Is New Zealand Worth Visiting? 17 Excuses for Why You Must Go Now
Is New Zealand Worth Visiting?
Yes. New Zealand is worth visiting because it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. It ranks high among destinations for its unique jaw-dropping landscapes filled with snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, fjords, coastlines, and beaches.
Just look to any of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit films to understand why.
New Zealand offers some of the best hiking trails for nature enthusiasts and 9,320 miles (15,000 km) of picturesque coastline. It is stunning. We aren’t exaggerating.
As of Thursday 20 October 2022, you no longer need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) to enter New Zealand
What Is the Main Reason for Visiting New Zealand?
Everyone should visit New Zealand at least once for the other worldly landscape and variety of outdoor activities. A photographer’s and avid hiker’s dream location, home to one of the best hikes – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
New Zealand is a small country (roughly the size of Texas) composed of two land masses: The North Island and the South Island, isolated in the South Pacific, dwarfed by its giant cousin, Australia.
However, don’t confuse small with ordinary.
In short, some reasons to visit New Zealand are the breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, diverse and unspoiled landscapes, extreme outdoor sports, unique wildlife, wine, and culture.
It’s one of the most desired travel destinations for the curious explorer, seated in a private corner of the world and unlike any other country.
It offers snow-capped mountains, fjords, rolling hills, caves, and ancient glaciers (that are quickly disappearing due to climate-related changes), as well as cities with great food, wineries, and some of the best el fresco dining spots.
How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?
Exploring New Zealand can be bit more expensive than traveling in other countries, like Mexico or Machu Picchu, but it’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
When you land in New Zealand, you’ll realize it isn’t the cheapest place to vacation. But you’ll see stunning views and terrain you won’t soon forget, so we think the price is worth it.
One reason you might spend more money in New Zealand than in other countries is that there are so many outdoor activities and tours to choose from, and they can start to add up.
Prepare ahead of time. Knowing all that New Zealand offers is half the battle. Determine which activities are most important to you, then plan and budget accordingly.
This post will help you determine your priorities when visiting New Zealand.
Getting to New Zealand
Flights from the US can cost upwards of $1,000, so planning is required to get the best fares. The flight to New Zealand from the US isn’t an easy one and can take up to 23 hours.
However, once you land in New Zealand, you quickly realize the long trip was well worth it.
Once there, it’s cheap and easy to get around. Either rent a car, a campervan, or take the bus.
Check out the best campervan rental in New Zealand to make your way around this gorgeous country.
How Many Days Do You Need in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a relatively compact country so you can see most of the country’s highlights in two weeks.
To explore more of the regions and get off the beaten path, you could spend three weeks or more exploring.
Is New Zealand Safe?
Yes. New Zealand is much safer than many destinations. As always, make common sense decisions:
- Lock up valuables.
- Be mindful of flashing expensive cameras.
- Steer clear of sketchy neighborhoods.
In New Zealand’s cities, it is mostly safe to walk around at night. Again, steer clear of shady areas.
Now, let’s get to the 17 reasons why we think New Zealand is worth visiting.
1. Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Location: Central North Island
Considered as one of the best hikes in the New Zealand, I added this to the top of the list because if you do only this hike, New Zealand is worth visiting.
The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage site. It has the distinction of dual status for its natural and cultural significance. The Alpine Crossing offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks as you wind through the park.
The hike is 12.1 miles (19 km), and it takes all day to complete (7 hours at least), so plan your adventure accordingly. The winter in New Zealand takes place in June, July, and August. There are between 9 and 11 daylight hours during these months.
There are steep parts to the trail, mainly in the middle of the hike, cushioned on either end by easy terrain. The hike is a New Zealand highlight even if you aren’t a hiker.
Pro-tip: Make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and always hike with a hat and a jacket for when cooler temperatures hit. The weather changes drastically in New Zealand in one day.
2. Hit Queenstown
Location: South Island
Everyone praises Queenstown for its outdoor extreme activities and it’s definitely worth visiting. Not only is it the capital of crazy sports like bungy jumping, but it is also a stunning town surrounded by huge spectacular mountains.
Queenstown has narrow streets, nooks and crannies that house restaurants and shops. It jumps with people and life and has a serene lake, parks, and many hiking trails.
Take advantage of Queenstown, it is one of the cities in New Zealand worth the visit.
3. Visit Wellington
Location: Southern end of the North Island
A sweet little city with a lot of spunk and stunning coastal views, Wellington is ideally located in the middle of New Zealand and is the capital city on the harbor. Auckland is not the capital city of New Zealand, as most people assume.
The best view of the harbor can be seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the whole city.
Wellington has some of the best al fresco dining experiences anywhere. Their foodie scene is top drawer with some of the best coffee roasters, breakfast spots, and wine bars, along with a jumping nightlife scene.
Here you will also find many of New Zealand’s popular museums and galleries, like Te Papa and the City Gallery. Walk along the waterfront from Te Papa to the Wellington Museum
Other attractions:
4. Take a Wine Tour
Location: South Island
The Malborough wine region is the largest in New Zealand. It’s the leading wine producer of Sauvignon Blanc, which dominates its wine industry. New Zealand’s temperate climate and soil diversity make it ideal for growing grapes.
