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New Zealand. The Land of the Long White Cloud. Aoteroa. Whatever you call it, NZ is a country that heaps of backpackers flock to each year.
And for well deserved reasons.
New Zealand is easy to travel around, offers up fascinating landscapes in a compact sized area (think glaciers, rainforests, and beaches within a twenty minute drive of each other), and is home to a variety of thrilling adventure sports (think skydiving, bungy jumping, river sledding, and jetboating). If your idea of adventure isn’t jumping out of airplanes or off bridges, New Zealand will win you over with its world famous wine or scenic drives.
So you want to come on a backpacking trip or a gap year to New Zealand. I don’t blame you. Yet where should you go? What should you see?
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, these are 5 places I don’t think you can miss.
1) Bay of Islands (North Island)
The Bay of Islands north of Auckland are a must see on your backpacking trip to New Zealand. Think blue-green waters, white sand beaches, sun, and (you guessed it) tropical islands.
The main town in the Bay of Islands is Paihia and is an ideal spot to base yourself for your time in the Northland. Paihia is a busy little town with plenty of hostels, heaps of bars, and sits directly on the bay. You’re within a days drive of 90 Mile Beach and can escape the resort like feel of Paihia with a quick ferry ride across the bay to historic Russell.
While you’re here you’ll have no shortage of things to do – spend your days sailing around the islands, dolphin watching, diving, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sun on the Paihia beachfront. To get a taste of everything the Bay has to offer, consider an overnight cruise on The Rock.
2) Coromandel Peninsula (North Island
The Coromandel Peninsula is quick one hour long ferry ride or three hour drive away from Auckland. It’s a welcomed escape from the busy (and I’d argue) characterless city of NZ’s North Island.
Coromandel offers up a varying combination of beaches, quaint fishing villages, and has great hiking options with the mountainous spine splitting the peninsula in half. A visit here isn’t complete without sampling Coromandel town’s famous smoked mussels, soaking the day away in your own private and personally dug spa at Hot Water Beach, or getting a real taste for Kiwi ingenuity at the Driving Creek Railway.
3) Lake Taupo (North Island)
Smack dab in the center of the North Island is New Zealand’s (and Oceania’s) largest freshwater lake. Lake Taupo formed thousands of years ago after a massive volcanic eruption and is simply a crater filled with water. A very deep crater with its deepest point being over 600 feet deep. On the North Shore of the lake is the town of Taupo – a busy little town rightly worn onto New Zealand’s backpacker trail.
Lake Taupo presents plenty of opportunities for the backpacker. It’s the most famous spot in New Zealand to skydive and you can only imagine the view of Lake Taupo from 15,000 feet. If you’re still keen to defy gravity, consider the Taupo Bungy which at 47 meters is the highest water touch bungy in New Zealand. Your visit to Taupo arguably wouldn’t be complete without a go at trout fishing. Lake Taupo and the rivers feeding into are home to the best trout fishing in the world.
With heaps of hostels, plenty of outdoor activities, and a busy nightlife scene, chances are you might spend a bit longer in Taupo than you originally anticipated.
4) Kaikoura (South Island)
Kaikoura sits in an absolutely epic spot at the base of the Seaward Kaikoura Range. While the town itself leaves quite a bit to be desired, its picturesque location and the nearby marine wildlife make up for anything the town itself is lacking.
Thanks to a combination of ocean currents and a unique continental shelf found offshore, Kaikora’s coast is home a a huge variety of marine mammals – think bus sized Sperm Whales and playful Dusky Dolphins. Whale Watch Kaikoura guarantees you’ll spot a whale on their whale watch tours (otherwise they’ll give you a hefty refund) and a couple companies will take you swimming with the dolphins.
The main street in Kaikoura offers up a couple decent bars for you to spend your evening in and the bakery does a bloody good Kiwi meat pie for your breaky the next morning.
5) Queenstown (South Island)
Queenstown sits in a unbeatable location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and offers up stunning views of The Remarkables mountain range. This small resort town offers up something to please even the most dedicated of thrill-seekers – you can do it all in Queenstown, just make sure you bring enough cash.
