5 best free things to do on New Zealand

Rumours has it that New Zealand travel is pricey, but while accommodation and transport can stretch the budget, masses of free and cheap experiences more than make up for it. First check you travel list.

Art-deco Napier

Explore NZ's Art Deco capital this year. Find Art Deco tours, events & more now! Essentially an outdoor museum of art-deco architecture, Napier city was rebuilt after a catastrophic 1931 earthquake. Napier's Art Deco is unique, with Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright.

Auckland Art Gallery

With such an extensive collection of modern art, this is one attraction where even if you have different tastes in art, there’s sure to be something you can both enjoy.Compelling visual arts experience, indulge your sights, sounds and senses in this truly remarkable collection of international and New Zealand art. Entry is free as well, so you can impress without blowing any serious cash.

Len Lye Centre

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is a contemporary art museum at New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand. New Zealand's most courageous contemporary art museum and home to the collection of modernist filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye. Arguably New Zealand's most quirky, colorful and optimistic artist, who has a motto of 'individual happiness now', Lye will work magic on your soul as his vibe fizzes, crackles and pops throughout the sky-high gallery space.

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safaris Overland tours takes you into the largest accessible mainland gannet nesting colony in the world. There are some 20,000 birds. One of New Zealand's best bird circuses, such rowdy gaggles of gannets usually nest on remote islands. The best time to see them is November to late February, when the fun tractor tour cranks up

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is a tramping track in New Zealand. One of the finest day walks in the world needn't cost you any more than trailhead transport, some shoe rubber and sweat. From November to April, trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts. The more sure-footed types can embark on a side trip up conical Mount  Ngauruhoe, which doubled as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings.

Free and Cheap Date Ideas To Try in Wellington

A first date is something that can take a bit of thinking about. It’s easy to opt for the uniform options of coffee or lunch or dinner, but what do you do when you want to treat your potential partner to a more unusual or unique experience? More specifically what do you do when you’ve lost your wallet or perhaps are on a budget after a disastrous day of speculation at the Wellington races? Never fear! Simply follow our guide to discover seven free or cheap dates that you can take the object of your affection on in Wellington, New Zealand.

Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens

This is a classic stop for locals and tourists alike when it comes to Wellington activities. For the price of a glass of beer – $7 NZD to be precise – you can take a seat and enjoy a ride on a bit of Wellington history. It’s only a five-minute ride from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn Terminal, and once you’re there you’ll be rewarded with a corker of a view over Wellington city. Then you’ll be free to peruse the lovely selection of plants and trees, whilst cunningly Googling the names of the different species to impress your date. You’ll also be able to tell them that the Botanic Garden includes 25 hectares of native forest, and other facts of that nature. Then, when the time is ripe, you can take them to the extensive Rose Garden…

A Walk Along the Waterfront

Now, this can be as cheap or as expensive as you care to make it. Technically, of course you can stroll along the length of this beautiful bit of water-frontage without spending a single cent. It’s a haven for those who love to people-watch – and let’s face it, there’s nothing that brings two people together like concocting absurd fictional background stories for strangers as they walk, jog, cycle and skateboard by. Cue Hollywood montage! The two lovers edging closer, hand inching towards hand, whispered conversation as they make up absurd scenarios for the fat woman and her poodle or the pair of teenage goths as they walk briskly past. A hesitant touch, a smile, shyly turning away, the lingering glance and the locking of eyes. Ladies and gentlemen, the ending writes itself! If you really want to push the boat out, you could even spring for a couple of ice creams to restore the blood sugar levels.

The Weta Cave

For something a little bit different, but undoubtedly interesting, wander over to Miramar and check out the Weta Cave. Adjoining Weta Workshop – the special effects company responsible for designing and making props for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy – this little haven is a movie nerd’s nirvana. It’s stuffed full of props from both of Peter Jackson’s adaptations of Tolkien’s most famous works, as well as other movies, and contains a shop where you can purchase books and other memorabilia. Time it right and you might be able to take a tour of Weta Workshop itself. If your date happens to be a cinephile then this is a sure-fire way to lock in date number two.

