New Zealand Travel Tips
New Zealand is one of my favorite travel destinations, and with good reason. Simply said, it has something for everyone, from world class museums to the best adventure travel in the world. To truly know and explore New Zealand would take years, but that’s not to say you can’t see some of the best New Zealand has to offer using these travel tips.
New Zealand City and Region Guides
Christchurch
Franz Josef
Queenstown
Rotorua
Waitomo
Wanaka
Top Activities in New Zealand
Glowworm Caves – A true natural wonder, descend below ground to witness firsthand the bioluminescence in Waitomo.
Black Water Rafting – A fast paced tubing adventure in the glowworm caves of Waitomo. The ultimate way to explore these famous caves.
OGO – Human Hamster Ball – Imagine a huge ball filled with a little water racing down a steep hill. Now imagine yourself inside and you have one of the most fun experiences found anywhere in the world.
Agrodome – Family friendly farm experience located just outside Rotorua. Enjoy a day seeing a live farm in action with exhibitions and demonstrations.
Te Puia – Maori Experience – A must-do experience for anyone who wants to learn more about Maori history, culture and life. Stay for the evening show and hangi dinner.
Polynesian Spa – One of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. This Rotorua facility features a variety of natural baths that are guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate.
Christchurch Antarctic Centre – Christchurch is the gateway to Antarctica, and this hands on museum and activity center is the best way to learn about the frozen continent. Kids especially will love the hands-on penguin experience.
Tranz-Alpine Train Journey – Called one of the best train journeys in the world, this 4-hour trek across the Southern Alps is a true bucket-list experience.
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Experience – There are many ways to explore the Franz Josef glacier on New Zealand’s South Island, but only a helicopter ride can give you breathtaking views and a chance to land on top of the mighty glacier itself.
New Zealand Wine – New Zealand is one of the top wine producing countries in the world, and there are hundreds of wineries to explore.
Wanaka River Journeys – Wanaka is Lord of the Rings country, and a jet boat ride is the only way to easily access some of the most picturesque areas of Wanaka.
Queenstown Zip Lining – Queenstown is the capital of adventure travel in New Zealand, and the ZipTrek experience is one of the most extreme and fun activities in this mountain town.
Hobbit Hotel – For a truly unique hotel experience, you can’t miss the chance to stay in a hobbit cottage in the heart of Hobbitland, Waitomo.
Additional New Zealand Resources
Experiencing the Air New Zealand 777 – Long Haul Review
Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting New Zealand
42 Things I Love About New Zealand
Reflecting Cook and Tasman – Getting the Perfect Photo at Lake Matheson New Zealand
Finding the Words for Christchurch
The Great West Coast Drive Experience – Greymouth to Franz Josef Glacier
On the Road Again – Franz Josef to Wanaka on the Great West Coast Drive
Dinner and a Movie Wanaka Style – Enjoying a Night Out at Cinema Paradiso
Finding Hidden Travel Secrets – The Med Market in Wanaka
New Zealand iPhone Apps
Exploring New Zealand is a lot of fun, and here are my favorite apps to help you on your next trip.
Air New Zealand mPass – mPass allows users to monitor all domestic/international flights, check reservation details and use your iPhone as a boarding pass. Cost – Free
AucklandNZ – The official iPhone app for Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. This app lists activities, attractions and events. Cost – Free
Auckland Insider – Not your usual travel guide. This app provides a unique Insider/Outsider view of New Zealand, seen through the prism of Auckland. Cost – $2.99
New Zealand Adrenaline Adventure Travel – The ultimate app for thrill seekers, the app features just about every amazing, once-in-a-lifetime, thrill-seeking adventure the island nation has to offer. Cost – $2.99
New Zealand Spot-On – Created by Air New Zealand, this is an extremely well done and useful mobile app. With the app users can find local WiFi, learn more about New Zealand destinations, book flights and download a full map of the country. Not bad for free. Cost – Free
New Zealand’s South Island Travel Guide – Expert travel writers point out the best there is on the South Island. Sights, activities, hotels and restaurants are all featured in this one-stop-shopping South Island app. Cost – $1.99
