This year we launched STA Travel Sounds, a platform to discover unsigned singers, groups and DJs making waves around the world! We asked our latest artist Rei who hails from New Zealand to let us in on his top tips for exploring his home country.
10 Insider Tips for the Perfect New Zealand Trip
Go tramping/hiking
New Zealand has so many national parks with amazing trails. I used to do fairly regular tramps in the Tararua ranges North of Wellington when I was growing up.
Go on a Road trip
One of the good things about living on a few small islands in the Pacific Ocean is that you can drive nearly anywhere in a few hours! Make sure you take advantage of it.
Mt Ruapehu
I used to go skiing or snow boarding here nearly every year growing up. It’s easy to get to if you’re in the North Island (only a few hours drive from Auckland or Wellington).
It's not too shabby in the winter either.
Soak in some hot pools.
There are some cool (well hot actually) spots in Rotorua, Taupo, Athenree and Parakai to while away the time.
Go to Tauranga
I just really like this town. Mt Maunganui beach is beautiful. There are also some cool cliffs to jump off at the end of Moturiki Island, which you can walk to.
Go to the Far North
Hokianga, The Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga are all beautiful places to visit.
Do something Māori
We’re proud as of our Māori culture here, from the All Blacks use of the haka ‘Ka Mate’ to the logo of our National airline (Air New Zealand). Rotorua would be the best place for visitors to experience Māori culture.
Festivals
NZ also has plenty of amazing music festivals, mostly around summer. Rhythm & Vines, Homegrown, Laneway, Bay Dreams and Auckland City Limits are all good options.
Explore the South Island
A problem that many people who live in the North Island have is that we forget to explore the beautiful South Island. Queenstown, Milford Sound (pictured) and Tasman Bay are just a few of the cool spots to explore.
Go to a Rugby game
So much rugby here, it’s crazy. We have a whole section in the newspaper dedicated to the sport during the World Cup. You can experience some of this Rugby fever at any game, whether it’s a local match or an All Blacks game at Mt Eden.
Find out more about Rei and listen to his track “Stretch”, exclusively on STA Travel Sounds.