Stunning New Zealand
on the East Cape of the North Island or on the South Island’s West Coast.
TAKE A LEAP
Challenge yourself and you’ll be surprised what you’re capable of and how much self-confidence it will give you. Commercial bungy jumping, started by Kiwi A.J. Hackett in the 1980s, is a rite of passage for many visitors. You can throw yourself off spectacular structures throughout New Zealand, from Auckland landmarks to rail viaducts, bridges and ravines.
Once you’ve taken that leap of faith into the void and proved you can do it, there are a gazillion other options — try a rope swing, a zipline or zipride, a bridge climb, Zorb or Ogo down a hill in Rotorua with pals in a giant inflatable ball.
EXPLORE DIVERSE NEW WORLDS Among the 4.5 million people who call New Zealand home, you’ll find almost every culture you can think of, along with the biggest Polynesian population in the world.
The indigenous Maori culture is unique to Aotearoa and you’ll have opportunities to learn some of the language, try doing the haka war dance, visit a marae and eat food traditionally cooked in a hangi (underground oven) or geothermal pool.
IMMERSE IN MUSIC
New Zealand has a vibrant creative community and you can plan an entire visit to Aotearoa around its world-class summer music festival scene, each of which is held in stunning outdoor locations.
Unlike, say, Glastonbury, you can leave the galoshes and raincoats at home and relax and enjoy the sunshine. The best way to ring in the New Year is at Rhythm & Vines on the east coast of the North Island, one of the first places in the world to welcome the New Year.
The three-day festival, which takes place in vineyards, attracts many international and local acts, with previous headliners including Major Lazer, Public Enemy and Moby.
For more of an urban vibe, Auckland hosts the Laneway Festival at the end of January at Silo Park on the waterfront, one of the country’s hippest repurposed areas.
If chilled-out world music or reggae is more your style, try Soundsplash in Raglan on the North Island’s west coast, also in January.
MAKE FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Kiwis are incredibly warm, laid-back and hospitable people who will go out of their way to make sure you’re safe, heading in the right direction, don’t miss the best part of town, and know where to find a great coffee or sandwich.
They’re keen for the world to realise what a great place New Zealand is and want you to go home raving about what a lovely time you’ve had.
EAT AND DRINK WELL
New Zealand is a young country with access to fresh, delicious produce and has its own style of innovative cuisine and cafè culture. Think seafood right off the boats, fusion cuisine and plenty of options for vegetarian, vegans and those with other dietary needs.
Visit one of the many farmers’ or seafood markets nationwide to experience farm/ocean-to-table produce first-hand — you may try foods you’ve never had before such as feijoas (fruit) or paua (shellfish).
REBOOT IN GLORIOUS SURROUNDINGS
It’s not all about rugby (though you should watch at least a game or two), you can actively take in the majestic landscapes in a number of interesting ways.
Aotearoa has a host of health and yoga retreats and meditation centres. For example, the North Island city of Rotorua sits in a geothermal field, and many facilities here harness the natural therapeutic properties of its hot mud and natural hot springs rich with minerals.
Around the area, it’s possible to stumble across hot springs out in the bush where you can immerse yourself in picturesque, peaceful surrounds in a stretch of steaming stream for free.
IT’S EASY TO VISIT AND TO STAY
Kiwis like to keep things simple, so you’ll find things like opening a bank account, getting a tax number, renting a flat or a car and sorting out your drivers’ licence is really easy compared to the UK and Europe.
You won’t find it hard to get a job either — there’s loads of seasonal work such as picking fruit or harvesting grapes, plenty of opportunities in hospitality and trades, and, if you’re qualified, there’s a demand for workers in areas including IT and health.
FILL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS You’ll find enough photo opportunities to make your Facebook and Instagram accounts the envy of your friends for years to come. Whether it’s lying on the gleaming golden sands of the Coromandel on the North Island’s east coast; climbing one of the glaciers at the bottom of the South Island; sitting atop a volcanic cone in Auckland, covered in thermal mud at the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, or swimming in one of its crystal-clear lakes, clean rivers or picture-perfect oceans, New Zealand won’t stay your delicious secret for long.