Why You Should Visit New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors

Paula Poirier
2023-10-11T09:33:07-04:00

If you’re a huge Lord of the Rings fan, we probably don’t need to say much to convince you that New Zealand is worth a visit, but there is definitely good reason it was chosen to represent this beautiful and majestic world! New Zealand is an outdoor lovers’ paradise

1. Spectacular Scenery

Though relatively small in size, especially compared to Canada, New Zealand’s dramatic landscape is in a league of its own. Whether you want to enjoy the endless white sand beaches and lush hills in the sub-tropical North Island, or you’re looking to explore the rugged peaks and valleys of the South Island, New Zealand’s dramatic landscape has a little something for everyone.

New Zealand’s unique and dramatic landscape is renowned the world over. The unique combination of glaciers, active volcanoes and endless lush green hills has long drawn tourists and expats, not to mention quite a few filmmakers. Spectacular mountain ranges make up the backbone of both the North and South Islands with placid lakes scattered through the valleys. You can hike across a glacier, climb a volcano or take a selfie with an active geyser. If you think Australia has the monopoly on beaches, rest assured that the New Zealand’s vast coastline also provides plenty of opportunities to swim, surf and sight-see, including the incredible 90-mile beach situated in the far north of the country.

2. Rich Culture

New Zealand’s fascinating indigenous culture has undergone a strong resurgence in the last fifty years as the government has sought to redress the social imbalance of colonial times. Even the national flag is changing to reflect this change with the final design likely to include the silver fern, a powerful Māori symbol. From traditional artwork and folk tales to the world famous Haka, Māori culture is now woven into all aspects of New Zealand’s cultural identity. The country’s diversity is also apparent in the cosmopolitan cultural scene with events celebrating everything from Chinese New Year to Diwali. There are even some unique festivals you won’t find anywhere else on Earth such as the many Māori Kai food festivals and the Tremains Art Deco Festival in Napier.

3. Outdoors Lifestyle

If you enjoy the great outdoors, New Zealand could be your ideal destination. It is possible to lose days, weeks or months hiking, kayaking and cycling your way around this incredible landscape. For adrenaline junkies, there are the pristine slopes of the Remarkables to ski and incredible Rangitikei rapids to raft your way along. If that’s not enough, don’t forget New Zealand was the birthplace of bungee jumping and still boasts some of the most scenic and exhilarating jumps in the world. To enjoy the country’s beautiful scenery at a slower pace, head to one of the many National Parks and get back to basics with a few days camping, fishing and walking against this spectacular backdrop.

4. Great Food (and Wine)

While New Zealand may be remote and relatively small in stature, it punches far above its weight in the culinary world. Auckland’s food scene rivals any city in the world from Asian-inspired street food to high end dining from renowned chefs such as Peter Gordon and Jenni Murray. Wellington comes a close second with food festivals and street markets to tempt and inspire any would-be foodie. The increasing popularity of New Zealand wine has also made it one of the top producers in the world. There are several wine producing areas to visit including the famous Marlborough region which you can explore independently or as part of a winery tour.

5. Lord of the Rings Filming Locations

If you are a fan of Lord of the Rings or were simply awe-struck of the locations while watching the film, New Zealand is famous for being the filming location of the popular Lord of the Rings movies.
Visit the breathtaking landscapes that these epic fantasy films used as backdrops for their iconic scenes, such as the rolling hills of Hobbiton, the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, and the enchanting forests of the North Island.

Bottom Line

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world for so many reasons. Whether it be the lush forests, the snow-capped mountains, or the wonderfully clear blue lakes, New Zealand is simply breathtaking. The Kiwis are very welcoming, and the country has so many great activities to do. It is one of the best places to see the stars, and there are few places in the world where you can see more stars than you can in New Zealand. New Zealand is a magical and unforgettable place that you need to visit as soon as you can.