15 Incredible New Zealand Road Trip Stops: Your guide to uncovering the South Island's beauty
From Queenstown to the Milford Sound, New Zealand has plenty of natural beauty to offer, but what should you make time for during your trip? Here’s your guide to discovering 15 of the best road trip stops around the south island… you won’t be disappointed!
Please note: This post has been updated as of December 2023
New Zealand might seem like a blip on the map, but it is far more expansive than it appears.
The diversity of landscapes is unparalleled to anything I’ve ever encountered and with so much to offer, it can be overwhelming when attempting to narrow down what to see and where to go.
That’s certainly how I felt when my girlfriend and I planned a New Zealand road trip of our own last year.
So, I thought I’d throw together a short guide to unlocking the immense beauty that the south island holds. Here are 15 of the best road trip stops in New Zealand!
1. QUEENSTOWN
An adrenaline junkie’s heaven, Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and sits in the shadows of the famed Remarkable mountain range.
The raw beauty alone makes this stop worthwhile, but there’s plenty to do beyond staring at the surrounding mountainscape.
Strap yourself to the world’s first bungee jump and plummet 43 meters off of the Kawarau Bridge. or ride the Queenstown Gondola up to Skyline, a collection of restaurants, shops, and the most scenic zip-lining experience you’re likely to ever have. It’s also a perfect spot to observe the spectacular sunrise!
View from Queenstown Skyline
2. MOERAKI BOULDERS
The Moeraki Boulders are most easily described as unusual spherical rocks that dot the shoreline of Koekohe Beach along the south island’s Otago Coast.
Although formed through erosion of the adjacent coastal cliffs, Maori legend states that the boulders are remains of calabashes and eel baskets that washed ashore after the Araiteuru, a legendary canoe, capsized nearby.
Located 30min south of Oamaru, it makes for an easy day trip. Just be sure to visit during low tide, otherwise, the boulders become submerged in the South Pacific Ocean as the beach vanishes under the incoming water!
3. SLOPE POINT
The Catlins continues to be the hidden gem of the south island and here is where you will find Slope Point, the southernmost tip of New Zealand.
Once you’ve finished this short, albeit windy, walk out to the signpost, you’ll be standing closer to Antarctica than the equator, a pretty surreal experience if I’m being honest.
It takes less than an hour, is family-friendly and makes for a quick excursion along your road trip through the southern corridor of the island… just remember to pack a windbreaker!
Walk to Slope Point
4. PUNAKAIKI PANCAKE ROCKS
Hidden along the west coast is Punakaiki, best known for a collection of pancake rocks and blowholes that jut out into the Tasman Sea.
To get up close and personal with these 30 million-year-old limestone formations, take the short walking track that’s located across the highway from the visitors center.
Punakaiki is also the gateway to Paparoa National Park, so there are plenty of other activities in the area such as horseback riding, hiking, glow worm cave explorations, and more!
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
5. HOKITIKA GLOW WORM DELL
Punakaiki is a great place to visit for a guided tour of the famous glow worms, but if your luck hasn’t panned out, be sure to make a quick stop in Hokitika.
Located along the side of the highway, the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell requires a 2 minute, family-friendly walk that’s well worth the small effort. Once the sun goes down, the walls of the forest light up with these luminescent creatures!
The best part? It’s completely free!
6. OAMARU BLUE PENGUIN COLONY
New Zealand prides itself on natural beauty and diverse wildlife, and the seaside town of Oamaru is no different.
It’s here you will find the Blue Penguin Colony, complete with nesting habitats and a grandstand for visitors to watch as the penguins make their return home from a long day at sea.
A visit is certainly not the cheapest of things to do (NZD 43 for general admission to the evening show), but to witness these creatures in their natural habitat is truly something special!
7. AORAKI NATIONAL PARK
Rising to over 3,700 meters, Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s largest peak and can be reached by visiting the sprawling Aoraki National Park.
Although the Hooker Valley Track is by far the most popular and easily accessible (and also leads to a glacier-filled lake in the winter months), there are plenty of other hikes to try as well.
