Everybody that has ever visited New Zealand will probably agree with me that it’s an amazing country. The nature, the space, the people…it’s a special piece of stunning beauty. To those that have never visited the ‘land of the long white cloud’: you are missing out! 😉 I understand that it’s not possible for everyone to go. It’s far away from Europe and plane tickets are expensive. I wish I could go back every year, but I can’t. What I can do, however, is look at my pictures and reminisce. So in this post, I reminisce and share my top 10 things to see and do in New Zealand (so far and in no particular order).
1. The Catlins
Do you dream about remote areas, where you can have a beach all to yourself? Do you enjoy travelling away from the masses? Then the Catlins may just be for you. It is simply stunning down there! And relaxing too. Have a tramp on the beach, watch dolphins play in the surf, watch Yellow Eyed Penguins come to shore, enjoy a beautifully coloured sky as the sun is going down.
2. Abel Tasman N.P.
Think golden sand beaches and turquoise waters, no exaggeration. It is simply stunning out there. Get out on a boat or kayak and enjoy this beautiful national park from the water. Or, if you feel like tramping, you can do part of the coastal track as a perfect day trip.
3. Nelson
An awesome city where the sun loves to shine! Enjoy the Saturday market, go shopping and grab a bite to eat. This city is relaxed, friendly and sunny. I love this place!
4. Go tramping
New Zealand is a perfect country for a hike, or ‘tramp’ as they say there. If you’re in New Zealand, go tramping! You don’t have to look far for some tramping tracks, whether it’s a short scenic tramp or a full on Great Walk. Decide for yourself, but please, go out there and enjoy nature!
5. Marlborough Sounds
This area is perfect if you love water and beautiful nature. A laid back and beautiful area in the north of the South Island. Even if you don’t have the time to explore this area extensively, take a ferry from Wellington to Picton or vice versa and you’ll see what I mean!
6. Mt. Cook
Maybe it’s just me, but I really wanted to see the highest mountain in New Zealand. I love mountains in general, but there is something special about seeing the highest mountain in the country!
7. Dunedin
My second favourite city in New Zealand. It’s quite a hilly place, but that all adds to the charm. Great vibe, would go back in an instant. Check out the free Wi-fi at the Octagon and book an ecotour to watch Yellow Eyed penguins come to shore early in the evening!
8. Banks Peninsula
Maybe New Zealand’s best kept secret. I had no idea this was an area that I wanted to visit, until someone recommended Akaroa to me. The bus ride over there was stunning on its own. When the sun shines over the hills, they looks golden and I’m just mesmerized.
9. Maori hangi
Visit Rotorua if you want to get a short intro to the Maori culture. Book yourself a seat at a hangi and enjoy the singing and dancing. The haka is amazing and I love the poi dances! I visited Mitai village.
10. Adrenaline
One, two, three…bungy! Not for you? Then don’t do it. But really, New Zealand is perfect for activities such as bungy jumping and sky diving. Don’t think, just jump!
What are your favourite places in New Zealand? Anything you can recommend to me? Or if you haven’t been to New Zealand, what do you enjoy seeing and doing when you’re travelling?
Alive and Trekking 
One thought on “Top 10 things to see and do in New Zealand”