Top Places to Visit in New Zealand
If you are looking to visit New Zealand, then you will have a lot of different options to choose from. This island country is located in the Pacific Ocean and is home to over 700 smaller islands. In addition to these, the country also has two main landmasses, which are the North Island and the South Island. The North Island is the largest of the two. With a total area of 268,021 square kilometres, it is the sixth largest island nation in the world.
Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves are one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, these caves are a great place to experience a natural wonder.
The caves were formed 30 million years ago when the limestone rock rose out of the sea. Over time, the limestone deposited calcium deposits that hardened into stalactites and arches.
There are two main types of tours at Waitomo Caves. Traditional tours and Black Water Rafting.
Traditional tours are more expensive but usually have good guides and well-maintained pathways. Tours last around three hours and are guided by torchlight.
A black water rafting tour is an adrenaline rush. Black water rafting is a great way to see the glow worms. These gnats are a unique species in New Zealand. Glow worms are a type of larvae, and they are only found in the country.
One of the most unique parts of the Waitomo Caves is the Glowworm Grotto. This grotto has thousands of glow worms. They are large enough to hold a crowd. They are incredibly photogenic and shine when they are touched by light.
Another unique feature of the caves is the tubing system. Tubing is available, but is limited. If you want to go tubing, you must make a reservation.
Queenstown
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, there’s something for everyone in Queenstown. With its stunning scenery, dozens of activities, and lively entertainment, this South Island town is a year-round favorite.
While Queenstown is best known for its bungee jumping and adrenaline-fueled activities, there are plenty of other fun things to do. You can rent an inflatable kayak, or take a jet boat on the Shotover or Dart rivers.
The Skyline Queenstown gondola is a great way to see the scenery. The gondola takes you to the top of Bob’s Peak, which is 446 meters high. You can choose to go to the top by yourself or with a tour. There’s a restaurant on top that offers an excellent seafood buffet.
Another great thing to do in Queenstown is to hike. This is a fun, family-friendly activity that’s easy to do. Hiking is one of the most common ways to enjoy the scenic views around Queenstown. If you want a challenge, try the Ben Lomond Track. It’s a 3.5-hour trek that takes you through the mountains and across some beautiful lakes.
For an even more exciting experience, you can visit a local vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting. Wine tasting tours are a popular way to learn about the wines of the area.
Abel Tasman National Park
One of New Zealand’s top attractions, Abel Tasman National Park offers visitors a chance to experience one of the world’s most unique and beautiful wildlife areas. This area is famous for its secluded coves, golden beaches and abundant birds.
The park is also home to the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the best walks in the country. To take advantage of this spectacular trail, pre-book a Department of Conservation campsite.
The park is accessible by water taxi, which are a great way to get around. These drop off and pick up walkers. You can even get a scenic cruise!
Kayaking is another great way to see the park. You can choose to do a day trip or a multi-day hike. There are also organized tours available from Nelson.
If you’re a more adventurous type, you can try sky diving. It’s a fun and affordable activity. However, it’s not for the faint of heart! Before you jump into the sky, you should ensure that you have enough water and insect repellent. Also, bring a head covering!
The park has numerous islands and secluded coves, so it’s ideal for swimming. While the water is largely shallow, it can sometimes be rough.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a city located on New Zealand’s North Island. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The area offers a variety of exciting activities for the whole family.
Mokoia Island is an isolated island in Lake Rotorua that is home to the sacred land of the Te Arawa tribe. It is also a sanctuary for some endangered species. Visitors can take a tour of the island.
Another of the top attractions in Rotorua is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This natural reserve is the youngest geothermal system in the world. With a huge boiling geyser and mud terraces, the area is an intriguing place to visit.
Another popular attraction in Rotorua is the Polynesian Spa. This luxury spa retreat has 28 mineral pools, two natural springs, and an alkaline mineral spring. Aside from the beautiful surroundings, the springs are also home to a large population of freshwater trout.
The Hobbiton village is a popular attraction for Tolkien fans. The village features iconic buildings with rounded doors and information about the film set. You can enjoy audio guides, a museum, and costumed guides.
Paradise Valley Springs is another great tourist destination in Rotorua. This 48-acre park has several freshwater springs and a native bush environment.
Chatham Islands
If you want to take a break from the city life, the Chatham Islands may be the perfect destination for you. The Chatham Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and part of New Zealand. These islands are a treasure trove of endemic plants and animals. They are located about 800 kilometers from the New Zealand mainland.
The islands are also home to the Moriori, an indigenous people. They developed a unique society and language on the islands.
Visitors to the Chathams can find a wide variety of walks, hikes and natural attractions. A local guide can show you around the island. There are also private tour operators who offer tours. Some of the most popular activities include fishing, boat trips and bird watching.
The Chathams are home to many endangered and rare species. Many of these animals are slowly recovering from decades of whaling.
In addition to the native species, the Chathams are also home to several stranded species of whales. Whales such as pilot and gray’s beaked whales have been known to strand on the islands. However, the population of whales on the islands is still small and sightings are sporadic.
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in the country and is the site of numerous exciting outdoor activities. For instance, there are many geothermal reserves and hot springs to explore, as well as plenty of outdoor sports, including skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking. In addition, there is an abundance of Maori culture and traditions. The area is also home to a rich variety of wildlife.
As one of the top destinations in New Zealand, Lake Taupo has plenty to offer visitors. One of the highlights is the Huka Falls, the highest waterfall in New Zealand and one of the most famous in the world. This stunning waterfall cascades over 36 feet into the gorge below.
For those who are interested in history, there is the Matahi Brightwell carving, located on a rock wall overlooking the lake. The carving is only accessible by boat.
Another must-see attraction is the Aratiatia Rapids. This narrow section of the Waikato River can be seen from three lookout points. They drop 28 meters over a one-kilometer channel. It is also featured in the movie The Hobbit, so there’s a good chance you’ve heard of them before.
Dunedin’s Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle is a great building to visit during your time in Dunedin, New Zealand. This Gothic Revival mansion was built in the late nineteenth century and is located on the Otago Peninsula. It has a unique history.
Larnach Castle is a heritage New Zealand building. The current owners have worked to restore the building over the last fifty years. There are a variety of events held at the castle, including balls.
Larnach Castle is open to the public and there are guided tours available. To schedule a tour, check out the website. A full day tour includes the interior of the castle and magnificent gardens.
Larnach Castle offers great views of the Otago Harbour. Visitors can take a stroll through the grounds and enjoy a variety of flowers and plants.
Larnach Castle is open seven days a week. There is a cafe that serves lunch and high tea. You can also enjoy a three-course dinner in the castle dining room.
The castle’s exterior features a large classic veranda. Inside you will find an intricately carved ceiling. This ceiling took six and a half years to create.
During the World War II era, the castle was used as a mental hospital. In the early twentieth century, the family fought bitter legal battles over Larnach’s will. After his death, the house was sold to various parties.