Click here to book: Marlborough Full-Day Wine Tour
If you’re more into a red variety, as I am, check out the vineyards in Central Otago, renowned for plenty of red grape varieties.
Other wine regions:
- Nelson
- Central Otago
- Hawke’s Bay
- Waikato
- Waiheke Island
- Wairarapa
5. Bungy Jump
For the adrenaline junkie in your tribe of travelers, New Zealand is known for its extreme sports.
AJ Hackett invented bungy jumping in New Zealand, which runs the country’s largest Nevis Bungy Jump located in Queenstown. Yikes.
Taking a 439-foot (134-meter) leap off a plank head first with a rope wrapped around my ankles isn’t my thing, but I can kind of see the appeal.
The Nevis Bungy Jump is the third-highest platform in the world.
You have to take a shuttle to the jump spot and back, so there is a cost if you want to observe and not jump.
| Cost | NZD | USD |
| An Adult Ticket to Jump | 280-290 | $180-$187 |
| To Just Observe (No Jump) | 50 | $35 |
Bungy jumping started in Queenstown, so you have your choice of operators.
There are many outdoor activities to choose from, and they can run you a pretty penny, one reason visiting New Zealand can be pricey.
Some of New Zealand’s most popular outdoor spots:
- Skydiving – 300-600 NZD (194-388 USD)
- White-water rafting – 135-225 NZD (87-145 USD)
- Paragliding – 100-200 NZD (64-129 USD)
- Bungy jumping – 165-275 NZD (106-177 USD)
- Ziplining – 100-150 NZD (64-97 USD)
- Heli-hiking – 485 NZD (313 USD)
- Helo-raft tour – start at 450 NZD for a half-day (291 USD)
6. Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Location: the North Island
When you find yourself in New Zealand, make sure you allot time for the Waitomo glowworm cave. No other location offers an option to float in water, in a cave, as you look up and see glowworms lighting the way.
This glowworm species, Arachnocampa Luminosa – which sounds like a spell from Harry Potter – is found exclusively in New Zealand.
The caves started forming 30 million years ago. The glowworms glow to attract insects.
Purchase tickets ahead of time; this is likely to sell out.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat
Cost of admission: $40.00 USD
Choose between a 55-minute walk, 90 minutes walk, or a three-hour tour. Another choice is to abseil down the side of the cave in a five-hour tour.
You can also float on you back through the cave on a big inner tube.
Waitomo Cave Water Rafting Experience
Another popular choice is the Waitomo 3-hour cave tour.
This option sells out quickly. Best to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Waitomo: Glowworm Cave 3-Hour Guided Eco-Tour
7. Take on Tolkien
Location: North Island
New Zealand is where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed, so if you are a fan of the films, New Zealand is a must-visit.
There are The Lord of the Rings tours and tours to visit Fangorn Forest.
Most of the film sets have been disassembled, but you can still visit Hobbiton, however a tour is required to visit the set. Hobbiton is about two hours from Auckland.
This tour sells out quickly, purchase tickets ahead of your arrival.
Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour
Cost of tour: 89 NZD (57 USD) for adults. And lasts about 2 hours.
Other tours include a Second Breakfast and Banquet Tour. Both include drinks and food.
Of the prime filming locations to check out, we suggest Glenorchy, near Queenstown, and neighboring Mount Earnslaw with magical landscapes.
8. Take Some Time in Fiordland
Location: the South Island
If you need solace away from crowds and great hiking, head to the Fiordland region. It’s most famous for its fantastic hiking and walking trails. It’s a must-see for its sublime landscape, which is why it was chosen for the backdrop to The Lord of the Rings’ films.
Three of New Zealand’s Great Walks are in the Fiordland region.
- Kepler
- Milford
- Routeburn
The Fiordland region offers unforgettable outdoor experiences: deep lakes, huge mountains, rivers in remote forests, and impressive fjords.
Te Anau and Manapouri offer a huge range of activities on the lake.
9. Visit Christchurch
Location: South Island
The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is a bustling, vibrant city in the seat of the Canterbury Region, which offers visitors picturesque towns as well as the stunning Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains.
You’ll find many restaurants, cafes, exhibits, and shops in town.
Take advantage of the free Canterbury Museum and Quake City, dedicated to the 2010 earthquake which devasted Christchurch. There is also a gondola that offers a view of the whole city.
10. Get To Know the Māori Culture
Māori culture originated from and is still part of the Eastern Polynesian. New Zealand makes a large effort to preserve its indigenous culture and customs, sharing with visitors a handful of Māori festivities that celebrate and showcase its indigenous culture, traditions, and beliefs.
The Kāwhia Kai Festival
One of those is the Kāwhia Kai Festival, which strongly emphasizes Māori cuisine (Kai) while celebrating the Māori culture at large.
