A trip to New Zealand should be on everybody’s travel list. Small, remote and thinly populated, New Zealand will impress you with its awe-inspiring scenery, unforgettable outdoor experiences, superb food and wine, and fascinating Maori culture. Of course, there are also Hobbits and Middle-earth. You can even plan your entire New Zealand vacation around the many Lord of the Rings movie locations.
If it’s your first New Zealand tour, then you want to visit a few main tourist attractions. Begin your New Zealand vacation in Auckland, the country’s largest city, located at the narrowest point of the North Island stretching from one side of the country to the other. Auckland is easy to get to with daily flights on Air New Zealand from many major US cities.
From vibrant Auckland to the picturesque Bay of Islands, to unique Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, to New Zealand’s capital city and a cultural centre, Wellington, New Zealand’s North Island will not disappoint you.
New Zealand’s South Island offers primarily a mountainous landscape. The scenery is breathtaking and the opportunities for an adventure are mind-blowing. You can start your South Island tour in Christchurch, the most English city outside of England, and then head to Queenstown, known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”. From bungee jumping to jet boating, to white water rafting, to mountain climbing, Queenstown will keep you busy.
Located in the beautiful Fiordland region of the South Island, Milford Sound with its mountains rising from the sea, and stunning waterfalls, is probably the most popular tourist attraction in New Zealand and a must-see during your New Zealand vacation.
