Ever needed a reason to travel New Zealand? Below are five reasons why this incredible country should be on your bucket-list.
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SUMMER
A reason why you should travel New Zealand is that we are one of the most epic places to spend summer.
It’s not just about the extended daylight hours, or the incredible temperatures (which typically range from the comfortable early 20s to a balmy 30 degrees Celsius), but there is something about the vibe during these warmer months.
This weather means holidays (typically a few weeks over Christmas and New Year), perfect beach days (being in New Zealand also means that you’re never far from the beach), warm water for swimming and other water activities. Everyone is out and about and outdoors adventures are plentiful. We are also fortunate enough to have some great camping spots which means road trips are essential.
Just to note: New Zealand’s location can result in intense sun exposure due to its thinner ozone layer. So, despite the breeze (another reason to visit – it’s rarely muggy), it’s crucial to protect yourself from strong sun rays. Using SPF 30+ sunscreen and other sun protection is a must.
NATURE
New Zealand’s nature and therefore scenery is downright stunning, no matter what season you visit.
In this small corner of the world we are fortunate that we are surrounded by diverse natural, scenic gems. From the majestic alps to the black sand beaches and our lush native bush, there’s so much scenery to explore. New Zealand doesn’t mess about when it comes to nature. Across both the North and South Islands you’ll find it quite easily.
And by ‘found quite easily’ I mean whether you’re within city limits or venturing further, it’s as easy as a short drive. Nature is around every corner on a road trip, but if you crave immersion, New Zealand offers countless ways to make this happen.
Walking and hiking are up there amongst camping, wildlife watching, cycling, fishing and stargazing. Just to name a few.
Also, unlike our Australian neighbours, not everything here is out to get you. So thankfully, there are very few things to worry about whilst exploring the outdoors.
ADVENTURES
New Zealand offers an array of adventure options to suit every taste and there are limitless choices.
There are activities that are New Zealand specific, such as exploring caves in Waitomo, to visiting a Kiwi hatchery in Rotorua or a 4WD wilderness tour in Lake Tekapo. However, if you’re looking for activities that have an extra layer of adrenaline there is always the option for an exhilarating ziplining experience on Waiheke Island or a unique Zorb ride in Rotorua. Perhaps a full-day canyoning escapade in Coromandel, or a day sailing journey in Abel Tasman might do the trick?
If you’ve seen any of my other New Zealand posts, you’ll know hiking is one of my go-to activities. New Zealand in particular is a dream destination for this, and hopefully in the images throughout this post you’ll see why.
UNIQUE STAYS
Another reason as to why you should travel New Zealand is even though there are many beautiful hotels that are available I would suggest an accomodation that is a little more unique.
All over New Zealand companies like Canopy Camping, Unyolked, Tiny Away and Riparide supply an incredible range of accommodation. These stays are curated for the nature lovers, for the people who enjoy being unplugged and who love the glamping life. I have stayed in both Canopy Camping and Tiny Away but heard great things about Riparide and Unyolked.
If you’d like to see more of my Tiny Away stay, and what you can expect click here.
CULTURE
New Zealand has some beautiful Māori history that holds a deep connection to the land and its people.
While you’ll easily notice this while traveling, immersing yourself in our culture will deepen your connection. Not only with the land but with locals. For a first step my recommendation would be to learn some Te Reo Māori, the native language of Aotearoa. You can find the Māori dictionary here for accurate translations.
If you’re visiting Auckland, the Auckland Museum also offers Māori cultural performance twice, daily. Our world-famous haka will immerse you in storytelling, song, and performance.
There are plenty of other ways to be immersed in our culture, but one that I would advise is to support local businesses and learn authentic stories from the people you meet.
In this post, we’ve delved into five reasons why travel in New Zealand is a must. From stunning natural landscapes to thrilling adventures and rich cultural experiences, New Zealand offers something unique for every traveler. So, pack your bags and prepare to be captivated by all that New Zealand has to offer.