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Things to Do in New Zealand
What To Do in New Zealand?
Tandem Skydiving, Dolphin and Whale watching cruise, Waitomo Caves Tour, Bungee Jumping, Wine tour in the Gibbston Valley, Cable car ride, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Ziplining in Waiheke Island, Quad Biking, Jet Boating, White Water Rafting and many more.
From adventure sports to fantastic cruises, one can never run out of things to do in New Zealand. Whether you’re into beach sports, a history buff, a lover of nature, or simply want to explore the city, the country has enough activities and opportunities to keep you on your feet throughout the day.
A haven for thrill seekers, there is no shortage of adventure activities to do in New Zealand. From Bungee Jumping in the Nevis River to Skydiving in Wanaka, or even Ziplining through the forests of Waiheke, the options here are many. If you’re keen on water sports, you could also try your hand at the many rafting, kayaking or canoeing trips offered here. The country is also known for the various cruise tours it offers, such as the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise or the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise.
If you’re someone looking for quieter or more offbeat ways to spend time in the country, you could choose to head over to Hell’s Gate for a rejuvenating mud spa experience. Alternatively, you could take a wine tour at the Gibbston Valley and explore the making of the local wine. If you’re a JRR Tolkien enthusiast, you could also spend a happening day touring the sets and shooting location of the Hobbit movies in New Zealand.
Bay Of Islands is a series of captivating islands known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With over 140 stunning islands lining its alluring waters, travellers can explore all historical sites, including Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or cruise through the Hole in the Rock.
Considered to be the bluest lake in the whole of New Zealand, Lake Tekapo scores very high in terms of natural beauty. It even has its own hot springs, apart from some really amazing cafés and restaurants with spectacular views. The town of Lake Tekapo is very close to the popular Mount cook national park.
The Waitomo glowworm caves are one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions as it involves a boat ride inside a cave that is lit up by glowworms. The ceiling of this cave is lit up by millions of bioluminescent insects, making it one of the best New Zealand tourist places to explore by all exciting souls.
The Tongariro holds the designation of being New Zealand’s first national park and has dual UNESCO world heritage status. This national park is spread over an area of 80,000 hectares and is dotted by volcanic wonders including old lava flows, steaming craters, emerald lakes and alpine gardens. The ancient forests that run parallel to the Whanganui river are worth exploring as well.
The Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand is famous for its misty forests and pristine beaches. It is one of the most famous holiday destinations because of its laid-back vibe. Either lace up your hiking boots to unravel the rainforest-covered mountains or just relax at the beach paradise of New Zealand, the Coromandel peninsula has a lot to offer.
Fiords are basically u-shaped valleys carved out by glaciers and flooded by the sea. In simpler words, they are basically a grand show put up by mother nature and the Fiordland National park is full of them as it is home to more than fourteen fiords. The Milford sound region is so visually stunning that it is often described as the eighth wonder of the world.
Franz Josef town is renowned to be one of the prettiest towns in the entire world. Take a glacier helicopter flight or visit the west coast wildlife centre to witness rare kiwis in their habitat. For an adventure that you will never forget, head over to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers as they have almost everything – awe-inspiring places to stay, amazing hikes and so much more!
The Abel Tasman National Park is an absolute coastal paradise that you can explore by sailing a catamaran, cruise boat, sea kayak, or water taxi. There are luxurious lodges where you can stay but camping here, under the stars is considered to be one of the best experiences. Sunbathing, sedate snorkelling, and hiking are some of the most famous activities here.
Many interesting nature places can be found in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. Aoraki is the Maori name for Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's tallest mountain. It stands tall above the rest of the land. It's a great sign of how lovely the country is. In the wild parts of this park, you can find eight of New Zealand's twelve biggest glaciers. The beautiful Tasman Glacier is one of these huge ice shows.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a small coastal town in New Zealand that is primarily famous for its abundant wildlife. This quaint little town is home to dusky dolphins, blue-eyed penguins, fur seals and sperm whales. Swim with wild dolphins, witness the native fur seals or go on a kayaking tour – you’re bound to have a great time in Kaikoura.
Otorohanga Kiwi House is a renowned sanctuary located in the heart of New Zealand. It is dedicated to protecting and preserving the country’s iconic kiwi bird. This kiwi house is situated in the picturesque town of Otorohanga, allowing travelers to glance at these nocturnal creatures up close.
Preached at a rugged terrain is the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, a geological marvel known for its unique rock formations. This iconic destination is composed of layers of limestones which appear like a stack of pancakes. It took over several million years to form these.
In New Zealand Puzzling World is an excellent example of creativity and cleverness. In 1973, it started out as a single-story maze. Over time, it grew into an award-winning complex of optical illusions, puzzle rooms, and the world's first 3-D maze. People know Puzzling World for the Leaning Tower of Wanaka and the strange Roman-looking toilet. As of 2020, more than 4 million people had visited Puzzling World, and about 200,000 people came every year.
