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How a vacation to the dreamy world of extensive landscapes, bustling streets, shores roaring in magnificence and wildlife that nurture in its best form? New Zealand, the exotic neighbour of Australia, serves as a breath of fresh air. With wondrous isles patched with lush greenery and dotted with towering peaks, the nation is one of the most frequented places in the east. As a significant centre of culture, education, trade and politics, it has become a retreat for millions of tourists. From the unending charm of the Bay of Islands to the awe-inspiring skyline of Auckland, New Zealand nurtures a great deal of exotic vibe. Here are the most mindblowing things to do on your next trip to New Zealand.
Top Things To Do In New Zealand
1. Explore the Waterfalls and Peaks of Milford Sound
A gorgeous fjord in the South Island region of the New Zealand, Milford Sound nurtures a whole new world with wonderful species and breathtaking vistas. You come across colonies of fur seal, penguins as well as dolphins. The fjord also holds the charm of rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Listen to these cascades gushing down heavily as you absorb pure calmness in your soul and body. Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand.
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Families, Photographers
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee (However about $150 for a guide per day)
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning and catch afternoon cruises and enjoy stunning contrasts of nature.
2. Spend a Weekend by the Beachside Queenstown
A town that speaks of serenity in full gory of urbanization, Queensland is a favourite getaway for every traveller who desires to enjoy basking under the sun by the lake and in the midst of lively settlements. This resort town is popular for adventurous tourism and that’s why skiing, snowboarding, jet boating, mountain biking and others are famous activities here. The town also has a bird park which you can visit with your kids. Take a gondola ride up Bob’s Peak and enjoy the never-seen panoramas of Queenstown.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Explorers
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Timings: 06:00 a to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Visit the local markets and shop for great souvenirs. If you are into art and culture, then you can go to Creative Queenstown Art and Crafts Market.
3. Relax in the Bay of Islands
Rejuvenate in the calm atmosphere of the Bay of Island in New Zealand and have a great day relishing the unperturbed nature of the country. Located at about a 3-hour drive from Auckland, the Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful travel destinations where one can indulge in sunbathing, yachting, sailing, and more. Explore the hidden trails of the islands or just sit by turquoise waters and enjoy watching waves. It is also one of the best romantic places to visit in New Zealand.
Recommended For: Offbeat Travellers, Nature Photographers, Couples
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Timings: Early in the morning or late in the evening
Pro Tip: You can try skydiving here for about $200, cruise around Piercy Island for about $90 and parasailing for about $70.
4. Explore the Reserves of Rotorua
Set on the dazzling Lake Rotorua, the lively city of Rotorua has in store all kinds of beauty you would look forward to. It has mountains, greenery, hot springs, peaceful promenades and an amazing crowd. The Rotorua Museum of Art and History will interest all the culture explorers, while the plains would grab the attention of nature lovers. Rotorua has in store a perfect mini-vacation.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Explorers
Pro Tip: Do check the geysers around the town for free.
5. Visit the Ultimate Coromandel Peninsula
A part of the North Island of New Zealand, Coromandel Peninsula deserves to be on every traveller’s bucket list for the place nurtures a peaceful world. With charming coastal strips and enthralling woods, the peninsula delivers a commendable atmosphere. Come here with your family and friends and relax your nerves in its composed surroundings. Watch humpback whales and dolphins, scuba dive into beautiful seawaters or frame the presence of limestone cliffs.
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Families, Explorers
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
6. Revel In the Wine World of Marlborough
A lover of wine? Well, Marlborough should be your destination. This is the perfect place to taste world-class wines and indulge in learning about wine production. Apart from exploring wineries and vineyards, you can also get on a cruise and watch dolphins here. Additionally, the place boasts beautiful gardens, self-contained beaches and quaint islands. In short, it has everything a nature lover dreams of.
Recommended For: Wine Lovers, Couples
Average Cost: $80 – $100 per guided tour with a wine tasting session
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
7. Learn the Diversity Of Tongariro National Park
This is another majestic national park that would keep you engaged with its wilderness and wonders. The Tongariro National Park is one of the oldest in the country and hence, a must-visit spot for explorers. With beautiful streams cutting through woods and waterfalls cascading down, the park looks nothing less than a wonderland. Glaciated valleys, forests and snow-laden mountains – all of them together make Tongariro National Park a worthwhile experience.
Recommended For: Wildlife Lovers, Explorers
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Timings: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm
8. Chill Out With Nature At Cape Reinga
If you are looking for a place where you can just chill out with your family or friends, then you must consider visiting Cape Reinga. It is located in the proximity of the Kaitaia town and is popular among tourists for its unspoilt surroundings and peaceful environment. Sit by the shore gazing at the horizon for hours or watch blue beautiful waves touching your feet. Here, you can also capture the Tasman Sea blending into the Pacific Ocean.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Peace-Seekers
Location: Aupouri Peninsula
Pro Tip: There are no telephone signals in the region, so make sure you are prepared for it beforehand.
9. Explore the Gorgeous Cathedral Cove
Also called Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, Cathedral Cove is touted as one of the best places to see in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, the isolated position on the Coromandel Peninsula adds to its irresistible appeal. You can’t drive to the secluded cove as you only have the option of walking or taking to the seas. Boat tours will allow you to explore the caves and cliffs while learning about the history of the area, while kayaking allows a more intimate experience.
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Photographers
Location: Mercury Bay
Pro Tip: The walk here is going to be quite steep. Hence, elderly visitors should refrain from visiting it.
10. Visit Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Amongst the most accessible glaciers in the world, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are the main tourist attractions in spectacular Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Both of these rivers of ice flow from some of the highest peaks in the Southern Alps to near sea level. Guided hikes lead to the contorted frozen landscape of ice caves and pinnacles at the foot of the glaciers, along with a series of fascinating hot pools. For an aerial view, seaplanes and helicopters fly visitors to the top of these vast tongues of ice.
Recommended For: Offbeat Travellers, Nature Lovers
Location: Westland Tai Po
11. Drive on the Ninety Mile Beach
Spend your day gearing up on the unending paradise of Ninety Mile Beach. Drive at a slow pace while enjoying the calmness the beach offers. Watch waves running on the shore as you enjoy waves crashing at your feet. Ninety Mile Beach is definitely one of the best places to visit in New Zealand with family and friends. Take your partner and romance in its charming surroundings.
Recommended For: Adventure Lovers
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
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