Step into Middle-Earth: 11 Reasons to Visit New Zealand
- Kim Adellton
- Jun 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 23, 2024
When I first stepped foot in New Zealand, it was love at first sight... There are simply a lot of reasons for you to visit this country that's blessed with natural beauty. Whether you're here for a long holiday or a short weekend vacation, you will never run out of things to do and awesome landscapes to explore. Be wowed as you step into the home of Middle Earth.
At A Glance
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island county in the southern hemisphere that will always have the first sunrise, with its seasons roughly opposite those in the north. It is the 6th largest island country with two main islands - the North and South Islands, and over 700 smaller ones.
The North Island is home to the capital - Wellington, and its gateway is Auckland, the country's most populated city. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches, lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal wonders. It is a bit temperate and humid as compared to the South Island.
South Island is home to stunning mountains, blue lakes, and pristine fjords. Its gateway is Christchurch and its most populated city is Dunedin. If you're into hiking and camping, the South Island is the place to go.
If you love nature, New Zealand is my best bet for you. It is blessed with amazing landscapes, breathtaking southern lights; and unique wildlife. It also has bustling artsy diverse cities; fascinating traditions and culture; tons of outdoor adventure options, and various food choices.
11 Reasons to Visit New Zealand
As if anyone needs convincing, here are eleven reasons to add New Zealand to your travel bucket list.
Diverse Landscapes
Blessed with natural beauty, New Zealand offers an array of sceneries. With its white sand beaches, vineyards, green rolling hills, snowcapped mountains, bluest of lakes, lush forests, waterfalls, and stunning fjords, New Zealand will leave you in awe.
Outdoor Adventure Paradise
Whether you love camping, hiking, road trips or you're just out there for that stunning Instagrammable shot, there's an adventure waiting for you. You can stick to city adventures or take it up a notch by driving to the nearest beach or lake. And if you're into more adventurous stuff, go hiking through the glaciers of the Southern Alps and the lush green forests of the Milford track in the Fiordland National Park. You will find an adventure here suited for you.
Unique Experiences
Soak in a hot spring you dug by the beach, be amazed by the glowworm caves, or be thrilled by the clear night sky and the Southern Lights. These are some of the unique experiences in New Zealand.
History and Heritage
Its name was derived from Nova Zeelandia, as given by Dutch cartographers after the Dutch province of Zeeland, a few years after being discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642, a Dutch explorer. New Zealand was anglicized by the British explorer James Cook. Get to know more about New Zealand's history and heritage through its museums and different structures all over the country.
The Maori People
New Zealand is locally called Aotearoa, its Maori name, which means 'the land of the long white cloud'. The Maori are its first inhabitants and as of 2023, 17.8% of the country's population is part of this ethnic group. Get to know them and their culture through various activities all over the country. In Rotorua, a living Maori village called Te Puia offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the Maori. You may also paddle the Whanganui River with Maori guides for a spiritual journey. There is also the Amiki Cultural Food Tour at Otautahi Christchurch by a Maori historian to know their culture through stories and food.
Diverse Food Choices
There are various foods to try here - the Maori traditional Hangi or food cooked under the ground; amazing seafood from its long coastline, and numerous lakes; roast lamb; fish and chips; cheeses; and wines.
Did you know that New Zealand has several vineyards that produce Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir? I just tried one in Waiheke.
This might be an unpopular opinion. I am thrilled because there are a lot of good Asian foods in New Zealand, making me feel as though it is an extension of my home continent. Is it just me or do you also find the number of Asian food establishments here insane, especially in Auckland? Please comment below.
Easy to Explore
Although public transportation is only within and between cities, good road infrastructure is stretched across the whole country. This makes the country easy to explore. Just rent a car, a campervan, or a motorhome, and take note of the following.
- Have your current driver's license or International Driving Permit (IDP) ready. If it's not in English, have an accurate English translation. This would let you legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. For IDP, carry the current driver's license that the permit is based on.
- To drive a motorhome, you must have a full car driver's license (not provisional).
- Kiwis drive on the left side of the road.
- Speed signs are in kilometers per hour.
- It's illegal to drive while using a mobile phone and New Zealand is strict with speeding and drunk driving.
- Roads are hilly, narrow and winding. Be cautious.
Favorable Climate
With its seasons roughly opposite to the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand is a great way to experience summer during your usual winter months or cool down during your usual scorching summers.
Note that New Zealand's temperature is generally mild but can quickly vary. Rain is very unpredictable. The sun is stronger, especially in the summer so it's best to protect yourself against it. Moreover, its climate is diverse with the North Island having warm subtropical weather during summer and the South Island can have temperatures as low as -10°C in winter. See the image below for more info on each season.
Safe to Travel
Though not crime-free, New Zealand's crime rate is low and it consistently ranks as one of the safest countries to visit. But as with any country, be mindful of your belongings and always be cautious, especially from petty theft as well as poisonous spiders and sandflies.
Kind Locals
People of New Zealand are known as Kiwis, and yes, they are named after the national bird of the country. The kiwi fruit is not included in this conversation. lol
Kiwis are known for their welcoming and warm hospitality towards tourists.
The Setting of Middle Earth
You may have seen the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit Trilogies and be familiar with the scenes shot in New Zealand, Peter Jackson's home country. From the Shire to Mount Doom, both LOTR fans and ordinary humans will be delighted by these landscapes.
New Zealand should definitely earn a spot on anyone's travel bucket list. Having stated all these reasons, what are you waiting for?
Hoping to see you on my next trip here!
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