There are few places on Earth with as much natural grandeur as the small island nation of New Zealand. Although it is only a small country located off the coast of the much larger Australia, groves of people have discovered the beautiful bays, towering cliffs, and expansive forests that stretch across this seemingly under-the-radar island. But what most visitors don’t know is that there are many unique and off-the-beaten path experiences to be had in this country that has now topped the must-travel list of nearly every traveler on the planet. To help you find and experience the best that New Zealand has to offer visitors, we have outlined four of the most interesting and rewarding excursions you can take on your trip to New Zealand.
Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier
If you are not far from Christchurch, NZ, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t experience a tour of Mount Cook in the Aoraki National Park. Not only will this tour include breath-taking sights of New Zealand’s highest mountain, but the tour also makes notable and equally as captivating stops along the way.
See the turquoise blue waters of Lake Tekapo as the sunlight reflects off the waters while you have your morning tea. View and hear the history of the Church of the Good Shepherd that provides spectacular panoramas of the nearby Southern Alps. Head to Lake Pukaki and take in the natural beauty of the national park. And lastly, climb the incredible Tasman Glacier where you can see the beauty that nature causes all on its own. This New Zealand tour of Mount Cook is like no other you’ve ever seen!
Waiheke Island
Another under-the-radar but incredibly worth doing trip in New Zealand is exploring Waiheke Island for a day. The island is only a short 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, NZ, and the ride itself provides stunning views of the New Zealand coast and islands around Auckland. While on the island, discover Waiheke’s beautiful beaches, where you can go swimming and sea kayaking. Witness the brilliant sands, pristine coastline, and seaside villages while walking around the island. You can even go wine tasting on one of the 30 vineyards on the island or mountain biking in the nearby mountains. If you are looking for a day of taking in beauty and relaxation on your trip, book your Waiheke Island ferry!
Rotorua
If you’re interested in the arts and cultural roots of New Zealand and the Maori People, a morning tour around Rotorua is exactly what you’re looking for! Enjoy a sightseeing tour around three of Rotorua’s iconic attractions: Te Puia, the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and the Agrodome. Visit Te Puia and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute to see boiling mud pools, geysers, and the traditional culture and arts of the Maori people. Trek to Rainbow Springs and discover the unique wildlife and vegetation that covers New Zealand. And learn about New Zealand’s history at the Agrodome Sheep Show. Along with all of this, see five of the beautiful lakes surround Rotorua, Mount Tarawera and the Buried Village. There is no better tour for the history lover in you.
Bay of Islands and Cape Brett
Last but definitely not least, for a unique New Zealand excursion the Bay of Islands and Cape Brett are a must-see! The tour heads out from Auckland and takes you by coach across Auckland Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. Experience both natural beauty and compelling history on numerous legs of this tour! Visit Paihia, one of the earliest towns in New Zealand, and Waitangi, dubbed the “birthplace of the nation” where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori’s and Europeans. Cruise in the Bay to Cape Brett Lighthouse on Motukokako Island where you will see the fames Hole in the Rock and Grand Cathedral Cove. This tour is led by expert crew that will help you appreciate the historical significance wrapped in the natural grandeur around the Bay of Islands.
If you’re looking for a truly memorable and out-of-the-fox trip experience in new Zealand, these four excursions provide all of that and more!
