5 Things Not To Miss In Auckland, New Zealand



Auckland, New Zealand


This bustling city can be overwhelming for a first-time tourist. There are so many activities to do and so little time!


To make your life a little easier, here are 5 things you MUST DO while you're in this beautiful paradise!



1. The Bay of Islands 


Up in the far northern corner of New Zealand lies the gorgeous Bay of Islands! Beach after beach awaits you in the quiet north, just past the rolling emerald hills and grazing sheep. Kiss goodbye to the terrible traffic and noise as you drive along winding roads to end up at the most breathtaking and picturesque beaches in the world!

While you're there, be sure to stop at the Manganui Fish Shop for their world-famous fish and chips! You won't regret it!


2. Hobbiton 


For a Lord of the Rings fan, a visit to the set of the Shire is an absolute must.

When Peter Jackson and crew rebuilt the hobbit holes for The Hobbit, they decided to make it a permanent tourist attraction. Wander through the gate we know and love and walk through the gardens growing fresh vegetables year-round to see the adorable homes in the hills!

When you're done snapping pictures of the cute, round doors, walk over the bridge where Gandalf once led his cart laden with fireworks and pop into the Green Dragon pub for a pint! It's truly a dream come true.


3. Cathedral Cove 



Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia will remember this beautiful place as the location where Lucy, Peter, Edmond, and Susan emerge from a London Train Station into paradise.

That's Cathedral Cove!

Gorgeous turquoise water waits for you at the bottom of a lovely hike through the bush. The view is incredible as you wind your way down to the beach! At high tide, you can swim out into beautiful caves in the cliffside or jump off of boulders into the sea!

Afterword, be sure to rinse off in a small freshwater waterfall just off the shore. Incredible, right?

Whether you're an adventurer looking to explore something amazing, or a photographer looking for a stunning cover photo, Cathedral Cove has something for everyone. 


4. Canyoning 


Speaking of adventurers, for those on the hunt for beauty and adrenaline, take a day-trip canyoning!

Hike up a steep canyon in wet-suits and jump into a beautiful river that tumbles over cliffs in thundering waterfalls!

The best part?

You get to repel down those waterfalls!

Hiking along cliffs, diving through caves, squeezing over massive logs, and repelling through the cascade of rushing white water... life doesn't get much better than that.



5. Glow Worm Caves


The New Zealand glowworm is an incredible experience you'll only ever find here Down Under.

Take a silent boat ride through the black caves illuminated by the beautiful blue light of these fascinating creatures. It's like seeing a million little stars blinking at you, listening to the gentle echo of the moving water bouncing off of the cave walls.

It's unforgettable and worth every second.

You can either take a guided tour through the larger caves like Waitomo just outside of Auckland, or you can chat with some locals to find the smaller caves around the Bay of Islands that are usually free of charge! DOn't be afraid to make friends with the local Kiwi's; they will be your best guides to make the most of your trip to New Zealand!


Now you should be ready to take your trip to Auckland and hit the essentials! Be sure to stop and check out the local farmers markets and artisan stands as you go, and remember to take every opportunity you find. New Zealand has something to offer for everyone!



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