{"id":4980,"date":"2024-03-28T13:30:20","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T17:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/?p=4980"},"modified":"2024-03-29T11:10:12","modified_gmt":"2024-03-29T15:10:12","slug":"places-in-new-zealand-that-dont-feel-real","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/places-in-new-zealand-that-dont-feel-real\/","title":{"rendered":"Places In New Zealand That Don’t Feel Real"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Places In New Zealand That Don’t Feel Real<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

By Katie Manly, Swain Destinations <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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New Zealand is for adventure seekers of all levels.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its M\u0101ori culture is renowned for being welcoming and wise.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adventure on offer ranges from mild to high octane.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Its landscapes have become immortalized thanks to the many films it has set the backdrop for, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, because of its otherworldly natural formations. Here are just a few amazing places in New Zealand that will make you feel like your life is a movie… <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the South Island, witness the pristine wilderness of the Fiordland National Park. Experience the unspoiled beauty of the Southern Alps with a helicopter tour of Fiordland National Park\u2019s breathtaking wilderness. A landing at Milford Sound, where you can indulge in a delightful picnic lunch, will be an absolute highlight of your time in New Zealand as its beauty is so legendary, that it is almost folklore.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no place quite like Queenstown for adventure seekers. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, it\u2019s no wonder that it is considered the adventure capital of the world \u2013 who wouldn\u2019t want to see this iconic destination from every angle? Take a leap from an airplane or bungee from the iconic Kawarau Bridge for a bird\u2019s eye view. Prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground? Get the adrenaline pumping from a more reasonable height; try jetboating or whitewater rafting on the Shotover River. But, if your stomach does somersaults at the thought of it all, you can still enjoy Queenstown\u2019s picturesque scenery from aloft by scenic helicopter flight, ATV, cycling, or hiking the countryside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Over the Top – Milford Sounds<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Jet Tours<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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After an action-packed adventure in Queenstown, an escape to blissful seclusion in the Ahuriri Valley, a destination truly off the beaten path, is a must-do. Home of the Ahuriri River, a legendary spot for world class fly fishing, it is considered to be in the top five best places to cast a line across the planet. If fly fishing isn\u2019t your area of expertise, there is still plenty of adventure on offer. Hiking, horseback riding, and star gazing all top the list as must-dos in this beautiful part of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After recharging your spirit in the expansive wilderness of the Ahuriri Valley, put your explorer boots on and hike the estimated 16,000-year-old Tasman glacier and marvel at the beauty of Mount Cook. Spot dolphins, whales, seals, and adorable little blue penguins at Marlborough Sounds before traveling through the rolling hills of the Marlborough wine region in search of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marlborough Sounds<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Kaik\u014dura<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Stay a few nights in the cultural and architectural capital of the South Island, Christchurch, a city on the sea with a small-town feel. Christchurch also serves as the gateway to Akaroa and Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a seaside settlement renowned for its variety of marine mammals, including the giant sperm whale and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins. Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic, snow-capped mountains. Experiencing this stunning alpine scenery while swimming with dolphins is a memory which will stay with you for a lifetime.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the North Island, visit the ancestral home of the Te Arawa, a M\u0101ori tribe whose people came by canoe and settled the area more than 600 years ago. This is Rotorua, famous for its geothermal springs, bubbling pools of sulfuric mud, and geysers. Allow the locals to show their M\u0101ori history and hospitality in all its glory, sharing a meal cooked from the steaming ground, a traditional Haka performance, and indulgent spa therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Lindis<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mt. Tawawera<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A couple hours\u2019 drive away through dairy farms and kiwi fruit orchards, Waitomo Caves are subterranean limestone caverns with something unique deep within. Arachnocampa Luminosa, or glow worms as they’re lovingly called, are found exclusively in New Zealand and light up the Waitomo Caves as though they were decorated for the holidays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is just a small sampling of the awe-inspiring destinations in New Zealand that don\u2019t feel as though they belong to this planet. Well worth the trip, these places will have you wondering how you\u2019ve lived this long without bearing witness to these otherworldly vistas for yourself.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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