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A trip Down Under can not only jet-set you into the Aussie outback and a surfing wonderland, but also into the mystical and otherworldly landscape that is New Zealand.
Serving as a plush and rugged backdrop to Hollywood hits from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings to Narnia and more – New Zealand is a trove filled with spectacular views, a rich and interesting cultural history, and unique experiences.
To put it plainly, here are 10 buzzing reasons to visit New Zealand:
1. See the sunrise before the rest of the world
Due to its far-east location on the globe – New Zealand is one of the first two countries to catch the break of dawn each day. In fact, a trip up to the North Island city of Gisborne along the East Coast will allow you to be one of the first people to see the actual sunrise each day.
2. About a third of the country is a national reserve
With a landscape as vibrant and thriving as in New Zealand – nature lovers can find pockets of peace in one of the many nature reserves spotted across the region. About 30% of the country is protected national reserve areas that guard the local ecological life, flora, and fauna.
3. Walk through the footsteps of Hollywood stars
A perk of being home to an array of ethereal landscapes is serving as the mystical backdrop to a range of Hollywood flicks and shows. You can traipse through the Hobbit landscapes with a Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves Tour, or find yourself invited to the dark side by exploring the volcanos of New Zealand – particularly the iconic Mt Ruapehu, otherwise known as Mt Doom from The Lord of the Rings for a taste of Mordor. You can also slip into Narnia at Cathedral Cove or Flock Hill and even unleash your inner Wolverine in Paradise near the end of Queenstown.
4. You can use Hobbit money!
Adding an extra immersion to your Middle Earth experience, you’re even able to trade using Hobbit money! You read that right – due to the popularity of the book and movie franchises, New Zealand is the only country in the world that has permission to put hobbits on its legal tender.
5. The Star Wars ‘Jedi’ title was ranked as the 2nd highest religion in the country at a point
The Kiwi people are big fans of the intergalactic Star Wars franchise. So much so that in 2001, the New Zealand Census, found that over 50 000 Kiwis entered their religion as “Jedi”. The census pushed the fictional title to be ranked as the second-highest religion in the country at the time and the highest per capita in the world.
6. It’s home to the town with the longest name: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu
If you’re feeling particularly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and have a knack for expanding your vernacular – a visit to the town with the longest name in the world is a must when visiting New Zealand. Boasting a mouthful of 40 syllables in the place name, the hilly area of Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu has a shorthand nickname of Taumata for those who struggle with pronouncing the 85-letter name. It is situated in Hawke’s Bay.
7. The ratio of sheep to humans is 9:1
Calling all country boys and gals – if you live for a good cottage core aesthetic and live your life to the soothing sounds of indie country music – look no further. Given the fertile landscape, New Zealand is home to a plethora of farms, so much so that the ratio of sheep to the human population is 9 sheep to 1 person – believed to be the biggest in the world. A drive up the countryside will have your eyes treated to fluffy speckles of white and brown clouding the green pastures.
8. Swim with teeny tiny dolphins
While New Zealand boasts some giant creepy crawly insects – like snails that can take up the palm of your hand, they’re also home to some little dolphins. Measuring no more than around 1.5 metres, you can see these little sea ballerinas swim and jump along the coast and even swim with them through snorkel experiences.
9. Meet unique and peculiar native wildlife
Animal lovers can get their fix by meeting new and exciting animal species while exploring New Zealand. From the well-known brown Kiwi bird to a type of lizard called Skinks, the giant carnivorous land snails to colourful flightless takahe birds, and more.
10. Calling rugga fans to the Maori home of the Haka
Arguably South Africa’s biggest rivals in rugby are the All Blacks from New Zealand. How better to experience rugby culture than in the home of one of the biggest rugby teams in the world? You can tour the rugby stadiums, learn the haka, and explore more about Maori culture while travelling through New Zealand.
Now that you’re all ready for your next New Zealand visit – be sure to add a few of these must-do activities to your custom-curated itinerary. Happy planning.
This post was sponsored by Qantas and produced by Adspace Studio.
