The scenery speaks for itself when it comes to reasons to visit New Zealand. Even so, we’ve listed a few more to sway you; naturally, the draw of the Hobbiton film set also goes without saying. Sitting pretty in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand’s North and South Islands boast everything from geothermal landscapes and mirror-like lakes to extensive mountain ranges and majestic glaciers. Tongariro National Park is a must (it’s got dual UNESCO status as a natural and cultural world heritage site) as is whale watching in Kaikoura (these magnificent marine creatures are seen as spiritual guardians by the Maori people). Lace up your hiking boots and let us walk you through a few of the many reasons to visit New Zealand…
- For the glacial lakes
- For the daring hikes
- For the wonders of Queenstown
- For the wine tasting
- For the Maori culture
For the glacial lakes
New Zealand’s diverse scenery is reason enough to visit this remote destination. Opting for a road trip adventure? You’ll be treated to postcard-worthy views, with the promise of sheep in every photo. Hop in a kayak or jump aboard a boat and cruise through the South Island’s glacial Lake Te Anau, located in the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy an evening of stargazing at Lake Tekapo from the balmy waters of a natural hot pool or head out on a private guided tour of the Dark Sky Reserve to learn about the mythology behind the ceiling of stars above you.
Image by Martin Vlnas
For the daring hikes
Next up on our list of reasons to visit New Zealand is the hikes. Famous trekking trails crisscross the country, so get ready to set some new records for your daily step count. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of our favourites. This dramatic route takes you through Tongariro National Park (the country’s oldest), on the North Island and is famed for its appearance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Expect volcanic terrain, steep inclines and sulphurous fumes, and be prepared for every weather condition. If you’re an early bird, a sunrise hike up Roy’s Peak may be the perfect replacement for your morning coffee. Drink in the idyllic views of Lake Wanaka and snow-capped mountains on the way up and push past the popular viewpoint to reach the summit. It’s well worth the extra 30 minutes of leg burn to reach it.
For the wonders of Queenstown
Have you always wanted to dive out of a plane or brave the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungee (the highest bungee in New Zealand)? Then Queenstown is the place for you. As the adrenaline epicentre of New Zealand, this is a town that deserves to be seen from the sky. Helicopter tours offer stopovers in the quaint Arrowtown, views of Mount Cook and even landings on Clarke Glacier, so you’re sure to find a trip that takes your fancy. Queenstown is also a snowball’s throw from the Southern Alps, and skiers and snowboarders alike flock here each year to take advantage of the varied terrain. You can learn to ski on the powdery summits of Cardrona and Coronet Peak (known as the locals' mountain) or enjoy uncrowded runs on Treble Cone.
Image by Lisa Wiltse
For the wine-tasting
Need we say more? One of the most indulgent reasons to visit New Zealand is the wine. There’s no better way to get a taste of New Zealand than by vineyard-hopping across the North and South Islands, enjoying world-class wine with a backdrop to match. Sip your way through a private tour of Waiheke Island’s best wineries or merge movement with leisure and opt for a self-guided bicycle tour around the Marlborough wine region which produces around 75% of the country’s wine. Just try not to topple off your bike after your tipple. Make room for Hawke’s Bay on your travel list as well. As the oldest wine region in the country, it offers everything from boutique wineries to unfurling vineyards.
For the Maori culture
Last up on our list of reasons to visit New Zealand is the Maori culture. In fact, we’d argue that a visit to New Zealand – or Aotearoa as the Maori call it (translating to ‘land of the long white cloud’) – is not complete without experiencing the culture of the indigenous people. Maori people make up almost 17% of the population and their rights are protected by the Waitangi Treaty which was signed in 1840 (though its exact terms continue to be disputed to this day). For an insight into New Zealand’s historical past, or if you want to take a peek at some traditional war canoes, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must see. The living Maori village of Whakarewarewa, located on the North Island in Rotorua, is also worth a visit, showcasing the country’s indigenous history. Enjoy vibrant cultural performances, hike along geothermal walking trails and experience the traditional Maori method of cooking in an underground oven called a hangi. Just wait until after the Christmas turkey has been roasted until you try it at home.
Image by Mariusz Prusaczyk
Written by Amy Larsen
