50 things to do in New Zealand Part 1

New Zealand doesn’t get almost 2.5 million international visitors (from Statistics New Zealand) to its shores each year for nothing! If you’re planning a holiday to Aotearoa, make sure to pop a few of these ideas on your to-do list.

90 Mile Beach, Northland

A beach so long it’s classed as a highway! Great sand dunes and ocean swimming.

Akaroa, Canterbury

A charming French settlement with a scrumptious cafe culture.

Arthurs Pass, Canterbury

For forest and mountain scenery, with plenty of mischievous kea, visit Arthurs Pass.

Baldwin Street, Dunedin

The steepest street in the world.

Blue Lake, Nelson Lakes National Park

The clearest lake in the world.

Bluff oysters, Southland

Famously delicious oysters, enjoyed around New Zealand between March and August

Cape Palliser, Wairarapa

WARNING: Contains historic lighthouse (built 1897), adorable seals and stunning ocean views.

Cape Reinga, Northland

Cape Reinga is where two oceans meet at NZ’s northernmost point.

Cape Foulwind Seal Colony, West Coast

Unfortunate name, but amazing seal colony.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

A famous ‘must-visit’ of NZ.

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland

Don’t doubt, Doubtful Sound features nature at its best. Book a cruise to enjoy its ‘sound of silence’.

Fossicking for gold

NZ history is filled with gold. To try your hand at finding some, visit Arrowtown or Shantytown.

Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, West Coast

Grab a scenic flight, lace up your hiking boots or drive on up to one of these glaciers, almost adjacent to each other.

Goat Island Marine Reserve, just north of Auckland

Established in 1975 – our first marine reserve. Excellent swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Hamurana Springs, Rotorua

The deepest freshwater spring in the North Island, surrounded by a pristine nature sanctuary.

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata

Need we say more?

Hot springs

NZ has numerous natural and commercial hot springs. Try Rotorua, Hot Water Beach and Hanmer Springs.