Waitangi Day is the national day of New Zealand and it commemorates the signing of the renowned treaty which took place on 6 February 1840. It is one of the world’s most beautiful and least populated countries and if New Zealand has always been on your travel bucket list, there has never been a better time to Dream, Plan and Book your next trip. From the chic city of Auckland to the picturesque port town of New Plymouth, New Zealand has it all.
There are so many great reasons to visit New Zealand. From the diverse and unspoilt scenery and sublime landscapes to the incredible attractions and world-renowned vineyards, if you are looking for things to do in New Zealand, you won’t be disappointed.
Marvel at New Zealand’s amazing landscape
New Zealand has a spectacular wealth of vastly diverse and breath-taking scenery which includes incredible beaches, snow-tipped mountains, subtropical forests, glistening hot springs and more.
The South Island in particular is renowned for its stunning glaciers, mist-cloaked mountain ranges and glistening lakes. If you are looking for that all-important money shot for the ‘gram, you won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy a drink at one of New Zealand’s vineyards
When it comes to wine, New Zealand certainly flies the flag thanks to cultivating some of the most renowned white grape varieties in the world and has helped cement New Zealand’s place in sommeliers and wine lovers’ top wines list all over the world.
Marlborough is a highlight and is the region responsible for producing almost 80% of all the wine produced in New Zealand. Fans of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will be spoilt for choice and you can even tour the region’s vineyards via a hop on hop off bus.
Nature lovers and oenophiles alike can head to Marlborough Sounds where you can hike the Queen Charlotte Track which takes you along ridges abundant with wildlife, dazzling bays with breathtaking views of the Sounds throughout.
Experience the great outdoors
Whether you favour hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding or something else, thrill-seekers who thrive on high-octane action will not be disappointed thanks to New Zealand being an ideal destination for experiencing the great outdoors.
Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand and is an ideal destination for hiking thanks to trails like the Mueller Hut and Hooker Valley. The Kepler Track in the Fiordland National Park is a delightful combination of spectacular alpine-eque vistas with tranquil beach forests.
If you love being in or on the water, the Bay of Islands is certainly worth a visit where you can enjoy activities like kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding and diving. One of the most beautiful places you can kayak, has to be off the coast of Adele Island where you might even spot some seals.
Prefer to be on land? The National Cycleway has a superb selection of diverse cycle trails and mountain biking tracks for you to ride off into the sunset to your heart’s content.
Get wild
From the world-famous kiwi bird to cuddly sea lions, New Zealand is home to some of the most amazing wildlife you can hope to see.
One of the highlights has to be one of the world’s rarest penguins – the yellow-eyed penguin which you can seek out (from a respectful distance) on the likes of Stewart Island and beyond. Head out to the harbours of Manukau and Kaipara Harbours, where you can try and spot the rare Maui dolphin which is one of the most-at-risk dolphins from extinction.
Goat Island is a marine reserve where you can snorkel with stingrays or dive down past underwater cliffs which makes for an exquisite experience.
Incredible cuisine
Regardless of whether you are visiting Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and more, New Zealand is home to an incredible restaurant scene which continues to impress local and international foodies alike.
Whilst well-known for their tender lamb, New Zealand’s seafish is certainly worth adding to your must eat list and in particular the delicately tasting crayfish should be sought out.
You can’t visit New Zealand and not try Maori/Polynesian cuisine and in particular, the kumara (a sweet potato) and rewena paraoa, a traditional Māori sourdough potato bread.
Culture vulture
Without doubt, immersing yourself in understanding the importance of Maori culture is a must when visiting New Zealand where you can learn not only about Maori traditions but their significance to New Zealand’s identity and customs.
Spend a day exploring the villages of Rotorua where you can immerse yourself in watching traditional performances, and a hāngi dinner amongst other things. A visit to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is a must for art lovers who can expect to see an impressive range of art from both Kiwi and international artists.
Can you say you have done ‘New Zealand’ without visiting the lush green fields of the Hobbiton film set which was one of the many locations for The Hobbit trilogies as well as Lord of the Rings. Don’t forget to take that all-important selfie outside Bilbo Baggins’ house!.
