During the Summer holidays in New Zealand, and before the real summer temperature kicks in, head over to different parts of the country to check off to-do things on your list. It could be having a bungy jump in Queenstown or head over to the glowworm cave in Waitomo, whale watching in Kaikoura or cruise along Abel Tasman National Park, and it seems like New Zealand has your adventure covered no matter whether it is on the waters or on land or up in the sky. Too many adventure activities might be too overwhelming so you could balance it out with a must-do, which is to experience the Maori way of living and catch glimpses into the traditions of their culture. Here are the best things to do over the summer holidays in New Zealand.
1. Take the spectacular cruise to Milford Sound (from USD 87.2)
The sea and mountains are calling - choose the option of having a cruise tour which will introduce you to the sights of Milford Sound, which is a fjord, a long stream of a river that runs between the mountainous cliffs by the side. It has been said that the Milford Sound is home to several wildlife animals, so you’d be really lucky if along the way you spot some penguins and seals! This under two-hour tour package has a live commentary by a guide who will run you through details relating to the fjord and what better option of knowing more about a place’s history than through a native guide? This cruise will surely not disappoint if you are looking for an adventure that brings you close to nature.
Milford Sound: Nature Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Duration: 1.5 to 2.0 hour
2. Trek the Fox Glacier to catch the stunning views of the Southern Alps
If the idea of trekking on Fox Glacier excites you, this package might be just right for you. Here, you will be one with nature, through the climbing of mountains. You can feel the adrenaline rush during the helicopter ride as it offers aerial views of the landscape, the lush green flora and fauna, ice caps and the Alps. One of the perks of this package is that there will be a guide for you along the way - it’ll not be a lonesome climb - and there’ll be someone who would help you take photos as you climb your way up. Also, the group size is kept small so that the needs of the small group could be well taken care of.
Browne Fox Chancellor Dome Heli Trek in Fox Glacier - Klook
3. Experience the actual Lord of the Rings Hobbiton movie set (from USD 219.51)
When you are in New Zealand, besides all the greenery and clear waters that you could think of, Auckland and the set of Lord of the Rings should ring a bell. On this full-day tour, you will be brought to the very set of the Hobbiton movie. Get your camera ready as you take a ton of photos in front of the Hobbit holes! Also, you will be treated to a local Kiwi lunch at the Shire’s Rest Cafe. Moving on, the tour will also bring you into the Waitomo Glowworm Cave where you will see all the glowworms work their magic.
From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch
Duration: 11.0 hour
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4. Cruise along the coastline of Abel Tasman National Park (from USD 305.0)
The Abel Tasman National Park has all the tranquillity and nature that you need during a holiday to recharge yourself. This cruise will bring you through the Abel Tasman National Park and will also provide you with a chance to experience island life for a bit. You’ll enjoy hiking on the many trails and learn about medicinal and edible plants as you go your way. The tour will bring you to other attractions, including Wine Art and Wilderness, Torrent Beach, and Kaiteriteri Beach.
Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise
Duration: 8 hours
5. Gear up for a thrilling rafting experience at Huka Falls (from USD 81.79)
On this tour, you will experience an adrenaline rush like none before. You will experience a jet ride that can speed up to 80 kph (50 mph) and give thrilling 360-degree turns. This jet ride also brings you to the majestic Huka Falls, and before you see the waterfall you will be greeted by the mighty sounds of its gushing water.
Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo
Duration: 30 Min Duration
6. Experience an authentic Maori way of life (from USD 80.81)
Ever wondered how the Maori way of life is? As you step foot into New Zealand, give yourself the opportunity to explore the culture of the place. This tour is just like that, it provides you with the cultural lens into what life is like in the Tamaki Maori Village, the rules and traditions that they make them unique as a community. You will be in for a treat as some of the locals will keep you entertained through their welcome ceremony dance and also a sumptuous meal to sign off. The meal has a unique way of cooking. It is prepared beneath the ground stones.
Rotorua: Tamaki Māori Village Cultural Experience
Duration: 3 hour
7. Explore the glowworm caves in Waitomo (from USD 155.0)
Besides checking off bungy jumps, travel to and exploring a glowworm cave that will give you an experience that is unforgettable. At the Waitomo glowworm day tour, you will be brought into the Waitomo caves which will transport you into a whole new world that is lighted up by the glowworms. Nothing beats the experience of having everything taken care of. From hotel pick-up to the arriving at the caves, this tour provides you with that seamless experience of a glowworm cave experience.
Waitomo Glowworm Day Tour from Auckland
Duration: 6 hour
8. Enjoy whale watching in Kaikoura (from USD 232.3)
When you are in New Zealand during the summers, with the temperature warming up a little, remember to sign yourself up for this whale-watching tour. It brings you up-close with whales and other marine animals. If you are lucky, you might also be able to catch some seals in action with its friends! As your boat wheezes past the waters, close your eyes and focus on the sound of waves as well as the commentary by the guide onboard who would give you insights about the Kaikoura area. End off the whale-watching tour with a wine-tasting session at Waipara.
Kaikoura Whale Watching Premium Day Tour from Christchurch
Duration: 10 hour
9. Marvel in the spectacular views of Auckland from the Sky Tower (from USD 21.81)
Watch the sun setting in its full glory and witness the whole landscape in front of you reflecting different hues. As you come to a close after a long day of water rafting or bungy jumping, head over to the Sky Tower a little before sunset so you could get a glimpse of the whole of Auckland. One of the perks of this is that the ticket price you paid for, gives you access to three viewing platforms, namely, the Sky Cafe, main observation deck, as well as the highest level - the sky deck.
Sky Tower Auckland: General Admission Ticket
10. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown (from USD 126.0)
If one of the purposes of your visit to New Zealand is to tick ‘bungy jump’ off your list, you will be glad to know one of the best spots would be at Queenstown, where you will bungy jump from the Kawarau bridge which oversees the landscape view of the Kawarau region. In a matter of seconds, you will jump off from 141-feet (43 meters) high and remember to breathe in the beautiful view of the blue waters and the majestic rocks that lie against the waters.
The Original Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Book yourself a summer trip
Book your tickets to New Zealand soon as you start planning these exciting activities for the new season ahead. Be in awe of the hilly and mountainous areas, as well as the wildlife, that you might catch when on the cruise tours. So wait no more and start planning a trip to New Zealand this summer!
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