Need to get your altitude fix in? Change things up and hop on a flight with nearby Lake Tekapo Air Safaris to view the landscape from above. Not that I didn’t already appreciate all that New Zealand has to offer, but being able to witness the expanse from the sky was a profound experience that I’ll never forget!
Hooker Valley Trek in Aoraki National Park
8. LAKE TEKAPO
Located just under an hour from Aoraki National Park sits the town of Tekapo, on the shores of… you guessed it… Lake Tekapo.
This tiny community packs a punch as the turquoise waters competing for your attention with the views of the Southern Alps across the horizon.
Make sure to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone sanctuary that looks out over the water or stay the night and stare in awe of the expansive starry sky, taking full advantage of Tekapo’s distinction as an International Dark Sky Reserve. It will blow your mind, I promise!
Lake Tekapo as seen from Mt. John Observatory
9. CHRISTCHURCH
If not arriving through Queenstown, Christchurch will likely be your point of entry.
Do yourself a favor and set aside time to explore the town before starting your road trip as there’s plenty to do and see!
Take a jaunt through the Christchurch Botanical Gardens (NZD 25) or enjoy the surrounding scenery as you have a bite to eat aboard the Tramway Restaurant.
10. KAIKOURA
The sleepy seaside town of Kaikoura is located at the base of the Kaikoura mountain range and along the coast of the South Pacific Ocean.
It’s best known for having its own resident sperm whale population, making it the ideal spot to get out on the water with a whale watching tour.
Not confident in your sea legs? That’s ok! Take a stroll along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and spot the colony of fur seals that reside on the nearby rocks.
With the mountains, sea and an abundance of wildlife, this is a road trip stop you won’t want to miss!
Dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand
11. FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Also known as Te Wahipounamu, or “the place of greenstone,” Fiordland National Park can be found in the southwestern corner of the island.
With over 500km of trails, this slice of mountainous paradise offers hikers the chance to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of the world. It’s so stunning that the park itself was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
Three of New Zealand’s Great Walks can also be found here: the Milford Track, the Kepler Track, and the Routeburn.
Here’s the moral of the story: Don’t just cruise in and out to visit the Milford or Doubtful Sounds, make sure you take some time to experience all that it has to offer!
Fiordland National Park
12. LAKE OHAU
It’s certainly not as popular as nearby Lake Pukaki or Lake Tekapo, but that doesn’t mean you should pass it by!
This off-the-beaten-path location is the perfect stop for a mini hideaway and offers the chance to ski at the Ohau Snow Fields or ride a section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Be sure to say hi to Mike and Louise, the longtime owners and operators of the Lake Ohau Lodge and a friendly bunch, to say the least.
The drive through the McKenzie High Country to reach this remote location is worth it in its own right as the trademark yellow and orange hues of the fields sit in the shadows of the Southern Alps. The raw beauty here is truly unrivaled.
13. ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Rainforests, waterfalls, golden beaches, and the beautiful ocean. Do you need me to name more reasons as to why you should swing by Abel Tasman National Park during your road trip? Although it’s New Zealand’s smallest national park, there are plenty of adventures to be had.
Low on time but still want to get out and stretch the legs? Take the short walk through the lush forest, over the swinging bridges, and up to Wainui Falls.
The hike is suitable for the entire family and, depending on impromptu stops along the way, should take just over an hour to complete.
We didn’t have long here during our travels, but the waterfall-rich forests seemingly colliding with the ocean made me feel as though I had truly discovered paradise.
14. WANAKA
This lakefront town is full of shops, restaurants, and cafes along the main road, providing a healthy dose of social interaction!
Here is where you will find That Wanaka Tree. It is what it sounds like, a tree in Lake Wanaka, and is one of the most popular things to photograph around town.
Wanaka also serves as the perfect home base to hike up to Roys Peak for stunning views towards Mt. Aspiring National Park. As popular as the trail is, it’s not the easiest of workouts, so make sure to do your research and plan accordingly.
Visiting in the winter months? Make some turns at the Treble Cone or Cardrona ski areas!
Much like Queenstown, Wanaka certainly opens the door to a seemingly endless amount of adventures.
Skiing at Treble Cone
15. MILFORD SOUND
Widely touted as New Zealand’s most spectacular attraction, Milford Sound is truly a sight to behold.
