10 Things to Do in New Zealand
New Zealand is a spectacular country full of numerous natural and cultural attractions. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean away from most of the world, this beautiful land is famous for its open skies, pure water, and stunning scenery. With a population of just 5 million people, the North and South Islands of New Zealand provide a peaceful and idyllic holiday destination. There is so much to see and do in this stunning land, from the beautiful Bay of Islands to the adventure activities of Queenstown and scenery of Milford Sound.
Whether you're looking for things to do in Auckland, things to do in Queenstown, or things to do in Christchurch, it's important to stay in contact with your friends and family back home. An NZ SIM card allows you to navigate seamlessly around the country, connect with convenience, and share your trip with friends and family. Simple prepaid SIM cards help you stay travel connected from any location. Let's take a look at ten must-do experiences for any visitor to New Zealand:
1. Majestic Bay of Islands
Situated in the very north of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a spectacular holiday destination for people of all ages. Popular for sailing, fishing, and peaceful relaxation, this bay and natural harbour is a paradise of golden sandy beaches, lazy sunny afternoons, and charming country towns. You can enjoy a sailing adventure, witness jumping dolphins, and spend some much-deserved down-time relaxing on the sand or by the pool. There are 144 islands located between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, including the quaint towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri.
2. Vibrant Auckland
It may not be the capital city of New Zealand, but Auckland is the nation's largest and only real metropolis. Situated near the top of the North Island, Auckland has a population of just over 1.5 million. Auckland is a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and home to the largest Polynesian population in the entire world. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland lies adjacent to Waitemata Harbour to the north, and Manukau Harbour to the south. Along with visiting great restaurants, cafes, and shops, you can also attend some of Auckland's great festivals, museums, and galleries.
3. Quirky Hobbiton
Since the original Lord of the Rings movie was released in 2001, Hobbiton has become one of the most popular New Zealand attractions. Located two hours south of Auckland in Matamata, the lush farmland that is the Hobbiton movie set features more than 44 unique hobbit holes, including one of the central locations of the film trilogy, Bilbo's house. There are guided tours around the make-believe town and detailed commentary about how it was all created. Hobbiton is truly a must-see destination for any Lord of the Rings fan or movie lover.
4. Geothermal Rotorua
Situated 230 km south-east of Auckland, Rotorua is a fascinating city on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty Region. Famous for its geothermal activity, Rotorua offers bursting geysers, hot mud pools, rejuvenating thermal springs, and a pervasive sulphur smell in the air that is hard to describe. You can walk along ancient erupting springs, soak your tired feet in hot pools at Kuirau Park, and enjoy some of the city's thermal baths for true relaxation. If you're looking for things to do in New Zealand's North Island, Rotorua is an absolute must.
5. Experience Maori Culture
New Zealand is known as Aotearoa by the native Maori people, who make up 16.5 per cent of the national population. Rotorua is often called the cultural heart of New Zealand, with a large local Maori population and plethora of authentic cultural experiences on offer. You can visit an authentic pre-European Maori village for a cultural show, including a delicious 'hangi' feast that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. This is one of the best things to do in Rotorua, and a great opportunity for pictures and stories to share with your loved ones via your NZ SIM card.
6. Underground Waitomo
Waitomo offers a unique experience that you will never forget. Beneath the luscious farmland of Waitomo lies a subterranean maze of amazing limestone caverns and their native glowworm inhabitants. You can take a guided tour into these caves, and even experience the caves by boat or on a unique underground rafting adventure known as "blackwater rafting." Underground Waitomo is a truly amazing New Zealand experience that isn't available anywhere else in the world.
7. Windy Wellington
Known as the "Windy City," Wellington is New Zealand's capital and second-largest city. Located at the bottom of the North Island, Wellington is situated fairly close to the geographical centre of the country. Wellington is a beautiful and somewhat quirky city with a rich Maori and European heritage. If you're looking for things to do in Wellington, you can visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens, ride down the hill from Kelburn on the Wellington Cable Car, or simply enjoy the numerous cafes and restaurants situated around the CBD.
8. Adventurous Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of New Zealand's South Island. This beautiful part of the world is an adventure lover's paradise, and one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. Among other things, you can jump off a bridge on a bungee rope, fly down a white water river on a raft, or speed along on a jet boat. If you're visiting Queenstown during the winter months, there are also lots of skiing and snowboarding opportunities in nearby Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona.
9. West Coast Glaciers
If you've never walked along a glacier before, New Zealand is the perfect place to have this amazing experience. The most famous glaciers are located on the west coast of the South Island, including Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. You can take a guided tour from the bottom with an experienced guide, or take a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier for something even more special. The entire west coast region is stunning, with pure glaciers joined by wild rivers, majestic rain forests, and rugged beaches that invite exploration. If you're looking for things to do in New Zealand's South Island, this is an absolute must.
10. Spectacular Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a beautiful destination in the south of New Zealand's South Island. The beauty and scale of Milford Sound need to be seen to be believed. For Milford Sound and other Fiordland experiences, you can depart from Queenstown or Te Anau for an afternoon cruise or hiking adventure. Along with dramatic fiords, you will also witness spectacular waterfalls and majestic snow-capped peaks. Having your NZ SIM card by your side is an absolute must during this adventure – after all, you will want to show off what is often called the "eighth wonder of the world."
Reliable communication is an absolute must for every visitor to New Zealand. By organising a prepaid NZ SIM card before you set off on your adventure, you can navigate seamlessly across New Zealand and share your adventures with loved ones back home. If you're looking for reliable and affordable communications, contact Simify so you can stay travel connected while you explore New Zealand.