What do you want to do before you die? Take an adrenaline-filled dive off a bridge? Meet a giant creature of the deep? Immerse yourself completely in nature?
Between the booming adventure tourism industry, unique wildlife and famous scenery, New Zealand is the place to finally have a go at those once-in-a-lifetime, jaw-dropping-amazing experiences on your lifetime to-do list.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out these great adventures to cross off your bucket list.
Go bungee jumping
Did you know that bungee jumping was invented in New Zealand? If the adrenaline rush that comes from jumping off a bridge/building/platform suspended 134m over the ground is on your bucket list, then New Zealand is the place to do it. Not only are there opportunities to bungee off just about anything you can think of, but the view from the top is unmatched.
Check out Queenstown on the South Island for a heart-pumping weekend of bungee jumping, skydiving and jet-boating.
Immerse yourself in nature on a ‘Great Walk’
In addition to adventure sports, New Zealand is known for its scenery. From ancient glaciers to pristine, tropical beaches; craggy Alps to rolling, green vineyards, New Zealand really is a whole world packed into one, tiny country. The best way to admire the scenery is definitely from within it.
Lace up your hiking boots and set out of one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’: a collection of multi-day hikes that take you through some of the most picturesque and out-of-the-way corners of the country.
Take a whale watching tour
Ever wanted to get an up-close encounter with a wild animal four times bigger than an elephant? Just off the coast of Kaikoura, New Zealand is a deep underwater canyon that teems with unexpected wildlife. Feeding on the elusive, giant squid below are pods of whales that keep a year-long presence in Kaikoura.
Sperm whales, humpback whales and blue whales can all be sighted here. One of the most popular things to do in NZ, whale watching a powerful and humbling experience that you aren’t likely to forget.
Visit a smoking volcano
Part of the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, New Zealand is home to a host of volcanoes, including some that are still active. For the ultimate in volcanic adventures, take a helicopter or boat ride to White Island: an active volcano off the coast of the North Island. Get out and explore the moon-like landscape of the smouldering crater.
Tour the ‘eighth wonder of the world’
A lot of places in New Zealand look like nowhere else in the world, but nowhere is quite as special as Milford Sound. This New Zealand must-do was once called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ by Rudyard Kipling. Hop on a boat tour and let your jaw drop open at the sight of dramatic cliffs rising straight up from the glassy waters. You’ll see why Milford Sound is New Zealand’s top attraction.
Author bio: This article was written for hotels-fairy.com Whitney Cox, a writer and blogger for several New Zealand tourist attractions.
The one time I visited New Zealand, I visited Milford Sound. I have to agree, it is utterly amazing. The entire country is very beautiful, but this is definitely one of the must see attractions.
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