One of my most important travel philosophies is that the activity must be fun for me. Sounds simple? My choice of activities is what is fun in my opinion, not really what is termed ‘fun’ for everyone else.

Remember when we were students, we can find many fun and free activities to do? Like hanging out at playground, going to the beach, exploring new vicinities. That’s what I did in New Zealand during my university days.

Once we start earning money, we are more ready to spend some cash on better enjoyment. However, sometimes the simplicity of the activity is what makes it priceless – your unique experience.

I spent 3 years in New Zealand North Island, and did many activities that and fun and free. Let me share my 10 favourites with you. In fact, I am quite sure you will enjoy most of them too!

10) If you are into wines, you might want to check out a vineyard and go for wine tasting. They are all over the countries, pop by them when you pass by. Just remember, don’t drink and drive.

9) Go WWOOFing  (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms/Willing Workers on Organic Farms) to fully immerse in the Kiwi lifestyle and culture. Just work in these farms to exchange for free food and lodging.

8 ) Mission Bay in Auckland is one of the hip and modern beaches in New Zealand, with a variety of alfresco dining places, including a Movenpick ice cream shop. From the shore, you get a perfect view of Rangitoto Island.

7) The Paradise Garden Collection in Hamilton Gardens showcases some of the most beautiful landscape designs. The English Flower Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden and Indian Char Bagh Garden are my favourites.

6) Check out the windfarms around New Zealand. They are located at the Tararua Ranges in Manawatu region. Drive up and be awed by the 70-metre high structure with three 35-metre blades spinning. Get a blow!

5) Te Papa (mean Our Place in Maori) Museum tells you all about New Zealand – from history to lifestyle. Most of these galleries are free and open daily. Do check out how this building is made quakeproof!

4) If you are driving, you can stop at various towns to take photos of their unique structures. You find a big gumboot at Taihape, big carrot at Ohakunue, big apple at Otorohanga, cookie plane at Mangaweka, etc.

3) Be amused by the place names in the town Bulls at Rangitikei District. With the police station known as Const-a-Bull, imagine the rest, it is definitely ‘an unforget-a-Bull town like no udder’.

2) The Weta Cave in Miramar, Wellington, is a mini-museum, shop and theaterette. You get to see beind-the-scenes look at Weta and see some of the characters, props and displays from LOTR and Chronicles of Narnia.

1) Take a photo with you inside the frame at Shakespeare Regional Park. On a gorgeous clear day, the picturesque Hauraki Gulf forms the perfect backdrop for your photo. Cost: priceless.

For the 10 activities listed above, the only cost incurred is probably the fuel that took me there. And all these activities, I have done it at least twice (visit Weta Caves and WWOOFing) to over 10 times (visit wind farm and Bulls town).

Read the rest of the 20 fun and free activities here:

http://www.funnewzealandtravel.com/activity/top-30-fun-and-free-activities-to-do-in-new-zealand-north-island-part-1

http://www.funnewzealandtravel.com/activity/top-30-fun-and-free-activities-to-do-in-new-zealand-north-island-part-2

http://www.funnewzealandtravel.com/activity/top-30-fun-and-free-activities-to-do-in-new-zealand-north-island-part-3

If you have any other activities that I missed out, do share with us here:

http://www.funnewzealandtravel.com/contact-us

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