Kia Ora – that’s Maori for ‘be well’, but in New Zealand it’s the equivalent of a friendly greeting. A small country with bucket loads of culture, New Zealand has a population of only around four million people spread out throughout the two islands. With its unique history, a mixture of Maori and European culture, New Zealand is truly a magical balance of history meets culture meets modern times. Home to one of the most widely-acclaimed landscapes on Earth, New Zealand is a land formed by volcanic activity that brings with it some truly breathtaking and prehistoric panoramas.
Best things to do in New Zealand
New Zealand is so jam-packed with sites, adventure and culture, the hardest part of planning a trip is fitting it all in. Many visitors return to the islands time and time again, constantly discovering new and exciting things to do.
Adventure activities
Queenstown is most commonly referred to as the adventure capital of New Zealand, if not the world. It’s home to the latest and greatest adventures from adrenaline activities such as skydiving and bungy jumping right through to water sports such as white water rafting.
There are also four-wheel drive and mountain biking adventures, helicopter rides, skyline gondolas and jet boating. So, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, Queenstown should be your first stop. Or perhaps head to Waitomo to explore its famous caves and go black-water rafting where you’ll float through a glow-worm studded wonderland.
For those after something a bit chillier, glacier hiking on the South Island is available to people of all levels of ability. The two most accessible glaciers, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier are well worth a stop. There are guided glacier walks that either take you onto the ice itself or guided walks that stick to the paths where you’ll learn about the history, legends of the area and make your way along the valley.
Witness natural wonders
A country rich with natural wonder and spectacle, there’s plenty of fascinating things to explore from North to South.
A group of large ‘stones’ on Koekohe Beach on New Zealand’s South Island, Moeraki Boulders are one of the most popular and fascinating attractions on the South Island; it’s estimated that they’ve taken about four million years to get to their current size.
Known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand, Wai-O-Tapu in Rotorua is often been described as a wonderland of geothermal activity and includes the Lady Knox Geyser which erupts to a height of up to 20 metres.
New Zealand is an excellent place for stargazing due to its remote location. It’s easy to get out of the city lights and into the country air where the stars are absolutely crystal clear. New Zealand is also one of the best places to view the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights. There are various locations around New Zealand where the lights are delightfully on display including Lake Tekapo, Stewart Island and Queenstown.
Best places to visit in New Zealand
One of the most popular attractions on the North Island is to step inside a movie set in Hobbiton. Wander around the shire; it really is every bit as magical as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit suggest.
Dig you own spa at Hot Water Beach, one of the most popular places in New Zealand to visit. Located near Cathedral Cove, the best time to visit is two hours before and after high tide.
Milford Sound has one of the country’s great walks with incredible landscapes. The Milford Track was once referred to as “the finest walk in the world" by poet Blanche Baughan. If you’re not up for a multi-day hike, a visit to Milford Sound may just be enough. It was actually once described as the eighth wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling. With towering peaks and gushing waterfalls, it’s one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever see.
A year-long whale watching destination, Kaikoura is also known for its scenic location with rugged coastline and snow-capped peaks surrounds. The whales often come quite close to shore so keep your eyes peeled.
For those wanting a bit of relaxation with an excellent glass of wine, head to Waiheke Island. It’s a popular day trip from Auckland, accessible by ferry, and it’s where most of New Zealand’s award-winning wines are produced. Take a wine tour or do it yourself, stay for one day or several, whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy.
Best time to visit
It’s normal to experience four seasons in one day in New Zealand, which can make packing for a holiday quite confusing. You also need to remember though that because the islands are narrow and long, weather can change drastically from one destination to the next. The busiest time of year tends to be the summer – it’s the best weather overall. However, with the best weather come the tourists. It also means prices will be slightly higher and accommodation can be quite tricky to secure. Additionally, many restaurants and cafes may shut down during the height of summer as families head to the beach for holidays.
During the other times of year, the temperature is quite temperate. Winters are mild and short. However, if you’re heading to the mountains, brace for cold. Also, it does snow in the winter, so unless you’re planning to spend time skiing, winter may not be your first choice for a visit. Meanwhile, the colours during autumn and spring are beautiful and the temperature is mild.
Where to stay in New Zealand
North Island accommodation
With 25 colourful, retro rooms, Hotel DeBrett is an eclectic option for travellers. The hotel is close to all of Auckland’s galleries, shopping and restaurants. It’s also family friendly with babysitting services.
If it’s a beach break you’re after, Trinity Wharf Tauranga is right on the waterfront with a private pontoon and a pool to enjoy. The hotel offers rooms and self-contained apartments if you need more space. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sea while still being close to the city.
Arcadia Lodge is a gorgeous luxury lodge inside a heritage house consisting of five suites or rooms and a fully self-contained cottage with stunning views over Matauwhi Bay and within walking distance to Russell.
If you’re after some relaxation, Solitaire Lodge in Rotarua is luxurious and peaceful. The second oldest lodge in New Zealand, Solitaire, overlooks Lake Tarawera with a relaxed and friendly vibe all year round.
South Island accommodation
A boutique hotel in the heart of Christchurch, The George has excellent views, inside and out. With local art adorning the walls and Hagley Park just outside, The George is the perfect place to base yourself. There are also two restaurants and free mountain-bike hire to use to explore the area.
The Spire Hotel is tucked away down a side street of Queenstown, but don’t let this fool you. It’s a hidden jewel. It’s not on the shore of Lake Wakatipu but it’s sophisticated and modern, and it has lovely views.
If you want to be on Lake Wakatipu, try Matakauri Lodge. Each of the rooms have a private balcony or deck to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake. There’s also an infinity pool, a gym and a spa onsite and you’re just seven minutes from the centre of Queenstown.
Escape to Picton is a boutique hotel with a truly charismatic owner. Set in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, it only has three bedrooms so it’s truly private. Plus, there’s an excellent restaurant on site. Picton is a charming little town linking the South Island to the North.
With a rich history, Hulbert House is an excellent option for Queenstown visitors. The hotel was built using money from the 19th century gold rush and it has been lovingly restored into a luxurious Victorian guesthouse and is a lovely walk to the centre of the city.
Maori Culture in New Zealand
While a colonial and modern country, New Zealand continues to embrace and thrive on Maori culture. To fully immerse yourself in New Zealand and to gain a full understanding of the rich history of the country, there are several places that are worth a visit.
With a strong Maori connection, visitors can experience the culture first-hand in Rotorua. The most renowned cultural exchanges include Tamaki Maori Village, Te Puia and Mitai aaori Village. Here, you can learn about New Zealand’s indigenous heritage and embrace some of the customs including a hangi dinner and a marae stay. There are also several places throughout New Zealand that offer Maori cultural shows with traditional songs and dance, haka performances and poi displays.
Footprints Waipoua is part eco-tour, part heritage encounter as locals share their knowledge. The guides are part of the region’s Ngapuhi tribe and as they take you on either day or night guided tours, they’ll share ancestral knowledge that has been passed on for generations.