Hop on a cruise and get up close and personal with hundreds of waterfalls as they cascade down from the peaks above, or book a kayaking tour for a more serene experience.
We were lucky in that our visit coincided with a recent rainstorm that filled the waterfalls to max capacity and left a layer of clouds that slowly glided between the fiords.
It’s easy to hop on a fully-planned tour from nearby Queenstown, so there’s no reason to not visit this remote part of the country!
Milford Sound
Although I highly recommend these 15 stops based on my adventures, it’s important to note that New Zealand is full of less-traveled nooks and crannies, so be sure to improvise a bit on your road trip. After all, you never know what’s right around the corner until you check it out yourself.
Cheers to a great adventure ahead! Have you traveled through New Zealand’s south island before? What are some spots I should visit the next time I go? Let me know in the comments below and as always, stay safe & happy travels!
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The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip: An 8 day campervan adventure around the south island
Planning a trip to New Zealand? Be sure to check out this guide about traveling around the south island and discover some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. From choosing your route to where to stay and what to do, this post has everything you need to say “let’s go” and book that next adventure!
Please note: All info below is up to date as of May 2023
If I could handpick one destination for you to experience, it’d be New Zealand. An outdoor adventurer’s paradise, the two islands combine for a population of under 5 million inhabitants and come complete with sprawling scenery that begs to be explored. With nearly 33% of the country protected under the national parks system, it’s not hard to stumble upon pure and untouched nature!
It was just over a year ago that Heather and I crammed our backpacks full of winter jackets, caught a flight from LAX, and traveled south for our first campervan experience - driving around New Zealand’s south island.
With only eight days to spare, we knew it’d be long hours on the road and a lot of activities to cram into a short period, but we were committed to making it happen.
Whatever you choose to do and wherever you go in New Zealand, you won't regret booking a plane ticket!
One quick note about campervans in New Zealand: It’s vital to know the classification of the vehicle you’re renting and how that relates to your camping options. Many free sites around the country are for self-contained vehicles only, meaning that the van must be equipped with a toilet and grey water tank. After crunching some numbers, we calculated that springing for the slightly more expensive Jucy Chaser would save us money on accommodations because of it’s “self-contained” status.
BEGIN IN QUEENSTOWN
One of my favorite parts about visiting New Zealand is simply arriving. The flight path into Queenstown yields mind-blowing landscapes. It’s a pretty special feeling as you step onto the tarmac, look up and see The Remarkables in all their glory.
Pro Tip: Snag a window seat on the left side of the plane for the best views.
From here, we picked up our campervan and drove straight to Lake Pukaki for our first overnight.
Total Drive Time: 2hr 45min
Overnight Stay: Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking. Onsite toilets are available, but there are no powered sites. Non-self contained vehicles are allowed.
Road trip map of New Zealand
DAY 1: LAKE PUKAKI AND MT. COOK NATIONAL PARK
Why you should go: Lake Pukaki is the sole access point to Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain (3,765m). It’s also the country’s deadliest peak, accounting for nearly 80 reported casualities since the early part of the 20th century.
With tons of hiking to choose from, you can be sure that there’s something for all ages and fitness levels. Looking for a view of Mt. Cook? Try the Hooker Valley Track. Although it’s one of the most popular hikes, the 10.5km round trip path takes adventurers over swinging bridges and through the valley before reaching Hooker Lake, all at only 100m of elevation gain - talk about bang for your buck! Whichever hike you choose, I guarantee you will encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in all the world. For a comprehensive list of hikes within Mt. Cook National Park, click here.
Lake Pukaki is also an optimal basecamp for exploring nearby Lake Tekapo or hopping on a scenic flight to soak up the spectacular aerial views. My personal recommendation would be Air Safaris; great service and a variety of options to fit any budget!
Must Do: Hooker Valley Trek and Air Safari Tour
Total Drive Time: 4 hrs. (Tekapo to Amberley Beach). Make sure to enjoy the views as you drive over Burke’s Pass along Highway 8!
Overnight Stay: Amberley Beach Reserve. Any vehicle is welcome to camp here, with both powered and non-powered sites available. The campground also offers toilets and bucket shower stalls and costs between $5-25 NZD per night, depending on your chosen site and vehicle.