Picnic at Scorching Bay

This one is a classic, and is only going to cost you as much as you want to put into your picnic. Scorching Bay is a sheltered swimming beach, with a grassed area, so that you can avoid the old sand sandwiches. During the filming of The Hobbit Trilogy it wasn’t uncommon to see Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr (in happier days, obviously) sitting and having lunch down here. If it was good enough for that hot couple, it’s good enough for you and your date.

Climb Mount Victoria

If it happens to be one of those days that you hear about from Wellington locals, the good ones that come along every now and again that make the capital unbeatable, then this could be the perfect activity. A brisk stroll up Mount Victoria under a happily smiling sun, that fantastic view from the top, and most importantly, nothing to spend your money on! From the CBD it’s 30 minutes to the start of the Southern Walkway on Oriental Parade, and from there it’s another half an hour to the summit of Mount Victoria. The walk and journey are a delight, so all you have to do is make sure you have an hour (and a half, with the descent) of passable chat stored in the old brain-box.

National Museum Visit

If you think a cultural excursion is going to score some extra points when it comes to the new lady or gent in your life, then Te Papa is the logical choice. It also ties nicely into one of our other suggestions as it sits conveniently on the waterfront, about a 10-minute walk from the centre of the city, and a 15-minute walk from the art gallery. It’s a fantastic museum that encapsulates all aspects of New Zealand’s history and geography. You’ll learn all about New Zealand’s conception and it’s uneasy existence on the Pacific Ring of Fire. One thing you mustn’t miss is the colossal squid. It’s the celebrity in the museum, so you might want to memorise a few choice facts that you can bust out if you think that’ll impress your date.

Vintage Browsing Along Cuba Street

Cuba Street is the famous pedestrian only shopping precinct between Dixon and Ghuznee streets. It’s the place to be when it comes to sipping skinny lattes, perusing second hand book shops run by otherworldly owners who spend all day in their slippers, putting on the nosebag at specialist vegan restaurants and listening to good (and not so good) buskers. It’s a brilliant place to take a stroll, and it’s lined with vintage clothing shops and boutiques. Many hours can be spent browsing through pre-loved curios and trying on clothes, and maybe, with luck you’ll stumble across a busker who happens to be playing a bit of Barry Manilow or something.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS IN AUCKLAND

Waitakere Ranges

The Waitakere Ranges is composed of more than 16,000 hectares of native forests and coastlines. In the parkland you’ll find a myriad of walking tracks, waterfalls, rugged outcrops and rocky cliffs. Not only that, but some of Auckland’s most beautiful beaches, including Piha and Te Henga/Bethells, are located right within the park itself. Some of its walking tracks are currently closed to allow the forest to heal itself from Kauri dieback disease.

Waitematā Harbour

The Waitematā Harbour is the main sea access point to Auckland city. Because of this, it is also known as the Auckland Harbour — though it is one of two in the isthmus (the other is the Manukau Harbour). Scenic highlights along Waitematā include the Auckland Harbour Bridge, parts of the Hauraki Gulf, the Meola Reef and the city’s Viaduct Basin.

Tāwharanui Regional Park

A family-friendly regional park that is adored for its stunning white sand beaches, rolling pastures and native coastal forests. You’ll find it nestled among a remote peninsula within a 90-minute drive north of Auckland. Tāwharanui is also known for housing many archaeological sites, including five pā (ancient Māori fortification sites), various shipwreck remains and fossils for 18 different species of shellfish. The park’s marine reserve is also quite a good spot for diving and snorkelling.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke is the second largest island on the Hauraki Gulf. Being just a 40-minute ferry ride from central Auckland, it is also a favourite day-trip destination for locals and visitors alike. The island is particularly renowned for its viticulture, the beautiful beaches, an artsy flair and a few adventurous experiences like hiking, cycling and zip lining thrown into the mix.

