of the beach or bodyboarding down the huge sand dunes on the beach.
Either one will get you pumped up and ready for more!
2. Visit Hobbiton and take the Lord of the Rings tour
New Zealand was already a popular destination for tourists before Peter Jackson made his movies there, but he helped boost tourism even further by making The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogy set in the country.
Visit Hobbiton and see if you can get a glimpse into J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
The quaint village set is sure to leave you spellbound.
Reserve your tour well in advance so you don’t get disappointed when you arrive at the destination.
3. Go bungee jumping (If you dare!)
New Zealand may be known for its adventure tourism, but Queenstown is where most people go when they want an adrenaline rush.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is the perfect spot for a base camp.
Queenstown offers everything from bunjy jumping (That is how they say it in New Zealand) to sky diving, so if you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place!
The original Kawarau Bridge Jump is the best for that genuine bungee jumping experience in New Zealand.
The Ledge Bunjy offers the best views of Queenstown, and Nevis Bungy, which stands at 134 meters above the middle of a gorge, is the third highest bungee in the world.
They’re all located in and around Queenstown!
4. Take advantage of local tours
New Zealand is a beautiful place full of natural wonders.
There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy during your trip, including hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking.
But what if you would rather go see something that isn’t found anywhere else?
By taking advantage of local tours, you can take part in unique experiences that aren’t available anywhere else.
For example, you can join a Maori cultural tour, which includes learning about their traditions, history, and culture.
Or you can spend a day sailing along the coast.
5. Cruise along the Milford Sound
Milford Sound is among New Zealand’s best-known tourism destinations and for good reason.
It has been named one of the world’s top travel destinations, and Rudyard Kipling called it the eighth wonder of the world.
It’s probably one of the most popular excursions in New Zealand, and Get Your Guide offers day trips where you can take a boat ride through Milford Sound.
You should definitely visit Milford Sound if you’re visiting New Zealand.
It has breathtaking fiords showcasing some of the highest cliff faces in the world.
On this boat trip, you’ll be cruising through Milford Sound, stopping at various points along the way to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.
You’ll go sailing through the fjord, then out into the Tasman Sea.
6. Visit Waiheke Island
You’ll absolutely love Waiheke island.
Located only a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand, this beautiful spot offers visitors an ideal place to relax and enjoy some sunshine.
You can also swim in the protected waters at Oneroa and Onetangi beaches.
Waiheke Island is also a beautiful place where you can enjoy its natural beauty and culture. It hosts regular cultural events and features a vibrant art scene.
7. Learn about the Maori culture
Maoris are the original inhabitants of New Zealand who arrived there from Polynesia in 1320.
They are friendly and happy people, and I haven’t met anyone I don’t like.
Rotorua is often the best place to visit for Maori cultural events, but there are other notable locations throughout New Zealand, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Tane Mahuta, and the Te Papa museum in Wellington.
Usually shows last for two and a half hours and include a tour through a traditional village, performances by local musicians, and a meal.
Best places to eat in New Zealand during your travel
Hangi – Mitai Maori Village
If you’re in New Zealand, don’t miss out on the chance to learn more about Maoris culture. And enjoy their delicious food!
If you want to experience everything there is to see and do in Rotorua, go for a night out at the Mitai Maori village.
Along with cultural performances at night, the evening tour includes an authentic hāngi meal.
It is prepared by cooking it in an earth oven which consists of an underground pit filled with hot stones from the river.
It is then served buffet style.
You must eat these foods: Tender chicken, lamb, sweet potato, and regular potatoes.
Above all, don’t forget to save room for the dessert. Both the pavlova and the cake are deliciously rich.
Sidart
Chef Sid Sahrawat has earned a strong reputation among chefs for his culinary creations.
Since it first opened its doors, Sidart has won New Zealand’s most prestigious culinary awards every single year.
A celebration of all things fine dining is why this restaurant is so unique; dishes are carefully prepared and plated to appear, and taste, like masterpieces.
Rata
Combining fine dining with the relaxed atmosphere of a mountain resort town in New Zealand, Rata is one of the restaurants operated by well-known Kiwi chef Josh Emett.
Emett has created a menu that blends a variety of international influences with locally sourced ingredients.
You can expect to enjoy octopus with saffron aioli or Marlborough salmon with horseradish, while local deer and merino lamb are standouts for main dishes.
Both two-course lunch menus and three-course lunch menu options are good values.