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7 Reasons to Stop Dreaming about New Zealand and Go in 2021

Klook Team

Last updated 27 Apr 2022

Image credits: @pianemec, Canva, Fraser Clements

Let’s admit it - we’ve all spent countless hours daydreaming about our next holiday, picturing ourselves somewhere new with breathtaking views, imagining epic adventures we would do.

And while we wait a little longer for the travel world to recuperate, we in Australia are absolutely lucky that we have a place to go right now and make those travel dreams come true: New Zealand. So if you’re looking for the sign to go and burst your Kiwi bubble (especially if you're a first-timer), this is it!

Here are 7 reasons for you to stop dreaming about New Zealand and just go.

1. It’s family-friendly - kids love it

Start the kids young and get them to experience the magic of New Zealand early on. From nature trips and adrenaline-pumping expeditions to visiting animal farms and doing educational tours to learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, the whole family is bound to have a memorable holiday in New Zealand.

Our favourites include meeting sheep and farm animals at SheepWorld in Auckland, visiting the colony of penguins at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, entering the magical world of hobbits in Hobbiton, and jet boating in Queenstown to name a few!

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In and around Auckland lies plenty of opportunity to get the kids out and about without busting the budget or repeating the same tired activities.

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Whether your kids are adventure seekers, quiet perceptive types or a bit of both, there are heaps of ways to entertain the whole family in Queenstown.

2. It has some really epic hot pools

We all know how New Zealand equals adventure but perhaps a little less known fact about New Zealand is that it has secret epic hot pools all over the country! It’s the perfect reward after pushing yourself to the limit and ticking skydiving or bungee jumping from your bucket list.

Go on, take a break from all the crazy adventure for a while and treat yourself to a wood-fired hot tub bath you never knew you needed - whether you’re up in Rotorua or down south in Christchurch, there is an epic hot pool or a mud bath waiting for you.

Read about Rotorua’s hot pools and mud baths here:

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The Most Epic Hot Pools and Mud Baths in Rotorua

Rotorua’s hot pools and mud baths are not to be missed! Not sure where to start? We've got the lowdown on the best hot pools in Rotorua as well as Rotorua's mud baths!

Read about all you need to know about Hanmer Springs Pools in Christchurch:

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And read about all the epic hot pools to be discovered in New Zealand:

Image credits - @mishandkirk | | @_sele24_ | @nz_piffler on Instagram

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3. Can be budget-friendly (contrary to popular belief!)

While New Zealand is not exactly known to be a 'cheap' travel destination, there are heaps of activities you can do on a budget or better yet - for FREE - in this beautiful country. And it’s almost too good to be true.

It’s also another reason why it’s known to be backpackers paradise - aside from the dose of adventure you can get, you can definitely travel New Zealand on a budget, too. Our pro-tip is to make sure to pre-book your activities and research well to truly get the best bang for your buck!

Read about 10 Budget-Friendly New Zealand Activities Under $100 here:

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New Zealand is a backpacker’s paradise- you’ve heard about the hikes, skydiving and the magnificent Milford Sounds, but what are the more affordable activities?

Read about The 12 Best Things to do in Auckland Below $50:

Image credits - Klook, @odysseysensorymaze, & @aucklandartgallery on Instagram

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4. It’s an unforgettable place for a romantic getaway

If you want unforgettable, incomparable and a great impression, New Zealand won’t let you down for sure. Got an adventurous partner who loves to explore and get out of the box? Perfect.

If you want a step up from the usual movie and dinner date, you’ve come to the right place - New Zealand’s romantic activities are waaay more exciting than the usual - from scenic flights, wine tours to hot air balloon rides over unforgettable landscapes, New Zealand is waiting for you to make that dream date happen!

Read about the Top Romantic Things in Auckland: Nature & City Date Ideas:

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There're plenty of romantic things to do in Auckland: fresh produce, sun-drenched vineyards and rugged coastline offer a fresh take on date ideas.

Read about The Most Romantic Things to Do in Queenstown for the Best Dates:

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Be it a birthday, anniversary, or even if it’s THE moment to pop that special question - Queenstown is the perfect backdrop for that.

5. It will zap you back to life with adrenaline

Haven’t done something new in a while? Miss feeling alive and being high on life? Been craving for that outrageous adventure? If you’ve answered yes to all of the above, it’s time to stop dreaming and just go to New Zealand! Gear up to go to the land of adventure and extreme sports, because your senses are in for a real treat.

Go heli-hiking, jump from 15,000ft above, take a leap of faith at Shotover Canyon Swing to start.

Read about all the adventures you can do in Auckland:

auckland new zealand adventure thrilling adrenaline zip line

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The Best Adventure Activities in Auckland for Adrenaline Junkies

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Thinking about heli hiking? Read up on all you need to know here:

Image Credits - @danegerandstacey, @fayehsieh, @jana_hailey on IG

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Regardless of whatever activity you choose to do, as long as you’re visiting either Franz Josef or Fox Glaciers, you’ll be in the right place for a truly unforgettable experience. However we strongly recommend taking a stab at the heli-hiking option (taking a scenic helicopter flight, landing on and walking on the ice, before being flown back to the main base to relax and shed away the day’s cold) to make the most of your visit.

Image credits to Southern Lakes Heliski, @travisburkephotography, @snowfarm_nz

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6. You can travel back in time to Middle-earth

Lord of The Rings super fan or not, the journey to Middle-earth will surely leave you mesmerized. Snow-capped peaks and lush green forests like you’ve never seen before await while you follow in the footsteps of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins (and you can even dress up like them!)

Start with a visit to the Shire and Hobbiton Movie Set in the rolling hills of Matamata, down to Arrowtown near Queenstown to go to Ford of Bruinen on the Arrow River and check out Glenorchy to see Mount Earnslaw!

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Where Is Hobbiton, How Does It Look like, and How to Book

Hobbiton is located at the heart of Waikato, in a small agricultural town called Matamata. Don't miss the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour when in Rotorua, find out how to book here!

Image credits to @lauraelmcleod, @amelie_escapes, and @glenorcyjourneys

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7. It's magical in winter, plus it has world-class ski resorts

New Zealand is beautiful all year-round, really, but winter has a different enchanting charm, which is why a lot of people fall in love with New Zealand in this season! It's one of the most photographed locations in the world for winter. Just imagine those snow-capped mountain peaks and breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Read about our favourite winter activities in Queenstown:

Image credits: @onsenhotpools, nzoneskydive, @paddlequeenstown

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15 Best Things to Do in Queenstown in Winter: Hot Pools, Wine Tours & Day Tour Ideas

Here’s a list of unmissable things to do in Queenstown in winter aside from your usual skiing and snowboarding!

And speaking of skiing and winter activities - whether you're a beginner skier or snowboarder or a pro, there's snow to suit everyone from the North Island to the South Island. Choose from multiple ski towns like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Mt Ruapehu, and more!