New Zealand Tourist Traps to Avoid25


New Zealand is a stunning country with plenty to offer travelers, from its breathtaking landscapes to its vibrant cities. However, as with any popular tourist destination, there are a few traps that you should be aware of to avoid wasting your time and money.

1. The Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is one of Auckland's most iconic landmarks, and it offers some amazing views of the city. However, the price of admission is quite high, and the wait times can be long. If you're looking for a cheaper and less crowded way to see the city, try taking a walk up Mount Eden instead.

2. The Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a popular tourist destination for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. However, it's important to note that the set is actually located on private property, and you'll need to pay a fee to take a tour. The tour is also quite short, and it doesn't include any of the actual movie sets. If you're a big fan of the movies, it might be worth it to visit Hobbiton, but if you're just looking for a fun day trip, there are better options out there.

3. The Milford Sound Cruise

The Milford Sound Cruise is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand, and it's easy to see why. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and there's nothing quite like seeing the towering peaks of the Fiordland National Park from the water. However, the cruise is also very expensive, and it can be crowded during peak season. If you're looking for a cheaper and less crowded way to experience Milford Sound, try taking a kayak tour instead.

4. The Waitomo Caves

The Waitomo Caves are a series of underground caves located in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The caves are home to a variety of glowworms, which create a magical light display. However, the caves are also very touristy, and the tours can be quite expensive. If you're looking for a more unique and less crowded way to see glowworms, try visiting the Te Anau Caves instead.

5. The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of the most popular tourist destinations on the South Island of New Zealand. The glaciers are located in a beautiful setting, and there are a variety of ways to experience them, including guided walks, helicopter tours, and scenic flights. However, the glaciers are also very popular, and the crowds can be overwhelming. If you're looking for a less crowded way to experience the glaciers, try visiting the Tasman Glacier instead.

6. The Pancake Rocks

The Pancake Rocks are a series of limestone formations located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The rocks are shaped like pancakes, and they create a unique and beautiful landscape. However, the Pancake Rocks are also very touristy, and the crowds can be overwhelming. If you're looking for a less crowded way to see the Pancake Rocks, try visiting the Farewell Spit instead.

7. The Pink and White Terraces

The Pink and White Terraces were once one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. However, the terraces were destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1886. Today, there are only a few small remnants of the terraces left, and they are not worth the long and difficult journey to see them.

8. The Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

The Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony is one of the largest gannet colonies in the world. The gannets are a fascinating sight to see, but the colony is located on a remote peninsula, and the only way to get there is by boat. The boat trip is expensive, and the colony can be very crowded during peak season. If you're looking for a less crowded way to see gannets, try visiting the Muriwai Gannet Colony instead.

9. The Mount Cook National Park Hooker Valley Track

The Mount Cook National Park Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular hiking trails in New Zealand. The trail is relatively easy to walk, and it offers stunning views of the Hooker Glacier and the surrounding mountains. However, the trail can be very crowded during peak season, and the parking lot can fill up quickly. If you're looking for a less crowded hike, try the Tasman Glacier Track instead.

10. The Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman National Park is a beautiful park located on the South Island of New Zealand. The park is home to a variety of coastal scenery, including beaches, bays, and islands. However, the Abel Tasman National Park is also very popular, and the campgrounds can be crowded during peak season. If you're looking for a less crowded way to experience the Abel Tasman National Park, try visiting the Kahurangi National Park instead.

2024-12-11


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