Best Things to See in New Zealand

If you’re heading off to New Zealand and you’re landing without an idea of where to go, you better be ready for a huge sensual overload.  New Zealand is home to the best places to see on the Earth, nature-wise or otherwise. Good thing you’ve stumbled upon this article. Here, we present to you a neat list of the best things to see in New Zealand. Prepare to be awed.


The History

From the biggest cities to the most intimate towns, you’ll see pockets of the rich historical nature of New Zealand.

Their culture revolves around the Polynesian migrations, European influences and the Maori culture. To date, many landmarks, stories, architectural structures and artworks reflect their cultural mix.

Some of the highlights of New Zealand history may be found in these places:

In Waitangi, where you can read and look about the treaty that changed their history big time.

In Napier, where the magnificent Art Deco sits and survives, even after the earthquake that shook New Zealand in 1931.

In Central Otago, many people flocked to the region in search for the gold items, the relics of the reported gold rush.


The National Parks

To date, New Zealand has more than a dozen National Parks. Natural or man-made, these parks are great places to catch many of the visual wonders of New Zealand. Some are gigantic - Fiordland National Park is at 1.2M hectares, while the Oamaru Victorian public gardens are small, but skillfully put together.

Truly, New Zealand landscape architects and gardeners are distinct for their energy and their eye on details. More than 30% of the entire country is filled with parks and reserves. If you’re the kind of person who delights at such botanic wonders, you’ll never run out of things to see, while you’re in New Zealand.


The Lakes

You want an instant picnic destination? A place to enjoy a moment of peace? You can go to the many beautiful lakes of New Zealand.

New Zealand is home to many lakes, because of many volcanic eruptions. In the South Island, most of the lakes were caused by glacial action, which caused many fiords.  In fact, one of the lakes here is about the size of a small country - Lake Taupo. Many come to lake Taupo for trout fishing. Aside from Lake Taupo, there are also many crater lakes all over the country.


The Coasts

Want the best slice of the best things to see in New Zealand? Beaches, that’s what the real deal is about. If you’re in New Zealand you have to prepare kicking off your sandals and pull out your sunblock. They’re home to many awesome beaches that are simply irresistible.

New Zealand has more than 15,000 kms of coastline. Pacific Ocean plays softly on the east coast, while the Tasman Sea ravages the rugged cliffs and weathered rocks on the west coast. If you love the ocean, you’ll love the coasts of New Zealand. There are road journeys on coastal roads, surfing, swimming with the dolphins, kayaking and many more.


The Islands

The islands in New Zealand are big tourist destinations. They say that the moment you reach the shore, you’ll feel an instant surge of positive energy, while you’re on one of their pristine islands. First there’s Stewart Island, Rakiura, which is home of the newest national park of New Zealand. Many think this is one of the best things to see in New Zealand, because it’s best for bird watching, hiking and stargazing.

Many people are also talking about the Bay of Islands, way up the Northern part of New Zealand. These islands are nestled in between Purerua Peninsula and the great Cape Brett. You can watch sunsets, go on a mini dinner cruises or go kayaking in this area.

Come to Auckland and you’ll love Waihehe. Waihehe is a hub for many things-to-do and sights-to-see. There are farmlands, virgin forests, golden beaches, olive groves and massive vineyards. It’s simply amazing.


The Trails

Walking is known as one of the best form of exercise. In New Zealand, it won’t take a lot to love this activity.

The country is brimming with beautiful walks and trails. You’ll see many forest reserves, conservation areas, coastal zones and their famous national parks. Don’t worry, you won’t have a hard time looking for tracks. Many national parks offer them and there are even some with fitness level matching, which makes it just right for any kind of walker out there.

Those are the best things to see in New Zealand. Try to drop by at least one of each category to make sure you’re making the most out of your New Zealand visit! For sure you’ll find it difficult to stop raving about your vacation for quite sometime.