Used to playing second fiddle to their neighbours in terms of size, population, number of ecosystems, beer consumption, terrifying dangerous creatures etc; until now you may have thought that the only thing New Zealand can almost guarantee coming first in is the rugby.
So if you are thinking about working in Australia, think again.
New Zealand is not a country that does things by halves. So much more than just a nice backdrop to Ian Mckellen’s horse riding antics, it’s a wild, seeking, joyful, seemingly limitless land stuffed full of adventures just for you. Which ones specifically? Read on for a glimpse into everything waiting for you when you turn left at Australia and go straight on till morning.
Read on for examples of Kiwis taking pole position… and how you can be a part of their winning ways.
These are the most unforgettable activities for your New Zealand adventure!
1. Queenstown
The home of adrenalin sports, if you can throw yourself off it, raft through it, swing over it, ski or dive out of it, Queenstown’s got it. Just in case your heart needs any more pressure on it, the city is also home to the legendary Fergburger, a total must if you find yourself with a spare minute between jumps.
2. Bay of Islands
Famous for stunning blue waters and miles of rugged coastline, there’s more to the BOI than bobbing around beautiful coves. As well as chilling on the sand you can jump on a glorified ironing board and surf down it. It’s just like real surfing only when you fall it really hurts. And you have to climb back up a sand dune every time you want to go again. It is fun though, honest.
3. Waiheke Island
Be a beach bum, zipline alongside a brave mate, go on a wine tasting tour, explore underground WWII tunnels, spot dolphins and loads more on this little slice of paradise less than 2 hours from Auckland.
4. Rotorua
Rafting in Rotorua is not only pleasingly alliterative, it also means you get to row over the world’s highest raftable waterfall! The Kaituna River is also the warmest river in New Zealand, so when you inevitably take a dip, you shouldn’t come out blue. Boats not your thing? Rotorua’s geothermic activity means there are enough hot pools for you to get warm in, no raft required.
5. Able Tasmin
Another stunning coastal location (look it’s an island, there’s a lot of coast) Able Tasmin National Park in the north of the South Island (not confusing) is known for being just damn beautiful thank you very much. Kayak the coves and find the split apple rock – it’s not hard to spot.
6. Christchurch
Massive aquatic mammals are not all Christchurch has to offer. It’s also a foodies dream with great artisan produce and amazing seafood wherever you look. Take a guided bike tour to see the city and work off all those crayfish.
7. West Coast
Aside from having names any self-respecting indie band would consider, the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers on the west coast are a brilliant for exploring. Take a helicopter to the top, hike through ice tunnels, enjoy incredible views and generally pretend to be a woolly mammoth. Just us?
8. Milford Sound
Part of the Fiordland National Park (New Zealand does good names), Milford Sound is known for being an absolutely stunning patch of land and sea in a country known for its stunning patches of land and sea. Yep, it’s just that beautiful.
9. Jumping into Life
Unless you’ve been living under a massive rock, you already know New Zealand is an adventure hotspot. You might not know they were the first nation to open commercial bungy jumping to the public. New Zealand’s borderline unrealistic landscapes provide the ultimate settings for the ultimate thrill-seeker activity – throwing yourself out into the air with a towel on your legs. No matter where you want to find jobs abroad, this is one of the most thrilling activities.
10. Zorbing
New Zealand is zorbing’s traditional and spiritual home. If rolling down a green hill in a giant plastic ball can be said to have a spirit. In any case, the Kiwis were the first, and some would argue the best, at delivering this unique and bizarre form of adventure.
Climbing The ‘Real World’ Ladder
New Zealand was the birthplace of a man by the name of Sir Edmund Hillary. You might just have heard of him. Known for casually being part of the first expedition to successfully reach the Everest summit (as you do), it’s equally fitting that New Zealand has plenty of outer-worldly natural wilderness areas to scale. Swap the climb up the corporate ladder for a climb up the real world ladder – you wont regret it.
Have we convinced you that this country is seriously amazing? Apply for seasonal jobs in New Zealand today!