“New Zealand is a land of breath taking beauty, warm people and amazing adventure. A great place to begin or end a journey.”
New Zealand, also known by its Maori name ‘Aotearoa’ which means ‘The land of the long white cloud’, is a beautiful South Pacific Ocean island nation, and a natural wonderland which has become a hot favorite traveler and backpacker destination. New Zealand is a country divided into two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. Both are rich in spectacular natural, cultural, food and wine experiences.
Backpacking in New Zealand
There is plenty to do and see when backpacking through New Zealand and when compared to traveling around the rest of the world New Zealand is a easy, friendly and accessible place to visit. It’s famous scenery has formed the backdrop for international blockbuster films, like ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.
New Zealand is also a fun and vibrant place to visit with great festivals, international concerts and some of the best adventure activities in the world. New Zealand is a very friendly travel and holiday destination and has also become a favorite for gap year students, and backpackers from across the globe.
New Zealand’s cities, like Auckland, combine all the sophistication of a world-class city with extraordinary natural wonders right on its doorstep.
North Island
Some of the many ‘must do’ experiences in the North Island has to be exploring the geothermal areas, immersing one’s self in Maori culture, exploring subtropical coastal regions, enjoying wine tours and indulging in fine cuisine, and enjoying the nightlife in cities such as Auckland and Wellington. Geothermal spa and healing mud pools are a great way to relax whilst touring this fascinating island.
South Island
The South Island is all about ‘big’ country, outdoor exploration and adventure activities. The ‘must do’ experiences in the South Island has to be exploring glacial valleys and lakes, skiing and other adrenalin sports, discovering endangered wildlife like the Kea, be immersed in frontier historical gold towns such as Arrowtown, enjoying a glass of wine on a wine tour, and lastly, relaxing in a hot spring!
What to do in New Zealand
New Zealand is considered to be the “Adventure Capital of the World”. From Auckland to Queenstown, the choice of NZ activities and NZ adventure sports is a thrill-seekers dream. New Zealander’s have a talent for creating the next adrenaline filled experience, whether it is bungy jumping through to jet boating, their imagination shows no limit.
Activities can range from the more relaxed family friendly adventure to the extreme. Be it snowboarding, skiing or surfing, winter or summer. Join in on NZ adventure tours, extreme sports, para-gliding, hiking or tramping, fishing or hunting, bird or whale watching and much, much more.
What to See in New Zealand
When it comes to sightseeing and attractions, New Zealand is truly blessed with incredible attractions and spectacular natural scenery. There is a reason why the sun shines on New Zealand first before the rest of the world, for every new day in New Zealand there is something to cherish.
Campervan around New Zealand
As a backpacker to New Zealand one of the must do things in rent a campervan and check out the amazing scenery by road. Campervans and motor homes are iconic modes of ‘Kiwi’ transport and accommodation. ‘Campervanning’ as it is commonly known, is very popular amongst local New Zealanders, and the country side is dotted with holiday parks and campsites geared up for this kind of travelling.
Working Holiday visa for Backpackers
The New Zealand government offers a Working Holiday visa in order to allow backpackers to engage in casual labour to help fund either their gap years or extended travels. Different visas conditions are based on an applicant’s country of origin. In general visas under the Working Holiday scheme allow visitors to stay in New Zealand for 12 months or 23 months if you are from the UK.
Food and Drink
New Zealand has a wide range of foods, drink, restaurants, cafes, bars, wine bars, pubs and coffee shops. The cuisine in New Zealand draws inspiration from Europe, Asia and Polynesia, and is often described as ‘Pacific Rim’. New Zealand’s wine and food is fresh and vibrant and is amongst the best in the world. Talented and innovative chefs combine ingredients freshly harvested from the garden, land and sea whilst the Pacific influences, organics and indigenous foods make it unique. The only down side for the pasta or olive oil loving backpacker is the lack of good Italian, Greek or other Mediterranean inspired foods. Hopefully this will change in the future.