New Zealand is a gorgeous country with lots of things to do. You'll never run out of adventure or things to see and do, so here are some ideas on where to travel in New Zealand.
Matamata
If you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings and want to see where the Shire was filmed, Matamata is your place. It's also home to Hobbiton, the Green Dragon Inn and all sorts of other Middle-earth locations. What makes Matamata so great? It's an adorable town with a population of around 5,000 people (and dogs!). There are plenty of things to do here - from taking photos at Hobbiton to exploring nearby vineyards or visiting farms - but if you want something more exciting than just walking around town then head over to Tauranga for some shopping or surfing lessons at Bay City Surf School!
Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and the largest city in Polynesia. It's also a major port city and gateway to the country, as well as a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of things to do here, including visiting museums or going shopping at one of its many malls. If you're interested in learning more about Auckland's history, visit National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; it houses artifacts from all over Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand).
If you're looking for somewhere quieter than downtown Auckland, try heading out into nature by hiking along one of its many trails or spending some time at nearby beaches like Piha Beach Park or Bethells Beach Reserve with your friends!
Queenstown
Queenstown is a resort town in the South Island of New Zealand, on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu. It has an international reputation as a tourist destination, with adventure and ski tourism being major components of the economy. Queenstown is known for its scenery, including dramatic mountain peaks and rivers running through steep-sided gorges that cut into them; for this reason it's often called "The Adventure Capital of New Zealand". The town has an elevation of 1,350 metres (4,430 ft) above sea level and is situated within a national park - The Wakatipu Basin Historic Area.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a town in the Bay of Plenty Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It's located on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. The town has been settled for over 700 years by different iwi (tribes) from all around New Zealand, including Ngati Rangi, Tuhourangi, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Whakaue - some of which still live there today!
Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves are a must-see attraction in New Zealand. The glow worms are the most famous part of this cave system, but you can also explore it on foot and by boat. The limestone formations here are beautiful to look at, too! They were formed over millions of years by water that seeped through cracks in the rock and deposited calcite crystals on the surface. The best way to see both is by taking an underground boat tour through some parts of the caves (it's safe!). You'll get an idea of what life was like for early Maori settlers who lived there before Europeans arrived in New Zealand centuries later.
Te Anau and Milford Sound
Te Anau is a town in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. It's connected to Milford Sound by the Milford Road, which winds through Fiordland National Park before ending at its namesake waterway. If you're planning to visit Te Anau and/or Milford Sound, it's important to know that many visitors choose to stay at one place for several days - so if you're looking for more than just a quick stop on your way from Queenstown or Christchurch (or even Dunedin), consider booking accommodations ahead of time!
Christchurch, Akaroa and Kaikoura
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, and was badly damaged by an earthquake in 2011. Akaroa is a small town on the Banks Peninsula, home to many vineyards and wineries. Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination for whale watching and fishing.
Wellington, Nelson, Napier and Picton (the Marlborough wine region)
If you're looking for a city break, Wellington is the place to be. The capital city has plenty of museums and galleries to explore as well as plenty of outdoor activities like hiking or cycling around its many green spaces. If you want to get away from it all but still stay close by then Nelson is ideal - it's the main city on New Zealand's South Island and has great beaches nearby where you can relax with a bottle of local wine (the Marlborough wine region).
Napier is another coastal town that has been beautifully restored after being damaged in an earthquake in 1931; its Art Deco center makes it one of our favorite places in New Zealand! Finally there's Picton - this small town sits on the east coast of NZ's South Island offering great ocean views but also easy access into Queen Charlotte Sound Marine Reserve where there are lots more things for nature lovers like whale watching trips available through boat companies based there too!
New Zealand is a beautiful country with lots of things to do
New Zealand is a beautiful country with lots of things to do. It's one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a diverse landscape from mountains to sea. It also has many different climates and ecosystems that make it an ideal place for hiking, biking or fishing. If you're planning on visiting New Zealand soon, we've put together some tips so that your trip goes smoothly.
New Zealand is a beautiful country with lots of things to do. It's also very easy to get around, so you can plan your trip without worrying too much about logistics. If you want some inspiration for what to see in New Zealand or how long it might take you to get from one place to another, check out our website!