New Zealand is the nature’s ultimate playground. In the times when the world is getting closer and virgin experiences rarer, New Zealand offers a respite with its uncrowned cities, lush vistas, and peaceful surroundings. Though there are ample of food experiences and cultural encounters that stay unique to New Zealand; it is the country’s expansive outdoors that lure the nature and adventure lovers from all parts of the world.
Here’s our pick of top five experiences that you must visit New Zealand for:
For Glacier Trekking
One of the youngest countries in the world, New Zealand still offers plentiful experiences that are not to be found elsewhere in the world. Trekking the ice glaciers on the west coast of the South Island in this ‘Paradise of the Pacific’ leaves visitors with everlasting memories. While the Franz Joseph glacier can be explored with a plethora of tourists sharing your enthusiasm, you may want to visit the lesser-crowded, and slightly longer Fox Glacier if solitude on your adventure is what you desire. To render your experience a notch more thrilling, there are tunnels in the glaciers that can be climbed through and as well as climbed down. The guide will acquaint you with history as well as legends about the surrounding areas of the glacier.
For Extreme Adventure Sports
Anyone who knows even the little about the world will tell you that New Zealand is the best place for adventure in the world. Imagine the most challenging, the most exciting kind of extreme sport you can think of, and New Zealand will surprise you by offering the best way to perform that adventure. From bungee jumping to sky diving, and from white water rafting to hiking and zip lining, there are many ways to challenge yourself. While the activities in the sky will give you the most picturesque view of the green country, you may want to try off-road driving and caving to explore the glorious interiors of the country.
For Glow Worm Caves
Thousands of glow worms – Arachnocampa luminosa – illuminate the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, drawing tourists from around the world to the marvellous spectacle. Watching the glowing bugs in the limestone caves of Glowworm, Ruakuri and Aranui is like watching thousands of glowing stars under the night sky. Walking through the tight openings and tunnels of the dark but peaceful caves is often feels like a surreal experience. You can also take a boat tour of the caves if walking through the cold water is beyond your comfort.
For Exploration of the Maori Culture
Adding a dynamic experience to your New Zealand trip, familiarisation to the Maori culture is going to be one of its kind experiences. Watch Haka, a Maori war dance or Kapa Haka, powerful, traditional Maori performing arts. Brace yourself for pōwhiri, a form of welcoming amongst the Maori community, and get fascinated by listening to the local legends and myths of the community. Indulge in the celebration of Maori art forms like weaving and carving by learning the arts yourself. Don’t forget to return without getting yourself a Tā moko, the Maori tattoo.
For Hiking through the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
One of the best hiking trails in the whole of New Zealand, the trail in the Tongariro National Park takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes the country has – think steamy volcanoes, red land, and lush fields. If you need some inspiration to get outdoors, remember that Mordor from the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was filmed here. Approximately 20 kilometres long, the trail is mostly easy but has some steep parts near the ‘Mount Doom’.