Milford sound is one of the most popular fiords in New Zealand and is a part of the Fiordland national park. With its unique wildlife, hundreds of waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks, the Milford Sound is one of New Zealand famous places, and you have to witness its raw beauty to affirm the same!
Tucked neatly within the Taupo volcanic zone of New Zealand, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is an iconic natural wonder spanning over 18 square kilometres. Formed after the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, it is a brimming volcanic valley and the world’s youngest geothermal system.
Within the valley, you may experience different geothermal features, including hot springs, steaming cliffs, and colourful mineral terraces. On your New Zealand trip, you may explore the Waimangu Volcanic Valley through properly maintained walking tracks lined by a rich collection of flora and fauna.
In New Zealand Lake Pukaki is a large glacial fed lake located between Tekapo and Twizel. It's clear turquoise-blue water comes from glacial melt from the Southern Alps, the little rock particles in the water give it this beautiful colour. This gorgeous colour scheme reflects the majestic peaks of Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's tallest mountain. The lake's northern end is fed with the Tasman River, which flows from the Hooker and Tasman Glacier and has many curves.
In New Zealand Hamilton Gardens covers 133 acres of lush green land in a peaceful valley along the beautiful Waikato River. In this large sanctuary, 18 beautifully designed themed gardens take tourists on an interesting journey through plant history and the different cultures that have shaped our world.
Stirling Falls is a beautiful natural wonder secreted in New Zealand's Milford Sound. It proves how strong and lovely nature can be. At 155 metres high, the falls are in the middle of Fiordland National Park.
The white island attracts volcanologists and tourists alike from across the globe as it is home to the world’s most dynamic spring made out of gushing lava. It is home to New Zealand’s one of most active volcanoes which can be witnessed from a scenic helicopter ride. There are many lookout points from where you can easily spot the steam clouds puffing from the crater at The Whakatāne Heads.
Renowned for its stunning beaches, remarkable wineries, and emerald landscapes, Waiheke Island is one of the most beautiful places to see in New Zealand. It is only a few minutes boat ride or seaplane ride away from downtown Auckland and a place to relax, refresh, or entertain. Its white sandy beaches are ideal for swimming, kayaking, or picnicking. Whereas, coastal walks covering little coves, vast vistas, exotic birdlife, and the ancient mansions please most tastes.
This island is also known for its wine refineries and stunning vineyards. Opt for a wine or food plus wine tasting tour and savour unique flavours that island has on the offer. Sculpture on the Bay is an art exhibition that makes you buy something for yourself or your friends out there. Add this island to your itinerary and relish different wines and scenery.
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What are the things to do in New Zealand?
1. Tandem Skydiving: One of the most adventurous things to do in New Zealand, Tandem Skydiving involves jumping off a plane in flight while harnessed to a parachute. Skydivers will be greeted with fantastic panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu as they freely fall across the skies of Queenstown.
The experience lasts for about a minute, with divers falling at a speed of more than 100 kilometers per hour. The sport is guided by special skydiving instructors, who train the drivers extremely well before the actual experience commences.
Location: NZONE Skydive Centre, 35 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Timing: Every 30 minutes, between 06.00AM-04.00PM
Price: Starting from Rs. 12,699/- per person
2. Dolphin and Whale watching cruise: Among other things, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in New Zealand is known for its dolphins and whales. One of the fun things to do in New Zealand, the cruise here lets you witness these fantastic marines at close hand.
Cruisers are met with fantastic views of the Auckland Harbor Bridge as they travel along the Gulf, spotting dolphins and whales as they go. The cruise is guided by the Park’s special marine scientists and researchers, who offer invaluable information on dolphin and whale life.
Location: New Zealand Maritime Museum, 175 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbor, Auckland 1010
Timings: 1:15PM-5:45PM
Price: Starting from Rs. 7,499/- per person
3. Tour the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves: If you’re a fan of J R R Tolkien’s Hobbit world, then this tour is definitely one of the top things to do in New Zealand for you. Located close to Auckland are the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, which formed the setting of the famous series The Lord of the Ring’s resident town The Shire.
The fully guided tour of the Caves will take you across some of the most prominent shoot locations here, such as the double arch bridge, the Dragon Inn, and 44 different hobbit holes. The group tour will also include a Hobbit styled buffet lunch at the Dragon meal.
Location: Auckland
Price: Starting from Rs. 14,274/- per person
4. Try Bungee Jumping over the Nevis River: If you have a taste for adventure, then the Bungee Swing by the Nevis River is one of the best things to do in New Zealand for you. New Zealand’s highest bungee jump, the Nevis Bungee falls from a height of 134 meters above land.
