10. Go To A Rugby Match
Rugby is the most popular sport in New Zealand, it is only fitting to go see a rugby match when your there. I was lucky enough to see a Semi Final between Christchurch’s Crusaders and Wellington’s Hurricanes. Unforgettable experience and what an atmosphere!
9. Weta Cave Tour
This one is for the Lord of the Rings fans mostly, or if you are a big fan of film making. The Weta Cave Tours takes you through where they develop and make props/ character outfits. It also shows you how they are created and moulded. It is truly amazing to witness what goes on behind the scenes on making a film. Until I went, I never knew how many films that Weta had a hand in making.
8. Waitomo Caves
I never knew about the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves until I arrived in Waitomo. I’m so glad I did it though! There are 3 packages available but ultimately you are in the caves, climbing your way through and sailing down the river in a rubber donut. It is such an amazing experience, drifting through the pitch black caves and witnessing the magic of the glow worms.
7. Bungy Jump/ Skydive
There is no shortage of adventurous activities in New Zealand. Bungy Jumps and Skydives are available at so many different locations. Whether you want to skydive with the view of Abel Tasman National Park, Lake Taupo or the Franz Josef Glacier. Then there are the bungy jumps, ones you can submerge in rivers below, be kicked off like in ‘300’ the film or the highest bungy in Australasia. Definitely one for the thrill seekers out there!
6. Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is a 19.4km hike in the Tongariro National Park. The national park is a world heritage site which is known for both its natural and cultural significance. Over the course of the hike, you pass the base of Mount Ngauruhoe which you can also climb. Mount Ngauruhoe was used as the stand in for Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy! Imagine being able to say you climbed Mount Doom!
5. Grab A Fergburger
Fergburger is located on Shotover Street in Queenstown and it is hands down the best burger I have ever tried. The prices are pretty reasonable too! I don’t know if it is the New Zealand beef or the variety of options available but a Fergburger is definitely worth it! They are even open late for a good munch after a night out. If you miss that then get one the next day cure the hangover – what a cure.
4. Milford Sound
Located in the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of the most picturesque landscapes in New Zealand. Arguably one of the most famous tourist attractions in NZ, it has been called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. It is definitely worth a visit, as you view in awe at the Mitre Peak and numerous waterfalls.
3. Heli-Hike On Franz Josef Glacier
Not every day you can say you got a helicopter ride and hiked on a glacier but in Franz Josef, you can! The Franz Josef Glacier is a 12km long temperate maritime glacier and is one of 3 glaciers in the area, descending from the Southern Alps. Along with Milford Sound, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand. The hikes usually last 1-2 hours, taking you up, on the glacier and through ice tunnels. Such an amazing experience and definitely a must do!
2. Hobbiton
Lord of the Rings fan or not, Hobbiton is a must-see in New Zealand. It is situated on a family run farm about 10km southwest of Matamata. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, with rolling hills for as far as the eye can see. It really does feel straight out of a novel! When you’re there, learn a little about the franchise that really put New Zealand on the map. Discover what goes on behind the scenes for making the sets and witness the magic of Hobbiton. Don’t forget to visit The Green Dragon for a refreshing ale!
1. Tamaki Maori Village
Nowhere else on earth are you able to experience and learn about the Maori culture like this. Whether you do the evening meal or overnight stay, it is definitely one of the best experiences that New Zealand has to offer! If you’re lucky enough you might even get to learn a few words in Maori!
There are quite a few other places and activities that could make the list such as; Visiting Mount Cook National Park, taking a tour to the Bay of Islands and visiting the Abel Tasman National Park. I could go on and on.
I hope you enjoyed this post! If you think I’ve left anything out, let me know!
Cheers for reading,
Alzo
