THE 25 BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NEW ZEALAND

For 9 months we were touring New Zealand from north to south, and we have a special affection for you. Normal, it is a fascinating country! If you are planning a trip to the land of the long white cloud in this post we will try to help you by telling you the 25 best things to see and do in New Zealand.

1. Most likely, you will reach Auckland, a city that does not draw special attention to travelers. However, if you give it a sure chance, it surprises you. We took the opportunity to do an English course, and there we were for 15 days, we must say that we loved it. Do not leave without walking through the port area, on Queen Street and, if you do not suffer from vertigo, go up to Sky Tower. Our pass through Auckland.

2. At the north end of the country is the Cape reinga, one of the most special sites in New Zealand. From the top of the viewpoint you can see how the waters of the Tasman Sea meet those of the Pacific Ocean. The maories consider it a sacred place, because this is where the spirits leave the underworld to the "underworld." Our visit to Cape Reinga.

3. Pay a visit to Hobbiton It may seem very freaky (and it is hehe), but we had a great time. And being able to toast with a gingerbeer in the tavern where Frodo and his friends did it ... is something that is not forgotten. You can buy your tickets here or read Our experience in Hobbiton.

4. We read that Coromandel It is one of the prettiest regions in all of New Zealand. After spending a month taking care of a super house, we can confirm it. Don't miss the Cathedral Cove and moon routinely drive along its coasts. The Cathedral Cove close up.

5. Going down from Coromandel we recommend you to travel the Tutukaka Coast, full of cliffs and very cool beaches, and postcard landscapes. Because tutukaka is not poop, it's cool! Our tour of the Tutukaka Coast.

6. You will not find it in many tourist guides or in the top 10 of any list of the best beaches, it is a little tourist place and frequented by locals, but we liked it a lot. We talk aboutBeach of Waihi, wild and imposing, it is a good place to spend a few hours relaxing and watching the sunset. Our passage through Waihi.

7. Very near there is a small coastal town, Mount maunganui, a holiday destination for kiwis in the area. Small hotels and second homes are arranged around an extinct volcano, from where there are incredible views. Our passage through Mount Maunganui.

8. We will have enjoyed great cities and great natural environments, it is time to change third. Raglan It is a small paradise for hippies and surfers, a small coastal town with a unique atmosphere. Here we tell you more about Raglan.

9. The lake taupo It is the largest in the country and if you travel by van, it is worth spending a night on its banks. The sunsets and the views of the nearby mountains are spectacular. Our stage touring Lake Taupo.

10. New Zealand is famous for its trekkings, if you have the batteries charged and you are on the north island, tour the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trekking. Although it is hard and has almost 19 km, if you are not in good shape do not be discouraged: we are not either (auch) but we finish it and enjoy it as dwarves. Of course ... small memory laces! Our adventure in Tongariro.

11. For us it was one of the great surprises of the trip, the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park It has colored lakes, craters, walkways and geysers that expel gases from the very earth ... and that smells like rotten eggs, everything is said. Our visit to Wai-o-tapu.

12. At the southern end of the north island is Wellington, the capital of the country. Whoever expects a small and boring city will be completely wrong, it turned out to be a city full of life, street art and many things to see and do. We wouldn't have minded spending a little time at Windy Welly, as its inhabitants call it. Our passage through Wellington.

13. Cross the Cook Strait by ferry. It may be more expensive than doing it by plane, but it will be like enjoying a mini cruise that enters between fjords until arriving in Picton, already on the south island of New Zealand.Our passage from the north island to the south island.

14. In the north of the south island is the Abel Tasman National Park, which offers several options of walking tours along its paths and coves. It reminded us a lot of the Costa Brava. Our passage through Abel Tasman.

15. If Mount Maunganui is Rober's favorite town, Kaikoura It's Lety's. Although the really interesting thing about this site is to lose sight of the ocean, contemplate the surfer's pirouettes or warm up in a bonfire when night comes on its beaches. And all this in an incomparable setting, with the snowy mountains at our back. Our days in Kaikoura.

16. If it catches you on the way, make a stop atChristchurch. It is the largest city on the south island and was devastated by a terrible earthquake in 2011. But little by little, Christchurch got up and today offers street art areas, cool shops and places to eat well. More things to visit in Christchurch.

17. The roads of New Zealand are a pass: while you drive you cross with overwhelming landscapes. Although if we had to choose one panoramic route would be the one that leads to Mount Cook. The views put goosebumps. And once at the destination, take the opportunity to do some trekking, there are different levels. Our visit to Mount Cook.

18. Mount Cook is the north end of this road, at the other end is the Pukaki Lake, with its atomic blue waters and the highest mountain in New Zealand in the background. This is also one of the best points in the world to contemplate the stars! And if you're lucky, you might even enjoy the southern aurora. Of course the near lake tekapo It is also very cool (especially for its photogenic church). Our passage through the Tekapo and Pukaki lakes.

19. If we continue down the south island we reach Queenstown, our favorite city in New Zealand. It is the capital of adventure sports, so it is an excellent opportunity to do bungy jumping. If yours is not the risk, you can always take a dip in its cold lake or stroll through its center full of shops and restaurants. More things to see and do in Queenstown.

20. On the east coast this island we recommend you visit the curious Moeraki Boulders, round rocks that seem to have fallen from outer space. If you throw imagination you will even look like dinosaur eggs! Our visit to the Moeraki Boulders.

21. In New Zealand they inhabit one of the friendliest animals in the world: the penguins. In the Otago Peninsula there are some colonies that, with any luck, can be seen, yes, always with respect. It is a good excuse to explore this beautiful area, which hides other surprises. Our passage through the Otago Peninsula.

22. Another area where to keep your mouth open is The catlins, at the southernmost point of New Zealand. You can not miss the Nuggets, a viewpoint with a lighthouse where you can feel the force of nature. All very very photogenic. Our route through The Catlins.

23. One of the essential things about New Zealand is to approach the Fiordland National Park. The fjords are countless, although the best known to visit is Milford sound. The fastest and easiest way is to cruise it, although there are also trekkings to discover this natural wonder, considered the best in the world. Our experience in Milford Sound.

24. Fjords and glaciers are two of the main natural attractions of New Zealand. The most important of the latter are the Fox and Franz Josep glaciers. Although time runs against them and each passing year they go back to dizzying speeds. It is scary to see the photos of other travelers who visited them not so long ago, and as they are today ... Even so, it is worth watching them closely, or doing a panoramic flight. Our visit to the Fox and Franz Josep Glaciers.

25. Finally, we recommend you make a road trip along the west coast of the island south. Wild and with postcard landscapes. Here you can see the famous Pancakes Rocks, Tauranga Bay and many unforgettable corners. Our route along the West Coast.

These are just 25 ideas of things to see and do in New Zealand, but this country hides a lot of surprises. Which is your favorite?