The Bungee jumpers will experience a 9 second freefall before landing on the bungee pad below, all the while harnessed to a tight security rope. The sport is guided by special instructors, who will equip the jumpers with all safety guidelines required.
Location: Nevis River, outside Queenstown
Price: Starting from Rs. 11,599/- per person
5. Take a wine tour in the Gibbston Valley: Among other things, Gibbston Valley in New Zealand is known best for its wine caves and the array of specialized wine it produces. One of the best ways to explore the wine culture here is to take a tour of the caves and the wineries of the place.
There are several tours available here, spanning from 30-minute ones to 3-hour long ones. The tour will not only let you witness the process of wine making at a very close hand, but also allow you to taste some of the best local wine made here.
Timings: 30 minutes to 3 hours
Location: Gibbston Valley Winery, 1820 State Highway 6, Gibbston 9371, New Zealand
Price: Starting from Rs. 830/- per person
6. Take a mud bath at Hell’s Gate: Also known as Tikitire, Hell’s Gate is New Zealand’s largest active mud volcano. Among the best things to do in New Zealand is to take a mud bath and spa here. Known for their healing properties, the mud and the spring-fed waterfalls here are said to replenish and heal one’s skin. The spa here has a public mud bath, as well as smaller, private baths. A large freeform Sulphur spa is available as well.
Location: Hell’s Gate, Highway 30, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Timings:
Winter: 08.30AM-08.30PM
Summer: 08.30AM-10.00PM
Price: Starting from Rs. 3,250/- per person
7. Watch the Farm Show in Agrodome Farm: Located in Rotorua, Agrodome Farm is a traditional Kiwi farm. One of the best activities to do in New Zealand for animal lovers, the Agrodome Farm Show lets you interact with the many friendly animals that reside in the farm such as alpacas, sheep, ostriches. Spectators can also take part in activities such as sheep shearing, milking, and playing with dogs.
Location: Agrodome Farm, 141 Western Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua
Timings: 09:30AM, 11:00AM and 02.30PM on all days of the week
Price: Starting from Rs. 1,199/- per person
8. Take a cable car ride in Wellington: Offering fantastic aerial views of Wellington City, the historic Wellington Cable Car is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. Operating across the famous funicular road, the cable car ride lasts about 10 minutes each, and is known for the views it commands of the city.
Location: Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington
Timings:
Monday to Friday: 7:00am-10:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am-10:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am-9:00pm
Price: Starting from Rs. 245 per person
What are the best adventure activities to do in New Zealand?
1. Skydiving in Wanaka: A totally guided sport, skydiving involves jumping off a suspended plane while harnessed to a parachute. The skydiving experience in Wanaka is a two-person one, with a professional guide accompanying the diver in the activity. The dive here is known for its scenic views of the six lakes in Wanaka.
2. Hot Air Balloon: One of the most sought-after things to do in New Zealand, the hot air balloon ride across Queenstown offers some of the best aerial views of the scenic city. The activity takes place in the earliest hours of the morning, aimed to provide the best seats for the city’s scenic sunsets.
3. Ziplining in Waiheke Island: Among the many cool things to do in New Zealand is ziplining, which involves travelling across a harnessed rope. Teeming with thick forests, the Waiheke island offers a unique ziplining adventure that lets you travel from one forest to another.
4. Quad Biking in Queenstown: If biking is your thing, then this activity is one of the coolest things to do in New Zealand for you. The activity allows bikers to enjoy the beautiful terrain of Queenstown in an ATV Quad bike. The sport can be attempted by children and adults alike.
What are the best water sports to do in New Zealand?
1. Black Water Rafting in Rotorua: Taking place in the underground rivers of the Ruakuri Caves, Black Water rafting is one of the most offbeat activities to do in New Zealand. A guided group activity, the rafting adventure takes you to the innermost depths of the caves.
2. Jet Boating in Queenstown: Taking place in the Shotover River, Jet Boating is one of the best activities to do in New Zealand for thrill seekers. Lasting for 30 minutes, the jet boat travels along the narrow canyon walls by the Shotover, offering fantastic glimpses of the scenic landscape here.
3. Mechanical Shark Ride: A quirky new watersport, the mechanical shark ride is quite literally a ride on a boat designed as a shark. Taking place in the river Wakatipu, the semi-submersible shark provides a great tour of the glittering lake.
4. White Water Rafting in Queenstown: Another popular activity on the Shotover River, Whitewater rafting involves braving the rapids of the river in an inflatable boat. A group sport, the activity has a high thrill value, and is best attempted by those keen on extreme sports.
Which are the best places for skiing in New Zealand?
1. Wanaka: Blanketed with thick layers of snow during the winter months, Wanaka is the go-to place for skiing in New Zealand. It is located extremely close to Treble Cone, the country’s biggest ski field, and has a long-running vertical ski lift as well.