You’ll want to add bungy jumping at one of AJ Hacketts three bungy jump sites to your list as well as a trip on the famous Shotover Jet. If you’re keen to relax, consider a scenic hike up Queenstown Hill or go for a drive to sample some of the famous Otago Pinot Noir from nearby wineries.
The nightlife scene in Queentown is sure to satisfy the backpacker looking for a good night out. With new bars and clubs popping up monthly, don’t be surprised if you’re coming home at 5am after drinking and dancing the night away.
New Zealand is bound to impress you regardless of where you travel. It’s a country with fascinating landscapes everywhere you turn, friendly locals, and is extremely backpacker friendly.
Have you traveled to New Zealand? Add your favorite destination in the comments section below.
Found this post useful? Awesome! Don’t leave, check out the posts below:
- Traveling the North Island with Stray New Zealand
- Kawhia: New Zealand’s Best Kept Secret
- North Island or South Island New Zealand?
- NZ Must Do: Experiencing the Waitomo Caves
Backpacking Matt 
I also had a great time doing wine tours in the South Island, they are backpacker affordable and shouldn’t be missed.
@ayngelina I agree! I think for wine your best bet is the Marlborough area. I recommend hiring a bike and making a day of it.
@Christy Glad you enjoyed the post!
@Amanda I love Windy Welly, I just don’t think it belongs on a list for must see backpacking spots. It’s a sweet city, check out my post over at the @FlightsterBlog and you’ll see I’m quite fond of the capital city! —> http://bit.ly/9Ot9NP
@Michael I’ve been in Queenstown now for about five or six months and continue to be amazed at how beautiful the city is.
@Laura & Vincent The Nelson Region nearly made it on this list and perhaps should have replaced Kaikoura. Nelson town itself is hip, gets heaps of sun, and has a great backpacker and local scene. I’ve heard the Saturday Market is top notch. Also with Abel Tasman on its doorstep, it makes for a pretty sweet place to visit. Maybe I’ll devote a full post to Nelson in the coming weeks!
@leejmellor See my comment to @Amanda re: Wellington! I’ve unfortunately not yet visited the Banks Peninsula but have heard its a fantastic place. It definitely belongs on a list of NZ’s often missed spots. And yes, the drive over Arthurs Pass is epic as well – my 1984 campervan barely made it!
New Zealand looks amazing! I can’t wait to visit this country. Thanks for the suggestions!
Great list, Matt. But you’ve left out my very favorite city – WELLINGTON! You cannot visit NZ without a visit to the country’s capital.
I’d also suggest Rotorua for all the geothermal activity.
Great pics, this is on the top of my list, I can’t wait to be able to go and I probably won’t want to come back. When I look at such places I always think why do I live where I live.
Abel Tasman National Park, South Island:
New Zealand is jammed to the brim with incredible sights. One of my favourites is Abel Tasman National Park – a must for backpackers wanting to fit a little tramping into their trip. The scenery on this coastal route is breathtaking. You can choose to sea kayak, take the water taxi (spot the seals!) or walk and there are lovely huts to stay in overnight if you’re planning on spending more than one day here. A must.
Nice article, but I have to agree with Laura, Abel Tasman should be on THE list!
I absolutely agree with Wellington, it’s a beautiful city with plenty to do. A drive over Arthur’s Pass is also something I’d recommend, be prepared to see more awesome scenery than you’re eyes can handle!
And check out Banks Peninsula for some little hidden gems and not too far from another nice little city, Christchurch.
I finally found the town I want my ashes spread in and that would be Akaroa. Not on the backpackers (or any ones) trail by any means, but the Banks Peninsula is so beautiful, that I have put pictures up of it all over my apartment, so it still feels like I am there.
Otherwise, you hit all the decent backpackers spots (taupo v. rototua; queenstown v. wanka, etc:-))
Gah, I really need to get my post up about swimming with seals in Kaikoura. The only place (that I know of) in the country you can do that! Swimming with dolphins and whale watching is a dime a dozen in NZ..
@Rebecca I’ve hear Akaroa is lovely, yet I haven’t been – glad I’m not there right now though with the continuing aftershocks from last weeks earthquake. I wasn’t keen at Rotorua – wouldn’t suggest it as a stop. Plenty of other geothermal areas around NZ. Excited to see your seals post from Kaikoura!
