the best tourist attractions in new zealand

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

New Zealand is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From the snow-capped peaks and coastal glaciers to the rain forests, fjords, beaches, and farmland, this country appeals to a wide range of travelers.

On various trips, we have traveled across New Zealand with our tent, camping in parks and doing treks, and stayed in accommodations that have ranged from off-the-grid stays to luxury resorts. Each of these brought different but equally appealing experiences.

The South Island is full of outdoor adventure, adrenaline sports, and endless sightseeing possibilities with its dramatic landscapes, vine-draped fields, and small towns and cities. Hotspots in the central and south portions of the island include Queenstown, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Christchurch , and the West Coast . In the north end of the South Island, are the beautiful communities of Kaikoura, Blenheim, Nelson, and also Abel Tasman National Park.

The North Island is home to volcanoes, rolling green fields, beautiful stretches of beach, coves and offshore islands, and giant kauri trees. It also has some of the country's big cities and cultural hotspots, like Auckland and Wellington .

Getting around New Zealand can be half the fun. Many people drive themselves, either renting campervans or staying in small hotels along the way. The North and South Islands are connected by ferry service , and flights service the major towns. If you want to drive yourself and see both islands, consider flying into Auckland and out of Christchurch or vice versa. You can rent a car in either location and drop it at the end of your trip, just be sure to book a ferry well in advance so you don't get stuck.

For more ideas on things to do, read our list of the top attractions in New Zealand.

1. Queenstown, South Island

2. aoraki/mount cook national park, south island, 3. milford sound, south island, 4. bay of islands, north island, 5. franz josef glacier and fox glacier, south island, 6. lake taupo and tongariro national park, north island, 7. rotorua, north island, 8. abel tasman national park & the abel tasman coast track, south island, 9. auckland, north island, 10. coromandel peninsula, north island, 11. kaikoura, south island, 12. giant kauri trees, north island, 13. napier, hawke's bay, north island, 14. arthur's pass, 15. kura tawhiti conservation area (castle hill), south island, 16. ninety mile beach and cape reinga.

Set between the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the snowy peaks of the Remarkables, Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital and one of the country's top destinations for international visitors.

Activities and things to do here include jet boating, a steamship cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and downhill skiing in winter, to name just a few. You can also take the recently expanded and updated Queenstown Gondola, now seating ten people, up to the top of Bob's Peak. The views out over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables are truly spectacular.

The waterfront is a beehive of activity , particularly in the summer, with every type of boat tour you can imagine leaving right from the docks. You only need to stroll down the main street to find information and sign up for tours.

Queenstown has a lot to offer besides adventure sports. You can enjoy the creature comforts here with top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries, and shops. The downtown area has seen significant improvements recently with the addition of a variety of new shops in a pedestrian-only zone.

It's also a great base for sightseeing trips to the Central Otago region, where visitors can explore gold-mining towns like Arrowtown and the Middle Earth scenery from the popular Lord of the Rings movies.

Queenstown is a very tourist-focused destination, particularly when compared to other destinations around the country. This is especially true in summer. It's a fun place to spend a few days, but it doesn't have an authentic New Zealand feel by any stretch.

• Top-Rated Things to Do in Queenstown
• From Queenstown to Wanaka: Best Ways to Get There

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to some of New Zealand's most fantastic mountain scenery, and for hikers, this is an absolute must-visit destination on the South Island. As hikers ourselves, this is our favorite destination in New Zealand.

In the heart of the Southern Alps, the park is home to Aoraki/Mount Cook , New Zealand's highest peak, and more than 40 percent of the park is covered in glaciers.

The region boasts one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, the Hooker Valley Track . The 10-kilometer trail is an easy hike on a gentle path at the base of mountains and stunning hanging glaciers that tower above. You'll walk beside a fast-moving river much of the way until you reach a beautiful alpine lake that offers incredible views of the Hooker Glacier terminus.

The Tasman Glacier also lies within its borders, making this a top destination for mountaineering. Sir Edmund Hillary trained here for his legendary Mount Everest ascent.

The best way to visit the park is to drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village , which is a long drive from anywhere, so it's best to spend at least a night, but two or more if you want to do multiple hikes or other activities. However, the Hooker Valley hike here leaves right from the village and can be easily done in a morning or an afternoon.

Mount Cook Village is very small but does have some accommodation options. From here you can organize activities such as scenic flights, ski touring, heli-skiing, and hiking. Since this is a dark sky reserve, it's also a wonderful place for stargazing. If your budget allows, spend a night at the Hermitage Hotel and stay in one of the rooms on the uppermost floors for jaw-dropping views.

Author's Tip : Be sure to book in advance to secure a room in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village including the campground. Don't just show up. Weather makes all the difference here, so have a look at the forecast a few days out and consider your options if it's raining. The sunnier the better. Depending on where you are starting from, if it looks like rain, you may want to head to Milford Sound instead.

This hike is often very crowded. If you want to avoid the masses, start early. But that said, if it's sunny, it's better to wait until at least mid-day for the best light on the mountains.

A World Heritage Site, Fiordland National Park protects some of the incredible coastal scenery. Most visitors come here for only a brief visit and do a half-day boat tour through Milford Sound . This is one of the most popular tours in the country. The main highlights are the fjords of Milford Sound , Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound.

If you get a calm day you can see the mountains reflecting in the water. If it's raining, which it often is in this part of the country, you will be able to see gushing waterfalls. But the entire area offers a variety of experiences with its offshore islands, virgin rain forests, vast lakes, and craggy mountain peaks. Sea kayaking is also a popular way to explore the fjords, and visitors can also enjoy a scenic flight over the park for a bird's-eye view of its staggering beauty.

The park is also a haven for hikers with some of the country's best hiking, including the famous Milford Track . The major treks are seasonal and require permits in advance.

Milford Sound is a long way from anywhere. There is some limited and pricy accommodation here, but many people do this as a long day trip from Queenstown, or a shorter day trip from Te Anou or Manapouri . You can arrange a tour to get here or do it yourself if you have a car. If you are doing this yourself be sure to book your boat tour in advance and leave yourself lots of time for the drive . The drive is more challenging and time-consuming than it looks on a map.

• Read More: Fiordland National Park: Top Hikes & Things to Do

A three-hour drive north of Auckland, the beautiful Bay of Islands is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. More than 144 islands dot the glittering bay, making it a haven for sailing and yachting.

Penguins, dolphins, whales, and marlin live in these fertile waters, and the region is a popular sport-fishing spot. Visitors can sea kayak along the coast, hike the many island trails, bask in secluded coves, tour Cape Brett and the famous rock formation called Hole in the Rock , and explore subtropical forests where Kauri trees grow. The quaint towns in the area such as Russell , Opua , Paihia, and Kerikeri are great bases for exploring this scenic bay.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Bay of Islands

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are known for being among the most accessible glaciers in the world, and they are two of the main tourist attractions on the West Coast . Both of these glaciers flow from some of the highest peaks in the Southern Alps right down to near sea level. And this is where you can see them from hiking trails or various scenic driving locations.

In years past, short hikes led to the foot of the glaciers, but these trails now stop several kilometers back due to the glacier's retreat. Although the views are good, they leave you with a feeling of sadness as the effects of global warming are starkly evident. But they also give you a look at the landscape in which these glaciers exist. You walk through the flora of temperate rainforest to see a glacier, which is startling, to say the least.

To truly get close to the glaciers nowadays, you'll need to take a small plane or helicopter and fly to the top of these vast tongues of ice where the pilots will land and let you wander around on the frozen landscape. You can arrange tours in the small towns of either Franz Glacier (the most options) or Fox Glacier .

For one of the best views of the Fox Glacier drive out the Cook Flat Road toward Lake Matheson. You have views back along this road of the glacier and there is an excellent viewpoint out here with a large piece of Maori art. It's worth also doing the spectacular Lake Matheson hike for views of the Southern Alps. The mountains reflect in the calm waters of Lake Matheson at viewpoints along this hike.

In the center of the North Island and just a few kilometers from glittering Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake , lies Tongariro National Park. The big draw for tourists and backpackers is the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike that runs through the park. This is a long and strenuous hike and is certainly not for everyone.

The park is a dual World Heritage Site due to its volcanic features and its importance to the Maori culture . The volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and part of Ruapehu were gifted by Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV in 1887 to the people of New Zealand to preserve this sacred land.

Tongariro is a land of dramatic beauty, with rugged volcanoes, turquoise lakes, arid plateaus, alpine meadows, and hot springs. If you want to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , the NZ Mountain Safety Council has a great video that shows what you can expect on this hike.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Taupo

On the tumultuous Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua is one of the most active geothermal regions in the world and here it's very easy for visitors to access these wonders.

Boiling mud pools, hissing geysers, volcanic craters, and steaming thermal springs reveal the forces that birthed much of New Zealand's dramatic topography.

You walk through these geothermal wonders and soak in steaming mineral springs while visiting a variety of interesting attractions. It's also an area where you can learn about the region's Maori history and culture.

If you're looking for adventure here, you can go sky-diving, luging, or mountain biking. Trout fishing is also popular, and Rotorua is the gateway to the ski fields of Mt. Ruapehu .

Nearby Wai-O-Tapu is also a popular tourist attraction with colorful hot springs and the famous Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser .

While Rotorua should definitely be on your itinerary, it doesn't necessarily require a lot of time. If you are on a tight schedule, this is one place you can cover in a day or two.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rotorua

The Abel Tasman Coast Track in Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand's Great Walks . Winding along sparkling Tasman Bay , from Marahau to Separation Point, this scenic 51-kilometer hike lies in one of the sunniest regions of the South Island. But, you don't have to hike this epic trail in its entirety to enjoy the park.

In the past, the primary way to see the best parts of the trail was to hike the entire trail. Now, tour boats run frequently and go to all the highlights .

Base yourself in the tiny village of Kaiterriteri . This little place has some fantastic beaches and stunning scenery, and it's a good place to book a tour and hop on a boat.

Many options are available that allow visitors to snorkel or kayak in secluded coves; enjoy tours that offer the chance to spot fur seals, dolphins, penguins, and a diverse range of birds; hike through cool forests; and enjoy panoramic views from the rugged coastal cliffs.

Photographers will also enjoy the many weathered rock formations, especially Split Apple Rock , a giant granite boulder sliced in two.

If you still want to still get out into nature the old-fashioned way, the hike takes around three days, and accommodation ranges from campgrounds to rustic huts, and plush private lodges.

Author's Tip: If you plan on doing the beautiful Torrent Bay to Medlands section of the hike , which is one of the most popular sections, wear shorts, be prepared for mud, and bring water shoes for stream crossings, even at low tide. Otherwise, the hike is considerably longer because you will have to take a trail through the forest rather than cross the coast flats. Also, although the water looks clear and inviting on the spectacular beaches, it is bone-numbingly cold.

Blessed with two sparkling harbors, Auckland, the "City of Sails," is New Zealand's largest and most dynamic city. It has a population of about 1.5 million people but still feels like a small, easy-to-manage city.

Popular activities for tourists to enjoy in Auckland include taking a leisurely walk around the Viaduct waterfront area full of interesting boutiques and restaurants, checking out museums, and shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Queen Street .

To get a breathtaking view of Auckland and its surroundings, take a ride up the Sky Tower , which stands at an impressive height of 328 meters.

For something different (and cheap!) hop on one of the ferries to visit Devonport , a charming town located by the water with lovely parks, beaches, and a pier.

Auckland is surrounded by natural wonders that include beaches with both blond and black sand, lush rainforest hiking trails, charming coves, islands, and magnificent volcanoes. This makes it an ideal location for embarking on day trips and wilderness adventures.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Auckland

Just across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the rugged Coromandel Peninsula seems a world away from the city's hustle and bustle. Craggy mountains cloaked in native forest form a spine along the peninsula, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and birding.

Other fun things to do for tourists include relaxing on the golden beaches, sea kayaking around the offshore islands, sky diving, and visiting the many galleries and art studios. At Hot Water Beach , a dip in the bubbling hot pools is a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing.

Kaikoura is one of the most beautiful small towns in New Zealand. Mountains, green fields, and the sparkling ocean surround this lovely little community. And birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and seafood aficionados will love this charming coastal village. Tucked between the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura has a rich marine environment and is home to dolphins, seals, whales, and a variety of seabirds.

One of the most popular things to do in Kaikoura is to swim with the dolphins . You'll see this advertised frequently. Tour boats take you out to these curious creatures who love to interact with swimmers by swimming up and around the participants.

But, other less intense experiences are also well worth looking into. This includes whale watching, albatross boat trips, and an easy hike to a seal colony .

The unique offshore ocean structure from Kaikoura provides ample food sources that attract whales from around the world. Sperm whales can be seen year-round and Orcas visit from December to March. In the depths of the New Zealand winter (June and July), humpback whales are numerous.

The ample oceanic food also attracts an incredible number of seabirds year-round, including the world's largest – the great albatross. You can reach the albatross with just a 15 to 20-minute boat ride , and you're very likely to see dolphins on this trip as well.

Unlike places like Queenstown or Wanaka which can sometimes feel like they are just there to cater to tourists, Kaikoura has retained a small town, local vibe.

New Zealand has a weird and wonderful assortment of flora and fauna and one of the most extreme examples of this are the giant Kauri trees of the North Island. These towering behemoths are magnificent and awe-inspiring. Massive trunks ascend to the forest canopy and you can't help but feel somewhat insignificant in their presence. And the giant among giants is Tāne Mahuta, translated as Lord of the Forest .

The tree stands at an impressive 177 feet high, but it's the girth of the trunk that truly inspires - 53 feet in circumference. This tree is easily reached by a flat and level 500-foot-long trail located right off Highway 12.

In the sunny region of Hawke's Bay, Napier is famous for its gourmet food and Art Deco architecture. After a powerful earthquake destroyed the town in 1931, it was rebuilt in the Spanish Mission style and Art Deco design for which Miami Beach is also famous.

Today, fun things for visitors to do include taking a self-guided tour to view these buildings, some of which are embellished with Maori motifs, or spending time at Napier Beach.

Along the Marine Parade seafront promenade lies the town's famous statue from Maori mythology, called Pania of the Reef . Napier is also a haven for foodies. Gourmet restaurants here specialize in using fresh produce from the region, and the town plays host to popular farmers' markets. Nearby attractions include hiking trails and the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers .

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Napier

Most people make the drive from the east side of the South Island to the west as part of their explorations. If you are making the journey from Christchurch, a must-see highlight along the way is the alpine wonderland known as Arthur's Pass.

Home to rushing rivers, towering mountains, and thundering waterfalls this natural area is well worth exploring. A few of New Zealand's best hiking trails have trailheads here and range from short (but steep) treks to the Devils Punchbowl waterfall to multi-day backpacking adventures staying in alpine huts like Barker and Carrington.

A popular lookout in the park is a view over the Otira Viaduct , with fantastic views down the valley. Sometimes you can also see kea birds at this stop, but recently, there has been less than in previous years.

It's not all about nature, the area is also especially historic. It was across this rugged and inhospitable pass that the gold miners had to make their way to the rich fields on the West Coast starting with a road in 1886 and a railway by 1923.

Arthur's Pass is a great place to stop even if you aren't heading out on an adventure. Be sure to stop in at the Crafty Moa restaurant at the Bealey Hotel for a bite to eat on their expansive outdoor patio while soaking up the scenery.

The Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, also known as Castle Hill, is a must-see highway attraction on the highway heading to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch . Bizarre limestone rocks jut out of the rolling pastureland, and the impulse to walk up to see them is almost irresistible.

Fans of the Chronicles of Narnia movie may find the spot familiar as several scenes were shot here.

Fortunately, an easy-to-follow, wide walkway leads to the base of the rocks and ascends through the forest of giant boulders. Count on a 1.4-kilometer walk , which takes about 20 minutes, but it can be longer if you take one of the secondary trails and walk to the top of one of the rocks for impressive views across the valley.

This is a good stop if you are heading from Christchurch to the West Coast. Drive time from Christchurch is about one hour and twenty minutes . It's also a fun place for photos. A large parking area with picnic tables and restrooms also makes this a perfect stopping point for a picnic.

Official Site: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/kura-tawhiti-conservation-area/?tab-id=50578

Beach lovers around the world fantasize about endless golden beaches and may wonder if such a thing exists. Well, in New Zealand it does. This wild, windswept beach has no luxury resorts, no jet skis bombing around, no lounge chairs at the water's edge, but what it does have is wide-open spaces, abundant birdlife, and a rich marine environment.

Pick your access point and drive along Ninety Mile Beach (the beach is actually an official highway!) and find a place all to yourself. But, before venturing forth, check the tides, and 4WD vehicles are recommended. No car? No problem, tour companies take giant specially equipped buses out onto the beach. Tours depart from Paihia and Kerikeri.

If you are really fortunate and low tide is in the evening, be sure to be on the beach for sunset. Many people consider the ones up here to be New Zealand's best.

A short jaunt north of 90 Mile Beach is Cape Reinga . The historic lighthouse reached via a short walkway marks the point where two oceans collide. The weather up here is notoriously changeable, be prepared for everything - wind, rain, and sun - all in the span of a few minutes.

More on New Zealand

North Island vs. South Island

Cities to Visit

Getting Around New Zealand

Best Auckland Hotels

New Zealand's Airports

Driving in New Zealand

Visiting New Zealand With Kids

One Week in New Zealand

North Island Road Trip

South Island Road Trip

Top Things to Do

Best Beaches

Skiing in New Zealand

Top National Parks

Museums & Art Galleries

Hot Springs

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Top Places to Visit

The 15 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is only 1,000 miles long, 280 miles across at its widest, and home to just under five million people, but this long, narrow country contains many things to see and do. Travelers can ski on snow-capped mountains and bask on subtropical beaches, learn about Maori culture and discover its British heritage, sip on some of the world’s finest wines and hike through the uninhabited wilderness. Whatever travel experiences you enjoy, you can probably find them in New Zealand .

The country comprises two main islands—imaginatively named the North and South Islands in English, and Te Ika a Maui and Te Wai Pounamu, respectively, in Maori. Although the South Island is larger, more than three-quarters of New Zealand’s population lives in the North. Ideally, visitors should spend time on both islands, although picking one isn’t a bad approach. Here are the 15 best places to visit in New Zealand.

On the central North Island, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal features and Maori culture. Travelers short on time can visit on a day trip from Auckland, but it’s a convenient stop when traveling through the North Island. Hell’s Gate, Wai-O-Tapu, or Orakei Korako (on the way to Taupo) are good options for bubbling mud pools, boiling geysers, colorful rock formations, and many resorts and holiday parks in the area have hot spring bathing facilities. You can also learn more about Maori culture at tourist villages like Mitai, Whakarewarewa, and Tamaki with their cultural shows of traditional music and dancing and a hangi meal cooked in an underground pit.

Time commitment: One full day in Rotorua is ideal.

Waitangi is one of the most significant places in New Zealand's modern history. In 1840, Maori chiefs signed a treaty with representatives of the British Crown, the Treaty of Waitangi, a founding document that gave the sovereignty of New Zealand to British rule. Visit for a crash course in the country's history in this beautiful coastal location. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds include an indoor museum, the Treaty House, an ornately carved marae (Maori meeting house), and a ceremonial waka (canoe) spread over a large area. There are beautiful views of the Bay of Islands.

Time commitment: The Waitangi Treaty grounds deserve at least half a day.

Hokianga Harbour

The Hokianga Harbour is an alternative to the Bay of Islands, often overlooked by travelers and perfect for camping or RV adventures. The area is sparsely populated and predominantly Maori. Dune boarding, hiking, horse trekking, and dolphin watching are popular activities in the Hokianga. Base yourself in one of the nearby villages of Omapere, Opononi, and Rawene. To expand your exploration, the Waipoua Forest, just south of the Hokianga, is home to two of the largest living native kauri trees.

Time commitment: Aim to spend two days to a week in the Hokianga area.

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula reaches 50 miles into the Hauraki Gulf, across the Firth of Thames from Auckland. It’s a microcosm of all that’s good in northern New Zealand—stunning beaches, hiking trails, and arty, laid-back towns. During low tide at Hot Water Beach, dig a few inches beneath the sand to create your own natural hot spring bath, spend the day at Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches (which is saying something), and hike the Pinnacles Walk or Coromandel Coastal Walkway.

Time commitment: To explore the whole Coromandel Peninsula, you’d need at least a week, but it’s possible to make a quick overnight trip from Auckland or Tauranga.

Tongariro National Park

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

On the high central plateau of central North Island, Tongariro National Park is a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed both for its natural and cultural significance. Most sights and activities revolve around three volcanic peaks: Mounts Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a moderately challenging day hike that is spectacular. In winter, ski at the Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields. 

Time commitment: You need a day to hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing (where you can spot the gorgeous emerald lake). With other hikes, biking trails, and skiing options in the winter, it’d be possible to spend several days in and around the park.

Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine-producing regions and the oldest—there are more than 200 vineyards. The area is popular for its sunny climate, Art Deco allure, and the world’s largest gannet colony. The city of Napier, in particular, is famous for its Art Deco architecture because, after a massive earthquake in 1931, much of the town was rebuilt in this style. Keen bird watchers should visit the gannet colony at the Cape Kidnappers Reserve.

Time commitment: Hawke’s Bay is quite a long drive from other North Island centers (or a short flight to Hawke’s Bay Airport), so spend at least a couple of days here to make it worth the trip.

At the bottom of the North Island, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Equal parts bureaucratic formality and bohemian arts hub, Wellington is a perfect small city to explore. The New Zealand Parliament building, known as the ‘Beehive’ (you’ll understand why when you see it), and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (known simply as Te Papa) shouldn’t be missed. The Weta Workshop is a film special effects company founded by Peter Jackson, director of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," so fans of the film should consider a tour.

Time commitment: Budget at least two days for the central city and another few to visit outlying areas like the Kapiti Coast or Cape Palliser.

Abel Tasman National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Many travelers take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, at the top of the South Island, and drive west to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park. Abel Tasman is all about the golden beaches, turquoise seas, and forested hiking trails. For longer hikes, enter the park from the tiny town of Marahau. You can also enter the park by kayaking from Kaiteriteri.

Time commitment: If staying in nearby Nelson or Motueka, it’s easy to visit the park on a day trip. To complete the popular Coast Track walk, you’ll need three to five days.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

On the eastern coast of the upper South Island, Kaikoura is famous for its whale and dolphin watching. It’s a marine-life hotspot because of the unique currents and deep trench just offshore. Whale-watching cruises operate all year, and while sperm whale sightings are never guaranteed, there’s a very high chance you’ll see them and dolphins, seals, and albatross.

Time commitment: Many travelers pass through Kaikoura while traveling between Picton and Christchurch. You only need a day for a whale-watching cruise, but extra days in Kaikoura can be spent hiking or enjoying the beaches.

Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula

Jutting southeast from Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula is a volcanic landmass comprising several volcanos. There are many harbors and bays, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and the French settlement of Akaroa, the oldest town in the Canterbury province. There are many 19th-century buildings there and cute French cafes. The Hector’s dolphin—the world’s smallest and rarest—live in the waters off the Banks Peninsula. (Sea kayaking is an excellent way to see them.) There are also many biking and hiking trails on the peninsula.

Time commitment: Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula are an easy day trip from Christchurch, but staying a couple of days will allow you to drive to more remote spots.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world. In the central South Island, far from any major settlements, it’s almost entirely free of light pollution, making it an incredible destination for stargazing. Stargazing tours are informative, or you can find a quiet, dark spot on your own. You might also see the Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights, similar to the Northern Lights) if you're lucky. Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain (12,220 feet), is also in this area.

Time commitment: The tiny towns within the reserve—Lake Tekapo Village, Twizel, and Mount Cook Village—are a long way from anywhere, so these are not a quick getaway. Cloud-free skies are essential for stargazing, so you may need to spend a few days here.

Queenstown is not a typical Kiwi town—its real estate is among the most expensive in the country, and the style is more designer than farmer. But there’s no denying that Queenstown is blessed with beautiful geography as it's set on Lake Wakatipu with views of the Remarkables mountain range. Take the cable car to the top of the hill behind the city for spectacular views. Popular activities in the area include mountain biking, bungee jumping, speedboat rides, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoning, skiing in winter, or hiking the many trails.

Time commitment: Queenstown city only needs a day to look around, but it’s an ideal base for exploring the Central Otago wineries, trying adventure sports, and making day trips to Glenorchy, Wanaka, Arrowtown, or Fiordland.

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Dunedin is a university town on the South Island’s east coast. Dunedin is the Scots Gaelic name for Edinburgh, and the Scottish influence is strong. The neo-gothic architecture of the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and some churches lend an Old World aesthetic to Dunedin. The world’s second steepest street (as of August 2019), Baldwin Street, is also a quirky sight. (The first is in Harlech, Wales.)

A short drive from Dunedin is the hilly, windswept Otago Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s finest eco-tourism and bird-watching destinations. Drive (or take a tour) out to see the penguin, albatross, and seal colonies of the Otago Peninsula, stopping at Larnach’s Castle en route. 

Time commitment: Two or three days are needed here, divided between the city and the peninsula.

Fiordland National Park

In the southwest of the South Island, the Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest, and it’s part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. A vast area of forests, mountains, and glacial fiords, visitors can be as active or relaxed as they like here, on sightseeing cruises, scenic flights, or multi-day treks. The small town of Te Anau is a good base and has caves with glow worms. 

Milford Sound is perhaps the most famous sight, with pointy Mitre Peak rising from the water, offering perfect reflections on a clear day. Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri are beautiful places to cruise or kayak.

Time commitment: Some travelers visit the Fiordland National Park on a quick day trip from Queenstown or Wanaka, while others stay for longer to explore. The famous Milford Track trek between Te Anau and Milford Sound takes four days.

Stewart Island /Rakiura

Off the southern coast of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is New Zealand’s third-largest island. Around 85 percent of the island is a national park reserved for penguins, kiwis, and seals. While the temperatures are generally quite cold this far south, the beaches are empty and worth the trip across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff.

Birdwatching and hiking are popular activities, especially within the park's boundaries. The Rakiura Track is a 20-mile (32-kilometer) hiking trail that circles the Rakiura National Park, and it takes two to four days to hike the entire length. The small capital, Oban, is a welcoming town that serves up seriously fresh seafood.

Time commitment: As it’s necessary to get a ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura (or take a short flight from Invercargill to Oban), it’s worth spending a few days here. Camping is a good option.

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The 25 BEST Places to Visit in New Zealand (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to stunning Aotearoa, then our list of the best places to visit in New Zealand will help you with all your travel plans!

Telling anyone that you are planning a trip to New Zealand is likely to result in sheer envy or nostalgic memories from a trip they themselves took. 

Quite rightly New Zealand is regarded as one of the most spectacular countries in the world.

Whether you want to hike through the Fiordland National Park, eat the freshest seafood in Kaikoura, try some adventure sports or throw yourself out of a plane, New Zealand has very much got you covered.

To truly enjoy everything New Zealand has to offer you are best off renting your own set of wheels and hitting the open road.

It really is a place where it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey. 

We’ll dive into some of the best places to visit on New Zealand’s South Island and North Island, as both have plenty of different things to offer.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to New Zealand with our New Zealand Travel Guide.

Table of Contents

Bay of Islands

Tutukaka coast , cape reinga, tongariro national park , mount maunganui, mount taranaki and the forgotten world highway , abel tasman national park, marlborough wine region, kaikoura , the west coast , milford sound and doubtful sound , catlins national park, otago peninsula , mount cook national park (aoraki) , arthurs pass national park, banks peninsula , christchurch , the best places to visit on the north island.

I’m going to start this article about the best places to visit in New Zealand by focusing on the North Island first!

Chances are this will be either your point of entry, exit, or both. The city’s numerous volcanoes have left their mark and its location as the point where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Oceans meet belies its status as New Zealand’s largest city. 

Auckland is surprisingly full of beaches and hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored, not bad for a city of 1.5 million?

It’s also the perfect gateway to visiting Waiheke Island, a gem of the North Island. Waiheke Island has beautiful vineyards and olive groves as well as beaches and trails.

Whether you want to take on the rugged west coast surf beaches, relax and sip wine on Waiheke Island or head to one out to hike in the rainforests of the Waitakere Ranges, you can do it all in Auckland.

LEARN MORE about all the great things to do in Auckland .

Head north out of Auckland and you will eventually come across the Bay of Islands.

This gorgeous collection of islands on the eastern side of the North Island is home to secluded bays, coastal walks, and plenty of history, putting it firmly on our best of New Zealand list.

Head to Waitangi Treaty Grounds to get a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s history at the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. This treaty formed New Zealand as a British Colony. 

Head over to the lovely little town of Russell , once known as ‘the hell-hole of the pacific,’ it is decidedly less debaucherous these days. 

If you are on a budget then stay in the small nondescript town of Paihia . It’s an excellent gateway to the Bay of Islands and far cheaper than other places in the area.

SPECIAL DEAL: Book a tour of the Bay of Islands here !

This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand’s North Island.

The area is home to some truly spectacular coastal scenery, deserted beaches, and lovely walking trails. 

Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay .

The former is a secluded bay home to a lovely walking trail and 99% of the time, no one else.

If you’re wondering what to see in New Zealand, Matapouri Bay is a gorgeous beach that is the perfect place to stretch out with a book, but it’s definitely not a surf beach.

At the end of the ninety-mile beach lies New Zealand’s most northerly point; Cape Reinga. Brace yourself for some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand. 

Getting up to Cape Reigna truly is part of the experience. In this case, the journey is just as important as the destination itself. 

One of the most notorious places to visit in New Zealand, thanks to the almost constant smell of sulphur, Rotarua is the heart of geothermal New Zealand.

With geysers blowing their tops, bubbling mud pools, and steaming hot springs, there is plenty to keep you busy. 

Head out to the thermal reserve and check out Te Whakarewarewa to experience the town’s volcanic activity up close and personal. 

The city’s outskirts are home to outdoor activities galore, with mountain biking, tramping (hiking) and various water sports all on the agenda. 

READ MORE: Include these things to do in Rotorua in your itinerary.

If you are in any way claustrophobic then this is not the place for you.

Waitomo is home to some of the largest and most spectacular caves in New Zealand.

Best of all you can experience them firsthand with some incredible caving expeditions. 

Try your hand a black water rafting, which involves an inner tube, lots of water and plenty of glow worms.

Waitomo’s true gem is the lost world cave. The 100-meter free abseil into the cave itself feels like a descent to the centre of the earth.

From here it’s a mixture of climbing, walking, wading, and swimming to return to the surface. 

Book a rafting experience in the Waitomo Caves on Get Your Guide .

Welcome to one of the country’s most spectacular national parks. Any New Zealand destination trip should definitely include a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stunning expanse of land is home to the famous Tongariro Crossing , considered by some to be the best 1-day hike in the world. 

However, there is more to the Tongariro National Park than the crossing.

The Ridge Walk from the hamlet of Whakapa offers spectacular views of both Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu.

Longer trails such as the Silica Rapids and Taranaki Falls trails also offer spectacular views of both mountains.

Grab the opportunity to take on these trails at sunrise to enjoy some epic views all to yourself.  

Lake Taupo in the heart of the North Island is the centre of extreme adventure sports for the region.

Here you can throw yourself off a bungee ledge or out of a plane to your heart’s content.

In fact, with more than 30,000 leaping from planes every year, Taupo is the skydiving capital of the world. 

The lake itself is home to numerous water sport options ranging from relaxing cruises to hiring a speed boat yourself. 

A short drive from Taupo is the breathtaking Hukka Falls which is certainly worthy of a visit. 

