![]() You don’t, by the way, need to bring your own as you can rent them where you park. Just be ready to end up with sand everywhere, and bring your sunglasses (but not your favorite ones, because the sand could scratch them). In case you’ve never done this, it’s a bit like surfing on sand, and you can stand, sit or lie down on your board. The Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes in the far north of New Zealand’s Northland are a truly beautiful spot with sandy hills reaching up to 100 meters, ideal for sandboarding. This may seem like an adrenaline-packed activity – it certainly can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Paihia is a three-hour car drive (or four-hour bus trip) from Auckland and is best visited during New Zealand’s summer, with flawless weather and when most activities are open. Now, it is famous for its beautiful architecture, antique shops and delicious seafood. In the 19th century, this quaint village was known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific because it had so many smugglers. To simply relax on the water, take the ferry to the nearby town of Russell. After kayaking, you can hike through Paihia’s beautiful natural surroundings (and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a kiwi bird). Kayak instructors in Paihia, like the ones at Coastal Kayakers, are experts at dealing with all levels, from advanced to beginners. Athletic travelers will love the chance to kayak and get close to local waterfalls like the Haruru. Paihia has an amazing number of aquatic adventures both for travelers who love sports and those looking more for rest and relaxation. The Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful places in NZ, and Paihia, an adorable and historic town, is the best place to make your base as you explore the waters of the Bay of Islands. New Zealand North Island must-see sightsbays Northland Paihia (by Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours) And no, you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to visit!īelow I’ve asked top travel bloggers – who either live in New Zealand or have visited a specific area – to share some photographs and recommendations of where to visit in New Zealand. If you’re headed to Aotearoa (the land of the long white cloud in the Maori language) for the first time, here are some of the essential sights to include in your itinerary. New Zealand might be a bit of a journey away from the rest of the world, but therein lies its beauty. And while there’s no doubt the nation is a natural wonderland, there are options for those of all fitness levels to discover its beauty. If you’re more at ease in the museums of Europe than trekking up a mountain or flinging yourself off a bridge, New Zealand’s culture and history (although relatively youthful) is still intriguing. While there are plenty of activities for the athletic and intrepid traveler, that doesn’t mean the more leisurely or low-key explorer should give it a miss. Trekking is a top activity here, although the North Island offers its fair share of mountains and hikes, too. ![]() Generally, the further south you go, the colder it gets, and the fewer people you’ll run into. The South Island is prime Lord of the Rings territory, with rugged mountainscapes, gorgeous fjords, and a wealth of natural treasures, with a few larger cities scattered around for good measure. There’s history and marine life to discover in Northland, beaches, rainforests, and city life in Auckland, and lakes, bubbling mud, and steaming geysers in the geothermal center. The North boasts the biggest city, Auckland, and the capital, Wellington. New Zealand has a multitude of islands, but the two largest are the North and South Islands. With only around four million people, there is plenty of wide-open space, and it really is a playground for lovers of adventure and the great outdoors. Kiwis (named after the flightless native bird, not the fruit) are famed for their warmth and hospitality. Tucked away down the bottom of the globe, with nothing between it and Antarctica bar the open ocean, not many people make it to New Zealand. A list of what the country doesn’t offer would be faster to write than one with a list of where to go in New Zealand. ![]() You may have visions of surf and sand – and these would be correct – but there’s certainly far more to discover in this out-of-the-way island nation. Wherever you turn you’ll find interesting places in New Zealand
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