If you’re a twenty-something travel junkie, New Zealand should definitely be on your bucket list. It doesn’t matter if you’re a proud Lord of the Rings fan, a self-proclaimed culture aficionado or one of those people that look perfect in a picture three hours into an epic hike – the land of the Kiwis has a lot to offer young travellers. Check out our 10 reasons why you should visit New Zealand in your 20s.
1. You want the best of both worlds
You know what the beautiful thing about your twenties is? You can go out drinking the night before, and still somehow find the energy to climb to the top of some of New Zealand’s most picturesque mountains the next morning.
Take Auckland, for instance. Enjoy the best of the city’s nightlife, then wake up the next morning, chuck on your walking shoes and mosey on up Mount Eden, Rangitoto, Mangere Mountain or even Mount Victoria.
2. You’re reckless enough to give anything a shot
Fancy a spot of zorbing? Maybe zip lining or bungee jumping are more your thing.
Chasing that rush you get when you do something thrilling is the best thing about being in your twenties. You’re just learning about the real world and discovering all it has to offer, while still being enough of a kid to do things that are crazy stupid, but f*cking fun!
3. In fact, the prospect of trying new things makes you restless with anticipation
Even if jumping head first off a bridge isn’t really your cup of tea, your constant drive to experience new and exciting things is way too strong to ignore. And when it comes to experiences, New Zealand’s got you covered.
Hiking, kayaking, sailing, swimming, soaking in hot springs, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures just waiting to be enjoyed in this beautiful country.
4. There’s still a thrill that comes with discovering uncharted territory
Okay, so discovering uncharted territory is uncommon these days, but finding a local hotspot that very few tourists know about comes pretty close.
Whether you’re venturing down a dirt track to find natural hot springs like Kerosene Creek or discovering the best meat pie in a hole-in-the-wall bakery in Wellington, you’re constantly on the hunt for new things that the flocks of tourists are yet to discover. And you’re not likely to slow down any time soon.
5. You’re not old enough to have the ‘been there, done that’ attitude of older travellers
When you’re in your twenties, life is like a ‘Where’s Wally’ book. You might be looking at the tenth waterfall you’ve seen this week, but the colours, sound of the rushing water, and the greenery surrounding it all comes alive in its own unique way every time.
You understand that no two things are truly alike and can still see the magic in the simplest of things – like watching the sun rise on Waiheke Island.
6. You have all the time in the world to stare at a pretty lake
Is there someplace you need to be? If you’re a twenty-something traveller, there’s a good chance you don’t have a mortgage, kids, or a huge fancy career to worry about. You haven’t quite found your place in the world but you’re also in no rush to find it.
Right now, you’re pretty damn happy just sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo thinking about what you’re going to buy for dinner.
7. Discovering new cultures makes you feel, well, more cultured
You’ve grown up learning about your own country’s history, but what about the rest of the world? There’s no better way to learn about where you fit in ‘the bigger picture’ than by putting yourself out there and seeing how the rest of the world lives.
New Zealand embraces its cultural heritage, and traditional Maori practices are willingly shared with curious explorers.
Maori culture in New Zealand is everywhere you go. It might mean you have no idea how to pronounce any of the words on their street signs, but getting a little tongue twisted along the way isn’t going to stop you from trying.
8. Covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time doesn’t bother you
As far as countries go, New Zealand is on the smaller side. The great thing about this is that you can explore a lot of it in a short amount of time. However, you’ll still be covering thousands of kilometres.
In your twenties, your body is made of tough stuff, and while those long journeys may not always be comfortable, you can hack it. Besides, a little discomfort is totally worth it if it means you get to experience the wonders of New Zealand from the Bay of Islands at the top of the North Island down to Queenstown in the South Island.
9. New Zealand is bloody beautiful, and you just want to get there ASAP
10. If we’re being completely honest, who gives a crap how old you are?
New Zealand is epic, and there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t just drop everything to go and see it for yourself 😍
Have we tempted you with our reasons why you should visit New Zealand?
Go on, hit the road and come travel New Zealand with Topdeck.