Lake Taupo itself is littered with secluded bays where you can park up, take a dip and soak up the scenery, perfect for a lazy day. 

There are also mountain biking and hiking trails aplenty if a lazy day is very much out of the question!

Put it on your list of places to see in New Zealand!

Welcome to New Zealand’s premier beach resort. This quaint little town that sits just to the east of the Coromandel Peninsula is home to a fantastic beach. 

The town’s namesake comes from the hill (mountain certainly is a bit of a stretch).

There is a lovely short walk up to the top which offers some spectacular views.

This hill is also the literal jumping-off point for the area’s paragliders.  

Mount Taranaki is very much the highlight in this part of New Zealand.

Rising majestically from the earth’s surface, Mount Taranaki’s almost perfect cone dominates the landscape. 

Due to its accessibility, Mount Taranaki ranks as the most climbed mountain in New Zealand.

There are three main start points from which to hike to the summit: North Egmont, Dawson Falls, or East Egmont .

Sprouting out to the east of Taranaki is the Forgotten World Highway , truly this is a New Zealand road trip like no other.

The Forgotten World Highway winds through abandoned mines, fortified Maori villages, and small towns whose glory days are very much in the rearview mirror.

The road hugs the natural contours of the land giving the feeling your a riding one very long roller coaster. 

The town of Whangamomona is a particularly quirky highlight.

The town declared itself a republic in 1989 and celebrates this every odd-numbered year to this day. 

The Forgotten World Highway can be comfortably driven in a day. Although do be aware that there are some sections of unsealed roads. 

Cosmopolitan Wellington is a hip counterpoint to Auckland’s slicker reputation. New Zealand’s constitutional capital is in many ways its cultural capital.

It’s here that possibly the best museum in New Zealand can be found. The epic Te Papa Museum is home to exhibits focusing on New Zealand’s history, its nature and its future. 

Head up to Mount Victoria for some lovely views over the city. Hopefully, Wellington’s notorious weather won’t put a dent in your plans. 

For a night out, head to Cuba Street if you fancy something more on the hipster side or down to the waterfront if you fancy a more sophisticated evening. 

READ MORE: Looking for other fun things to do in Wellington ? Check out our guide!

The Best Places to Visit on the South Island, New Zealand

There’s always a bit of debate about which island is the best in New Zealand.

You’ve read about the North Island, so now I want to share with you all the top places to visit on the South Island.

This stunning National Park is one of the top places to go on the South Island of New Zealand.

It’s home to the most accessible of New Zealand’s great walks, the Abel Tasman Coast Track .

Taking between 3 and 5 days depending on your fitness you will be rewarded with a pristine coastal view and the joyful isolation the long-distance hikes can bring. 

You do not need to take on the entire Coast Track to experience this stunning National Park.

There are plenty of options where you can take on smaller sections. A welcome relief if your time here is limited. 

These shorter day tours begin in Kaiteriteri , although it is possible to do a much longer day trip from Nelson .

Alternatively, you can kayak Abel Tasman if you would like to explore it from the water.

Be prepared to be spoilt for choice as you explore the largest wine region in New Zealand.

Accounting for 85% of New Zealand’s wine exports, Marlborough is home to around 35 wineries that are open to the public. 

They provide cellar door experiences and tastings, with many wineries offering food options as well. 

There are numerous ways to experience the wineries. You can drive yourself around, take a guided tour or take on one of the many cycling routes to burn those calories. 

This quaint little city finds itself sandwiched between the Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Wine Region on the South Island.

This combined with beautiful surroundings, a funky art and restaurant scene topped off with lashings of sunshine make it one of the most liveable cities in New Zealand. 

Nelson is chock full of galleries and great restaurants, plus plenty of breweries.

Plenty of opportunities to gorge yourself before heading out into the wilderness of the Abel Tasman National Park.

For those interested in wildlife this is surely one of the best places to visit in New Zealand.

After a devastating earthquake in 2016 transport in and out of Kaikoura was a challenging and time-consuming affair whilst the coastal highway was rebuilt. 

With snow-capped peaks as its backdrop, Kaikoura is blessed both on land and sea.

The town is famous for its incredible wildlife. With seals, albatross, dolphins, and whales all living in the waters surrounding the town. 

There are numerous tours available to view these spectacular creatures up close with money made from such tours going back to support local wildlife conservation projects in many cases.

The west coast of the South Island is home to gorgeous beaches, deserted lakes, and a couple of glaciers thrown in for good measure. 

Check out quaint little Hokitika and it’s a rather impressive gorge.

If you fancy something a bit more secluded head over to Lake Kaniere for a cheeky dip. 

Heading further south will bring you to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier . Whilst they are fast receding, both Fox and Franz Josef Glacier are still spectacular. 

If you’re looking for adventure activities you may head all the way down to the windswept beaches of Jackson Bay . 

An awesome part of New Zealand to stop off where you please.

Read next: The Best Things To Do In Franz Josef

Of all the places to visit in New Zealand, Wanaka has to be near the top of your list.

Perched on the shores of Lake Wanaka, this tiny town can certainly stake a claim to being one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand’s South Island. 

The area is home to numerous hikes including the infamous Roys Peak .

Whilst not being the most interesting trail, a 1300m ascent of solid switchbacks, 8km up and 8km back down, the views from the summit are nothing short of breathtaking. 

If you fancy something a bit more extreme then Wanaka is one of the best places in New Zealand to try your hand at canyoning.

You work your way down a canyon by abseiling, rappelling, swimming, and some seriously high jumps.  

READ MORE about the incredible things to do in Wanaka !

Welcome to the adrenaline capital of the world and the adventure capital of New Zealand. It all began in 1988 when AJ Hackett opened the world’s first Bungy, at the Kawarau Bridge.

From that point on Queenstown became the place to throw yourself off of or out of something just for the sheer thrill of it.

The original Bungy site is still in operation. However, if you’re brave enough you can head up the completely terrifying Nevis Bungy which is stomach-churning 134 meters high. 

If you don’t fancy a bunny then try out the epic canyon swings, flying foxes, paragliding, mountain bike trails, and jet boating. Queenstown is known for adventure sports!

If you’re here in the winter months then you can head up to the snow capped mountains of the Remarkables for some skiing and snowboarding. 

Of course, no mention of Queenstown would be complete with a mention of the institution that is Fergburger .

Starting out in 2001 it developed from a hole-in-the-wall burger joint to New Zealand’s most famous restaurant, where the cue is always long.   

Be sure to add these epic things to do in Queenstown to your New Zealand itinerary!

Nestled in the southwest corner of the island, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are in the heart of the Fiordland National Park and a popular spot on any New Zealand bucket list. 

Being the more well-known (and affordable) of the two, Milford Sound receives far more visitors than Doubtful Sound.

Milford Sound can be done as a day trip from Queenstown, with this becoming the preferred option for many.

However an overnight option is a great option, plus there will be far fewer people.

As spectacular as Milford Sound is, and it is truly breathtaking (don’t believe me? Check out this awesome day tour cruise ), it cannot compare to Doubtful Sound.

At 10 times the size of Milford Sound, it is truly something that needs to be seen to be believed.

Its sheer remoteness and size means that very often it feels like the only boat in the sound is yours. 

Getting out to Doubtful Sound requires a boat trip across Lake Manapouri, followed by an hour’s drive along the most expensive road in New Zealand before you arrive.

If you have the time and budget, an overnight stay is a highlight for those that do.

This is the wettest region in New Zealand’s South Island and when the heavens open, waterfalls cascade down the surrounding mountains and Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound come alive. 

Check out our incredible experience kayaking Doubtful Sound .

This gorgeous National Park in the southeastern corner of the South Island is a glorious combination of desolate windswept beaches and rugged coastal hiking trails. 

More often than not it’s overlooked by travellers as the criss-cross between Otago and Fiordland.

A crying shame in truth, but a wonderful opportunity to escape the crowds. 

Curio Bay is an amazing place to spot yellow-eyed penguins and the rare Hectors dolphin.

If you’re lucky seals, sea lions and even the occasional whale may be spotted. 

Head down to the most southerly point of mainland New Zealand at Slope Point , explore hidden beaches and take on the numerous hiking trails. 

READ MORE: Check out our ultimate guide for hiking in New Zealand !

A short drive from the centre of Dunedin is the Otago Peninsula which is full of wildlife and deserted beaches. 

The big draw here is the Albatross Centre where you can observe these stunning creatures and understand more about the threats to their habitat and environment.

It’s also possible to visit the Albatross Centre in the evening to observe the little blue penguins, the world’s smallest species returning to their nests at night.

Usually between 100 and 200 will return on any given night. However, sometimes this number can be as high as 300! 

For more adventures with the local wildlife head out on a sea kayaking tour to observe the area’s seal and sea lion communities.

These guided tours will take you around to sheltered bays that would be impossible to visit without a kayak, giving you the opportunity to observe these stunning creatures in their natural environment. 

Read more about our epic hikes throughout the Otago area.

Mount Cook National Park is one of the most spectacular places to visit in New Zealand. If you are lucky enough to be here on a day with clear blue skies then prepare to be amazed. 

The SH80 that runs parallel to Lake Pukaki gives you the first glimpse of the highlight of the Southern Alps.

There are a couple of spots that offer incredible views of Mount Cook .

If you are in a camper van, try to get here early to make sure you have a spot in the DOC camping site in Mount Cook National Park. 

From this DOC camping site, the Hooker Valley walk starts. This is the starting point for the Hooker Valley Track , although you can also join the Sealy Tarns and Kea Point Tracks from here.

The Hooker Valley Track is probably the best of these three-day walks on the South Island.

The views of Mount Cook after the second swing bridge are breathtaking.

At the end of the trail, you will find yourself on the edges of Hooker Lake where icebergs from the Hooker Glacier are likely to be floating. 

Mount Cook National Park has those dramatic alpine views that you expect to see in New Zealand!

This small national park is in the heart of the Canterbury Region and is home to numerous hiking trails including the Devils Punchbowl, Temple Basin, Bealey Spur, and Avalanche Peak .

Head down to Jackson’s Retreat to check out their glow worm tours as well. 

The West Coast Road, SH73 that runs through the Arthurs Pass National Park from east to west is home to a number of gorgeous lakes and mountain vistas en route.   

Sticking out from the South Island’s east coast is the Banks Peninsula. This little piece of paradise is one of New Zealand’s prettiest spots.

The main town of Akaroa is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the peninsula. 

It’s home to numerous hiking trails taking you into the surrounding hills.

It’s also an awesome place to take dolphin tours to spot the tiny Hectors Dolphin which is only found in New Zealand. 

Take a day to explore some of the many hidden beaches tucked away in various corners of the peninsula, with Okains Bay being particularly lovely.

The drive from Akaroa is absolutely spectacular. 

It is possible to do this as a day trip from Christchurch. However, I would very much recommend taking at least two nights to explore the stunning area of New Zealand. 

For many, this is their point of entry or exit. A charming place to spend a night or two, there is plenty to keep you busy.

The city’s botanical gardens are well worth checking out and are particularly beautiful in spring. 

Over the course of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch was hit by a number of earthquakes, changing the city forever.

The impacts of these earthquakes can still be seen today where Christchurch Cathedral is still undergoing repairs.

Visit Quake City to learn more about the complex relationship Christchurch has with earthquakes. 

If you’re in the mood for some scenery head up to the Gondola for amazing views of Christchurch, Lyttelton, and Banks Peninsula from the top of Mount Cavendish.

READ MORE: Be sure to add these amazing things to do in Christchurch !

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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9 of the best places to visit in New Zealand

Oct 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Experience the best of New Zealand with these top places to visit © Blue Planet Studio / Getty Images

New Zealand is famed for its natural beauty.

As you make your way around the country, you’ll see dramatic black-sand beaches, thermal springs, sandy coves, towering mountains and aquamarine lakes. City breaks include cosmopolitan Auckland , the cool capital of Wellington and ever-evolving Christchurch . However, many of the best places to visit in New Zealand involve leaving the city limits behind and immersing yourself in the great outdoors. 

As you build your itinerary for Aotearoa (as New Zealand is known in the Māori language), here are nine spots that should top your list. 

1. Queenstown

Best for adventure activities

New Zealand’s adventure capital is a favorite with visitors and for good reason. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Queenstown ’s location makes it one of the country’s most sought-after places to work and play. There are three good ski hills (called “ski fields”) and an equally enviable après-ski scene.

Queenstown's reputation for adventure is justified: from bungy jumping and zip lines, to paragliding and jet boating, there are plenty of ways to satisfy a taste for adrenaline. Rounding out its experiences, the summer months offer excellent hiking, cycling and water sports on the lake.

Detour: Make time to explore the valleys and settlements around Queenstown. Visit nearby Lake Hayes, the lakeside village of Glenorchy and historic Arrowtown . Then spend a day (or more) in Wānaka , known for its low-key vibes and Instagram-famous tree. The nearby  Gibbston Valley has some of the best wineries in the country.

2. Coromandel

Best for beautiful beaches

If you’re after a beach holiday, head to the Coromandel Peninsula , on the east coast of the North Island. While the iconic Cathedral Cove area is currently more difficult to access due to damage from 2023’s storms (you’ll need to take a boat or kayak tour to get there), there are countless other stunning beaches in the region.

For example, you could swim in the calm waters of Cooks Beach or take a 30-minute walk through native bush to find the more remote (but still popular) New Chums Beach. Other fun activities in the region include cycling through Karangahake Gorge, hiking the Pinnacles Trail and kayaking to Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary (Donut Island); a pristine, natural environment you can only explore from the water.

Planning tip: Rent a bach (holiday house) in one of the seaside towns of Hahei, Pauanui or Whangamatā, and make that your base for exploring the region.

3. Abel Tasman National Park

Best for hiking and kayaking

The South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park is an unspoiled natural environment replete with native bush, crystal-clear bays and white sandy beaches. You can access it on a day trip from Nelson , but this is a destination that demands more time if you can afford it. 

The Abel Tasman Coast Track , one of New Zealand's Great Walks, is a 60km (37-mile) walk along the coastline with lovely views of the beach. It usually takes three to five days to complete the full walk; otherwise, take on just a section as a day or afternoon hike using water taxis to return to your starting point. Alternatively, go kayaking to the national park’s seal colony, dive into the waters, or simply relax in tiny hidden coves and bays.

Planning tip: Cars are only able to drive as far as Tōtaranui on the north edge of the national park and Mārahau at the southern entrance, so visitors need to either walk to their preferred destination or take a water taxi.

4. Fiordland National Park

Best for epic landscapes

On the edge of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, the majestic Milford Sound/Piopiotahi , where visitors can see plunging waterfalls along the fiord and rare marine wildlife, including Fiordland crested penguins and Hector’s dolphins. There are also several hiking trails in the national park (including the country’s most famous multiday walk,  the Milford Track ), which takes visitors past snow-capped mountains and ice-forged fiords, with even more views of lakes, valleys and waterfalls.

Planning tip: Nearby Doubtful Sound/Patea is also spectacular but less accessible – travelers need to visit with a guide and by boat.

5. West Coast

Best for glaciers

The rugged western coastline of the South Island is a raw juxtaposition of dense rainforests, craggy rocks and ancient glaciers. The major drawcards of this wild and remote region are the majestic Fox and Franz Josef glaciers , offering visitors a unique chance to witness rivers of ice that flow almost to sea level. 

Take guided glacier hikes, heli-hikes or scenic flights to admire the glaciers for themselves. Other attractions of note include Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks , the turquoise Hokitika Gorge and the serene, mirror-like waters of Lake Matheson .

Planning tip: The West Coast receives a high amount of rainfall annually. Unfortunately, helicopter tours are weather-dependent. If you have your heart set on landing on a glacier, ensure your itinerary is flexible enough to allow for a bad weather day.  

6. Mackenzie Region

Best for stargazing

Around two hours’ drive from Christchurch is the Mackenzie Region, a peaceful place with some of the country’s loveliest scenery. The region is an International Dark Sky Reserve with minimal light pollution, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast. When you have a clear night, head to the observatory to see the stars through a telescope, or simply look up.

The Mackenzie is also the home of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd , a stone building that’s one of the country’s most photographed spots. Nearby, the small town of Twizel makes a convenient base to explore the region. From there, you can easily access the lakes and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park , which has a range of walks from short trails to full-day hikes.

Planning tip: Book a Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) tour at the  Dark Sky Project to learn about the significance of the night sky to Māori. This isn’t weather dependent so it’s a great option for wet weather days.

Best for geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences

At the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal action, Rotorua is the place to go to see bubbling mud pools, geysers and steaming rivers. Then, finish the day by taking a relaxing soak in a thermal mud bath. 

Rotorua is just as renowned for its geological wonders as it is for its immersive cultural experiences. You can learn more about Māori culture and language with a visit to a traditional Māori marae (meeting grounds). At  Te Puia  geothermal park, for example, you'll see local Māori carvers at work at the New Zealand Māori Art and Crafts Institute. This attraction is also home to the southern hemisphere’s largest geyser. The nearby Whakarewarewa Forest (also known as the Redwoods) boasts some great cycling and hiking trails, and a treetop walk that is lit up beautifully at night.

Best for architecture

After a devastating earthquake in 1931,  Napier  was rebuilt almost completely, embracing the art deco style that was popular at the time. Today, it has one of the most extensive collections of art deco buildings in the southern hemisphere. Visitors who want to get their Great Gatsby on can immerse themselves in Napier’s history through guided walks, vintage car tours and the  Art Deco Festival , which takes place each February.

Detour: Spend a day or two visiting the charming village of Havelock North and the Hawke’s Bay wineries, which produce award-winning syrahs, chardonnays and reds.

9. Bay of Islands

Best for Māori history

The Bay of Islands , with its shimmering waters and myriad islets, is as pretty as it is important to the culture and history of the country. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds mark the place where a foundational document was signed between Māori chiefs and British representatives, forming modern-day New Zealand.

If you visit between November and March, you can also experience traditional performances at the treaty grounds, as well as a hāngī feast, where food is cooked in the earth. Beyond Waitangi, you can get out on the water with a waka (traditional canoe) tour, where local Māori guides share stories about their seafaring ancestors and the sacred spots within the bay. In nearby Paihia, download the Ātea Nuku app to experience an augmented reality walking tour showing the history of the town.

Planning tip: On Waitangi Day (February 6), all the Treaty Ground buildings are closed for the public holiday. Instead, a massive festival takes place. You can take part in a dawn ceremony, eat from food stalls and watch cultural performances.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated October 2023

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101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List 🏔️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the best activities, attractions, sights and tours in new zealand.

This is it; the ultimate list of the 101 best things to do in New Zealand . With two main islands to explore, extremely diverse landscapes, adventure activities, cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, lively cities and quirky small towns, saying there is an overwhelming number of things to do in New Zealand would be an understatement. Nevertheless, we’ve whittled down the activities, attractions, sights and tours to a humble 101, making your travel itinerary building a little easier. Let’s begin!

The Best Things to Do in New Zealand: Watch the Video

Robin from NZ Pocket Guide goes over all his 101 favourite things to do in New Zealand in the video below . So if you don’t feel like going through a long read, give it a watch while you cook, do the laundry or simply lounge on the couch. Enjoy!

1. Do a Heli-Hike on the Tasman Glacier in Mt Cook

Land on New Zealand’s largest glacier in a helicopter and explore its ice caves with views of the country’s largest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (more info on  Viator and  KKday ) . Glacier heli-hiking is also available in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier .

Location: Mt Cook, South Island. Learn more in  7 Ways to Take on New Zealand’s Glaciers .

2. Have a Close Encounter with Kiwi Birds

See New Zealand’s iconic native flightless bird, the kiwi, at one of the many conservation centres around the country, including the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua (more info on Viator and Klook )  and the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown .

Location: Check out all of the locations in  Where to See Kiwi Birds in New Zealand .

3. Wander or Fly Through the Forest Canopy on the West Coast Zipline & Tree Top Walk

The unique elevated walk of the West Coast Zipline & Tree Top Walk is just the beginning. Climb to the top of Tower Zipline not only for breathtaking views of the surrounding coast and lake but to swoosh through the forest on a 425 m (1,394 ft) double zipline! For more information, head to treetopsnz.com/zipline .

Location: Hokitika, South Island. Plan more of your visit in the  10 Best Things to Do in Hokitika .

4. Venture Far North to Cape Reinga

The lighthouse at (almost) the northern point of the North Island is an iconic photo spot. Either drive up there yourself or join a tour, such as with Fullers GreatSights , to combine the visit with sandboarding on Ninety Mile Beach .

Location: Cape Reinga, North Island. Learn more about things to do in our Cape Reinga Guide .

5. Experience a Maori Village Evening with Traditional Food

Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s original culture, Maori, with an evening village tour. Te Pa Tu (formerly Tamaki Maori Village) and Mitai Maori Village  both offer interactive experiences with performances, games and a traditional meal called a “hangi”.

Location: Rotorua , North Island. See more Maori experiences in the  10 Best Maori Tours in New Zealand .

6. Hike to the Pouakai Tarns of Taranaki

One of many hikes you can do in New Zealand to revel in its stunning scenery, the Pouakai Tarns Track ( Mangorei Track ) journeys through the vibrant forest of the Egmont National Park to a mirror lake reflecting Mt Taranaki.

Location: Egmont National Park, North Island. See more walks in our  6 Best Hikes in Egmont National Park .

7. Sample Some Wine in Marlborough

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, famous for its sauvignon blanc. Either visit wineries independently for tastings, hire some bikes with Explore Marlborough or be chauffeured around on a driving tour with the Marlborough Tour Company (on Viator or Klook ) .

Location: Blenheim , South Island. Check out more wine regions in the 10 Best Wine Tours in New Zealand .

8. Witness an East Cape Sunrise

Due to its position on the International Date Line, New Zealand is one of the first countries to see the sunrise of a new day. An iconic place to watch the sunrise is from the East Cape Lighthouse ; the easternmost shores of the mainland.

Location: Gisborne , North Island. Learn more about the region’s attractions in the 13 Eastland Must-Dos .

9. Skydive and Land on the Beach in the Bay of Islands

Skydiving is huge in New Zealand; not only because of the country’s adventurous spirit but because of the stunning views from the sky. One of the most unique drop zones is with Skydive Bay of Islands where you can land on the beach. For a South Island drop zone with similar sandy views, check out Skydive Abel Tasman .

Location: Bay of Islands , North Island. See more amazing dropzones in the  12 Best Places to Tandem Skydive in New Zealand .

10. See Vividly Clear Water at Te Waikoropupū Springs

Te Waikoropupū Springs is the largest freshwater spring in New Zealand, releasing unbelievably clear water. The North Island equivalent is the Blue Spring of Te Waihou Walkway in Putāruru.

Location: Takaka , South Island. For more Takaka attractions, see the  10 Best Things to Do in Takaka .

11. Enjoy a Whale Watching Cruise

Watch sperm whales throw their giant flukes in the air before diving under the ocean’s surface from a whale watching cruise in Kaikoura (more info on  Viator  and Klook ) . Whale watching is also available from Auckland (on Viator  and Klook ) .

Location: Kaikoura, South Island. See more locations for whale watching in the 5 Best Places to Spot Whales in New Zealand .

12. See Geysers, Hot Springs, Terraces and More at a Geothermal Park

New Zealand is literally a hotbed of activity, especially on the North Island with entire geothermal parks to explore. Highlights include Waimangu Volcanic Valley  and Orakei Korako .

Location: Rotorua – Taupo , North Island. See more geothermal hotspots in the  8 Best Geothermal Parks in New Zealand .

13. Head to Huka Falls

This section of the Waikato River, which squeezes into a narrow canyon is the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand and for good reason! The mighty rapids of Huka Falls are something that will stick with you for a long time. Plus, it’s absolutely free!

Location: Taupo , North Island. See more epic attractions nearby in the  10 Best Things to Do in Taupo .

14. Take a Cruise at Milford Sound

If you know anything about New Zealand, it’s probably something to do with Milford Sound . This majestic fiord has been dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, most commonly seen on cruises listed in the 6 Best Cruises in Milford Sound . If you have more time, however, consider the less-visited Doubtful Sound (more info on Viator , Klook and KKday ) .

Location: Fiordland National Park , South Island. Plan your trip to the fiord using The Complete Travel Guide to Milford Sound .

15. Hike Over a Volcano on the Tongariro Crossing

Enjoy a day hike crossing the volcanic terrain of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe with rich red craters, vibrant green lakes and steaming vents. Prepare for the day hike using The Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing .

Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island. See more ways to experience these volcanos in the  10 Tongariro National Park Must-Dos .

16. Check Out the Seal Colonies

Seeing these adorable marine mammals is a common occurrence in New Zealand, especially when travelling the South Island. See seal colonies from the Cape Foulwind Walkway in Westport , the Red Rock Walk in Wellington or simply take up parking spots in Kaikoura .

Location: See locations all over New Zealand in the  14 Best Places to See Seals in New Zealand .

17. Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park

With more than 15,000 km (9,320 mi) of coastline, New Zealand is an awesome country for kayaking. A hotspot for the watersport is the bush-clad and golden-sand shores of the Abel Tasman National Park with Abel Tasman Kayaks . On the North Island, try kayaking with Cathedral Cove Kayaks .

Location: Abel Tasman National Park , South Island. Hit more kayaking spots using the  10 Best Kayak Tours in New Zealand .

18. Scuba Dive at the Poor Knights Islands

To add to New Zealand’s adventure list, scuba diving is also worth doing, especially in the marine reserve of the Poor Knights Islands . An awesome South Island alternative is Milford Sound to see black coral.

Location: Tutukaka , North Island. For more dive sites, head to the  10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in New Zealand .

19. Journey Through Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine Train

Ride one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys on the TranzAlpine train (more info on Viator and  Klook ) . A road goes through the mountainous Arthur’s Pass too if you prefer one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives .

Location: Christchurch – Greymouth , South Island. Learn more about taking the train in our New Zealand Train Guide .

20. Dig Your Own Hot Pool at Hot Water Beach

The best things in life are free, like digging yourself a soothing hot pool at a beach in New Zealand. Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula has a hot spring seeping through the sand, ideal for making a hot pool when mixed with seawater.

Location: Hahei, North Island. See more beaches to visit in the 22 Stunning Beaches in New Zealand .

21. Experience Downhill Fun on The Luge

One of the more surprising activities in New Zealand, The Luge is made up of downhill tracks for go-karts powered by gravity. It’s heaps of fun for all ages! Check out Luge tracks atop the Skyline gondolas in Rotorua and Queenstown.

Location: Rotorua , North Island and Queenstown , South Island. See more wacky activities like this in the  9 Newest & Weirdest Extreme Activities in New Zealand .

22. Carve Your Own Greenstone Pendant in Hokitika

Greenstone, also known as jade or pounamu, is a precious stone to the Maori people . The shores of Hokitika and the West Coast have a particular abundance of the stuff, making it a worthy town to try carving your own Maori greenstone pendant . Alternatively, greenstone carving is available on Stewart Island !

Location: Hokitika, South Island. See more Hokitika attractions in the  10 Best Things to Do in Hokitika .

23. See Penguins, Sea Lions, Albatross and More on the Otago Peninsula

Accessible from Dunedin , the Otago Peninsula is a mecca for some of the world’s rarest species of penguins and sea lions, as well as the largest seabird, the royal albatross. There are various conservation centres on the peninsula, as well as guided tours, such as Elm Wildlife Tours , to almost guarantee good viewings.

Location: Dunedin, South Island. See more Dunedin highlights in the  10 Best Things to Do in Dunedin .

24. Explore Caves and Giant Arches in the Oparara Basin

A real hidden gem, the Oparara Basin in the Kahurangi National Park has short walks to multiple caves, fairytale-like forest, and a 200 m (656 ft)-long arch! Plan your visit using the 7 Amazing Oparara Basin Walks .

Location: Karamea, South Island. For more activities nearby, see the  7 Best Things to Do in Karamea .

25. Do a Bungy Jump in Queenstown

Do this iconic adrenaline activity in the place where it was invented, Queenstown. There’s the original bungy jump from the Kawarau Bridge , the highest jump from the Nevis Bungy , and one that allows you to do a freestyle jump, The Ledge . If you’re not going to Queenstown, you can also jump in Taupo, Hanmer Springs and elsewhere, as mentioned in the  7 Best Places to Bungy Jump in New Zealand .

Location: Queenstown , South Island. See more adrenaline activities in the  10 Epic Adventure Activities in Queenstown .

26. Step Back in Time on Ulva Island

Experience what New Zealand used to be like before human migration on Ulva Island (more info on Viator and  Klook ) . Native parrots cackling in the trees and kiwi birds running across your path are not uncommon. There are other island sanctuaries similar to this from the North Island, such as Kapiti Island  and Tiritiri Matangi Island .

Location: Stewart Island , South Island. See more Stewart Island experiences in the  10 Best Things to Do on Stewart Island .

27. Soak in the Hot Pools at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Thanks to New Zealand’s many natural mineral hot springs, it’s not too difficult to find a hot pool complex. One of the most famous of which is the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools , the largest in the country. Don’t worry, there are plenty on the North Island too, such as Taupo DeBrett’s .

Location: Hanmer Springs , South Island. See the locations of other hot pools in the  10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand .

28. Do a “Great Walk”

Backpacking/tramping/multi-day hiking is a classic way to connect with nature and see New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery. While there are over 250 multi-day hikes in New Zealand, the ones with the best facilities are known as the New Zealand Great Walks . Add one to your itinerary for a real adventure.

Location: See the locations of all of the Great Walks in The 10 Great Walks of New Zealand . For cheaper options, see the  12 Awesome Alternatives to the New Zealand Great Walks .

29. Ski Down an Active Volcano

That’s right, New Zealand’s largest active volcano has three ski fields on it! Although Mt Ruapehu might be a unique place to ski on the North Island, there are actually a lot more ski fields to choose from on the South Island. Compare them all in the  Top 24 Ski Fields in New Zealand .

Location: Tongariro National Park , North Island. Prepare for the ski season using our guide, Ski Season in New Zealand: North Island or South Island?

30. Soak Up the Scenery on a Scenic Flight

You don’t have to hike for days to bask in the scenery of New Zealand’s remote nooks and crannies. Scenic flights are abundant across the country, from taking a chopper across the little-known Dusky and Doubtful Sounds with Southern Lakes Helicopters to cruising over the Canterbury Plains in a hot air balloon with Adventure Balloons NZ .

Location: Te Anau and Methven , South Island. Check out more options in the 10 Best Scenic Flights in New Zealand .

31. Experience Middle-earth in Hobbiton

Fans of The Lord of the Rings cannot miss this attraction! The Hobbiton Movie Set is the Hobbit village exactly as you saw in the movies, where a guided tour is available to learn more  (more info on  Viator and  Klook ) .

Location: Matamata , North Island. For more Middle-earth locations, see the  23 Best Lord of the Rings Locations in New Zealand .

32. Ride a Jet Boat in the White Water Rapids…

Another adrenaline-inducing New Zealand invention is the jet boat, capable of blasting over shallow water and doing 360° spins. There are many jet boat tours in New Zealand , but a pretty epic one is Rapids Jet in Taupo taking you over tumultuous white water.

Location: Taupo , North Island. For more jet boating locations, see the  17 Best Places to Jet Boat in New Zealand .

33. … Or Do White Water Rafting in the Rapids

Speaking of rapids, of course, you can also do white water rafting down New Zealand’s rugged river gorges. One of the highlights is the grade 4 and 5 rapids of the Rangitikei River . Alternatively, rafting in Queenstown takes you through old mining tunnels (on Klook  and  KKday ) .

