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Traveller looking across from Roys Peak in New Zealand

Top 10 Must-Sees in New Zealand

New Zealand frequently tops polls as one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. Is it the scenery? A hike on the coast track through Abel Tasman National Park might make you think so. Is it the food? Dine in Wellington and you’d be tempted to say yes. Is it the outdoor activity? Well, this is the home of extreme sports (the world's first commercial bungee jump opened here in 1988)… Whatever it is, this amazing country will certainly give you a trip to remember!

Iona, one of our travellers, explored New Zealand in all it's glory over four weeks. She's written in with her list of ten must-sees for anyone who visits this beautiful country:

1. The sea split into two separate colours - dark blue to bright turquoise - staring down from North Point in Devonport, across from Auckland Harbour.  

A stony beach and water with two different colours at North Point in Devonport, across from Auckland Harbour

 

2. The actual Milky Way (and a blanket of stars) on a clear night spent lying in geothermal pools at blissful Hot Water Beach

A man next to a tent looking at the night sky

 

3. A taste of traditional Māori culture, and a terrifying performance of the Haka, at the Tamaki Dinner and Cultural Show, Rotorua.

Maori people performing the Haka

 

4. Hot water geysers spurting hundreds of feet high, from inside the geothermal park at Te Puia cultural center, Rotorua.  

A guide next to a geothermal hot water geyser with rising steam

 

5. lake the size of Singapore! The largest lake in the Southern Hemisphere - Lake Taupo

A person looking out over Lake Taupo and the surrounding mountains

 

6. The view of the breathtaking Franz Josef glacier - from the air, or on frozen ground!

Franz Josef Glacier with blue lakes and icy mountain peaks

 

7. The sight - and sound - of total silence in stunning River Valley - nothing but trees, turquoise rivers, and not a wifi spot to be found! 

A group of people standing on a path along River Valley, New Zealand with a waterfall and river

 

8. 'Eighth Wonder of the World' Milford Sound, by boat. Five hours outside of Queenstown by road, with a drive down every bit as beautiful as the Sound itself!

A lake and surrounding mountains in Milford Sound

 

9. The famous 'Wanaka Tree' at sunset, perfectly reflected in the mirror-like surface of Lake Wanaka.  

The famous Wanaka tree with birds in, against a backdrop of a lake and icy mountains

 

10. Take a trip into Peter Jackson and JRR Tolkien's, imaginations - whether you're a Lord of the Rings fan or not, the 'Hobbiton' movie set is iconic for a reason! 

A group of people standing in front of a sign for Hobbiton

 

If the above has given you some serious wanderlust (how can it not?!) then check out our amazing Oceania tours! Or, if you have any questions about New Zealand (or any of our other amazing trips) then give us a call on 01892 280555 or jump on our live chat! 

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