There are a number of activities on the list which I've taken for granted and used, like the Rotorua Museum, and haven't even realised they are an Essential 50, while some I haven't yet tried.
The list has included things from getting a ta moko from Rotorua artist Richard Francis to experiencing a hangi and a cultural show, which appeared in today's paper.
There is something for all ages and levels of fitness.
With many still enjoying a festive season break, there is little excuse not to maybe add some of those Essential 50 to your bucket list and experience them.
What's great about some of the things on the list is they are either relatively cheap or free to experience.
For example, the Redwoods, or maybe checking out our geothermal wonders at Kuirau Park.
If running the Essential 50 in our paper has taught me one thing, it is the fact that sometimes you can have real gems sitting around your neighbourhood and simply take them for granted.