Location: Taihape , North Island. For more rafting locations, check out the  7 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in New Zealand .

34. See the Vibrant Blue Pools of Hokitika Gorge

You’ll rarely see water as naturally milky blue as in Hokitika Gorge , except, well, Lake Pukaki, also on the South Island. Nevertheless, a short walk brings you to this beautiful river gorge on the West Coast , which you can learn more about in the  23 Best Walks in Hokitika .

Location: Hokitika , South Island. See more photo spots like this in the  10 Picture Perfect Bridges in New Zealand .

35. See Glowworms in Waitomo

As vivid as the stars in the sky are the glowworms in the caves of Waitomo . While caving and underground tubing are fun ways to see these shiny maggots , the classic experience is a walking and boat tour with Waitomo Glowworm Caves . Don’t forget, there is a similar experience on the South Island too, at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (more info on Viator and  Klook ) .

Location: Waitomo, North Island. Check out more locations with glowworms in the 7 Best Places to See the Famous Glowworms in New Zealand .

36. Check Out McLean Falls in The Catlins

A road trip in New Zealand is typically full of waterfalls. Arguably, some of the most beautiful can be found in The Catlins . McLean Falls is a rewarding waterfall to visit with climbable terraces, but also add Purakaunui Falls to the list.

Location: The Catlins, South Island. For more waterfalls to visit, check out the  12 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand .

37. Try Out Surfing in Raglan

Surfing is extremely popular in New Zealand and Kiwis aren’t afraid to throw on their wetsuit and hit the waves, even at the depths of the South Island. The most famous surf town, however, is Raglan on the North Island where there are plenty of lessons and gear hire available (more info on Viator or  Klook ).

Location: Raglan, North Island. For more surfing locations, see The Best Surf Regions in New Zealand .

38. Take a Photo of a “Big Thing”

New Zealand might be a small country but it has a lot of “big things”. We’re talking about sculptures erected in various towns to mark their claims to fame, such as the “ Brown Trout Fishing Capital ” of Gore or the “ Kiwiana Capital ” of Otorohanga .

Location: Check out many of New Zealand’s sculpture locations in the  21 BIG Things in New Zealand .

39. Meet the Giants in a Kauri Forest

By “giants”, we, of course, mean giant trees and kauri are the largest types in New Zealand. The biggest of which is Tane Mahuta , the God of the Forest, found in the Waipoua Forest . See it via a walking track or visit as part of an evening Maori tour with Footprints Waipoua .

Location: Hokianga , North Island. For more kauri locations, see the 10 Best Kauri Forests in New Zealand .

40. Explore the Shores of Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach

Get well and truly off the beaten track to the sandy shores of Golden Bay where two ruggedly beautiful coastal sights await. Farewell Spit is New Zealand’s longest sandspit and one of the most protected places in the country. Nearby, Wharariki Beach looks out to the photo-worthy Archway Islands. Find out how to visit them in the  7 Best Walks at Farewell Spit .

Location: Golden Bay , South Island. For more things to see in the area, see the 19 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay .

41. Stargaze in an International Dark Sky Reserve

New Zealand is not only home to a Dark Sky Reserve in Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo but a Dark Sky Sanctuary on Stewart Island . This basically means that these South Island locations are among some of the best places to stargaze in the world. Learn how to make the most of them in our Dark Sky Guide .

Location: Aoraki Mt Cook/Lake Tekapo – Stewart Island, South Island. See more locations in the  5 Best Stargazing Sites in New Zealand .

42. Do Horse Trekking in the Cardrona Valley

Gallop across the plains or beaches, climb the hills and navigate the forests on a horse trekking tour in New Zealand. An excellent choice is The Cardrona between Wanaka and Queenstown . Alternatively, try Ahipara Horse Treks for trekking on Ninety Mile Beach on the North Island.

Location: Cardrona Valley, South Island. More locations can be found in the  10 Best Horse Treks in New Zealand .

43. Visit the Te Papa Museum in Wellington

Te Papa is the national museum of New Zealand, located in the nation’s capital. There’s so much to explore here between the volcano displays, settlers’ stories and endless exhibitions inside and out. What’s more, it’s free!

Location: Wellington , North Island. For more experiences nearby, see the  20 Best Things to Do in Wellington .

44. Visit the High Country Farm, Walter Peak

Farming has been a way of life in New Zealand for more than a century and tours like those at Walter Peak on the South Island give visitors a fun insight into sheep shearing, cattle rearing and more (more info on Viator ,  Klook  and  KKday ).  Alternatively, on the North Island, try the Agrodome farm tour in Rotorua.

Location: Queenstown , South Island. See more family-friendly activities like this in the 50 Best Things to Do in New Zealand with Kids .

45. Feed Stingrays in Gisborne

When the tide is low, Dive Tatapouri invites visitors to meet their resident eagle rays and short-tail stingrays to feed them and learn more about these reef-dwellers. You can also feed stingrays on the South Island at Lochmara Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds .

Location: Gisborne , North Island. See more Gisborne highlights in the  10 Best Things to Do in Gisborne .

46. Take the Ferry to Rangitoto Island

From the heart of Auckland city, escape to the 600-year-old Rangitoto Island and Auckland’s youngest volcano. After a ferry journey, hike through lava fields and explore lava caves on your way to the crater summit. Rangitoto is just one of many islands to visit from Auckland .

Location: Auckland , North Island. For more Auckland highlights, check out the  10 Best Things to Do in Auckland .

47. Admire the Reflections at Lake Matheson

It doesn’t get more postcard-perfect than Lake Matheson . The loop walk around the lake takes you to various viewpoints with reflections of New Zealand’s tallest mountains reflected in the inky black lake water.

Location: Fox Glacier , South Island. For more lakes to admire, see the  21 Mind-Blowing Lakes in New Zealand .

48. Go on a Jet Boat Excursion in Haast

Jet boating comes in two forms: a thrill ride or an excursion. Waiatoto River Safari offers the latter, taking you on a scenic journey from the Pacific Ocean to the valleys of the Mt Aspiring National Park and UNESCO Te Waihipounamu World Heritage Area .

Location: Haast , South Island. Again, take a look at the different jet boat tours in the  17 Best Places to Jet Boat in New Zealand .

49. Visit Cathedral Cove

The white cliffs, archway and sandy shores are an iconic image of New Zealand and, more specifically, the Coromandel . Get there by boat , kayak  or on foot .

Location: Coromandel, North Island. For more attractions in the area, see the 10 Best Things to Do in the Coromandel .

50. Go Off-Roading in Greymouth

Hit the off-roading trails of bush, bog and pastures on one of New Zealand’s off-roading experiences. On Yer Bike in Greymouth is an epic self-drive option with quad bikes and 4×4 buggies.

Location: Greymouth, South Island. For more off-roading locations, check out the  10 Best Places for Quad Biking in New Zealand .

51. Learn About New Zealand History at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Go to the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed; the document that made New Zealand a nation. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers a museum, carving studios, bushwalks, a historic homestead and Maori culture performances (more info on Viator and  Klook ) .

Location: Bay of Islands , North Island. Plan more of your visit with the  10 Best Things to Do in the Bay of Islands .

52. Zipline Through the Forest in Rotorua

Soar through the forest like a native tui on one of New Zealand’s zipline tours, such as that with Rotorua Canopy Tours (more info on  Viator ,  Klook  and  KKday ) . Or on the South Island, try Ziptrek Eco Tours in Queenstown (on  Viator ,  Klook  and  KKday ).

Location: Rotorua , North Island. For more zipline locations, check out the 10 Best Places to Zipline in New Zealand .

53. Hit the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Just like the multi-day tramping trails, New Zealand is also home to some breathtaking cycle journeys. Cycle from Aoraki Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail on the South Island or from the volcanic slopes of Mt Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea on the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail in the north.

Location: Mt Cook – Oamaru , South Island. For more places to ride your bike, head to The Best Mountain Biking Regions in New Zealand .

54. Walk to Devil’s Punchbowl Falls

Nestled in the Southern Alps in the Arthur’s Pass National Park, Devil’s Punchbowl Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country. It’s also one of the must-do short walks on the South Island .

Location: Arthur’s Pass National Park , South Island. For more waterfalls to see, head to the  12 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand .

55. Discover Mining Tunnels, Historical Equipment and More at Karangahake Gorge

Mining for gold was a huge part of New Zealand’s pioneering days. Remnants of these early settlers’ determination can be seen along the rugged terrain of Karangahake Gorge on the North Island or on the Charming Creek Walkway in the south.

Location: Paeroa, North Island. See more to do in the town in the  5 Best Things to Do in Paeroa .

56. Swim with Dolphins in Tauranga

During the summer months, various cruises from Tauranga take you out into the Bay of Plenty to swim alongside its resident pods of dolphins, including Dolphin Seafaris . Of course, it’s no surprise that you can also swim with dolphins in Kaikoura .

Location: Tauranga, North Island. Check out the  5 Best Places to Swim with Dolphins in New Zealand for more locations around the country.

57. Cruise the Bay of Islands to See the Hole in the Rock

With 144 islands scattered across the Bay of Islands , there’s plenty to see on a cruise here. As well as dolphin and seal sightings, cruises will also take you through a giant archway island known as the Hole in the Rock (more info on Viator and  Klook ) .

Location: Bay of Islands, North Island. For more awesome places to cruise, check out the 11 Best Cruises in New Zealand .

58. See Rare Birds at Zealandia

Even in New Zealand’s capital city, you can easily find wilderness areas where birds thrive thanks to state-of-the-art predator-proof fences. Zealandia is such an eco-sanctuary with walkways lined with bird-feeding stations making it easy to see native parrots, tui, robins and the colourful flightless takahe.

Location: Wellington , North Island. Plan more of your trip to the capital using the  20 Best Things to Do in Wellington .

59. Take a Tour to Cape Kidnappers

Not only is Cape Kidnappers an excellent example of tectonic plates, fault lines and ancient fossils but it’s also home to New Zealand’s largest mainland gannet colony. Either walk the trail or take a tour with Gannet Safaris Overland . Alternatively, see the gannet colony at Muriwai in Auckland.

Location: Hastings , North Island. Plan more of your trip to Hawke’s Bay using the  10 Hawke’s Bay Must-Dos .

60. Experience New Zealand Fishing

New Zealand is blessed with thriving fish populations kept in control by strict regulations. Many of New Zealand’s rivers are lined with fly-fisherfolk catching rainbow and brown trout, while fishing charters take visitors out to catch the likes of blue cod and snapper. Learn more about fishing in our guide, What You Need to Know About Fishing in New Zealand .

Location: See fishing locations in our fishing guide .

61. Hike the Hooker Valley Track

More stellar scenery can be admired on the Hooker Valley Track of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park . Walk from suspension bridge to suspension bridge under the gaze of towering mountains until you reach a glacier lookout.

Location: Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, South Island. For more unmissable walks, check out the  10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Mt Cook .

62. Check Out the Boulders of Castle Hill

More spectacular natural formations await at Kura Tawhiti , also known as Castle Hill . Wander through the majestic limestone formations on the access track. Similar formations can also be found in the Waitaki Valley .

Location: Castle Hill, South Island. See more sights nearby in the  10 Underrated Places to Visit in Canterbury .

63. Explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

A New Zealand city wouldn’t be a New Zealand city without a public garden to be proud of, and nowhere offers a better example of this than the Christchurch Botanic Gardens . However, we also like the Wellington Botanic Garden on the North Island.

Location: Christchurch , South Island. Explore more attractions like this in the  20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch .

64. Tour the Shamarra Alpaca Farm in Akaroa

A surprising find in New Zealand is alpaca farms! Feed, stroke and get a photo with the alpacas of Shamarra Alpaca Farm in Akaroa . On the North Island, there’s Nevalea Alpacas in Taumarunui.

Location: Akaroa, South Island. Plan more of your trip to Akaroa using the  10 Akaroa Must-Dos .

65. Try Out Stand-Up Paddleboarding

A favourite pastime for coasties in New Zealand, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is well worth trying for a relaxing yet healthy way to explore the country’s lakes, rivers and coast. Some of our favourite paddle destinations are on the North Island, such as Donut Island from Whangamata and even into glowworm tunnels with Paddle Board Rotorua .

Location: Whangamata and Rotorua, North Island. See more paddleboarding opportunities in the 10 Best Places to SUP in New Zealand .

66. Try a Kiwi Pie

A staple of every gas station and bakery, New Zealand’s small savoury pies are a must-try. Our favourite pie shops are the Fairlie Bakery on the South Island and the Richoux Patisserie  on the North Island.

Location: Fairlie , South Island. See where to try more traditional New Zealand food here in the 25 Foods You Have to Try in New Zealand .

67. Do the Mt Manaia Walk

Get glorious coastal views of the Whangarei Heads from this stunning viewpoint in Northland. The Mt Manaia Walk is one of the North Island’s top short walks , incorporating kauri forest, rocky outcrops and views for miles.

Location: Whangarei , North Island. Plan more of your trip using the  12 Best Things to Do at Whangarei Heads .

68. Do Via Ferrata Climbing with Wildwire Wanaka

You don’t need to be a pro climber to experience the sensation of scouring cliff faces and waterfalls. Wildwire Wanaka has set up a fun via ferrata climbing course with steel ladders and bridges.

Location: Wanaka , South Island. Check out 18 Best Things to Do in Wanaka  to plan more of your trip.

69. Do the Monteith’s Brewery Tour

Discover New Zealand’s passion for beer making on a brewery tour, such as Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth . Another popular tour is at Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin .

Location: Greymouth, South Island. More brewery tour locations can be found in the   10 Best New Zealand Beer Tours .

70. Check Out the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

If you’re roading tripping on the West Coast , don’t miss the 20-minute walk to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks . See oddly-shaped rocks stacked like pancakes and powerful blowhole displays at high tide.

Location: Punakaiki, South Island. There’s more stuff to do here, which you can find out more about in the  9 Best Things to Do in Punakaiki .

71. Kayak or Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings at Lake Taupo

The fact that Lake Taupo is the crater of a supervolcano is impressive in itself, but glimpsing at the shore’s towering Maori carvings is another reason to cruise (more info on  Viator and  Klook ) or kayak  on the lake.

Location: Taupo , North Island. See more ways to experience the lake in the  5 Ways to Experience Lake Taupo .

72. Head to the Top of the Sky Tower

Who wouldn’t be curious to see the view from the top of the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building? Take the elevator to the observation deck of the Sky Tower to see the urban jungle of Auckland along with the islands of the Hauraki Gulf (more info on  Viator  and Klook ) . For a dose of adrenaline, try the SkyWalk or the Sky Jump .

Location: Auckland, North Island. Plan more of your trip with the  10 Best Things to Do in Auckland .

73. Experience Canyoning in Queenstown

Make the canyon your playground by scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling and more on a canyoning tour. Epic canyoning tours depart from Queenstown and Wanaka with Canyoning New Zealand .

Location: Queenstown, South Island. Find more locations on both the North and South islands in the 7 Best Places for Canyoning in New Zealand .

74. Catch a Rugby Game

It’s one of the most popular sports in New Zealand, so experience the electric atmosphere when a rugby game is on at a local sports bar or, better yet, in a stadium like the Sky Stadium in Wellington .

Location: Wellington, North Island. Check out more stadiums in  The Best Places to Watch Rugby in New Zealand .

75. Climb to the Lighthouse, See the Seals and Find a Lord of the Rings Location at Cape Palliser

Isolated at the bottom of the North Island, Cape Palliser offers plenty of reasons to make the day trip from Wellington . Get a scenic photo of the lighthouse (after climbing 250 steps), stop by the Putangirua Pinnacles from The Lord of the Rings, and say hello to the seals sleeping on the shore.

Location: Wairarapa, North Island. See more attractions in the area in the  10 Best Things to Do in Wairarapa .

76. Play a Round of Golf

New Zealand’s highest participation sport is golf, so teeing off at one of the country’s golf courses is highly recommended. Take a swing in stellar scenery, such as the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course on the North Island or at Millbrook on the South Island .

Location: Find more golf courses in the  21 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand .

77. Climb The Mount of Mt Maunganui

This cool little beach suburb of Tauranga not only offers an array of eateries, shops and beach sports but you can see it all from the top of The Mount ! It’s a steep climb to the top but totally worth it.

Location: Tauranga, North Island. For more stuff to do here, see the 15 Best Things to Do in Tauranga .

78. Tour the Weta Workshop

Forget Hollywood; the New Zealand film industry mostly functions out of “Wellywood”, including the Weta Workshop which creates props and special effects for The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Marvel movies and more (more info on Viator and  Klook ) . Alternatively, check out Weta Unleashed in Auckland.

Location: Wellington and Auckland , North Island. Check out more movie locations in the 15 Best Film Locations in Wellington .

79. Enter an Alternative Reality at Steampunk HQ

One of the quirkier attractions in New Zealand, Steampunk HQ is a steampunk museum and art gallery with all sorts of wacky inventions. Who says there’s nothing to do in New Zealand on a rainy day?!

Location: Oamaru , South Island. Check out more attractions nearby in the  10 Best Things to Do in Oamaru .

80. Visit New Zealand’s Only Castle

Considering New Zealand is one of the last large landmasses to be colonised, it’s no surprise that there are no castles except for one dominating a hilltop on the Otago Peninsula. Larnach Castle is open for high tea, tours and accommodation.

Location: Dunedin, South Island. Check out  The Complete Travel Guide to Dunedin to plan your trip.

81. See Vivid Displays at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

A museum like no other, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre showcases warplanes and memorabilia in realistic static displays made by movie studios, Weta (more info on  Viator and  Klook ) .

Location: Blenheim, South Island. Explore more of Blenheim using the  10 Best Things to Do in Blenheim .

82. Check Out Whangarei Falls

Another free natural attraction to admire is the mighty Whangarei Falls . The short waterfall walk offers various viewpoints for picture-perfect photos.

Location: Whangarei , North Island. Add more to the itinerary with the  20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whangarei .

83. Get a Photo of the Moeraki Boulders

Visit these perfectly spherical boulders on the beach at low tide for more wacky photo-ops. Plan your visit using The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Moeraki Boulders . There are also similar boulders on the North Island, the Koutu Boulders in the Hokianga Harbour .

Location: Hampden, South Island.

84. Stand on the World’s Steepest Street

That’s right, Baldwin Street in Dunedin holds the Guinness World Record for the steepest street! For more world records, visit the world’s longest place name, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu , on the North Island.

Location: Dunedin, South Island. Add a visit to Baldwin Street to your 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dunedin .

85. Visit the Bridge to Nowhere

Nestled in the dense forest of the Whanganui National Park, the stone structure of the Bridge to Nowhere is one of the rare remnants of a time when pioneers attempted to use the area for farming. Visit the bridge via multi-day hiking and cycling trails or on a jet boat tour .

Location: Whanganui National Park, North Island. See more attractions here in the  10 Best Things to Do in the Whanganui National Park .

86. Do an Art Deco Tour of Napier

After a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city of Napier was rebuilt with characterful art deco architecture. Learn about the city’s history and most noteworthy buildings on a walking art deco tour.

Location: Napier, North Island. This activity is one of the   15 Best Things to Do in Napier .

87. Discover the Hidden Gem of Washpen Falls

You wouldn’t think there’s much to see among the Canterbury Plains , but that’s what makes Washpen Falls such a hidden gem. More than just a waterfall walk, Washpen Falls features volcanic remnants, Maori archaeological sites, viewpoints and a lagoon with a rowing boat.

Location: Methven, South Island. Plan more items for the itinerary in the  10 Best Things to Do in Methven .

88. Experience a Railbiking Journey with Forgotten World Adventures

One of the more unique modes of transport, railbiking is electric and peddle-powered rail karts running on disused railway lines in New Zealand’s remote places. Railbike with Forgotten World Adventures , Gisborne Railbike Adventures or Awakeri Rail Adventures .

Location: Taumarunui, North Island.

89. Slide Down the Rere Rockslide

Forget waterparks, Gisborne has its own natural waterpark at the Rere Rockslide . Get a bodyboard or an inflatable mattress and have the time of your life! A short walk away is also the Rere Waterfall .

Location: Gisborne, North Island. Plan your visit with  The Complete Travel Guide to Gisborne .

90. Land on a Glacier in a Ski Plane

Some 90 points ago, we mentioned heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier. Well, you can experience this glacier in a pretty unique way too, with the Tasman Glacier being one of only a couple of glaciers in the world that you can land on in a ski plane (more info on Viator and Klook ) !

Location: Mt Cook, South Island. Add this activity to the itinerary along with the  20 Best Things to Do in Mt Cook .

91. See the Underwater World From a Clear Kayak

Admittedly, New Zealand’s waters are a little too cool for snorkelling. That’s where clear kayaking comes in, allowing you to observe the thriving fish and kelp forests through your kayak! Hire a Clearyak at the Goat Island Marine Reserve .

Location: Leigh, North Island. See more stuff to do in the  10 Best Things to Do in Leigh .

92. Walk on the Crater of Mt Tarawera

You don’t have to do a full-day hike to walk on the crater of a volcano, like the Tongariro Crossing. Mt Tarawera rivals those views! The mountain can be accessed via a 4WD and walking tour with Kaitiaki Adventures or a helicopter with Volcanic Air .

Location: Rotorua , North Island. For more locations of helicopter excursions, see the  10 Best Helicopter Tours in New Zealand .

93. Ride in a Supercar or Race a Go-Kart at Highlands Motorsport Park

If you have the need for speed then get yourself down to Cromwell where the Highland Motorsport Park is located. Book in for a supercar lap  or race your family and friends at their outdoor go-karting track ) .

Location: Cromwell, South Island. You can do all of these  10 Best Things to Do in Cromwell too.

94. Try Manuka Honey, L&P, Whittaker’s Chocolate and More

More local delicacies await in pretty much any supermarket in New Zealand. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local soft drink, L&P , the local chocolate bar, Whittaker’s , and internationally renowned manuka honey! Honey tours are available at the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre in Havelock North and the Huka Honey Hive in Taupo .

Location: Havelock North, North Island. See more food to try in New Zealand here .

95. Wander the Otherworldly Landscape of the Clay Cliffs

Weathered into the cliffs of Omarama is an array of pinnacles and canyons to explore. After a road trip down the Lindis Pass , take a short detour to the Clay Cliffs and be amazed.

Location: Omarama, South Island. Find more activities in the   5 Best Things to Do in Omarama .

96. Roll Down a Hill in a Giant Hamster Ball with Zorb

Another, quite frankly, ridiculously fun thing to do in New Zealand is Zorb . Jump into a hollow inflatable ball with some shallow water and let gravity do the rest as you roll down your choice of track.

Location: Rotorua, North Island. While you’re here, do these  10 Best Things to Do in Rotorua .

97. Parasail in the Bay of Islands

It doesn’t matter if you’re five or 95, almost anyone can enjoy this extremely accessible adventure sport. Soar over the Bay of Islands with Bay of Islands Parasail  or Lake Taupo with Big Sky Parasail .

Location: Bay of Islands, North Island. See more locations in the   5 Incredible Places to Do Parasailing in New Zealand .

98. Tour New Zealand’s Only Tea Plantation

Outside of Hamilton is New Zealand’s only tea plantation, Zealong . Take a tour of the plantation, do a specialised tea tasting and/or join them for high tea.

Location: Hamilton, North Island. Make sure you do some of the  10 Best Things to Do in Hamilton while you’re here.

99. Visit the Republic of Whangamomona

Did you know there is an independent republic in the middle of New Zealand? The village of Whangamomona has its own president (who hasn’t always been human) and you can get your passport stamped here.

Location: Whangamomona, North Island. See more attractions nearby in the  15 Places You Can’t Miss on the Forgotten World Highway .

100. Cycle the Timber Trail

There’s no real reason that we’ve left the day mountain biking trails until point #100; there’s just too much to do in New Zealand! Regardless, an awesome day trail is the Timber Trail in the midst of the Pureora Forest Park. Alternatively, try the Roxburgh Gorge Trail on the South Island.

Location: Pureora Forest Park, North Island. See more top trails in the  10 Best Bike Trails on the North Island and the 10 Best Bike Trails on the South Island .

101. See the Southern Lights

Finally, we end this mammoth list of 101 things to do in New Zealand with an activity that we can’t guarantee you’ll get to experience. Nevertheless, it’s always worth trying to look out for Aurora Australis , also known as the Southern Lights , when exploring the South Island in winter. Get tips on how to see them in The Best Times and Locations to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand .

Location: South Island. See locations in the  5 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand .

More Things to Do in New Zealand

That’s it for our mega list of things to do in New Zealand. Now you might like to start planning what you’re going to do on the North Island or South Island, or how about planning your entire trip in general? For those, check out these guides:

• 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island
• 51 Best Things to Do on the South Island
• The Complete Travel Guide to New Zealand

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in  New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
• Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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• 24 Famous New Zealand Tourist Attractions That One Should Visit In 2023

23 Mar 2023

Backdrop for the legendary “Lord of the Rings” movies, New Zealand is a place with heavenly middle Earth beauty. Cascading waterfalls, deep fjords, hot water spring, steaming geysers, untamed wilds, clear beaches and dazzling glaciers; it’s just the beginning of its beautiful story. There are so many wonderful places to visit in New Zealand that it’s hard for people to decide which one to keep on the bucket list and which one to miss. Here is an attempt to sort this out with our list of most beautiful and famous New Zealand tourist attractions .

Top 24 Places To Visit In New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that is filled with a number of beautiful places. The list is actually very long and if you have to cover it all, it will at least take you more than one visit. However, out of all the places, there are certain destinations that obviously have more significance than the others. These are the places that you simply cannot count out of your list. These places reflect the true beauty of the country. Make sure that you include all these places to visit in New Zealand while planning your next trip. Here is the list of the top New Zealand tourist attractions:

1. Bay Of Islands

Image Source

One of the most popular New Zealand tourist attractions, Bay of Islands is a haven for yachts and sailing boats . Pearls of 144 islands adorn the necklace of Bay of Islands. Kayak along the coast, hike the island trails, enjoy in secluded coves, and explore undisturbed forests. Abundant marine life including dolphins, whales, big marlin, and penguins make for a popular fishing spot. All of these together makes the spot an ideal tourist destination in New Zealand.

Ritz Factor: Yachting and sailing spot. Don’t Miss: Hole in the Rock, the famous rock formation.

How to reach:

• By air: Auckland Airport is well connected with major international cities. Air New Zealand flight operate in tandem from Auckland to Bay of Island Airport, which is also known as Kerikeri Airport.
• By road: Bay of Islands is well connected with Auckland by road. Intercity buses and taxis operate from Auckland to Bay of Islands. The 193 km distance takes 3 hours to cover by state highways.

Best time to visit: February – March Stay options near Bay of Islands: Paradise on the Strand, Sea Spray Suites, Veronica House, and Arcadia Lodge Location: Northland

Must Read: 15 Fun Things To Do In New Zealand

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2. Tongariro National Park

Towering volcanoes, untamed forests, arid plateaus, hot springs, herb fields, turquoise lakes and lush meadows pitch for a melodramatic scenery. One of the oldest national parks in the world and best places to visit in New Zealand, Tongariro is a land of stunning beauty and natural wonders. Add in a visit to the Lake Taupo, and you are set for a surprisingly delightful day.

Ritz Factor: Mineral rich turquoise water lakes and melodramatic sceneries Don’t Miss: Taranaki Falls and lava line of volcanic eruptions

• By air: Auckland (345 km) & Wellington (288 km) Airports are the closest you can get to Tongariro National Park by air from major cities across the world. Book a cab or take a transport bus from the airport to reach Whakapapa Village- the gateway to Tongariro National Park.
• By road: Regular buses operate from Auckland to Tongariro National Park daily. By road it takes almost 7 hours to reach the national park.

Best time to visit: December – February

Stay options: Adventure Lodge and Motel, Chateau Tongariro Hotel, Pipers Lodge, and National Park Tavern

Location: Manawatu-Wanganui 4691, New Zealand

Rotorua is one such geothermal region in the world which has a bit of dramatic topography. It is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Dramatic, isn’t it? Steaming geysers, boiling mud pools, hissing thermal springs and volcanic craters add to its already startling topography. Stroll around these geothermal wonders and soak in the minerals-rich water. Options like sky diving, luging, trekking, and mountain biking make it one of the top tourist attractions in the North Island of New Zealand for adventurous souls.

Ritz Factor: Geothermal wonders and red lava lines are dominant features of this tourist attraction in New Zealand. Don’t Miss: Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, and Trout Fishing.

• By air: Wellington Airport (450 km) is well connected with major cities across the world. Intercity bus services and cabs are available from airport to Rotorua.
• By road: Coaches, shuttles and taxis run in tandem from Auckland to Rotorua. The ride via road takes a good 2.5 hours to reach Rotorua.

Best time to visit: November – April

Stay options: Millenium Hotel, Arista of Rotorua, Rydges Hotel, and Quest Hotel

Location: North Island

Suggested Read: 20 Best Beaches In New Zealand

4. Napier In Hawke’s Bay

Gourmet food and Art Deco – These two things define the Napier region, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand to take a peek in the Maori World. Spanish Mission style architecture and Art Deco design buildings line this city. Some of them are even adorned with Maori motifs. Also, gourmet restaurants in this place are to die for. Unique procedures and equally unique recipes, make even the regular dishes worthwhile.

Ritz Factor: Gourmet dining scenes and Art Deco architecture. Don’t Miss: Yearly Art Deco weekend in February. Also, the Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is a must visit among the famous New Zealand tourist attractions.

• By air: Napier’s Hawkes Bay Airport is almost 450 km from Auckland Airport, the international airport well connected with major airports across the world. Napier’s Hawkes Bay can be reached by local flights from Air New Zealand. By road it’s 5-hour drive.
• By road: Overnight inter city buses operate from Auckland to Napier and take 6 to 8 hours usually.

Best time to visit: July – August

Stay options: The Country Hotel Napier, The Crown Hotel Napier, Art Deco Masonic Hotel, and Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Location: Hawke’s Bay

5. Auckland

Two shimmering harbors, the Manukau Harbor and the Waitemata Harbor, are the main jewels of the Auckland crown. Rainforests, wild hike trails, hidden coves, picturesque islands, and mysterious volcanoes make this city a perfect base for adventure lovers. Unusual black and gold beaches set the backdrop for amazing pictures and memories. It is quite popular among top New Zealand tourist places.

Ritz Factor: Black sand beaches, gold sand beaches, and two sparkling harbors. Don’t Miss: Sky Tower – the 328 meters high tower to zoom in on the stunning expanse. Also, don’t even think about missing the Orbit revolving restaurant.

• By air: One of the major cities in the North Island, Auckland is well connected with major international cities. Auckland is well-connected with most of the cities of New Zealand by road

Best time to visit: June – September

Stay options: Skycity Grand, Off Broadway Motel, Warkworth Lodge, and Parklane Motor Lodge

Location: Auckland

Suggested Read: New Zealand In December

6. Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Northern New Zealand. A sublime world, away from the city’s hustle-bustle, Coromandel Peninsula is a paradise for complacent people who look for peace around them. The beaches here are famous for their golden sand. Indulge in hiking, kayaking, and skydiving at this New Zealand tourist attraction.

Ritz Factor: A surreal world away from the hustle. Don’t Miss: Thames – a small city famous for its gold mining history; and the Hot Water Beach – dig your own hot water pool here.

