Let’s admit it - we’ve all spent countless hours daydreaming about our next holiday, picturing ourselves somewhere new with breathtaking views, imagining epic adventures we would do.
And while we wait a little longer for the travel world to recuperate, we in Australia are absolutely lucky that we have a place to go right now and make those travel dreams come true: New Zealand. So if you’re looking for the sign to go and burst your Kiwi bubble (especially if you're a first-timer), this is it!
Here are 7 reasons for you to stop dreaming about New Zealand and just go.
1. It’s family-friendly - kids love it
Start the kids young and get them to experience the magic of New Zealand early on. From nature trips and adrenaline-pumping expeditions to visiting animal farms and doing educational tours to learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, the whole family is bound to have a memorable holiday in New Zealand.
Our favourites include meeting sheep and farm animals at SheepWorld in Auckland, visiting the colony of penguins at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, entering the magical world of hobbits in Hobbiton, and jet boating in Queenstown to name a few!
2. It has some really epic hot pools
We all know how New Zealand equals adventure but perhaps a little less known fact about New Zealand is that it has secret epic hot pools all over the country! It’s the perfect reward after pushing yourself to the limit and ticking skydiving or bungee jumping from your bucket list.
Go on, take a break from all the crazy adventure for a while and treat yourself to a wood-fired hot tub bath you never knew you needed - whether you’re up in Rotorua or down south in Christchurch, there is an epic hot pool or a mud bath waiting for you.
Read about Rotorua’s hot pools and mud baths here:
Read about all you need to know about Hanmer Springs Pools in Christchurch:
And read about all the epic hot pools to be discovered in New Zealand:
3. Can be budget-friendly (contrary to popular belief!)
While New Zealand is not exactly known to be a 'cheap' travel destination, there are heaps of activities you can do on a budget or better yet - for FREE - in this beautiful country. And it’s almost too good to be true.
It’s also another reason why it’s known to be backpackers paradise - aside from the dose of adventure you can get, you can definitely travel New Zealand on a budget, too. Our pro-tip is to make sure to pre-book your activities and research well to truly get the best bang for your buck!
Read about 10 Budget-Friendly New Zealand Activities Under $100 here:
Read about The 12 Best Things to do in Auckland Below $50:
4. It’s an unforgettable place for a romantic getaway
If you want unforgettable, incomparable and a great impression, New Zealand won’t let you down for sure. Got an adventurous partner who loves to explore and get out of the box? Perfect.
If you want a step up from the usual movie and dinner date, you’ve come to the right place - New Zealand’s romantic activities are waaay more exciting than the usual - from scenic flights, wine tours to hot air balloon rides over unforgettable landscapes, New Zealand is waiting for you to make that dream date happen!
Read about the Top Romantic Things in Auckland: Nature & City Date Ideas:
Read about The Most Romantic Things to Do in Queenstown for the Best Dates:
5. It will zap you back to life with adrenaline
Haven’t done something new in a while? Miss feeling alive and being high on life? Been craving for that outrageous adventure? If you’ve answered yes to all of the above, it’s time to stop dreaming and just go to New Zealand! Gear up to go to the land of adventure and extreme sports, because your senses are in for a real treat.
Go heli-hiking, jump from 15,000ft above, take a leap of faith at Shotover Canyon Swing to start.
Read about all the adventures you can do in Auckland:
Thinking about heli hiking? Read up on all you need to know here:
6. You can travel back in time to Middle-earth
Lord of The Rings super fan or not, the journey to Middle-earth will surely leave you mesmerized. Snow-capped peaks and lush green forests like you’ve never seen before await while you follow in the footsteps of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins (and you can even dress up like them!)
Start with a visit to the Shire and Hobbiton Movie Set in the rolling hills of Matamata, down to Arrowtown near Queenstown to go to Ford of Bruinen on the Arrow River and check out Glenorchy to see Mount Earnslaw!
7. It's magical in winter, plus it has world-class ski resorts
New Zealand is beautiful all year-round, really, but winter has a different enchanting charm, which is why a lot of people fall in love with New Zealand in this season! It's one of the most photographed locations in the world for winter. Just imagine those snow-capped mountain peaks and breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Read about our favourite winter activities in Queenstown:
And speaking of skiing and winter activities - whether you're a beginner skier or snowboarder or a pro, there's snow to suit everyone from the North Island to the South Island. Choose from multiple ski towns like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Mt Ruapehu, and more!
It's time to stop dreaming about New Zealand and go!