Travelling to New Zealand anytime soon? In need of places to go to? Overwhelmed by the number of recommendations? Well fret not – bringing to your plate are the 5 places to go to in the 5 most popular tourist destinations of New Zealand! These places range from the typical picturesque rolling hills scenes to city life, and from world famous to unheard of. So whatever your interest, there’s definitely something for you. Time to grab your suitcase and hit the road, pal!
1. Leith Valley Glow Worms – Dunedin
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One of Dunedin’s best kept secrets is its glow worm cave in Leith Valley. As the name suggests, this cave is home to one of the quirkiest creatures out there – the glow worm (although that being said there are probably other insects and creatures living there). This is the perfect place to take the kids to because not only is it super fun to be wading in the dark looking for twinkling glow worms, it is also super educational. Also, the glow worm track leads you to the waterfalls called Nicholls Falls. By the way, I thought I should just mention that it’s free 😉
2. Hobbiton Movie Set – Waikato
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I don’t think it is a sweeping generalisation to say that we’ve all heard about this, am I right? A lot of fantasy-like films have been filmed in New Zealand. Yup I’m talking about none other than the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, both directed by the nation’s pride and joy – Peter Jackson. The movie set for the Hobbit is now a public tourist attraction and is located in Matamata, Waikato. This is a must-visit place and you definitely don’t need to be a fan to appreciate it.
3. Aoraki Mount Cook – Christchurch
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Indeed there are many many mountains in New Zealand, but I decided to pick Mount Cook. Why? Because standing at a height of 3,754 metres, it proudly holds the title of being the highest mountain in the country. You are spoilt for choice for things to do at Mount Cook. You can take the scenic flight up the mountain in the helicopter, you can go skiing, you can go walking and hiking, you can explore the village that sits right at the foot of the mountain, and of course it’s the perfect opportunity for those award-winning photographs.
4. Sky Tower – Auckland
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While Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, the Auckland Sky Tower is the tallest building in the land of the long white clouds with a height of 328 metres. In fact, it is also the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and the 23rd tallest tower in the world. For 20 years, the Sky Tower has been the icon of Auckland’s skyline due to its height and design. There are literally a gazillion things you can do there. Obviously you get a 360 degrees panoramic view of the city, but you also get to jump off from the tower, walk around the edge of the tower, and dine up there!
5. Puzzling World – Wanaka
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Get ready to be puzzled! Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World is situated just near Wanaka and is a puzzle paradise. It basically has everything worth puzzling over. Optical illusions, mazes, puzzling rooms, quirky buildings – you name it. Puzzling World also holds a record title for having the first ever 3D maze in the world! It too is renowned for its leaning tower Leaning Tower of Wanaka and eccentric Roman style lavatory. The place is so popular that in 2013 its number of visitors even reached in excess of 3 million people! Now that sure speaks for itself.
So there you have it, piefaces! Fun times await! Tag us on Instagram if you take any cool shots at those places 🙂
