31 Things to do in New zealand
Ever heard of Kerosene Creek or Rangitoto? Tongariro Crossing or the Glow worm walk in Waitomo?
Most of the gems are too enticing to be kept under raps forever, so here are the list to few unsual visits to New zealand that will take your mind offtrack for sure.
1. Kerosene Creek
A Walk alongside a dirt track beside a steaming creek of geothermally heated water is a natural spa bath, where thousands of bubbles forced down a rockface jet up to the surface.Many people who travel to Rotorua sit in concrete pits of heated mud, or swim in artificially heated hot springs that smell like a burnt match.There are no changing rooms.
2. Mt. Cook National Park
Mt. Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt. Cook. Within the park boundaries are an impressive variety of snow-capped peaks, glistening turquoise lakes, glaciers and broad plains.
3. Waitomo Glow Worm Walk
Glow Worm Walk is a path that allows you to view the larvae of the fungus gnat may not sound like a tourist magnet, yet the sight of tens of thousands of the organisms, better known as glow worms, is incredible. During the day it is a fun nature walk, but once night hits it comes into its own. In the pitch black glow worms pack the moist, fern-lined walls. Locals say the best time is after a dry spell.
4. Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto is an island not far from the city, and was created by a volcanic eruption about 600 years ago. A Maori term meaning "Bloody Sky", Rangitoto offers breathtaking views of Auckland. Along the way you can check out the lava caves or even try to spot a bit of New Zealand's floral emblem, the silver fern, growing.
5. Matakohe
The Kauri trees at Matakohe are some of the largest in the world. Some of them grow up to 50 metres in height and have a diameter of more than 10 metres. A thriving kauri lumber industry almost resulted in the extinction of this tree species but luckily some were saved.
6. The Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a stunning part of North Island. With its secluded coves and beaches and crystal-clear water, the area is a favourite holiday spot for many locals. Head to the town of Paihia and join a serene sailing trip around the bay. If you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins and penguins.
7. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
New Zealand's national museum, located in Wellington, is a portal to lost worlds. The natural history section is undoubtedly the best in the country. Te Papa boasts displays including a full 21-metre skeleton of a pygmy blue whale, and the world's largest known squid. The 495kg monster squid was hauled from Antarctic waters in 2007 and went on show from December 13, 2008. Other memorable exhibits include Phar Lap's skeleton, a piece of possum roadkill used to explain how fossils are formed, and an opportunity to touch a cast of a moa bone.
8. Tongariro Crossing
Stretching 19 kilometres most people complete the walk in a single day, although there are Department of Conservation huts along the route for those who want to break up the journey. Scenery changes dramatically, from the relatively flat lowlands at the beginning to a dusty moonscape, an icy alpine section, and finally a rainforest.
The volcanic mountain range is visually stunning with white snowfalls lying atop red and black soil. Bright green lakes set against the dark volcanic sands are eye-catching and during parts of the walk geothermally heated water steams out from cracks in the ground. The backdrop for much of the walk is the striking Lake Taupo.
9. The Tranz Alpine Train
The Tranz Alpine Train leaves Canterbury and crosses the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Southern Alps. One of the highlights during this train trip is the spectacular Arthur’s Pass. Imagine viaducts, tunnels, majestic mountain scenery, gushing rivers and gorgeous lakes. It's all packed on this trip.
10. Sheep show in Rotorua
This may be tacky to some but the sheep show here is enjoyed by thousands of tourists. The different varieties of sheep that can be found in New Zealand pass the revue as well as a sheep-shearing demonstration. It’s a noisy, humorous affair and fun for the whole family.
11. Cruise To Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s biggest attractions. The sound is simply awe-inspiring. Surrounded by huge snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls, with the splendid Mitre Peak in its middle, the sound is an absolute natural wonder. You could go on a cruise or a hike. Either way, be prepared for many unforgettable moments.
12. Marine life in Kaikoura
Kaikoura, a former whaling station, is popular as a base to explore the rich diversity of marine life that can be found along the coast. Penguins, seals, whales and dolphins can easily be spotted on a cruise from Kaikoura. One particular species of the whale is the Sperm whales that can be found all over Kaikoura coastline. It attracts the sperm whales because of the oceanic environment that is very wealthy in nutrients. This overwhelming creature can grow up to 20 metres in length and has the largest brain of any other animal on this earth.
13. Queenstown
On the shores of Lake Waikatipu, Queenstown is surrounded on three sides by majestic mountains, the most spectacular being the Remarkables and the Eyres mountains. The town is also the adventure tourism capital of New Zealand. If you’re looking for an adrenaline boost, Queenstown is the perfect place to be. Bungy-jumping, Paragliding and, Jet-boat ride down Shotover River will surely give you the rush. One can also opt to take the scenic Skyline cable-car to enjoy the views over Queenstown.
