New Zealand: The Bucket-List Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed

When most Americans think about going abroad, their minds often jump straight across the Atlantic to traditional European destinations like Paris, London, or Rome. Rarely do they consider hopping the Pacific instead, which is a shame, because countries like New Zealand offer unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. With its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and welcoming culture, the “Land of the Long White Cloud” deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list.

What Does New Zealand Have to Offer?

Outdoor Adventures:

If you love staying active while on vacation, New Zealand is your playground. Whether it’s hiking alpine trails, kayaking sparkling bays, bungy jumping into river canyons, or skiing down powdery slopes, the country is packed with heart-pounding adventures for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.

Top recommendations:

1. Rotorua; it looks like Yellowstone and even acts like Yellowstone due to the presence of several incredible geysers but it also is a thriving centre for Maori cultural experiences. (For reference, Rotorua is located on the North Island of New Zealand, within driving distance of Auckland. It also is fairly close to where many of the famous scenes from Lord of the Rings was filmed.

2. Queenstown; famous for the myriad of outdoor adventures available in close proximity while also being famous for a hopping nightlife. Queenstown is located on the South Island of New Zealand and is easily accessed via a short flight from Auckland (the capital of NZ) or by driving there. Something crazy to consider; Queensland Airport only had 324,000 international visitors in 2023. In other words, this place is way less crowded than other equally as awesome destinations and should honestly be high on your bucket list of places to go.

3. Although not really a place, New Zealand has a lot of “Tourist” roads that allow the driving enthusiast to view some of the most incredible scenery on planet earth. These drives are incredible and it is highly recommended that if you decide to rent a car, you should take time to get lost on one of these “Tourist” roads. Be warned, however, that you need to fill up on gas and supplies lest you get stuck literally in the middle of nowhere. (This might have almost happened to me).

Incredible History:

New Zealand’s past is a fascinating blend of indigenous Māori culture and European settlement. Travelers can explore historic pā sites (fortified villages), visit museums in Wellington and Auckland, and experience powerful cultural performances that bring Māori legends to life.

Top recommendations:

1. Whakarewarewa - The Living Māori Village; This village, situated near Taupo, traces its history back to 1325.

2. Tamaki Maori Village; a recreation of how a traditional indigenous area would have looked. This village enables visitors to experience the history, art, stories and cultural dances of the Maori people.

3. Waitangi Treaty Grounds; This is perhaps the most important historical site in New Zealand because this is where the founding document of New Zealand was signed between the British Crown and Maori chiefs.

4. Wellington; Wellington is a city located on the New Zealand’s north island. There is a really neat Wellington cable car from the turn of the 20th century that visitors can experience while also delving into New Zealand’s more modern history. Additionally, Wellington happens to be the site of several movie sets from Lord of the Rings.

Food and Fun:

From fresh seafood straight out of the surrounding waters to farm-to-table delights, New Zealand’s food scene punches well above its weight. Pair those amazing meals with world-class wines, especially from Marlborough or Central Otago, and lively local festivals, and you’ve got the recipe for a deliciously fun vacation.

Top New Zealand Foods to Try:

1. Maori Hangi- food cooked under the ground. This usually includes chicken, pork or mutton and a combination of in-season vegetables. The best place to try this is Rotorua.

2. Fish and Chips- Even though this is an iconic British dish, you should be sure to also get it in New Zealand as you are guaranteed to get fresh fish with a kiwi (this is what New Zealanders are called) twist.

3. New Zealand Cheese- surprisingly, New Zealand has several world class cheese companies. New Zealand is especially famous for producing blue cheese and sharp cheeses.

Movie Magic:

Movie buffs can step into the real-life Middle-earth featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Visit the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, tour Weta Workshop in Wellington, or simply enjoy the sweeping landscapes that brought so many famous cinematic moments to life.

Top Recommendations:

1. If you are a LoTR fan, Matamata is absolutely worth a visit. You not only get a full tour of Hobbiton village as part of a guided tour,  but also a chance to enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon. Because of how popular this place is, it is highly recommended that you book in advance.

2. Many of the more remote LoTR filming locations can be accessed as part of a guided tour or, if you are the adventuresome type, you can also camp out at some of these more remote locations.  For the guided tour I took, I was able to take a small 10 person tour to see the filming locations for Rohan and Helms Deep. I was able to book this a few days in advance without any problems. We departed from Christchurch, NZ (on the South Island).

Potential Barriers (and How to Overcome Them)

Opposite Seasons = Unexpected Ticket Prices:

Because New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, its summer is America’s winter. This flip can actually work to your advantage as airfare and lodging may be cheaper when you're traveling during New Zealand’s “off-season.” Keep an eye out for seasonal deals.

It’s a Long Journey:

There’s no way around it: getting there takes time. Flights from the U.S. can be 12–16 hours long. To make the journey more manageable, consider upgrading to extra-legroom seats, planning a fun stopover in Hawaii or Fiji, or loading up your tablet with movies and books. Also, if you happen to have two weeks, it is fairly easy to combine a trip to New Zealand with a trip to Australia, which is what I did when I visited NZ.

Fewer Americans Travel There (But That’s a Plus!):

Since New Zealand isn’t usually top-of-mind for U.S. travelers, it doesn’t feel overcrowded by tourists. This gives visitors a more authentic experience and plenty of chances to connect with locals — who are famously friendly and eager to share their country.

Its Isolation Limits Add-On Destinations:

Unlike Europe, where hopping between countries is easy, New Zealand is more isolated. The key is to plan your trip with intention, spend more days exploring both the North and South Islands rather than trying to squeeze in multiple countries. Trust me, New Zealand has plenty to keep you busy.

Final Thoughts:

New Zealand is a vibrant, breathtaking, and adventure-filled destination that delivers far more than you could imagine. While it may be a bit farther away and a little off the beaten path for most Americans, those who make the journey are rewarded with unforgettable memories. If you’re ready to try something beyond the traditional European tour, it might be time to head south to discover the magic of New Zealand.