15 Incredible Things To Do in New Zealand Before You're 30

Cycling in New Zealand
Cycling in New Zealand | © Amaya Williams + Eric Schambion/Flickr
Thalita Alves

If you’ve reached the latter part of your twenties, now is the perfect time to cross off some of New Zealand’s top travel must-dos. There’s no better way to welcome your 30’s than with the adventure of a lifetime – so make sure to add these 15 incredible experiences to your bucket list.

Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge

Bridge

Leap of faith
© Los viajes del Cangrejo / Flickr
Everyone knows the bungy is a New Zealand bound thrill-seekers’ rite of passage. But doing it at the very home of commercial bungy jumping will make the experience so much more special. So, head on over to Queenstown, harness yourself up to the Kawarau Bridge and prepare to plunge towards the water. After catching your breath, make sure to check out some of the other epic attractions New Zealand’s adventure capital is renowned for.

Do a multi-day hike at Milford Sound

The exquisite Milford Sound attracts people from the world over because of its diverse natural wonders and unmatched beauty. The area is surrounded by multi-day trails for experienced hikers and easy day walks for the less-experienced too. If you need a bit of inspiration, this handy guide will help you prepare for your visit.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

Follow the New Zealand Cycle Trail

New Zealand is a place of Great Walks and Great Rides. The latter is a series of multi-day cycling routes that will take keen riders across various scenic points across the country. Highlights include the Great Taste Trail, Queen Charlotte Track, the Thermal by Bike Trail, and the Timber Trail.

Cycling in New Zealand

Head on a Marlborough Sounds wine tour

The Marlborough Sounds is New Zealand’s biggest wine-growing region. Not only does it hold an enviable international reputation for its Sauvignon Blanc varietals, the area is also quite popular among visiting connoisseurs and everyday wine enthusiasts. A ferry trip from Wellington to the South Island is the usual gateway into this viticulture must-see.

Marlborough Vineyard

Drive through New Zealand’s breathtaking mountain passes

The South Island is known for its sublime backdrops – and one of the best ways to experience this beauty in its finest form is by heading on a road trip. You’ll get to see a glacial lakes, alpine ranges, and stunning forestry as you make your way through some of the local mountain passes: your options include Arthur’s Pass, Haast Pass, Lewis Pass and Lindis Pass.

Lindis Pass, New Zealand

Watch the sunrise in Gisborne

If you’re well-versed in your New Zealand trivia, you’ll know that Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the morning sun. Catching a glimpse of the Gisborne sunrise calls for a bit of commitment: you’ll need to be up bright and early so you can head up the East Cape Lighthouse for the best views. If the trip sounds like too much of a mission, don’t fret – anywhere near the beach will make the early start worthwhile.

Sunrise, Wainui Beach, Gisborne

Watch the sunset on the West Coast

You’ve seen the sun come up on the East Coast, so why not venture further south to the West Coast region? Punakaiki Beach is best renowned for its Pancake Rocks, but it’s quite a good place to watch the sunset too. Just settle by the rocky headlands and watch as the dawn colours grace the skies as the sun tucks away into the Tasman Sea.

Tasman Sea Sunset, New Zealand

Experience some of the local quirks

New Zealand is home to some compelling traditions that you won’t find elsewhere. From gumboot throwing and sheep-shearing competitions to a selection of quirky landmarks and statues – there are plenty of colourful experiences around just waiting to pique everyone’s interests.

Taihape Gumboot Sculpture

Go on a helicopter tour of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

Natural Feature

Glaciers in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
© Ben Queenborough / Alamy Stock Photo
Due to rapidly receding ice levels, New Zealand’s famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers can only be reached via helicopter. These scenic flights come with plenty of memorable highlights, though: from the fresh landings on the snow to thrilling glacial hiking opportunities.

Swim with the dolphins in Akaroa

If you find yourself near Christchurch, the town of Akaroa is a fantastic place for a day trip. The town is known for its distinctive French settlement and its showcase of rare marine species like the Hector’s Dolphin. There are cruises and tours available for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to see these critters from up close.

Hector’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori)

Watch live music in Wellington

Wellington takes pride in being New Zealand’s culture capital. A night out on Cuba Street will bring you plenty of live music to listen to – from the bars to the busking streets. Other downtown music venues to put on your radar include Meow and The Rogue and Vagabond.

Meow, 9 Edward St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Wellington At Night | © Simeon W/Flickr

Explore Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges

The Waitakere Ranges is one of the best places in the Auckland region to hike, cycle, or to bask at some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking waterfalls and majestically rugged coastlines. The regional parkland is located just a 45-minute drive from the city centre and boasts more than 16,000 hectares of native forest.

Waitakere Ranges

Go surfing in Raglan

Located just west of Hamilton, the Waikato town of Raglan is a must-visit for all surfers. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, there are various beaches to catch some epic swells, including Ngarunui, Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Ruapuke.

Whale Bay, Raglan

Spend the weekend camping in Spirits Bay

Kapowairua (aka Spirits Bay) is located on the northernmost area of New Zealand, near Kaitaia. The campsite operates on a first-come-first-serve basis and is surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches. For those who want to get active, the campsite is right in the midst of the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway.

Campsite, Cape Reinga 0484, New Zealand

Spirits Bay, New Zealand | © ItravelNZ/Flickr

Try your hand at black water rafting in Waitomo

Waitomo is best renowned as a caving destination, but it’s got a handful of adventurous experiences on offer. Black water rafting is a good way for thrill seekers to relish the glowworm-lit limestone formations as they embark on an epic journey they will remember for years to come.

Rafting Inside the Waitomo Caves
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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

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It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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