Things to Do in New Zealand: Tips for New Migrants

New Zealand is home to a wide array of exciting outdoor adventures, making it one of the best countries in the world to live in. If you’ve recently arrived (or are about to) on a work visa or are settling in as an NZ skilled migrant, finding things to do can be a little overwhelming.

This blog post only scratches the surface of things on offer to do in New Zealand. Explore some of our favourite activities and destinations that aren’t to be missed, whether you’re planning a road trip or just looking for a fun weekend activity.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

New Zealand is best known for its stunning scenery. From the picturesque beaches of the North Island to the dramatic landscapes of the South Island, you can never run out of beautiful places to see in New Zealand.

Explore the Beaches

Auckland’s North Shore is packed with beautiful beaches that are all within close distance of each other. If you’re based in the city centre, take a drive to the Shore, and spend the day beach hopping.

On the west coast of Auckland, you’ll find some of New Zealand’s wildest and most dramatic beaches, including Muriwai, Piha, Whatipu, and Karekare.

Of course, Auckland isn’t the only place in New Zealand where you’ll find amazing beaches. The Bay of Islands, the Coromandel Peninsula, Nelson Tasman region and the West Coast are wonderful places to spend a beach holiday, among many others.

Walks & Hikes

From short walks to multi-day hikes and guided tours, New Zealand offers endless opportunities for those who want to explore nature. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing coastal walk or a tramp in the bush, there are options for everyone, no matter where in New Zealand you are living.

New Zealand is also home to 13 spectacular national parks across the North Island and South Island that you can explore on foot. Exploring a national park is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Thrill-Seeking Activities

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking to get your adrenaline pumping, there is no better place to be than New Zealand. Many of New Zealand’s most famed outdoor activities are based in Queenstown, NZ’s adventure capital but there are a lot of other places around NZ for an action-packed holiday.

Bungy Jumping

Bungy Jumping is one of New Zealand’s most popular thrill-seeking activities. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy in Queenstown is world-famous, attracting thousands of visitors every year, while the Auckland Bridge Bungy is popular amongst city-goers.

Water Sports

Getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. Kiwis love their water sports; jetboating, white-water rafting, scuba diving, and surfing are popular amongst locals and tourists alike. These activities are a great way to get the adrenaline pumping while also experiencing the natural beauty of New Zealand’s lakes, coastlines, and rivers.

Cultural Experiences

New Zealand isn’t all about stunning scenery and thrill-seeking adventures. It’s a country rich in culture and history, with many opportunities for new migrants to get educated.

Visit a Museum

Visiting a museum is always a great way to learn about a nation’s history and culture, and New Zealand is certainly not short on museums.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is well-known in New Zealand; here you’ll learn all about the country’s cultural, military, and natural history. It’s highly regarded for its impressive collection of Māori and Pacific treasures. New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa in Wellington is also worth visiting. This museum is great for families, offering a fun learning experience for all.

Experience Māori Culture

Anyone living in Aotearoa should take time to learn about Māori culture, as it is such a crucial part of the country’s history. Māori culture influences everyday life in New Zealand, from food, language, and music to many social norms.

Most museums have a heavy focus on Māori culture and history, but New Zealand also offers immersive and interactive opportunities for people to learn more. The Tamaki village in Rotorua is a great example. This traditional Māori village invites visitors to experience Māori life through stories, music, food, and traditions.

Surf the web

There is so much to see and do in New Zealand that if you took a year off work there would still be more to do. There are numerous recommended websites to find out more. Here are just a few to look at.

Best beaches and thrill-seeking

Great walks in NZ

NZ Museums

Maori history & Culture

Need Immigration Advice? Get in Touch with Malcolm Pacific Immigration Today

Here at Malcolm Pacific Immigration, we understand that moving to a new country can be a challenging time. We are here to help, whether you’re in need of reliable work visa information or advice about your NZ partnership visa. Get in touch with our knowledgeable immigration advisers in NZ today for assistance.