January 6, 2023
KRYSTAL JANE
An insight into my time in my home country of New Zealand. With both North and South island having been explored, I wanted to share some small details about a few of my trips, with ratings.
New Zealand is home to active geothermal activity, volcanoes, caves, glacier lakes, beaches, valleys, weirdly large statues, and everything naturally scenic that will take your breathe away. We are full of culture and offer our ways of life to visitors, it is home to the indigenous of NZ, Maori.
WELLINGTON (Te Whanganui-a-Tara)
This is New Zealand’s capitol and home to the beehive (parliament building), the national museum, unlimited eateries (given the name of NZ’s culinary capital), the unmissable cable car and more!
Te Papa
Not only is this experience factual, interesting and historic, but also a bunch of fun. Perfect for all ages, with interactive spaces, video areas and activities. The museum currently showcases Gallipoli (World War 1) with large-scale realistic wax creations. The rooms is engulfed with emotions as the expressions and noises from each and every section show you a glimpse of what it was like.
Enjoy each exhibition space with a range of choices from the nature zone, people of peace (Maori exhibition), Mataaho collective (artwork of four Wahine/female Maori artists), Encounters (portraits that represent mana/power), and more.
The average duration for this experience is about 90 minutes, but this all depends on your speed.
Wellington Cable Car
This began operation in February of 1902 and has continued running since. Enjoy panoramic views on this quick 5 minute ride from the city centre to the beautiful lookout point at the top of the hillside. This offers a unique experience as you view the entire city from the comfort of the seats as well as the botanic garden.
8/10
TAUPO (Taupo-nui-Tia)
Given the name of ‘natures ultimate playground’, there are many things to do here. It is one of our top tourist destinations and you can find activities ranging from sky diving, bungy jumping, jet boating, mountain biking, walking tracks, hot springs and more.
Huka Falls
Located on the Waikato river, it is a set of waterfalls, it is known for its beautiful blue colour and the fast flow of the water which fluctuates between 32 and 270 cubic metres per second which is due to the hydropower.
There are a few ways to view this breathtaking destination. Once you leave the carpark, there is immediately a small bridge that goes overtop of the fast flowing river, allowing you to capture amazing photos and views without getting wet! There are a few different viewing points around this short track.
For the thrill-seekers, attempt to hold on as you reach up to 80km per hour on the Taupo classic, the Huka Falls Jet Boat ride. This option is an exciting 30 minutes as you get taken along the river, coming close to cliff edges, and it is the only permitted jet boat company that can take you to the base of Huka falls, as you wave to everyone on the lookout point. This does its trademark 360 degree spins, leaving you longing for more.
This location is not only full of beautiful water scenery, but also wildlife which have created their homes amongst the scrubs around the track. Take your camera and be prepared to take amazing photos of the area around you.
7/10
Huia bird (extinct species of NZ)
Gallipoli wax figure
Cable Car
Cliff Face
Huka Falls Jet-boat
Tui bird in the trees
TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
This is a tramping track as well as a world heritage site, with both natural and cultural significance.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This is known as New Zealand’s greatest day walk, where you cross volcanic landscapes, emerald/blue lakes, vast steeps, experience an alpine environment and more.
I highly recommend you be physically fit enough to do this trip, it is challenging and puts you through many different climates within a few hours. Always be prepared, carry at least 2L of water, change of clothes, first aid kit and ensure you have informed another person of your location, ideally, go with a partner.
This trip takes around 7-9 hours, with two track options as well as an overnight stay experience. There are between 9 and 11 hours of daylight in winter, so make sure you give yourself enough time to complete it within the daytime, aim to start the track at around 7:30am.
Do plenty of research before attempting this walk. Not only should you research safety aspects , level of fitness needed to do the track, etc, but also how to culturally respect the area. The Maori name for the emerald lakes is Ngarotopounamu (greenstone-hued lakes). The blue lake is tapu (sacred) so it is prohibited to touch the water, please be respectful and follow these rules.
9/10
Emerald/blue lakes
Highest point, the red crater
WAITOMO
This is a village and is known for it’s underground cave systems as well as the glowworms that are within these caves.
Waitomo caves
These caves allow you to explore the underground world, with spectacular experiences available for everyone.
Ruakuri cave is wheelchair accessible (the beginning has a man-made spiral entrance, free of stairs) and has limestone formations, up close views of glowworms and crystal tapestries. This is a tour and the guides share their extensive knowledge throughout the journey. Allow for 1.5 hours for the tour, and take as many photos as you’d like!
The black water rafting is by far the first thing I would suggest to anyone looking to visit this destination. It is breathtaking and will leave you speechless, as you float down the caves on black tubes viewing the magnificent blue/green lights the glowworms are producing above you. It is truly a unique experience, and a must do.
9/10
Limestone formations
Final message
Although this is only about half of my travels around New Zealand, I wanted to share my top spots. I hope you can all take some tips from these places, and possibly have even chosen some new destinations to put on your bucket list! New Zealand itself is a beautiful destination and I am so lucky to have been born here, allowing me to explore our lands, both North and South island. Whether you choose a city or a scenic adventure, all will be unique in their own ways.