The land of scenic beauty and extreme adventure awaits
Kia Ora (Hello/Welcome) from the land of Maori Aotearoa (the Maori name to New Zealand). The country has a vast variety of attractions on its plate. New Zealand is not a very inexpensive destination, and definitely needs a lot of prior planning, budget estimation and travel advice before actually going on the trip. This is why we have created the only New Zealand travel guide that you will ever need in your life!
There is a lot to experience and it can be a little overwhelming to figure details about destinations, accomodation and budget. From the vast Internet with 100s of New Zealand itineraries and travel advice that are available. Let us make your work easy now! If you just want to skip the process and get going with the experience, you have definitely come to the right place.
8. Auckland
If you are a person who loves traveling and wants to make the most out of it, Auckland is your city my friend. Situated in the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland has something for everyone. It may be some Adventure sports to Fine dining, from visiting the volcanoes to experiencing the urban life- you name it Auckland has it. Visit the Auckland Sky tower. While you get the chance to absorb a panoramic view of the city from the 328 m highest tower of Auckland, you should definitely bag some more courage and try the SKY WALK and the SKY JUMP. After the activities that shoot the adrenaline rush get yourself some food and some stagnancy- balancing is the key right ?! Check out JoinMyTrip for unique adventures similiar to this with other like-minded travelers!
7. Waipoua Forest
While you’re in New Zealand head towards the Waipoua forest. It is 230.1 km and will take you around 3 to 3 and half hours to drive. Heading north to Waipoua Forest and the Kauri Coast you’ll journey along the remote West Coast of the North Island. Around one of the world’s largest natural harbours, the Kaipara Harbour. In the evening, experience a mystical journey through the sacred forests of New Zealand’s Maori people during this 4-hour evening forest walk in Waipoua with an indigenous guide.
While on the journey , learn about the rich birdlife and fauna that inhabit the forest, including the carnivorous kauri snail. You’ll also get to experience the deep spiritual respect the Maori people have for this place. Your Maori guide will brief you on the protocols for your visit. Once formal greetings have been made you will be allowed to meet the giant Tane Mahuta, or Lord of the Forest – the oldest Kauri tree in the world.
6. KeriKeri
The largest township in the region of Northland, KeriKeri has a lot to offer for people with several tastes. Kerikeri has several waterfalls. The easiest and the cheapest one to visit is the Rainbow Falls on the KeriKeri river. The 27m falls are an impressive sight captured from several different perspectives. Stand above the waterfall from the platforms just a short walk from the Waipapa Road car park. You can also walk down to the base of the falls and even scramble behind them if you are feeling adventurous.
After experiencing the falls, Walk the Kerikeri River track and experience the history of the area and awesome natural features. While on this track you can visit The Stone Shore and the Kemp House. This building may look a little out of place in New Zealand, but the Stone Store is one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings and stores still running (since 1833!). Next door is New Zealand’s oldest surviving house, Kemp House. You can discover more about this piece of history by taking a tour of the house. Does New Zealand already sound like your next destination? Plan your own trip now and let other travelers join with JoinMyTrip!
5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The next one in our ultimate travel guide to New Zealand, under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The area’s name comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole). The easiest way to see the Waitomo Caves (limestone caves viewing stalactites and stalagmites) is with a walking or boat tour. If you’re into adventure, try the unique experience of Black Water Rafting; you’ll crawl, swim and float through the caves on a rubber tube. Or you could abseil or zip-line through the darkness. However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you’re bound to agree they’re a wonder of nature. As you pass through the glow caves listen to Maori legends .
4. Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley
Next up is a thousands of years old , Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley. The Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley is a fascinating landscape of geothermal colour and energy. Explore spectacular nature at New Zealand’s most colourful natural volcanic park. Walk through this unique geothermal area takes between 30 to 75 minutes and provide a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at features including the world famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured hot and cold springs, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting, the Lady Knox Geyser erupting daily at 10.15 am and the nearby ever active “Mud Pool” add other dimensions to the experience. Marked as “One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World“, this should be on the top of your must visit spots. Don’t forget to check out JoinMyTrip to find unique trips to join and come back home with unforgettable memories!
3. Mitai Maori Village
Visit Mitai Maori Village and experience Maori traditions at a Mitai Maori Village dinner show. This is a must in our New Zealand travel guide as it is a great introduction to an ancient culture. See Maori warriors paddling a war canoe; watch a powerful haka, or Maori war dance; and share a hangi feast that’s cooked in an underground oven. With a mix of song, dance, cuisine, and games, this evening at Mitai Maori Village is an invitation to discover firsthand the Maori culture of New Zealand. As one of the most local experiences for the tourists, the tickets get sold out often and therefore is a good plan to book in advance.
2. Mount Cook National Park
Visit the Mount Cook National Park. This 722 square kilometers national park is home to 8 of the 12 largest glaciers in New Zealand and these glaciers make up 40% of the national park. The Hooker Valley Track is probably the most popular of the things to do in Mount Cook National Park and one of the best short walks! To say the least, it’s simply a stunning hike. The hike is also one of the most accessible hikes in the national park. At only 10km return the trail is flat and suitable for almost all fitness levels. Some of the highlights on the Hooker Valley Track include the Mueller Lake, Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake, and Mount Cook.
1. Whale watching in Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a marine life extravaganza. It has incredible views of the sea on one-side and the mountains on the other, making it the best activity to do in our New Zealand travel guide. Kaikoura is best known for its whale watching which continues to drive ecotourism each and every year. The season begins in the warmer months from November and continues through till March. If you’re lucky you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the annual whale migration from the shoreline or top of the peninsula. Explore more Fauna of the region as you go to the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway & Visit the Fur Seal Colony. The walk offers spectacular viewpoints which highlight the fur seal colony and hutton’s shearwater colony, a species of seabird only found in the Kaikoura seaward ranges.
We hope you enjoyed the only New Zealand travel guide that you will ever need from us that will make your trip with your TripMates to the country where there are more sheeps than people worth it! Join unique trips and find like-minded travelers or plan your own trip with JoinMyTrip. Share costs, experiences, and come home with unforgettable memories.
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