• By air: Auckland Airport is the closest you can get to Coromandel Peninsula by air. Local flights take 30 minutes to reach Whitianga (Coromandel Peninsula) from Auckland. The peninsula is 1.5 hour drive from Auckland by road.
• By road: The scenic drive from Auckland, Hamilton or Rotorua Airport is very well connected by intercity buses and cars. The drive from Auckland takes almost 1.5 hour.
• By ferry: Regular ferries operate from Auckland to Coromandel town. The 2-hour ride is one of the most exciting things to do in the North Island region.

Best time to visit: September – November

Stay options: Anchor Lodge Coromandel, Aotearoa Lodge, Beachfront Resort, and Beachside Resort Whitianga

Location: Kaimarama 3591, New Zealand

7. Queenstown

Wondering what to see in New Zealand in 5 days? Country’s adventure capital, Queenstown is one of the top tourist destinations of New Zealand. Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, jet boating, rock climbing, paragliding, hiking, downhill skiing, mountain biking; the list of adrenaline-fueled sports is endless at this top tourist attraction in New Zealand.

Ritz Factor: Loads and loads of adventure sports. Don’t Miss: Explore gold mining towns and landscapes of snow-clad peaks of Remarkables Range.

• By air: Queenstown International Airport on the South Island is well connected with other major cities across the globe.
• By road: Intercity buses from Christchurch (354 km) and Auckland (1028 km) commute to Queenstown at regular intervals. Drive down to the city to enjoy one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.

Best time to visit: June – August

Stay options: The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments, Heritage Queenstown, Coronation Lodge, and Adventure Queenstown Hostel

Location: South Island, New Zealand

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In New Zealand

8. Fiordland National Park

Home to some of the best walking trails, Fiordland National Park boasts of spectacular beauty. Whispering waterfalls, offshore islands, stretched lakes, undisturbed forests, high mountain peaks and gushing cascades make sure that you don’t have a dull moment in here. The popular ways to explore the fjords are sea kayaking or flights for bird’s eye views to enjoy this must see place in New Zealand.

Ritz Factor: Home base to famous fjords and striking beauty. Don’t Miss: Famous fjords of Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, and Doubtful Sound.

• By air: Queenstown airport is the closest you can get to Fiordland National Park by air. Located at a distance of 235 km from Queenstown the national park can be reached by taking a bus or driving in to Te Anau – also known as the gateway to the park
• By road: State highway buses ply from Invercargill or Queenstown. The 156 km distance from Invercargill to Fiordland National Park takes around 3 hours by road.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Stay options: Fiordland National Park Lodge, Aden Motel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau, and Mintaro Hut

Location: 116 Little Park Lane, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand

9. Fox And Franz Josef Glaciers

The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are one the most accessible glacial rivers in the world, and thus make it to list of best tourist attractions in New Zealand. The frozen landscapes of ice caves and mountain peaks at the foot of the glacier are a norm here. Walk over or ride a helicopter, do whatever you want to do but do not miss these amazing natural wonders.

Ritz Factor: World’s most accessible glaciers and best frozen sceneries Don’t Miss: Guided hikes to these glaciers are an experience which you shouldn’t miss.

• By air: Christchurch (5.5 hour drive) and Queenstown (5 hour drive) are the nearest and most accessible international airport from Franz Josef Glacier.
• By road: Buses and cabs are available from Christchurch, Wanaka, and Queenstown to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Drive down to the place to experience a surreal driving experience

Stay options: Aspen Court Franz Josef, YHA Franz Josef Glacier, Alpine Glacier Motel, and Franz Josef Oasis

Location: West Coast 7886, New Zealand

Suggested Read: The Best Of New Zealand Nightlife

10. Abel Tasman National Park

Among the places to visit in South Island of New Zealand, the vast expanse of Abel Tasman National Park is a hiker’s dream come true. Wilderness with weathered rock formations set the background of this national park. The Tasman Coast Trek is the icing on the cake. Clear beaches and sparkling water lure tourists to themselves. Snorkel, hike, trek, camp or relax; the options are numerous here. And the sightings of rare birds like blue penguins, wekas, wood pigeons, and oystercatchers can make a photographer’s day.

Ritz Factor: Exotic bird sightings and weathered rock formations. Don’t Miss: Split Apple Rock – a gigantic granite boulder spliced in two.

• By air: Nelson Airport is the nearest airstrip to Abel Tasman, which is pretty accessible from major cities across the world. The 60 km distance from Nelson to the national park can be covered in 1-hour via State Highway 60.
• By road: Regular buses and cabs ply from Marahau (5-minute), Motueka (30-minute), Nelson (1-hour drive) to Abel Tasman National Park.

Stay options: Kimi Ora Eco Resort, Kaiteri Lodge, Abel Tasman Lodge, and Riwaka Retreat

Location: South Island 7183, New Zealand

11. Mount Cook National Park

Well, Mount Cook National Park, also known as Aoraki National Park, is the base of tallest mountain peak – Mount Cook and longest glacier – Tasman Glacier. This is the place where the legendary Edmund Hillary trained to ascend the heights of ginormos Mount Everest. A top destination for mountaineers, its pristine glaciers and serene beauty will catch your breathe. Surely justified for being among the top rated best places to visit in New Zealand!

Ritz Factor: A top mountaineering destination. Don’t Miss: Mount Cook Village to satisfy you’re your inner adventurer with the offerings such as ski-touring, heli-skiing, hiking, stargazing and hunting.

• By air: Christchurch and Queenstown airports are 2.5 hour drive from Mackenzie region (Mount Cook National Park). The international airports in Christchurch and Queenstown are well connected with other major cities around the world. Chartered flights are also available from these international airports to Mount Cook Airport.
• By road: Intercity buses are available from Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington. Take a bus or book a cab to reach Mount Cook Village. The national park is a 15-minute drive from the village.

Best time to visit: July – September

Stay options: The Westhaven, The Hermitage Hotel, Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier, and YHA Aoraki Mt Cook

Location: Canterbury 7999, New Zealand

Suggested Read: 15 Adventurous Spots For Camping In New Zealand

12. Kaikoura

Seafood connoisseur, wildlife fanatics, bird watchers and natural beauty devotees find this place hard to resist. The taste of fresh crawfish, blue cod and mussels will tantalize your taste buds. Spotting of humpbacks, sperm whales, fur seals, dolphins and albatross, among the extensive wildlife here, against the stunning landscapes of Kaikoura, one of the top places to visit in New Zealand, will lift your spirits to a whole new level.

Ritz Factor: Tropical wildlife and best seafood. Don’t Miss: At this New Zealand tourist attraction, whale watching tours and coastal hikes should not be missed.

• By air: Christchurch International Airport is the nearest airstrip to Kaikoura, which is well connected with other major cities around the world. At a distance of 180 km from Christchurch, it takes 2.5 hours to reach Kaikoura by road.
• By road: Intercity buses and cabs run in tandem from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Travel time is 2.5 hours.

Best time to visit: April, June, and October

Stay options: Alpine View Motel, Heritage Court Motor Lodge, Anchor Inn Motel, and Aspen Court Motel

Location: South Island

13. Milford Sound

Image Source Termed as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is one of those unmissable places to visit in New Zealand. Surrounded by glaciers, the landscapes of Milford Sound is amazingly beautiful. The best way to explore the place is by boat. Explore the waterfalls and wildlife around the area on a cruise. You can even go for kayaking tour if you want. If you are already pleased by exploring the surface of the water, then you can go underneath the surface with a visit to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. This is the only underwater observatory in New Zealand. You can go 30 feet deep into the water and experience a 360 degrees underwater view.

Ritz Factor: Beautiful waterfalls and amazing wildlife. Don’t Miss: The underwater experience at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. How To Reach:

• By air: It is only 40 minutes away from Queenstown if you are to take a flight.
• By road : It is a 2 hour 30-minute drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. You can easily take a car ride to your destination while enjoying the scenic views on the road.

Best time to visit: November to March Stay options: Matakauri Lodge, Kamana Lakehouse, Mercure Resort, Reavers Lodge and Browns Boutique Hotel.

Location: N/A

Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Auckland In Winter

14. Waiheke Island

Image Source Located just half n’ hour away from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island can be reached by boat and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand. This is the ideal place for all the wine lovers out there. The place is home to a number of vineyards. While visiting this place you simply cannot miss out on going to the wine tours. You can relish the samples of 14 different wines on the wine tours. Expert guides will guide you to the three vineyards where you can taste some of the finest quality wines. Well, there is other stuff as well that you can do at the Waiheke Island other than just enjoying wine. The island is also very popular for its beaches, the art community, olive groves, and forests. It is advised that you opt for a hiking trip or a culture tour while you are here.

Ritz Factor: The land for all wine lovers. Don’t Miss: The delicious wine tours. How To Reach:

• By air: You can reach the island by a Sea Plane.
• By road: It is a 35-minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. You can take your vehicle along with you on the car ferry. Once you reach the island, you can avail plenty of taxis and buses. You can also hire a motorcycle or bike or car to explore the place.

Best time to visit: April Stay options: The Boatshed, Enclosure Bay, Waiheke Island Resort and Tawa Lodge Waiheke Island.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

15. Christchurch

Image Source Christchurch is one of the main tourist attractions in New Zealand. Despite the fact that four massive earthquakes between the period 2010 and 2011 had completely left the city in ruins, it has still managed to spring back to life. You can witness the rebirth of the city everywhere. Starting from new buildings to shopping malls everything has been reconstructed again. The main attractions of the city include the beautiful Botanic Gardens where you can enjoy the lovely walking tracks, conservatories, and horticulture displays. The garden is also home to some of the oldest, tallest, and largest trees in New Zealand. Explore both the new and old Christchurch on the gondola. You can enjoy a scenic ride of the Mt. Cavendish on the cable car.

Ritz Factor: The beautiful city that came back to life. Don’t Miss: The ride on the Christchurch Gondola over the top of the Mt. Cavendish. How To Reach:

• By air: The nearest airport is the Christchurch International Airport which is located 12 km away from the city center.
• By road: You can opt for the daily passenger service that connects Christchurch and Dunedin via the state highway 1.

Best time to visit: March to May Stay options: Accra Beach hotel and spa, Sunday hotel, Blue Orchids Beach Hotel, Blue horizon hotel, and Dover beach hotel.

Location: East Coast

Suggested Read: 10 Best Train Journeys In New Zealand

16. White Island

Image Source If you want to try something more thrilling on your trip, then White Island is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. It is the most active volcano in the country. This place is ideal for all the adventurous travelers who would like to make their trip a memorable one. You can take a helicopter ride over the White Island while enjoying the stunning view of the volcanic landscape. Since this is an area of active volcanoes, you are required to wear gas masks and hard hats. If you are lucky enough, then you can even watch volcanologists monitoring the volcanoes. You can even take on the island by a boat. For the travelers who are fearless, they can even go for scuba diving around the White Island and explore the underwater vents of the volcanoes.

Ritz Factor: Scenic beauty of the active volcanoes. Don’t Miss: Scuba diving around the White Island. How To Reach:

• By air: You can take a flight from Tauranga Airport and reach White Island within 30 minutes. The nearest airport is Whakatane Airport from where you can get daily flights to White Islands as well.
• By road: You can take a car ride from any of the cities from the North Island like Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton. You can also avail bus services like the Intercity and Naked bus which runs to and from Rotorua.

Best time to visit: September to April Stay options: Medano island resort, Balai sa Baibai, Kurma eco beach lodge, and Paras beach resort.

Location: Bay of Plenty 3120, New Zealand

17. Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Image Source The list of best places to visit in New Zealand is just incomplete without the mention of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Here you can witness the Maori arts at the Maori arts and crafts institute which is located in Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. At the Maori heritage center, you can enjoy the most popular ‘steam box’ meal which is prepared using ancient geothermal cooking techniques. Travelers can also experience a special Maori welcome ceremony that includes traditional songs and dance performances. One of the main attractions of the place is the largest active geyser, Pohutu which is located in the southern hemisphere. Other than that you can also enjoy the mud pools which is yet another highlight of the area.

Ritz Factor: The land of the Maori culture and heritage. Don’t Miss: Exploring the largest active geyser Pohutu. How To Reach:

• By air: The nearest airport is the Rotorua’s Regional airport. You can get flights to and from Wellington, Queenstown, and Auckland.
• By road: You can avail bus services in order to reach the geothermal valley. You can catch a bus from Auckland which will take you around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Best time to visit: March to May Stay options: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, ibis Rotorua, Milleniuk hotel Rotorua and Holiday Inn Rotorua.

Location: 3040 Hemo Road, Tihiotonga, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Suggested Read: 10 Incredible Mountains In New Zealand

18. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Image Source If you wish to experience something really beautiful and unique then this could be the idle place for you. The cave is naturally illuminated by thousands of glowworms. This is a site which you have never seen in your life before. This is actually one of the most unique places to visit in New Zealand. To explore the caves, you can take a boat ride through it and learn about the science and history behind the entire phenomenon. By visiting this place you can have a completely different experience which is hard to duplicate anywhere else. Thousands of tourists are attracted to the caves because they want to witness this beautiful phenomenon with their own eyes.

Ritz Factor: The unique site of thousands of glowworms. Don’t Miss: The boat ride through the cave. How To Reach:

• By air: You can take a flight from Auckland in order to reach the Waitomo Caves.
• By road: By road, it is going to take you around 2 hours in order to reach Waitomo Caves from Auckland. There are a number of bus services that you can avail to reach your destination.

Best time to visit: November to April Stay options: Waitomo Caves hotel, Waitomo caves guest lodge, Hotel kiwi paka Waitomo and Abseil Inn.

Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo 3977, New Zealand

19. Franz Josef Glacier

Image Source If you are into hiking, then this could be the ideal destination for you. This place is suitable for an actual glacier hiking in New Zealand. Other than hiking tours, you can also opt for an aerial view from a chopper. Tours around here provide you with everything. From hiking to mountain climbing, you can enjoy it all around here. This place is ideal for all the adventure and sports lover as you can get plenty of activities to get involved. You can also enjoy soaking in the glacier hot pools and relax. These pools are fed from the Franz Josef Glacier. If you want a more luxurious enjoyment, then you can even opt for a private pool as well.

Ritz Factor: A best spot for hiking and mountain climbing. Don’t Miss: Soaking yourself in the glacier hot pools after a long day of exploration. How To Reach:

• By air: You can take a flight from the Christchurch International Airport in order to reach your destination.
• By road: You can take a car ride from Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier. It is a five-hour long route. You can enjoy the scenic view of the road while traveling.

Best time to visit: November to February Stay options: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Aspen Court Motel Franz Josef, rainforest Retreat Franz Josef, The Terrace Motel Franz Josef, and Franz Josef Oasis.

Suggested Read: New Zealand In November

20. Muriwai Beach

Image Source Another great destination that is among the top tourist attractions in the North Island New Zealand, is the Muriwai beach. Located just 40 minutes away from the Auckland city, the beach offers you with great scenic views. The killer sunsets, the massive sand dunes, and amazing surf, all of these together contributes to the beauty of the place. It can be said that this is one of the best holiday spots in the whole of New Zealand. During your visit to this stunning beach, you simply cannot afford to miss visiting the Gannet Colony that overlooks two beautiful bays. This is where you will find thousands of birds flying just over your head. It is a beautiful site that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Ritz Factor: Stunning scenic beauty Don’t Miss: Visiting the Gannet Colony How To Reach:

• By air: You can take a flight from Auckland airport in order to reach your destination.
• By road: You can get plenty of bus services from Auckland to reach Muriwai Beach.

Best time to visit: August to April Stay options: Muriwai Beach B&B, 216 Luxury Accommodation Auckland, Bush Sand, and Sea and Coast Retreat Muriwai.

21. Milford Sound

New Zealand is a place full of adventures and another interesting place to visit here is Milford Sound. Situated towards the southwest of South Island, this is a fiord in New Zealand. It is famous with locals and foreigners for its beauty as it encompasses the magnificent Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. The fiord also houses the gorgeous fur seals, dolphins and penguins. Take a boat tour on your visit to Milford Sound in New Zealand.

Ritz Factor: cascading Stirling and Bowen waterfalls Don’t Miss: Watching rare black coral at Underwater Observatory

• By air: Queenstown Airport offers flights to Milford Sound. There are air tours too that one can choose to enjoy from Queenstown.
• By road: One can get to Milford Sound via road. It is a 5 hours drive to this place from Queenstown and 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Te Anau. One can either hire a cab or take a bus.

Best time to visit: June to August Stay options nearMilford Sound: Milford Sound Lodge, Ultimate Hikes Location: Southland 9679, New Zealand

Suggested Read: 6 Water Parks In New Zealand

22. Matapouri

Located just 35 km north-east of Whangarei, Matapouri is one of the offbeat tourist destinations in New Zealand. It is a beautiful coastal destination with shimmering white sand. With quite a few holiday homes, it is a beautiful area in Northland to spend a day or two. Whale Bay is just 40 minutes away and the two are connected via a walkway.

Ritz Factor: Mermaid Pools Don’t Miss: Diving into the emerald Mermaid Pools

• By air: Whangarei Airport is the closest airport to Matapouri, at a distance of 42 km. One can further hire a car or self-drive.
• By road: Matapouri is connected to the nearby towns via roads, and one can self-drive. It is a mere half hour drive from Tutukaka.

Best time to visit: January to June Stay options near Matapouri: 36 Steps to the Beach, The Riverbank Homestay and B&B, Location: Northland

A serene seaside village to the west of Auckland, Piha is one of the best places to visit in the North Island of New Zealand. With a rugged rough coast, it is a breathtaking black sand surf beach. New Zealand is a beautiful country with so many unique experiences to offer through such places like Piha. if you are looking for adventure, then the hills surrounding Piha are amazing locations for nature walks.

Ritz Factor: Black sand Piha beach Don’t Miss: Surfing and abseiling to the gorgeous Piha Canyon

• By air: Auckland airport is the nearest airport to Piha at a distance of around 48 km.
• By road: Auckland is the nearest major city and shuttle buses are available to piha. One can even drive down from the city which is 40 km away.

Best time to visit: November and April Stay options near Piha: Hotel Romantic Piha, Karekare Beach Lodge Location: New Zealand’s North Island

Suggested Read: 11 Places To Go Skydiving In New Zealand

Offering breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains, Wanaka is a resort town in New Zealand. It is famous for all the adventure activities that one can indulge in around Wanaka. The Snow Farm near Wanaka is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand to enjoy cross country skiing. If one is game for hiking and trekking, then Roy’s Peak is an uphill hike that would take one around 3 hours. Head to this resort town and spend a good 2-3 days here.

Ritz Factor: Roy’s Peak and snowcapped mountains Don’t Miss: Adventure activities like skydiving, canyoning, and mountaineering

• By air: Queenstown airport is an hour away from Wanaka, and one can take a shuttle bus or rental cars here.
• By road: One can self-drive to Wanaka too, from any nearby city. Cars are easily available on rent.

Best time to visit: June Stay options near Wanaka: Bo’s Bach, The Moorings Wanaka Location: New Zealand’s South Island

Further Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Auckland

So,  these are some of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Your trip to this amazing country remains incomplete without visiting these mentioned attractions. You can have a lovely experience and make your trip a memorable one by paying a visit to all these mentioned places. Now, we’ve given you enough fodder to start planning. Get the tickets done and set your itinerary now for your trip to New Zealand !

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Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Tourist Attractions

What is famous in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known for the Manuka honey, Sheep, wine, Lord of the Rings, kiwifruit and rugby.

What is the most beautiful place in New Zealand?

Tongariro National Park, Waitakere beaches, Golden Bay, Abel Tasman Coast track, The Waikato River are some of the best New Zealand attractions which one must visit.

What are the must do things in New Zealand?

When you’re in New Zealand, make sure to experience the Boogie Board Down Sand Dunes at the 90-Mile beach or go and sail in the Bay of Islands. Apart from that one can also go and Kayak around the Cathedral cove or walk inside the Glowworm caves in Waitomo.

What to see in New Zealand for 2 weeks?

When you’re traveling to New Zealand for 2 weeks make sure to visit Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo caves, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington.

Is New Zealand expensive?

While in New Zealand the major cities which one covers is Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. And among this the most expensive city is Auckland.

Which New Zealand Island is the most scenic?

The North Island of New Zealand has traditional white-sand beaches which are ideal for swimming. While in the island’s south, there are volcanoes around Tongariro National Park.

Is New Zealand worth visiting?

New Zealand is a country which is known for natural reserves and marine reserves which must be visited at least once in a lifetime. And apart from that New Zealand is also the place which has adventure activities.

Which is the best island to visit in New Zealand?

The South Island is one of the best island to visit in New Zealand which is known for the Routeburn track, the Milford track and the Abel Tasman coast track which are unique in their own way.

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14 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

Comprised of two main islands, North Island and South Island, New Zealand is an incredible destination to discover. Packed with unforgettable landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and an unparalleled combination of lakes, mountains, and lush greenery, the island nation has to be seen to be truly understood.

New Zealand pretty much needs to be on your list if you’re at all an adventure sports enthusiast – or even if you’re just interested in trying them out. Bungee jumping, mountaineering, skydiving, paragliding, mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning, parachuting, caving, zip lining… Let’s just say that the list is endless when it comes to what outdoor activities you can get up to in this far-flung destination.

You can get to grips with adventure sports in Queenstown, surrounded by mountain and lake scenery. Then there’s the dramatic Fiordland – part of the landscape that made up Peter Jackson’s movie interpretation of Middle Earth for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (you can even visit The Shire!). Get to know Maori culture at Rotorua, and if you’re missing city life, head to sunny Auckland – the largest city in New Zealand. Here’s a look a the best places to visit in New Zealand:

Map of New Zealand

14. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers alpine adventures and picturesque vistas straight from a storybook. With awe-inspiring scenery in every direction and trails catering to various skill levels, it’s a must-visit on any South Island itinerary.

The family-friendly Hooker Valley Route spans 10km with partly paved paths, scenic suspension bridges and little elevation gain. Leading to the stunning Hooker Lake, littered with floating icebergs, the sight is undeniably worth the journey. It typically takes 3 to 4 hours for a round trip. Yet allow extra time to take in the lake and surrounding white-capped peaks.

For the daring, the Mueller Hut Hike begins with the Sealy Tarns Track, featuring endless stairs and breathtaking panoramas. You will continue on a rocky steep journey to Mueller Hut to unparalleled valley views. This 5.2km trek ascends 1050m over 3 to 4 hours one way. It comes with a day trip option or a book a night in the hut for once in a lifetime sunset view over Aoraki.

13. Stewart Island

Stewart Island is the third-largest island of New Zealand, and it is found even further south than South Island. Most of the island is forested and undeveloped with over 80 per cent of the island is set aside as the Rakiura National Park, giving you the chance to explore the wild side of New Zealand.

Most of the pastimes on Stewart Island have to do with the outdoors, including hiking, camping and birdwatching. One of the most popular treks on Stewart Island is the Northwest Circuit, which can take several days to complete for even the fittest hikers. However, the trek offer spectacular views and access to amazing wildlife.

At the top of the South Island is Nelson , a spot known for having the greatest number of sunshine hours per year in all of New Zealand. This great climate and the fact that the city is surrounded by three national parks makes Nelson a fantastic spot for outdoor recreation.

There is also an emphasis on local agriculture and the area’s wineries. Founder’s Park is an amazing spot in the city where you can dine on local farm-to-table cuisine, and soak up the sunshine right in the heart of an urban area.

You can even do a day-trip to Abel Tasman National Park from Nelson using an early bus, which give you just enough time to enjoy the park.

11. Coromandel Peninsula

With its golden coastline, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery, the Coromandel Peninsula has long been a favorite holiday spot for Kiwis. Cathedral Cove stands out as a top attraction. It’s known for its towering cliffs and a massive arched cavern connecting two secluded coves.

The scene is straight from your top New Zealand travel inspiration. Travelers can spend the day swimming in the crisp water or seeking refuge from the sun beneath the shady pohutukawa trees. Unfortunately, storm damage has temporarily closed the trek to the sandy shore. But access via boat or kayak remains available.

For a truly unique experience, visit Hot Water Beach. You will want to time your trip to arrive within two hours of low tide and bring along a shovel. Why a shovel? Beneath the beach’s surface, geothermal activity allows visitors to create their own natural hot springs right on the sand. Settle in for an unforgettable beachside soak!

10. Kaikoura

The picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura offers an ideal setting for marine life encounters and scenic coastal walks. Not to mention savoring a plate of fresh fish and chips.

Positioned along a prominent whale migration route, Kaikoura is famous for its whale-watching tours. Fortunate visitors will be treated to sightings of orcas, humpback, and sperm whales, as they breach high above the sea.

To top that off, sunrise dolphin swims provide a thrilling, surreal and memorable experience. Participants that embark on the early morning tour are suited up in wetsuits and get to dive into the midst of playful dolphin pods.

In addition, we recommend a midday stroll along one of Kaikoura’s many coastal walks. Those looking to encounter even more wildlife should checkout the Point Kean Seal Colony Walk. As the sun sets, venture into the quaint downtown area for a taste of the freshest seafood New Zealand has to offer.

9. Abel Tasman National Park

Nestled at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal paradise waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coastal track, it is a place where New Zealand’s natural beauty is on full display.

Abel Tasman may be New Zealand’s smallest national park, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its breathtaking beauty and the diversity of experiences it offers. Named after the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, who first sighted New Zealand in 1642, the park was founded in 1942, exactly 300 years after Tasman’s visit.

The park’s crowning jewel is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks.” This 60-kilometer trail weaves through lush native forest, over gentle hills, and along the edges of pristine beaches. Kayaking is another way to explore the park’s intricate coastline, with its clear turquoise waters offering a window into an underwater world teeming with marine life.

8. Glacier Country

Glacier Country is found on the Western Coast of South Island, and its jewel is the Westland National Park. In the park, you’ll have the chance to see the country’s two most spectacular glaciers: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers on the planet, meaning that you can actually walk up to the glacier and even through the glacier valley itself. Guided tours give you a closer look at the expanding glaciers, and you can relax after a day of hiking by soaking in the incredible glacier hot pools.

The seaside resort of Napier on North Island is known as the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand, thanks to a large amount of 1930s architecture built when the city suffered a large fire more than 80 years ago.

Travelers should begin their exploration at the Art Deco Trust. Here you will find a collection of era inspired buildings and exhibits detailing Napier’s history. This includes how a devastating earthquake in 1931 shaped what you see today. To top it off, every February Napier holds the Art déco Festival, attracting around 40,000 participants from around the world who don their finest attire.

Beyond its intriguing architecture, the charming town entices locals and tourists alike with its mild climate, stunning beaches, and plethora of wineries. Hawke’s Bay is globally acclaimed for its exquisite chardonnay and cabernet merlot vinos. With over 70 wineries and 30 cellar doors, the region is a haven for wine enthusiasts.

Join a guided tour with a knowledgeable sommelier or, weather permitting, rent a bicycle to meander through the scores of vineyards. This provides an excellent opportunity to explore the countryside while indulging in the nectar of some of the finest grapes.

Known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand, Rotorua is home to some of the world’s most impressive natural phenomena. The most notable is Pohutu Geyser. With eruptions happening up to twenty times per day at heights reaching 30 meters, it’s the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. To see the best of it, visit the vibrant hot springs such as the Champagne Pool and the bubbling mud pots of Hell’s Gate.

Beyond its natural wonders, Rotorua serves as a hub for Maori culture, providing several hubs where visitors can delve into Maori history, traditions, and art. Te Pā Tū stands out as a must-visit. After all, it is “New Zealand’s Most Awarded Tourism Attraction”.

Te Pā Tū will blow you away with captivating cultural performances, including the famous Haka war dance. This is capped off with a traditional Hangi meal, cooked using hot stones in the ground, for an authentic taste of Maori culinary tradition.

If you’re interested in exploring the Bay of Islands, then Paihia is a great place to visit in New Zealand. Paihia is all about the small-town feel, but it boasts an array of great hotels and recreational opportunities to appeal to travelers.

If you’re feeling adventurous and active, you can swim with dolphins or even go scuba diving to see the underwater shipwreck called the Rainbow Warrior. Back on dry land, make your way to Marsden Road for exceptional restaurants serving up an array of freshly caught seafood.

4. Auckland

A vibrant and multicultural hub on the North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland hosts several museums and galleries, including the expansive Auckland War Memorial Museum, which showcases the nation’s history and culture. Also worth visiting is the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, which houses over 15,000 pieces of artwork.

A key part of the city’s skyline is the SkyTower. Here you can get sweeping city views from its observation platform. For the adventurous, take the heart-stopping opportunity to walk 192 meters above ground level along the tower’s pergola while strapped to a harness.

But many of its treasures lay beyond the CBD. Auckland’s most iconic island, Rangitoto, is a dormant volcanic cone which offers a gentle yet rewarding climb. Plan your trip to reach the summit by sunset and be rewarded with colorful vistas of the metropolis. Visitors can access the island via a short ferry ride from downtown.

3. Queenstown

On New Zealand’s South Island is Queenstown , a destination known as the dream spot for those in search of adrenaline and adventure. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, and right on the banks of deep-blue Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is also an incredibly beautiful spot.

One of the best ways to experience the scenery is on Lake Wakatipu itself. You can cycle around the lake’s perimeter or set off on a cruise of the lake’s magnificent waters. There is also a vibrant nightlife with the town’s small central area packed with bars and restaurants.

2. Tongariro National Park

Encompassing three volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park highlights New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. It was established as the nation’s inaugural national park in 1887.

This 80,000-hectare expanse showcases nature’s magnificence with emerald lakes, steaming craters, ancient lava flows, and colorful silica terraces. What really sets it apart is its distinction as the world’s first dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. With UNESCO acknowledging both its importance in Maori culture and its exceptional volcanic features.

The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often regarded as New Zealand’s greatest day walk, offers a challenging journey across a remarkably changing terrain. Open from November to May, hikers can expect to spend 7-9 hours completing the nearly 20km trek.

Hiking outside of season is only recommended for experienced climbers equipped with a guide. Despite its challenges, those who embark on this adventure find it immensely rewarding, capturing the quintessential beauty of New Zealand with every step. Lord of the Ring fans may say they conquered Mount Doom!

1. Fiordland

A cherished natural treasure of New Zealand is Fiordland National Park. Home to glaciers, dramatic alpine ranges, unique flora and fauna dating back to the supercontinent Gondwanaland era, it truly is a sight to be seen!

A must-do in Fiordland is a cruise along Milford Sound . Sit on the balcony of one of the many boats, coffee in hand, and marvel at cascading waterfalls as you sail along the iconic Mitre Peak. With plenty of day tours available, consider an overnight journey to catch a glimpse of the starry skies over the sound.

The park offers several day hikes suitable for various ages and abilities. For adventurous souls, the renowned Milford Track awaits. It’s a 33-mile, four-day journey through waterfalls, mountain vistas, and the dramatic Pompolona Icefield. You can bring along a tent or book ahead to sleep in one of the many huts. Plan your trek between October and April to experience the best of this stunning landscape.

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Reader interactions.

February 26, 2020 at 4:47 am

Arrowtown and Wanamaker should have been included in your list.

October 26, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Napier was destroyed in a big earthquake, not a fire, although parts of the city caught fire afterwards.

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Top things to see and do in New Zealand

New Zealand has plenty of beautiful scenery. Find your way to the best spots, from popular Instagram destinations to off-the-beaten-track treasures.

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See New Zealand's greatest attractions, from the tip of Cape Reinga to the starry skies of Stewart Island/Rakiura.

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Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a lover of luxury, or travelling with your family, you can find memorable experiences in New Zealand. Check out some of the top things to do around the country. 

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

New Zealand is a sovereign island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. These islands are one of Earth’s most peculiar bioregions, inhabited by flightless birds seen nowhere else such as a nocturnal, burrowing parrot called the kakapo and kiwi. New Zealand is one of the most difficult countries in the world in which to forecast the weather.

