new zealand local experiences
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4 Off the Beaten Path Things to Do in New Zealand

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new zealand local experiences

Few places on earth have as much landscape diversity as New Zealand. There is a ton packed into 2 relatively small islands; glaciers to farmlands, mountain peaks, to tropical beaches.

I still remember my trip to the islands ten years ago when I first started my travels. The landscape and my experience in New Zealand then were actually a major turning point in my life and travels. As I stared out the bus window at the stunning landscape and culture that I had never experienced before, I decided my year career break would need to be more like a career change. I knew at that moment I didn’t want to go back to what I did before. I wanted to stay traveling longer than a year to continue experiencing new things. This little country can have a powerful effect on people!

Has New Zealand Changed in 10 Years?

Now I’m back in New Zealand; memories flow back into my brain of my first time here. Quite frankly things haven’t changed too much in New Zealand when it comes to tourism. In fact, people still follow the same well-worn tourist trail through the North and South Islands and many of the same tour operators are here doing the exact same offerings I did 10 years ago. In some ways, it felt like Ground Hog Day for me.

The first time I was here I just wanted to tick off the main sights, which I did. But this second time, I wanted to go deeper and have more New Zealand local experiences.

When I suggest what you should see and do in New Zealand, this isn’t the normal Bungee Jump, Milford Sound, Rotaburn trek list. Instead, it’s a bit slower, cultural, and unusual – my favorite way to travel. It’s a way to travel deeper and hopefully have more meaningful New Zealand local experiences. It takes you off the tourist trail and introduces you to local culture and people.

Read the entire article about 4 ways to find New Zealand local experiences here…

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7 Comments

  1. Sherry, Great article! Thank you so much for including us as a great place to have a New Zealand experience. Since you have stayed Keri and I are out on the weekends walking the local tracks to explore more of our local area. You are inspiring. When you choose to come back, you are welcome to stay anytime.

    1. Yes – it really deserves time. I loved traveling with my niece on a quick 2 week trip there – but I really enjoyed when I had a car and had time to just mess around and explore places! I hope you make it there soon!

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