7 ways New Zealand might surprise you‏

There’s the picture-postcard beauty, but New Zealand is so much more than the sum of its varied landscapes. Take the time to embrace the country’s incredible diversity – from surfing at its golden beaches to terrifying thrill rides and be surprised by this exciting island nation. 

 

Here are 7 reasons to plan a visit to New Zealand. You may never want to leave.

Discover a world of contrasts 

 

The main city of Auckland has more than 100 surf beaches. Choose between the country’s rugged black (west) or pretty golden (east) sands. In July and August, you can ski or snowboard in the stunning Southern Alps that can be accessed from Queenstown or Christchurch.

 

Take a thrilling leap 

 

Bungy jumping, started by clever Kiwi A.J. Hackett in the 1980s, is a rite of passage for many visitors. Throw yourself off spectacular structures throughout New Zealand, from Auckland landmarks to rail viaducts, bridges and ravines. There are a gazillion other options too – from rope swinging to ziplining, from bridge climbing to zorbing down a hill in Rotorua in a giant inflatable ball.

 

Explore diverse new worlds

 

Experience the indigenous Māori culture, learn the local language, try doing the haka war dance, visit a marae and eat food traditionally cooked in a hangi (underground oven) or geothermal pool.

 

Make friends for life

Kiwis are incredibly warm, laid-back and hospitable people who will go out of their way to make sure you’re safe, heading in the right direction, and don’t miss the best part of town. They’re keen for the world to realise what a great place New Zealand is and want you to go home raving about what a lovely time you’ve had.

 

Eat and drink really well

 

New Zealand has its own style of innovative cuisine and café culture. Think seafood right off the boats, fusion cuisine and plenty of options for vegetarian, vegans and those with other dietary needs. Visit one of the many farmers’ or seafood markets nationwide to experience farm/ocean-to-table produce first-hand. Visit world-renowned wineries across the country. Try boutique beer at the eight breweries in Wellington.

 

Reboot yourself in glorious surroundings

 

New Zealand has a host of health and yoga retreats and meditation centres. The geothermal city of Rotorua has many facilities that harness the therapeutic properties of its hot mud and natural hot springs rich with minerals. Else, stumble across hot springs out in the bush and immerse yourself in picturesque, peaceful surrounds in a stretch of steaming stream for free.

 

Fill your social media feeds

You’ll find enough photo-ops to make your Facebook and Instagram accounts the envy of your friends, whether its lying on the gleaming golden sands of the Coromandel; climbing one of the glaciers in South Island; sitting atop a volcanic cone in Auckland, covered in thermal mud in Rotorua, or swimming in one of its crystal-clear lakes or picture-perfect oceans. New Zealand won’t stay your delicious secret for long.

 

How to get there?

 

Travelling to New Zealand is very convenient. Air New Zealand's alliance with Singapore Airlines provides access up to four flights a day between Singapore and New Zealand, seven days a week. Three non-stop flights a day depart Singapore to Auckland and Christchurch, and four times a week to Wellington, connecting to over 20 domestic destinations in New Zealand.

Credit: Tourism New Zealand

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