Kia Ora, welcome to paradise.
When most people think of New Zealand, they probably think of incredible national parks, the Kiwi bird, and The Lord of the Rings. That's all fine and well, but really the first thing that you need to know is that New Zealand is incredibly diverse and unique.
How unique, you ask? New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and friendly locals help make the Land of the Long White Cloud unique. This is a place where something new will await you every day. Few destinations boast so many staggering natural wonders packed into such a small area. To help, here are our top 10 reasons why you need to visit New Zealand as a matter of urgency.
1. Diverse and Unspoiled Scenery
Made up of two main islands, New Zealand has an amazing range of breathtaking scenery, from beaches and subtropical forests in the North to glaciers, lakes, and snow-covered mountains in the South. There are also fjords, volcanoes, hot springs, and beautiful rolling green pastures, a diversity like no other place on earth. Cathedral Cove is one example of an unspoilt landscape, here you will find a gigantic arched cavern passing through a headland to joining two secluded coves, making a cathedral-like arch.
2. Remarkable Māori Culture
New Zealand’s indigenous people are known as the Māori and are an integral part of Kiwi life adding unique experiences for visitors such as visiting Tamaki Māori village, 15km south of Rotorua. Here you will find a recreated traditional village under the shelter of an ancient 200 year native Tawa Forest. Discover what traditional life was like for communities, learn about honoured traditions, food, and songs.
3. Home to some of the best wine
The temperate climate and soil diversity has allowed this country to produce some of the best wines in the world. Thanks to the oceanic climate, an abundance of sunshine and nights cooled by the sea breeze, New Zealand is very famous globally for its wine. Marlborough is the country’s leading wine producer, with many other wineries scattered around the North and South islands.
4. Unique wildlife
Birds, prehistoric reptiles, rare dolphins, and many other creatures call New Zealand home. With rare wildlife to discover, it makes the destination a unique wildlife hotspot. Kaikoura is one of the only places in the world where sperm whales can be seen year-round, known locally as the ‘Marine Serengeti’ this picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura is the perfect place for marine life encounters, coastal walks and tucking into fresh seafood.
5. Perfect self-drive destination
Picture this – waking up to a view of Rotorua’s geothermal geyser and being stunned by the beauty of the Redwood Forest. Enjoy having full control of where you go and for how long, take the road less travelled and make spontaneous decisions on a self-drive holiday. With clear signage, excellent road conditions and a gateway to the some of the most stunning views on the planet – a motorhome holiday in New Zealand is the perfect way to explore this gorgeous destination. You’ll feel right at home driving on the left side of the road!
6. Visit the home of adventure
Bungee jump in Nevis Canyon, the third highest bungee in the world, kayak the crystal clear waters in Abel Tasman National Park or Heli hike on the Franz Josef glacier. If adventure sports and extreme activities press all your buttons, then New Zealand is the destination for you. From sky-diving to hiking there is something for all abilities and ages. Located just off 23km off New Zealand’s Tutukaka Coast, the Poor Knights Island is an international icon, the clear subtropical waters are a paradise for orca and rays, stingrays are often sighted in the water.
7. Sail Doubtful Sound
Sometimes called the 'Sound of Silence', Doubtful Sound is the deepest (421 metres) and second longest (40 kilometres) of the South Island's fiords. Discover the breath-taking, pristine wilderness scenery of Doubtful Sound, deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in the vast and untouched landscapes. There is no doubt that it will take your breath away, with no direct access, the only way you can get to Doubtful Sound is by cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound?
8. Safety
New Zealand is known for being one of the friendliest countries in the world, championing equality, cultural diverseness, and the overall laid-back attitudes of New Zealand’s friendly locals.
9. Stay in a luxury lodge
Experience New Zealand's finest luxury lodges from mountains to the sea, rivers to lakes, there is plenty of opportunity to experience outstanding landscapes and fantastic locations. Unique accommodation can be found at the Hapuku Lodge located in the whale watching town of Kaikoura, one of the most beautiful places in the world. This 5 star eco-retreat is nestled 30feet in the air, the tree houses sit amongst a native Kanuka Grove underneath the majestic Kaikoura Mountains.
10. Visit Middle Earth
Enter the Tolkien inspired world of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies in the real filming location of Hobbiton. Explore the props and sets from the films as you hear stories from a knowledgeable guide as you immerse yourself in this fantasy world. The famous director of Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson, is also from New Zealand himself. If you’re a fan of the trilogy, then you can can go on the popular Hobbiton tour, or you can visit some of the many free film locations around the country.
Inspired to take a trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud? Explore our wide range of New Zealand holidays.