New Zealand has been called “God’s own country” and the “Paradise of the Pacific” since the early 1800s.

New Zealand is a long way from anywhere else in the world, so for most visitors, the only practical way to enter New Zealand is by air. Even the shortest flights between Australia and New Zealand take over 3 hours. The capital Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand’s South Island with a population of 15,850

Top 12 Things to do in New Zealand

Exploring New Zealand’s magnificent landscapes and coastline tops the list for many. We put together the top 12 most popular attractions.

Queenstown is the home of the world’s first commercial bungy. In 1987 A. J. Hackett made a bungy jump from the Eiffel Tower and founded the first commercial bungy site in 1988. Today you can choose from either the original Kawarau bridge bungy where water touches are a must, the Ledge bungy located high above Queenstown, or the 134 metre Nevis Bungy, Queenstown’s highest bungy jump.

Visit Milford Sound

It’s New Zealand’s “Most Popular Tourist Destination” and offen called the “8th Wonder of the World”. Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls.

It is a fusion of spectacular natural features with amazing visual cues around every corner.

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is a 13-kilometre-long temperate maritime glacier located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It was named in 1872 after a visit by then Prime Minister of New Zealand Sir William Fox. You can join some of the variety of tours, heli-hikes, ice climbing and glacier walks amidst the spectacular scenery of Fox Glacier.

Lake Matheson

Lake Matheson, one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. The lake, formed by glaciation 14,000 years ago, is located near the Fox Glacier in South Westland. It is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

The waters of Lake Matheson are dark brown, so on a calm day, they create the ideal reflective surface. The only way to approach Lake Matheson on the south island of New Zealand is on foot.

Tai Poutini National Park

Established in 1960, the park covers 1,320 km² and extends from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote beaches of the wild West Coast. It is home to magnificent primeval vistas – snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, tussock grasslands, rivers, wetlands, beaches, scenic lakes, and dense temperate rainforest, as well as remains of old gold mining towns along the coast.

Moeraki Boulders

The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large and spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach, between Moeraki and Hampden. The boulders are grey-coloured septarian concretions, which have been eroded out by wave action from the cliffs of soft, black mudstone that back the beach.

They originally formed on the seafloor when the mudstone was accumulating during the early Tertiary period some 60 million years ago. The largest concretions are traversed by cracks, filled by yellow calcite.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south.

Finely ground rock in the glacial melted waters give Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique turquoise color. The highland location of the lake enjoy some of New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours, and the lowest average wind speeds.

The Pancake Rocks

The pancake rocks in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast. The foundations of the Pancake Rocks were formed 30 million years ago when minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landed on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Along the way, there are some impressive blowholes that are best viewed at high tide.

The Pancake Rocks are presently explorable by a number of walkways winding through the rock formations

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand with 3,724 metres. The mountain is in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Some people regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia. The mountain walks lead to alpine tarns, herb fields and spectacular glacier views. Its level of difficulty is often underestimated and can change dramatically depending on weather, snow and ice conditions.

Wanaka is a popular ski and summer resort town in the Otago region. Visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wanaka region by its outstanding natural beauty. Arts and music festivals, international sporting and aviation events are just a few of the activities, each as unique as the season it is staged.

Take a Lord of the Rings tour

Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Middle-earth, traveling from Auckland to Queenstown joining as group tours or self-drive tours to Lord of the Rings filming locations. New Zealand’s stunning landscapes captivated movie fans around the world as the unbilled star of the hugely successful The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Over 150 real New Zealand locations were used from the rolling green hills of Matamata on the North Island.

Tongariro Crossing

This is among the most popular day hikes in the country and often described as New Zealand’s greatest day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage site which has the distinction of dual status, as it has been acknowledged for both its natural and cultural significance.

Feature photo credit: HK.Colin / Flickr

Related Posts

10 Amazing Destinations for Eco-Travel

British ecotourism company Responsible Travel released a list of its 10 favorite destinations for green eco-travelers; see what made the cut, plus our recommendations of what to do in each eco-friendly locale.

When considering your next big trip consider going to an eco-destination. What makes a destination eco?

Here are a few criteria that have to be met to earn the “eco” stamp:

• It’s built using environmentally sound methods and/or operates with alternative energy sources
• It minimizes human impact on natural habitats and promotes resource conservation
• It sustains the well-being of local people and/or indigenous communities
• It helps raise visitors’ environmental and cultural awareness

For a list of environmentally friendly tour operators, hotels, and more, visit the  International Ecotourism Society website .

Here is our list with top 10 eco-travel destinations

Bonito, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, is one of the top ecotourism destinations suggested by responsibletravel.com ahead of the 11th World Responsible Tourism Awards.

This remote town in western Brazil is sometimes called  Caribe do Centro-Oeste , due to its spectacular  blue rivers,  whose limestone beds act as a natural water filter. The town’s proximity to the Serra da Bodoquena National Park ensures protection of the area’s ecosystems, which are some of the oldest and most diverse on the planet. Resorts such as the gorgeous  Santa Esmerelda  are catching on to the eco-friendly trend.

Tourists can enjoy a wide range of spectacular beauties in the area, including waterfalls, crystal lakes, caves with stalactite formations and the surroundings of the Serra da Bodoquena national park, much of which is not open to tourism for conservation reasons.

The clarity of the water where travelers can practice snorkeling or scuba diving is due to the large quantity of limestone in the ground, which works as a natural filter leaving impurity on the bottom of lakes and rivers and making these some of the more transparent and clear in the world.

2. Cape Town

South Africa is a leader in responsible tourism and a mecca for Eco Travel. Named by Conservational International as one of the seventeen megadiverse countries in the world. The biodiversity is truly astounding. There are numerous conservation efforts and projects in OUSth Africa designed to protect the native species.

Cape Town is remarkable for its combination of natural beauty and captivating culture. The capital city offers easy access to beaches, forests, and mountains alike. Many restaurants source food locally, and reliable public transportation or the carbon-neutral Green Cabs make it easy to get around. Choose accommodations like the Grootbos Nature Reserve, which takes measures to preserve its land and the animals native to it. Travelers are welcome to go on a Cape Canopy Tour and zip across the Hottentots Holland nature reserve, imitating the majestic eagles in all but the sharpness of eyesight. An exhilarating ride for anyone willing to share the sky with soaring birds to take in the absolute beauty of the Western Cape from a much more thrilling perspective.

3. Birdwatching in Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou, tipped as ‘Paradise on Earth’, is China’s top eco travel destination. It is one of the few places in China where people can watch wild birds chirping in the downtown area. A perfect destination for nature lovers, at Hangzhou’s West Lake, you can glimpse the birds flying over the skyline. Home to dozens of historical sites, the wooded hills encircling the lake are studded with pavilions, towers, pagodas, and caves. The Xixi National Wetland Park in Hagzhou is teeming with biodiversity and a 180 bird species. It allows visitors an intimate glance at the Underwater Ecological Observation Corridor. And for hiking enthusiasts, the Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi is a serene escape.

4. Blue Mountains, Australia

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains Area is a popular ecotourism trip for Sydneysiders seeking to trade in the buzz of the city for the calm of the great outdoors. A mere 90-minute car ride from Sydney, the Blue Mountains (named for the blue hue cast by the eucalyptus oil produced by the region’s native trees) cover some 550 square miles of valleys, swamps, rocky outcroppings, and narrow canyons – topped off by stellar vantage points from which to ogle Australia’s beauty.

A handful of national parks and reserves comprise the area, hosting dozens of trails through breathtaking terrain loaded with unique flora (don’t miss the ancient Wollemi pine, one of the world’s rarest species) and fauna (some 400 species, including koalas, call the Blue Mountains home). Rock climbing, mountain biking, rappelling, canoeing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities – aside from bushwalking – to enjoy here in the wild. Of course, the prospect of relaxing and breathing in the fresh mountain air at one of the area’s many eco-friendly lodges and cabins can be equally enticing.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand is a spot that’s difficult to fully take in during a single trip. Its varied terrain is home to diverse plants and wildlife and makes a beautiful backdrop for hiking, biking, and camping. New Zealand is also one of the most popular destinations for luxury  ecotourism , offering comprehensive tours and fancy accommodations with no harm to the environment.

6. Slow Travel in Kerala, India

Kerala’s spellbinding rivers and lush fields have deservedly made it one of those eco-travel destinations you must see in your lifetime. In fact, Kerala Tourism has won the award for world’s best responsible tourism project at the World Travel Market London. Kerala’s landscape is as fragrant as it is beautiful. With its hills covered in sweet-smelling spices and gorgeous-looking plantations of tea, every inch of Kerala seems to bear witness to arresting beauty. Travelers can slowly take in and admire Kerala whilst traveling by kettu vallam (tied boats) along glimmering backwaters or take to the road to enjoy delicious cuisine and coffee in the urban areas of the state.

7. Wildlife Adventures in Namibia

Namibia’s name is derived from the world’s oldest desert, the Namib. With its golden grass and singing rivers, Namibia easily gathers what the best and most awe-inspiring characteristics of Africa in one stunning place. It can also boast of being one of the best places to watch African wildlife as there is an abundance of elephants, rhinos, lions both in private reserves and freely roaming the African prairies. Namibia offers value for money as camps are priced in Namibian dollars, a currency tied to the South African Rand, rather than the U.S. dollar like many southern African safari destinations, which means your wonderful 5-star trip can be taken at a 2-star price.

This Caribbean island is home to the world’s oldest legally protected rainforest. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve contains a diverse mix of wildlife, including a whopping half of the island’s aviary population (birdwatchers, have your binoculars ready). While many parts of the island (including endangered reefs) have sustained significant damage from hurricanes, the  Forest Reserve’s World Heritage Status  keeps it well protected.

9. Extreme Adventures in Bariloche, Argentina

If you are one who loves some extreme sports with their eco-travel, then Bariloche might be the perfect destination for you. Bariloche can boast of an incredibly vast ecosystem- from snowy Andean mountains to thick green forests and glimmering lakes- and this means the fun is almost never-ending! You can have a refreshing time kayaking across crystal blue waters in a guided kayaking tour. If you are partial to a wilder side of adventure traveling then don’t fret – Bariloche’s winds are perfect for paragliding and you´ll never be disappointed with the breathtaking view and stunning mountain ranges seen from far above. Bariloche’s gorgeous landscape will definitely keep you mesmerized wherever you go and if you decide to go trekking for a change then there is no shortage of mountain paths and vistas for you to admire.

10. The Lake District National Park

Home to 12 of England’s largest lakes, this sprawling parkland contains a diverse sampling of British flora and fauna. For human visitors, there’s a hiking, boating, and nature exploration, as well as free guided bike and walking tours. In 2006, representatives from various protection agencies joined forces to found the  Lake District National Park Partnership , which oversees maintenance and preservation of the park’s 80,000 acres of land. They are currently seeking a bid for World Heritage Status, which would ensure even more protection. The Park also offers many opportunities for volunteer work so that visitors can be sure they’re leaving its forests as beautiful as they found them.

Photo credit: Emre Kuzu  from  Pexels

Saba – the Caribbean Island You’ve Never Heard Of

Saba is an unspoiled relaxing island in the Dutch Antilles located just 12 minutes flight away from Dutch/French St. Maarten/St. Martin. You can get to St. Maarten via direct flights from Amsterdam, Paris, New York, Boston, Miami, Dallas, and Toronto.

Saba is the northernmost island of the volcanic inner arc of the Lesser Antilles and was formed about 500,000 years ago, making her relatively young compared to other islands in this region. There is still a lot of geothermal activity.

The volcano Mount Scenery, which at 887 meters (2,910 ft) is the highest point within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This friendly and charming with exquisite natural beauty both above and below her waterline island, at around 5 square miles, is home to the Saba Marine Park, scuba divers, and snorkelers can see large coral formations, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. The lovers of hiking can enjoy breathtaking views!

There are a variety of shops and markets on the island, as well as a post office, police station and library. You can buy local Caribbean art at The Peanut Gallery, The Little Green Shop Saba or El Momo, or get your diving gear and sportswear at Sea Saba Dive Center. Visits the Harry L. Johnson Museum, which is a 160-year old sea captain’s cottage. You have the opportunity to see hot glass art, jewelry, and beads being made.

Another great thing about this island is that there are no mosquitoes. This island is perfect for a serene and intimate getaway!

Saba is also known as the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean”, with less than 2,000 residents and no crime, no high rises, neither traffic nor traffic lights, no pesty insects, no crowds, no fast-food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships. You can enjoy a true life experience with the local residents in some of the local eclectic bars and restaurants after a hike in the mountain rainforest.

Hikers on the island can ascend to Mount Scenery, the island’s highest point, or take a more extreme North Coast hike that passes by old town ruins and culminates in ocean vistas.

The capital Bottom, St. Johns, Windwardside, and Zions Hill are the four villages of Saba.

Saba Divers is an award-winning dive center with its main priority on non-crowded, safe and fun dives. They organize all you need on the beautiful island.

There are not so many islands in the Caribbean that offer such rich biodiverse as Saba for its size, with its three ecosystems (rainforest, cloud forest, and coral reef) and seven vegetation zones.

Check this video from John Coffey about why Saba is a paradise above all others!

Check our others blog posts and learn more about other sustainable cities .

Main photo credit: Queensaba

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45 Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit

Home » Blog » New Zealand » 45 Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit

Whether it is your first time visiting or you’re a Kiwi looking to explore your own (amazing!) country, there are endless things to do in New Zealand. We’ve rounded up the top adrenaline rushes, foods to try, epic hikes and cultural experiences, so you can create your very own New Zealand bucket list.

New Zealand is a country packed with so much adventure and so many things to do that you’ll never be able to “do it all” in just one visit. But if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to pack in as much as you can !

From must-try New Zealand foods , to heart-thumping adventures, to wildlife encounters, there is something for everyone in this country.

We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in New Zealand on your first visit so you can start creating a bucket list for your very own Kiwi adventure .

New Zealand is truly one of our favorite countries in the world, and we’re so excited for you because you’re about to embark on one of the biggest adventures of your life!

New Zealand Travel Guide

For more tips and advice for planning your trip to New Zealand, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

• How many days do you need
• New Zealand itinerary

Best time to visit New Zealand

• Tips for visiting
• What to pack
• Round up of things to do in New Zealand

Top Things to do in New Zealand

If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on your first visit.

• Explore Milford Sound
• Go bungy jumping in Queenstown
• Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Learn about Maori Culture
• Go wine tasting on Waiheke Island
• See sunrise at Cathedral Cove
• Soak in a hot spring

Keep scrolling for all the details on how to do each of these experiences yourself (+ insider tips and what to expect!).

REAL TALK:   When writing this article, we didn’t just research “top things to do in New Zealand” and write a little blurb on each, as you often find online. Instead, this article is completely from our personal experience , and it’s chock-full of our own stories, honest advice, prices and photos, so you know exactly what to expect along the way. We’re even letting you in on some of the “top attractions” that just didn’t live up to the hype . We hope this resource is helpful to you as you plan your trip to New Zealand.

1. Swim with wild dolphins

If you grew up obsessed with “Flipper” and all things dolphin-related (like I did!), this experience will be a dream come true.

Just off the coast of the small South Island town of Kaikoura is home to the Dusky Dolphin. This species is known for being small (maximum of 2 meters long) and very playful. They are quite the acrobats, and can often be seen doing flips out of the water!

And guess what? You can have the opportunity to SWIM WITH THEM! If you are as excited about this as I was, read about our  Kaikoura dolphin swim experience where we go over our honest opinion and insider tips.

Responsible Travel Note:  We are very selective with any animal encounters we take part in while traveling. And since “swimming with dolphins” typically involves jumping into a pool at SeaWorld, we were particularly wary. But after a ton of research on this topic, we booked a spot on this tour. We were very impressed, and can recommend this as an ethical way to see dolphins up close.

Looking for a way to fit all of these experiences in one trip?

We traveled in NZ for about 5 weeks and were able to visit most of the highlights of the country, including both the North and the South Island. We did almost all of the experiences on this list!

We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days because so many people wanted a 1-month route.  We’ll send you our complete 1-month itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary  today!

2. Eat a Fergburger

Prior to our trip to New Zealand, we talked to a few people who had just returned from similar trips, and each of them led with this:

“OH MY GOD, YOU NEED TO EAT AT FERGBURGER!”

Apparently this is one of the absolute-must-cannot-miss things to do in Queenstown !

For something so hyped, we were actually pleasantly surprised.

We ate there on two occasions (one might have been a hangover cure…), and both times the burgers were absolutely fantastic.

Everything you could want in a burger : Perfectly cooked meat. Lots of creative toppings. Flavorful sauces. Huge portions.

We have no complaints. Even the line, which looked like it might take forever, went by surprisingly quickly, and we had our burgers in hand a cool 20 minutes after stepping in the queue.

But if you are truly allergic to waiting in a line, you can call in your order and pick it up. I hope they don’t hate us for giving out their phone number, but here it is: +64 3-441 1232

Our Recommendations:  We loved the Mr. Bigstuff, and seriously wanted to try the Sweet Bambi (but it was sold out both times we went). For more drool-worthy burger descriptions, check out their  whole menu .

Vegetarian friends:  There are 2 non-meat options you can try; a tempura tofu burger with spicy satay, coconut & coriander sauce (Holier Than Thou) and a falafel burger with lemon yogurt and avocado (Ferg-lafel).

No matter what time of day your burger craving strikes, Fergburger will be able to satisfy, as they are open from 8 a.m. (breakky burgers, anyone?!) to 5 a.m. for all those youths walking home from the bars.

Insider Tip: If you’re a big fan of burgers, try rival Devil Burger (also in Queenstown) and Red Star in Wanaka, which we’ve heard both serve amazing burgers as well. We like burgers, but in moderation. So the two Fergburgers we had meant we’re good on meat patties for a few months…

3. Go bungy jumping where it was invented

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”  We’ve all heard this famous quote from Eleanor Roosevelt.

This wise First Lady is basically telling you to go bungy jumping! Or something like that…?

New Zealand is the perfect place to make your first jump for a few reasons:

• New Zealand is the place this crazy adrenaline sport was invented.  (First bungy ever was near Queenstown on the Kawarau Bridge, and the first person was a man named AJ Hackett (he now has a very successful company in his namesake.)
• There are tons of different bungee jumps all around the country,  suited for everyone’s taste. Whether you dive headfirst into the scenic river gorge off Kawarau Bridge like we did (the original!) or do the highest jump in the country at Nevis, there are lots of different jumps to choose from.
• The bungy jump operators in New Zealand are top notch quality.  Remember, these companies do this all day, every day. They are very good at what they do, and your safety is of the utmost importance.

Although the experience in itself is super short and pretty damn expensive (around $205 New Zealand Dollars, NZD), it’s empowering to know you faced a fear , and you might just get some epic photos to prove it!

Good to know:  They will take photos of you on your jump, but they cost extra ($45 NZD for photos only and $80 NZD for photos and video). They also allow you to carry a GoPro if you’d like. Ben did this and was able to take much better footage than what the photographers captured (but make sure it is attached well on your wrist!).

If bungy jumping is on your New Zealand Bucket List, make sure you book the experience at least a few days in advance if you’re traveling during peak season. This is an ultra-popular activity, and the best spots book up fully. Book your AJ Hackett jump .

Real Talk:  So how scary is it,  really?  That all depends on you, but our advice is to get out onto the ledge, take a breath and jump as soon as the staff member counts you down. The longer you stand out there, the scarier it gets. Make up your mind to jump without hesitation. You’ll thank us.

Psst! Queenstown is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in New Zealand. We have a whole Queenstown travel guide here!

4. Learn about M ā ori Culture

Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand , and they are known around the world for their stunning tattoo designs and a dance called the Haka, in which warriors stick out their tongues to intimidate enemies.

Today it is known around the world because the All Blacks Rugby team do a Haka before each game. If you’re unfamiliar with this war dance, check out  this video of a Maori dance group performing the Haka .

While “see a Haka” might already be on your list, I’d push you to expand that to also learning about Maori culture more in depth.

Fun Fact:  The ancestors of the Maori people came from French Polynesia and settled in New Zealand just 700 years ago, making this country one of the last places settled by humans.

Today, Maori people make up roughly 15% of New Zealand’s population, and the majority of them live in the area around Rotorua, making this town a popular place to have a Maori cultural experience.

Bonus:  While in Rotorua, try a Hangi meal (available at most Maori cultural sites). Hangi is a way of cooking which involves digging a pit and putting heated rocks inside. This can be used to cook just about anything, but the Hangi meals you’ll find are generally a mix of vegetables (potatoes and carrots) as well as meat.

In Rotorua, there are many different ways to learn about Maori culture. We did two different Maori cultural experiences to be able to compare them. While they were both interesting in their own way, we don’t think it would be necessary to do both as they overlap quite a bit. Choose the experience that sounds best for your budget and travel style.

Whakarewarewa Living M ā ori Village

QUICK GIST:  Less formal, affordable, takes less time, opportunity to see geothermal sites, see where people are still living today.

Take a tour through a village where a small population of Maori people live today. You’ll learn about their history as well as their lives today and you can ask questions to your Maori guide. Your tour concludes with a cultural performance, which includes a Haka.

You also have the opportunity to order a hangi pie (similar to a meat pie) and corn cooked in a geyser from their onsite cafe (not necessary to order in advance). After your tour is finished, you can walk on their trails over geothermal pools.

Cost:  Adults ~$45 NZD, Children ~$20 NZD.

Tamaki M ā ori Village: Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience with Dinner

QUICK GIST:  More refined and comprehensive, feels like more of a “performance”, Hangi buffet dinner included, more immersive and beautifully put together, more expensive.

This is a pretty full on experience which starts with a bus journey outside of Rotorua. This is much more of a performance than what you’ll experience at the Living Village.

You’ll circulate through different stations where Maori people dressed in traditional clothing explain different aspects of their culture and history — from their tattoos to societal roles to their creation story.

You will then watch a cultural show (quite similar to that of the Living Village) and finish the experience with a massive Hangi buffet .

Cost:  Adults ~$130 NZD, Children ~10-15 years $75 NZD, Children 5-9 years ~$35 NZD.

Important to know:  The word “Māori” itself can be difficult to pronounce. We’re right there with ya! This  video tutorial  will help you pronounce it correctly.

Wondering when to plan your trip? We’ve got all your questions answered in our guide to the best time to visit New Zealand . (Plus, we’re sharing when to avoid!)

5. Visit Milford Sound

Touted as New Zealand’s “Most Popular Tourist Destination” and even called the “8th Wonder of the World”, visiting Milford Sound is a must on your first trip to New Zealand.

Located in Fiordland National Park, the 15 kilometer stretch that makes up Milford Sound boasts sheer rock faces, mountain peaks, and two permanent waterfalls: Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls.

Milford Sound is known to get heavy rainfalls, creating temporary waterfalls from the sides of just about every rock face in the fjord. So don’t worry if rain is predicted for the day of your cruise: It’s said that rainy days are the best time to experience Milford Sound. (Though we thought our clear, sunny day was pretty spectacular too!)

Alternative: Doubtful Sound is a less-visited option, however, it is only accessible by boat, so it requires a bit more time to get there.

Below are the best ways to experience Milford Sound:

Milford Sound Boat Cruise

The cheapest and most popular option, taking a boat cruise is a wonderful introduction to Milford Sound. Cruises range in price but are pretty affordable, and they run in rain or shine.

This is the option we chose and we were happy with it. If we had more time, we would have also loved to do a kayaking excursion . 

We have a whole guide that lists all the best Milford Sound cruises , but here are 2 good options:

• Small group tours in a glass-roof catamaran
• Boat cruise with picnic lunch included

Milford Sound Kayak Tour

If you want a more intimate experience, kayaking in Milford Sound might be a great option for you.

There are all sorts of tour options, suited to a variety of experience levels. One thing to consider though, is you won’t go as far into the fjord on a kayak as you would on a cruise.

That’s why we’d recommend booking a tour that offers the opportunity to kayak and cruise , aka the best of both worlds!

Scenic flight from Queenstown + a boat cruise

Take in the views above Milford Sound for a totally different perspective on this day trip which

If you’re celebrating something special like your honeymoon, this luxury Milford Sound flight plus boat tour definitely checks the box of “bucket list experience”!

Do you need transportation to and from Queenstown included? This day trip is a long one (12.5 hours total!), but it includes a bus ride to and from Milford Sound as well as a 2-hour boat cruise and a picnic lunch. Book your all-day tour here!

Or, if you’re driving yourself (which we highly recommend!), we have a whole guide to planning the perfect Queenstown to Milford Sound road trip .

6. Spend a night in a mountain hut

Calling all true adventure seekers! This one’s for you…

There is a vast network of mountain huts all around New Zealand that make it possible to do multi-day treks. Spending the night in one of the 1,000+ huts across the country is worthy of a spot on any adventure seeker’s bucket list. (It was near the top of our must dos!)

The huts vary from super remote and basic to easily accessible and comfortable.

Do your research because they also vary in price and popularity. Some book out weeks in advance, while others are hardly ever full.

Fun Fact:  If you are planning to spend the night at a hut, you are not “hiking”. Instead, Kiwis call this “tramping”, which could be compared to what North Americans call “backpacking”.

We’ve created a list of a few mountain huts to consider for your first trip to New Zealand.

They all only require one day to reach, so they can be a good addition to your trip even if you have limited time in New Zealand.

Brewster Hut

We spent a night in this 12-bunk hut in Mount Aspiring National Park and were awestruck by some of the best views we saw in the entire country .

This hut is the least-visited on this list, and requires a grueling 3-hour climb, but it’s all worth it for getting to a place few visitors see.

We describe our trek and our time spend at Brewster Hut in our  West Coast article .

Mueller Hut

This iconic red hut is set on a ridge in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and has 28 bunks.

Bookings are required at this popular hut and the DOC estimates this hike to take 4 hours one-way on exposed ridges. Be sure to check with the local DOC for up to date weather conditions before attempting the trek yourself, as ice axes and crampons may be required .

We had reservations at Mueller Hut, but the conditions were too bad on the day of our trek that we decided to cancel.

Pinnacles Hut

We spent one night at this hut and loved every minute! Touted as the “most luxurious hut in New Zealand” , this is a perfect choice for less experienced hikers.

The hike to the hut takes 2.5 – 3 hours and is moderate in difficulty. The Pinnacles viewpoint lies just 45 minutes past the hut and is known for spectacular sunset and sunrise views .

The Pinnacles Hut has 80 bunks and a kitchen full of cookware and gas stoves, which is not common for mountain huts.

7. Live the #vanlife

If the #vanlife hashtag has your interest piqued, New Zealand is the perfect place to rev your engine. With campgrounds that range from free and basic to damn near luxurious (with a price tag to match!), this country is well-suited to campervan pros and newbies alike .

There is something indescribable about living in a home on wheels, if even for a couple weeks. It shows you how simple life can be if you let it, and gives you the freedom to wake up next to mountains one day and the ocean the next.

Thinking about making your trip to New Zealand a campervan adventure?

Well, you’re in luck because we’ve created a massive guide with everything you need to know about  planning a campervan trip in New Zealand !

We even have an article dedicated to the  best New Zealand campsites  to make it easy to plan the perfect route.

If you’re convinced and ready for your van life adventure (yay!),  Motorhome Republic  is a great place to start to compare the prices of campervans for your travel dates.

8. Log as many hikes as possible

New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise. There are thousands of trails around the country in varying levels of difficulty and lengths.

From the famed Te Araroa Trail, which runs the length of both the North and South Islands clocking in at 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and taking roughly 4 months to complete, to a plethora of day hikes suitable to even inexperienced hikers, you’ll have no shortage of hikes to fill your trip.

It can be easy to get overly ambitious and come up with a huge list of tracks; but unless you plan to do nothing but hike on your first trip to New Zealand, you’ll have to pick and choose. We’ve put together a list of some of the  best hikes in New Zealand  with the help of our local Kiwi friend to help you narrow down your focus.

Here are some of our favorite day hikes in New Zealand

In the effort of helping your narrow down an overwhelming list of epic trails, we’re sharing our favorite hikes in New Zealand for your first trip. In some cases, we’re giving you a choice between 2 because they are similar in location or views.

Pinnacles Hike

• allot at least 6 hours if you do this as a day trip
• Difficulty: moderate

Located in the Coromandel Peninsula, this can be done as either a day hike or an overnight excursion. It’s not that difficult of a trek until the climb to the Pinnacles, which involves some ropes and metal bars

The best views are at sunset and sunrise, so we’d definitely recommend spending the night at the Pinnacles Hut.

Key Summit or Marian Lake

These hikes are located within a few kilometers of each other amongst the Southern Alps. They both make a great stop on your drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

They are quite different, so read each description and choose the one that will suit you better.

• Key Summit  is the more popular of the two and has 360-degree views of surrounding peaks on a clear day.  | Key Summit: 2.5 – 3 hours return, easy hike.
• Marian Lake  starts with a hike past beautiful waterfalls (it takes only 15 minutes to get here, so even if you don’t do the whole hike, you can at least get to this point). The hike culminates at an alpine lake in a hanging valley.  | Marian Lake: 3 hours return, steep hike.

Isthmus Peak or Roys Peak

Both hikes have epic lake views and take roughly the same amount of time. The most notable difference is that Roys Peak is ultra popular and often has lines formed to get a photograph at the Insta-famous viewpoint, whereas Isthmus Peak is far less crowded (but maybe not for long!).

• Roys Peak:  5-6 hours return, easy track, closed Oct 1 to Nov 10 for lambing season
• Isthmus Peak:  5-6 hours return, medium track, closed Nov 20 to Dec 20 for fawning

Hooker Valley Track

• 3 hours return
• Difficulty: Easy

This is more of a walk than a hike, but it still makes the list because it is an absolute must do when in New Zealand’s South Island.

This 3-hour return walk is suitable to all levels and offers some of the most spectacular views you’ll see of Aoraki / Mount Cook. We both agree this hike was the best thing we did in Mount Cook National Park given our limited time.

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Difficulty: Hard

This is one of our favorite hikes in New Zealand, and we’d highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. See #13 on this list for more information.

On a related note…  If reading this article has convinced you to pack your bags and immediately uproot your life to relocate to New Zealand, we have good news for you… You can! With  New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa  program, foreigners can live and work in NZ for up to 2 years.

9. Eat a Golden Kiwi

These delicious golden fruits are sweeter and juicier than their green counterparts, and you should absolutely try one (or 10!) while traveling in Kiwi country.

Tip: Golden kiwis have a much thinner (and less hairy skin) than the green fruits, so go ahead and bite in, like how you’d eat an apple. The skin packs in a healthy dose of fiber and Vitamin C, so don’t even think about wasting this nutrient-rich layer!

10. Take a jet boat ride

Invented in the 1950’s by a Kiwi farmer, the jetboat is propelled by shooting water out the back .

Being that it doesn’t have propellors like a traditional water vessel, jetboats are able to navigate shallow rivers that would otherwise be impassable.

Taking a jet boat ride is a classic New Zealand adventure, and you’ll find rides being offered all around the country. They’re known to go fast and whip around turns, making for an adventurous boat ride.

We didn’t go on a proper jet boat tour, but rode on one during a visit to a bird sanctuary. We were actually surprised by how fun it was!

The Jet Boat Tours that look most exciting to us are:

Huka Falls near Lake Taupo  

The jet boat will bring you up close to this beautiful and powerful turquoise body of water in an exhilarating ride! 

