Here’s the thing about travelling in New Zealand, there’s plenty of truly wonderful places to see and things to do, that are all completely free! And we think that makes it pretty special.
We also think that the best way to experience everything the country has to offer is by grabbing yourself a set of reliable four wheels (in the form of a budget car hire) and hitting the road. Then you can check out all of these epic spaces and places, from north to south and east to west.
Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
A trek up Mt Maunganui is an absolute treat for the soul. Not only does it get the blood pumping on your way up (always great to get that rush of endorphins through the body), but once you’re at the top, you’ll find the most spectacular view. There’s also a real sense of achievement to be had too. Don’t forget to take your camera!
Star gazing, Mackenzie Basin
In the heart of the South Island you’ll find the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – the largest reserve of its kind in the world! Because there is virtually zero light pollution, you’ll be able to see the night sky in all its glory. All you need is a blanket and a thermos of tea or hot choccy, and you’re good to go.
Natural Hot Pools (Hot Water Beach and Taupo)
On the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, you’ll find an aptly named place called ‘Hot Water Beach’. Thousands of visitors flock here every year to dig a hole in the sand and be delighted by the natural hot water that springs from the ground. And if your hire car takes you to the town of Taupo, you can also find a number of ‘hot spots’ around the place, including Otumuheke Stream and along the lake’s edge.
Rere Rock Falls, Gisborne
Want to ride a natural, 60 metre long water slide? Well, you can at Rere Rock Falls in Gisborne. All you need is a body board, tyre tube, yoga mat or something smooth, and off you go! It’s super fun and also super popular, so if you’re heading there in the summer, make sure you’re prepared for crowds.
At 58 km north-west of Gisborne, you’ll need a rental car to make the journey.
Watch the sunrise, East Coast
We bet you’re thinking ‘what? You can watch the sunrise anywhere in the world’. But did you know that the East Coast of the North Island is the first to see each new day, before anyone else on earth? And that’s what makes it extra special.
So go on, pack yourself a coffee to have on the beach (or in the warmth of your rental car) and watch the dawning of a brand new day at least once on your New Zealand adventures.
Huka Falls, Taupo
While you’re in town checking out the natural hot pools, you need to stop by at Huka Falls. It’s the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand, and it’s not hard to see why! What’s all the fuss about? That the Waikato River (usually 100 metres wide) is forced to narrow to just 15 metres wide as it passes through a hard volcanic canyon.
It’s loud and wild – in fact, the flow rate of water coming over Huka Falls would fill an Olympic swimming pool in 11 seconds! Just incredible.
Wildlife, North and South Island
New Zealand’s stunning coastline is dotted with incredible wildlife you can see up close and personal, with free vantage points providing you with places to watch from a safe distance.
Check out Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay for a gannet colony, Kaikoura and Westport are two great places to see seals, and Oamaru (as well as the nearby city of Timaru) are home to plenty of gorgeous penguins.
Te Papa Museum, Wellington
One of New Zealand’s most spectacular museums, Te Papa, is worth spending a day exploring if you’re in Wellington. Across six storeys you’ll find cutting-edge interactive exhibitions in a modern, architecturally-designed building that boasts a clever, contemporary and bicultural approach to its displays. It’s also free, and if that isn’t remarkable hospitality, then we don’t know what is.
World’s Steepest Street, Dunedin
If you enjoy something a little bit quirky, you could visit Baldwin Street in Dunedin, which holds the Guiness World Record for the world’s steepest street! Yes, there is such a thing. And don’t forget to take a packet of Jaffas up with you, it’s traditional to roll them down from the top, before you gingerly make your own way back down.
Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton
A wander through Hamilton Gardens is an incredible experience, as it’s nothing like the conventions of most typical botanic gardens. It has been created to tell the story of gardens through different civilisations, as well as exploring the relationship between people and plants. There are five garden collections across 58 hectares, each completely different and absolutely spectacular. And again, free to visit and explore!
Ready for an adventure? Grab yourself a budget rental car and hit the road to see all the cool (and completely free) things to see and do here in New Zealand. Here’s your ‘must-pack’ list for your roadie.
