Exploring New Zealand is on many travellers’ bucket list, and it is not hard to see why. There are places bustling with culture and unique experiences, and you could spend months here and still find something new. Here is a breakdown of the best cities to see, and some helpful advice for new people in the country too.
Napier
Napier is a must-see for any seaside lover out there. There is an intriguing aquarium, a whole selection of breathtaking buildings, and great places to eat as well. It is a peaceful, upmarket city with lots of accommodation options and enough to keep you busy for at least a week.
Christchurch
Post-earthquake life has been different in Christchurch, but the city is being rebuilt and is stronger than ever. There is a special vibe in the air that is inescapable, and there are beaches, gardens, museums, restaurants, historical sites, and more to discover.
Auckland
Auckland is a mixture of the best that New Zealand has to offer, and the largest city in the country. You can’t escape the peaceful lull of the harbour, and that’s not all. Try taking a picture of the volcanic summits or discovering the wineries and hot springs and let the city take you where you need to go.
Wellington
You can’t travel around New Zealand without visiting the capital. Brimming with history and very welcoming to tourists and travellers, Wellington has it all to see. Take your time exploring the mountain scenery and breathe in the fresh air in the otherwise nicknamed ‘windy city’. There is a lot to find within the city and in the countryside as well, so you can spend time in both and make some wonderful memories.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a spot that has exceptional culture and arts to uncover on every corner. It is, however, also one to not miss for the thrill seekers out there. There are a handful of bungee-style experiences, paragliding and zipliner activities too that make it all the more exciting.
Important Facts Before You Go
New Zealand is a popular destination, but you will need a visa to travel freely and legally in the country. Applying is easy on ivisa.com, so your visa comes in time and there are no delays to the adventure. This will also be a useful asset when you are going through the stringent custom checks upon entering the country. It is also one of the safest countries for hikers and outdoor explorers because you won’t run into any predators, so this is one thing not to worry about, but just remember if you are planning an outdoor-style excursion, that the best weather is in November through to March, which are the best weather months in NZ.
These cities are some of the best that New Zealand has to offer, with plenty of space for rural exploration too if you know where to go and when to do it. Make the most of your time in the country by planning out your agenda before you get there, and then you won’t miss out on anything.
