If you had asked me a few years ago what comes to my mind when someone says New Zealand, I would have said, in a heartbeat, Lord of the Rings and Kiwis. This was all I knew about this place until I visited it, and now I can say that New Zealand is one of my favourite places worldwide. Although the country is small, it has so much to offer that you will find something new every visit. From glaciers to green hills, rich culture to copious fine wine, New Zealand will never fail to surprise you. Usually known as Kiwis, the people are so warm and hospitable that you wouldn't want to leave the place. They are themselves a reason big enough to make you visit New Zealand, but here we have listed a few other reasons why you need to visit New Zealand.
1. Diverse Landscapes
New Zealand has every landscape you can ask for. There are beautiful beaches, and it is made up of two islands. Then, you have green subtropical forests in the north and snow-covered mountains in the south. On top of that, you will also find pastures, volcanoes, and hot springs all around the country. One of the best unspoiled natural landscapes here is the Cathedral Cove, where two coves are shaped in a way that makes a cathedral arch.
2. Māori Culture
Kiwis were traditionally known as Maoris. The country has still kept the essence of its culture alive through its architecture and food. You would find the most of this culture in the Māori village. It is a 200-year-old village in the middle of Tawa Forest. You can experience the traditional food, music, and lifestyle.
3. Fine Wine
Another big reason to visit New Zealand is the wine and wineries here. The main reason why the wine here is so good is because of the perfect climate. It is by the ocean, so there are sea breezes all year round, and the wine fields also get sufficient sunlight, making the ideal conditions for its growth. Marlborough is the leading wine producer in New Zealand, but other small towns are also a big part of it.
4. Unique Wildlife Hotspot
New Zealand wildlife is a lot more than just Kiwis. You will find some of the most unique wildlife here. The reptiles in New Zealand resemble prehistoric animals, and the marine wildlife is something out of this world. Kaikoura is the central place to experience marine life closely. You will walk by the coast and see sperm whales, dolphins, and other animals.
5. The Best Outdoor Adventures
If you are a fan of extreme sports, then New Zealand is the perfect destination for you. The extreme sports and outdoor activities here are the best in the world. The Poor Knights Island and Franz Josef Glacier are the main spots for these adventures. You can go bungee jumping, kayaking, sky diving, or hiking. The best thing about these activities is that they are for people of all ages.
6. Hobbiton
Hobbiton is the best thing about New Zealand. It is heaven for the Hobbit trilogy fans. Even after so many years, the area is still the same as in the movies. You will find so many fully furnished hobbit holes under the hills that it will feel like you are in the film. If you want to spend the night there, you can also book your hobbit hole. Some rooms give the exact hobbit feel. You have them under the hill with no electricity, all of it in its true quintessence.
7. Queenstown
Everyone who visits New Zealand recommends Queenstown, which is worth the hype. You have beaches and mountains in one place. It hosts many cricket matches and a lot of adventure sports. If you don't want to do any of this, you can walk down the lane, and you will feel happy. The best way to describe it is that this place has an outdoorsy and aggressive vibe.
8. The Glow Worm Cave
The Glow Worm Cave is the coolest thing in New Zealand. In Waitomo, there is a cave where you walk down into darkness and then float in a river, and all along your ride, you will see stars shining above you. This is what the glow worms are. These are gnats that glow because of a chemical reaction. You cannot miss this see this magical experience!
9. Fiordland
This exact place was the main reason I wanted to go to New Zealand in the first place. So many of the Lord of the Rings scenes are filmed here. The place is as majestic in real life as it looked on screen. It is located in the extreme southwest of New Zealand and is primarily remote. There are forests, lakes, fjords, rivers, and mountains in their most raw form. Fiordland is also the home to famous Milford and Doubtful sounds. Even though it is so popular, many parts are off-limits for the public to maintain the place's authenticity.
10. Safety
Lastly, New Zealand's safety is the main reason for its tourist influx. The people are amiable and welcoming. You can drive around anywhere at any time without any fear of theft. The locals are also very laid back and helpful. They will guide you where you want and let you do your thing without interference.
Bottom Line
New Zealand has become popular among tourists in the past few years. However, it still holds the authenticity and natural beauty it did years ago. Many people think New Zealand is a bit hard on the pocket, which might be partly true. Still, after visiting Hobbiton, Queensland, and even New Zealand, you would feel that every penny spent is worth it. In short, New Zealand has everything you look for in a perfect place. It has a beautiful landscape, amazing people, a friendly atmosphere, breezy weather, and world-class facilities. What more could you ask for? So, if New Zealand still needs to be added to your travel bucket, it should be by now!
