Part of our Australia South Pacific guide.
3 places and guides from our New Zealand coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: The Best Time To Travel To New Zealand, New Zealand's Maori Culture: A Guide For Travelers, Things To Do In New Zealand, Top 20 New Zealand Food You Must Try Before You Die, and What's The Story Behind New Zealanders Being Called Kiwis?.
New Zealand
Planning to catch a glimpse of glow worms in New Zealand? This rare sighting should be on anyone’s list when visiting New Zealand. Glow worms are New Zealand’s underground stars emitting a gorgeous blue-green glow. This natural beauty has been attracting tourists all over the world. And while they may be small, they will leave a spectacle like no other. To enjoy the glimmering world of glow worms, here are 5 hidden caves to spot them in New Zealand. A glow worm is a crawling insect capable of emitting a prolonged or continuous glow of light. Among the caves to explore are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on the North Island, where boat tours glide through limestone chambers lit by thousands of these larvae; the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on the South Island, accessed by a ferry across Lake Te Anau; and the lesser-known Nikau Cave on the west coast of the North Island, where you can crawl through narrow passages to see the glow in a wild setting. Each cave offers a different experience: some require guided boat rides, others involve walking or crawling through natural tunnels, and all demand a torch and sturdy shoes. The glow worms themselves are the larvae of the fungus gnat, and they spin sticky silk threads to catch prey, using their bioluminescence as a lure. The best time to see them is on a dark, overcast night, though the caves are open year-round. Tours typically last between 45 minutes and two hours, with prices ranging from NZ$30 to NZ$80 per adult depending on the cave and the level of adventure.
Top 7 Stunning Skydiving Spots In New Zealand
Skydiving is the thrill seeker's ultimate rush. Jumping out of a moving plane at 5400 meters above the ground while wearing only a large piece of fabric and some rope is on many people’s to-do lists. New Zealand is known for its gorgeous landscapes. It's been the backdrop of many beautiful films! These include The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Last Samurai. While this may seem like an unimportant factor, there’s a significant amount of time that you'll spend looking at the scenic surroundings (particularly after the parachute has opened). Among the top spots are Queenstown, where tandem jumps from 15,000 feet (about 4,572 meters) offer views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range; Taupo, with jumps over Lake Taupo and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park; and Franz Josef Glacier, where you can see the glacier, rainforest, and Tasman Sea all in one freefall. Other locations include Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden beaches and turquoise waters; Wanaka, overlooking Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps; the Bay of Islands, offering coastal views of islands and dolphins; and Fox Glacier, similar to Franz Josef but quieter. Tandem skydives typically cost between NZ$200 and NZ$300 for a 15,000-foot jump, with video and photo packages adding NZ$100 to NZ$200. Most operators require a minimum weight of 35 kg and a maximum of 115 kg, and age limits are usually 16 or 18 years old. The season runs from October to April for the best weather, though many operators jump year-round.
The Routeburn Track In New Zealand
Have you ever wondered what makes the Routeburn Track in New Zealand so special? This stunning trail offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a sense of adventure that few other hikes can match. Winding through the Southern Alps, the Routeburn Track takes you past crystal-clear rivers, lush forests, and towering mountains. Imagine walking through valleys filled with wildflowers, crossing swing bridges over rushing streams, and reaching viewpoints that make you feel on top of the world. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? The track is 32 kilometers (20 miles) one way, typically completed in 3 days with 2 nights in huts or campsites. It starts at the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy or at The Divide near Milford Sound, and reaches a maximum elevation of 1,255 meters (4,117 feet) at Harris Saddle. Huts cost NZ$65 per night for adults (booked through the Department of Conservation), and campsites are NZ$20 per night. The track is open from late October to late April, with winter access limited to experienced mountaineers. Highlights include the Earland Falls (a 174-meter cascade), the Lake Mackenzie hut site with its alpine reflection, and the Key Summit detour offering 360-degree views of the Darran Mountains. Booking is essential, as hut spaces sell out months in advance.