2. Canterbury: Canterbury boasts of several ski-areas, ranging from the club run fields at New Zealand Clubfields to the more commercial run areas like Mount Hutt. The area remains largely uncrowded as well, offering a hassle-free skiing experience.
3. Mackenzie District: New Zealand’s Mackenzie district offers a variety of ski fields as well. Roundhill and Ohau are the best skiing attractions here, with the former also being home to the world's longest rope tow.
4. Mount Cook National Park: Mount Cook is home to the country’s largest glaciers. The views offered here makes skiing in Mount Cook twice as enjoyable.
Which are the best places for skydiving in New Zealand?
1. Abel Tasman: One of the most adventurous things to do in New Zealand, skydiving involves falling from great heights while attached to a harness. With its gorgeous islands and plethora of beaches, skydiving in Abel Tasman offers some of the best views available.
2. Auckland: A special attraction in Auckland, the city offers some of the highest skydiving experiences in New Zealand. Offered by Skydive Auckland, the experience here will have you freefalling from a height of over 16,000 feet.
3. Bay of Islands: A popular spot for tandem skydiving, the Bay of Islands skydiving offers some of the best, uninterrupted views of the 144 islands that make up the island.
4. Fox Glacier: Said to be one of the most exciting spots for the sport in New Zealand, the skydiving experience in Westland National Park offers some of the best views of the towering southern alps glacier, which forms the backdrop of the park.
Which are the best places for bungee jumping in New Zealand?
1. Nevis River: Home to the largest bungee jump in New Zealand and the third highest in the whole world, the bungee experience in the Nevis River takes place from a height of 134 meters above the Nevis Canyon Floor.
2. Rotorua: For those who are not too keen on extreme adventures, or are simply looking for a pocket friendly experience, Agroventures in Rotorua offers an offbeat bungee jumping experience.
3. Kawarau Bridge: Kawarau Bridge is the go-to place for commercial jumping in New Zealand. While jumping from the bridge, you could either choose to plunge into the river below, or remain high in the air.
4. Hammer Springs: Taking place from a historic bridge, Hammer Springs is among the most picturesque bungee jumping locations in New Zealand. The lowest bungy in the country, Hammer Springs is an ideal choice for first time jumpers.
Which are the best places for kayaking and canoeing in New Zealand?
1. Waitomo Caves: Littered with glittering glow worms that glow in the dark, the ‘Christmas cave’ of Waitomo is one of the most beautiful places for a kayaking or canoeing adventure in New Zealand.
2. Abel Tasman National Park: With its glittering blue lagoons, Abel Tasman is ideal for kayaking and canoeing sports. There are several rentals available here, that guests can avail at their own leisure.
3. Milford Sound: Although best known for its cruises, Milford Sound is also a good place for kayaking and canoeing. The bay offers nighttime as well as daytime kayaking tours.
Which are the best cruise tours in New Zealand?
1. Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise: Taking place in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, the Auckland Dolphin and Whale watching cruise is an amazing way to spot and interact with these gorgeous water creatures.
2. Auckland Harbor Dinner Cruise: With its fantastic views of the Auckland Harbor, this cruise tour offers the dining experience of a lifetime. The tour includes a 3-course meal aboard the cruiser, as it sails towards the sunset of West haven Marina.
3. Akaroa Dolphin Cruise: Travelling along gorgeous cliffs, this catamaran cruise in Akaroa offers an ideal opportunity for dolphin spotting.
4. TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise: Among the many famous things to do in New Zealand, the Steamship cruise is a must try for history buffs. Taking place in the historic cruise ship TSS Earnslaw, this cruise travels across the scenic Lake Wakatipu, crossing landmarks like the Walter Peak and Cecil Peak as it goes.
What is the best time to visit New Zealand?
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the warmer summer months between December to March. During this time, the weather here remains cool and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and other sightseeing adventures. The lovely beaches here are also best explored during these warm months.
What is New Zealand best known for?
Replete with stunning glaciers, glorious beaches and vast farmlands, New Zealand is best known for its beautiful landscape. The variety of its terrain makes it an ideal visit for beach lovers, mountain hikers and city lovers alike.
Is New Zealand worth visiting?
Yes, with its glorious attractions like Tongariro National Park, Hobbiton, Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Lake Taupo and Museum of New Zealand and the plethora of activities like skydiving, hot air balloon rides and more that it has to offer, New Zealand is an absolute must visit for all.
What is the best thing to buy in New Zealand?
The best thing to buy in New Zealand is its wine. Produced in the local wine caves and then refined in the wineries, the wine here is known for its unique taste and quality.
How many days do you need in New Zealand?
A good 10 to 15 days are required to explore the entire of New Zealand in a pleasant and hassle-free manner. Replete with things to do and places to visit, a visit of any lesser duration would not let you explore the best attractions here in a leisurely way.
What are the various day & night tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia?
Here are the various day & night tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia:
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