All Travellers Need To See This Bucket List!

 

For the Nature Lover:

New Zealand isn’t just about dramatic mountains and rugged coastlines – it’s also home to some truly serene gardens and parks that showcase our love for nature.

Parks and Gardens to Visit:

The Hamilton Gardens are a standout, offering a fascinating journey through themed landscapes from Italian Renaissance to Japanese Zen. In Christchurch, the Botanic Gardens are a peaceful retreat, with winding paths along the Avon River and centuries-old trees that burst into colour each season.

Hikes and Nature Walks:

For nature lovers craving adventure, hikes like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – a day-long trek across volcanic terrain – or try the Heaphy Track on the West Coast. This historic Māori trail crosses over forests and through to incredible beaches!

Wildlife Experiences:

When it comes to wildlife, New Zealand is full of surprises. Head to Otago Peninsula for a chance to see rare, yellow-eyed penguins and albatross in their natural habitat, or take a boat tour in Kaikōura, where you can witness giant sperm whales, dolphins, and even orcas gliding through deep-blue waters.

Accommodation Options:

Whether you're wandering a tranquil garden or watching seals sunbathe on a rocky shore, New Zealand connects you with nature in unforgettable ways. If you’re heading down to the South Island of New Zealand, consider resting your head at one of our Superior Parks, Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park. With a hot tub to relax in, a BBQ area to cook up some quick dinners and a tour booking desk in reception, you can plan your excursions at leisure with our friendly team. 

 

For the Adventurer:

For travellers chasing a thrill in the great outdoors, New Zealand is an absolute playground.

Mountain Adventures:

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring through treetops, Tree Adventures in Woodhill Forest near Auckland is a must-visit. It’s a high ropes course set among towering pines, with everything from swinging bridges to zip lines that make you feel like a forest explorer. Down in Rotorua, the Redwood Forest (Whakarewarewa Forest) offers a more magical, immersive experience – famous for its towering Californian redwoods and the incredible Redwoods Treewalk, where suspended bridges wind through a canopy of ancient giants, especially stunning when lit up at night.

Water Sports:

On the water, New Zealand really shines – whether you’re white-water rafting down the Kaituna River (home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall) or trying stand-up paddleboarding on the calm, crystal-clear lakes of Wānaka or Taupō. 

Rock Climbing and Caving:

For those who prefer scaling rocks to paddling under them, New Zealand's climbing scene is seriously underrated. Paines Ford near Tākaka is a favourite for sport climbers, with golden limestone cliffs and lush surroundings, while the Whanganui Bay crags by Lake Taupō offer epic climbs right beside the water.

Accommodation Options:

Whether you're up in the trees, in the water, or hanging off a rock face, New Zealand takes outdoor adventure to the next level, and you should be adding these activities to your New Zealand travel guide. If you’re looking for a hidden piece of paradise to enjoy and a cosy accommodation to rest your head during your adventures, book a room with the Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park. Enjoy a relaxing, clean, quiet and spacious park with a swimming pool, laundry services and even the ability to hire bikes and explore the Taupō town!

 

For the Culture Enthusiast:

New Zealand is rich in culture and proud to share our Māori heritage with travellers who visit. Experiencing New Zealand’s culture should be somewhere on the top of your travel bucket list.

Significant Destinations:

A visit to Te Puia in Rotorua is a must – it’s home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you can watch traditional carving and weaving, experience a powerful pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), and witness the bubbling geothermal wonders nearby.

In the far north, Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers deep insight into the nation’s founding history and the important relationship between Māori and Pākehā (non-Māori New Zealanders). You can walk around the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on a tour with guides and truly experience the history on the same grounds.

Ways to Experience our Kiwi Culture:

To truly connect with Kiwi culture, join a Māori cultural experience evening, where storytelling, kapa haka (performance), and kai (food) come together in an unforgettable way. In Rotorua, you’ll find some of the best Māori cultural experiences – places like Te Pā Tū offer immersive storytelling that blend traditional food, music, and performance into an unforgettable night.

