New Zealand: Things to do in North and South Island

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Kia Ora New Zealand!

Things to do in North and South Island

From pristine beaches to snow-capped glaciers, wine tasting to walking down Shire’s mystical land, New Zealand is the home of adventures. So pack your bags, buckle up, and set on a voyage to where you will experience adventure at every step! Did you know that this Middle Earth actually broadcasted its first weather update in Elvish Language in 2012? Are you excited to witness the beauty of Auckland and the 50 volcanic cones that it houses? Then voyage to the City of Sails and unveil the ravishing beauty with skiing, skydiving, bungee jumping, swimming with dolphins, and a lot more. So here is a list of the top things to do in New Zealand! Let’s go!

Surf on gigantic dunes at 90-mile beach

Are you an adventurous soul waiting to fight the sedentary lifestyle? Then a mystic white sand 90-mile beach with gigantic sand dunes waits for you! Surf or body-board on this white trails and explore a fun side to life.  

Surf on gigantic dunes at 90-mile beach

Voyage on the Bay of Islands

Do you want to explore some historical relics of New Zealand? Then voyage on the Bay of Islands featuring secluded inlets, pristine beaches, and deserted islands. You can go kayaking or dive in New Zealand’s marine life with dolphins and whales!  

Voyage on the Bay of Islands

Trek on the youngest volcanic island

An uninhabited island thrived with native birds and a steep track offering a 360-degree mesmerizing view of Auckland and its islands—does it ring and adventurous bell to the ears? If so, they take a kayaking route to Rangitoto Island on a warm evening with setting sun and open sky in your backdrop!

Trek on the youngest volcanic island

Wine tasting on Waiheke Island

Are you planning to visit the City of sails? Then don’t forego a day trip to Waiheke Island from Auckland City and taste some of the finest wine from the popular vineyards.

Wine tasting on Waiheke Island

Foodie’s delight at Giapo

Do you want to taste the world’s most incredible ice cream or the Colossal squid? If you are wondering how you can eat the 470kg squid exhibited at Te Papa Museum, wellington, Giapo has recreated an edible version of it along with other vegan varieties.  

Foodie's delight at Giapo

Breathtaking view from Auckland’s highest volcanic cone

Did you pack your hiking shoes? You will definitely need it as you take a walk to Mount Eden, the highest volcanic cone in Auckland! Don’t forget to view the ancient relics of Maori Village, the bustling harbors of Auckland, and the tranquil Eden Gardens!  

Breathtaking view from Auckland's highest volcanic cone

Kayak to a secluded cove

Amongst the best things to see in New Zealand, you cannot miss the Cathedral Cove situated on the North Island. So, take a boat tour or kayak and explore the cliffs and caves during your visit to this secluded cove!  

Kayak to a secluded cove

Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach

Bid goodbye to the expensive spas! It’s now some time for digging and creating your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach, New Zealand. With an astounding scenic beauty, soak yourself in the warm water and relax!  

Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach

The wonders of Hamilton Garden

Can you be in Italy, Japan, and New Zealand at the same time? Well, with Hamilton Garden, the impossible is now possible. Amongst New Zealand’s things to do list add this place as the majestic gardens have a well-designed theme that will immerse you in the pungent aroma of gardenias from Chinoiserie Garden to Maori cooking techniques at TeParapara Garden. 

The wonders of Hamilton Garden

Walkthrough Shire at Hobbiton

Gollum Gollum, the Baggins, and the Shire! Yes, you are in the real middle earth at Hobbiton in New Zealand’s North Island. Explore the magical land of Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film. Visiting this real-life movie set is amongst the top 10 things to do in New Zealand even if you are not a Peter Jackson fan!

Walkthrough Shire at Hobbiton

Ziplining at Glowworm cave

A trip to New Zealand’s North Island is incomplete if you miss the famous Waitomo caves—the home to millions of glowworms. Go on a boat ride and watch this magnificent event, or if you like adventure, take a zip line route with glowworms lighting till you reach the underground waterfalls!

Ziplining at Glowworm cave

Bubbling mud pools at Rotorua

Nature is a canvas, and you can experience the true form of it after you take a trip to Rotorua—the hotbed of major geothermal activities. The place exhibits bubbling mud pools, powerful geysers, and colorful volcanic lakes to entice the visitors.

