Top 5 things to do in New Zealand

 Top 5 things to do in New Zealand

1. Visit Auckland – “City of Sails”

It may not be New Zealand’s capital, but it’s the country’s largest and most internationally diverse city. Built on a volcanic landscape and surrounded by the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours (hence the “City of Sails” nickname), Auckland is not only a boating enthusiast’s dream, it’s also a great city for students. Indeed, it ranks 22nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, thanks to its high quality of living, high ratings from graduate employers and more.

2. Watch a game of rugby – New Zealand’s national sport

“Kiwis” (as New Zealanders are known) are passionate about rugby. If there’s one thing everyone knows about New Zealand, it’s the All Blacks – the country’s national rugby team. There’s also an intense, but friendly, rivalry between different rugby regions throughout the country. And with a rugby stadium in every major university town, there’s no excuse not to watch the game first-hand.

3. Hit the slopes, the beach or the lakes – all in one day

Nearly all of New Zealand’s major cities are on the coast – and those that aren’t are less than an hour’s drive inland. But there’s one city in particular where you can experience all the different elements of New Zealand’s great outdoors within the space of a single day.

 

If you choose to study in New Zealand in the city of Hamilton, located on the North Island just over an hour’s drive from Auckland, your weekend activity schedule is sure to be action-packed. Top spots to check out include Raglan, New Zealand’s number one surfing spot, which boasts one of the world’s best left-hand breaks; Mount Maunganui, a popular east coast beach home to many sporting and music events; Taupo, a great place to bungee jump, jet boat and sky dive; and the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields, for skiing!

4. Wine and dine your way around New Zealand

There are famously more sheep than people in New Zealand, and agriculture is the country’s main export industry. Expect to see large numbers of grazing cows and sheep, as well as numerous dairy farms while you study in New Zealand, and don’t be surprised by the amount of meat and ice cream you may consume during that time!

 

You can then wash all this rich food down with a glass of some of New Zealand’s finest wine. The country is fast making a name for itself in the viticulture industry, in particular in the form of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Take a weekend break from the studying – or perhaps save this as a reward for getting through your exams – and head to Marlborough for a wine tour.

5. Explore Middle Earth

The Lord of the Rings series is one of New Zealand’s best-known Hollywood legacies. The inspiring backdrop of Peter Jackson’s trilogy, as well as prequel The Hobbit, New Zealand offers a great chance to experience Middle Earth – though you may need to use your imagine to fill in the talking trees and orcs.

 

Visit Hobbiton in the North Island town of Matamata, tiptoe through Mordor along the Tongariro Crossing, or seek out the fortress of Isengard near Queenstown. Over 150 locations were used within the films, and tourists continue to flock to major landmarks on organized tours and solo adventures.

If you’re more concerned with the actual making of the films, head to capital city Wellington, where much of the production took place and where the cast and crew spent most of their time. And while we’re on the subject…