Explore New Zealand: 10 experiences you can't miss

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It’s built around twin harbours, and given the nickname ‘City of Sails’ due to the popularity of sailing in the region. Auckland is a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, hiking tracks, and urban sophistication. 

Plan a day trip by ferry to Rangitoto, a volcanic island, or Waiheke, known as the ‘Island of Wine’. In the evening, indulge in downtown Auckland’s vibrant inner-city culture with shopping, diverse restaurants, music and arts. 

The Southern Alps is a mountain range extending much of the length of the South Island, with the highest mountain being Aoraki (Mt Cook) at 3,724 metres. 

There's numerous ski locations dotted across the Alpine region. If you’re not into skiing, there are also many steep glacier-carved valleys, rivers of blue-green, fjords and waterfalls to see.

The stunningly picturesque Fiordland National Park is located at the southernmost extent of the Southern Alps. It’s a world heritage site and includes Milford Sound, famously described as the “eighth wonder of the world”.

If you’re someone who loves a thrill, there’s no better place to get involved in the action than in the country that invented it.

Zorbing – Invented in Rotorua, zorbing is essentially stuffing yourself into a plastic ball and rolling down a hill. You can do it wet, dry, on your own, or with your friends. 

Bungee jumping – Visit the first bungee jump at its original location. The Kawarau Bridge Bungee is at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge near Queenstown.

Jet Boating – The jetboat can take you places no other boat can. It’s fast, exciting and able to reach New Zealand’s most beautiful locations.

Rugby is not just a sport in New Zealand – it’s an obsession. It forms an integral part of the New Zealand culture and identity.

If you want to feel the passion of a New Zealander, or hear the mighty Haka echo through a stadium, catch a Rugby game at Eden Park. You could also visit the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in Dunedin to immerse yourself in the Rugby culture.

Have you ever wanted to visit a beautiful, magical place filled with wizards, elves and dwarfs? New Zealand is home to ‘middle earth’, with over 150 locations across the country being used to film The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy. Some of the main places from the film are also stunningly beautiful. These include glow worm caves, active geysers, mountains, rivers of blue-green, fjords, river valleys and scenic waterfalls.

New Zealand’s caves, grottos and native forests form the perfect home for glow worms. They cling to the walls and ceilings, casting an eerie soft light. Not only are they amazing to see, but the number of ways and places you can see them makes New Zealand a top choice to spot a glow worm. In the heart of the North Island, Waitomo Caves is a natural wonder and one of the best places to witness this fascinating spectacular. Here, you can travel by boat on a guided tour for the ultimate glowworm experience.

Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity. One of the best ways to relax and unwind is to immerse your body in a mud bath. At Hells Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa, you can soak in an outdoor thermal mud bath. This therapeutic ritual has been used for generations by Maori people to ease joint and muscle pain. It’s the perfect way to end a day of walking through the park’s unique landscape of bubbling earth, and watching the puffs of geothermic steam.

If mud is not your thing, visit The Coromandel in the northern region. Here, hot springs bubble up through the sand. You can dig your own spa bath just metres from the Pacific Ocean. To experience this natural wonder, it’s best to get there at low tide when the water is out enough to expose the area of beach the heated mineral water lies beneath.

Partial to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Or maybe a bold Pinot Noir is more your style? One thing is for sure – New Zealand is a wine lover’s paradise. From Waiheke Island in the north to Central Otago in the south, both islands are brimming with world-class vineyards and cellar doors to explore.

When in New Zealand, it’s a must to try these quintessential Kiwi foods and drinks:

• Hangi – A traditional Maori feast cooked in a heated pit. Meat and vegetables are slowly steam-cooked in a covered hole in the ground.
• Seafood – New Zealand crayfish, oysters and mussels are some of the best in the world. Fish and chips is a Kiwi favourite, best enjoyed on a summer evening while sitting by the beach.
• L&P – Lemon and Paeroa is a sweet carbonated non-alcoholic drink that originated in the town of Paeroa. It’s “world-famous in New Zealand”.