8 Adventurous Places To Visit In New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in pacific ocean. It has around 600 islands. It has main two islands: North Island and South Island. New Zealand is country of mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. The population of New Zealand is around 4.5 million. The most populous city of New Zealand is Auckland. Following are the most adventurous tourist attractions in New Zealand.
(1) Milford Sound, New Zealand
Milford Sound itself was considered as the 8th Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, a sword surrounded by towering peaks, lush green rainforests and incredible sea life. The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and visiting Milford Sound is a very different experience.
The hike is absolutely stunning, but the local government allows 90 people on the track each day. Also you can only extend it for 6 months of the year, while Milford Sound is accessible throughout the year. Visiting Milford Sound on a rainy day makes the experience great.
One of the most prominent features of Milford Sound is the impressive Mater Peak. This mountain with its distinctive shape rises 1692 meters straight out of the water, and is the first thing that catches your attention as it approaches Milford Sound.
Another interesting thing is that a large part of these connected mountains actually hidden under water. Because Milford Sound is hundreds of meters deep. The most direct way to see Milford Sound is to go on a cruise. Driving is one of the most popular options among New Zealand residents and visitors.
Queenstown is the region’s closest tourist center and many people drive to Milford Sound as a day trip from there. While Queenstown and Milford Sound are only 70 km from each other in a straight line, a vast mountain range separates the two.
Others choose to drive from Te Anau, which leads to the famous Te Anau highway. This may take approximately two hours. Surrounded by the Daren Mountains, Milford Lodge is 2 kilometers from the head of Fiord. It is the only accommodation available in Milford Sound.
(2) Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is a natural harbor about 16 kilometers wide on the north-eastern coast of the North Island. Go on a cruise to investigate wildlife in swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and boating. Russell is the first capital of New Zealand across the water from the wheel, steeped in history.
Inland are the cities of Kerikeri, Kawakawa, Kaikohe and Kaio with natural amenities, historical sites and spectacular dining experiences to enjoy. The Bay of Islands has superb biking options for all levels of mountain biking. If you love beaches, scenery, walks and birds then you will love Urupukapuka Island.
The waters of the Bay of Islands are full of the life of all types of fish, from marine mammals. Summer temperatures can go up to about 90 ° F with the hottest months of January and February. The average rainfall in the Bay of Islands is about 2000 mm. Typical water temperatures are 20–22 ° C in summer and 15–16 ° C in winter.
The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 shaped the history of the country. A visit to the Treaty Ground is a great way to learn about Maori culture. There are opportunities to experience Maori culture throughout the region and to hear the myths and legends of this deeply spiritual people.
The Islands is a marine playground, perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, diving and kayaking. Explore its beautiful beaches or set out on the water with a cruise. The region is famous for its native wildlife, including marine mammals such as dolphins, seals and whales.
(3) Tongariro National Park
Being the first national park in New Zealand, it is also the oldest national park in New Zealand. These features are made even more important by the fact that Tongariro National Park is recognized by UNESCO as having dual World Heritage status for its cultural and natural features.
It has long been New Zealand’s landmark as it is one of only three World Heritage Sites in the country. It is one of 29 national parks in the world that claim dual heritage status. Many people come to Tongariro National Park are not aware that it holds dual world heritage status. This shows how unique the cultural qualities of the region are.
The national park within Tongariro is an active volcanic region. It is composed of three volcanoes, Mount Rufu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. Most of the waterfalls and mountainous areas in the park are the result of volcanic activity.
It is clear to see where the eruption has created new constructions amidst the landscape. Ancient lava flows, valleys and craters are some story-signs of past eruptions. Volcanoes often bring visitors to the area. The Tongariro Volcano region is also a bustling place for outdoor activities.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s great routes and attracts thousands of people every year. And, in winter, Mount Rueful is home to three of New Zealand’s favorite ski areas, the Whakapapa, Turo and Tucino.
There are a vast number of rivers, lakes within Tongariro National Park, which are more famous than others. The Tongariro River itself runs through a park spanning 604 km. A mixture of calm waters and white rapids make the Tongariro River a hot spot for fishing, swimming, kayaking and white water rafting.
(4) Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua is the tribal home of the Te Arawa people, who settled in the geothermal regions of the lakes more than 650 years ago. In any season, this region of New Zealand promises to keep you captivated with geothermal events, fascinating historical stories and special cultural experiences.
Many of Rotorua’s geothermal features are free to see, such as Kuirau Park. This public park features a geological foot bath, free geothermal attractions, duck ponds and boardwalks with boiling mud. New features erupt from time to time, so park fences keep moving to keep visitors safe.
Before the Europeans settled in Rotorua, the lakeside village of Ohinemutu was the main center of Māori life in the Rotorua region. Ohinemutu’s most acclaimed building is the beautiful St. Faith Church, where Māori carvings and woven panels form a one-of-a-kind building in harmony with European religious traditions.
The most-photographed feature is an ornamental window clad in a Maori cloak with an image of Jesus Christ. Rotorua is New Zealand’s center of geothermal attraction, and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley is one of the most popular locations, where mud and steam-covered silica roofs can be seen.
The Rotorua Museum, which has outstanding exhibits relating to the Maori history of the region. It is currently closed for earthquake strengthening work. However the museum still runs free guided tours of the government gardens every day.
These tours cover gardens and its surrounding buildings, battles and historical places. Mitai Maori Village is a place to learn about Maori culture in a very entertaining way. The evening experience includes haka performances, poi dances, weapon demonstrations.