Bubbling mud pools at Rotorua

Maori—unveil an ancient culture

Haere Mai to Te Papa—the land to explore the indigenous Maori Culture! You can also learn about the history and heritage of Maori Culture at Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua. Savor your taste buds with authentic Hangi (food cooked underneath the ground).  

Maori—unveil an ancient culture

All that is ‘Blue’

Do you want to set your eyes on one of the bluest lakes on earth with steaming craters and bubbling pools in its surrounding? Then take a trip to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Don’t forget to unveil the steaming Cathedral Rocks and Frying Pan Lake—the largest hot spring in the world located in its vicinity.

All that is 'Blue'

Sunset at Abel Tasman National Park

The South Island of New Zealand unveils the pristine stretches of coastlines, and amidst this, Abel Tasman National Park is a tropical oasis. Take a walk down the beach during sunset, go for some m time on a boat ride, or kayak to tranquil hideouts. Did you know the water here glows in the dark? Well wait till it becomes dark and witness the presence of phosphorescent planktons, a luminescent species glowing in the water.

Sunset at Abel Tasman National Park

Spot Humpback Whales in Kaikoura

Wanna have some me time with the largest mammal on earth? Then plan your trip to Kaikoura—New Zealand’s iconic destination for whale watching, including the humpback whales that find their route from Antarctica, especially in winter, while orcas thrive here in summer.

Spot Humpback Whales in Kaikoura

A spooky trip to New Zealand’s Castle

Abandoned castle, lurking shadows at night, and tranquil ambiance—gear up for an eerie adventure to the 19th Century New Zealand Castle on Otago peninsula! Stay for a night at the admirable guesthouses on the castle ground for an unforgettable experience.

A spooky trip to New Zealand's Castle

Witness the Southern Lights

Did you know that you can have a spectacular view of Aurora Australis from New Zealand’s South Island? Well, here is your chance to witness the dancing pink and green hue in the open and clear sky. Remote destinations like Catlins, Stewart Island, and Lake Tekapo are the best places to view the event.

Witness the Southern Lights

Jump from New Zealand’s Highest Bungee

Is Bunge Jump on your travel itinerary? A visit to Queenstown’s Nevis Valley cannot miss trying the famous and most terrifying bungee jump! No legend, no stories, no guts, no glory—brave hearts welcome onboard for an eternal tale for a lifetime!

Jump from New Zealand's Highest Bungee

Search for Gold in Arrowtown

From mystic land of gold to a warm golden landscape with orange and yellow autumn leaves, Arrowtown is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. It is like walking down a Hollywood rom-com movie set with colorful leaves falling on you!

Search for Gold in Arrowtown

Star Gazing at the Southern Cross in Tekapo

Stargazers, here is your chance to witness the glittering pieces in the sky with a tranquil and serene surrounding at Tekapo’s southern town. Soak in a hot tub with an open sky above, peer through the powerful telescopes, and dive in the world of celestial objects.

Star Gazing at the Southern Cross in Tekapo

Witness the snow-dusted peaks of Mount Cook

From the warm beaches to the land of snow, New Zealand is a land of mystery. So take a trip up the Canterbury Plains and reach Mount Cook, the highest mountain New Zealand. Indulge in small hikes or explore a strenuous hike on the Mueller Hut Route.

Witness the snow-dusted peaks of Mount Cook

Hike to the glaciers

Tie your hiking boots, wear your woolens, and pack some food because the mountains are calling! The Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are the two most spectacular snow-capped glaciers situated on the western coast of South Island. You can also take a helicopter ride above the mountains, but a walk on the gigantic icebergs is memorable.

Hike to the glaciers

Best time to visit New Zealand

New Zealand will leave an impeccable trail of memory in your mind with its mountainous tracks, pristine beaches, tranquil ambiance, and wonder lusting castles. It has unpredictable weather, and yet you can witness glorious days at any time of the year. However, we recommend you plan a trip during December to February, the peak seasons for beach lovers and hikers.

Haererā New Zealand! Till we meet again on another exotic journey conducted by Bucketlist!

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