14. Sky City and Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is Auckland’s famous Landmark and was opened in August 1997. It stands at 328metres (1,076-ft) and is the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere. The sky tower is part of sky city and is visited by nearly one million people every year. Sky Tower is an excellent choice for a night out whether it’s the casino or simply a romantic evening at Orbit, the most unique and enjoyable restaurant at the top of Sky Tower.
15. Rainbows End
New Zealand’s top theme park is Rainbows End. Rainbows End is New Zealand’s Largest and Friendliest Theme Parks and it was opened in 1982. It is located in Manukau, South of Auckland and is also Manukau’s top attractions.
16. Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is rated Auckland’s among top things to do. There are so many things you can do here including coming along to one of Auckland Zoo’s events which are scheduled throughout the year with more over the kid’s school holidays.
17. Bungee Jumping
New Zealand is home to Bungee Jumping and is the world’s number one destination for this sport. Bungee jumping began in New Zealand in 1988 as a money making sport. The idea was inspired by A J Hackett's impressive jump from the Eiffel Tower in 1986.
18. Auckland Bridge Climb
Enjoy the thrill of a being 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean by joining Auckland harbours professional bridge climbers for an amazing journey on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. The experience lasts about 1 and half hours. The bridge is made up of elegantly new ladder-like pathways to make it easier for climbers. Once at the top of the bridge summit you will have an unforgotten time taking in the 360 degree views of Auckland where you will observe Superb picture views of a lively harbour, extraordinary island landscapes and exciting city skyline.
19. Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach
Situated in the Upper North Island, the 90 mile beach is the longest beach in New Zealand. It’s actually about 60 miles long. This beach is well-known for its enormous sand dunes and looks a lot like the Sahara Desert. The spectacular white sand beach is a must see for those who adore the sand and sea.
20. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
When William Jones noticed fog rising from a walking track in Hanmer in 1859, he had no idea he'd literally stumbled across what would become the area's key tourist attraction. That fog turned out to be steam rising from holes filled with hot water - Hanmer Springs' time had come as a location of soothing and healing waters.
Located 90 minutes drive north of Christchurch, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is a magnet for visitors. So much so, that in both year 2004 and 2005, it won Best Visitor Attraction in the New Zealand Tourism Awards.
21. Mission Bay
You don’t have to travel far from Auckland City to enjoy Auckland’s spectacular shores. Mission Bay is only 10 minutes drive from Auckland City. Not only will you find busy cafes, but also some of the most excellent restaurants and bars Auckland has to offer.
22. Abel Tasman National Park Beaches
A must see is the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest National Park. However, unlike Fiordland, it has one of the sunniest climate and the top coastal scenery in New Zealand and can be visited at any time of the year. Renowned for its golden beaches, granite cliffs and coastal track, the Abel Tasman is a perfect spot for sea kayaking, occasionally with a seal on board too.
23. About The Otago Central Rail Trail (150km)
The Otago Central Rail Trail will take you on a recreational passage of discovery, revealing truly breathtaking treasures not readily accessible by any other means and unlike any other in New Zealand. Once a busy railway line connecting Clyde to Middlemarch, it's now a scenic, secluded trail spanning 150km. Cycle over old wooden trestle bridges, through eerie tunnels and across acres of sun-drenched rocky plains, and stop and admire the majestic mountains and dramatic gorges.
24. The Lost Spring
A trip to The Lost Spring will sure feel like a trip to tropical island. Soak away your troubles and go tropical as you laze in tree-fringed sculpted pools in an enchanting garden setting featuring native and tropical plants. Enjoy a cocktail or a beer and a platter of treats as you relax in one of the pools flowing with crystal-clear geothermal water. The only sounds you'll hear are Pasifika music, the waterfalls and the songs of the tui and fantail that have made the surrounding gardens their home.
25. Gliding at Omarama
Enjoy Omarama's world-wide reputation for gliding due to the local northwest thermals. Nearby are the Clay Cliffs formed by active Osler fault line that continually exposes clay and gravel cliffs.
26. Walking on Stewart Island – Remote and rugged, New Zealand's newest national park is an increasingly popular destination for getting away from it all. Spectacular blood-red sunrises and sunsets are common.
27. Canterbury ski fields
You reach here and fulfil your sking wishes. Choose from a range of ski fields in the Canterbury region including Porters Heights, Mt Hutt and Temple Basin.
28. Hiking at Arthur's Pass
Hiking at Arthur's Pass includes a great, but challenging day walk up to Avalanche peak which offers panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
29. Westport Whitewater Rafting
Head to Westport for some action packed river adventure, white-water rafting at the Buller Gorge.
30. Farm stay
Find out about farming life in rural New Zealand. Held since 1862, Canterbury's annual A&P agricultural show in Christchurch is a great insight for locals and visitors alike when 'country comes to town.'
31. New Zealand's Great Walks
Polish up your boots and tackle Zealand's Great Walks, including the 'finest walk in the world'.
- By Sunil R Yadav
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