New Zealand — Bucket List

Road-trip fjords, glowworm caves, and Maori heartlands of New Zealand

Visit Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand's South Island. Explore the Botanic Gardens (established in 1863 with native and exotic plants), see the Cardboard Cathedral (temporary cathedral built after the 2011 earthquake using cardboard tubes), ride the Christchurch Gondola (offering panoramic views of the city and Lyttelton Harbour), and stroll through the Riverside Market (indoor food hall with local produce and eateries).

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand, the filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies

Visit Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Explore the Sky Tower (328m tall with panoramic views and a sky jump), wander through the Auckland Domain (city's oldest park with the Wintergardens and Auckland War Memorial Museum), take a ferry to Waiheke Island (known for vineyards and beaches), and see the Auckland Harbour Bridge (iconic structure with bridge climb and bungee options).

Visit Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car (opened in 1902) for panoramic views, explore Te Papa Tongarewa (national museum with interactive exhibits and Maori artifacts), stroll along the waterfront to see the iconic Wellington sign and sculptures, and sample a flat white coffee at a local cafe in Cuba Street (known for its bohemian vibe and street art).

Visit Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Experience bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge (the world's first commercial bungee site), ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu to see the stunning alpine scenery, and explore the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown.

Visit the Cook Islands, a tropical paradise in the South Pacific with stunning beaches, lagoons, and Polynesian culture

See New Zealand's spherical beach stones

Visit Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, the longest place name in the world, located in New Zealand. This Māori name translates to 'the summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, climber of mountains, the land-swallower who traveled about, played his nose flute to his loved one'. It's a hill near Porangahau in Hawke's Bay, standing about 305 meters high, and offers scenic rural views.

Visit Gibbs Farm, a large-scale outdoor sculpture park in New Zealand featuring contemporary artworks by international artists.

Climb New Zealand's highest peak (3,724m) in the Southern Alps