Why travel to New Zealand?
- Last Updated: 26 Sep 2025
- Publish Date:
- Miles Clark
- Before you visit NZ, Māori Culture, NZ Senior Travel, NZ Travel Info
If you’ve been dreaming about travelling to New Zealand — and you’re not alone. For many visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and it’s no wonder New Zealand is high on so many bucket lists. But why travel to New Zealand and what makes it different from anywhere else in the world?
The scenery is often the first answer. In a single day you can go from snowy peaks and ancient glaciers to golden beaches and bubbling geothermal valleys — the kind of variety that makes New Zealand worth visiting. Yet most travellers say the real highlight wasn’t just the landscapes, but the people. Kiwis are friendly, laid-back, love a good yarn, and are always ready to share hidden gems with visitors.
Beyond the views and the people, there are lots more reasons to travel to New Zealand: the amazing Maori culture, world-class food and wine, unique wildlife, and plenty of adventure. And if you’re a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan, you’ll quickly see why New Zealand is known as the real Middle Earth.
Best of all, New Zealand is safe, easy to travel around, and perfect for everyone — from seasoned globetrotters to those travelling alone to New Zealand for their first big adventure.
Kia Ora, We’re MoaTrek. We’ve been running small group tours to New Zealand’s most beautiful places since 1971. Over the years, we’ve helped lots of travellers—just like you—plan the trip of a lifetime. We love sharing our backyard and making sure every journey is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
Best Reasons to visit New Zealand – Contents & Quick Links
#1 Reason to Visit New Zealand – The Unreal Scenery
If there’s one thing travellers on our tours tell us, it’s: “The scenery looks even better in real life.” From snowy peaks to turquoise lakes, lush rainforest to golden beaches, it’s all here — and all closer together than you’d expect. That’s part of travelling in New Zealand which amazes everyone, even us after all these years: every bend in the road brings a brand-new “wow.”
Our Favourite New Zealand Scenic Spots
- Fiordland National Park — Travelling the Milford Road and a cruise on Milford Sound with sheer cliffs and ribbons of waterfalls all around.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook & the Southern Alps — Towering peaks and mighty glaciers at the heart of alpine New Zealand. The best part – there are short easy walks right from Mt Cook village to enjoy it all.
- Lakes of the South Island — The luminous blues of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, the mountainous backdrops of Lake Wanaka and Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu to the native forest of Lake Te Anau and the West Coast.
- Glacier Country — Step onto ancient ice at Franz Josef or Mt Cook for a true once-in-a-lifetime moment.
- Rotorua & Tongariro — Bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and volcanic landscapes that feel like you’re in another world.
- Coastlines & Beaches — Golden sands in Abel Tasman, the rugged West Coast and the Bay of Islands.
- Native Forest — Walk through ancient forests and discover forest giants in Northland or the West Coast of the South Island.
Scenery off the Beaten Track – Ship Creek on the West Coast
One of our favourite hidden gems is Ship Creek, a little stop the big buses can’t reach. Right on the coast, it’s where ancient native forest meets untouched beaches. On a lucky day, you might spot dolphins playing in the surf or penguins along the shoreline. It’s the perfect reminder that some of New Zealand’s most magical scenery lies just a few steps off the main road.
Find out more about discovering New Zealand’s scenery
How do MoaTrek travellers experience New Zealand’s scenery?
MoaTrek’s 21-day itinerary covered so many highlights and surprises on both the North and South Islands. The South Island had the most spectacular scenery, highlights being Abel Tasman Park, Milford Sound and Pancake Rocks.
We got to swim in crystal clear water, soak in relaxing hot springs, take boat rides on beautiful lakes, get up close and personal with geothermic/volcanic activity areas, see the famous glowworms, play with tame eels and kayak with fur seals, go on many spectacular hikes, see redwoods (who knew they have them in NZ?), spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and waterfalls.
Rich & Joan, USA. Kakapo 21-day New Zealand tour, March 2025.
#2 Reason to Visit New Zealand – The Kiwi People
You might come here for the scenery, but most of our guests go home saying the people were the best part of the trip. That always makes us smile — because it’s true! Kiwis are super friendly, down-to-earth, love a laugh, and genuinely enjoy meeting visitors. Don’t be surprised if someone stops for a chat, points you in the right direction, or even invites you in for a cuppa.
What Makes Kiwis Special
- Friendly and Welcoming — Strangers quickly feel like mates.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts — You’ll find Kiwis fishing, hiking, biking and playing sports most weekends.