Planning to stay longer in Lake Tekapo? Here’s a list of things to do and see:
Hike to the Mt. John Observatory for sweeping views over Lake Tekapo
Test your hand at astrophotography (Tekapo is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve)
Take flight high above Mt. Cook with Air Safaris as your guide to truly grasp the magnificence of the area
Relax in the Tekapo Hot Springs
Hooker Valley Trek at Mt. Cook National Park
DAY 2: KAIKOURA
Why you should go: The beauty of New Zealand is that you don’t need to be either a water person or a mountain person; you can be both! The sleepy seaside town of Kaikoura can attest. Located at the base of the aptly named Kaikoura mountain range, it is widely known for its resident sperm whale population, making it THE perfect place to hop on a boat and experience the wildlife from the water. Not a fan of the open sea? No problem. Stroll along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway to the rock platforms and prepare to “ooh” and “ahh” when you stumble upon a colony of fur seals!
Must Do: Whale watching in the South Pacific Ocean. We used Whale Watch Kaikoura and had an incredible time. Make sure to book in advance as spots fill up fast, even in the winter months!
Total Drive Time: 6 hrs. (2 hrs. from Amberley to Kaikoura and 4 hrs. from Kaikoura to Motueka)
Overnight Stay: Motueka Beach Reserve. This is a free camping area that only allows self-contained vehicles. It comes complete with toilets, showers, designated fire and cooking areas, and is located adjacent to the Motueka Salt Baths, just in case you feel the urge to take a quick dip in the Tasman Bay.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
DAY 3: ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Why you should go: What do you get when you add rainforests to waterfalls and and sprinkle golden sand beaches on top? Paradise. Spread along the south island's northern coast, this national park is most well known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track as it winds its way 60km along the pristine water. This particular hike takes a bit of advanced planning, but it is still possible to experience the region by trekking to nearby to Wainui Falls. This 3.4km out and back trail maneuvers it's way through the lush rainforest and over suspension bridges before arriving at the stunning waterfall. Be sure to take a quick dip in the frigid waters and make sure to have a towel at the ready!
Must Do: Wainui Falls was an incredible hike, but our favorite part of the day was simply driving and exploring the area, especially Highway 60 up and over Takaka Hill.
Total Drive Time: 4.5 hrs. ( 1.5 hrs. from Motueka to Abel Tasman National Park and 3 hrs. from Abel Tasman to Murchison)
Overnight Stay: Riverside Holiday Park (Murchison). From 3 bedroom cabins to non-powered tent sites, this accommodation has something for everyone. The facility comes complete with a community kitchen, flushing toilets, and warm showers… this holiday park certainly spoiled us! We opted to rent a powered site for just $35 NZD ($22 USD) in order to hook up the heater in our van to keep us warm during a rainy night.
Want to learn more about this island nation? Check out these 30 Interesting Facts About New Zealand!
Day 4: PUNAKAIKI AND HOKITIKA
Why you should go: Stunning coastline and glow worms galore! The western part of the south island is like nothing I had ever seen before. Lush rainforests stretch from high above in the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea below.
Driving aimlessly along Highway 6 and spontaneously stopping as you go is worth it in its own right, however this part of the island is where you can find two popular destinations: Punakaiki and Hokitika.
Punakaiki is home to the curious limestone formations known as Pancake Rocks, the perfect place to take a short 1.1km walk around these geological oddities and stretch your legs.
Pro Tip: Try to time your visit around high tide. This is when the surge pools and blowholes will be most active, leading to a truly spectacular show of forece from the ocean.
Feeling adventurous? Bring a headlamp and take a quick detour to the Punakaiki Cavern, located just north of the Pancake Rocks along Highway 6. Don’t forget to look up to spot the glow worms and stalacites as you descend into the darkness!
If you have trouble spotting the glow worms in Punakaiki, don’t worry, so did we! Keep driving south to Hokitika and you’ll find the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell. Located directly off of Highway 6, this leafy canyon is a protected home to these intriguing creatures.
Make sure to go at night as they illuminate the path. It’s free and only a 2 minute walk from the roadside, making it the perfect alternative if you don't have time or budget for an organized tour.