Shotover Jetboat  

This is one of the more popular things to do in Queenstown. You’ll skim over the Shotover River, while coming close to the gorge walls while doing 360’s in the canyon. 

11. Wine tasting at a vineyard

New Zealand is known for producing some fabulous whites and reds , and if you consider yourself a wino, you’ll definitely want to make space on your itinerary for a stop at one (or 5!) vineyards to sample the local flavors.

New Zealand’s diverse climate means each region specializes in different varieties.

If you’re like us and aren’t picky, just choose the place that’s most convenient for you to add on your New Zealand road trip.

But if you’re are a real wine snob (no judgement here!), the descriptions below will help you choose a region based on the type of vino they’re known for.

Marlborough

The most famous wine-producing region in New Zealand , Marlborough is known for its spectacular Sauvignon Blanc and its Pinot Noir .

• Recommendation:  We visited the Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard and had a great experience.

Looking for a fun way to see the wineries? Rent a bike! There are 15 wineries within 3 km of the starting point, so you’re in for a fun-filled day!

Central Otago

This region encompasses both Queenstown and Wanaka, and is known best for its Pinot Noirs .

• Recommendation:  We’ve heard good things about  Rippon near Wanaka  and  Chard Farm  near Queenstown.
• Waiheke Island

Just a 40-minute ferry journey from Auckland, this picturesque island is speckled with vineyards. The hot, dry climate is ideal for Syrahs and Pinot Gris .

• Recommendation:   Obsidian  has really nice wines. Our friend who lives on Waiheke Island said this is her favorite!

Hawke’s Bay

This is New Zealand’s second-largest wine-producing region and is known for reds: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah ; as well as Chardonnays .

• Recommendation:   Mission Estate Winery was established in 1851, making it the oldest existing winery in New Zealand. Alternatively, Crab Farm Winery is beautifully designed and has some great food offerings while Linden Estate Winery has some of the best views in the area.

12. Go whale watching in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a small town on the South Island’s east coast, and offers visitors the chance to see sperm whales in their natural habitat all year round. And it’s hard to beat the picturesque combination of seeing a whale slapping its tail against a backdrop of snowy peaks.

Whale Watch Kaikoura boasts a 95% success rate, and will refund 80% of your tour price if your boat doesn’t see a whale. So you don’t have much to lose!

Personal experience:  We were stoked about the opportunity to see whales, but on the day we had our reservation, none of the whale watching tours went out because the “seas were too choppy”. Sadly, we didn’t have any wiggle room in our dates, as we had ferry tickets for the following morning. So we had to forgo this experience. (Obviously, we didn’t have to pay anything.) A friend we were traveling with was able to go the next day, and she saw whales! So learn from us and make sure you have a “buffer day” to maximize your chances of seeing whales.

13. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing stats:

• Distance: 12 miles (19.4 km)
• Type of hike: Point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: 2,759 feet (841 meters)
• Difficulty rating: Hard
• Time: average of 7-8 hours (can range from 6 -11 hours, depending on your pace) 
• Location: North Island New Zealand, within Tongariro National Park

This hike takes the better part of one day and gets incredibly crowded, but it is popular for good reason . The views on this trek are nothing short of epic, and the landscapes otherworldly.

If you do one lengthier day hike on your trip to New Zealand, make it this one.

Situated in Tongariro National Park, this trek takes you through moonscapes and past Mount Mount Ngauruhoe (aka “Mount Doom” in the Lord of the Rings ). It also brings you past shockingly green lakes and volcanic craters .

Important to know: You will need to book a shuttle ticket in advance, as the start and end points are different.

We have an entire guide to hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing route with everything you need to know about the shuttles, what to pack, and tips for along the way.

14. Take one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives

With rugged mountain peaks, glacial lakes, mossy rainforests and blissfully deserted beaches, New Zealand has no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery.

One of the best parts of traveling in New Zealand is simply the stunning drives you’ll take (especially in the South Island).

Give yourself more time than the GPS says because you’ll definitely want to stop frequently for photo ops and little roadside attractions, like waterfalls, rivers and short walks.

Psst! We’ve got all sorts of tips for driving and renting a car in New Zealand that you won’t want to miss!

Lake Pukakai to Mount Cook Village 

• 40 minutes one way

This is one of the most epic stretches of road in all of New Zealand, and offers spectacular views of the brilliantly turquoise Lake Pukaki flanked by the snowcapped peak of Mount Cook.

• Peter’s Lookout is a great place to stop for photos (pictured above).

Queenstown to Glenorchy 

• 50 minutes one way (you will have to return as well)

This drive hugs the shore of Lake Wakatipu and brings you from the tourism hotspot of Queenstown to the much smaller village of Glenorchy. Making this scenic drive is one of the best things to do in the area.

• Stop off at Bob’s Cove to explore
• Bennett’s Bluff for a scenic viewpoint
• Wander the small town of Glenorchy and stop at Mrs. Woolly’s General Store for snacks and coffee

Queenstown and Wanaka

• 1 hour 10 minutes

This road is incredibly winding and steep at times, but the views over the Central Otago region are spectacular.

• Make a stop in the historic mining settlement, Arrowtown , to get an ice cream cone and walk the Main Street.
• For an epic view, take a detour and drive to the top of one of the 3 ski resorts in the region – The Remarkables, Coronet Peak or Cardrona.

Te Anau to Milford Sound

• 2.5 hours without making any stops

If you plan to visit Milford Sound while in New Zealand (spoiler alert: you should!), this is a portion of the route you will take. There are tons of places to stop off along the way, so give yourself plenty of time.

• Mirror Lakes:  super short stop at a lake that is incredibly glossy and reflective.
• Key Summit:  3-hour return hike that grants epic views of the area.
• Lake Marian:  3-hour return hike to the lake, or a 20-minute return hike to a beautiful waterfall.
• The Chasm:  20-minute stop at a powerful waterfall.

Insider Tip:  Be sure to fill up your gas tank in Te Anau, as there are no petrol stations past this town.

Ready to start your New Zealand road trip? Check out  Motorhome Republic  to compare prices of campervans.

15. Soak in hot springs

There aren’t many things better than resting sore muscles in a pool of hot water after a day of hiking. Or walking around town. Or heck, just driving in a campervan (pressing the gas pedal takes a toll on that calf muscle!).

I guess it’s no secret that we’ll take just about any excuse to seek out hot springs on our travels.

Due to heightened geothermal activity in New Zealand, it should come as no surprise that there are quite a few hot springs around the country, ranging from super accessible to pretty remote .

There are the 100% naturally-occurring (and totally free!) hot springs as well as those that are man-made (and charge an admission fee).

Here are a few hot springs to put on your New Zealand bucket list for your first visit:

Kerosene Creek

• naturally warm waterfall

These naturally hot waterfalls make a great stop during your time in Rotorua. They are set in a shaded forest down a gravel road. Though these used to be pretty unknown, they are getting more and more popular. (There was a group of school children on a field trip when we were there.) If you like natural hot springs though, we still think they are worth a stop!

However, beware that the water here is quite smelly, and will tarnish jewelry. (Don’t worry — it can be easily cleaned with toothpaste or baking soda.) Also, pay attention to the signs in the parking lot and make sure your valuables are out of sight. Sadly, we met a couple here who had their car broken into.

Cost:  Free!

Lake Taupo Hot Springs

• Free Riverside Hangout

This natural hot spring is small, but well worth a soak. Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, the Spa Park Hot Pools are beautiful and there are clean toilets and changing room facilities. Plus, the water is not nearly as smelly as that in Kerosene Creek.

We saw many people with adult beverages to enjoy while soaking, though we aren’t sure if this is “technically legal”, there were a few signs saying it was banned.

Franz Josef Glacial Hot Pools

• Landscaped Hot Pools

For a more “refined” hot pool experience, the  Franz Josef Hot Pools  make for a peaceful place to soak. While this is not a natural hot spring, they are nicely designed, and are lovely after a day of exploring glaciers.

Tip: If you want a more intimate experience, you can  rent a private pool , which is essentially a hot tub, for a 45-minute time slot.

Cost:  Adult $28 NZD, Child $24 NZD, Private Hot Pool for 2 – $99 NZD

Onsen Hot Pools

• Insta-Famous Pampering

If it’s an Instagram-worthy view you’re after, the  Onsen Hot Pools  just outside of Queenstown will be just what you’re looking for.

Cost:  for 2 adults during day $101 NZD and at night $125 for 60 minutes

Hanmer Springs

• large family-friendly resort

When it comes to large spa resorts for the whole family, Hanmer Springs is one of the best. Located not far from Christchurch, you can shoot down a waterslide and get a spa treatment all at the same place!

Cost: $38 NZD for adults, with optional add ons

16. Eat like a New Zealander

While New Zealand cuisine isn’t super easy to define, there tends to be a focus on seasonal ingredients that are produced locally .

Think fresh seafood on the coasts, lamb in the countryside, and veggies that are in season.

Kiwi cuisine draws influence from British dishes (like fish ‘n chips) as well as indigenous staples (like the famous Maori Hāngī ) and even cuisines from countries on the Pacific Rim.

Psst! We have an entire guide to food in New Zealand so you know exactly what to try!

17. Feel like a kid on the Queenstown Luge

If the thought of driving a real-life Mario Kart appeals to you in the slightest, you’ll love the Queenstown Luge. It was even more fun than it looks!

Channel your inner Princess Peach or Luigi and whip around curves as you race your travel companions (loser buys beers!). But don’t forget to take in the stunning views over Queenstown as you drive the course, but watch out for banana peels!

Good to know:  On your first ride, you must drive on the “beginner loop” which is less steep, though we were still able to go decently fast! We wish we would have sprung for at least one more ride on the “advanced loop”.

To get to the top of this hill that over looks Queenstown from the northwest, you can either make the 45-minute Tiki Trail hike, or you can take the Skyline gondola, which costs $39 NZD ($55 with 2 luge rides).

Cost:  $14 NZD for one track, $24 for 2. The more you ride the cheaper it gets. 

Want more ideas of fun things to do in Queenstown? There’s tons to do! And we have a whole guide to Queenstown to make sure you have the best time!

18. Go chasing waterfalls

Throughout New Zealand, there are 249 named waterfalls (and many more than that after a hard rain!).

There are so many waterfalls throughout the country, that you’ll no doubt come across ones you weren’t even planning on visiting.

So ignore TLC’s advice and get out there and chase some waterfalls!

You’re gonna want to read this… We put together a list of all the essential things to know about NZ before you go! Don’t miss it.

19. Sunrise at Cathedral Cove

This iconic cave frequently graces Instagram, so there’s a good chance you’ve seen pictures of this spot. Even though Cathedral Cove has earned Insta Fame, you can still enjoy it without the crowds (if you get there early!).

Okay, you don’t really need to be there  at sunrise , but do be sure to get your butt into gear as soon as you can!

An easy 45-minute walk brings you to a small beach. There, you’ll find a cave that opens up into another hidden beach that’s dotted beautifully with a picture-perfect sea stack.

Personal Experience:  For us, this was a magical place. But part of that was due to the time of day we got there. We started on the walk at 7 a.m. and passed by professional photographers who  had  actually been in the cove for sunrise (giant tripods and all!). But when we got there: Crickets. That’s right, we had this enchanting cave entirely to ourselves for a good 20 minutes.

It was a good thing we got an early start, because on our walk back (around 9 a.m.), we passed by at least 20 different groups, including a school trip of 40+ middle schoolers. Yikes!

In order to get there early, we’d suggest spending the night nearby. If you’re camping,  Hahei Holiday Resort is a lovely campground and is the starting point for the walk.

Tip: Pack some snacks and a towel, as the nearby beaches are lovely spots to spend a couple hours if you have the time.

20. Eat fish ‘n chips

We thought nobody did fish and chips like the UK, but that was before we visited New Zealand!

You’ll see this dish on the menu all throughout the country, as well as dedicated fish and chip shops. They typically serve a variety of fish at all price points (making it a pretty affordable meal), and have the option to add on chips.

Insider Tip:  The best fish and chips we had in New Zealand was from Erik’s Fish and Chips in Queenstown. Also, a “Kiwi thing to do” is order your chips with sour cream and sweet chili sauce. Not a healthy upcharge, but a delicious one for sure!

21. Have a beach day

While New Zealand may not be the first place that comes to mind when you picture a “beach vacation”, we can assure you there are plenty sandy stretches to soak up some Vitamin D.

Even if you’re not a Sun Worshipper, taking a stroll along the ocean or enjoying a picnic lunch with a view should definitely be on your list of things to do in New Zealand.

Here are some of our favorite beaches for your first visit to New Zealand:

• Tip: Be sure to hike the extra 10 (steep) minutes up to the viewpoint!
• Piha Beach:  Just 45 minutes west of Auckland, this rugged black sand beach is known for surf and laidback vibes.
• Abel Tasman:  This National Park is full of beautiful beaches to choose from.
• Waiheke Island:  With white sandy beaches and azure waters, you’ll forget you’re just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Onetangi Beach is the largest (and most popular) on the island, but Palm Beach was our favorite.

22. Roll down a hill in an orb (aka go Zorbing!)

Does the thought of rolling down a hill in a giant inflatable ball filled with warm water sound like a grand ol’ time?! We sure thought so!

Zorbing is just that, and it comes as no surprise that, just like bungee jumping and jet boating, it too was invented in New Zealand .

While you can find Zorbing around the country (and the world!), the original site is located in Rotorua and is operated by a company called ZORB (a fitting name indeed!).

They have 3 tracks to choose from: the Fast Track (straight down), the Zig Zag, and the Drop, which they claim is the “world’s steepest drop and world’s fastest ride”.

You can choose to do just one ride or a package of three, and we’d definitely recommend the latter. Rolling down the hill once is fun but will leave you wanting more — trust us.

Tip:  Zorbing is actually the perfect rainy day activity!

23. Spot rare birds

There are many bird species — like the Kiwi, for example — that you can only find in New Zealand. And while you’re visiting, you should make it a goal to spot at least one of New Zealand’s endemic birds .

Interesting Fact:  Did you know that New Zealand does not have any native mammals? (Well, with the exception of 2 species of bats.) Because there were virtually no predators, birds thrived here for much of history. Settlers brought mammals with them, however, so today many bird species are threatened. See more NZ facts !

You’ll have a good chance at spotting one of these birds while in New Zealand (or maybe even all four!):

• New Zealand Pigeon:  Also called a wood pigeon or kereru (Maori name), this greenish-purple bird is known to eat rotting berries. Eating this fermented fruit leads them to become drunk (yes, seriously!), and they are famous for falling off branches and clumsily flying into trees. The Kereru was named New Zealand’s Bird of the Year in 2018 (again, I’m not joking!).
• Kea:  The world’s only alpine parrot, these greenish birds are really cute and can be easily spotted on New Zealand’s South Island.
• Tui:  These birds are can be identified by their iridescent feathers and a white tuft under their neck. But more often than not, you’ll hear a tui before you see it. They are known for their singing, as well as their ability to mimic sounds — from other birdcalls to car alarms. Tuis are also known as being aggressive and quite annoying, so it’s fitting that there is a longstanding brewery named after this bird.
• Weka:  This flightless bird is about the size of a chicken, and it will no doubt remind you of one.

If you’d like to see the iconic Kiwi while in New Zealand , you’ll have to visit a hatching facility, like the  West Coast Wildlife Center , because these nocturnal birds are extremely rare and hard to spot.

And if you’re really into birds, consider doing the  White Heron Sanctuary tour , where you’ll go into a remote wildlife reserve that few people get to see. Learn more about our time on the  West Coast .

24. Visit Waiheke Island

Just a 40-minute ferry ride from  Auckland , spending a couple days on Waiheke Island is a perfect addition to your New Zealand itinerary.

This island is full of hilly viewpoints, hidden coves, white sand beaches, top-notch restaurants, small towns and many, many vineyards.

Here are some of our top things to do in Waiheke Island:

• Beach day at Onetangi or Palm Beach
• Wine tasting at Obsidian Vineyard
• Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy sunset from one of the many random picnic tables with a view around the island
• Try local oysters
• Sit on the hill at Casita Miro with sangria and a tapas platter

Good to know:  It is worth noting that prices on Waiheke Island tend to be higher than on the mainland.

Insider Tip:  Take the Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island, which is 40 minutes, instead of the SeaLink 80-minute ferry. (We made that mistake!)

Read Next:  When you’re back on the mainland, we have an entire article dedicated to  Things to do in Auckland .

25. Stargaze in a Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo

There’s something magical about looking up at the night sky and seeing twinkling lights. But sadly, light pollution makes it hard many places around the world to stargaze.

Luckily, New Zealand isn’t one of those places. Apart from the major cities, you should be able to see stars on clear nights all around the country.

If you’re really serious about astronomy, there are some areas known as “Dark Sky Reserves” , which basically means they have restrictions on light pollution and make for some exceptional stargazing.

Lake Tekapo is the most famous place to go stargazing in New Zealand, and is one of the most easily accessible Dark Sky Reserves. The Church of the Good Shepherd is an iconic stone building at the lake’s edge, and it is a popular feature in many astro-photos of this area.

So pack some snacks and a blanket (and a tripod if you want to photograph the stars) and prepare to be enchanted. Oh, and wine helps too.

You can also book a

Another option for stargazing in New Zealand:

• Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

26. Go sea kayaking

There is something incredibly peaceful about getting out on the water — just you and a paddle. On a kayak, you have the opportunity to see this country from a perspective few get to see.

There are no shortage of places to go sea kayaking in New Zealand, but here are some of the best places to test out your sea legs:

Whenuakura (Donut Island)

You can kayak to the 2 small islands off the coast, one of which is a sacred Maori site and is shaped like a donut, allowing you to kayak “inside” the island for a breathtaking experience.

It is a bit difficult to paddle as the tide comes in and out, so we’d only recommend this if you have a bit of kayaking experience or are in the mood for an adventure! The neighboring island has a private little beach that is perfect for relaxing on.

Psst! If you’re a newbie, you’ll want to read this guide to kayaking for beginners .

Do it yourself: We rented a double kayak for $60 NZD from Pedal and Paddle (which is the cheapest option we’ve found), and we kayaked on our own to the island (we didn’t have a guide). It was nice because the rental price included transportation to the beach and they picked us up when we were finished. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to have a guide (and not go on your own), this tour gets great reviews .

Abel Tasman National Park

For an epic day tour, kayak out into the Tasman Bay for a few hours and then shore up, have lunch and hike back on the famous Abel Tasman Track.

• Milford Sound

Explore the magic of Milford from the water. These tours go out in groups and explore unique parts of the sound and you might get to see some wildlife up close.

27. Explore the underrated West Coast

This region is sometimes left off of New Zealand itineraries, which is a shame as it is one of the most adventure-packed and diverse areas in the country .

With glaciers, rainforests, caves, beaches and epic drives, you’ll find lots of ways to occupy your time.

Here are some of our favorite things to do on the West Coast:

• Glimpse the iconic Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki (pictured above)
• See the Franz Joseph Glacier up close
• Take the UnderWorld Tubing Glowworm Tour (it was even better than we expected!)
• Relax in the Franz Joseph Glacial Hot Pools

We loved this under-explored region so much we spend 3 full days exploring.

Want more? We have a guide with tons of fun  things to do in New Zealand’s West Coast plus all sorts of tips for your time in this region.

28. See geothermal wonders in Rotorua

Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity , which plays a huge role in Maori culture.

While visiting this region, you’ll definitely notice a smell… similar to that of rotten eggs. Mmmm…

Once you get over the sulfur stink, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a handful of different geothermal attractions, ranging from spas with mud baths to regularly erupting geysers to hot waterfalls. You’ll have no shortage of sulfur-powered fun in Rotorua!

29. Dig your own hot tub

Speaking of geothermal wonders…

Digging your own “hot tub” on Hot Water Beach is a token must-do on your first trip to New Zealand.

There is a unique beach on the Coromandel Peninsula known for having a geothermal spring beneath the sand . When you dig with a shovel, hot water will pour in as cold ocean waves lap the beach shore.

Experiencing this unique thermal beach is one of the most fun things to do on New Zealand’s North Island.

Know before you go: It doesn’t look like Instagram . 

You might see pictures where it looks like you can dig a secluded hole and be by yourself (like the photo above).

But the truth is, the hot spring is in a relatively small area. So where you see the crowd of people (yes, there will be a crowd!) is where the hot water is.

We attempted to walk further down the beach and dig, but to no avail. We were left with small pool of v ery cold water. So we headed back into the crowd to dig yet another hole.

As long as you know to expect to share the area with others, we think you’ll still have a grand time!

Helpful tips for visiting Hot Water beach:

• It’s best to visit  within 2 hours of low tide  (2 hours before up until 2 hours after). This means there is a 4-hour window that you’ll be able to dig a hole. Be sure to  check the tides before you go .
• You can rent a shovel  for NZ $10 at the small shop at the beach entrance.
• There is an outdoor shower  near the beach entrance, where you can rinse off. Yes, you will get sandy. There are bathrooms and changing rooms too.

30. Tour a glow worm cave

Technically not “worms”, these gnat larvae tend to live in caves or humid, sheltered forests, and are known for the alluring blueish glow they give off.

Nerdy Fact: To catch food, the larvae create a series of strings (think spider webs) that dangle downward, kind of like a “fishing line”. Then they deliberately glow (from a chemical reaction, not magic, sadly) to attract prey.

There are many ways to see glowworms in New Zealand . You can go on an organized cave tour or you can try your luck at spotting them on your own (for free!).

Waitomo or Te Anau Caves

These are the most popular glowworm caves in the country (Waitomo in the North Island and Te Anau in the South). They are very similar in price and tour options. Both use artificial lighting in places, and are the more “touristy” options for seeing glowworms. 

Compare tour prices

Nikau Cave & Cafe

A great alternative to Waitomo Caves, this is a way to see glowworms in a place off-the-beaten-path in a much less crowded environment. We’ve also heard rave reviews about the onsite cafe.

UnderWorld Tubing Glowworm Tour

We had the most incredible glowworm experience on New Zealand’s West Coast with  UnderWorld Adventures , and would highly recommend going cave rafting with them if you want to see glowworms in a natural, less-touristy experience!

Free trails on the West Coast

Along the South Island’s West Coast, you’ll find a handful of trails that boast glowworms at night. The display certainly isn’t as impressive as those you’ll find in the caves listed above, but they are free! There are trails in Franz Josef and Hokitika for starters.

Heads up: Unless you have special photography equipment, it is very difficult to capture how magical the glowworms look in a photograph.

31. Visit Hobbiton

If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings a visit to Hobbiton is likely already on your list.

But even if you’ve seen the movies years ago and may have fallen asleep  *umm, this may or may not have happened to me* , it can still be fun to see the adorable Hobbit homes on this movie set .

This 2-hour tour is more or less a guided walk through “The Shire”, with stops for everyone in the tour group to take turns snapping pictures in front of Hobbit homes. #itsforthegram

Real Talk:  We were personally a bit disappointed by Hobbiton . We had a good time overall, but it didn’t exceed our expectations like so many other things in New Zealand. One of the major reasons is we felt extremely rushed during the tour.

For example, when we got to the final stop, the Green Dragon Pub, we were happy to find out we’d get a complimentary beer and the chance to look around a bit. But then our guide told us we had just 15 minutes or we’d miss our bus. Major Buzzkill. They have to shuttle through as many as 5,000 guests per day, so I can understand why.

Oh, and just so you know ahead of time and aren’t disappointed… (Spoiler Alert!) Those Hobbit homes are just doors. Like, there is  nothing  behind them, which kind of ruined some of the magic for me.

Our advice: If you’re traveling around the North Island and have the time (and interest!), by all means go! But if you’re tight on time and are debating whether or not to visit, we don’t think you’d be missing too much if you can’t squeeze it in.

Insider tip:  We have heard  The Evening Banquet Tour  is a fantastic experience (and is much less rushed). However, it is quite a bit more expensive than the normal tour, at NZ $195, so it’s not for everyone. Plus, it does book up well in advance.

32. Watch a rugby match

Hey there, Sports Fans!

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling to New Zealand during Rugby season (early June – early October) , don’t miss the chance to get seats to a match.

The New Zealand All Blacks are one of the most well-known and highly-respected teams in the world, and seeing them play in person would surely be a highlight, even if you don’t know much about rugby. They play matches in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Nelson.

Ben’s 3 siblings all played rugby at the collegiate level (he’s the only oddball American football player). So it’s safe to say his family is big into this sport.

He was a little (a LOT!) bummed that there were no matches going on during our trip (November – December). If you’re lucky enough to see a match, let Ben know so he can live vicariously through your experience!

33. See glaciers up close

New Zealand has more than 3,000 glaciers around the country, and if you plan on traveling around the South Island, you’ll have the opportunity to get quite close to several.

Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Hooker Glacier are three of the most accessible glaciers in New Zealand, and the best part is you can view these natural wonders on your own, totally free.

That said, if you have the time and budget, there are some pretty exciting glacier tours you can book:

• Book a guided walk where a naturalist will explain the area and its unique landscape to you in much greater detail than you’ll ever get on your own. We did this and learned a ton!
• If you want to get up close and personal with the glaciers, you can book a glacier hike where you’ll strap on crampons and actually walk on top of the ice. (We did this on a glacier in Iceland and had a great experience!)
• Alternatively, you can take a helicopter ride and fly over these massive marvels. We did this and have more info in the next suggestion on this list. (The one we suggested in the link above includes a snow landing, so you can get out!)

34. Take a scenic helicopter ride

There are plenty of opportunities to see New Zealand from the sky !

Soar above Milford Sound, land on Fox Glacier, or see the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands from above. This country truly has its fair share of opportunities to sightsee from a helicopter.

Our experience: It was our first time in a helicopter when we went up over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and it was nothing short of amazing. We had smiles on our faces the whole time as we cruised top of the glaciers. Our only complaint is that the experience is pretty short. If you have the budget for it, (starting at $270 NZD per adult) we highly recommend taking a flight.

Insider Tip: Try to schedule this experience earlier on in your trip and in a location where you’ll be spending a few days if possible. This will give you some wiggle room if bad weather means your flight needs to be postponed.

35. Explore New Zealand’s exciting big cities

I’m going to give it to you straight: Nobody travels to New Zealand only to explore the cities.

Truly, our favorite parts of this country are the epic nature and smaller cities (like Queenstown and Wanaka), and I suspect it will be similar for you, too. That’s what we’ve mostly focused on in this list.

That said, it’s likely that you’ll spend at least some time in larger cities while in New Zealand, and you may even be pleasantly surprised.

You’ll likely be spending time in New Zealand’s most populated city at the beginning or end of your trip. And while there are other NZ cities we like better, there’s a lot to do here and it’s worth a couple days of exploring.

Things to do in Auckland :

• Wander Albert Park in the city center
• If you’re feeling adventurous, you can “sky jump” from here!
• Escape the city and walk the lush trails of Rangitoto Island
• Take a day trip to Waiheke Island for wine, oysters and beaches
• Sample cuisine from around the Pacific Rim
• Take a free walking tour and learn about New Zealand’s history
• Indulge in an ice cream cone from Giapo
• See sunset from the volcanic crater, Mount Eden

Want more ideas? We have a complete guide to Auckland

Christchurch

We didn’t spend much time in Christchurch at all – we wanted to spend as much time as possible in the countryside, so we pretty much picked up our campervan rental and split. But we’ve heard there are some cool things to do here, so if you have a day to kill here are some things to add to your list.

Things to do in Christchurch:

• Take a gander at the cardboard church , which was constructed quickly following the 2011 earthquake to give people a place to worship
• Experience a slice of the world’s 7th continent at the International Antarctic Centre
• Wander the trails and botanical gardens in Hagley Park
• Learn about New Zealand’s rich cultural and natural heritage at the Canterbury Museum
• Spot street art in Christchurch’s funky city center

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital , and our favorite big city in the country. With a quirky, hipster vibe, lots of green space, and an excellent food and bar scene, Wellington is a city that shouldn’t be missed.

Things to do in Wellington:

• Visit Te Papa Museum , one of New Zealand’s most popular museums
• Hike to the Mount Victoria Lookout
• Explore the Wellington Botanical Garden
• Sample some local brews at one of the many local breweries
• Hit up the local hot spots and cafes on Cuba Street

Want more ideas? We have a complete guide to Wellington

This is a city we skipped on our New Zealand trip (we couldn’t see it all!). But if you find yourself in the area and looking for things to do, here are some suggestions.

Things to do in Dunedin:

• Spot the world’s smallest penguins at the Dunedin blue penguin colony
• Keep your eyes peeled for Dunedin’s famously quirky architecture
• Walk up Baldwin Street , the steepest street in the world
• Drive the Otago Peninsula
• Follow the famous Dunedin Street Art Trail

36. Go on one of NZ’s famed multi-day ‘Great Walks’

If you’re a true hiking enthusiast and are willing to spare a handful of days on your New Zealand itinerary, consider adding one of the famous “Great Walks” to your trip.

Ranging from 2-6 days, these multi-day treks require a good deal of planning, booking huts in advance and packing proper gear. But those who put in the effort will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular sights in the whole country.

Completing the 10 New Zealand Great Walks is on many a New Zealander’s bucket list!

37. Set foot on Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea in a swirl of currents. Located at the tippy top of New Zealand’s North Island, this is the northernmost point you can go in the country .

Fun Fact: North Cape is a scientific reserve and located just slightly further north, but it is not open to the public.

At the edge of the cape, there is a tree believed to be more than 800 years old. According to Maori legend, this is the spot where spirits of people who have recently passed jump into the water and begin their journey to Hawaiki , their ancestral homeland.

We wanted to make it up to Cape Reinga, but due to limited time and having about a million other places we also wanted to see, we just didn’t make it here. We definitely want to try to get up to Cape Reinga on our next trip to New Zealand.

38. Photograph the iconic Wanaka Tree

You’ve likely seen photos of this famously lonely tree that stands by itself in the waters of Lake Wanaka.

Known sarcastically as That Wanaka Tree , it is definitely a sight you’ll want to take in with your own eyes because FOMO. ( Here’s the exact location .)

It’s picturesque, yes, but unless you’re a professional photographer, it’s not worth more than a couple of minutes and a few snaps of your camera.

I’ll warn you that this popular photo spot gets crowded . And like most “photo spots”, people can be pretty disrespectful – like the guy who waded out into the water while we were there and stayed out there for a good 5 minutes so he was in everyone’s photo. When he finally left, he was met with applause from annoyed people waiting on the shore. Don’t be that guy.

This is certainly the most famous spot in Wanaka and worth checking out, but it’s far from the only thing to do here. After you’re done getting your shot, here are some more ideas…

More cool things to do in Wanaka:

• Wander the Wanaka Lavender Farm
• Hike Roy’s Peak or Isthmus Peak
• Enjoy a glass of wine at Rippon Winery
• Explore Mount Aspiring National Park
• Walk the Mount Iron Track to get a view over town
• Enjoy a movie at the cute Cinema Paradiso , which features sofas, freshly baked cookies and intermission

39. Carve your own jade necklace

For a unique souvenir and truly once-in-a-lifetime experience , carve your own jade necklace and learn about the beautiful process behind these famous pieces of jewelry.

You don’t need to spend much time in New Zealand to see jade necklaces dangling from the necks of about half the people you meet. And at every souvenir shop in the country, you’ll see these pieces for sale.*

* Insider Info: If you see jade necklaces at souvenir shops selling for really cheap, they are not real. They are ground up pieces of stone (or worse yet, plastic!) molded into a design.

Carving jade is an important part of Maori culture , and many of the designs you see around the country have a special meaning to New Zealand’s indigenous people.

