Top 10 experiences in New Zealand

Experiences in New Zealand you can’t miss

When you hear so much about experiences in New Zealand and all the activities you want to try, it can be hard to keep track and know where to start. At Trinus Travel, help is at hand!

Here’s a top 10 list of the things we highly recommend you do on your group trip to New Zealand, or on your own. The many mountains, vast forests and beautiful waterfalls are the essence of this country.

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View of Mount Taranaki and it´s silhouette reflection in the lake

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1. Tongariro National park

Not too far from New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, lies Tongariro National Park. Tongariro is known for its 3 active volcanoes, as well as being one of the best places in the world to hike.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the most popular route and ranks in the top 10 of the best day hiking routes in the world. It is 19.4 kilometers long and has mixed terrain. On the hike you can experience the beautiful scenery, insane views and the beautiful lakes that characterize the area.

The view of the lake from inside a volcano crater in Tongariro National park

Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see on your adventure trip.

If you want to prepare for your trip, we have the article Facts about New Zealand ready for you.

A hot-spring with blue water in Wai-O-Tapu, New Zealand

2. Rotorua

Rotorua is one of the most thermal areas in the world. In the city you’ll find many geysers, boiling springs and bubbling mud pits that contribute to the smell of sulphur throughout the city. Steam rises from the ground in several places around the city. Rotorua is the capital of the Maori people, making it the perfect place to learn more about their culture. One of the absolute hotspots for experiences in New Zealand!

Close by, you’ll also find Wai-O-Tapu, home to colorful hot springs and champagne pools. You’ll also find Lady Knox, the geyser that can shoot up to 20 meters into the air.

3. Waitomo

Waitomo is known for its underground caves where it is possible to see glowworms. Glowworms are worms that glow in the dark. This can be experienced by going on a Black Water rafting trip.

The tour starts by rappelling down into one of the caves, then you enter the cave and along the way you can zipline inside the cave. You can jump off waterfalls and float through the cave on a raft. There are also tours that offer to take you through the cave to see glowworms.

This is one of the must-do adventure experiences when traveling in New Zealand.

Glowworms glowing in the dark
A person bungtjumping from a bridge with a blue river underneath and green nature around

4. Queenstown

Queenstown is the place in the world to go if you’re an adrenaline seeker. It’s perfect if you want to try wild bungy jumps, swings or skydiving. Just outside Queenstown, you’ll find Nevis Bungy Jump. At 134 meters, the Nevis Bungy Jump is the highest bungy jump in New Zealand. It is also the third highest bungy jump platform in the world.

Queenstown also offers fantastic ski slopes in winter. The city is also home to the world-famous ferry burger, where you’re guaranteed a fantastic burger.

5. Milford and Doubtful Sound

Fiordland National Park is home to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Fiordland National Park is the largest of its kind in New Zealand. Milford Sound is known for its magnificent scenery and a fjord that runs 15 kilometers inland. The fjord is surrounded by cliffs that rise over 1000 meters above sea level.

View of the fjord and mountains from inside the fjord of Milford Sound

In Milford Sound you can see penguins, seals and dolphins frolicking in the sea. In the area around the fjord you’ll find the 50-kilometer Milford Hiking Trail, which features both mountain passes and temperate rainforest. A New Zealand experience you’ll never forget.

Doubtful Sound is very similar to Milford Sound, with lush mountains and beautiful scenery. However, Doubtful Sound is more isolated and harder to get to, so not as many people choose to visit. It’s the feeling of being somewhere untouched that brings people there.

A beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water and green trees surrounding

6. Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, but that doesn’t matter as it’s also the most beautiful. In Abel Tasman you’ll find the amazing Coastal Track, a hiking route that stretches 51 kilometers along the coast. The walk typically takes 3-5 days, but you can also choose to walk part of the route to get out and experience the beautiful beaches along the way.

In the national park, you can also rent a kayak to explore the area from the water. If you’re touring New Zealand by campervan, you can stay overnight in Abel Tasman.

Sound exciting? Take a motorhome road trip in New Zealand and experience true freedom.

7. Franz Josef Glacier

Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in the world. This is one of the experiences in New Zealand that offers something completely different!

Experience the amazing glacier via a guided tour through the glacier valley and the nearby rainforest. On this tour, you’ll gain a lot of insight into how the huge ice mass was formed and the role it has had on the area. If you want to go up and walk on the glacier, you can take a helicopter tour. Here you can get up close to this amazing creature and really see how big it is.

View of one glacial tongue of the Franz Josef Glacier
The view from the water of a snowy Mount Cook

8. Mount Cook

Visit Mount Cook, which at 3,754 meters is the highest mountain in New Zealand. There are several smaller hiking trails around the mountain that you can hike on. Also in the area is the Tasman Glacier, which is the longest glacier in New Zealand. It is 27 kilometers long. This glacier is not as accessible as Franz Josef, which means it is less crowded with tourists.

In addition to this, the area offers magnificent scenery and a lot of vantage points where you can really take in the beautiful views and enjoy the sight of the huge Mount Cook.

You can also choose to walk the popular ‘The Hooker Valley Track’, a 10 km route that takes between 2-4 hours to complete. On the route, you’ll cross the suspension bridge over the Hooker River. Walk on the famous Hooker Valley Boardwalk, as well as Mueller Lake and Mueller Glacier.

9. Huka Falls

Huka Falls is the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand. The waterfall that can be heard before it can be seen. The reason for this is that every second, 250,000 liters of water flow through the narrow gorge and drop 11 meters into the Waikato River. The Waitomo River, which is normally 100 meters wide, suddenly narrows to just 15 meters wide, creating enormous pressure.

Waterfall in Huka Falls with blue water and green trees surrounding the waterfall

You can experience Huka Falls both on foot, where you can stand from above and see what it looks like, or you can go on a regular boat trip where you can get up close and personal. If you’re into fast sailing through narrow gorges, try a jet boat, where you’ll also get up close and personal, but also get a ride down the Waitomo River.

Bird-view of one of the green islands in the Bay of Islands

10. Bay of Islands

Three hours north of Auckland you’ll find the beautiful Bay of Islands. With over 140 islands in the stunning bay, this destination is great for sailing. In the area you can see penguins, dolphins and whales. It’s popular to rent a kayak and explore the area or go on one of the many magnificent hikes.

You can also visit the famous hole in a rock formation or explore the subtropical forests where you can see Kauri trees. In the area you’ll find the towns of Russell, Opua, Paihia and Kerikeri. These towns are great places to stay if you want to explore the area.

Trinus recommended trips and tours

A women at one of the Gili swings at sunset

We think this is one of the best tours on the planet. Swimming with Manta Rays, get involved in local communities and an epic volcano sunrise are among just a few on things included.

An incredible tour with real purpose taking you to the best beaches, amazing national parks, island trips, and deep delve in the north.

From the high mountains to the incredible wildlife, this trip is led some of the most amazing women your will ever meet.

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You can’t go wrong with a trip to New Zealand

This country has so much to offer, we understand if it’s hard to choose or figure out where to start. At least now you have an idea of what awaits you in adventurous New Zealand

and its many adventure experiences.

We at Trinus Travel are always ready to help you with your trip and provide you with several articles to prepare you for your, by all means, amazing trip.

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