Did you know that the light emitted from these worms isn’t just mesmerizing to the human eye? It’s used to attract their food, luring insects and trapping them in their sticky threads!
Must Do: Hokitika Glow Worm Dell
Total Drive Time: 3 hrs, with PLENTY of roadside stops along the way
Overnight Stay: Hokitika Holiday Park. Powered sites start at $20 NZD per person and access to the community kitchen, lounge area, showers, playground, and free wifi!
Views from Highway 6
DAY 5: FOX JOSEF AND FRANZ GLACIERS
Why you should go: Where else can you hike through the rainforest en route to a glacier? The answer is nowhere!
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are the only two that exist in the world. Both offer a unique experience, trekking through the lush forest and up ice-carved valleys to their terminal faces.
The Franz Josef Walk is a 5.4km path up to the 7,000 year old sheet of ice, while the Fox Glacier Valley Walk is a 6km trail that follows the south bank of the Fox River through the ancient podocarp rainforest. A professional guide is needed to access the glacier if you're looking to get more up close and personal.
Check out Franz Josef Glacier Tours and choose your adventure: ice climbing, heli-hiking, and more!
Must Do: The Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Total Drive Time: 4 hrs. to Haast, with stops at both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Overnight Stay: Haast River Holiday Park. This powered site is slightly more expensive at $48 NZD per night, but provided access to the kitchen, showers, and wifi. Onsite motel rooms are also available.
Franz Josef Glacier from above
DAY 6: WANAKA (TRANSIT TO MILFORD SONUD)
Why you should go: Located on the southern shore of Lake Wanaka, this town is the perfect stopover en route to the Milford Sound. Snap a picture of That Wanaka Tree or simply enjoy a flat white as you peruse the stores along the waterfront.
Have a bit more time to spare? Take a jaunt up Roy’s Peak, a steep 16km trek that ends in sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.
Must Do: Stroll along Lake Wanaka
Total Drive Time: 5.5 hrs. from Haast to Cascade Creek Campground (brief stops in Wanaka and Te’Anu)
Overnight Stay: Cascade Creek Campground. This is the closest campground to the Milford Sound without making reservations in advance and costs just $15 NZD per person. Toilets are available, however powered sites are not. It’s the perfect place to spend the night if you have an early morning cruise of the sound scheduled for the following day!
Pro Tip: Fill up your gas tank in Te’Anu… it’s the last stop you’ll find before reaching the Milford Sound.
DAY 7: FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK AND MILFORD SOUND
Why you should go: With cascading waterfalls that plummet over the fjords and into the serene waters below, this cherished corner of the world is filled with unrivaled beauty.
The best way to experience the sound is from the water, so be sure to hop on a nature discovery cruise. There are plenty of tour operators to choose from so it’s possible to shop around for the right fit for your wallet. Pro Tip: If you rent a vehicle from Jucy, you’ll receive a $30 discount when you book through Jucy Cruise!
Once your mind has been properly blown, spend some time exploring the rest of the 1.2 million hectares of land that makeup Fiordland National Park. For a full list of hikes available, click here.
Must Do: Cruise the Milford Sound
Total Drive Time: 5 hrs (1 hr from Cascade Creek Campground to Milford Sound and 4 hrs from the Milford Sound to Weirs Beach Campground)
Overnight Stay: Weirs Beach Campground. This is a free site that welcomes any type of vehicle! Non-powered sites only, but bathrooms are available.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
DAY 8: THE CATLINS COAST
Why you should go: Peace, serenity, and wildlife. Oh, and inching closer to Antarctica!
Comprised of the southeastern part of the island, The Catlins aren’t frequently visited by most, but are well worth the effort to get there.
Take a short, albeit windy, walk out to Slope Point and you’ll find yourself standing closer to Antarctica than to the equator.
Beyond creeping closer to the ice continent, The Catlins is one of the best spots to find an abundance of yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, and starry nights.
Visiting in the winter months? Hunt down the southern lights! This forecast will help make sure that you don’t miss out.
Must Do: Slope Point
Total Drive Time: 3.25 hrs. back to Queenstown to complete the trip!
