Located 2587 air miles from its antipodean neighbour Australia, visiting New Zealand can feel like you’re travelling to the ends of the earth. However, with cosmopolitan cities, stunning natural landscapes, a thriving wine region and fascinating Maori culture, New Zealand truly is unlike anywhere else on earth and is well worth the time taken in getting there. Here are four reasons why you should visit New Zealand.
- Metropolitan cities
New Zealand is home to metropolitan cities that all have their unique vibe. Auckland, on the North Island, is the largest city in New Zealand and built on over 40 volcanoes! It is a harbour city and home to unusual black and white sand beaches and the Sky Tower. Christchurch, on the South Island, is a unique mix of urban regeneration and heritage, and provides the perfect gateway to the wild natural beauty of the South Island. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, is known for its vibrant cultural scene and craft beer. For a unique city experience, Napier is a must-visit. Situated on the North Island, the town boasts beautifully-preserved Art Deco architecture that will leave you thinking that you have transported back to the 1930s.
- Lord of the Rings filming locations
Anyone who’s seen the Lord of the Rings films are sure to have been blown away by the beauty of its mythical Middle Earth setting. However, Middle Earth exists, and it can all be found in New Zealand. A Lord of the Rings filming locations tour will allow you to experience for yourself various parts of the Fellowship’s quest. Start by visiting Hobbiton, the starting point of Frodo’s quest, where you can explore the cosy hobbit holes and enjoy a drink in the Green Dragon Inn. Then, journey further into Middle Earth to visit some of the most iconic locations from the trilogy, such as the Vale of Wizards and Rivendell. Led by knowledgeable guides, a filming location tour is a must for any JRR Tolkien fan.
- Adrenaline sports
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, there is possibly no better place to visit than New Zealand, offering everything from rafting to skydiving. The birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, the country now hosts a plethora of locations where you can put your life in the hands of a bungy. For real thrill-seekers, the Nevis Bungy, with a gut-churning 134 metre plunge, is the highest bungy, whilst Auckland’s Sky Tower also provides an iconic jump.
- Wine tasting
New Zealand is known all over the world for its wine, and no trip to the country would be complete without a wine tasting tour. Try a glass of pinot noir at Martinborough, an hour and a half’s drive from Wellington and gateway to over 30 vineyards. Or, if white wine’s more your tipple, visit Marlborough for some sauvignon blanc, the wine that cemented New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class wine producer. A few bottles of your favourite wine makes a great souvenir for your New Zealand holiday.