What is New Zealand Famous For?

Why New Zealand is Now On Everyone's Bucket List

Travellers have fallen in love with New Zealand because of its breathtaking landscapes and unique travel experiences. Here are some reasons why this country remains at the top of every traveller's bucket list in 2025:

• New Zealand provides the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation with activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, and serene lakeside retreats.
• Its striking scenery, including beaches, volcanic plains, fjords, and glaciers, draws tourists and photographers worldwide.
• Rich Māori culture, friendly locals, and mouthwatering food ensure every visitor has a good time.

7 Reasons Why New Zealand is So Famous

New Zealand is popular for its stunning landscapes and friendly, inviting culture, making it one of the top travel spots in the world. Here are seven reasons why travellers from all corners of the globe are drawn to this incredible country:

1. Beautiful Natural Scenery

   New Zealand boasts a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes, from beaches and rainforests to fjords and glaciers. For those who enjoy the outdoors, locations such as Lake Tekapo and Fiordland National Park are a must to add to your New Zealand itinerary. Tourists will find every walk or road trip a visual adventure because of the country's constantly shifting landscapes.

2. Exciting Adventure Sports

   New Zealand is also known as the adventure capital of the world. There are many things to do in New Zealand, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting. Since New Zealand follows strict safety regulations, tourists can enjoy these adventure sports without worrying about their safety.

3. Rich Māori Culture

   New Zealand proudly showcases its rich Māori culture through vibrant traditions, language, and captivating performances. Visitors have the chance to savour authentic Māori dishes like hangi, witness the powerful haka dance, and immerse themselves in storytelling. Cultural villages are available in places like Rotorua, where visitors can learn about Māori history and culture.

4. Friendly Locals and Safe Environment

   The Kiwis are famously friendly, courteous, and helpful. The nation routinely scores highly on international safety and quality-of-life indices. When exploring the area, tourists find it easy to navigate and feel comfortable.

5. World-Famous Filming Locations

   New Zealand gained global fame as the stunning backdrop for the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies. Fans can visit the actual movie set at Hobbiton in Matamata and explore other filming sites across the country. These cinematic landscapes continue to attract film lovers and photographers.

6. Distinct Biodiversity and Wildlife

   New Zealand is home to many unusual species, from the flightless kiwi bird to marine creatures like dolphins and penguins. The nation's rare and distinctive flora and fauna result from its isolated evolution. To see this biodiversity, tourists can take wildlife cruises and explore eco-sanctuaries.

7. Delectable Wine and Food

   New Zealand is renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine, fresh seafood, and award-winning wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. Tours and tastings are common in wine regions like Marlborough and Central Otago. Pacific Islander and Māori influences also impact the culinary scene.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

The kind of experience you are after will shape the best time for your visit to New Zealand.

• The spring months (September to November) are ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
• The summer months (December to February) are the busiest and ideal for outdoor festivals, beach vacations, and road trips.
• With milder temperatures and fewer tourists, autumn (March to May) is the best season for wine tours and leisurely drives through the breathtaking golden countryside.
• The winter (June to August) is the best time of year for snow sports enthusiasts who want to enjoy different winter activities in Wanaka and Queenstown.

Tips for Indians Travelling to New Zealand

Here are a few tips to make the best out of your NZ trip as an Indian traveller:

1. Apply for a Tourist Visa

   Indian travellers need to apply for a tourist visa to visit New Zealand. Some documents that need to be submitted along with the visa application are

   • Flight return tickets.
   • Hotel reservation proof for the duration of stay.
   • Financial statements of the applicant (last 6 months).
   • 2 recent passport photos.

   Travel insurance for New Zealand is a good idea to protect yourself from unexpected financial burden in a foreign land.

2. New Zealand's Biosecurity Rules

   New Zealand has stringent biosecurity laws to protect its environment. Tourists must check New Zealand's customs laws and avoid bringing fruits, vegetables, and wooden souvenirs into the country.

3. Pack Appropriate Clothing

   Tourists must pack layered clothing, waterproof jackets, and sturdy walking shoes for their New Zealand trip. Don't forget to bring sunblock and sunglasses, as the UV index can be pretty high.

4. Left Side Driving

   People from New Zealand drive on the left side of the road. Indian tourists can rent a car to get around the country. Indian nationals must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a valid Indian driving licence. However, with an Indian DL, one can drive a car in New Zealand for up to 12 months only.

5. Buy a Local SIM Card

   Indian tourists can stay connected with their friends and families back home by buying a local SIM card. All tourist destinations have good internet coverage, and airports and convenience stores sell local SIM cards.

6. Use Public Transport

   Public transport is reliable in all major cities in New Zealand. Tourists can also use travel passes, such as the InterCity FlexiPass, for intercity travel. Buses are the most common and economical option for budget travellers.

New Zealand Awaits

From beautiful coastlines and volcanic landscapes to lush forests and pristine beaches, the country offers both adventure and serenity. Tourists are drawn to its strong traditions and the welcoming attitude of the locals. Whether you want a quiet break in nature or exciting outdoor activities, New Zealand has something for every kind of traveller.