@Juno The list could go on and on eh?! Though I wouldn’t add Invercargill or Bluff to the list! Wasn’t impressed with either town.
No argument! 🙂
Personally I really enjoy Invercargill and Bluff, the southest land of New Zealand. I didn’t get to go to Stewart island, but I would love to ‘next time’ 🙂
And Dunedin & Otago area is cool.
Oh and Napier! Oh.. it was wonderful.
New Zealand is just too great!
Great list Matt. Since there is so many places to visit and so many things to do in New Zealand, I find it easier to have a list of 10 things, otherwise I end up having 2 lists of 5 😉
I agree with Rebecca; the Banks Peninsula is marvelous!
@Merav Thanks for the comment .. picking five was defiantly a challenge!
@Slava Maybe that will be next!
@Sonya Cheers!
Looks like you should start working on “Top 100 backpacking destinations according to my readers” 🙂
Stunning backpacking post on New Zealand!
Long time, no see! Congrats on making it to NZ!
Stewart Island – Rakiura Trek.
Mt. Aspiring National Park – Rob Roy Glacier hike.
Definitely agree with Central Otago wine country – the pinor is other-worldy.
@Abbie Great to hear from you! When were you last in NZ? I’ve yet to see Steward Island but have heard it’s fantastic. Thanks for the comment!
Great list! Love New Zealand! I lived there for a year, spending about 3 months in Dunedin surfing and working in a pool hall, and then the rest in Queenstown.. partying it up and loving life! Such a beautiful place I can’t wait to return!
@Kelly Queenstown sits in such an epic location – it’s hard not to be impressed! Glad you loved it here as well.
I lived in NZ for a semester (in Auckland) and am amused that I haven’t been to two of the places on your list- three if you think that pulling up to a bar with the Auckland University Canoe Club for a night of partying cause we were whitewater rafting a few miles away doesn’t count. 🙂
Rotorua’s sort of an obvious one that didn’t make your list, Wellington was a great capital (and cool cause bars actually stayed open late, a rarity in NZ!), Franz Joseph/Fox glacier would be a shame to not visit, and I dream of returning to Wanaka on my next rtw. It’s a small country but certainly packs a punch.
@Yvette I enjoyed Rotorua (despite its stench!) but not sure I’d name it a “Backpacking” destination. I absolutely love Wellington and would say it’s one of my favorite capital cities – love the proximity to the water, the cafes, and yes – the bars that stay open late! I spent four months in Franz and have a love of that small West Coast town that can’t quite be described!
Would certainly agree with all of your choices. Here in New Zealand we are spoilt when it comes to wonderful landscapes and we do cater well for packbackers. I would have added some of our beautiful National Parks too.
I’ve just returned today from walking in the Pureora Forest Park here in the Central North Island. There are cabins and tents sites available although you do have to bring your own supplies and I suppose that is a slight hindrance to backpackers.
But the forest walks, the scenery, the bird life, all make it a wonderful experience.
@Dawn Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’ve not visited the Pureora Forest Park, yet I’ve heard great things. I don’t know that getting supplies is a huge problem for NZ backpackers. There are so many places to pick up used gear from other backpackers, finding cheap equipment is never a big challenge.
I am leaving 4 NZ in a 2 weeks and can’t wait to come and explore this awesome country!! any great backpacking sites to visit
@Eugene You’ll love it! Check out this post for 5 great backpacking spots in NZ.
I agree with Laura – definitely Abel Tasman National Park – so much fun – and there is an Aquapackers there too – a backpackers hostel on a boat!
I would also suggest the Marlborough Sounds – my favourite spot in New Zealand. Natural beauty, sea, fishing, relaxing you name it.
And finally – Karamea and the West Coast of the SOuth Island – again one of the most beautiful places (especially the coastal drive between Greymouth and Westport). Karamea is a little town 1-1.5 hours north of Westport – some great walks around the area and people are so friendly.
Wow! New Zealand is my dream!
Great list. Yes, we spent 6 months in NZ and we camped a lot. We loved the Bay of Islands area.
Thanks!