(5) Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman is perhaps the most famous and most popular national park in New Zealand. It is a good place to visit any time of the year, but during the summer the park is particularly popular. The seas here are full of ocean boats, sailing boats and other watercraft.
The park is named after Abel Jansoon Tasman, the Dutch explorer who was the first European to reach New Zealand, during his voyage with the Dutch East India Company in 1642. Tasman’s middle name has been adopted by Project Jansun through a privately funded initiative.
Most occupations were seasonal, but some sites in the Aurora estuary were permanent. The Ngāti T Ngmatakōkiri people were residents of the time when on 18 December 1642 the Tasman anchored two of his ships near Vanui Mohua. They lost four crew in a skirmish with the locals and fled without any shelter.
Around 1855, European settlers began entering the jungles, building ships, quarrying granite and farming the area. There was prosperity for a time but soon the easy wood was gone and the gore and brackets invaded the hills. Little is now the remnant of their enterprises.
An expedition to worry about the possibility of further penetration along the coast. It led to the creation of 15,000 hectares of crown land in the national park in the late 1930s. Nelson conservationist Peren Monarchoff led the charge and presented a petition to the government that suggested Tasman’s name for the park.
Abel Tasman Coast Track is 51 kilometers long and offers spectacular views as you reach the top of a ridge. Many people prefer to walk only small sections of the track. They can use boat services from Cattoretti or Marahu to return to their starting point.
(6) Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are New Zealand’s best known glaciers. These glaciers were formed by moving ice for thousands of years. Both Fox and Franz Josef Glacier are easily accessible to hikers and mountaineers. Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest growing glacier in New Zealand.
Franz Josef Glacier is regarded as the world’s most dynamic glacier, as it reacts quickly to variations in temperature and rainfall. Visitors can hike within meters of the terminal face or take a guided walk on the glacier. Helicopter are also available for tourists, as well as the option of a glacier landing.
Many companies offer guided tours to explore the stunning ice formations of the region. All these companies provide professional guides who provide detailed information. There are many hikes that surround these glaciers and provide excellent facilities for exploring the rainforest environment of the region.
One of New Zealand’s most treasured postcard sightings is the black waters of Lake Matheson. The scene provides an unbroken reflection of the Southern Alps. The combination of snow and temperate rainforest in the region is a special feature for New Zealand. The area around the Franz and Fox glaciers is part of Te Wahipaunamu, a World Heritage Site park.
Of the two glaciers, the Franz Josef Glacier is slightly larger in size and offers a variety of accommodation, with restaurants serving tasty food. The Franz Josef Glacier almost touches the village and the perimeter of the Southern Alps Tower.
The developers have done their best to create an alpine environment with paved ceilings and pine paneling. It is a small place that makes you feel like a local if you stay for more than two days. If you want to experience the thrill of glaciers, visit the magnificent Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
(7) Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is located in the western part of the South Island of New Zealand. The park follows the Southern Alps for about 37 miles (60 km), occupying the southeastern part of the park’s range. The highest mountain in New Zealand is Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Both the Tasman Valley and the Hooker Valley provide spectacular views of the mountains. About 40% of the park is home to glaciers, with the Tasman Glacier being the largest. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to eight of the twelve largest glaciers in the country.
The only forest area found in the Hooker Valley is the abundance of alpine species found in the park. There are about 38 species of birds in the national park. The park has another special bird species as it is the only alpine parrot.
The peak attraction of the park is Aoraki / Mount Cook which is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is not only the tallest, but it has one of the more panoramic views of a mountain. Aoraki / Mount Cook is one of the most popular mountains to climb in New Zealand which offers a variety of different routes.
Mount Cook is also known as Aoraki. Mount Cook has three distinct peaks. The Low Peak lies to the south with a height of 11,788 ft (3,593 m), with the Middle Peak coming above 12,195 ft (3,717 m) and the High Peak at 12,218 ft (3,724 m). Mount Cook has a panoramic view overlooking Lake Hooker, with a fascinating reflection across the water.
(8) Coromandel Peninsula
Perhaps the most beautiful activity to do in the Coromandel would be hiking. A very famous track is the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, which starts in Stony Bay and ends in Fletcher Bay. It is a 10-kilometer track, which takes about 3.5 hours.
Another attraction of Coromandel is the hot water beach: a beach where you can dig your own hot-pool. Due to the hot water sources under the sand, the hot water will float upward when you dig a hole in the sand. Keep in mind that this is often possible only during two hours before or after low tide.
A trip to Coromandel would not have been complete without coming to Scentsy Engineering Cove. From Hahi you can cross the Based Engineering Cove Walk, which is 2.5 kilometers in length and takes about 45 minutes. It ends on a beautiful beach and the famous Raw Cade Cove.
From Hahi you can take a boat trip around the beach. You come to many, unknown small islands and see the contaminated cove with water, which is a great way when it is too busy with raw seed cove. Not only will you get to see amazing nature, but also see some wildlife.
Vahei, located in the Hawkeye district just outside the Coromandel, is home to the richest gold mine, which was started in 1878 (and is still operational today). The Vahei Gold Discovery Center is an interactive museum where you get to know more about gold production.
Those constitutional activities include ripping the drill, cranking the handle and pushing the rider. You can also choose to visit one of the Vahei Gold Mine Tours, during which you visit a gold mine and learn how today’s miners take gold out of the rock and put it into gold bars.