Top 10 Things To Do in New Zealand

Ok, we tried to give these some kind of order, however it was just impossible.  We tried nearly all of these things, however couldn’t go to Kaikoura due to there being an earthquake a week before we arrived.

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth and we felt well and truly spoilt   when going to see some less spectacular sights around Austral Asia and South East Asia.

We recommend to do New Zealand and Fiji LAST.  New Zealand is best to visit around February/ March if you want warmer weather, otherwise be prepared for the rain.

Don’t forget to check bookme.co.nz as you may find trips cheaper, especially if you book in advance.

 

1. Bay of Islands (North Island)

• Russell
• Dolphin Tours/ Swimming
• Free glow worm caves (just south of here)

2. Cape Reinga (North Island)

• Sand dune surfing
• Light house
• 90 Mile beach

3. Abel Tasman (South Island)

• Canyoning
• Coastal walk

4. Milford Sound (South Island)

• Jucy Cruise
• Milford Track

5. Hobbiton (South Island)

• Hobbiton Movie Set (Lord of the Rings)

6. The Coromandel (North Island)

• Ha Hei hot water beach
• Cathedral Cove coastal walk

7. Queenstown (South Island)

• AJ Hackett – Kawarau Bungie (The Original Bungie)
• Canyon Swing
• Queenstown Hill hike
• Nevis Swing/ Bungie

8. Tongariro Alpine Crossing (South Island)

• Tongariro Crossing

9. Rangitata (South Island)

• Rangitata white water rafting (Grade 5)

10. Kaikoura

• Dolphin swimming
• Whale watching

Vietnam: Saigon/ Ho Chi Minh City

The first night we arrived we decided it was time for a drink as we hadn’t had one in a while…anyway a few Long Islands later we were both extremely worse for ware and have vowed not to drink again 🙏. Local Vietnamese spirits are lethal!

The next day we made it across the river to Dani’s friend Clair’s flat. She lives on the 29th floor and has stunning views over the city, after a tough day nursing deadly heads this was a glorious feeling! We bought ourselves copious amounts of crisps and pot noodle.

So the main (tourist) things we did in Ho Chi Minh were the war remmenants museum and a day trip to Cu Chi tunnels. The war museum is a must if you’re there, it’s only 15,000 dong and gives an interesting account of the Vietnam with some really eye opening photography.

The Cu Chi tunnels we are not so sure on, it was what felt like a really long day with not much time actually at the tunnels. It was over a two hour journey from HCM. It was good to see the surroundings and try to understand what it must have been like but it was quite pricey ~180,000 dong (bus and tunnels entry fee) and a long trip, the museum in the city centre was much more informative and you could get a much better feel of what really happened. The Cu Chi tunnels tour was interesting but much less informative…if you have a penchant for small spaces though you’d love it! you get the chance to crawl through one of the tunnels, Danielle got half way before freaking out, but I couldn’t even go in 😦

Whilst staying with Claire she took us to two lovely restaurants, one aimed at the expatriates; pretty classy food with a price tag to match. We had a lovely ‘English style fish and chips’ which was perfect after being away from home for so long! The other one was a Thai restaurant.