- Great Sense of Humour — We don’t take ourselves too seriously and love a good yarn.
- Community Spirit — From local markets to rugby games, visitors are made to feel part of the crowd.
- We love to help Visitors – When you travel around New Zealand you’ll notice this everywhere you go, Kiwis are always looking out for visitors and are happy to help you out.
MoaTrek traveller story – local knowledge in Auckland
Recent MoaTrek travellers, Michael and Julia from Seattle, had a wonderful experience walking in Auckland before starting their tour. They were admiring street art and a local approached them and told them about all the other places they could see more street art and other attractions close by. They were really touched and felt they’d discovered some local secrets they would’ve otherwise missed.
See Michael and Julia talk with Andrew from MoaTrek about their New Zealand small group tour here.
Warning – the Kiwi sense of humour is dry!
New Zealand humour is wonderfully silly and fun. For example, take a look at this hilarious Air New Zealand safety video.
When you are spending time with your Kiwi friends, the mood will often be light, and the jokes will be free flowing. Kiwis love to laugh and playfully tease each other in a very entertaining way.
If you’re visiting from the UK or Australia, you’ll find our wit quite similar. If you’re visiting from North America, you may be initially surprised by some of the deadpan lines coming out from Kiwis’ mouths. An easy rule of thumb, if you’re not sure if someone is joking or not, they probably are.
#3 Reason to Visit New Zealand – Maori Culture
When most people think of Maori culture, the first thing that comes to mind is the All Blacks’ haka. And yes, seeing that in person will give you goosebumps! But once you’re here, you’ll discover there’s so much more — stories, traditions, food, and a way of welcoming visitors that leaves a lasting impression.
On our tours, meeting Maori hosts and guides is always a highlight for guests, because it’s not just about seeing a performance, it’s about feeling part of the whanau (family).
Maori Culture Highlights in New Zealand
- Haka, Cultural Performances & Art in Rotorua — Feel the power of the haka, traditional songs and carvings in Rotorua.
- Guided Walk to Tane Mahuta — Stand beneath New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree and hear its story from a local Maori guide.
- Hosted Lunch at Lake Tarawera — Share kai (food) with local guides with family connections back to the famous Rotorua guide Sofia, while learning about traditions of manaakitanga (hospitality).
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds — The signing of the Treaty in 1840 was essentially the birth of modern New Zealand. The history and stories surrounding this are told by local guides in the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty grounds.
A hidden Maori culture gem – Kawiti Glowworm Caves
Visitors to the Kawiti Caves in Northland are welcomed by the descendants of Hineamaru, continuing a family tradition of guiding that goes back generations. Named after Chief Te Ruki Kawiti, the caves have been shared with travellers for over 65 years. Today, the Kawiti family still host the tours, including travellers on our 21-day Kakapo New Zealand tour, keeping the spirit of manaakitanga alive for everyone who visits.
How MoaTrek travellers experienced Maori culture on tour
The 21-day Kakapo tour is the only way to see and explore beautiful Aotearoa! Our guide Lindsay was a wealth of knowledge, especially with the Maori culture and history.
Karin, USA. 21-day Kakapo tour, April 2025.
Read more about Maori culture experiences on our tours here.
#4 Reason to Visit New Zealand – There’s So Much to Do
One of the best things about New Zealand is that you’ll never be short of things to do. The scenery is spectacular, sure, but it’s also an endless playground of fun, adventure, and discovery. Whether you’re into adrenaline thrills, scenic cruises, or gentle walks, there’s something here for everyone.
Our Favourite New Zealand Activities
- Scenic Cruise in the Bay of Islands — enjoy the stunning coastal beauty and history.
- Treaty Grounds at Waitangi — learn about the place where modern New Zealand began.
- E-biking the Wellington Waterfront — take in great harbour views and an easy ride.
- Canopy Tour in Rotorua — zip line through native forest high in the treetops.
- Lord of the Rings Filming Locations — see how New Zealand’s landscapes became Middle Earth.
- Hike in Abel Tasman National Park — golden beaches, lush forests, and coastal trails.
- Dart River Jetboating — speed across crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains.
- Milford Sound Cruise — watch for dolphins, seals, and birdlife among dramatic fiords.
- Scenic Flight over the Southern Alps — take in glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks from above.
- Glacier Landing — step out onto ancient ice at Franz Josef or the Tasman Glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Queenstown – The Adventure Capital of the World
Kiwis invented bungy jumping, jet boating, and zorbing, and Queenstown is known worldwide as the adventure capital. If you’re looking for a thrill, this is the place to do it. Take the famous Shotover Jet, leap off a bungy bridge, or try skydiving over the Remarkables. Scenic flights and glacier landings are the icing on the cake — a way to see the Southern Alps from above and then step right onto the ice.