Overnight Stay: Turner Heights Townhouses (Queenstown). Between the aerial views of Queenstown and the easy walk to Lake Wakatipu, this was the perfect accommodation for our final night!
Slope Point, New Zealand
Have you given yourself more than just one night in Queenstown? Here’s a short list of things to see and do:
Play footygolf with The Remarkables as your backdrop at the Frankton Golf Centre
Wake up early and climb to the top of Queenstown Hill for sunrise
Enjoy breakfast along the water at Vudu Cafe
Take the plunge at the world’s first bungy jump (AJ Hackett Bungy)
Trek up the Tiki Trail for picture perfect views above Queenstown with The Remarkables as a backdrop
Meander along the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the evening light
Although we managed to condense a lot into a short amount of time in New Zealand, we certainly didn’t come close to scratching the surface of all that this nature lover’s paradise has to offer. At the end of the day, it’s important to realize that this itinerary is in no way perfect. It’s merely a starting point for you to pull out a map and begin planning an adventure of your own. After all, I find that some of the best memories are made before the trip has even begun!
Have you been to New Zealand before? What was your favorite part? I want to hear from you in the comments below!
Thanks for stopping by and as always, stay safe & happy travels.
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30 Facts About New Zealand: Interesting, weird, and downright quirky
Planning a trip to New Zealand? Check out this list of 30 interesting, weird, and just straight up quirky facts about the island nation. From penguins, to wizards, and even the elvish language, New Zealand has more to offer than you might think - and it already had a lot going for it! Time to book those tickets you’ve been dreaming about.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: New Zealand should be at the top of every person’s bucket list. From sprawling landscapes and abundant marine life to bungee jumps and sky diving, there's something for everyone. To help inspire your next great adventure, I’ve compiled a list of 30 of the most interesting, quirky, and weird about New Zealand.
Buckle up… here we go!
1. New Zealand is home of the world’s first commercial bungee jump
Searching for an adventure? Make sure to stop by Queenstown — commonly known as the adrenaline capital of the world! Just outside the city sits AJ Hackett Bungy, named after the man who established the attraction in 1988 after being inspired by the natives of nearby Vanuatu who would take the plunge using tree vines. Are you brave enough to take a leap of faith off the Kawarau Bridge and plummet 43 meters towards the river below?
2. Plenty of space and not a lot of people
Although New Zealand is similar in size to the United Kingdom, only 4 million people call this island nation home. That’s slightly less than the estimated 66 million people inhabiting the UK…
3. New Zealand made women’s rights history in 1893
The nation became the first modern country in the world to give women the right to vote! Well done, New Zealanders!
4. Conquering Everest
Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person ever to scale Mount Everest, was from New Zealand.
5. A step ahead of the rest of the world
Well, physically speaking. New Zealand is (debatably) the first country on Earth to welcome the sun each morning. In 2011 Samoa motioned to move its position on the International Dateline to align themselves better with the workweek in Australia and New Zealand. Technically speaking, they’re the first country to welcome the new day, but due to the curvature of the planet many people are adamant that the East Cape on New Zealand’s north island is the first place to actually see the sunrise. Good enough for me!
Rise and shine, folks!
Sunrise from Round Hill Ski Fields
6. Into golf? Add New Zealand to your travel list!
Although New Zealand’s national sport is rugby, the country boasts more golf courses per capita than another place in the world.
7. No snakes
No more needs to be said, here. There are literally no snakes in New Zealand, but be sure to be on the lookout for the Giant Weta bug. This insect weighs more than a sparrow! Don’t worry, it won’t harm you.
8. The best of the mountains AND the sea
In New Zealand, you don’t have to be either a “mountain person” or a “beach person” — you can be both! You’ll never be more than 128km away from the coast, no matter where you might end up.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
9. Home of the Kakapo
This is the only flightless parrot in the world!
10. “Long white cloud”
The Maori word for New Zealand is Aotearoa, meaning long white cloud. If you look on a map, it checks out… the country is pretty long — nearly 1,000 miles to be exact.
11. Receive your weather reports in Elvish
New Zealand is known around the world as the filming location of Lord of the Rings movies and the people have truly embraced it. In 2012, the country even broadcasted a weather report in Elvish! View it here.
