When I was backpacking for three months in 2014 in Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, I had to stop by New Zealand when I was in Australia. It is close, only a couple of hours on an airplane, and then you are as far as you can get from Norway, but as close as you can get to Australia.

All my life, I have heard about New Zealand. In the ’90s, my dad worked there and taught the Kiwi how to make money on fish—something Norwegians have done for a decade or two. In the hallway at home is a map of New Zealand; my dad always tells me about how beautiful New Zealand is, so after 16 days in New Zealand and about 3000 km on the road by bus and car. I have seen a significant part of this scenic country. I agree with Dad.

Now, I know what’s on the map; I have seen and experienced it. New Zealand was an adventure, and it was scenic. Thank you, Dad, and the map for making me a list of 7 Scenic places to visit in New Zealand.

1. Wellington the Capital – Free Walking Tour

I started in Wellington city center and had a lovely day with the free walking tour of YHA Hostel. We walked around and looked at all the beautiful sculptures in Wellington and its history. The city is new because of all the earthquakes that have damaged old buildings. Wellington is a charming town with great coffee, perfect for Norwegian coffee addicts. Furthermore, Wellington is supposed to be a windy city, but when I was visiting Wellington decided to show up with no wind, only sun and love.

YHA Hostel had an excellent standard!

2. The Ferry Ride from Wellington to Picton

The ferry ride from Wellington to Picton is one of the most scenic I have ever had (except Norway). I was surrounded by a lush green landscape and natural beauty; even the Norwegian girl was surprised by the beautiful nature. You should do the ferry ride from Wellington to Picton if you don’t have time for Milford Sound. A great trip with great character and a return of my passport that I lost when I got too occupied taking pictures, but it was returned to me in 5 minutes over the sound system.

 

 

 

3. Kaikoura Whale Watching or Sea Kayaking?

The bus ride from Picton to Kaikoura is once again scenic. Then arriving at the Kaikoura is the authentic village feeling. Only a few people live here, but nature is gorgeous, so who cares. Eat at the local house for some local fish; it was mouth-watering and made me happy. I decided to go sea kayaking because I had never done it before; it was a great experience; I felt like one with nature and the ocean.

 

 

3. Christchurch – Earthquake and Discovering French for Rabbits

Moved on to Christchurch, where I went to the Darkroom and had my first concert with the band French for Rabbits. Folk music from New Zealand performs the most fragile voice I have heard for a long time. Half of the town area in Christchurch was lost after the massive earthquake in 2011; people are still struggling with getting water into their houses again. There is not much to see there – Have a day to see some of it.

On the Way to Queenstown – Lunch break in Narnia

5. Queenstown, Where You Go Down and Up

 I can’t put Bungee jumping on my résumé, but maybe you can?

I went on a thunder jet boat ride; it’s more like a family trip instead of the crazy adrenaline kick that bungee jump will give you, and that was okay for me. Book the scary one where you almost collide with the canyon mountain walls.

Horse tracking in some of the Lord of the Rings landscape is an exhilarating experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and mystique of the stunning scenery. As you embark on the adventure, you will feel a sense of awe and wonder, as if you have stepped into the magical realm of Middle-earth itself. Indulge in the gastronomical delight of New Zealand’s most famous burger at Ferg Burger! Sink your teeth into the juicy patty nestled between a perfectly toasted bun as the flavors explode in your mouth. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave you craving for more.

Take a leisurely walk in the park at night and gaze up at the vast expanse of the night sky, adorned with countless twinkling stars. As you wander through the quiet paths, you can’t help but feel a sense of tranquility and awe. The moment’s serenity fills your heart and allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life momentarily. So, whether it’s the thrill of horse tracks in the Lord of the Rings landscape, the indulgence of devouring a Ferg Burger, or the peacefulness of stargazing, Queenstown offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime.

 

 

Milford Sound (12-hour bus ride – Activity)

Milford Sound is breathtaking, with its fjords surrounded by mountains. Then again, I grew up a couple of hours from Geiranger Fjord in Norway, which is impressive and spectacular. Milford Sound was a beauty for me – I never decided if I thought it was worth the long It’sourney. Then again, It´s better to regret it than not do it.

6. Nelson the Best Pizza in New Zealand and Sunday market

Nelson is such a lovely city. I can understand why my dad has this place in his memories. We went for Steffanos Pizza at the Cinnamon, packed with people who wanted this delicious pizza. That’s all agreed that it´s the best pizza in New Zealand.

Sunday market was full of local fruit, plum, blueberry, and peach; there was a free tasting. Ultimately, I finished it with a falafel wrap and walked around the city, happy with the food in my stomach.

Kaiteriteri, for a refreshing time, is a cold swim in the ocean. Then for a lovely glass of New Zealand with wine in the sun and great company.

At night we went to Angkor Bar and had lovely food locals like to eat – seafood, green mussels, and local scallops—my dad’s first stop after being at sea for two months.

7. Auckland with City Life

Walk around and watch the city, find a place to have some great breakfast, and enjoy the city life. Or you take the ferry to the other side of Auckland and see the city from a new perspective.

This way, on my list of the 7 best places to visit in New Zealand, my favorite places were Nelson and Queenstown. They were lovely.

What I loved about Nelson was that I was traveling with friends from my dad; they were showing me great places and a lot of Kiwi love that warmed my heart and made it to the best part of the trip. The same goes for taking the ferry in Auckland over to Christina, meeting up with her, and talking about Norway and New Zealand similarities – Mountains, coffee, and fjords. I always enjoy the country with locals, especially when they are friends.

The surprise on the seven best places to visit in New Zealand was the ferry ride from Wellington to Picton. It was unexpected that it would be tremendously beautiful. The other surprise was the bus stop in the mountains on my way to Queenstown; it was a gEgg’sbreak and fantastic Egg´s Benedict with a spectacular view.

New Zealand Highlights

Were Nelson and Queenstown. The ferry trip from Wellington to Picton was scenic. Kaikoura with sea kayaking was the best. Milford Sound was a scenic fjord, but it was 12 hours on a bus. I did love horseback riding in the scenic landscape from the Lord of the Rings Movie. Furthermore, Wellington is a charming capital with great coffee.

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If you are unsure why these are the 7 Best places to visit in New Zealand, check out the official website for New Zealand or the famous blogger Liz – YoungAdventuress, that decided to move to New Zealand. Maybe that can convince you, and perhaps you will make New Zealand a fact, not a dream.

 

P.S. Air New Zealand also has the funniest safety video on the airplanes

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