My New Zealand Bucket List
Though I have already been, New Zealand is still at the top of my travel list. I will be revisiting the places I have shared with you as I will be taking the trip with my lovely partner and want to share them with him, but here are some new adventures and places I want to explore together when we go. (Photos are not mine)
1. Kayak the Pelorus River Predictably starting off with a Lord of the Rings filming location. The Pelorus River is located in Nelson near the top of the South Island. The Barrel Run tour is easy and suitable for everyone, giving you real insight into what Bilbo and the dwarves experience escaping the Woodland Realm.
2. Hawke’s Bay Food Trail
I took my first food tour in Glasgow, Scotland, and it was quite fun to try all the local cuisine. This food tour also ends at the Hawke’s Bay Farmer’s Market with some of the best produce and range the country has to offer. It includes chocolate, honey, olives, bakery items, ice cream, and more. I love farmer’s markets and supporting local business and would love to try one in another country.
3. The Library bar and lounge
Exactly what it sounds, this lounge bar in Wellington has plenty of books, live music and fabulous desserts. The perfect location for the traveling bookwyrm like me to relax for a bit.
4. Cinema Paradiso
You don’t usually think of going to the movies on vacation, but this theater in Wanaka is a celebrated local treasure. Cuddle up on vintage sofas, big armchairs or beanbags and enjoy a movie with homemade cookies and ice cream. Sounds like a great date night to me.
5. Micheal O’Brien Bookbinder A renowned craftsmen in Oamaru keeping the traditional art of hand-binding books alive while living a Victorian lifestyle complete with period costume. I love everything to do with books and book binding is such an amazing craft that you sadly don’t see much of in our modern day.
6. Castlepoint
Castlepoint, a small coastal community located about 2 hours northeast of Wellington, is known for its lighthouse, lagoon, and sea cliffs. Also Castle Rock, that New Zealand’s discoverer, Captain James Cook named for its resemblance to a castle battlement. An off-the-beaten-path location for tourists, but popular with the locals. I love the ocean and have never actually been to a lighthouse so this is definitely a must for me. High wind warning.
7. Mount Sunday (Edoras) The second LOTR filming location on this list (only two, shocking!) is the fields of the land of Rohan. This epic beautiful location is 100% real, no CGI required. A 2- hour drive from Christchurch and an hour round trip hike up Edoras so pack a picnic and pray for a sunny day.
8. Cathedral Cove
New Zealand is known for its amazing hikes, both large and small for people of all fitness levels. The one I know I want to hit is the Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula which is consider an easy one. Though we will most likely hit plenty more hikes along the way.
9. Redwoods Treewalk
I haven’t been to the redwoods here in California and while I’d like to, I also want to see the redwoods in New Zealand where you can literally walk in the canopy along suspension bridges. This grove in Rotorua was planted as an experiment in 1901 as most of New Zealand’s native forest had been cut down for farming and they were trying to replace it by planting various types of trees that they thought would grow well. It turned out, Rotorua, New Zealand, has an even better climate for growing redwoods than their native California does.
10. Onsen Hot Pools
These hot pools aren’t natural like many in New Zealand, but they are just about as romantic as you can get. You rent a private hot tub for an hour, and soak while overlooking mountains and the Shotover River. Add twinkling lights and booze and what else do you need. Hope you guys enjoyed this little New Zealand series and that I inspired you to give this amazing country a chance next time you hit the road.