One of the best things about New Zealand is that it’s full of surprises. It’s filled with a range of activities and adventures to suit every appetite. The only problem is trying to fit everything into one single trip. If you’re struggling to come up with a travel plan, we’re here to help with five things you definitely need to cross off your New Zealand bucket list.
Words: Colton Davis
- Go on a great walk or ride
One of the main New Zealand attractions is the scenery. So something that should be on everyone’s bucket list is taking the time to really throw yourself in and enjoy the sights on offer. There’s no better way to do that than with one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks. These are a range of easy tracks designed to take you through the best sites in New Zealand, including forests, lakes and rivers and of course, the famous mountain peaks. Want to take exploring into your own hands? We’d recommend hiking near Milford Sound, which was famously named by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world. Now, that’s a bucket list item to cross off!
2. Take the plunge with a bungee jump
If you’re a true adrenaline junkie, you can’t visit New Zealand without taking part in a bungee jump. If you’re looking for the best place to jump, try Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge. It will be an experience you will never forget!
3. See underwater treasures while diving or snorkelling
New Zealand is famous for its wildlife and sea life. What better way to experience this than by getting up close and personal with some of its underwater creatures? The Poor Knights Islands – located just off the east coast of the Northland region – are the perfect place to go snorkelling or diving in New Zealand. That’s because the islands were carved out of a series of volcanoes, leaving a set of gorgeous underwater arches and tunnels for you to explore.
4. Hike the Tongariro Crossing
You don’t need to be a seasoned explorer to enjoy some of New Zealand’s best tracks and trails. In fact, you can enjoy the day-long Tongariro Crossing, home to New Zealand’s oldest national park and world heritage site, with just an average level of fitness.
5. Journey into Middle Earth
What would New Zealand be without Lord Of The Rings? For fans looking to dive further into Middle Earth, there are several film locations you can travel to in order to immerse yourself into this world. In addition, why not visit the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, before heading to have a pint at the Green Dragon pub?
Whatever you plan to do in New Zealand, make sure you do your research first and stay safe out there, particularly for the thrill seekers out there! For more information and secret insider tips – including the one dish you need to try in New Zealand, Bluff Oysters – visit The Secret Traveller blog.
Have fun crossing off your New Zealand bucket list!
Queen of Treasures 
I was there weeks but wasn’t able to many things. I only did a great walk in your list. The country has got too many nice spots.
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New Zealand has always been on my bucket list. I am a huge fan of LOTR so, this is a dream to see the quirky house and of course, journey through middle earth. Can’t wait to visit soon.
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As New Zealand is one of the places I intend to travel, your article was perfect for me. I’d like to hike at least a few of the Great Walks as well as tour some of the Lords of the Rings sites. Additionally, since hiking is what I intend to do for most of my visit I have added your recommendations to my itinerary.
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A friend of mine is living in New Zealand and is always in awe about how amazing the island is! I’ve never been in the direction of Oceania and it would be amazing to head that side.
It would be totally awesome to visit the LOTR shooting spots. Day long trek in Tongariro Crossing is something I’d love to do. Good to know its do-able with average fitness level. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it with my baby in babywearing, though!
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Journey in the Middle Earth is a must. I am a LOTR fan and I can’t stop thinking of NZ since then. I would love to take a tour there and take some great pictures.
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A friend of ours moved from the UK to New Zealand and I’d love to visit. I really love your suggestion of five activities we should not miss. The one that appeals the most to me is to see the local wildlife, both the underwater sea life at The Poor Knights Islands or elsewhere on land.
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New Zealand is such a treasure trove of experiences and with so much of natural beauty. Adventure is another dimension that comes really alive in New Zealand. Would love to head there for bungee jumping, have heard a lot about Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge and its thrilling bungee jumps, hope to get there someday.
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I’ve heard a lot about New Zealand’s beauty but never got a chance to vist the country yet. Great walks is a nice idea to explore the natural beauty of the place. I would love to try the bungee jumping – what an adrenaline pumping adventure! Hobbiton movie set is something I would so love to see – who doesn’t want to take a stroll in Shire?
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When I think of New Zealand snorkeling does not come to mind. I did not initially have NZ on our list on countries to visit during our gap year but your article has be reconsidering. I was worried about the expenses being high relative to Asia but it may be worth it. Do you think wecan cur cost by finding free things to do?
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