New Zealand is a Walking & Hiking Paradise
Not all adventures involve a harness. New Zealand’s walking tracks are among the best in the world. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often called the greatest day hike on the planet, with its volcanic craters and surreal landscapes. You can also tackle iconic multi-day treks like the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, or keep it easy with short day walks. And don’t miss the glow-worm caves — stepping into a dark cavern filled with thousands of tiny lights twinkling like stars is pure magic.
Read more about all the activities to enjoy in New Zealand
Which activities do MoaTrek travellers love?
MoaTrek’s Kakapo’s 21-day small group tour was the BEST way to get an overview of the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The wide variety of activities (everything from boat rides in lakes and fjords, to a 4×4 excursion on a sheep station, to a visit to a kiwifruit farm, to a plane ride over the glaciers, etc.) and the historical knowledge imparted to us made this bucket-list trip a dream come true.
Vicki, USA. 21-day Kakapo tour, March 2025.
#5 Reason to Visit New Zealand – World Class Food & Wine
Most people think of mountains and fjords when they picture New Zealand, but once they arrive, the food and wine become an unexpected highlight. From world-famous wines to fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, every region offers something delicious. Add in a good dose of Kiwi hospitality and you’ve got meals that are as memorable as the scenery.
Tasty Kiwi Treats you have to try
- Seafood Straight from the Source — Greenshell mussels in Marlborough, crayfish in Kaikoura, Bluff oysters, snapper in the Bay of Islands, and Fiordland blue cod.
- Seasonal Produce — Fresh fruit, vegetables, lamb, venison, and barbeques that are a Kiwi summer tradition.
- Classic Kiwi Treats — Mince and cheese pies, lamingtons, Afghans, and “Fush n’ Chups” by the beach.
- Award-Winning Wines — Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago Pinot Noir, and Hawke’s Bay Syrah are internationally recognised.
- Traditional Maori Dining — Experience a hangi feast cooked underground, with smoky flavours and plenty of storytelling.
Award-Winning New Zealand Wines
You won’t struggle to find a superb wine to pair with your meal – New Zealand produces world-class wines. Although winemaking here is still relatively young, our wines are already winning praise from international experts. The landscapes that make New Zealand beautiful also create perfect conditions for vineyards, from sunny Hawke’s Bay to crisp Marlborough and the dramatic slopes of Central Otago.
Highlights include crisp Marlborough sauvignon blanc, bold Hawke’s Bay syrah, and Central Otago pinot noir, which many guests tell us is the best red they’ve ever had. Add in boutique cellar doors and stunning vineyard settings, and tasting wine becomes as much about the place as the glass in your hand.
Traditional Maori Dining – The Hangi
One of the most unforgettable culinary experiences in New Zealand is a traditional Maori hangi. The meal is cooked underground: food is placed on red-hot stones in a pit, then covered to slow-steam for several hours. When it’s lifted out, the smoky, earthy flavours are like nothing else you’ve ever tasted.
A hangi is more than a meal – it’s a social occasion filled with storytelling, songs, and laughter. Typical dishes include chicken, pork, lamb, kumara (sweet potato), and seasonal vegetables.
Sharing a hangi with our Maori hosts is always a highlight for MoaTrek guests in Rotorua.
MoaTrek Travel Tip – Unique Kiwi Food Experiences only found New Zealand
- Whittaker’s Peanut Slabs — a sweet treat you’ll spot in every corner dairy, we all grew up on these chocolate and peanut treats.
- Lamingtons — sponge cake squares dipped in chocolate or raspberry and rolled in coconut, a classic for afternoon tea.
- Afghans — crunchy chocolate biscuits made with cornflakes, topped with icing and half a walnut.
- Marmite — a salty, savoury spread found in every Kiwi pantry. Try it the local way: on hot toast with a touch of butter.
- Tuatua — a native shellfish delicacy you won’t find anywhere else in the world, best enjoyed fresh on the beach.
- Mince and Cheese Pie — the ultimate Kiwi comfort food: flaky pastry filled with juicy mince and melted cheese.
#6 Reason to Visit New Zealand – Unique Wildlife & Nature
New Zealand really is like nowhere else on earth. Eighty million years ago, our land broke away from the ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland and drifted out into the Pacific. Since then, plants and animals here have evolved in total isolation — which is why so much of our flora and fauna is found only in Aotearoa. With no natural predators, many of our birds never even learned to fly.
