Awesome Non-Hiking Things to do In New Zealand

New Zealand has become extremely well-known for its beautiful natural surroundings and pristine outdoor sporting activities, of which hiking has become one of the most popular. If lacing up an old pair of hiking boots is not really your thing, you need not worry too much. New Zealand is a land of plenty, and with plenty to offer both the locals and eager tourists alike, New Zealand has really come to the party in terms of pitch, price, and delivery.

Drink Local

For more than 50 years New Zealand has been in the wine game, and with their wine industry growing at a rate of around 17% per annum, there is plenty for wine lovers to get excited about. World class Sauvignon Blanc’s and outstanding Pinot Noir’s can be found on your travels to the South Island, while up North the Chardonnay’s, Syrah’s, Pinot Gris’s, Merlot’s, and Cabernet Sauvignon’s are of a world-class caliber on their own. Wine tasting and tours are done throughout the year.

For the non-wine drinkers, New Zealand has seen a recent spike in the popularity of their craft beers, many of them finding their homes in local breweries and brewpubs. Enjoying a locally crafted beer straight from the source is an ever-increasingly popular tourist attraction.

Road Tripping

One of the best ways to see a country is to take a drive through it. Spend your time getting lost and really getting into the heart of New Zealand when you rent a car and just hit the road. The narrow and winding roads may not be for the faint-hearted, but for those who dare to drive, the sight and sounds of this amazing landscape will take your breath away. In just a few short days of driving around New Zealand you will be privy to some of the most diverse and beautiful mountains, rainforests, flatlands, and inland bodies of water that the world has to offer.

Get Into the Waters

The more than impressive abundance of inland bodies of water that New Zealand possesses is quite something, and can be found in virtually every corner of the country. From pristine mountain lakes and rivers, to the natural hot springs and uncontaminated turquoise blue waters, the lakes, oceans, and springs are unlike any other places on earth.

Soothing hot water springs are situated throughout the country, and are the ideal way to relax and unwind while the natural minerals and elements work to detoxify your body, and de-stress your mind. Natural and wild, or more pampered, tame, and spa-like, the hot springs in New Zealand are there for one and all to enjoy all year round.

Embrace the Seasons, Especially Winter

Winters down in New Zealand are a special time of the year. A time for snow fall and skiing, fires and hot chocolate, and let’s not forget about the legendary coffees as well. With ski fields dotted all over the country side, finding some high-octane activities in winter are not going to be too hard. Why not try heli-skiing? It may be a little pricey, but the thrill is hard to beat. If shredding the slopes is not your thing then perhaps some snowshoeing or dogsledding is more for you. Whatever your winter fun fancy, New Zealand is sure to have something that everyone is going to enjoy.

Perhaps leaving your hiking boots behind this time was not the worst idea ever? With so much more to do that just hiking, spending time in New Zealand is a must for any thrill seeker or adventure lover, or anyone that is just looking to spend some time in beautiful surroundings.