As far as I can remember New Zealand had always been on my "bucket list", though it wasn't after watching the first Lord of the Rings movie back in 2001 that I knew for sure I really wanted to visit. In fact, six months before the release of the second installment (The Two Towers) I had a flight booked to “Middle Earth”.

Top Travel Destinations in the South Pacific

Ever since my first trip back in 2002, I have been to New Zealand four more times…my most recent trip being in August of this year. New Zealand may look small but it boasts sightseeing opportunities by the bucket loads! Besides being a walker's paradise, New Zealand offer many great things for tourists to see such as wildlife parks, museums, historic sites, vineyards, botanic gardens, etc.

If you’re visiting New Zealand for the first time and are wondering about absolute “must-sees”, you may find the following list of top 10 sights to see in New Zealand a useful read! They are as follows:

Wellington Botanic Garden

New Zealand is home to several magnificent botanic gardens though, in my opinion, none of them come close to Wellington Botanic Garden. The botanical garden in Wellington isn't only beautiful but it boasts a spectacular location atop the hills of Wellington.

From the top of Wellington botanic garden you get splendid views over the city and the ride up on the Wellington cable car makes seeing this place totally worth your time. If the tram wasn’t incentive enough, entry to the Wellington Botanic Garden is free of charge!

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua

Thermal Wonderland truly lives up to its name and it’s without question, the most spectacular natural attraction in New Zealand’s North Island. Thermal Wonderland boasts massive volcanic craters, a geyser (nicknamed Lady Knox), colorful hot springs and mud pools, all of which are surrounded by truly spectacular scenery.

There are also several walking trails at Wonderland that allows for nice walks and plenty of photo opportunities. Admission to Thermal Wonderland is around $30 (not cheap) but definitely worth every penny to see Lady Knox shoot up! If you’d rather not pay up you can still see the boiling mud pools for free by walking up the road on the Waiotapu Loop Road.

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park (Southland)

The Milford Sound is another famous natural attraction in New Zealand you cannot miss seeing. The Milford Sound is most certainly one of the top places to visit in New Zealand and seeing it up-close on a kayak or cruise is certainly one of the highlights of a trip to the NZ' west coast.

Mind you though, getting to Milford Sound is also part of the fun and you’ll get to see a ton of beautiful natural sights along the way. Package tours (bus + cruise) from Te Anau and Queenstown are a popular option but if you hire a car you avoid the crowds and save up quite a bit. Be sure, though, to book the Milford Sound cruise or guided kayaking trip in advance if traveling during the New Zealand summer.

Huka Falls Rapids, Taupo

Huka Falls is yet another beautiful and eye-catching natural wonder to add to the list of top 10 sights to see in New Zealand. Huka Falls may not be the biggest falls in the world but it’s totally worth seeing because of the ferocity and mesmerizing turquoise-blue color of its waters.

You can stand over the bridge that crosses the falls or walk up to one of the viewing decks to take photos and feel the raw power of the rapids. For a more unforgettable experience, you can ride a jet boat and get real close to the base of the Huka Falls.

Waitomo Caves, North Island

Waitomo Caves are located a few miles northwest of Te Kuiti (an hour’s drive from Hamilton) and they’re another tourist sight to add on this top 10 list of sights to see in New Zealand.

Waitomo caves consist of several tourist caves opened to the public for glowworm tours and cave rafting activities. The main caves to visit in the area are Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri and Aranui, though the one to go to is Glowworm Cave to experience the boat ride in darkness.

Franz Josef Glacier, Westland National Park

Franz Josef Glacier is, with good reason, one of the most visited tourist attractions in South Island. If you’ve never done glacier walks before you’ll find it a fascinating experience walking up through ice corridors and seeing icefalls up-close.

The Franz Josef Glacier is located about 2 miles away from the township of Franz Josef, which is the base for organized trips onto the glacier. You can choose from half day hikes to full day heli-hikes, or book a helicopter tour to see the glacier from the comfort of a seat. My favorite option is to view the glacier for free by taking the 30 minute unguided walk from the car park area to the tongue of the glacier.

Rangitoto Island, Auckland

Rangitoto Island is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Auckland and it's definitely one of the top 10 sights to see in New Zealand. Rangitoto Island is now an extinct volcanic island but it offers fabulous lava rock scenery and lovely vistas from its summit. The summit walk to the top of Rangitoto is pretty straight forward and takes just 60 minutes.

There are couples of ways to get to Rangitoto Island. One way is taking the ferry from Auckland, and the other (recommended) is to kayak across to Rangitoto Island on a half-day tour from Takapuna.

Dunedin Railway Station

Dunedin’s historic railway station is without question, one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll photograph in New Zealand. This historic railway station is the finest examples of Edwardian architecture in the country and  it has truly stood the test of time. The restoration work has been immaculately done and has preserved the beautiful stained-glass windows, mosaic floor tiles and light fixtures.

Best thing about visiting Dunedin railway station is that it’s still functional. The Taieri scenic train departs from the old railway station all through the year and the ride is totally worth it to experience traveling along the spectacular Taieri River Gorge.