When Captain Cook and his botanist Joseph Banks first arrived, it was like stepping onto another planet, surrounded by plants and creatures no European had ever seen before.
Many of these wildlife and natural experiences are easily accessible for visitors, and a highlight for anyone with an interest in the natural world.
New Zealand Wildlife & Nature Highlights
- Coastal Marine Life — Dolphins, Whales, Seals, Penguins, seabirds, and endemic species like Hector’s/Maui Dolphins thrive along New Zealand’s expansive coastline.
- Native Forest Birdlife — walk under canopy alive with Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Kereru, Robin, Weka and even the rare Takahe.
- Kiwi (Night Encounters) — our national bird is shy and nocturnal, but you can find it on special night tours, at the Franz Josef Wildlife Centre, and at Kiwi & Birdlife Parks.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries — predator-free havens like Tiritiri Matangi off Auckland, where endangered birds roam freely and conservation success stories shine.
- Zealandia, Te Mara a Tane — Wellington’s urban eco-sanctuary where native species flourish within the city, and night tours bring the bush alive.
- Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises — Kaikoura is world-famous for Whales, but marine life shows up from Auckland to Fiordland and Abel Tasman too.
- Seal & Sea Lion Viewing — see Seal colonies on rocky shores like Kaikoura Peninsula, Ohau Point, Abel Tasman coast, and along the West Coast.
- Wading Birds at Okarito Lagoon — home to the rare White Heron/Kotuku, Royal Spoonbill, and many forest bird species in a tranquil lagoon setting at the foot of the Southern Alps.
- The Kea – the Alpine Parrot — cheeky, clever, and curious, Kea live only in alpine parts of the South Island. Watch your car doors!
A New Zealand Wildlife Hidden Gem – Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre
This is a spot we’ve been visiting for years and is a firm favourite with all our travellers. The Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre was founded and still run by locals Robert and Robyn. Meeting them and seeing the work they do with Kiwi and other native birds is a memory that stays with our travellers for a long time.
What’s a Moa? We should know, we’re named after it!
The Moa was the biggest bird ever to walk the earth – up to 12 feet tall and 230 kilos! These giant flightless birds once roamed New Zealand’s forests with no land predators, except the mighty Haast Eagle swooping from above. Sadly, both are extinct now, but you’ll still find Moa fossils (and even a giant statue at Arthur’s Pass).
We’re proud to be named after this legendary bird – ask of our Kiwi guides and you’ll get a great Moa story or two!
#7 Reason to Visit New Zealand – Glaciers & Geothermal Wonders
One of the things that makes New Zealand so special is how close together totally different landscape and environment are. On the same trip you can swap the crunch of the ancient ice for the warmth of bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers. It’s the kind of variety most countries would spread across a whole continent, but here it’s all within easy reach.
In the South Island, Franz Josef and the mighty Tasman Glacier are the jewels in the crown. Standing on the ice here, surrounded by the peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, is an experience you’ll never forget.
The geothermal areas are in the North Island, around Rotorua and Tongariro National Park — one of the most active goethermal areas on the planet. At Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, boiling mud pools bubble away, steaming hot springs hiss from the earth, and the famous Pohutu Geyser shoots sky-high every 20 minutes.
Our favourite Glacier & Geothermal Experiences in New Zealand
- Heli-hiking on Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier — take a scenic flight, land on ancient ice, and explore a frozen wonderland.
- Geothermal Rotorua — see colourful hot pools, steaming vents, and geysers erupting against a backdrop of native bush.
- Soak in Natural Hot Springs — nothing beats a soak in hot springs after a day out exploring in Rotorua.
- Mud Pools & Thermal Valleys — wander through the surreal geothermal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland.
- Scenic Flights — experience glaciers and volcanoes from above for a true sense of scale.
Explore Glaciers & Hot Pools on the same trip
Our Kiwi Guides often say that New Zealand is the only place where you pack both jandals and gear for visiting the glaciers on the same trip. Our guests love how easy it is to experience two extremes on the same tour — like the boiling mud and unbelievable colours at Wai-O-Tapu one day and a heli-landing on the Tasman Glacier a few days later. It’s the contrast and variety all packed into a small area in New Zealand that people love.
Read more about exploring Glaciers and Geothermal Areas in New Zealand
What MoaTrek travellers said about visiting glaciers and hot pools
It was just amazing from start to finish. Highlights were the helicopter flight over the glaciers, Milford Sound and the small plane ride back to Queenstown, lunch on the farm, seeing a Kiwi fruit orchard, all of the many boat rides, and even relaxing in hot pools. Every day was a surprise to see what was in store.
