Top 10 Things To Do In New Zealand

It’s not hard to make a list of some of the most amazing activities that one can get up to on a New Zealand holiday. So let me begin by first saying that the list I’ve created below on the “Top Ten Things To Do In New Zealand” is based on my personally experiences from traveling around the South Island on a couple of different occasions.

1. Helicopter Flight Over Fox Glacier - Mt Cook Helicopter Flights

One of my favorite memories from touring around New Zealand was flying over Fox Glacier in a bright red helicopter on a crystal clear autumn morning. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, we landed on the majestic and ore inspiring Mt Cook. For a couple of hundred dollars you and a friend could share this magically experience. This is number one on my list of top ten things to do in New Zealand. If you like scenic flights don’t missed this one.

2. Cruising Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park

The magical waterfalls and shear peaks of Milford Sound attract tens of thousands of visitors to this part of the country every year and its not hard to see why. If your lucky like me to see the sun shining on the Milford Sound just after rain you’ll be mesmerized by hundreds of cascading waterfalls ranging from quite small to simply overwhelming. Cruising on one of the many ships that traverse this wild place, time will simply stand still. If your lucky and keep an eye out, you’ll catch a glimpse of the wild sea lions sun baking on the volcanic rocks that line the edge of the water.

3. Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

There something magical when it comes to exploring the wonder of the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves on a cold rainy night in autumn. After leaving Te Anau on a tourist boat we cross the other western side of Lake Te Anau to disembark. Stepping out onto a wet platform I was cautious not to loose my footing. A small walk to the park cabin and display centre and we are greeted by the local park rangers. What a job looking after this spectacular environment. After a quick briefing we leave the comfort and shelter to head for the caves. Navigating our way the the cave system we reach a small boat that will take us to see the glow worms. Our guide careful pulls us through the caves in complete darkness by a chain mount to the rock walls. As we reach the glow worm auditorium a silence comes over everyone in the boat. As if the cave had opened up to let the night sky in, the shimmer of thousands of glowworms sparkle as if they are from the heavens above. Truly ore inspiring and something I’ll never forget.

4. Exploring the Arrowtown - Chinese Mining Village

Perhaps my favorite shopping experience in New Zealand was visiting this quaint town. Arrowtown was originally established as part of an early chinese gold mining settlement. The towns architecture is especially beautiful remnant of an english village. The main street of Arrowtown is Buckingham Street which is adorned by shops suited for everyone. A short walk from the main street and you’ll find nested away some of the original chinese miners huts. These huts are so surreal, tucked away and make for a scene out of “Lord of the Rings”. I kept expecting Frodo to appear from one of the door ways.

5. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & the Blowholes

Located on the west side of the South Island is a town call Punakaiki. Other than the gorgeous scenery Punakaiki is best known for Pancake Rocks and the Blowholes. Pancake rocks are named after how they look, go figure. These volcanic rocks are stacked on top of another and are frequented by blowholes which spray sea water meters into the sky upon high tide. Well worth stopping for as the walk is short and is very accessible to the elderly and disabled.

6. Seal Colony Kaikoura Peninsula

Kaikoura by itself is a beautiful town just a short drive from Christchurch. Its beaches are covered in smooth pebbles where you can find all sorts of sea shells. One of the highlights of visiting this town is the seal colony at Kaikoura Peninsula. You’ll be amazed when taking a walk along the peninsula that at how accustom the seals are to humans, which results in close encounters that are surreal and dangerous at the same time. By law you must not get closer than ten meters from a seal, unless of cause the seal heads in your direction. Seals are such amazing creatures that add a whole new dimension to you New Zealand holiday.

7. Driving around the Hills of Akaroa

The rolling hills around Akaroa lend themselves to a great day out, especially with a packed picnic and some good company. There are so many spots to stop and admire the beautiful scenic views, which more often than not, you have all to yourself. You can watch as the tide goes out in the bay and enjoy fresh seafood for dinner as the sun goes down at one of a few different restaurants or cafes on beach street. If your lucky and keep your eyes peeled, you might get a glimpse of the world’s smallest dolphin the “Hectors Dolphin”.

Originating from a French settlement Akaroa celebrates every year by re-enactment the first landing. At this time of year (late October) the town turns red, white and blue as residents join in the fun and festivities of FrenchFest.

8. Wanaka - Puzzling World

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand is a town by the name of Wanaka. If I had to chose one town to live in this would be at the top of my list. A short drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is home to skiing in the winter and sailing on Wanaka Lake in the warmer months. There’s lots of activities to keep you busy, such as Puzzling World (http://www.puzzlingworld.co.nz) which is as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids. You’ll be amazed at some of the weird and wonderful things you will interact with. Not to mention the tricky maze.

9. Archway Islands, Wharariki River and Puponga

The drive from Nelson to the top of the South Island of New Zealand has many hidden treasures. One in particular is a dirt track that starts just after Puponga. The track leads on for a couple of kilometers till it reaches an end. And this is where a walking track to the Archway Islands and the Wharariki river starts. Hiking up and over the rolling vibrant green hills sides you’ll find sheep grazing. In the late afternoon this makes for some great photo opportunities. Eventually the walking track will turn to sand and you’ll be walking over sand dunes until you reach the beach the Wharariki river meets the sea and the Archway Islands dominant the skyline. Take time and explore the caves along the cliff side.

10. Hot Air Ballooning Over the Canterbury Plains

Floating over the Canterbury Plains in a hot air balloon, not a sound, fresh air and good company make this number ten on my list of things to do in New Zealand. Poor weather cancelled my first flight, but I was lucky enough to get a second chance. A short drive out of Christchurch and your into the country side where there’s plenty of wide open spaces we set off in the atmosphere. There’s just something magical about being suspended high above the earth. This is a great way to get a totally different perspective on the south island and I would do it again in a heart beat if I got the chance.

In conclusion, the South Island of New Zealand is by far my favorite holiday destination. It provides such diversity from its landscape its not hard to see why the Lord of the Rings was filmed here. I could have listed more than just ten items but these by far standout in my mind as pleasurable experiences that I hope one day you and your family will get the chance to experience for yourselves.