Backpacking New Zealand

Places not to miss in New Zealand

The highlights of any visit to both the North and South Islands of New Zealand

With so many sights to see for the Backpacking community in New Zealand, it would be impossible to list them all in this article. It probably would be impossible to see and do everything in one trip anyway, unless you had unlimited money and time of course, which I’m guessing you don’t. So here is a selection of what we here at Travel Llama think you should not miss on your trip.

North Island

Auckland– Auckland is one of the most desirable places to live in the world according to some surveys and a clean and pleasant city that has a wonderful setting on a glorious harbour.

There is plenty to see and do in the city for the Backpacking community and with great transport links to the rest of the North Island it is a good place to base yourself for the first week of your trip.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting during one of the many sailing competitions, you will see first hand just how cosmopolitan and friendly this stunning capital is.

Bay of Islands– A wonderful place where the islands and coves scattered around the bay are just begging to be explored by canoe or kayak. It is one of the most picture perfect settings we have seen and definitely does not disappoint. With some pretty and historical towns along the coast, visitors nearly always end up staying just that little bit longer.

Rotoroa – Considered to be the Maori cultural capital, this town is also a major backpacking stop with many activities on offer. The thermal springs and mud pools draw a lot of visitors and it is a little crowded these days, but with so much to do and see, you can understand why.

Lake Taupo– Lake Taupo is another activity hot spot, with yet more adventurous people to be found. A highlight for many is the skydiving over the lake, a thrill up there with cheating death and over one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand.

Wellington– Te Papa is the wonderful museum of New Zealand with many collections documenting the Maori culture and that of other Polynesian nations. It is an interesting place and can easily keep you occupied for a whole day. Wellington itself is a friendly city with the splendid Kapiti coast nearby.

South Island

Abel Tasman NP – This National Park is one of the finest in the country with a wonderful coastline and many tramping tracks winding along the beaches and into the interior. It is a very popular place so advance booking will be required, but that said it is busy for a reason….Its stunning!

Kaikoura – This town on the East coast of the South Island is where all the Wildlife fanatics end up. It is ‘The’ place to go for close encounters with the watery kind, with Whale watching, Dolphin swimming, Seal swimming and the chance to dive with Sharks. All of these activities are catered for the backpacker with some low prices and high standards.

Fiordland NP – On the southern end of the South Island, this National Park is awash with fantastic hikes and wonderful kayaking opportunities. Milford sound is one of the most popular trails not just in New Zealand but in the whole world!

Queenstown – The self proclaimed ‘adrenaline capital’, Queenstown has every activity and danger sport thinkable on offer and is another of New Zealand’s major backpacking centres. Although it is foremost an activity based resort there is also places to chill and relax, with one of the most beautiful settings in the country.

Franz Josef Glacier – An amazing sight indeed, the glacier is a popular spot with foreign and domestic tourists. Guides are available to walk you up to the glaciers and you could also take a sightseeing flight over the glacier for just NZ$140.

You can have a really great adventure holiday in New Zealand, giving you a World Travel experience of a lifetime.

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Before you leave for New Zealand

Things to do in New Zealand

Places not to miss in New Zealand

How to budget and costs whilst in New Zealand

Accommodation in New Zealand

Getting around New Zealand

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