One of the best things about New Zealand is its size. Unlike its large cousin Australia, it’s fairly easy to get around and in one day you can experience the magnificence of the South Island mountain ranges and the tropical beauty of the far north. If you are living in New Zealand and would like to explore all its top spots – here’s a quick list for you:
7 Things to do and explore in New Zealand
Trace its roots
Discover what makes New Zealand such a magnificent place to live in by going back to its roots at Te Papa (Our Place) where you will find the national museum of New Zealand. Here you will be able to trace the country’s heritage all the way back from the first Maori settlers to the filming of the magnificent epic, Lord of the Rings and all the triumphs of the All Blacks rugby team. Te Papa is not just a static museum, it is internationally renowned for its interactive exhibits and has an ever-changing series of events that take place throughout the year – it is definitely a place you can visit again and again.
Visit Milford Sound
If you are looking for New Zealand’s beauty at its best, then you must visit the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Here, located in the Fiordland National Park, you will find Milford Sound, known for Mitre Peak, rainforests, waterfalls, furs seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. The best way to enjoy the beauty of this magnificent region is by boat and there’s wide range of tour operators who can take you on these trips.
Taste its wine
New Zealand is famous for some the world’s best sauvignon blanc wines and there are many wine producing regions in the country with Hawkes, Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago being the most famous. New Zealand’s wine regions extend 1 600km from sub-tropical Northland all the way down to the most southerly vineyards and Central Otago. So if you are interested in wine tasting – there are many opportunities to tantalise your taste buds.
Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Treaty of Waitangi is the agreement of sovereignty and ownership that defines the relationship between the indigenous Maori People and The British Empire. This was signed at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. Here you will find a location famous for its cultural significance and many natural wonders.
Tour Hobbiton
One of the reasons the Lord of the Rings was so successful was the authenticity of its settings. To create a truly natural location for this Hobbit movie, the filmmakers decided to build a real little town for the filming. Situated in the open spaces between Matamata and Cambridge, Hobbiton is a wonderful way to spend the day and see the beauty of the North Island.
Escape to Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and is a refuge from the busy city. Here you will find one of the country’s most popular summer spots filled with wineries and restaurants. There are also wonderful beaches – and you can easily hop on a bike to tour the island.
Visit Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and is home to three of the country’s most well-known volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, which all featured in the Lord of the Rings movies. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a world-renowned trek that attracts explorers from around the world and is filled with the magnificent, stark atmosphere of the volcanic wilderness.
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