Devonport

Another beautiful spot within a short ferry ride from the central city. Named after England’s Devonport Naval Base, the harbourside suburb hosts the Royal New Zealand Navy, which is the country’s main naval vessel facility. But truth be told, the area is best renowned for its Victorian village charm, and its upscale cafes and restaurants. Hikers and war history enthusiasts also visit Devonport to view the North Head Historic Reserve from up close.

Parnell

The affluent inner-city suburb of Parnell is Auckland’s oldest — and arguably one of the most stylish. French-style bistros, hip cafes and all kinds of restaurants and boutique outlets line the village streets. For the art and history lovers, there’s a collection of small galleries to browse as well as the lovely Parnell Rose Gardens, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Auckland War Memorial Museum at the Domain — the latter of which is the ideal place to learn a bit more about Māori history.

Auckland Domain

As the oldest park in the city, the Auckland Domain boasts 75 hectares of beauty. As a testament to its uniqueness, the park is built around the cone of an extinct volcano. Besides the aforementioned museum, the Domain is home to the historic Winter Gardens, which showcase a spectacular display of rare plants from around the world, as well as lush walking tracks that are embellished by a trove of interesting art installations.

Mt Eden Summit

A walk up the Maungawhau/Mt Eden Summit will reward you with some of the best panoramic views of the city and its harbours. With a height of 196 metres (643 feet), this is Auckland’s highest volcano. Within the summit’s cone, there is a massive crater that’s approximately 50 metres deep (164 feet) that is bound to amaze all those who see it. There are several walkways to get you up to the summit, and the walk itself should take 5–10 minutes to complete.

Must-Visit Attractions in Wanaka

Lake Wanaka

Natural Feature

Wanaka lies on the southern tip of its namesake lake. The stunning Lake Wanaka is New Zealand's fourth largest and covers an area of 192 square kilometres (74.13 square miles). In winter, the lake takes a new life form as the surrounding mountains become blanketed in snow. Summertime is when the lake becomes doused with epic water activities like kayaking, jet boating and fishing. Year-round, this is a good go-to spot for a scenic stroll or a fantastic photo opportunity.

📍Lake Wanaka, Wanaka, New Zealand

Accessibility & Audience:

Family Friendly

Atmosphere:

Outdoors, Scenic, Local

Roys Peak

Natural Feature

Roys Peak is a mountain just outside of Wanaka that offers some of the best views of the township as well as Mount Aspiring and surrounding peaks. This is also where you’ll find one the area’s most popular day hikes: the steep, 16-kilometre (9.9-mile) Roys Peak track that meanders across farmland and tussock as it presents the beautiful backdrops all around it. Hikers coming in the winter months may need to equip themselves with alpine gear, like ice axes and crampons. The route passes over some private land, and the track normally closes in October and November during the lambing season.

📍Roys Peak, Otago, 9381, New Zealand

Atmosphere:

Outdoors

Rippon Vineyard

Winery

Rippon is Wanaka’s oldest vineyard, and its land has been owned by the Mills family since 1913. The majority of its vines were planted about 30 years ago and still remain on their roots — making them some of the oldest you’ll find in the wider Central Otago region. The winery uses biodynamic farming methods, with no irrigation, to produce six main varietals: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Gamay and Osteiner. The cellar door is open daily for wine sales and tastings and Rippon’s events hall is a popular go-to for functions and weddings.

📍246 Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Wanaka, 9381, New Zealand

📞+6434438084

Atmosphere:

Scenic, Local

Mou Waho Island

Natural Feature

With a name that translates to ‘Outer Island’, Mou Waho is one of Lake Wanaka’s four pest-free nature reserves. The island can only be accessed by boat and is known for its interesting wildlife and fascinating geographical features. There are several tour operators that will take you to Mou Waho and introduce you to its natural gems, from the native Bellbirds and Weka that call the island home to the glacial features that lie amid the rocky shores.

