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You are at:Home » Top Attractions in New Zealand
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Top Attractions in New Zealand to Experience When Cruising Down Under

CManicBy CManicMarch 21, 2014
Top attractions in New Zealand

The beauty of this country is unique because a vast majority of the top attractions in New Zealand are of a natural kind. There is a fair share of cultural and adventure attractions as well, so people looking for a true, wholesome experience are better off considering a cruise to Kiwi land.

Diversity of New Zealand Attractions

Milford Sound in New Zealand
Tree covered little island on Milford Sound

The top attractions in New Zealand are simply put, wowing! The scenic Milford Sound offers some of the finest coastal scenery, well augmented with dark blue waters on one side and dramatic peaks on the other. And while many attractions in New Zealand are nature-based and located out in the wild, the cities, too, are just as fun filled. Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Dunedin and Christchurch, among other ports, offer breath-taking sceneries and exciting offshore activities that will make your trip truly memorable.

Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Auckland cityscape
Downtown skyline of Auckland City

Visiting nature havens in New Zealand obviously ranks among the leading favorites; however, other attractions are just as exciting as well. While around Auckland, visiting the Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is a wonderful idea. This probably is the closest you will get to sharks and stingrays. If you need an extra adrenaline rush, you can choose to dive or jump right into the tanks holding the sharks. It sure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Other captivating offshore activities available around Auckland include visits to One Tree Hill, Auckland Museum, the Art Gallery and the Auckland Volcanic Field.

[button link=”https://cruise-panorama.com/things-to-do-in-auckland/” color=”blue”]View Top 20 Things to Do in Auckland[/button]

View of Wellington from the distance
View of Wellington, Northland, NZ

When cruising around New Zealand, another popular port of call to visit and one that has exciting activities at any one time is Wellington. The city has it all – from culture to amazing coffee and from music to outdoor activities – these things will surely leave you craving for more. The National Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa – has a beautiful collection of exhibits that nicely informs you of the geographical, biological, cultural and ecological history of New Zealand, which will engage minds of all ages. A climb to the top of Mount Victoria is just as exciting and grants climbers a panoramic view of Wellington city and the harbor. The mountaintop is also a fine spot to enjoy a plateful of fish and chips. Other activities around Wellington include riding in the historic cable car or treating yourself to a culinary tour of the city.

Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch, Cruising New Zealand
A panoramic view of Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch

A trip to New Zealand is only authentic if you get to have an eye to eye with the country’s national symbol, the kiwi. In Christchurch’s Willowbank Wildlife Park, you get to do just that. There are many other wildlife species here that you can get up and personal with, including the rare Takahe, Kea and bush parrots. For outdoor lovers, a punt on the beautiful Avon River or a ride on the Christchurch Gondola will be just as amazing.

Mount Maunganui beach, best things to do in New Zealand
Shelly beach at Mount Maunganui, Tauranga

Another lovely city with loads of fun activities and exciting places to see is Tauranga. It also has what probably is New Zealand’s most beautiful bay. Fun here includes a visit to Trinity Wharf, Mills Reef Restaurant and Winery and some land sailing at the Blokart Recreation Park. This sunny city will also titillate you and tempt you into diving to watch the dolphins, to go fishing or just to take in the beautiful marine endowments. Another port rivaling the provisions of Tauranga is Dunedin. It has the best of architecture and heritage, lovely beaches and great wildlife just nearby. Outdoor trips to the city’s edges remain one of the best ways of experiencing this south New Zealand city.

Dunedin, attractions in New Zealand
Otago peninsula coastal landscape scenery near Dunedin

The Star Attraction

All top attractions in New Zealand deserve worthy mentions and rightfully so. Milford Sound located in the Fiordland National Park in southwest New Zealand, however, deserves a special mention. It has been named the world’s top travel destination in a credible survey and is New Zealand’s undoubtedly top travel destination. This lovely fiord and its bigger counterpart, Doubtful Sound, make what is the best way to enjoy cruises in New Zealand.

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, Cruises in New Zealand
Doubtful Sound in Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand

Cruising New Zealand

All these top attractions in New Zealand can be yours to enjoy if you travel wise. Some of the cruise lines offering itineraries to down under and passing through these ports of call include Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line. With such a wide array, it shouldn’t be complicated planning a rewarding trip.

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