You’ll start with a piece of greenstone (or jade), and you will use a variety of different tools and machines to carve it down to your own design.

Even if you’re not artistically inclined (umm, have you met Ben?!), this activity is really fun. And the instructors are great at helping you create the piece you have in mind.

Tip: We’d recommend clearing out your whole morning and early afternoon, as this activity can take quite a while. Some people are quick, while others (I’m raising my hand!) are slow. We had an activity scheduled in the early afternoon and felt rushed. We had to leave before we were truly happy with our finished piece.

Do it yourself:  Located in the artisan town of Hokitika,  Bonz N Stonz  is a small shop that offers visitors the unique experience of carving their own jade necklace with the help of expert artists.

Cost:  Jade carving starts at NZ $190 (you can carve other materials including bones and shells, both materials found on washed up on the beach)

40. Find Lord of the Rings filming locations

If you’re a LOTR fan, you’ll definitely want to hunt for the trilogy’s filming locations around the country. There are many, and truthfully, I think simply being in the country that inspired such a world is pretty spectacular.

But if you want a few ideas of actual filming locations, here are some to start with:

• The Shire movie set at Hobbiton
• Tongariro National Park was used as a backdrop of Mordor
• The woods surrounding Mount Victoria in Wellington appear in the trilogy as the Hobbiton woods
• Putangirua Pinnacles near Wellington were the Paths of the Dead

41. Relax in a surf town (or take a lesson!)

New Zealand has surprisingly good surf, and along with good surf comes cute and sleepy surf towns.

Soak up those funky hippie vibes from the shore or zip up your own wetsuit and hit the waves.

We loved the little surf town of Piha , which is just a short drive from Auckland (definitely worth a night or two!).

We’ve also heard great things about Raglan , which is situated on the North Island’s west coast (not far from Hamilton) and is known as the epicenter of surfing in New Zealand .

Want to learn how to surf? Book a lesson with a pro and you’ll be standing up on your board in no time!

42. Catch a salmon and eat it

Located just outside of Abel Tasman National Park, Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Cafe is one of the most unique dining experiences you can have in New Zealand.

At this salmon farm, you are given all the gear you need free of charge (pole, bait, cooler, etc.). Cast your line into the waters that are stocked with salmon (aka you have a pretty great advantage and a good chance of catching one!).

One you have a keeper on your hook, you’ll bring it to the cafe where you’ll pay $35 per kg to have it cooked to your liking .

You can order it hot smoked or sashimi style and you can choose seasonings, like lemon & pepper and ginger & coriander, as well as sides. You can’t get much fresher than that! Plus, it’s an all around fun experience.

We (erm… Ben) caught a salmon that weighed 1.2 kilos and it cost $42 NZD. We split it between us and a friend, and with a side of garlic bread, it was a perfect lunch.

• open 7 days a week
• 9am – 4:30pm (last entry is at 4:15pm)
• Google Maps location

43. Experience the majesty of Mount Taranaki

Located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island between the cities of Wellington and Hamilton, Mount Taranaki is the stuff photographers dream about.

This perfectly cone-shaped volcano is the epitome of symmetry. Add to that a small mirror-like reflection pool at its base, and you can understand why Mt. Taranaki is an Instagram favorite.

We weren’t able to make it here on our first trip to NZ, but it’s a the top of our list for next time!

Insider Tip: If you’re up for an adventure, hike in to Pouakai Hut to spend the night. You’ll be able to get some excellent shots since you can take advantage of the late night and early morning lighting.

44. Hunt for lupin fields

If you’re traveling around the South Island in the spring or summer months (mid-November through early January), you will no doubt see lupins lining portions of the road or hugging the shores of glacial lakes.

These stunning flowers bloom from early spring into the summer months, and their vibrant purple and pink hues are enough to make you pull over to the side of the road for an impromptu photo shoot (guilty as charged!).

So where can you see them? You’ll be able to find lupins in the Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo is the most famous spot to see them, but keep your eyes peeled as you drive and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a random field or two.

45. Get truly off the beaten path

If you’re looking to truly explore places few tourists see, add one of the least-visited places in the country to your New Zealand itinerary. (Or save these ideas for your second or third visit!)

Stewart Island

Located 30 kilometers south of New Zealand’s South Island, Steward Island is a perfect place to get away from civilization. This remote island is known for excellent bird spotting, hiking, stargazing, and the peace that comes with being on an island with just 400 permanent residents.

Great Barrier Island

For picture perfect beaches, untouched forests and secluded bays, Great Barrier Island is a place to get away from it all. This tropical-feeling island is completely off-grid and has a population of 1,000 people. Getting here requires a 4.5 ferry ride from Auckland or a 30-minute flight.

How many days do you need in New Zealand?

Now that we have shared all the fun things to do in New Zealand, you’re probably wondering how you’re to fit it all in? AmIright ??

This is a tough one to answer because even a lifetime wouldn’t be enough. Seriously .

We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, and we’ve been lucky enough to experience a lot of what this country has to offer. Even so, we still left with a loooong list of things to do “next time”. 

That said, we do have some suggestions based on the amount of time you have to explore New Zealand:

1 Week New Zealand:  If you have just one week, we recommend focusing on a specific area. Base yourself in a city like Queenstown or Auckland and plan for a couple of day trips.

2 Weeks New Zealand:  Choose one island to explore. We have perfect 2-week itineraries ready-to-go for both the North Island and South Island . All the hard work is done for you!

1 Month New Zealand:  We think a month is ideal for your first trip to New Zealand. You’ll have the time to experience a good chunk of the country’s must-sees and hidden gems (we have lots!).

Perfect 1 month New Zealand itinerary

Raise your hand if you don’t want to spend hours of time researching and you just want all the info right at your fingertips!

If your hand is up, keep reading…

If you  like  the research, all the power to you! Feel free to use our itinerary outlines as a starting point as well as our destination guides for ideas of things to do (we’ve got a bunch of them!):

• South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Road Trip
• North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Itinerary
• Planning a Campervan Trip in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide
• Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit

Things to Know Before Traveling in New Zealand

But if you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined.  Trust us.

And we’re happy to share everything we learned  — from digging through reviews, Youtube and all sorts of Internet rabbit holes, as well as actually traveling  in  New Zealand by campervan for 5 weeks!

We’ve curated what we think is the  perfect New Zealand road trip , and we want you to be able to copy our route! 

In this 1-month itinerary, you’ll find:

• Can’t miss sights and experiences 
• Where to eat
• Where to stay (whether you’re camping or doing hotels)
• Insider Tips
• Suggestions for extending this trip

We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you!

In full transparency, this is a  paid itinerary  since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create. 

However, we keep all of our paid itineraries affordable –  just  $15 for an entire 1-month itinerary . We think this is an incredible value considering almost all your planning will be done for you!

The best time to visit New Zealand largely depends on your preferences and the activities you have in mind. 

Spring (December – February) is ideal if you’re a photography enthusiast. Marked by warming temperatures and longer days, spring also coincides with the stunning lupin season that captivates photographers. 

Summer (January – March) is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering long, sunny days for hiking and leisurely beach activities. 

Fall (March – May) is a sweet spot, allowing you to avoid high-season crowds and prices while still enjoying comfortable temperatures and ample daylight for various outdoor adventures. 

Winter (June – August) is excellent for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, with the added advantage of discounted rates and fewer crowds. 

Our personal pick would be to plan your New Zealand itinerary during the shoulder season between spring and summer (November/December).  

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns, and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit New Zealand .

How to get around New Zealand

Though public transportation in New Zealand is pretty good, having your own set of wheels is hands-down the best way to explore the country for a few reasons:

• You can see hidden gems and get off the beaten path.
• You’ll be able to travel on your own schedule, and getting from point A to point B is faster.
• Driving in New Zealand is easy and parking is plentiful.

Now that we’ve established you’re renting a vehicle, you might be wondering, car or campervan?

We have a whole section in our New Zealand itinerary planning guide about which vehicle rental option is best for your travel style. 

If you already know which type of vehicle you prefer, check out our guides below for more planning help:

• Best Campervan Rental in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide
• Car Rental in New Zealand: Essential Guide + Tips

Cook Strait Ferry

The Cook Strait Ferry operates between the North and South Islands in New Zealand, connecting the cities of Wellington and Picton. The ferry service provides both passenger and vehicle transportation, making it a vital link for travelers exploring both islands.

Not only is it an efficient way to get from one island to the other (especially if you are traveling by campervan or car), the ferry is an iconic journey across the Cook Strait with incredible views. Many people believe it’s the most scenic ferry crossing in the world! 

Tips for visiting New Zealand

After spending more than a month traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, I will say there were a lot of things that surprised us about the country.

For example, we had no clue just how awful the Internet in New Zealand would be. And we weren’t quite prepared for all the Kiwi slang… What are they even saying ?!

So we put together a complete guide on things to know before traveling to New Zealand on your first trip. Be sure to give it a read before you arrive as there are some great tips in there about preparing for your travels. 

In this article we’re sharing some helpful New Zealand travel tips we wish we would have known before our trip. Plus, some fun facts about New Zealand that’ll give you a deeper understanding about its history, people and culture.

What to pack for a trip to New Zealand

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this  FREE New Zealand packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women  and  men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in New Zealand that you won’t find anywhere else!

Round up of the best things to do in New Zealand

Here’s a recap of all the best things to do in New Zealand so you can see everything in one place.

• Swimming with wild dolphins
• Bungy jumping
• Māori Culture
• Mountain huts
• Golden kiwis
• Jet boat ride
• Wine tasting
• Whale watching
• Scenic drives
• Hot springs
• New Zealand foods
• Queenstown luge
• Cathedral Cove
• Fish n’ chips
• Bird watching
• Star gazing
• Sea kayaking
• Hot Water Beach
• Glow worm caves
• Helicopter ride
• Great Walks
• Cape Reinga
• Jade necklace carving
• Lord of the Rings filming locations
• Salmon fishing
• Mount Taranaki
• Lupin fields
• Stewart & Great Barrier Islands

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand?

We have TONS of resources on travel in New Zealand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Adventurous Things to Do in Queenstown
• Incredible New Zealand Hikes + Local Tips!
• Money-Saving Tips for New Zealand
• Ultimate New Zealand Packing List

Save this article on Pinterest for later!

We want to hear from you!

Which of these things to do in New Zealand is at the top of your bucket list? Do you have any other questions about planning a trip? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get you the information you need!

Comments (24) on “ 45 Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit ”

I am planning a trip to New Zealand next year and I cannot wait for it! Thank you for sharing this, as I am trying to get as much information as I can before I go!

Thanks for the wonderful information. I am planning to visit New Zealand soon

Your words always transport me to a world of wonder. Your blog is a treasure trove of inspiration, and I eagerly await each new post.

Thank you for taking the time to create such a useful resource.

“Thank you for this exceptional website! The content here is incredibly insightful and has helped me immensely. I appreciate the dedication and hard work that went into making it.”

Very informative article buddy

Very interesting and helpful post with amazing photos. Thanks for the share.

You did not mention which island(north or south) you were on the excursions. Which one would you recommend?

Hi Guys, we’re hoping to travel to NZ in december this year! Looks like it’s going to happen! So thanks for sharing was really great info!

i love your story

As a Kiwi – this is a really great list of all the wonderful things to do in our country. Obviously there are so many more and New Zealand has enormous depth which could keep you busy for a lifetime, but for anyone looking for a great introduction – this is it. I hope that more people from overseas spend time going through what you’ve suggested (rather than some of the more bland tourist operator websites).

Maybe the only thing that doesn’t come through from reading this (which I would suspect is something you’d support), is that potential visitors looking to do more scenic and outdoorsy stuff should focus on the South Island and spend more time there (and the urbanites should focus on the North). Great work, thanks for sharing!

a better hot water beach option – walk 15km into Hot Water Beach at Lake Tarawera (you can take something to cook in the very hot pool!) and have a water taxi pick you up from there OR just water taxi there and back if you don’t want the hike. OR take a float plane from Lake Rotorua to Lake Rotoiti to enjoy no road access hot pools (you can also arrange for a water taxi from Okere Falls).

This is so amazing. I appreciate your honest opinions on places and pictures. We really don’t wan’t to see ‘tourist traps’ as much as the real country, nature, experiences, and people. This helps, although it will be hard to make cuts for about 3 weeks early Nov 2021. We (4) really don’t want to be driving every day. Need time to relax and enjoy. Do you have a copy of your ‘schedule’? We are currently working with a ‘planner’? who would set up reservations but we choose what we want to do (twerking her proposal). Not sure if it is a savings or not.

Thanks Billie for your nice comment! We have a 30-day itinerary all mapped out in a nice and neat PDF. If you enter your email here, we’ll send you the downloadable itinerary right away: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j0o7b1 Let us know if we can help out with anything else! Cheers!

Thanks so much! We are planning a visit to New Zealand as a bucket list/now-we’re-empty-nesters trip. This was a great article. I appreciate it!

Brilliant page and really informative. Thanks!

Thanks so much, glad it was helpful!

What An Incredible Trip …Thank You for sharing…My Husband and I definitely have the bug to go Now!

Thanks a lot! We already want to go back haha!

Did you do these things on one trip? How did you get around and how long would this all take?

Hi Sara, besides watching a rugby match (unfortunately it was not the season) and whale watching (our tour was canceled because of rough seas), we did all these activities in the span of 5 weeks. It was a busy but wonderful trip! We traveled in a campervan, which we highly recommend, and have tons of info on how to do it on our site!

Great post, very exciting and super-helpful! (1) Did you do these activities in different seasons, or mostly one season? (Asking because of down jackets but also bathing suits!) (2) Did you have any problems with sand flies?–if yes, where and how much of an issue? Thank you!

Hi Diane, we traveled to New Zealand for about 5 weeks from mid-November to mid-December (New Zealand’s spring/early summer). It definitely got cool in some parts of the south island, but it also got warm in the north. We only had a few bouts with sandflies, but not many. The worst was down by the river at the Hokitika Gorge. We could only be there long enough to take a picture and run away, haha!

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The 16 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

Posted on April 15, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on July 18, 2023

New Zealand is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers . With a seemingly endless list of bucket-list-worthy things to see and do, deciding on where to go in New Zealand can be a challenge. To narrow things down, we’ve rounded up 16 of the most incredible places to visit in New Zealand . 

From dramatic mountain ranges and otherworldly glaciers to stunning beaches and crystal-clear lakes, New Zealand landscapes will take your breath away. The remote country is also home to quaint towns, sumptuous dining experiences, and unique wildlife.

Read on to discover the best New Zealand destinations and start planning your next trip!

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

VACATION RENTALS

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, we’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the northernmost tip of the country and should definitely be added to your New Zealand’s North Island itinerary.

It is a stunning natural spot where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide. The focal point of Cape Reinga is a 1940s lighthouse that is still in operation today. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and rolling green hills , it is a majestic sight to behold.

Cape Reinga also has spiritual significance in the Māori culture. It is believed to be a place of leaping from where the spirits of the deceased depart for the afterlife. As Cape Reinga is considered a sacred place, please refrain from eating there when visiting.

On the way to Cape Reinga make sure to stop at the nearby Ninety Mile Beach . Although it is actually 88 kilometers long, the beach is a great place for adventure lovers. From surfing and bodyboarding down sand dunes to 4WD rides and quad-biking , there is plenty to keep you busy.

The Ninety Mile Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset to finish the perfect day of exploring a beautiful part of New Zealand.

A car is the best way to explore the Cape Reinga area as it offers the most flexibility. The drive from Kaitaia, the closest town, takes about 1,5 hours. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour . They depart from Kaitaia and Paihia, another popular base for exploring the top of the North Island. These tours normally stop at the Ninety Mile Beach too. 

Click Here to See Accommodation Options Near Cape Reinga

This bohemian island boasts award-winning vineyards, a beautiful coastline, numerous hiking trails, and a raft of quirky art galleries .

Located just a 40-minute ferry ride from central Auckland, Waiheke feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of New Zealand’s biggest city. You can visit the island on a day trip or stay longer to explore everything it has to offer.

If you’re into active pursuits such as kayaking, mountain biking, or surfing , Waiheke has got you covered. Don’t worry, for those who would rather take things slow, there are plenty of options too. While away an afternoon at a gorgeous beach or take your time to explore the Waiheke Art Trail . When you need to refuel, go for a wine tasting and a delicious lunch with a view.

Speaking of wine, the island is home to 30 vineyards . Waiheke is famous for its reds such as Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, but you can easily find white and rose varieties too. There are tour companies that organize tastings at multiple wineries , but you can do this independently too. Many wineries also have restaurants with incredible views and various activities for the whole family. 

You can explore Waiheke by bus or taxi . The former is an affordable way to get around, but the bus network doesn’t cover the whole island. You might struggle to get to some of the more remote wineries such as Passage Rock or Man’o’War. Taxis are more flexible but are also pricey. Renting a car offers the most flexibility. However, if you are planning to do wine tastings, make sure that you have a sober driver. 

Click Here to See Accommodation Options in Waiheke

The Coromandel

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Coromandel is a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists alike. Just a two-hour drive away from Auckland , this region is a paradise for outdoor pursuits with a slower pace of life.

The Coromandel offers an incredible diversity of landscapes from dense forests and steep mountains to golden beaches and beautiful waterfalls . It is also home to quaint historic towns with a strong community feel. 

It is the perfect place to experience the laid-back Kiwi lifestyle . Take to the many hiking trails, have a beach picnic, explore the coastline by kayak, or enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at a local vineyard. Many artists and craftspeople have made the Coromandel home. If you are looking for a unique souvenir from New Zealand, check out their studios scattered around the peninsula.

The Coromandel’s arguably most famous spot is Cathedral Cove . It features a picturesque naturally formed rock archway that connects two sandy coves. Cathedral Cove’s beauty even earned it a spot as a filming location for Narnia films. To get there, take the scenic coastal path from the nearby Hahei Beach, which is a gem in its own right.  

Another popular Coromandel spot that is worth adding to your itinerary is the Hot Water Beach . This is where you can dig your own hot pool just meters away from the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to do it when it’s two hours on either side of low tide. Otherwise, the sandy area with the hot water underneath will be underwater. 

Click Here to See Accommodation Options in Coromandel

The Hobbiton Movie Set is probably one of the most famous places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island. Located in a sleepy town called Matamata , just a two-hour drive away from Auckland, it is a real-life movie set that was used in the Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton movie trilogies based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s novels. 

A visit to Hobbiton involves a guided tour of the set surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside. You will get to see the quaint hobbit holes, enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer or cider at the Green Dragon Inn and hear the stories from behind the scenes. The guides are friendly and are always happy to assist with taking photos. 

The standard guided tour is normally two hours long. The tickets are NZ $89.00 (US $55) per person. Extended tour options that include an evening or morning meal are also available. You can get to the Hobbiton Movie Set independently or join a guided tour . Coaches depart from Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga. 

If you are not a big fan of the movies, the movie set might seem overly touristy. However, if you do love them, the Hobbiton will give you a chance to experience a little Middle Earth magic again. 

Waitomo Caves

Experience the magic of natural bioluminescence at Waitomo Caves . This phenomenon is created by Arachnocampa luminosa , also known as a glowworm. This species is endemic to New Zealand and commonly found in caves, grottos, and sometimes even deep woodland. 

Although it is possible to see glowworms in many parts of New Zealand, Waitomo Caves offers one of the most spectacular bioluminescence displays in the country . These ancient limestone caves were formed millennia ago by the activity of underground water. They feature an intricate underground network of caverns, tunnels, grottos, and underground rivers.

You can visit Waitomo Caves on a guided tour with prices starting from NZ $61 (US $38) per person. The highlight is a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto where you can see thousands of glowworms . There are so many of them there that you can easily forget that you are underground as the cave ceiling looks just like the sky on a starry night. The boat ride is done in silence to make sure that the glowworms are not disturbed. This just adds to the otherworldly experience of it all. 

If you are after something more adventurous, Waitomo Caves offer adrenaline-filled activities such as blackwater rafting , abseiling, and zip-lining through glowworm caves . Also, Waitomo is not the only cave that you can visit in the area. Additional guided tours will take you down the nearby Ruakuri and Aranui Caves . You might not see huge displays of glowworms there, but they have incredible rock formations that are worth a look.

Click Here to See Accommodation Options near the Waitomo Caves

Tongariro National Park

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Tongariro National Park is the country’s oldest national park . It is also a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site , recognizing both its unique natural features and cultural significance to the Māori people.

Tongariro National Park is famous for its unique Martian-like landscapes and three active volcanic mountains . One of them, Mount Ngauruhoe, has even starred as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies. The park is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the winter months.

The most famous hike in the area is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing . Considered the best day walk in New Zealand, this track is just under 20 kilometers long and will take you around 7-8 hours to complete . It requires a good level of fitness as it crosses rugged terrain. However, you will be rewarded with incredible views along the way. 

The best time to do this hike is between November and May . From June to October the weather becomes unpredictable and there is a heightened risk of snow and avalanches. Unless you are an experienced mountaineer, don’t attempt this hike then.

The best places to stay for easy access to Tongariro National Park are the nearby villages of National Park, Whakapapa, and Ohakune. They offer a variety of accommodation options for every budget. You can normally organize a transfer to the park through your accommodation . Guided tours of the area are also available.

Click Here to See Accommodation Options near Tongariro National Park

New Zealand’s small but perfectly formed capital is the nation’s political and cultural heart. Nestled in a picturesque harbor at the bottom of the North Island, allow for a couple of days to experience the best activities and sites of Wellington .

Wellington has a compact and walkable city center with many museums, eateries, and bars on offer. Make sure to check out the amazing Te Papa Museum to learn about New Zealand’s history and culture. Visit the New Zealand Parliament Buildings on a free guided tour to get a glimpse into how the country’s democracy works.

The capital also offers plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors . On a sunny day, nothing beats a walk or a bike ride along Wellington’s beautiful waterfront . To get away from the hustle of the city, visit the picturesque Wellington Botanic Gardens or Zealandia , an urban sanctuary that protects New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. 

Fans of Peter Jackson’s films can visit the famous Weta Studios on a guided tour . This creative institution produced special effects, costumes, and props for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies, as well as other Hollywood blockbusters. 

Wellington is also a foodie destination with an ever-growing list of excellent cafes, restaurants, and breweries. Experience the best of New Zealand produce at Shepherd and Logan Brown , the capital’s fine dining institutions. For the best street food, check out the lively Wellington night markets where you can try foods from all over the world. 

If you are looking for a sweet treat, head to the Wellington Chocolate Factory which specializes in organic and ethically sourced chocolate. You can load up on delicious chocolate bars or enjoy a heart-warming hot chocolate in their store. Or you can even become a chocolatier for the day on one of their guided tours. 

Click Here to See Accommodation Options In Wellington

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest and most accessible national park . Located on the northern end of the South Island , it is famous for its golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and beautiful coastline dotted with unique granite formations. 

The park is a popular spot for hiking, kayaking, and camping . The native forests and waters of Abel Tasman are teeming with wildlife, including several endangered species. As you walk through the woods you will be treated to bird songs by tuis and bellbirds. When out at sea, you can spot little blue penguins and fur seals lounging on the rocks along the coast.

The most famous hike in the park is the Abel Tasman Coast Track . At 60 kilometers long, it takes three to five days to complete. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views, quiet bays, and beautiful beaches. If a multi-day track is not an option, you can still do a section of the track on a day trip . There are water taxis that can drop you off and pick you up at specific spots along the track.

The park is easily accessible from the city of Nelson or the nearby villages of Kaiteriteri, Motueka, and Marahau. You can explore Abel Tasman independently or join an organized tour ( check out this Cruise and Hiking Combo ). The latter is likely to offer a pickup service directly from your accommodation. 

Click Here to See Accommodation Options Near the Park

The sleepy town of Blenheim lies in the heart of the Marlborough region. Located in the northeast of the South Island, Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region . Some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blancs start their life there. If you’re more of a red wine aficionado, make sure to try the local Pinot Noir.

Blenheim itself is not the most exciting town, although there are a few small museums and historic sites that are worth a look. However, it’s a great base for exploring the nearby wineries and culinary scene . Most of the Marlborough vineyards are just a 30-minute drive away from Blenheim’s town center.

One of the best ways to explore the local vineyards is by e-bike . You can hire one for the day and visit multiple cellar doors. Small–group wine tours are also an option. These are great if cycling seems like too much work. Many wineries also have restaurants on-site, perfect for when you need to recharge.

Keep in mind that some vineyards get extremely busy on shore days. The nearby town of Picton is a popular cruise stop. A visit to the Marlborough region is a popular day trip for cruisers . As a result, many restaurants may be packed for lunch. It might be worth booking a table at your preferred vineyard eatery in advance to avoid disappointment.

Click Here to See Accommodation Options In Blenheim

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is a picturesque small town nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of ways to make the most of this town’s stunning natural surroundings . 

Enjoy the views of the coastline and mountains by hitting Kaikoura’s hiking trails. The 11-kilometer Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a great option for that. Kayaking is another great way to experience the beauty of the area. If you are after an adrenaline rush, the local mountain bike trails will keep your heart pumping.

Although Kaikoura has a raft of fun activities to keep you busy, this town’s claim to fame is its abundant marine life. The waters surrounding Kaikoura are home to sperm whales, humpback whales, and orcas . You can take a boat tour to see them in their natural habitat. Apart from whale-watching, visitors to Kaikoura can enjoy swimming with dolphins and fur seals . However, they are all wild, so sightings are not guaranteed. 

With its wealth of marine life, it is not surprising that Kaikoura is also a seafood destination. From humble fish and chips on the beach to high-end establishments, there is a raft of options for enjoying local produce. Kaikoura’s most famous specialty is crayfish, so make sure to add it to the list of things to try while you are there.

Click Here to See Accommodation Options In Kaikoura

Located on the Banks Peninsula southeast of Christchurch, the South Island’s biggest city, Akaroa is a quaint town with a strong French connection. It was founded by French settlers in the 19 th century . Their legacy is the French street names and charming historic buildings.

On your visit to Akaroa, make sure to take a stroll along its quiet streets, check out the historic houses such as the Giant’s House, and visit the Akaroa Museum.  

When it comes to dining, Akaroa is true to its French roots. The local bakery serves up delicious French pastries and crepes , while a few bistro-style restaurants are the perfect places to experience the local produce. There is even a vineyard where you can enjoy wine tasting and views over the Akaroa harbor. 

One of the most famous experiences in Akaroa is wildlife encounters with Hector’s Dolphins . These dolphins are the rarest and smallest dolphin species in the world . You can only see them in the waters around New Zealand’s South Island. The Banks Peninsula boasts the highest population of Hector’s Dolphins in the country. 

You can see Hector’s Dolphins in the wild by joining a small group swimming experience . These dolphins are sociable and curious by nature. They are likely to swim up close to you when you are in the water. However, as they are wild, they might not always appear on cue.   

Click Here to See Accommodation Options In Akaroa

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain with a height of 3,754 meters. Mount Cook is part of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park , home to 23 peaks that are over 3,000 meters tall. This area of the South Island is famous for its dramatic alpine scenery, epic glaciers and incredible night sky uninterrupted by light pollution.

You can climb Mount Cook, but this is not a track for the faint-hearted. Unless you have some serious mountaineering skills, it’s better to simply enjoy it from a distance. Thankfully, the national park and the joy of mountains are easily accessible to all.

To visit the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, head to the Aoraki/Mt Cook Village located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Pukaki. The village is a starting point for 10 fantastic day walks that showcase different sections of the park. The Hooker Valley Track is arguably the most popular one as you can enjoy breath-taking views of Mount Cook along the journey. It takes 3-4 hours to complete and is suitable for all levels of fitness.

Apart from hiking, the area is also great for stargazing, skiing, and glacier lake kayaking . If you’d like to take a bird’s eye view over the national park, you can take a scenic flight or helicopter ride . The latter also gives you the option to land in remote areas of the park that are not easily accessible otherwise. 

When you’re ready to take a break from all the activity, head to The Old Mountaineers Café or the Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village to refuel and enjoy epic mountain views. 

This South Island gem of a town is easily one the most popular places to visit in New Zealand. Nestled between the stunning Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, Queenstown is the country’s adventure capital . It offers a raft of fun activities for adrenaline seekers, vibrant nightlife, and a burgeoning dining scene. 

Queenstown is the place to be for those looking to experience bungee jumping, skydiving, and white-water rafting . The first-ever commercial bungee jump took place from the Kawarau Bridge, located near the town. This bungee jump spot is still in operation today.

If jumping off bridges and planes doesn’t sound like you, Queenstown offers other fun activities. There are plenty of hiking trails offering spectacular views over the surrounding area. Some of them, like the Bob’s Peak track , are accessible right from the town center. It’s steep, but you will be rewarded with amazing views at the top.

For a more relaxing experience, consider taking a cruise along Lake Wakatipu . Board the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship to enjoy the beautiful alpine setting at a leisurely pace. You can also explore the lake by kayaking and paddleboarding . Careful about going into the water though, it’s incredibly cold.

Queenstown is also a great base for exploring other big-hitter attractions such as Milford Sound . Keep in mind though that the town can get extremely busy during the high season (the summer months). Book your accommodation and experiences in advance to avoid disappointment.

Click Here to See Accommodation Options In Queenstown

Milford Sound

When it comes to natural attractions, Milford Sound is the jewel in New Zealand’s crown. The sound, which is technically a fiord, is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site . It covers the southwestern section of the South Island and includes four national parks . Milford Sound is part of the Fiordland National Park .

Milford Sound is a spot of immense natural beauty. It brings together towering mountains, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear Tasman Sea waters . The fiord is teeming with wildlife from fur seals and adorable penguins to dolphins and even whales.

One of the best ways to experience Milford Sound is by taking a scenic cruise . You can spend just a few hours on a boat or opt for a luxurious overnight option. If you’d like to get up close to the natural wonders of Milford Sound, take a kayak tour . The waters in the fiord are generally calm making it easy to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

One of the reasons for Milford Sound’s popularity is its accessibility. There are other fiords in the area, but getting there requires a lot more effort. In contrast, Milford Sound is accessible by car . If you are driving from Queenstown, the drive takes about 4 hours .

It is a stunning route, so although long, you will be rewarded with incredible views along the way. If you would rather not drive, there is a huge selection of organized tours that will take you there.

Milford Sound is one of the most well-known New Zealand attractions, so be prepared to share the experience with many others. It is especially busy during the summer months when the weather conditions are the best.   

Click Here to See Accommodation Options In Milford Sound

Just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is another beautiful town sitting on the shores of a namesake alpine lake and surrounded by epic mountains. However, it has a more low-key and relaxed feel compared to its glitzy cousin.

Wanaka does not offer much in terms of nightlife, but o utdoor enthusiasts will be delighted by all the adventures this picturesque spot offers.

From relaxing lakeside strolls and paddleboarding the crystal-clear lake waters to rock climbing and skiing during the winter season, there is something for everyone in Wanaka. If you are up for a challenge, why not hike the Roy’s Peak Track ? This 16-kilometer trail involves a steep ascent, but your hard work will be rewarded with incredible views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.

If you are looking for a fun activity for the whole family, check out Wanaka’s weird and wonderful Puzzling World . It brings together optical illusion rooms and a multi-level mega maze that is sure to delight and challenge.

For something more relaxing, head to Cinema Paradiso , Wanaka’s iconic movie-watching experience. It even features half-time intervals and delicious homemade treats.

Wanaka is also a great place for foodies. You can find several excellent restaurants serving international cuisines right in the heart of its lakeside village. From modern pan-Asian eats to classic Italian comfort eats, there is something for every taste.