📍Cattle Flat, Otago, 9382, New Zealand

Accessibility & Audience:

Family Friendly

Atmosphere:

Outdoors, Scenic

Cardrona Valley

Natural Feature, Ski Resort

The Cardrona Valley connects Wanaka to Queenstown and is home to some of the area’s most popular ski fields. Skiers and snowboarders alike flock to Cardrona to try their hand at the various runs and slopes around the Snow Farm and Cardrona Alpine Resort. Those travelling in the summer can also tap into an array of epic activities, like horse trekking, 4WD tours as well as quad and mountain biking.

📍Cardrona, Otago, 9381, New Zealand

Accessibility & Audience:

Family Friendly

Atmosphere:

Outdoors, Scenic, Touristy

Warbirds & Wheels Museum

Aviation Museum, Transportation Museum

If you have a soft spot for retro cars and vintage war planes, head over to Wanaka Airport to catch a glimpse of the remarkable historical relics showcased in the Warbirds & Wheels Museum. The Classic Cars area is composed of a selection of motorcycles and vehicles from the 20th Century, some dating as far back as the 1920s, while the Warbirds exhibit comprises a selection of aircraft used in both the First and Second World Wars. Another highlight of the museum is a 1950s-style diner that adds a retro feel to your standard New Zealand cafe experience.

📍11 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wanaka, 9343, New Zealand

📞+6434437010

Accessibility & Audience:

Family Friendly

Atmosphere:

Indoors, Local

National Transport and Toy Museum

Curiosity Museum, Transportation Museum, Aviation Museum

For the car enthusiast who is still a kid at heart, there’s always the National Transport and Toy Museum. This Wanaka institution showcases just about every type of collectible relic you can imagine: toys, models, trucks, cars, motorbikes, airplanes and even military vehicles and tractors. Besides having a nostalgic selection of dolls, teddy bears and battery-powered toys, the museum is also home to a kids’ play area and toy store — if you’re on the prowl for a unique souvenir to take home, the latter might just be right up your alley.

📍891 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, RD 2 Wanaka, 9382, New Zealand

📞+6434438765

Accessibility & Audience:

Family Friendly, Kid Friendly

Atmosphere:

Indoors, Touristy

Cinema Paradiso

Cinema

Cinema Paradiso is a boutique movie theatre known for its quirky vintage flair. Old sofas make up a good part of the three-screen cinema’s seating and a vintage Morris Minor car makes a prominent appearance among the interior decor. Home-made ice cream and freshly baked cookies are some of the snacks you can munch on while you’re watching the newest blockbuster releases.

📍72 Brownston Street, Wanaka, 9434, New Zealand

📞+6434431505

Accessibility & Audience:

Family Friendly

Atmosphere:

Local

Puzzling World

Amusement Park

Here’s a challenging, fun-filled activity that the entire family will enjoy. Puzzling World has been a Wanaka fixture for more than 45 years and has built a reputation among locals and visitors, young and old, for being a place where everything we know about reality is put to the test. Some of its brain-baffling highlights include the world’s first 3D super maze, a puzzle centre and a selection of perception-warping illusion rooms.

📍188 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, Wanaka, 9382, New Zealand

📞+6434437489

Accessibility & Audience:

Family Friendly, Kid Friendly

Atmosphere:

Indoors, Local

Wanaka Lavender Farm

Natural Feature, Shop

Wanaka Lavender Farm is a peaceful escape just outside of town. Whether you’re keen to meet some of the resident farm animals or you want to stock up on some natural lavender products, this is the ideal go-to for a casual day outdoors. Besides its namesake flowers, the farm is coloured by a handful of seasonal blooms, including daffodils, dahlias, sunflowers, roses and tulips. Honey production is also part of its operations; visitors can sample a selection of honey treats and lavender ice cream in the farm’s tea room.

📍36 Morris Road, Wanaka, 9382, New Zealand

📞+6434436359

Accessibility & Audience:

Kid Friendly, Family Friendly

Atmosphere:

Outdoors, Peaceful, Scenic