Susan, USA. 17-day Kaka tour, April 2025.
#8 Reason to Visit New Zealand – Middle Earth: Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a movie set, New Zealand is where fantasy becomes reality. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed exclusively here, without relying on computer-generated landscapes. Those magical scenes you see on screen — the mountains, rivers, forests, and rolling hills — are all real, and you can visit them. In fact, there are more than 150 filming locations across the country, and many are easy to get to.
For fans, travelling to New Zealand to explore Middle Earth is truly the trip of a lifetime. Walking through Hobbiton, standing in the volcanic landscapes of Mordor, or gazing across the dramatic peaks of Fiordland makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the story.
Lord of the Rings Highlights & Activities in New Zealand
- Hobbiton in Matamata – step inside the Shire, see hobbit holes and the Party Tree up close.
- Mt Doom / Tongariro National Park – feel the drama in the volcanic landscapes used for Mordor.
- Weta Workshop, Wellington – dive into the props, armour, and artistry that brought Middle Earth to life.
- Hobbiton Woods on Mount Victoria – wander the forest trails made famous in the films.
- Barrel Run at Pelorus River – visit the river where Bilbo and the Dwarves made their daring escape.
- Lake Pukaki / Aoraki / Mt Cook – see where Lake Town was filmed and see the dramatic mountain backdrops.
- The Remarkables & Glenorchy near Queenstown – view the scenes of Lothlorien, Isengard, and Rivendell.
- Ford of Bruinen, Arrowtown / Kawarau River – walk the river crossing of Arwen’s flood.
- Milford Sound / Fiordland – drive through landscapes used for Fangorn Forest and aerial shots of Isengard.
- Mount Sunday (Edoras) – journey to the hilltop that stood in for Rohan.
Read our guide to the Lord of the Rings & the Hobbit Filming Locations in New Zealand
#9 Reason to Visit New Zealand – Kiwi Magic
What do we mean by “Kiwi Magic”? It’s a little tricky to pin down, but once you arrive, you’ll feel it straight away. It’s the vibe, the atmosphere — something that makes New Zealand feel different from anywhere else in the world.
Sure, we share the English language and some traditions with places like the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, but New Zealand has its own unique flavour. Our ties to Polynesia run deep, and Maori culture is woven into everyday life in a way you won’t see anywhere else.
Take It Easy in New Zealand
Life just runs at a different pace here. People aren’t in such a rush, and you’re more likely to strike up a chat with a stranger who genuinely wants to know where you’re from and what you’re enjoying. Kiwis don’t live to work, they work to live — and making time for family, friends, and the great outdoors is a big part of who we are.
Safe, Stress-Free Travel
Travelling in New Zealand feels safe and relaxed. You don’t need to worry about snakes, spiders, or crocodiles when you’re out walking, and crime isn’t something most visitors ever encounter. Even the airport experience is friendlier and less stressful than you might be used to elsewhere — a nice welcome at the very start of your trip.
A Friendly Small-Town Feel
Although New Zealand has 5 million people, it still has the atmosphere of a friendly small town. Community matters here, and visitors quickly feel part of it. Many of our travellers say this is what makes their trip truly special: the warmth of the welcome, and the feeling that you belong. That’s Kiwi Magic.
You’re going to love New Zealand
These are just a few of the reasons why New Zealand should be right at the top of your travel list.
It’s like nowhere else in the world, and once you discover what it has to offer, you’ll fall in love and want to come back again. We’re not the only ones who think so either — check out what guests on our tours say in our MoaTrek Traveller Reviews.
Travelling New Zealand with MoaTrek
We hope this has given you a taste of everything waiting for you here in New Zealand — from our landscapes and wildlife to the people and culture that make it all so special.
If travelling in a small group sounds like your style, then you’re in the right place. At MoaTrek, we’ve spent decades fine-tuning the art of showing people the very best of New Zealand. You won’t have to worry about the driving, planning, or logistics — we take care of it all while you relax and enjoy the adventure.
Take a look at our New Zealand small group tours here or get in touch with the friendly MoaTrek team to start the ball rolling on your New Zealand trip. Our Kiwi team love answering questions, sharing local tips, and helping you get ready for your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
We can’t wait to see you here in New Zealand soon!
- Miles Clark
- Before you visit NZ, Māori Culture, NZ Senior Travel, NZ Travel Info
