Ever Gorgeous & Laidback: New Zealand
Why New Zealand?
There’s so much natural beauty. It’s affordable. The people are friendly and laid back. And the Maori culture presence is powerful.
South Island
*This site contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission if you make a booking through us.
New Zealand is that small double island that has a plentitude of natural wonder. However, next to its larger and more predator-rich neighbor, Australia, New Zealand is benign when it comes to poisonous critters. And yet, the abundance of ecosystem splendor is to be had. In addition to the natural cornucopia, New Zealand also hosts a social culture that is like a post-lunch summer siesta. It is so calm, to generalize, the people there are just utterly delightful, polite in a non-fake way, and easy-going, maybe having to do with the natural divinity surrounding them.
For first-time visitors especially, here are a handful of worthwhile to-dos on both North and South Island.
North Island
Coromandel
View above Cathedral’s Cove, Image by Madison Fantillo
Activities
Tongariro National Park
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three active volcanoes on its property: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe. The park is 306 miles and the country’s oldest park. With cultural significance to the Maori people, the park contains special sites of the Maori. Hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and skiing can all be done within the park’s quarters and hosts an abundance of lush wildlife that’s remarkable to spot.
Horseback Riding
The North area of this island is rich with agricultural expanse, sheep and horses dot the landscape and bring it to life. Picture yourself in a basket of key-lime and kiwi greenery nestled in between mountains. Picture this while riding a horse free-reign. Horseback riding, especially for those unafraid of a canter, is an activity absolutely to be done under the canopy of Coromandel.
Rotorua
Just 3 hours South of Coromandel is Rotorua with a strong Maori presence. This is where the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands was signed which gave birth to New Zealand of the current day.
Te Pa Tu Maori Village
If you’re interested in exploring the Maori culture, Tamaki Maori Village offers an immersive cultural experience where you can participate in seasonal celebrations of traditional culture. This includes enjoying a hangi, a feast that’s cooked underground in an earth oven on proud Maori land. Performances that share the Maori culture are a part of this.
Whakarewarewa
Whakarewarewa is also a Maori Village and home to the Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao people. It hosts village tours, biking, and hiking, as well as guides to the geothermal valley for which Rotorua is famous. Maori culture is rich with legends and myths regarding the birth of Earth. It’s rewarding to appreciate the environment alongside those who have known it in deep residence for centuries.
Tongoriro
Cathedral’s Cove
People flock to Cathedral’s Cove beach which is undeniably gorgeous. It’s on the Coromandel Peninsula and renowned for the deleterious rock formations and vivid water of the beach. There are walks or miniature hikes around this area that provide mesmerizing vistas for days.
South Island
Separate yet united, the South Island is just as beautiful as the North.
Christchurch
Christchurch almost feels like a slower and more modern town of western Europe yet with a newer feel and a slightly more calm vibe. Everywhere in New Zealand feels calm. Whether it’s influenced by the grounded nature that the Maori have sought to instill and re-instill in this area. Or, the manageable sizes of the cities. The downtown of Christchurch is charming with churches, cobblestone, and inviting places to walk into. The land of the hobbits is abound as well and there are tours you can take to experience the Lord of the Rings scenery itself if you’re a fan.
Downtown area of Christchurch
Botanic Gardens, Image by Jade Stephens
Activities
The Christchurch Art Gallery
The Art Gallery with smoky grey glass architecture houses local artists throughout the ages. Importantly, it features Maori historical art. The museum gives a curation that features a timeline on its own, separate from the Euro-based timeline or reference point that defines prominent artists in the West.
How precious are these school uniforms? Beetlejuice vibes…Christchurch Art Gallery Interior
Hanmer Springs
Near Christchurch, about 2 hours directly North is Hanmer Springs. It’s a vast thermal springs and there are numerous sizable hot pools to relax your muscles. Views around the area maximize the idyllism of the experience. Actually, this is the best way to unwind from all the outdoor trekking and hiking on the rest of the island.
Inside of Hanmer Springs
Botanic Gardens
The gardens make up the heart of the city and are a lovely landscape. With a rose garden, exotics, an herb garden with extensive information in medicinals, cycling paths, and a river throughout, the indulgence in the vitality of this place can span more than a mere afternoon. During summertime, picnickers will revel here or dine relaxed at the garden cafe.
Seal Kayaking in Kaikoura…!
The water’s not choppy and the seals are in-your-face friendly. This means, you will really get to see what a seal is during this excursion. This activity is also a couple of hours north of Christchurch but on the coast. Have you ever had a seal pop its head up a foot away from you that you can smell its fishy little breath? This kayaking is non-strenuous like some kayaking can be, it’s a lull on the waters populated by the seals that weave in between the rocks you traverse. It’s absolutely a unique experience that’s fun in activity, not too strenuous, and ultimately rewarding.
If you go seal kayaking, remember to bring a waterproof parka as you’ll likely get splashed along the way
Where to Stay? Ramada
Ramada internationally is always a safe option, comfortable and secure, clean and spacious. It usually has central locations within the city that they’re situated in, all like this locale. This Ramada is centrally located for pedestrians around the city center.
Rapaki
The area of Lyttleton Bay is rich with Maori communities, and it’s also lustrous with hills etched over an ombre ocean. This is my favorite area of New Zealand in vibe as well as in natural beauty.
The community there celebrates the culture of their ancestors and fosters sharing the histories through events. If you have a curiosity about indigenous cultures, this place is a must. Hearing Maori songs and dance enriches being a visitor to the islands. It’s a 25-minute drive from Christchurch and the experience allows one to appreciate so much of the island and its history.
From the area of Rapaki, traveling to the small island of Ripapa is also a great day excursion. The ferry is scenic and the fort and remnants on the island bear witness to a different time.
Image by Jade Gray
Bottom line
Overall, New Zealand is a climactic moment. The country’s beauty is undeniable. The Maori culture hones in on the vast quietude of both islands. It’s a fantastic place to explore environmentally and socially. Maybe you’ll one-up me and decide to move there.
Roys Peak, Image by Annie
*Safety tip
Because things are spread throughout the island, I recommend renting a car to explore the surrounding 1-2 hours around the cities, one vicinity to the next…! This expands your roster of activities manifold.
