Maori culture, mountains and glaciers made for adventure sport, and scenery so worthy of JRR Tolkien’s elaborate descriptions it became the backdrop for one of the most successful film franchises of all time: travel to New Zealand is action-packed with plenty to see but even more to do. Check out our list of the best things to do in the Land of the Long White Cloud!
Marvel at Middle Earth
Hobbits, elves, wizards and orcs thrive in the beauty of Tolkien’s imagined world brought to life. Trace the steps of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins on the movie set tours of Hobbiton and the rugged landscape surrounding volcano Mt Ngauruhoe – more familiar as Mt Doom. This is Kiwi director Peter Jackson’s ‘ppprecioussss’ New Zealand at its best.
Mix with locals in populous Auckland
Home to the largest Polynesian population in the world, Auckland presents a mix of cultures residing in Edwardian villas. Enjoy the view of the City of Sails from the iconic Sky Tower, and visit the hallowed grounds of Eden Park for a rugby match – the pinnacle of New Zealand culture. If you can get your hands on them, tickets to the All Blacks will earn you honorary Kiwi status.
Adventure activities in Queenstown
The picturesque city of Queenstown is an adventure travel hub, offering endless activities bordering on insanity for the brave, from bungee jumping to zorbing. Adrenaline races non-stop in this famous mountain resort on the South Island.
The Kiwi connection
The flightless Kiwi bird is the national symbol of New Zealand, and has become an affectionate nickname for New Zealanders themselves. There are numerous classifications of Kiwi bird, and the term is so synonymous with New Zealand it has been used in other marketing manoeuvres – most notably renaming the Chinese gooseberry to kiwifruit after it was brought to New Zealand in the 20th century. Feel free to use the term liberally, and keep your eyes peeled for a kiwi bird!
Spot some sheep
New Zealand is home to more sheep (and cattle) than people, with an estimated population of just under 30 million sheep compared with a human population less than five million. The thriving wool industry makes New Zealand a perfect place to pick up a warm souvenir!
Lake Taupo
This scenic patch of blue on the North Island is New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake, home to trout for fishing and scenic cycle paths, but the best view is falling from above – skydiving from a plane.
Stop by reinventing Christchurch
Rocked by the devastating 2011 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, rebuild is reinventing the city of Christchurch, whose new sidewalk cafes and English-esque gardens warrant a delightful stop worth making.
Glow worms at Waitomo Caves
Dark damp holes might not be the first holiday activity you think of, but nearly half a million visitors a year pay a visit to the underground labyrinth Waitomo to see the glow worms that light the grotto.
Learn about Maori culture in Rotorua
Bubbling sulphur mud baths have been sworn by the Maori, and the thermal therapy combines well with a cultural performance and traditional Hangi feast – where the food is cooked in a pit oven using heated rocks.
Walk on Franz Jozef Glacier
Don a pair of tramping boots with crampons to tackle the icy terrain with stunning Mt Cook forming a picturesque backdrop to complete the snowy scene.
Watch whales in Kaikoura
Binocular graceful cetaceans cause a splash no matter the season, especially the vain grey whales who cannot help but show off in the water, and whose season is more of less year-round.
The capital of Wellington
Learn about the history of the two islands in the excellent Te Papa Museum, with splendid views over the capital’s harbour from the ascending cable car.
Appreciate scenery formed from the ashes
New Zealand is home to the highest concentration of rhyolitic volcanoes in the world and forms part of the Ring of Fire. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have therefore been frequent throughout the country’s undocumented and documented history, and have helped create the spectacular landscape enjoyed today.
Pick your own hei-tiki
Hei-tikis are ornamental pendants made of pounamu (jade greenstone) or bone, which are traditionally Maori but have been adopted by the country as something of a symbol – and one of the most popular souvenirs.
Bungee in the land of bungee
Bungee jumping was popularised by AJ Hackett, who raised the profile of the sport with his well-publicised jumps off iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower, then opened the first commercial bungee jumping site in the world. The site remains at Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge not far from Queenstown, making it the perfect place to try your first jump.
Learn the lingo
‘Sweet as, bro’ is a common phrase used in the Kiwi culture, while other terms that may be unfamiliar include jandals – the New Zealand word for flip flops or the Aussie equivalent ‘thongs’.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC
