Are you planning a trip to the beautiful country of New Zealand? Filled with friendly people and pristine landscapes, New Zealand or Aotearoa, as it’s known in the Maori language, will feel like a magical destination.
From breathtaking sceneries and turquoise seas to enchanting dark skies, you’ll wish your trip started sooner. But before you book your flight to this amazing corner of the world, here’s the ultimate bucket list of things you can do and places you can visit that will leave you with a memorable experience.
So, don’t forget to carry your journal, camera, or phone to capture every detail of this magical adventure.
Hobbiton
If that name doesn’t ring a bell, it means you haven’t watched the best movie of all time, so stop whatever you’re doing and go watch The Lord of The Rings. Just kidding, though, The Lord of The Rings is one of the highest-rated movie franchises, and the producer, Peter Jackson, created the perfect hobbit villages, The Shire and Hobbiton, in Matamata, New Zealand. The set is perfectly preserved, and if you are a fan of the films and The Hobbit Trilogies, you can visit the beautiful homes of hobbits.
Stargazing
A big part of New Zealand doesn’t have light pollution, so observatories have set up bases to look into the beautiful night sky and the galaxy beyond. By joining a Dark Sky Project tour at Tekapo’s Mount John Observatory or visiting Big Sky Stargazing in Mount Cook, you’ll see the enchanting beauty of clear, dark skies with a backdrop of magnificent constellations and unique celestial features that will take your imagination to another world beyond ours.
Hot Water Beach
Visit the Coromandel Peninsula in northern New Zealand and create your own hot pool in the wet sands of Hot Water Beach.
You can carry your own shovel or buy one from the nearby shops and build your private hot pool. Enjoy the scenic views of the ocean, but for an even more spectacular view, wait for the beautiful sunset and be prepared to be amazed.
Waitomo Caves
If you want evidence that New Zealand is indeed a country out of a fairy tale book, you have to visit the Waitomo Caves to see for yourself. This ancient subterranean realm is home to thousands of glowworms, creating a mesmerizing natural light display underground. The Waitomo Cave is a natural wonder that will leave you speechless.
Southern Lights
I’m sure you’ve heard of or even seen the magnificent Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights—a breathtaking display of blue, green, pink, and violet hues dancing across the night sky. What most people don’t know is that there are Southern Lights, also known as Aurora Australis. The Southern Lights can be seen from Dunedin and create a perfect reflection in the water, setting the stage for an iconic moment for photographers.
Experience Māori Culture
What’s a trip to New Zealand without immersing yourself in Māori culture and traditions? Make sure you visit Rotorua, a cultural hub where you can learn about the Māori culture and language.
Enjoy the traditional hangi feast, visit the ancestral Māori Marae (meeting grounds), and watch a fierce and rhythmic haka performance.
What To Do When Not Traveling
When you have a free day with less or no activities, there’s a lot you can do to relax and enjoy New Zealand. You can stroll through city streets, admiring the architecture and sampling local delicacies like tender lamb and fresh seafood dishes.
If you are a fan of casino games like slots, roulette, or poker, there are world-class casinos in New Zealand, like Auckland’s SkyCity Casino and Dunedin’s Grand Hotel. You’ll get premium entertainment and enjoy other services like live performances and exquisite dining. If you want to chill in your hotel room or Airbnb and still enjoy casino games, you can play casinos online NZ and get a similar experience. They have the latest pokies and even live casino games, which are interactive.
Lastly, if your palate enjoys good wine, New Zealand has some of the best wineries in the world. The Hawke’s Bay winery produces award-winning chardonnays, syrahs, and reds. You can also visit popular vineyards like Marlborough and Central Otago for the finest Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
No matter where you go in New Zealand, you’ll leave with fond memories that you’ll carry for the rest of your life.
