New Zealand is more than well known for its adventure. In fact, they have created quite a few extreme and fun sports for the bold to try, such as Bungy jumping. And you may think I am not adventurous, so why would I visit New Zealand? There is so much more than the thrill side, though I tell you, as an acclaimed scardey cat, you should consider trying one of the more blood-racing activities at least once.

For those not ready, there is the softer side of New Zealand. New Zealand shines with breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and great food. You will have plenty to explore beyond the adventure sports the country is so well-known for. 

Nature: New Zealand is truly a nature lovers’ paradise. As an island, of course, it has many breathtaking coastlines and sea life in water and air to go with it. The center astounds with magnificent mountains and lush valleys. There are plenty of opportunities to explore New Zealand by foot with hikes and walks or enjoy a guided tour. The people love to share the stories of creation with visitors. Visit places like the sparking glow worm caves, the ancient trees of Waipoua Forest, and the serene beauty of the lakes such as Lake Wakatipu. The abundance of explorations is endless.

Culture: Simply put, the Māori are beautiful. A trip that did not include some time learning about how they came to New Zealand and their history before and after the Europeans would be devasting. There are guided tours with local Māori that will take you to Maugawahu (Mount Eden)- one of the ancestral mountains for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and cultural performances where you will see the kapa haka group perform. And beyond this, you can dive into New Zealand’s other rich history with stops at places such as Napier to discover New Zealand’s art deco history with a ride around town in a vintage car. The options are vast and deep to choose from, tip to tip. 

Food: New Zealand produces some of the best wines in the world. (sorry, Australia they are my favorite) With wine regions throughout the North and South Islands, you can meander your way through the country one winery at a time. And what is a good wine without a good pairing? New Zealand has some of the best seafood, ethnic cuisine styles from around the world, and of course, lamb. And you should try the venison as well as they are one of the top exporters of their venison. A great stop-off for food and wine, and often missed the Hawke’s Bay region. Some might say Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s break basket and is a destination to savor.

I’ve only glossed over what can be considered the softer side of New Zealand. Contact a New Zealand specialist for a trip that genuinely suits your tastes and activity level. We work with you to design your perfect itinerary.