5 Popular Destinations and Best Side Trips in NZ

New Zealand is a country gifted with nature’s finest work: from pristine beaches to serene mountains. It’s also home to tourist attractions and multicultural spots that you won’t find anywhere else. While you’re at it, make sure that you have everything you’ll need — from the clothes to wear and the toiletries to bring, to the gadgets and best mobile plan that can help you navigate NZ conveniently. 

There are so many attractions that you won’t be able to visit all of them on your next trip. But, one thing you can do is to visit the most popular NZ destinations and take possible side trips for  a packed, memorable tour around Aotearoa! 

1. Waiheke Island

This is the most populated island in NZ, not to mention the most accessible as a 40-minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. The journey to Waiheke Island is equally breathtaking as the destination as you’ll pass by beautiful coastlines. Waiheke Island is home to various beaches such as Oneroa Beach,  Little Palm Beach, and Cactus Bay. This is one good place to unwind from the busy city. 

Side trip: wine and dine

Waiheke Island is famous for fine wineries, vineyards, and Mediterrean cuisine. If you want to have a unique cultural experience you can literally taste, head over to Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery, Casita Miro, Poderi Crisci, or Batch Winery!

2. Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Experience Kiwi heritage and Maori culture by immersing yourself in some NZ history. The Geothermal valley is also a destination where active geysers, mud pools, and boiling pools can be found. Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley has the only living geothermal Māori village, so if you’re headed for a vacation in NZ, you definitely should not miss this destination.

Side trip: a guided tour

Stop by Te Puia, New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you can find the famous Pohutu geyser. It helps when you have a tour guide so that you can enjoy the trip without worrying about navigating the place on your own. 

3. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

See more of nature’s wonders when you enter the Waitomo Glowworm Caves through a boat ride. The glowworms lighting the dark cave while you’re on a boat ride will make you appreciate nature and its beauty. This trip will teach you the science and history behind the phenomena. You’ll enjoy and learn at the same time!

Side trip: boat rides

After that interesting boat ride at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, go Black Water Rafting and get ready for some adrenaline rush! Take it up a notch by rappelling down the cave walls, too. Waitomo Glowworm Caves can truly unleash the adventurous side in you. 

4. Franz Josef Glacier

You really can’t get bored in NZ! Franz Josef Glacier is located in the West Coast region of the South Island of NZ. Though it’s cold in the area, it gets a good amount of sunlight so there’s no worry about freezing. Finding your way around won’t be too much of a hassle since Franz Josef is a small town. 

Side trip: Hike and soak

Experience the relaxing combination of heat and ice in Franz Josef Glacier. You can hike, ice-climb, go on a helicopter tour, and visit Glacier hot pools. There are some notable restaurants in the area where you can indulge in exquisite cuisines. 

5. Auckland

Auckland is one of the busiest cities in New Zealand that’s worth visiting for a day or two after you’ve exhausted yourself over mountains, rivers, and beaches. Auckland is  a melting pot of the vibrant multicultural life in New Zealand. You can dine, drink, sight see, or simply hang around the metropolis to your heart’s content. 

Side trip: city tour by day, bar hop at night

Make the most of your time in the busy city of Auckland and venture around through a city tour that can take you to museums and cultural sites. At night, welcome the lights and sounds of a partying Kiwi crowd in some of the best bars in Auckland such as The Glass Goose and Scarlett Slimms & Lucky.

Travelling in NZ doesn’t just involve enjoyment — it also involves being integrated with the local culture and being educated on how Kiwis value their heritage. NZ promotes sustainable tourism. And that’s why the tours and establishments in popular destinations promote local products.

Get a reliable mobile plan for your next trip! 

Since NZ has many tourist destinations, navigating can be a challenge especially if it’s your first time visiting some attractions. As you pack for your trip to Auckland or Waiheke Island, be sure that your mobile plan makes navigating, and looking for attractions, restaurants and hotels a lot easier. If it doesn’t, then compare different mobile plans with CompareBear and make a switch to a better offer.