Bridge the Travel Gap

Bucket list for New Zealand

A few nights ago in Lethbridge we stayed with Amber and Ewan who are visiting New Zealand later this year. It got me to thinking about what, as a kiwi, I would suggest as a bucket list to visitors. Not to overwhelm people, I have listed 5 things in the North Island and 5 things in the South Island I would recommend.

The lists are not in order of importance but rather progress traveling from Auckland down to Milford Sound.

North Island

1 Visit Rangitoto Island in Auckland Harbour. Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano. It is a short ferry ride and bring a picnic or some food to enjoy.

2 Visit Waitomo Caves and combine a trip if your feeling adventurous do some blackwater rafting.

3 Visit Rotorua and soak in the hot pools and, in the evening, go to a Maori cultural show. If you have time I would recommend a visit to the Redwoods as well for a short walk among the giants of the forest.

4 Hike the Tongariro Crossing. It can be walked in a day and transport is possible from nearby Turangi to arrange to drop you off and pick you up at a scheduled time at the end of the track.

Do not leave your car in the carpark at either end of the track. There is a high likelihood it will be broken into.

5 Visit the Te Papa Museum in Wellington it’s, in my view, the best 1 in New Zealand.

The South Island

The South Island is a wonderland of nature and has some fine wineries in Blenheim and Otago.

My list reflects my love of hiking so I have put 2 hikes in there which you will need to book with the Department of Conservation.

1 Visit some Marlborough wineries near the city of Blenheim.

2 Walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, it is easy to do and you can arrange, also, for a spot of kayaking to see some sealife if you want.

3 Visit the Punakiki Pancake Rocks on the West Coast near Greymouth.

Punakiki Pancake rocks, west coast

4 Either walk the Milford Track or Routeburn Track; both need to be booked and both have some stunning scenery. If you are short on time then just do the drive to Milford Sound and take the boat out to enjoy the scenery.

5 Drive to Milford Sound and, either, do a boat tour or hire a kayak and get up close to the scenery and wildlife.

On the drive, you should see the cheeky Alpine Parrot – the Kea. If you are able stay in Te Anau and, to beat the hordes of tour buses from Queenstown, leave early in the morning. If you spend any time outside then buy some sandfly repellent.

I hope this bucket list is helpful for newbies to New Zealand.

You would have noticed I have missed out bungy jumping, whitewater rafting and the Bay of Islands. All are great things and can be included, depending on the amount of time you have to spend in New Zealand.