Last Updated on January 8, 2021 by Darrif William
New Zealand is a dream destination where millions from across the globe flock to take a break from the busy daily schedule. It doesn’t matter if you are a backpacker, budget traveller or a luxury tourist – the island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean will simply steal your hearts. Considered by globetrotters as the adventure capital of the world, everything here will make you do something incredible. From glaciers to beaches, world-class cities to calm landscape, whale-watching to wine-tasting, the country has so much to keep you engaged. It proudly nurtures its native Māori culture and exhibits a rich history with the potential to outrun the world’s pace.
There are endless reasons to add New Zealand to your travel bucket list. But while planning your trip, you may not exactly know where to start from. Here, we have come up with the top 10 places to visit and things to do in New Zealand. And like everyone, you too will fall in love with this country.
1. Waiheke Island for Pure Solitude
After a 20-hour journey, your body requires a moment of solitude and there will be no better place than Waiheke Island. It’s a true island paradise located at mere 40-minute ferry ride distance from the city of Auckland. Waiheke encompasses abundant natural wonders to explore. This island is home to a magical blend of vineyards and funky cafes offering the finest wines of New Zealand with eye-soothing sea views. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you’ll find numerous activities to pursue from mountain biking to kayaking, from fishing to surfing and sailing.
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2. Dare the Wild Inside You in Queenstown
Pull-up your socks, because you are in Queenstown. From blood pumping thrills and spills to scenic crags and canyons, this city has all ages and stages covered for your holiday. It’s the place where commercial bungee jumping began. There are never-ending adventure activities like Jet boat rides, skiing, rafting, hiking and biking to dare the wild inside you. You can even try some relaxing alternatives, i.e. spa treatments, alfresco dining and wine-tasting or enjoy the glimpses of artworks like sculpture, glass blowing, painting and woodwork from local and international artists.
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3. Get introduced with the Culture in Rotorua
A region surrounded by stunning natural wonders keeps visitors on their toe with its cultural performances and traditional hāngi (steam-cooked banquets). Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is well-known for its geothermal activity and the dynamic Maori culture. Friendly people and their primal culture keep you coupled with locals and bring you closer to their traditions and conducts. Exciting winter forest festivals like ‘We Run the Forest’ and ‘Winter Mountain Bike Classic’ bring people out of their accommodation to cheer and enjoy the warmth of winter.
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4. Meet the Rugged with Freshness in Auckland
Search the realm of modernity sited on a rugged coastline in Auckland and experience its comfy blend across the region. Whether it’s sports events, concerts or festivals, there’s always something happening in Auckland. This city is termed one of the world’s favourite tourist hubs featuring pristine beaches and island escapes. Experience it all in Auckland from outdoor adventures to designer shopping or explore some inner-city hot spots for live experiences of culture and lifestyle.
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5. Explore English Heritage at Christchurch
Located in New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch nurtures the English heritage and displays it through historic ruins and stone-built buildings. Green and expansive banks of the Avon River along with Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens are beautiful picnic spots. The city also introduces you with exceptional wildlife including native New Zealand animals across its Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Orana Wildlife Park. Prehistoric cathedrals and neo-Gothic edifices exhibit cultural prosperity of Christchurch and its museums showcase a large collection of artefacts telling the story of the city and artworks from local and international artists.
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6. Hub of Dramatic Views – Milford Sound
It’s a region where every corner is scenic. People from across the world visit Milford Sound and admire its jaw-dropping views of mountains and waterfalls at the remote fjord. You can experience the realm of nature at Bowen Falls, the scenic waterfall pouring into the Milford Sound. Enjoy tours by boat and helicopter to Real Journeys – Milford Sound. Click pictures of dolphins and seals at picturesque Harrison Cove. Sky-high peaks of famed Mitre Mountain offers exciting hiking trails and camping spaces. Sited close to Queenstown city, it possesses a complete holiday package from cruise trip to spectacular waterfalls to snow-capped peaks among others. Simply experience the eighth wonder of the world by flightseeing, kayaking or overnight boat ride at Milford Sound.
7. Relish the Luxury at Wellington
From pristine beaches to waterfront promenades, the capital of New Zealand, Wellington welcomes huge traffic of visitors throughout the year. It is located at the southernmost point on the Cook Strait near the North Island. Here travellers find colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. Full of amazing recreation opportunities like eco-sanctuaries, botanical gardens, serene island and harbours, this city can be a peaceful break from tedious routine. The panoramic views of the city and harbour from Mt. Victoria Lookout or Wellington Cable Car can enrich you with thrilling experience for life. The city centre itself dotted with restaurants, parkland and heritage buildings serve people with heartfelt hospitality.
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8. Play Winter Sports at Wanaka
Famous for amazing winter sports, the resort town Wanaka is the gateway to the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park. It’s a place where the wilderness of glaciers and alpine lakes awaits with jaw-dropping thrills. Wanaka itself features snow-capped mountains and a Puzzling World located just outside the town where the outdoor maze, illusion rooms and sculpture gallery are main attractions. Try boating, swimming and fishing at Lake Wanaka and enjoy mesmeric lake view and tramping route from the Roys Peak. Famous Treble Cone Ski Area offers advanced runs with panoramic views, meanwhile, the luxury resorts of the city make your outdoor pursuits more comfortable.
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9. Explore Scottish and Maori heritage at Dunedin
Have you heard of the dynamic Maori heritage? Find it here in Dunedin. The city is peppered with Victorian and Edwardian architecture along with heritages of Scottish and Maori culture. It too encompasses several leisure options for adventure lovers with hiking and cycling trails crisscrossing its dramatic landscape. While wandering through the Otago Peninsula, you can find albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins next to you. The city’s main thoroughfare has cafe-lined esplanade, shopping precincts and many architectural wonders keeping visitors on their toe from dawn to dusk.
10. Meet the Marine World in Wairarapa
Do you love chocolates? Wairarapa has some yummy chocolates and quick foodie getaways nestled across the region. Wairarapa is located in the lower North Island featuring home-like space for fur seals, dolphin and small whales. It hosts the nosy formations of the Putangirua Pinnacles where the easy walk follows the stunning views of Lake Onoke and Cape Palliser. You can take a 90-minute drive from the Wairarapa town to the scenic Castle point lighthouse. Try self-drive Wairarapa Garden Tour which is held in November featuring grand country estates and delightful cottage gardens with home-made refreshments.
New Zealand is the travellers’ paradise for a reason. From days of spring to orange beauty of autumn, this country includes a wide range of recreation opportunities for everyone. If you aim for your holiday to be exceptional, these top 10 tourist attractions in New Zealand can make your holiday as lively as you dreamt for. You can find amazing deals and discounts on New Zealand flights departing from your nearest airports in the UK or can take assistance from a travel agency to plan your New Zealand escape.
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