There’s so much to see and do in this country, I couldn’t possibly list it all here. Here are some of my highlights to visit if you’re on a 2–4 week holiday. I suggest renting a car or van to get around as you have the freedom to stop at the many lovely spots along the way to bigger highlights. The seasons will affect the type of holiday you have here so be sure to consider whether you’re looking for warm and mild temperatures or snow adventures!

North Island

The Bay of Islands is a subtropical wonderland of beautiful beaches and islands worth spending a few days on if you’re here to relax. I see New Zealand as more of an active adventure holiday spot though and all that stuff is to be found further south.

The Coromandel has some beautiful beaches with excellent walks and the hot water beach is very interesting here- you can make your own jacuzzi bath by digging into the sand on the hot water beach!

Rotorua is home to many geothermal parks where you can witness some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Bubbling sulfur cauldrons and mysterious mud that cracks through the surface of the earth. It’s also the perfect place for visiting thermal baths.

Lake Taupo is a great adventure sports hub that is cheaper than its South Island counterpart Queenstown. It’s also a very beautiful lake and the best base for exploring the mountain ranges for amazing trekking like the Tongariro Crossing.

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves are a real sight to behold, a huge network of caves where it’s possible to witness the glowing worms above your head.

If you’re into Lord of the Rings then you can visit Hobbiton!

The South Island

Kaikoura is a beautiful coastal town on a peninsula and it’s the best place to see whales which I highly recommend that you do. It was my highlight of NZ.

Marlborough is an excellent wine region in the north where you can do many tastings and also see the beautiful Marlborough sounds if you head to Picton. The drive up here from Kaikoura is beautiful and offers the chance to see sea lion colonies.

The Fiordland National Park is home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world, similar to Marlborough but bigger and more majestic. Head to Doubtful Sound for a calmer and quieter experience, or Milford Sound which is more frequented by tourists. They are both in the south and make sure you have good weather before spending money on a tour here. Apologies I couldn’t find any blue sky photos for these places, you have to be really lucky to get those!

Doubtful Sound

Milford Sound

Abel Tasman is excellent for trekking and lovely walks in lush green forests and secluded beaches.

The west coast of the south island is known for its gorgeous landscape including the Pancake Rocks and many wild beaches. Driving here through the middle of the island will take you through Arthur’s Pass or Lewis Pass which are both stunning and deserve to be taken slowly to soak up the views.

Many people visit Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier on their NZ trip but I personally wouldn’t bother. I went 5 years ago and hiked on it which was amazing, and then went back this January and you wouldn’t believe how much it has receded. It’s not worth the time, but they won’t tell you that as they still have to make money from this attraction. If you’re interested in glaciers you must go to Patagonia, but don’t waste your time on this trip, there’s so much more to see here.

Lake Wanaka and Queenstown are beautiful calm lakeside resorts with plenty of activities to do. Wanaka is quieter and the drive here from the west coast is insanely beautiful. Queenstown is more of a party town, but that’s in NZ standards so it’s still pretty chilled. There’s plenty of fun to be had late at night at the bars in town though. And giant food as well at Ferg Burger and Fat Badger’s Pizza. Work it all off by doing a skydive 😉

Queenstown

Wanaka

~ Lauren Gold, lived in New Zealand

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What You Need to Know While Visiting New Zealand: The Real Middle Earth

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This tiny island country, just a few hours from Australia, is truly a paradise. It’s no wonder that the Lord of the Rings films were shot here, the land where Mother Nature has outdone herself. Sprawling valleys, rolling hills, hues of green as far as the eye can see, and the vast expanse of the ocean enveloping them all. Read ahead to find out why you should visit New Zealand soon…

People

New Zealanders, or Kiwis as they are affectionately termed, are a melting pot of Maori, Asian, European and Pacific Island cultures. Pioneers in many ways, having had to develop the island from scratch, this trait has been passed on through generations. Did you know that frozen meat, bungee jumping and the electronic petrol pump are all Kiwi inventions? These resourceful folks also have a strong sense of community. ‘Kia ora’ which means hello, is a common greeting you’ll hear but loosely translated, you are wishing the essence of life upon another. Now isn’t that rather lovely?

Nature

Truly a spectacle of nature, there’s a bit of everything in New Zealand. Explore the rugged, volcanic mountains in North Island to the grandeur of the Southern Alps emerging from the South Islands, and the vast Canterbury Plains in the middle. You’ll also find geothermal areas with tranquil hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A plethora of beaches for your holiday pleasures, jump between the dark sands of the northern beaches and the wilder shores of South Island. New Zealand doesn’t disappoint in the winter-front, with stunning glaciers over the Alps, the most famous being the humongous Tasman glacier! Do check out the fjords, formed thanks to sunken mountains, where there are steep lush hills and deep blue bays.

Cuisine

Many a tale has been spun about the steadfast Kiwi favourites: fish, chips and barbecues. But the New Zealand gastronomy experience goes beyond that, and how! Be prepared for a smorgasbord of seafood dishes made from mussels, crayfish, oysters and of course, the catch of the day! Allow your tastebuds to savour the award-winning Kiwi cheeses and their famous lamb, complemented with a refreshing glass of wine. Wherever you choose to eat, you are sure to have a splendid meal coupled with the laidback Kiwi atmosphere, the perfect holiday dineout experience!

Wildlife

Thanks to the bountiful spread of nature, New Zealand has an equally tremendous range of wildlife! Did you know that most of New Zealand’s native birds are flightless? It’s not just the kiwi, but the kakapo parrot, takahe and the now extinct, moa! You may also spot keas, wekas, tui and the morepork owl, so named for its distinct calling sound. In the oceans, you’ll find whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and several pacific fish. The world’s rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector’s dolphin is found only in the New Zealand waters!

Do allow us at Pickyourtrail to design your magnificent New Zealand vacation! Pack your bags and get ready to visit the Shire in real life, swim with the dolphins and melt your blues away!