12. The fraudulent fruit
New Zealanders are often referred to as “Kiwis,” named after the national bird… NOT the fruit. As it turns out, kiwi fruit originates from China and was first known as “Chinese Gooseberries” before later being renamed after New Zealand’s national bird. I guess if you squint, turn off the lights, and close one eye, then the fruit (sort of) looks like the body of the bird?
13. Wellington’s claim to fame
Sitting at 41.28 degrees south and 174.7 degrees east, Wellington is the southernmost capital city in the entire world.
14. Bats are king
No, bats don’t rule over the country… there’s actually a very efficient Government that does that. However, bats are the only land mammals native to New Zealand. Every other species was introduced to the ecosystem.
15. Just how far south can you go?
New Zealand ranks 3rd in proximity to Antarctica, behind Chile and Argentina. Take a quick trip to Slope Point on the southern island and you’ll find yourself standing closer to the final frontier than to the equator.
Slope Point - South Island, New Zealand
16. Home to the world’s longest name of a place… 85 characters, to be exact
Are you ready for it? Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. Roughly translated as “the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed, and swallowed the mountains, known as the land-eater, played his nose flute to his loved ones.”
17. Jedi religion is real
Well, sort of. According to a 2001 census, over 50,000 people listed “Jedi” as their religion. It took a bit of a hit during the following census in 2006 when only 20,000 people claimed it.
18. New Zealand is actually Australia - wait, what?
No, not really. However the Australian Constitution does list New Zealand as a state of Australia, giving Kiwis the option to join the confederation if they so choose.
19. The entire country is a hiker’s paradise
Nearly 33% of New Zealand’s stunning landscape is protected as part of the National Parks system. There are endless wonders to explore! Freedom camping comes with strict regulations though, so make sure you know before you go.
Hiking the Hooker Valley Trail in Aoraki National Park
20. Kiwis are kind and caring
The people, not the birds. New Zealand is tied with Denmark as the least corrupt country in the world.
21. Three official languages
It’s not uncommon for countries to boast more than one official language, but the unique thing about New Zealand is that they list English, Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language. Pretty cool, right?
22. New Zealand isn’t just a place for Jedis, it’s home to Wizards, too!
In 1990 the New Zealand Government actually appointed a “National Wizard” whose duties included casting out evil spirits. I’m not kidding.
23. Enjoy the holidays without toxic consumerism
The New Zealand Government has banned all television commercials during Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day (national day of remembrance in New Zealand and Australia), and Christmas Day.
24. The country breeds equality
New Zealand is the only country in the world to have all of the Government’s highest positions occupied by women at the same time. This occurred in 2006 when the Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief of Justice were all female.
25. New Zealand not only welcomes all walks of life, but all waddles of penguins, too
The island nation boasts more species of penguins than anywhere else in the world! Talk about being inclusive.
26. Ah, New Zealand, home to massive amounts of… sheep?
Although the number fluctuates, the generally accepted ratio of sheep to people is 9:1.
27. E lhowā Atua, but also please defend our dirt
New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that sings two national anthems: E lhowā Atua in the Maori language, followed by God Defend New Zealand (English).
28. New Zealand - the land of the… Scottish
New Zealand is home to more Scottish pipe bands than… you guessed it… Scotland! Don’t forget to pack your kilt.
Mt. Cook National Park - South Island, New Zealand
29. Peace reigns supreme
In addition to being listed as the least corrupt country in the world, New Zealand topped the Global Peace Index in 2009.
30. Ever wonder where Pizza Hut acquires such massive amounts of cheese?
No, it’s not Wisconsin. It’s not even Italy. The restaurant chain purchases their mozzarella cheese from Taranaki, New Zealand! So does that mean Pizza Hut counts as “farm to table” dining there? Hmm…
Where else are you going to be able to meet Jedis that get their weather reports in Elvish? New Zealand is truly a wonder of the world and is home to some of the most generous people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Sure, it takes a while to get there and can often be daunting, but I promise you it’s worth it. It’s time to book that trip you’ve been dreaming about!
Thanks for following along & safe travels.
This post is featured by Twinkl in their New Zealand Resources blog.
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