Fun Things to do in New Zealand

This city formed around highly seismic areas. Now you may think the early settlers were a tad unwise in this decision but you won’t think it after you’ve soaked in a true hot spring tub.

Make sure you stay at the true hot springs which use water directly from the volcanic sources. There are a number of places that advertise themselves as ‘hot springs’ that do not have true volcanic water, so also double check what they use.

Rotorua is also a great place to learn about the Maori culture with many Maori shows and events.

Check out the official Rotorua website for other things you can do there.

If you think you’ve reached the extent of water boating after going on a speed boat, you really are mistaken.

The jet boat (invented here) sucked in water from the front then shoots it from the back. The end result of this is the boat is extremely maneuverable.

You’ll find jet boat trips all over New Zealand and the experience is extremely exciting as they bob and weave between rocks and other obstacles.

If you’re very brave you can try one of the bungee jumps or even one of the rarer giant swings.

Now when I say giant swing, you probably are imagining something larger than a children’s swing but you’d be mistaken.

They literally setup a swing on the side of a canyon.

I prefer the swings to bungee because I already have too few brain cells thank you very much.

One of the giant swing places is in Queenstown (on the South Island) called the Shotover Canyon Swing, so check it out if you have the courage.

Exploring the country from a bike eye view is a great way to experience New Zealand.

You need a certain level of fitness for this but you don’t have to be some kind of pro athlete or anything.

You can either hire some bicycles and do day trips from your hotel or go a step further and go on a full cycling tour with someone like Pedaltours where you ride with a guide (and usually with other travelers) along a predetermined route.

The advantage of this is the guide should know the best places to cycle to and would have worked out a route where you can cycle in the places with the best views then use their minivan for the less interesting parts of the route or when you need a rest.

You can find out more information here that shows which bicycle tours they offer in New Zealand.

If you’re visiting the North Island then you should definitely ride in the Coromandel Peninsula areas as it has amazing views! There are plenty of other amazing places in the North Island but this was one of my favorites. And for the South Island a place you just have to cycle along in the famous Crown Range.

If you’ve ever wanted to be a hamster in a ball running down a hill then the Zorb is for you. But seriously, you basically get into the inner ball of a giant ball (a ball within a ball).

They usually put some water in the inner ball then push you down the hill. The water lets you roll around on the way down.
You can see through the ball so it’s not totally crazy!

I know it sounds like torture but it’s actually a lot of fun.