New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. New Zealand’s capital is Wellington and is located in the south of the North Island. The national language is English.

New Zealand is also called “Aotearoa” by the natives – the so-called Māori – which means: the land of long white clouds.

In New Zealand, a positive attitude towards life is as widespread as in Australia. This confidence makes it possible for New Zealanders to solve any problem, no matter how great. The solidarity and helpfulness among the people is also striking. For New Zealanders, support in every way is a matter of course. Respectful and open dealing with other cultures and points of view is also part of everyday life here.

Should you travel to New Zealand, you will surely also encounter the flightless bird the Kiwi: Whether in the wild or on a banknote. The New Zealanders have named themselves after this bird and it is now a landmark of New Zealand.

I travelled through New Zealand for three weeks and was able to experience a lot and gain many new experiences during that time. In this blog entry you will find everything you need to know for a trip to New Zealand and which places are particularly worth seeing:

How to get there:

Since New Zealand is an island, the only way to get to the country is by plane. Most people fly to Auckland and then travel further south.

Between the two islands there are several daily ferries from Picton to Wellington and from Wellington to Picton. The ferry ride takes three hours. During the whole trip, you have a breath-taking view of the nature of New Zealand.

When to go:

You can visit New Zealand all year round. Depending on whether you want to enjoy the sun or go on glacier excursions, it is a good idea to come to New Zealand in summer or winter.

Summer in New Zealand lasts from about November to April. January and February in particular are considered to be the warmest and driest months. The New Zealand winter then lasts from about May to October. Regardless of the season, temperatures on the South Island will always be significantly cooler than on the North Island.

How long will you need:

It took me three weeks to travel the North Island as well as the South Island and for me it was enough. Nevertheless, I would recommend for a trip through New Zealand at least a month. This gives you enough time to experience all the highlights without being in a hurry.

How to get around the country:

To travel through New Zealand you have several options. If you want to be flexible and independent, it is worth renting a camper or a car in one of the larger cities. An alternative would be to book a Hop on / Hop off ticket for the Kiwi Bus.

If you are traveling alone, I recommend a Small Group Tour with the Kiwi Bus. In 18 days you will travel with a group of young people and a tour guide over the North Island as well as the South Island. You start the first day in Auckland and finish the tour on the 18th day in Christchurch. Alternatively, you can book only the South Island or North Island tour.

Here are 15 of my top things to do in New Zealand:

Have a bath at Hot Water Beach

The beach is named Hot Water Beach because of the spill of thermal water on a stretch of the sandy beach. Just a few meters from the sea you can dig a hole in the sand with a shovel. Although the seawater is freezing cold, you will quickly come across boiling hot water under the sand. Dive yourself a hole that is big enough for you and lie relaxed in the warm water.

Walk to Cathedral Cove

Not far from Hot Water Beach is Cathedral Cove located. The hike there takes about 30 minutes and often goes steeply uphill and downhill again. But the strenuous journey is worth it, because the bay is breathtakingly beautiful. Not only can you relax on the beach, but you can also discover a lot. Alternatively, you can also reach the bay on a kayak tour.

Go hiking in Karangahake George

A hike through the Karangahake George does not take long, but is very exciting and adventurous. The hike leads through the mountains along a river and an old mine. Sometimes there will be dark tunnels where you are not able to see anything without a flashlight.

See the Glow worm caves in Waitomo

In Waitomo you have the opportunity to visit the so-called “Glow Worm Caves”. First you will be guided in a group by a guide through a stalactite cave. Later you continue into the cave. With a small boat you will then go into the deep black cave to see the blue glowing Glow Worms.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set is the location where the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy and the “Hobbit” movie trilogy were filmed. So if you know the movie trilogies, you should definitely visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. Here you can not only admire the set and take pictures in front of the famous little houses, but also learn a lot about the creation of the famous movie set. The entry to the movie set costs 84$.

Spend a night in Tamaki Mãori Village

If you want to get to know the New Zealand culture a little better, it is worth visiting the Tamaki Mãori Village. Here you are greeted by the natives of New Zealand. Afterwards, the Mãori will give you an insight into their culture and ways of life. In the evening you will have dinner together and then the Mãori will provide you with accommodation.

Get impressed by the Huka Falls

The Huka Falls is one of my personal highlights of my New Zealand trip. The water that flows here through the Waikato River shimmers turquoise in the sun. On a short hike along the river, you have a breath-taking view of the water and nature all the time. Not far from Huka Falls are the Natural Spa Pools. Here you can relax in the water after the short hike.

Climb up Mount Tauhara in Taupo

There are a lot of activities to do in the town of Taupo. I especially recommend you to hike up Mount Tauhara. Although the way up is very steep and strenuous, for the view you have from above over Taupo and the lake it is worth the hard climb. On the way down the mountain you should be particularly careful, as you can slide very quickly on steep places.

Have a view from Mount Victoria in Wellington

The way up Mount Victoria is strenuous but not far. From above you can admire the view all over the city. So if you don’t want to spend much time in Wellington, the hike to Mount Victoria is definitely worth it. Because that’s how you already see a lot of the city.

Watch the Seals in Kaikoura in the wild

In Kaikoura by the sea, but also during the drive from Picton to Kaikoura you can see countless seals in the wild on the way. Depending where you want to spot the seals, you have the opportunity to get very close to the animals.

Hike the Coastalwalk in Kaikoura

Not only can you see seals in the wild in Kaikoura, but you can also see the breath-taking nature of New Zealand. The view you get on a hike along the coast of the rocks and the water is a sight you won’t forget anytime soon.

Travel to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is the largest lake on the South Island of New Zealand. Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, the water of the lake always shimmers in beautiful blue colours. Here, too, there are plenty of activities to do: Not only can you swim in the lake or hike along the lake, but you can also visit a Dark Sky Project. The Dark Sky Project lets you learn a lot about the universe.

Visit Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. The ride along the Mount Cook Highway along Lake Pukaki is a very scenic drive. At the end of the road you will find the so-called Hooker Valley Walk. After a short climb you reach the Tasman Glacier. Optionally, you can also book a helicopter flight over the glacier and Mount Cook.

Visit Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown

There’s a lot to do in Queenstown: from exciting activities to great walks. Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown is one of the largest lakes in New Zealand. Here you can make numerous walks along the lake. Also a drive along the lake is very worthwhile, because in the meantime there is always a lot to discover.

Admire the Thunder Creek Fall

Thunder Creek Falls is a waterfall in Mount Aspiring National Park. The fall height of the waterfall is 96 meters. From the road you can reach the waterfall in just a few minutes. From a small viewing platform you have the opportunity to admire the long waterfall. For me, the Thunder Creek Fall is one of the most interesting places in New Zealand.

Whether you’re traveling by bus or car, once you leave the cities in New Zealand, you’ll always have a breath-taking view of nature.