22 Reasons to Visit New Zealand

When first informing people that I was moving to New Zealand, most often the first question I'd get (after the shocking revelation that I was going alone *gasp!) was, "Why New Zealand?" 

I didn't really have too many answers as I had never been to the country before, but most often I would reply with something along the lines that I had heard it was beautiful, I was accepted for a Working Holiday Visa and... well.. why not? 

Now that I've been living here and have traveled the country extensively, however, I feel I can truly and adequately answer this question (and give you my photos to prove it!). If you are pondering, "Why New Zealand?", you have come to the right place. Read on my friends, read on.

So, why would you go to New Zealand? I'll give you 22 reasons...

1. For the jaw-dropping landscape.. (Milford Sound, South Island)

2. And breath-taking trails... (Mount Cook, South Island)

3. The 212 degree (F) lakes... (Rotorua, North Island)

4. And pristine beaches... (Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, North Island)

5. For the world's top known day hikes... (Tongariro Crossing, North Island)

6. THIS.. (Cathdral Cove, Coromandel, North Island) 

7. And THIS! (Tongariro Crossing, North Island)

8. For the untouched shores to explore.. (Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, North Island)

9. For the cheap shopping! Wait... (everywhere in New Zealand... unfortunately)

10. To explore caves deep underground FILLED with constellations of glow worms along the cathedral ceilings... (Abbey Caves, North Island)

11. To dig a hole in the sand and watch as steaming hot water fills that hole. Natural hot tubs on the beach! (Hahei Hot Water Beach, North Island)

12. To feel alive in the Adrenaline Capital of the World!! (AJ Hackett Bungy Jump - the world's first public, commercial bungy jump bridge, Queenstown, South Island)

13. To be blown away in the windiest city in the world... (Wellington, North Island)

14. To hike around active volcanos... (Tongariro Crossing, North Island)

15. And attend amazing outdoor music festivals.. (Waiheke Island, New Years Eve music festival, Auckland, North Island)

16. SHEEP! (Auckland, North Island)

17. Thriving cafe culture... (Enjoying my first "Flat white" in Auckland, North Island)

18. To witness untouched, raw beauty (Milford Sound, South Island)

19. And enjoy the romantic cafe ambiance... (my favorite cafe in Wellington - Olive)

20. Hobbits! (Hobbiton, North Island)

21. To touch heaven on earth... (Mt. Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, North Island)

22. And last but not least, for the beautiful souls that call New Zealand home... (Piha Beach, Auckland, North Island)