This post was most recently updated on July 9th, 2019
Every country has its pros and cons, but in New Zealand’s case, the pros seem to vastly outnumber the cons, however you look at it. Here are just a few reasons New Zealand is so unique:
New Zealand’s Beaches
It’s a bit of a cliché since it’s one of the primary reasons people choose to visit New Zealand, but the beaches truly are incredible. You’re spoilt for choice here, and there are plenty of isolated locations where you won’t even have to share.
The People
If you want to make friends with local people, New Zealand’s the place to do it. Generally speaking, New Zealanders are friendly and welcoming, and easy to connect with. They’re down-to-earth, don’t mind making fun of themselves, and will be eager to help with local recommendations and tips for maximising your time in the country.
The Scenery
New Zealand’s full of beautiful beaches, mountains, and lakes, many of which have been featured in movies. Pictures don’t do these natural wonders justice – you’ll have to visit to see them for yourself.
New Zealand’s Museums & Art Galleries
You can find incredible historical artifacts and fascinating stories from days gone by in New Zealand’s quality museums. The country’s national museum, Te Papa, is housed in the capital city of Wellington and covers 36,000 square metres of public floor space, filled with amazing collections including photography, history displays, artwork, and specimens covering thousands of categories from people, places, landmark events, and more.
You can also find jaw-dropping contemporary art at the Christchurch Art Gallery – which also often hosts free photography and music events, and explore wonderful static and interactive displays at local museums and art galleries in many regions such as Gisborne. View stunning natural history collections at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and catch a ride out on the Waitemata Harbour at the Southern Hemisphere’s only working heritage vessel fleet at the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Hiking in New Zealand
It goes without saying that New Zealand’s Great Walks are all amazing. Tackling all of the Walks is a great challenge if you’re an avid hiker! If you’re interested in taking long hikes without all the crowding common in other attractions, you’ll have a huge range of choices in New Zealand. There are many beautiful local walking trails for you to explore all by yourself.
The Adventure Sports
Home of the bungee jump, New Zealand’s the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping, whether by abseiling down its tallest building, located in Auckland, or jumping on a jet boat ride at 85km/h in Queenstown.
The Culture
New Zealand is a relatively ‘new’ country, which means that you won’t find buildings dating back many hundreds of years – but Maori culture is an integral part of New Zealand, and it’s incredibly interesting. If you’re planning on travelling to New Zealand, take the time to visit a marae, participate in a hangi, watch a cultural show, or simply read up about its people.
The Wildlife
Thanks to its isolated location, New Zealand is full of wildlife, some native to its shores, and much of it is incredibly beautiful. Why not go whale watching, penguin spotting, or looking for seals?
New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts
In today’s world, animals are dying off at alarming rates, which is why it’s so heartening that New Zealand cares so much about its wildlife. The beloved kiwi is often the subject of conservation missions, but so too are many other animals.
You can visit Tiritiri Matangi Island in Auckland, which is full of spectacular birds thanks to community conservation efforts, or Staglands Wildlife Reserve near Wellington, which boasts a variety of different habitats designed to allow diverse wildlife to flourish.
Guest-written by Maia Fletcher
My name is Maia, an aspiring freelance writer born and raised in Gisborne, New Zealand. I feel great when exploring hidden alleys and secret shops. Or getting lost in a new novel or enjoying a good plate of pasta. Most especially, I love writing about anything and everything! I’ve written for numerous blogs and have also contributed content to local NZ businesses such as Sea Containers. I’d love to hear from you – I’m on Tumblr!
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NZ definitely on the bucket list!
My friends are on a month long adventure in New Zealand right now! What an amazing place. 🙂
New Zealand’s been on our bucket list for a long time. Hoping to get there one day soon. Uncrowded beaches are my favorite.
New Zealand is definitely on our travel wish list. The beaches and scenery would definitely call to me. We are not into real hikes but love to be able to get to higher viewpoints for those great views. Whales and penguins are definitely something we would want to see. Certainly lots of reasons that reinforce why we need to visit New Zealand.
We went to New Zealand many years back, and fell in love with the landscapes. Two weeks was certainly not enough, so we hope to go back and explore much more.
These are truly scoring points for New Zealand in terms of tourism sights to see and experience. Mind blowing scenic spots and beaches!
I have to agree, New Zealand is a beautiful country with oh so much on offer. One of my favourites to just get in a car and go explore. Though the down side being how expensive food and fuel is 🙁
New Zealand has been at the top of my bucket list for a while now. The vast array of amazing hikes look spectacular but I would also like to experience Maori culture.
I don’t need all the reasons you jut tell me that I can hike there and have an adventure, you will see me there. I would love to visit New Zealand. I wish it wasn’t that far. I need to take a couple of months off and explore Australia and New Zealand together
I agree with all you s ay about NZ. It has been 2 decades and I still remember our road trip from Auckland to Wellington, with several side trips. 🙂
New Zealand is one of my favourite countries in the world. I absolutely agree with all your nine reasons to fall in love with the country. I absolutely fell in love with its mind-blowing scenery and adventure activities. There’s no doubt that pictures don’t do NZ justice – you have to see it for yourself to believe its magic. I can’t wait to go back.
New Zealand has always been on the list! I was actually planning to apply for a WHV for NZ but I missed the cut. I would definitely go there! I may not be the most adventurous person but I am willing to give a try. Adventures and landscapes!