Accommodation Options:

If you’re planning a trip to visit the significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds, book in to stay at the Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park. Enjoy the beautiful waterfront accommodation and campground, with a range of affordable accommodation options. Hire a Kayak, book a tour or just enjoy the view – Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park is waiting for you!

For the Solo Traveller:

Solo travel in New Zealand is a dream come true for adventurers and introspective wanderers alike and is a travel bucket list must. It’s one of the safest, friendliest countries to explore alone, with plenty of opportunities to go at your own pace and connect with nature – or yourself.

Quiet Retreats:

For those craving stillness, scenic beauty, and a break from the buzz, New Zealand offers countless peaceful getaways that feel like they’re worlds away.

Golden Bay, at the top of the South Island, is another gem – a relaxed coastal region where golden beaches stretch for miles, artists set up galleries in tucked-away cottages, and walking tracks like the Wharariki Beach trail lead to windswept shores with wild rock formations and playful seals.

Akaroa, tucked into a sheltered harbour southeast of Christchurch, is a gentle blend of nature and culture. With its French-inspired architecture, dolphin-filled bays, and quiet seaside cafés, it's the kind of place where time slows down.

A City to Explore:

Wellington is the ideal solo-friendly city to explore. With its artsy cafés, vibrant harbourfront, indie bookstores, and the incredible Te Papa Museum, it’s easy to wander, reflect, and get inspired.

Solo Hiking:

If you're into hiking, the Routeburn Track is a rewarding solo trek, weaving through lush beech forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain views. For a shorter day hike, the Rāpaki Track is a scenic 7 km return walk in Christchurch’s Port Hills, offering wide gravel paths and panoramic views over Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps. Its steady incline, peaceful setting, and cultural ties to the local Ngāi Tahu make it a rewarding and accessible escape close to the city.

Accommodation Options:

If you’re solo travelling around the South Island, consider exploring more of Canterbury and staying at the Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. With plenty of trails around, mini golf to play, memories to make or just a tranquil destination to rest and relax. 

 

For the Wine Lover:

New Zealand’s wine scene is world-class, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a vineyard tour through its stunning wine regions.

Vineyards to Visit:

One of the Best Vineyards in New Zealand is Cloudy Bay in Marlborough, famous for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc and breathtaking views of rolling vines backed by mountains. Their cellar door offers refined tastings, gourmet platters, and even lawn games in summer – making it both elegant and relaxed.

Another standout is Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay, where you can sip exceptional Syrah and Chardonnay under the shadow of Te Mata Peak. The winery also features a luxurious restaurant and boutique lodge, perfect for a day trip or indulgent overnight stay.

Wine Festivals:

If you’re visiting during the right season, don’t miss Toast Martinborough! With its unique blend of world-class Pinot Noir, culinary delights, and lively entertainment, Toast Martinborough provides an unforgettable experience that celebrates the region's rich wine heritage and community spirit.

Down south, the Clyde Wine & Food Festival is a must – it’s a celebration of the region’s bold Pinot Noir, with tastings, artisan foods, and sweeping alpine views. Whether you're a casual wine lover or a dedicated connoisseur, these experiences pair perfectly with New Zealand’s epic scenery and laid-back charm.

Accommodation Options:

In the Hawkes Bay region, you’ll find two awesome things you must visit – a wine festival and the Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. With 9 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds directly accessing the beach, the Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is the best of both worlds - peaceful and enjoyable. With different accommodation options, you can enjoy a stunning beachfront motel view, or an ensuite and basic cabin.

Each traveller type has different preferences, but New Zealand offers something special for everyone. With plenty of different activities like scenic hikes and tree adventures to cultural experiences and some of the best vineyards in New Zealand, with this travel bucket list guide, you are ready to craft your perfect trip away!