5 Unmissable Sights in New Zealand

New Zealand is a stunning country to travel around and attracts rafts of tourists every year who come to see its natural beauty, super cities and the land of the Hobbits! Below are 5 places that you have to include on your itinerary if you visit NZ, courtesy of James from Spaceships Rentals who rent campervans across NZ…

Rotorua Mud Pools

Just south of Auckland in the town of Rotorua are some of the most amazing geothermal bubbling mud pools you will ever find. The nutrients in these pools are so great for your skin, that you are able to soak in them for a day at a luxury spa or just take a dip on your own.

These unique pools are caused by the volcanic activity in the park, and even if all you do is walk through to admire them and look at the eerie steam coming out of the ground it is sure to impress.

Museum of New Zealand

The Museum of New Zealand (also known as Te papa Tongarewa) is the national art gallery and museum of the country New Zealand, and it is located in Wellington. Inside it there are five main areas that include history, art, maori, natural environment and pacific exhibits to teach all the visitors about what this nation is all about.

Every few months new and exciting themed exhibits for special areas, such as “Declassified: Nature’s secrets expose”, “Air New Zealand 75 Years”, and “Colossal Squid” are just a few examples.  This is a great activity for adults and children alike.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tirtiri Matangi Island is located near Auckland and is a magnificent wildlife sanctuary for many of the country’s local birds and creatures. Ferries are available from the Hauraki Gulf, and the minute you arrive it will feel like you are eons away from civilization.

There are numerous paths to walk and explore, a gift shop with snacks and beverages served, and some of New Zealand’s oldest pohulukawa trees that are thought to be up to a century old. This is a very special place to the locals, as it is also home to several of the land’s endangered species.

Pohatu Penguin Habitat

If you’ve ever wanted to witness some cute little penguins in the wild, there is a unique opportunity to do that in Akaroa, New Zealand. Many of the tour guides are a part of a local family that has been in the area for over three decades and they know just where to go to spot these amazing birds.

In addition to that, you have the option of kayaking out to see the penguins and you are even able to spend a night or two in the middle of the colony with package deals. This is the one and only place to see the largest little penguin group on the big mainland of New Zealand.

Milford Sound

Located on the South Island’s west coast is Milford Sound, which contains some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire country. It is not hard to tell that this is one of those places where photographers come to capture many of those luring pictures that bring more visitors to New Zealand.

There are quite a few activities to do on the Sound, such as boat tours, overnight cruises, kayaking, and flights in small planes to get a real survey on the area. If you happen to visit this part of New Zealand, this is definitely a must-see.