New Zealand can’t miss experiences to add to your wish list! Here’s a list of fun things to do in New Zealand, including travel tips!
It’s no secret – New Zealand is an amazing country. With its breathtaking scenery, super friendly New Zealanders and lots of fun experiences, you won’t be bored in New Zealand.
New Zealand Interesting Food Experience
Garbo Ice Cream
If you are looking for an event in Oakland, look no further. Fusing art and technology to creatively rewrite traditional ice cream consumption is Giapo’s Ice Cream. A self-proclaimed “wannabe artist,” Giapo, his wife Annarosa and their talented team have innovated the world’s most popular dessert not only in terms of flavor, but by making it a full-fledged culinary experience.
Delicious ice cream has never been more irresistible. We’ve never had the opportunity to eat ice cream made with chocolate lined Yorkshire pudding or tiny cones that you can wear on your fingers.
We’ve certainly never witnessed New Zealand’s main attraction in the form of a sweet icy delight; experience New Zealand’s famous giant squid as an indulgent edible in the form of an incredible giant squid – a chocolate covered ice cream with wild tentacles escaping from its core; or give your taste buds the the opportunity to visit Auckland’s tallest landmark, the Auckland Sky Tower – a delicious ice cream inside the shell of the chocolate Sky Tower, celebrating the landmark’s 20th anniversary.
As if that wasn’t enough, Giapo is currently working on incorporating bioluminescent bacteria into his creations, giving his desert an extraterrestrial glow and truly cementing its status as one of the best ice creams in the world and one of the most innovative and disruptive ice cream kitchens in America. History. Not surprisingly, Giapo’s ice cream masterpieces are some of the most featured treats on Oakland’s Instagram feed.
Kayak Tour Golden Bay
Kayaking is one of the most unique and rewarding ways to explore New Zealand and Golden Bay Kayaks will take you on a guided tour of Abel Tasman National Park where you will see some of the most spectacular scenery nature has to offer.
Whether you choose a 2-hour tour or a half-day excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand the wonderful rock formations, golden sands and crystal clear waters of the coast and islands.
Your kayak will glide smoothly through the natural arches of the bay while the dark shadows of stingrays pass beneath you. You may also encounter some seals lounging on the rocks of Tata Island or some reef herons pecking in the shallows.
The beauty of the kayak tour is that you will be able to reach some of the most remote caves and beaches the coast has to offer, taking in the unspoiled nature and some of the most beautiful and breathtaking views.
Whale Watching
Another great outdoor activity unique to New Zealand is whale watching. The nutrient-rich Kaikoura Gorge on the South Island is the only place on earth where sperm whales feed year-round, making it a must-visit destination.
During the warmer months, March through October, pods of killer whales can be seen passing by, so now is a great time to see these spectacular black and white creatures.
However, during the colder months you may see some humpback whales migrating from cold Antarctica to warmer waters, and you may even see blue whales – the giants of the ocean – last spotted in July this year, to the delight of many visitors.
Whale watching tours have a 95 percent success rate of actually spotting some whales, so it’s a great opportunity to see some wildlife in action and, of course, some spectacular natural scenery.
Another popular whale watching location includes Marlborough Sounds, which is located on a popular migration route between the North and South Islands, where baleen and orca whales can often be seen.
Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf is also a favorite for whale watching, and there is even a chance to see some playful dolphins jumping in the waters. If you’re planning a trip to Auckland, be sure to check out this Auckland itinerary.
Watch the whales!
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Explore these 30-million-year-old caves on New Zealand’s North Island and experience nature at its best. You won’t believe your eyes when you see the flickering glow from the darkness, thanks to these tiny bioluminescent worms found only in New Zealand.
The river at Glowworm Grotto winds its way through limestone structures, revealing endless light effects that leave the entire ship speechless, just soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty around it.
This is nature at its absolute best. A bonus is that there are many different caves to choose from, so a variety of budgets and preferences can be accommodated.
Book your trip today!
New Zealand Great Walks
New Zealand’s Great Walks are world famous for a good reason. To fulfill all your camping, hiking and nature dreams, the following compilation of trails caters for different levels of skill in a variety of different areas to ensure everyone has access to their nature fix.
For a light 30km loop hike suitable for beginners, follow the Rakiura Track along some tranquil sandy beaches, through cool towering forests, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the footprints of some native kiwi birds. For a loop hike of around 43km at an intermediate level, head to Tongariro National Park.
This truly spectacular World Heritage route offers everything from icy glacial valleys to beach forests and everything in between, but you must visit between May and October to avoid avalanche risk and reduced facilities.
The Milford Trail is probably the most acclaimed walking trail, offering breathtaking views of McKinnon Pass, the majestic Sutherland Falls and the ancient fjord national park rainforest along the way.
This hike is approximately 53 kilometers one way and can only be done between October and April.
Finally, for more experienced hikers, the Abel Tasman Coastal Trail in the national park of the same name offers beautiful sandy beaches, the clear blue Cleopatra Pool and an adrenaline-pumping 47-meter suspension bridge over the Cascade River. The trail has a mild climate and there’s a good chance you’ll find some chubby seals hanging out on the beach.