Where: The North Island town of Kāwhia, near Hamilton, on the closest weekend of New Zealand’s national holiday Waitangi Day.
The festival is very popular, attracting 10,000 visitors each year.
11. Check Out the Beaches
Since New Zealand’s coastline wraps around the whole country, there are so many beautiful beaches to visit, including the incredible Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman, Cathedral Cove, and Tāwharanui Regional Park, located at the end of a long gravel road, about 60 miles (90 kilometers) from central Auckland.
Other beaches worth visiting:
- Piha Beach, Auckland
- Maitai Bay, Northland
- Ninety Mile Beach, Northland
- Maunganui Beach, Bay of Plenty
- Wharariki Beach, Nelson Tasman
- Hokitika Beach, West Coast
- Koekohe Beach, Waitaki
12. A Laid-Back Travel Destination
When you visit New Zealand, it feels like a proper holiday. The vibe here is laid back.
There are so many remote parts of New Zealand to find peace. It’s relatively easy to get to and very easy to get around.
You won’t find crazy drivers as you do in France, and you can get around the islands easily by renting a car or a campervan or even traveling by bus.
We suggest renting a car or campervan.
The exchange rate tends to favor the US dollar and the Euro, so even though New Zealand is slightly more expensive than other countries, the dollar goes a bit further.
13. New Zealanders Are Friendly
In New Zealand, you may often find yourself spontaneously pulling off the road to take a photo of an otherworldly landscape you must capture.
It’s common for Kiwis to stop and ask you if you need help, inquire if everything is ok or ask if you’re having car trouble.
You won’t find more friendly people on your travels than the locals in New Zealand. New Zealander’s smile at strangers and generally are quite friendly and polite to visitors.
14. Able Tasman National Park
Location: The South Island
Able Tasman National Park offers a beautiful coastline beach with bright blue water. Hiking among giant trees, lush ferns, and a pleasant climate that can feel more tropical than the weather in other parts of New Zealand.
The National Park is home to one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes – the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk, designated as one of the 9 Great Walks in New Zealand.
This is a great place to rent a kayak to explore the many beaches and inlets. Guided kayaking tours are also available.
Full-day kayak rentals start at around 85 NZD (55 USD)
Guided kayaking tours start at 130 NZD (84 USD)
Able Tasman National Park requires more than one day to cover; try to plan for a few days here, and you won’t be disappointed.
15. Whale Watching
Location: South Island
There are several spots in New Zealand for Whale watching, but the best one would have to be Kaikoura, the whale-watching capital of New Zealand.
A 500 m deep trench close to the shore makes it a year-round home to the Giant Sperm Whale. It’s also in the migration path of the Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Southern Right Whale, Minke Whale, and others.
Location:
Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
Best spots to see whales:
Some whale-watching tours in Auckland have over 90% success. Most tours leave from right downtown in New Zealand’s largest city.
This tour is likely to sell out.
Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise
16. Swim with the Dolphins
Location: North Island – far north
New Zealand is home to Dusky and Bottlenose Dolphins that swim all over the waters of New Zealand, as well as rare dolphins like the Hector and Maui dolphins (the smallest and rarest of dolphins anywhere in the world).
The best place to swim with dolphins is the Bay of Islands due to its warmer weather compared to other climates in the South where dolphins swim. The ocean in the Bay of Islands is a bit calmer as well.
Kaikoura is another excellent place to swim with dolphins, whale watching and for taking a wildlife cruise.
17. Franz Josef for Hiking Glaciers
Location: South Island
One of the most popular things to do in New Zealand is trekking the impressive glaciers.
Franz Josef, a small town, is the jumping-off point for ancient glacier trekking. The Franz Joseph Glacier and the Fox Glacier are part of the World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu.
Unfortunately, the glaciers have receded due to climate change, and the glacier caves and hikes have had to be closed to visitors.
Now, the only way to hike the glaciers is via helicopter. They offer half-day and full-day rides. It can be costly, but worth the expense.
Cost: 584 NZD (378 USD).
Franz Josef: Half-Day Glacier Helicopter and Hiking Tour
Another option is to forgo hike and just do the helicopter ride.
Duration: 20 minutes
Franz Josef: Tour by Helicopter with Snow Landing
Cost: 517 NZD (335 USD).
Another option is to hike the face of the glacier and experience it at a distance. (free)
The glacier experience is worth it. Especially since we don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to witness them.
As you pass through the South Island, add Franz Joseph Glazier to your itinerary. It is one of the must-sees in New Zealand.
Conclusion: Is New Zealand Worth It?
So, as you can see, New Zealand is worth visiting for its pristine beauty. The colors, sceneries, and shades change every few miles in New Zealand, making it one of the more diverse countries to visit for its unique scenery alone.
You can drive past snow-capped mountains one minute, and the next, you pass natural coves, lakes, rivers, and beaches along the coastline. Along with many cities and towns that offer hopping nightlife, great cafés, wineries, and fabulous restaurants. New Zealand offers museums and any outdoor sports you can think of.
We hope you get the chance to visit this wonderful, small country. It is one of our favorites to visit.