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things to do on Australia's west coast

Things to do on the East Coast of Tasmania

The state of New South Wales is perhaps most famously known for Sydney, home to the famed Opera House landmark and the stunning Bondi Beach.

Nicest Beaches in Australia

However, if you’re looking for things to do in New South Wales besides the beach, how about skiing in the Perisher Valley or enjoying a winery tour in the town of Mudgee?


If you’re planning a trip this year and are looking for cool places to visit in New South Wales, here it is of list places and things you can do there:

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is roughly the half way point between Brisbane and Sydney and boasts many beautiful beaches and many unspoiled forests areas nearby.

Coffs Harbour is one of my favorite spots in New South Wales as it draws fewer crowds than other popular spots in the state.

You’d love walking along the breakwater wall and the boardwalk for a relaxing stroll taking in the views.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Coffs Harbour is the Big Banana attraction which is a banana-shaped building with fun attractions like waterslides and play areas.

The Clog Barn is another interesting place to visit in Coffs Harbour, and one of the coolest places to visit in New South Wales, as you can see clog making demonstrations, as well as a neat scaled reproduction of a Dutch village, which includes working windmills and a railway.

If you’re interested on handmade Australian crafts, don’t miss visiting the Australian Wildflower Jewellery Gallery to check out the cool wildflower jewelry collection and handcrafted Australian pottery.

Newcastle

Newcastle is located also along the coast of New South Wales and it's around 2 hours drive north of Sydney.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Sydney to escape the crowds, or a relaxing destination in New South Wales, look no further than Newcastle.

Newcastle is one of my favorite places to visit in New South Wales because of Newcastle’s beautiful seaside front, relaxing atmosphere and friendly locals.

If you’re traveling to New South Wales looking to enjoy plenty of beach walks, Newcastle won’t disappoint, especially as you walk the lovely beaches of Nobbys beach and Newcastle beach.

One interesting place to visit if you’re interested in Newcastle’s maritime past, it is the Newcastle Region Maritime and Military Museum, as it's housed at Fort Scratchley.

King Edward Park is another interesting place to explore in Newcastle because of the amazing ocean views you can get from the cliffs, and Bogey Hole which is a popular swimming spot.

Sydney

Sydney should definitely be on your list of places to visit in New South Wales as there are lots of fun and interesting things to do in this cosmopolitan city.

Sydney is also located along the coast of New South Wales and it is famously characterized by the two stunning landmarks of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Cool places to visit in Sydney include the Sydney Tower, Sydney Opera House and China Town.

If you’re interested in history and architecture, don’t miss a visit to the Barracks Museum at Hyde Park and a walk along The Rocks district to check out the colonial buildings.

If you’re only visiting Sydney on a day trip or for a short vacation, two must-see places are the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Outback Center where you can learn about Aboriginal culture.

Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park is without a doubt one of the best and most popular national parks in the country and it’s only a couple of hours drive west of Sydney.

Blue Mountains is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney so if you’re basing your holiday in Sydney and are looking to enjoy fun outdoor activities, Blue Mountains Park offers this and more.

The park boasts many hiking trails that lead to look-out points where you can get amazing views such as the Govett Leap look-out which offers views of Horseshoe falls.

Having said this, there are other options for fun ways to explore the park such as hopping on the Zig Zag steam train and the cable car ride to take in the beautiful sights.

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best beaches in SE Asia

Planning a trip to Asia?

Before giving you a brief overview on Asia as well as the best time to travel and weather, let me quickly share with you seven places that are ideal for first time travelers looking to vacation in Asia. They are as follows:

1. Taipei Taiwan

Taipei Taiwan is one of the most expensive vacation spots in Asia, but it is also one of the most modern countries in Asia, offering a reliable and varied transportation system.


Taipei Taiwan is home to many memorials and cultural attractions, but it is also a city that offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as climbing and hiking at the nearby Yangmingshan Park.

2. Hanoi Vietnam

One of the most popular and affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, Hanoi Vietnam is a popular destination amongst outdoor and shopping enthusiasts. The old Quarter of Hanoi boasts a variety of street markets where you can get cheap foods, souvenirs, etc.

Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Vietnam

Top 10 Places To Go In Southeast Asia

3. Seoul Korea

Seoul Korea is another destination in Asia renowned for its tax free shopping opportunities, and electronic goods.

Seoul Top Tourist Sites and Attractions

Apart from shopping, the city of Seoul is home to half a dozen palaces and other interesting sites such as the War Memorial of Korea and Gyeongbokgung Palace which features regular changing of the guard.

4. Surabaya Indonesia

If you are planning a holiday vacation in Bali, Surabaya Indonesia is normally considered a transit city between Jakarta and Bali.

Top 10 places to go in Indonesia

places to visit in Java for the day

Having said this, Surabaya Indonesia is a great vacation spot on its own right, and one of the best destinations in Asia for families. The city is home to the Surabaya KBS Zoo and the Ciputra Zoo.

