New Zealand has long been considered an adventure capital of the world, boasting beautiful natural surroundings that inspire romance and vineyards that exude indulgence.
Discover otherworldly scenery at Hobbiton Village, where The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies were shot. In Rotorua’s geothermal fields you can experience raw nature first hand with its mud pools, painter’s palette features, and steam clouds at Wai-o-Tapu.
Hobbiton Village
Visit New Zealand and experience Hobbiton, the iconic movie set from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, is an absolute must for fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Jackson found an ideal location at Alexander sheep farm in Waikato to build this village where hobbits reside – complete with mill, double-arched bridge, trees, pens and even an elaborate sewage system!
Tour the 12-acre set where you’ll see intricate Hobbit holes and sample some delicious cuisine from Green Dragon Inn. Plus, visit Bilbo Baggins’s eleventy first birthday party field where he hosted it! Additionally, walk past their homes admiring their gardens full of flowers, clothing drying on lines, and real smoke coming out their chimneys – plus much more!
Hobbiton is not only fun and educational; it can also give fans of the film series insight into its production process. A visit is essential for any fan and is an enjoyable family activity located on a farm outside Matamata about one hour drive from either Auckland or Rotorua by car; tours often include transportation between Hobbiton and other major sites in the area.
Milford Sound
New Zealand is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and Milford Sound is no exception. One of the world’s most magnificent fjords, this glacial valley features towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. Additionally, Milford Sound serves as an excellent spot for hiking – two “Great Walks,” such as Milford Track and Routeburn Track pass through it.
Milford Sound may not come cheap, as you must take a boat tour that tends to cost quite a lot; but if you can spend the extra cash it will surely be worth your while; after all, Milford Sound has earned its UNESCO World Heritage status for good reason!
Milford Sound can best be enjoyed via a nature cruise. From here, you’ll get to view its signature sights–such as waterfalls and Mitre Peak–from a custom catamaran ride. Plus, wildlife sightings may include Kiwis or seals swimming around!
Milford Sound Lodge provides cabins, dorm rooms and powered campsites at more affordable rates than Queenstown or Te Anau – located directly on the foreshore of Milford Fjord! Plus it has cafe, restaurant, common areas including fully-stocked kitchen and kayak rental!
Skyline Gondola
The Skyline Gondola offers an exciting journey on the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere to reach Bob’s Peak, a mountain which towers over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy breathtaking 220-degree panorama views that encompass Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter Cecil Peak as well as Queenstown Lake and town.
Stratosfare restaurant and bar at the Skyline complex features a glass front that lets in stunning views as you dine – it is definitely one of Queenstown’s must-do experiences! One of its many great features is an outdoor seating area for taking in all the scenic beauty while dining. Make sure you book your gondola ticket early to avoid long lines during peak seasons!
Queenstown Gondola serves as a meeting point for activities such as AJ Hacket Bungy New Zealand and G Force Paragliding; so if you plan on participating, be sure to visit their websites or call ahead so you can book! For the full Queenstown experience, combining both activities is ideal; why not purchase both combined passes – the gondola ride and Luge ride together are a fantastic way to appreciate Queenstown’s picturesque alpine scenery!
Queenstown
Queenstown lives up to its reputation as an adventure capital of the world with its jagged mountains and beautiful Lake Wakatipu setting, drawing thousands every year for heart-pounding activities such as bungy jumping, ziplining and jet boating – yet this small town also draws in travelers interested in world-class wineries like Gibbston Valley as well as perfectly preserved historic towns such as Arrowtown and Cromwell.
Apart from an array of outdoor and indoor activities, the town also boasts world-class restaurants and hotels, shopping opportunities galore, movie theatres that showcase local talent and history as well as outstanding art galleries and museums that show it.
Town is also a hub for international students, offering courses in hospitality management, adventure tourism and English as tertiary education at various schools and colleges in town. Its outdoor lifestyle and vibrant culture provide students with an unforgettable experience!
Queenstown can be easily reached either by driving from Christchurch, taking a scenic flight over the spectacular Southern Alps (it may even be cheaper if flying from Australia), or renting a car and exploring on foot; bicycle trails also make an excellent way to enjoy this incredible landscape.