To top this off, the town is home to a selection of boutique wineries. Make sure to book a tasting at Rippon Vineyard located right on the lakeshore.

Click Here to See Accommodation Options In Wanaka

The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is an area of rugged and wild beauty. Visit its lush rainforests and geological wonders, marvel at ancient glaciers and rugged mountains, and experience the pioneering New Zealand spirit of its historic towns. 

The best way to explore this New Zealand destination is by car. The West Coast’s towns and natural attractions are connected by State Highway 6 . The region’s main artery is narrow and winding, but it passes through some of the most incredible scenery in the country . You can travel this region by coach too , but it’s not always the most flexible option.

Make sure to visit the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers where ice, rainforests, waterfalls, and towering mountains come together to create an unforgettable landscape. These glaciers are easily accessible by foot with multiple hiking trails available . If you’d like to spend more time in this part of the West Coast, there is a small namesake township near each glacier with different accommodation options.

Another must-see section of the region is Haast Pass , located within the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. Haast Pass is a hiker’s paradise with numerous short walks and multi-day hikes that will take you through spectacular alpine scenery. The Blue Pools is a popular short walk option. This relatively easy track showcases unforgettable turquoise-color lakes fed by alpine streams.

Learn about the history of the region at the small coastal town of Hokitika . Enjoy its historic buildings, hear the tales of shipwrecks and the gold rush, and explore artisan shops and art galleries. The town also boasts rugged beaches and a raft of walking trails . You can easily spend a few days in the area.

Things to Know Before Traveling to New Zealand

• Being remote comes at a price and you will find that the country is an expensive destination. If you’re on a budget, the best time to visit New Zealand is during the shoulder seasons between April and May and September and October, with better value and good weather . The high season is during New Zealand’s summer months between December and February. This is when accommodation and flight prices are the highest.
• To keep experience costs down, keep an eye on websites such as Bookme and Grab One for deals on activities and dining. Cooking your own meals will also help you cut food costs. 
• New Zealand weather is unpredictable even in the summer, so make sure to pack extra layers and waterproofs . Bring sturdy shoes for hiking . Do not attempt to go into the wilderness in flip-flops. 
• New Zealand is highly dependent on cars. Outside major urban centers, public transport is extremely limited . If driving is not an option, consider taking flights between major cities and using the coach network to get to smaller settlements (e.g., the ones on the West Coast).
• New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road, so be extra careful if you are used to driving on the other side. The country has a higher-than-average rate of preventable road deaths compared to other developed countries. This is mainly due to bad driver behavior and poor road infrastructure. If you are not a confident driver, it might be best to take advantage of the local coach network.
• Always wear sunblock and protect yourself from the sun. New Zealand has high levels of UV radiation, and you can get sunburnt even on a cloudy day. New Zealand has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, so it’s best to be safe than sorry.
• Be realistic about your itinerary – although the country seems small, it still takes time to get from one major attraction to another. You also need to allow more time if you are tackling more remote areas with winding rural roads. Your GPS might not always provide the most accurate timing information. 

Article written by Ksenia Khor

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New Zealand Tourist Attractions

Various optional New Zealand tourist attractions and activities can be added to your pre-planned or tailor-made NZ itinerary, especially for the free days. New Zealand is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.

❤️ The BEST 40 New Zealand Tourist Attractions

Here’s a list of some of the top tourist attractions & activities (from North to South) in New Zealand. These tourist places offer a variety of experiences, from adventure activities to cultural encounters, showcasing the highlights of New Zealand, including Stewart Island, in a single day.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Explore the magical underground world of Waitomo, known for its limestone caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Located near Matamata, this movie set brings the fictional world of Hobbiton from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” to life.

Polynesian Spa Deluxe Rotorua

Famous for its geothermal activity, Rotorua offers geysers, hot springs, and mud pools. It’s also a hub for Maori culture and traditional performances.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Tongariro National Park

Home to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this national park features dramatic volcanic landscapes, including Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe.

Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand

Located in Wellington, Te Papa is the national museum, showcasing New Zealand’s history, culture, and natural heritage.

Auckland Sky Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland from the Sky Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, and try the SkyWalk or SkyJump for an adrenaline rush.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Bay of Islands

This scenic region in the Far North is known for its beautiful islands, historic sites like Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and water activities such as sailing and dolphin watching.

Napier Art Deco

The city of Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture, which rose from the ashes of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. The annual Art Deco Festival is a popular event.

The iconic Cathedral Cove – Coromandel Peninsula

Known for its pristine beaches, hot water beach, and the iconic Cathedral Cove, the Coromandel Peninsula is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

A geothermal wonderland near Rotorua, Wai-O-Tapu is known for its colorful hot springs, the Champagne Pool, and the Lady Knox Geyser.

Whanganui River Experience

Explore the Whanganui River by jet boat or canoe, and experience the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region.

Wellington Sightseeing

New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is known for its vibrant arts scene, coffee culture, and the scenic Wellington Cable Car.

Abel Tasman National Park Tour

Enjoy kayaking, hiking, or relaxing on pristine beaches in this stunning coastal park.

Wine Tour in Marlborough

 Explore the renowned Marlborough wine region with a guided wine tour, visiting multiple wineries to sample their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals.

Nelson Art and Craft Trail

Discover the vibrant arts and crafts scene of Nelson with a guided tour of local galleries, studios, and artisan workshops.

Kaikoura & Whale Watching Tour

Take a boat tour from Kaikoura to see majestic sperm whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Enjoy the sampling of fresh seafood in this coastal town known for its marine life.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Day Tour

Marvel at the unique limestone formations and blowholes along the Punakaiki coastline.

Maori Cultural Experience in Christchurch

Immerse yourself in Maori culture with a guided tour at a local marae (Maori meeting ground), including traditional performances, storytelling, and a hangi feast.

Arthur’s Pass National Park

Experience the dramatic alpine scenery, waterfalls, and native wildlife on hikes and scenic drives through Arthur’s Pass.

TranzAlpine Railway Journey

Take a scenic train journey on the TranzAlpine Railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, crossing through the spectacular Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Lake Tekapo & Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

Relax in the hot pools and stargaze at the clear night skies in this picturesque alpine setting.

Dunedin & Otago Peninsula

Visit the historic city of Dunedin and explore the nearby Otago Peninsula, home to diverse wildlife, including albatross, penguins, and seals.

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Experience the Franz Josef Glacier from above and below with a helicopter ride followed by a guided glacier hike, exploring ice caves, crevasses, and stunning ice formations.

Mount Cook National Park & Alpine Explorer

Join a guided tour to Mount Cook National Park from Lake Tekapo or Queenstown, including scenic drives, short walks, hikes, and opportunities for photography amidst the stunning alpine landscapes. Hike or take a scenic flight to see New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and surrounding glaciers.

Akaroa Harbor Nature Cruise

Explore the stunning coastal scenery and encounter wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds on a harbor cruise in Akaroa.

Lake Wanaka

Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and water sports in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Wanaka.

Heli-Skiing in Wanaka or Queenstown

Experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding on untouched powder snow in the remote backcountry of the Southern Alps with a helicopter-accessed tour.

Lord of the Rings Tour in Glenorchy

Embark on a journey through Middle-earth with a guided tour of the filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies near Glenorchy.

Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand

Queenstown offers activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and skiing in the winter months.

Jet Boat Adventure in Queenstown

Hold on tight for an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the narrow canyons and braided rivers of the Shotover or Kawarau rivers near Queenstown.

Penguin Encounter Tour in Dunedin

Visit the Otago Peninsula for a guided tour to see the rare yellow-eyed penguins and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.

Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour

Explore the mysterious underground world of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with a guided tour, including a boat ride through the illuminated cave system.

Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

Join a guided coach tour from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. Explore the breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, and wildlife on a cruise through Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions.

Southern Scenic Route

Drive along this scenic highway to see stunning coastal vistas, lush rainforests, and charming coastal towns.

Stewart Island/Rakiura Day Tour

Explore New Zealand’s third-largest island, known for its pristine wilderness, hiking trails, and abundant birdlife, including the elusive kiwi bird.

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Listing view, north island tours & day trips.

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in New Zealand 2018

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Offering visitors unbeatable changes for adventure and exploration, holidays in New Zealand is the best. Tourist places in New Zealand include dense native forests, beaches, mountains, glaciers, fjords and thermal regions that have been well-preserved by the environmentally-conscious government and culture. You can see a blend of the traditional Maori culture with modernity in cosmopolitan cities, appealing villages and enormous expanses of intact wilderness.

There are many places in New Zealand where you can simply relax, taking in the beautiful view, or you can set out to explore the wilderness. Pristine and heavenly, New Zealand tourist attractions have something for everyone. Here is a list of top tourist attractions in New Zealand. Hope you will enjoy.

Tourist Attractions in New Zealand:

10. coromandel peninsula, 9. abel tasman national park, 8. sky tower, 7. napier art deco, 6. kaikoura, 5. franz josef glacier, 3. tongariro national park, 2. bay of islands, 1. milford sound.

One of the best tourist attractions in New Zealand is the Coromandel Peninsula. Forming the eastern boundary of the Hauraki Gulf, this north-eastern peninsula juts into the Pacific east of Auckland. It is famous for its white and golden sand beaches that frame wonderful coastal panorama. It is one of the best places in New Zealand perfect for days of exploration and other natural wonders.

You should start your visit in Thames. This picturesque city has a rich history of gold mining. You should not miss the Hot Water Beach. In here, visitors can dig their own hot pool from the springs under the sands. If you want some peace and quiet, the Coromandel offers easy access to splendid isolation.

Holidays in New Zealand is perfect for all. You can have whatever type of holiday you want in here. For instance, if you are a hiker, the tourist attractions in New Zealand offer you the Abel Tasman National Park. This vast national park is a hiker’s dream. The park is located on the northern tip of the country’s South Island.

The park is only accessible by boat, foot or small plane. You will love the trip. The mountainous trail offers you magnificent views including blue penguins, wood pigeons, oyster catchers, and other rare birds. It is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in New Zealand.

Sky Tower is one of the most exhilarating and spectacular tourist attractions in New Zealand. It is amazing how many things you can do under one roof. Located in Auckland, the Sky Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere at 328 meters (1,076 ft). Basically, it is an observation and telecommunications tower, but now it has become an iconic structure in Auckland’s skyline.

You can visit one of the three spectacular viewing platforms which offer incredible views for up to 80 kilometers in every direction. You can even Sky Jump off the tower. The tower also offers fine restaurants like the Sugar Club and Sky Lounge. You must not miss dining in the Orbit, Auckland’s only 360-degree revolving restaurant. The Sky Tower is truly one of the most awesome tourist places in New Zealand.

Located on the North Island’s east coast, Napier is a small city in Hawke’s Bay. In 1931, most of Napier was destroyed by an earthquake of 7.9 on the Richter scale. The rebuilding started almost immediately which coincided with the short lived Art Deco era. Maori motifs were employed to give the city a unique New Zealand character. As a result, the architecture in Napier is stunningly different from any other city in the world.

Now, the city is one of the top tourist attractions in New Zealand. An event called the Art Deco Weekend is organized here every February. This event is dedicated to the style, traditional cars, picnics, and the soapbox derby. Thousands of tourists visit Napier to attend this event.

For the seafood lovers, the tourist attractions in New Zealand offer the Kaikoura. Located on the South Island, this small coastal town is a haven for seafood lovers. It is one of the most relaxing tourist attractions in New Zealand. In this amazing place, you can see fur seals, sperm whales, dolphins, and albatrosses while enjoying a feast of fresh crayfish, blue cod, mussels and more. For those who love to hike, the untamed and dramatic Kaikoura forest is waiting to be explored.

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the best tourist attractions in New Zealand. After all, it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. This amazing glacier is located within Westland National Park in the southwest. Daring visitors can walk right up to the foot of the massive glacier. You can even take a helicopter ride over the impressive Ice Age remnant. The scenery is awesome and it’s worth it. Together with Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier draws tourist to the South Westland in droves.

Among the many tourist places in New Zealand, Rotorua is known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. Rotorua is rich with abundant geysers and hot springs in and around the city. And most of them can be enjoyed because they are in parks and reserves. This place is full of surprised natural eruptions of steam, hot water, and mud in new locations.

Rotorua is a stunning place with great view. In addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, nearby Wai-O-Tapu is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand with many hot springs noted for their colorful appearance.

Another one of the top tourist attractions in New Zealand for the hikers is the Tongariro National Park. It is the first national park of New Zealand. Known for its surprises and extremes, the diverse range of ecosystems of Tongariro includes serene lakes, vigorous volcanoes, natural forests, herb fields, and desert-like plateaus. You can start your trek at the Whakapapa Visitor Center.

The center is located just a three-hour hike from the dazzling Taranaki Falls. Even though the hike is short, but it will take you through scrubland and forest and across the lava line of volcanic eruptions from hundreds of years ago. If you are spending your holidays in New Zealand then you must not miss the hike through the Tongariro.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand. It is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand that must be visited. Bay of Islands contains 144 islands, including many isolated bays and some grand sandy beaches. This picturesque area has an abundance of marine life. You can see penguins, whales, dolphins and the big marlin.

It is also a very popular tourist spot for sailing yachts on world cruises and international sports fishermen. It is a great place to enjoy yourself, whether alone or with your family. This place has a lot to offer.

With about half a million visitors each year, Milford Sound is among the most famous tourist attractions in New Zealand. Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features with amazing visual cues around every corner. Located on the South Island, Milford sound offers some of the most staggering coastal scenery of the world with its dramatic peaks and dark blue waters.

Rudyard Kipling described it as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. Rising vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks of the cliffs scrape the sky and waterfalls pour downwards, some as high as 1000 meters. The area’s frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty. The first sight of this one of the best New Zealand tourist attractions will take your breath away.

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Wander With Alex

A Local’s Guide: Best Places to Visit on North Island, New Zealand

Posted: September 1, 2023 | Last updated: September 1, 2023

There are many great places to visit in New Zealand, and the North Island is no exception. 

Home to around 75% of New Zealand’s population, the North Island has some of the country’s largest cities, including Auckland and Wellington.

However, the North Island also has plenty of natural beauty, including gorgeous beaches, mountains, hikes, and geothermal attractions. In addition, it’s the best place to experience Māori culture in New Zealand.

With all of this in mind, there are countless options for destinations on the North Island, and it can be overwhelming to know where to go. That’s where this guide will help! 

In this guide, you’ll find tips from a local on the best places to visit on North Island, New Zealand, including the best cities to explore and where to experience the great outdoors.

[This article contains affiliate links to trusted partners.]

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and the point of entry for most international visitors.

While most travelers to New Zealand are interested in the country’s outdoor scenery, Auckland is an excellent place to spend a day or two before visiting more North Island destinations.

The city of Auckland is based around two beautiful harbors and is sometimes referred to as the “City of Sails” for its abundance of sailboats and fancy yachts. 

One of the best things to do in Auckland is hopping on a scenic cruise or ferry to neighboring islands like Waiheke Island, Rangitoto, or Tiritiri Matangi.

In addition to its gorgeous seaside setting, Auckland is a multicultural, cosmopolitan city, and you’ll find no shortage of excellent places to eat, drink, and shop. Britomart and Commerical Bay are two of the most popular areas for shops and eateries in the Auckland city center. Consider an Auckland food tour or a city tour for the full experience!

While in Auckland, it’ll be impossible to miss spotting the Sky Tower, the most iconic building in the city. The Sky Tower dominates the city’s skyline and stands at an impressive 328 meters (1,076 feet) tall. You can book a ticket to go up to the top of the Sky Tower, where you’ll get some of the best views over the city.

For another must-see viewpoint in Auckland, visit the volcanic cone of Mount Eden. The hike up to the summit of Mount Eden is one of the best hiking trails in Auckland, offering panoramic views over the city and surrounding landscape.

Bay of Islands

A 3-hour drive north of Auckland leads you to the Bay of Islands, a subtropical district in the Northland region filled with beaches, history, and beautiful coastal scenery. 

The main towns in the Bay of Islands are Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri, which make a great home base for exploring the area. In addition to numerous accommodation options, you’ll also find some of Northland’s best campsites in the Bay of Islands. 

While in the Bay of Islands, book a scenic cruise to spot marine life and experience some of the 144 islands that give this district its name. You can also charter a boat to go ocean fishing, which the area is well-known for.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are an important historic and cultural site in New Zealand and a must-visit in the Bay of Islands.

Active travelers will also love the hiking, diving, and snorkeling opportunities around the Bay of Islands. 

Some excellent day trips from the Bay of Islands include visiting Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island and viewing ancient kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest.

The Coromandel Peninsula

New Zealand’s North Island has many incredible beaches, many of which can be found on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Two of the best beaches in the Coromandel are Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, both major attractions.

Cathedral Cove is known for its grandiose rock archway and sandy white beach. To access Cathedral Cove, there are options to take a scenic boat tour , kayak tour , or water taxi.

At Hot Water Beach, you can dig your own hot tub in the sand at low tide! Geothermal waters bubble up from beneath the beach, and you only need a shovel and some energy to carve out your own hot pool. You can rent shovels from a shop right next to Hot Water Beach. This is undoubtedly one of the most unique things to do on the North Island! 

The Coromandel has some great accommodation options, but one of the best ways to experience the area is to go camping at one of the many awesome beachfront campgrounds in the Coromandel.

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is a picturesque coastal town known for its long stretch of golden sandy beach and its namesake volcanic cone: Mount Maunganui, or “the Mount,” as locals often refer to it.

One of the best things to do here is to hike up Mount Maunganui , where you’ll get incredible panoramic views from the summit. If that sounds like too much work, there’s also an easy, relatively flat hiking track that circles the base of Mount Maunganui.

After hiking the Mount, you can soak in the Mount Maunganui heated saltwater pools at the mountain’s base. There’s no better way to relax after hiking!

When you’re not busy hiking or relaxing in the hot pools, you can hang out at the beautiful beach or peruse the many local shops and restaurants along Mount Maunganui’s Main Street.

One of the top destinations on New Zealand’s North Island is Rotorua, famous for its geothermal attractions and Māori culture.

Rotorua is a place like no other, with a town built around bubbling mud pits, steaming geothermal vents, and boiling lakes.

In Rotorua, you can visit geothermal sites like the Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia or soak in a relaxing natural hot spring .

One of the best things to do in Rotorua is to learn about Māori culture at a Māori cultural experience , which involves a haka performance and traditional hāngī meal.

The town of Taupō sits along the shores of beautiful Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand.

Like Rotorua, Taupō is known for its geothermal activity. This means that you can soak in many hot springs after a day of exploring Taupō! The hot pools at Wairekei Terraces are a great option for adults, and families will love the amenities at the Taupō DeBretts hot springs. 

Other popular activities in Taupō include visiting Huka Falls, taking a boat cruise to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, and fishing for trout in nearby rivers.

Tongariro National Park

Avid hikers won’t want to miss a visit to Tongariro National Park, which is home to the North Island’s best day hike: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

This epic day hike traverses an otherwordly landscape, with technicolor lakes and volcanic peaks being significant highlights.

Overall, the Tongariro Crossing takes most people between 7-8 hours to complete. It’s a 12-mile (19.4 km) strenuous hike, so it’s a challenging trail—but it’s a highlight for many visitors to the North Island.

While the Tongariro Crossing is free, hikers need to arrange and pay for a shuttle to transport them to the trailhead and pick them up at the end of the hike. Many shuttle companies in Tongariro National Park offer this service, so you won’t have trouble organizing your hike.

If the Tongariro Crossing sounds too intimidating, there are plenty of shorter hikes in the area, including Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes.

While smaller than Auckland, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. 

Located at the bottom of the North Island, Wellington is a gorgeous city perched along a sparkling harbor and surrounded by green hills. 

Wellington is known as “windy Welly” for its notoriously gusty weather, but on a clear, calm day, it’s hard to imagine a prettier city. 

Top things to do in Wellington include taking the cable car to the botanic gardens, hiking to the top of Mount Victoria for panoramic views over the city, and visiting the excellent (and free) Te Papa Museum. Consider a sightseeing tour from a local!

While in Wellington, it would also be remiss not to sample some of the city’s delicious craft beer , which it’s well-known for. Head to Little Beer Quarter for a great selection of local craft beers.

New Plymouth

Off the beaten tourist path lies a North Island city: New Plymouth.

New Plymouth is a small city on the North Island’s west coast. It’s known for its black sand surf beaches and its hiking trails in Mount Egmont National Park, which is home to the volcanic mountain of Mount Taranaki.

While in New Plymouth, a top thing to do is to walk or cycle along the gorgeous New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, where you’ll also find the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, shaped like a whale skeleton and a breaking wave.

A must-visit place in New Plymouth is Mount Egmont National Park, where you can hike to Dawson Falls and the Wilkies Pools through a moss-laden forest. Another great hike is the trail to Pouakai Tarns, a small alpine lake that reflects Mount Taranaki on a calm day.

After a day of activities around New Plymouth, relax with a delicious meal and craft beer at Shining Peak Brewery, one of the best craft breweries on North Island, New Zealand.

Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island in the sunny Hawkes Bay region. This coastal city is an excellent place to visit on the North Island if you love wine, good food, and Art Deco architecture.

After experiencing a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city of Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco fashion of the time. This means that Napier is now one of the best places in the world to experience Art Deco architecture. There are options for Art Deco walking tours , or you can pick up a pamphlet at the Napier Visitor Center to do a self-guided tour.

Napier is also surrounded by one of the best wine regions in New Zealand. The Hawkes Bay wine region is New Zealand’s second-largest wine region, with over 200 vineyards. The region is known for its Chardonnay, Syrah, and Merlot Cabernet blends.

Book a wine tour to experience some of the region’s best wineries, or rent bikes to cycle to wineries along Hawkes Bay’s fantastic network of cycle trails.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

One of the most unique attractions on New Zealand’s North Island is the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll find a network of underground caves filled with thousands of glittering glow worms.

You’ll need to book a guided tour to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. All travelers have tour options, from a boat cruise through an impressive glow worm grotto to an adventurous black water rafting experience .

Seeing glowworms is a unique New Zealand experience that shouldn’t be missed on your visit to the North Island!

While in the Waitomo area, there are some other noteworthy attractions to check out: the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, Mangapohue Natural Bridge, and Marokopa Falls are all well worth a visit.

When many people think of New Zealand, the first thing that comes to mind is the Lord of the Rings film series. 

While much of the Lord of the Rings filming took place on the South Island, there are a few North Island filming locations, too! The most famous of these is Hobbiton, which is located near the town of Matamata on the North Island.

At the Hobbiton movie set , you can tour the exact fictional village that starred as the Shire in the Lord of the Rings films. Hobbiton is nestled amongst rolling green hills and looks just as idyllic as in the movies. 

After touring Hobbiton, visitors enjoy a complimentary beverage in the Green Dragon Inn, a replica of the cozy inn from the films. 

For an extra-special experience, an evening banquet tour option features a delicious feast for hobbits (and humans).

Best Places to Visit on North Island, New Zealand

As you can see, there are many wonderful places to visit on North Island, New Zealand! 

While it can be tempting to try and see it all in a short trip, you really need to allocate around 14 days to visit all of the North Island places mentioned in this guide.

If you’re short on time, you can easily visit Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves within a 7-day road trip itinerary. 

When faced with such great options, it might be hard to choose where to go. Still, one thing is sure: your visit to the North Island will be an unforgettable trip filled with cultural experiences , stunning scenery, and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex .

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Top 20 OTAs to Watch in Asia Pacific

With online travel agencies rising rapidly as the region recovers, we put together a list of tours and activities OTAs in Asia Pacific to help you grow your bookings

by Janelle Visser | 26 May 2023

While most of us in tours and attractions are familiar with the bigger global online travel agency (OTA) brands, such as GetYourGuide, Viator, TUI Musement, Headout, Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, Groupon and others, there are a growing number of OTAs specifically focused on the Asia Pacific region.

OTAs were the fastest growing booking channel pre-pandemic, and even more so as our industry speeds toward recovery. OTA gross bookings will grow far faster than other channels, achieving 152% growth over 2019 levels in just a few short years, Arival research shows . 

For tour operators and activity and attraction suppliers looking to grow their bookings through distribution, expanding to new regions or reaching out to new customer segments within Asia Pacific, take note of these OTAs. Many are focused on offering tours, activities and attractions within particular regions or destinations within APAC, and/or a particular geographic customer market.  

No company has paid Arival to be included on this list; these are presented in alphabetical order (within each category). Have we missed a brand? Let us know: [email protected]

Regional OTAs focused on tours and activities

The following are large, growing OTAs based in APAC that focus specifically on the Asia Pacific traveler market, and list tours, activities, attractions and experiences for destinations primarily in the Asia Pacific region.

Based in Taipei with offices throughout East and Southeast Asia, KKDay is an OTA focused on experiences for Asian travelers to Asia and select global destinations. There are over 30,000 experiences on KKDay’s platform, representing over 90 countries. 

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Klook is a tours and activities OTA for Asian travelers to destinations throughout Asia and (more recently) global destinations. Their primary customer base is young travelers, aged 20-45, and they list nearly 500,000 activities in over 1000 destinations. (Don’t miss Klook COO Wilfred Fan on the main stage at Arival Activate | Bangkok 2023 !)

Regional online travel sites with a tours and attractions division:

These online travel sites may be more generally focused on flights, accommodations and/or other transportation primarily in APAC, however they have some form of experience booking options through their platforms.

MakeMyTrip is an OTA for Indian travelers with an activities division for booking experiences in India and internationally. They list over 18,000 activities in over 100 cities throughout India, Asia and globally. 

Pelago is a tours and experiences OTA under Singapore Airlines, for travel within the Asia Pacific and to several European and U.S. destinations — anywhere Singapore Airlines flies. Pelago launched in beta in 2020 and officially in 2021, and currently lists over 2000 experiences. 

Rakuten Travel Experiences

Formerly Voyagin, the travel experiences branch of Japan-based e-commerce site Rakuten is an OTA for travel to Japan, Asia, and select destinations globally. Rakuten Travel Experiences lists activities in over 750 destinations, and benefits from Rakuten’s wide reach of 100 million users in Japan and 1.5 billion globally.

Traveloka is a general travel OTA based in Indonesia and focused on Southeast Asian travelers and destinations, which has an activities division for booking “Xperiences.” Xperiences operates in seven Southeast Asian countries, and boasts 50 million active users and 500,000 bookings daily. 

Formerly Ctrip, Trip.com is the largest OTA serving the Chinese traveler market. Attractions and tours are bookable through the travel guide section of their site. Trip.com boasts over 400 million users worldwide, with over 200,000 tours, activities and attractions bookable in over 170 countries and 2000 destinations globally. 

Based in India, Yatra is a general travel OTA for Indian travelers that includes a division for booking activities to a handful of destinations around India, Dubai and Southeast Asia, and another division for “monuments” which sells tickets to cultural attractions around India.

Join us at an upcoming Arival event to connect, learn, & grow your tours, activities, & attractions business

Country or region-specific OTAs: Australia & New Zealand

If you are looking to grow your bookings from particular markets, who may want to have a look at these OTAs that specialize in specific countries or regions in Asia Pacific.

This section includes OTAs that serve the Australia and New Zealand traveler market, and/or travelers to the Australia and New Zealand regions. Consider working with these OTAs if you want to expand into the Australia and New Zealand markets.

Adrenaline is an Australia-based OTA focused on offering over 2,500 adventure experiences to travelers visiting Australia, from hot air balloon rides to white water rafting to theme park passes. 

ExperienceOZ

ExperienceOZ is an Australia-based OTA focused on tours, activities and attractions, targeted to domestic travelers in Australia and New Zealand. Over 2000 experiences are listed on their platform.

Red Balloon

RedBalloon is an OTA based in Australia focused on experiences and activities, with an emphasis on gifting experiences. RedBalloon — along with Adrenaline and ExperienceOZ — is part of Big Red Group, which lists over 14,000 experiences in Australia and New Zealand across its platforms. 

Travello is an Australia-based OTA for tours and activities and a social network for travelers. Travello — and its experiences marketplace Backpacker Deals — lists experiences primarily in Australia and New Zealand, as well as a selection of experiences in other destinations globally. Travello has users in 180 countries and a monthly reach of 40 million people. ( Learn more about Travello on Arival here. )

Country or region-specific OTAs: East & Southeast Asia

This section includes OTAs that serve the East and Southeast Asian traveler market, and/or travelers to the East and Southeast Asian regions. Consider working with these OTAs if you want to expand into particular markets in East and Southeast Asia.

MyRealTrip is a tours and attractions OTA for Korean travelers to destinations both regional in APAC and to global destinations.

TakeMeTour is a Thailand-based OTA focused on tours and experiences with locals, and lists over 1000 experiences in destinations across Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Veltra is a Japan-based OTA for Japanese and international travelers, with over 13,000 experiences in over 4,500 destinations around Japan, Hawaii, and a selection of other international destinations. Founded in 1991, Veltra was a pioneer for online tour and activity booking as one of the first OTAs to enable travelers to book experiences online.

WAUG is a Korea-based tours and activities OTA for travel to Asian destinations, with experience listings in 187 in cities across Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines, as well as a growing number of destinations globally. 

Country or region-specific OTAs: Southwest, South & Central Asia

This section includes OTAs that serve the Southwest, South and Central Asia traveler market, and/or travelers to these regions. Consider working with these OTAs if you want to expand into particular markets in these regions.

Indy Guide is a regional OTA, based in Switzerland but focused on tours with local guides in Central Asia for international travelers. Indy Guide lists experiences with over 2000 local providers throughout 15 Central Asian countries.

Thrillark is a Dubai-based tours, activities and attractions OTA focused on city experiences in the UAE and select international destinations. Thrillark currently has about 250 listings for tours, activities and attraction tickets in Dubai and the surrounding region.  

Thrillophilia

Thrillophilia is an India-based tours and activities OTA targeted to Indian travelers for travel around India and to select destinations around Asia and globally. Thrillophilia lists over 12,000 activities from over 5000 suppliers in over 125 destinations, with approximately 3.5 million monthly users. ( Learn more about Thrillophilia on Arival here ). 

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At Arival, we believe travel can make the world a better place. Our mission is to establish and inspire a diverse community of individuals and companies in the In-destination Industry by providing opportunities to gain insight, share knowledge and build connections. To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange to thrive, we are committed to facilitating a welcoming and respectful community for all. This Conference Code of Conduct shares our community expectations and applies to all attendees, employees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and other participants at Arival- produced and sponsored events. We empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a friendly, inclusive and safe environment for all.

Arival’s core values include the following, and create an expectation for conduct at our events and in online community spaces:

We demonstrate a  deep respect  for human beings inside and outside our company and for the communities in which they live. We  value integrity  and strive to consistently interact with others in ways that are authentic, ethical, and fair. We are  dedicated to transparency , committing to clear, open and honest communication. We  actively pursue and advocate for inclusion, diversity and representation  of varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives and ideas

Arival welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, religion (including religious dress and grooming), marital status, domestic partner status, genetic information, age, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Accordingly, participants must refrain from displaying any demeaning, harassing, aggressive, or intimidating behavior or materials that would interfere with others’ experience and participation in our community.

If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate or disruptive behavior or have any other concerns, notify an Arival staff member as soon as possible.

Inappropriate or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Arival reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from any event or community space at any time when participation or behavior create a disruption or hinder the event or enjoyment of the event by other participants. All determinations are at the sole discretion of Arival, and the decision of the Arival team will be final. Severe breaches of this Conference Code of Conduct may result in disqualification from participating in future events. Individuals expelled due to violating this Conference Code of Conduct will not be eligible for a refund or other consolation.

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