Gracie’s Guide: Top 3 Activities in New Zealand

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand here are 3 things that you should NOT miss out on during your time there!

I was able to spend a week of doing vanlife in New Zealand during May 2024, and of all the things I was able to do the top 3 things I enjoyed the most are unforgettable memories that I think everyone should experience.

1. Hot Water Beach

My first recommendation would hands down be taking a visit to Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel on the northern island. This was my favorite experience and activity I did on this trip not only because it was completely FREE, but also becuase this beach is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Hot Water Beach has it’s name quite literally because it is a beach that has hot water because it sits at the base of a volcano! It is a prime destination to visit to experience active volcanic activity by digging your own natural sauna during low tide that you can sit in to have a relaxing evening when you come back during high tide. Another plus to this beach is it’s surrounding area. There are forests that have glow worms that I was able to see on my walk down to the beach at night! There is also a Hot Water Beach campgrounds that is a Top 10 Holiday Park site that is a 5 minute walk from the beach. They offer powered campsite for vans, cabins for groups, and small huts for couples. There is a large kitchen, bathrooms, and a pool at th center of the campsite. The entire experience at Hot Water Beach was simply unforgettable and I could not recommend it to anyone more!

2. Redwoods Altitude in the Whakarewarewa Forest

Zip-lining through the redwoods forest in Rotorua, New Zealand was not on my bucket list when I planned my trip here, but I am so glad I happened to stumbled upon it and get to experience the beauty of the forest from a different point of view. If you are people looking for an adrenaline rush during your trip, Redwoods Altitude is definitely the thing for you. For about $70 you can spend the day swinging through vines, climbing up trees, and ending the day with a free fall bungee jump off the final platform. If you are not an adrenaline seeker this same area of the forest offers free entry point to a wooden tree trial that goes through the forest at a lower elevation which is just as beautiful. There is, however, something about the thrill of seeing other parts of the forest no one else gets to on the floor path that drew me to this activity.

3. Hiking in New Zealand

My final recommendation is vague because I would recommend the hiking to anyone that visits New Zealand whether they are typical hikers or not becuase there are so many hikes! There are ones that are moderate or strenuous and paid or free, but all of them are beautiful.

My favorite FREE hikes that were moderate had to be the hikes to Huka Falls and Omaru Falls (pictured left). If you are a fan of beautiful scenery ad being surrounded by nature then these are the hikes for you! Both of these hikes were very accessible and light work with big reward.

My favorite hike that I would recommend that was paid is the hike through Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This is a self-guided hiking tour for about $45 per adult that takes you through the widest variety of the natural wonders of the world in New Zealand. On this hike you can view natural phenomenons such as Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater whihc were my two favorite. The total hike was moderate but took about 2.5 hours to complete it’s entirety, but it is completely worth making it all the way to the end because you arrive at this beautiful view of Lake Rotomahana where you can take in the view while you wait for bus that will take you all the way back to the beginning of your hike!

Hopefully this has provided inspiration for upcoming adventures you will want to ad to your upcoming travels to New Zealand. If you are also in the beginning stages of planning your trips, I would recommend looking into renting a camper van for your time there. To read more about the experience I had renting a camper van you can read my post about A Week of Vanlife in New Zealand!