If you are an outdoorsy, adventurous, nature loving person like myself, then New Zealand is the place to go! This past November I travelled to New Zealand with five of my close friends for a trip of a lifetime. There is so much to do and see there that our two weeks flew by and it was not nearly enough time. But here are 10 things you must do while in New Zealand (in my opinion).
Bungee Jumping: I originally told myself I would never bungee jump due to my fear of heights and impending death if the bungee snapped. BUT I decided to do it for the sole fact that I could say I did it and to cross it off the bucket list. To be honest, it was the greatest choice I’ve ever made and the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had. My friends and I chose to bungee jump off the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. This historic suspension bridge of the 1880s is the birthplace of the the modern bungy jump.
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves: My friends and I did the Black Abyss Tour through “The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co”. If you don’t mind the dark, cold water, and glowing worms all around you then I highly recommend this trip! We got to repel in to the cave, zip line through the cave, tube down a river while looking at glow worms, eat cookies, and climb waterfalls. Truly an amazing experience.
Cathedral Cove: My friends and I drove around the Coromandel Peninsula on the second portion of our trip and decided to hike to Cathedral Cove. The views were gorgeous, plus you get a workout in. It’s a win, win in my eyes.
Te Puia- Rotorua Geothermal and Geysers: This place has the Pōhutu Geyser which is the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. We were lucky enough to be there at one of the times it erupted. The scenery also makes you feel like you are in Jurassic Park, pretty neat.
Hot Water Beach: Rent a shovel, dig holes, and make your own hot tubs! It took us awhile to find the right spot to dig, but once we did, it was totally worth it. The volcanic activity underneath the ground creates hot water springs that you can sit in and relax on the beach. The springs are usually accessible two hours either side of low tide (according to a sign I read).
Hobbiton: Even if you’re not a Lord of the Rings fan, it’s a must see. The land is gorgeous, the hobbit holes are amazing, plus you get a free drink at the “Green Dragon Inn” at the end. No Frodo sightings though, pretty disappointed.
Zip lining/Luging in Queenstown: This adventure starts with a ride on a gondola up a mountain with beautiful views. Zip lining was a blast as the guides taught us how to flip upside down while going down the world’s steepest zip line. After that is done, we rode the gondola back up for some real life Mario Kart aka luging. It is a lot more fun than it looks, especially when you have friends to race.
White Water Rafting: If you’re an adrenaline junky this is the activity for you! We got helicoptered in to the river and then introduced to our rafting guide. The rapids are no joke and we got the ride of our lives!
Wine Tour: Even if you’re not a wine drinker, I would still suggest going just for the scenery. All the wineries are in valleys surrounded with mountains and the views are breathtaking. In my opinion, the wine and cheese are amazing too.
KJet: This was a speed boat that zipped us around the lakes and rivers along with adding some spins to the mix. Be prepared to get wet!
There are TONS of other things to do in New Zealand and these were just a few of my favorite things I got to experience while there. I will definitely be making a trip back to New Zealand as it was one of my favorite places I have traveled to.
