11 Reasons Why New Zealand Should Be At The Top Of Your Bucket List

Last Updated on 3rd December 2022

This post about why you should add New Zealand to your bucket list includes affiliate links.

For some utterly bizarre reason, New Zealand has never been quite as popular as its larger Pacific cousin, Australia.

If you’ve been around these parts for a little while, you’ll know that I mention my adoration (read: total obsession) with New Zealand in almost every single post I write so whenever someone claims that Australia is better, I instantly get a bit defensive.

Not that I don’t love Australia; quite the contrary – I think it’s bloody fab. However, my allegiance and loyalty will always remain with NZ and if I had to convince travellers to visit just one of the substantial Pacific countries, it’d nearly always be New Zealand.

Therefore, I’ve decided to compile a list of all the reasons why New Zealand should be at the top of your bucket list. Having lived there between 2011/2012 and then again for 3 months while backpacking around both islands in 2019, I have such a strong affinity with NZ and it’s a place that I feel very strongly that people need to visit at least once in their lives.

Here are all the reasons why NZ should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

1. The diverse landscape

It goes without saying that NZ has one of the most diverse landscapes of any country in the world.

In my post about North Island vs South Island NZ, I talked about how you couldn’t really compare the two islands as they’re both so vastly different; they’re practically two different countries.

This is good news for avid travellers as it means that there’s so many incredible things to see. From the mountainous landscapes and sprawling fjords in the South Island, to the almost-tropical climate and rainforest scenery in the North, New Zealand has a remarkably diverse landscape that makes it the perfect place to spend months (or years) enjoying everything it has to offer.

2. The amazing adventures to be had

Speaking of everything that it has to offer, NZ is often cited as the adventure capital of the world thanks to it making the thrilling bungy jump a famous pastime for Kiwis and travellers alike.

Not only is it home to the world-renowned bungy jump, but it also boasts a plethora of other adrenaline-inducing activities such as skiing, mountain biking, zip lining, cruising and much more.

It’s impossible to travel to New Zealand and not have an adventure of a lifetime. Even if you don’t partake in something utterly crazy like jumping off a crane, there’s still so much adventure to enjoy.

3. The incredible way New Zealand is run

I’m not one to really ever mention politics on my blog as it’s certainly not my area of expertise but it’s hard to ignore just how well the current NZ Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, runs the country.

The way she handled the Covid-19 outbreak in NZ alone is a true testament to how well the country is run and it’s honestly the one country in the world that’s at the top of my wishlist of places to live.

4. It’s perfect for Lord of the Rings fans

OK, so this point probably won’t sway you too much if you haven’t seen any of the mega famous franchise films, but if you are a huge LOTR fan, then there’s really no better place to visit than New Zealand.

We watched all the LOTR films, as well as the Hobbit movies before we travelled to NZ and as soon as we saw any famous filming location, it was delightful to get that little feeling of recognition.

Not only that, but it’ll give you an excuse (not that you actually really need one) to take a few tours and pay a visit to famous filming locations such as Hobbiton and the imposing Mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe in real life).

5. Kiwis are just the most amazing people

This point is probably a tad biased on my behalf but after spending over a year in total in New Zealand throughout my lifetime, as well as travelling to over 20 countries so far, I can honestly say that Kiwis are amongst the nicest people I’ve ever met.

They’re always so happy and friendly and willing to do anything for anyone and I’d be absolutely honoured to live there again one day and spend as much time as possible with the locals.

6. Road trips are unlike anything else in the world

I’ve written so many guides to road tripping in New Zealand, including our South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary and how to make the most out of your New Zealand road trip and I’m a huge advocate for this way of travel when visiting NZ.

Whether you choose to road trip around the North or South Island, or both, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The roads are long and sprawling and there’s so much to see along the way. Thinking about our NZ road trip always brings back so many fond memories and I’m absolutely desperate to do it all over again hopefully one day soon.

7. All the New Zealand wine

New Zealand, particularly in the Marlborough region, is famed for its vast and varied offering of wineries and consequently delicious wines.

There are plentiful vineyards and wineries dotted around NZ that you can visit and even stay in, as well as cideries too, so if you’re partial to sampling a few local beverages, NZ is the idyllic place for you.

8. Almost everyone speaks English

Having travelled to many non-English speaking countries all over the world, language barriers no longer really bother me too much, but it is nice to know that the vast majority of people in New Zealand speak English.

This certainly makes it easier to communicate with the locals and ask for things like directions or food recommendations if you require help.

9. New Zealand is well connected to many countries

Despite being approximately 12,000 miles from England and residing in a pretty remote corner of the world, away from most other countries, New Zealand is actually rather well connected to the rest of the world.

Yes, it might take you over 30 hours to travel from London to Auckland, but the point is that it’s much easier to do and way more accessible than you might think.

There are so many places that offer connecting flights between New Zealand, with some of the most popular transfer countries including Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and China.

10. You’ll get to experience Māori culture and traditions

New Zealand as we know it wouldn’t be the country it is today without the native Māori people. One of the best things about travelling NZ is that you’ll get to experience Māori cultures in many different places around the country.

Some of the top Māori sites include the Te Papa Museum, the geothermal city of Rotorua, Te Puia and the Tamaki Māori Village.

11. You can travel around the country pretty easily

As well as being pretty easy to travel to from many countries around the world (if you don’t mind the incredibly long flight times), New Zealand is also an easy country to travel around once you’re actually there as well.

From multiple tour companies offering backpacker packages to take you around the country, to cruises, buses and car rental companies, there are so many ways to get around.

Of course, my personal favourite and ultimate recommendation of travelling around NZ is via campervan. In my opinion, it’s the best way to get around as you get so much freedom to explore the country at your own leisure.

If this post still hasn’t quite convinced you to add New Zealand to the top of your travel bucket list, make sure to check out some of my other NZ content below for more inspiration!

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