5. Manila Philippines

The capital city of Manila Philippines is another popular family destination with many festivals such as the Filipino Heritage Festival geared towards families.

beautiful places in Philippines

The shopping scene, nightlife scene and the many Tourist Spots in the Philippines are the reason that brings many travelers to the capital of Philippines.


6. Okinawa Japan

If you’re looking for an affordable family vacation in the Asia Pacific region, Okinawa Japan is one of the most popular places to go in Japan.

With so many beach resorts and beaches offering camping by the beach opportunities you can have an affordable vacation. There are also many things to do and see such as visiting the renowned Okinawa Aquarium.

7. Goa India

Being a former colony of Portugal, Goa India has distinctive feel to the rest of the Indian subcontinent. The state of Goa India is one of the trendiest places in the region and a popular beach vacation.

Things to do in Northern India

cheap places to go for backpackers

Apart from beaches and festivals, Goa India offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as hiking at one of the nearby national parks. If you are planning a first time vacation to Asia but not sure where to go, read on to get an overview of the different regions in Asia and best time to travel.

Overview

Asia is, indeed, a vast continent and it is one of the most culturally diverse places on earth both geographically and ethnically. One of the most interesting facts about Asia, it’s that more than half of the world’s population lives in the continent with Japan and China being two of the most powerful economies in the region.

Planning where to go in Asia (or anywhere in the world, for that matter) doesn’t have to be daunting task at all, and choosing the right vacation spot comes down to three things:

- Type of vacation (family travel, romantic travel, cheap beach vacations, etc.)
- Budget (shoestring or luxurious vacation)
- When you’re traveling (off-season, peak-season, monsoon season, etc.)

Regions in Asia

Beautiful Places in Asia to visit on vacation

The continent of Asia is traditionally divided into three regions:

- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma, Laos, Brunei, East Timor, Papa New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand

- Asia Pacific: China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

- Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Tibet

Where to go

There many great vacation spots in Asia but the regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent are popular destinations amongst budget travelers and travelers backpacking around the world. The Southeast is home to many great vacation spots in Asia, and it’s a magnet to all kind of travelers (couples, families, backpackers, etc.). Anywhere you travel in this region, you can expect cheap shopping opportunities and good accommodation at affordable prices.

Common Myths about Thailand 

There are truly so many great vacation spots in Asia to suit anyone’s interests and budget that you won’t find any shortages of destinations. For instance, if you are tying the knot soon, Asia is home to some of the most exciting places to live (i.e. Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, etc) with popular honeymoon destinations such as a honeymoon in Malaysia.

Weather in Asia

Each of the regions in Asia share similar weather although each country has slightly different climate so, bear this in mind. Asian monsoons are another factor to take into consideration when traveling into the continent, as the region can also experience cyclones.

Things to do on hiking trips to Nepal

For instance, in the Indian subcontinent, the Himalayas and even parts of southern China experience the monsoon season between June and September. In the southeast region, the area experiences the monsoon season between December and early March, while Asia Pacific experiences a summer monsoon between early May and late August.

Best time to visit Asia

Weather truly plays a major role when deciding when to go to Asia and most travelers avoid traveling to Asia during the monsoon season, although some travelers take advantage of it to find better hotel deals and cheap airfare. If you are planning a getaway in Southeast Asia, the best time to visit this region it’s in the winter months (November and February), apart from Malaysia which is usually best enjoyed between late spring and late autumn.

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In the Indian subcontinent, summer is very hot and humid, especially the further inland you travel, and if you’re not planning a beach vacation, you’ll find the hot weather very unpleasant and uncomfortable.For a trip to the Indian subcontinent, I would suggest traveling between March to mid-April when weather is much cooler and dryer.

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For those of you planning a New Zealand holiday for the first time, the country is actually similar to the Japan Islands, in that it comprises a few islands.

Top 10 Sights to See in New Zealand

In this case, New Zealand is actually comprised of three main islands – North Island, South Island and Stewart Island- and other smaller islands.

New Zealand is truly a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and it offers plenty of mountainous areas, national parks and volcanic plateaus where you can explore rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Having said this, apart from beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, New Zealand does offers many shopping opportunities, lively nightlife spots, and plenty of fun events and festivals.

Interesting Places to Visit in New Zealand

There are so many wonderful places to choose for a getaway in New Zealand but in my opinion two of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand are Invercargill New Zealand and Dunedin New Zealand.

Both Invercargill and Dunedin do get overlooked by major cities such as Christchurch and Auckland, but these two places offer a myriad of city attractions, as well as plenty of outdoor pursuits such as winery tours, whale watching tours, hiking and fishing opportunities.

Invercargill New Zealand

If you are true outdoors person and are looking to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, Invercargill NZ is a short ferry ride from Stewart Island where you can explore the popular Rakiura National Park.

Dunedin New Zealand

If you enjoy all kinds of tours during a holiday, Dunedin NZ is, perhaps, one of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand, as it offers plenty of opportunities for whale watching tours, brewery tours, fishing trips and kayak tours.

Apart from fun activities such as the ones mentioned, Dunedin NZ is one of the most historic cities in New Zealand with a proud Scottish heritage. It boasts 19th century castles, railway stations and Victorian houses.