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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.

Glaciers in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

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.

Waterfront in Queenstown

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.

Parasailing in Queenstown

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.

Steamboat at the dock in Queenstown

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

View from Hooker Valley Trail at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

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.

Hooker Lake in Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park

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.

View from a room at the Hermitage Hotel

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 clear day at Milford Sound

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.

Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island

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

Bay of Islands, North Island

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 from viewpoint on trail

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.

Fox Glacier from Cook Flat Road

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.

Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island

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

Rotorua, North Island

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

Day hikers on a beach in Abel Tasman National Park

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.

Scenery in Abel Tasman National Park

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.

A beach on the day hike to Medlands in Abel Tasman National Park

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.

The Sky Tower in Auckland

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

Coromandel Peninsula, North Island

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.

View over Kaikoura

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.

Kaikoura waterfront

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.

Albatross on a boat tour in Kaikoura

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.

Giant Kauri Tree

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.

Art Deco buildings in Napier

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

Devils Punchbowl Falls in Arthur's Pass

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.

Otira Viaduct in Arthur's Pass

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.

Author Lana Law in Arthur's Pass National Park

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.

 Michael Law on the short trail through Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area

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

Lighthouse at Cape Reinga

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.

Queenstown, South Island

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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

Bay Of Islands- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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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

Tongariro National Park- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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- Places To Visit In 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

The picturesque town of Napier in Hawke's Bay is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand with Maori influence

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

Auckland- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

The expanse of Coromandel Peninsula is one of the must see places to see in New Zealand if you love the calm

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

Queenstown- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

Fiordland National Park is one of the best New Zealand tourist attractions

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 stunning landscape of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier – the best place to visit in New Zealand

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

Franz-Josef-Glacier_24th oct

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

The breathtakingly beautiful Mount Cook National Park is one of the stunning tourist places in New Zealand

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

Kaikoura- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

Milford Sound- New Zealand tourist attractions

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

Waiheke Island- New Zealand tourist attractions

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

Christchurch- New Zealand tourist attractions

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

White Island- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

Whakarewarewa Thermal 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

Waitomo 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

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

Muriwai Beach- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

Milford Sound- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

Matapouri- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

Piha- Places To Visit In New Zealand

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

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

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 (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 where to go in New Zealand by focusing on the best places to visit on the North Island.

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?

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.

Tutukaka-Coast-New Zealand

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 destinations trip should definitely include a visit here.

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.  

Tongariro-National-Park Places To Visit In New Zealand

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!

Wellington

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.

Abel-Tasman National Park Places To Visit In New Zealand

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.

Kaikoura-New-Zealand

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 and Fox Glacier . Whilst they are fast receding they are still spectacular. 

A sense of adventure may take you all the way down to the windswept beaches of Jackson Bay . 

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

Hokitika-New-Zealand

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 !

Wanaka-New-Zealand

Welcome to the adrenaline capital of the world. 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!

Queenstown-New-Zealand

Nestled in the southwest corner of the island, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are in the heart of the Fiordland National Park. 

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 .

Doubtful-Sound-New-Zealand

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.

This 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. 

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-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.   

Arthurs-Pass-Devils-Punchbowl

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. 

Akaroa-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!

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About the Author - Richard Barnes

Richard Barnes is our resident China, New Zealand and Central Asia expert, having spent more time than just about anyone backpacking and travelling around there. He is also one of half of the British-Chinese couple that make up abearandapig.com , a blog focusing on travel, life as a local and an expat in the middle kingdom and Chinese social media.

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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.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Hiking Hooker Valley Track

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

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura

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!

New Zealand Itinerary Banner

2. Eat a Fergburger

Top Things to Do in New Zealand 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Fergburger Mr. Big Stuff

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Bungy Jump AJ Hackett

“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!

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Bungy Jump AJ Hackett

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Tamaki Maori Village Haka

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Wahkarewarewa Thermal 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Tamaki Maori Village

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 .

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Tamaki Maori Village 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand 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.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Milford Sound Cruise

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!

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Milford Sound Stirling Falls

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Brewsters 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”.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Brewsters Hut

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Van Life Campervan Coffee

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Hiking to the Pinnacles

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

Hike to Pinnacles Hut North Island New Zealand

  • 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

Key Summit Hike Things to do in New Zealand

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Hiking Isthmus 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Hooker Valley Track Mount Cook

  • 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Jetboat

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Wine Tasting

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.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Wine Tasting Cheers

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

Whale watching Kaikoura things to do in New Zealand

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Hiking Tongariro 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Epic Drives to Mount Cook Village

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 

Queenstown to Glenorchy things to do in New Zealand

  • 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Kerosene Creek 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

Lake Taupo Hot Springs Thing to do in New Zealand

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Franz Josef Glacier 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Eat A Meat Pie

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Queenstown Skyline 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Owharoa Falls

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Eat Fish and 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.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Eat Fish and Chips on the Beach

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand New Chums Beach Lookout

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!)

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Zorbing Inflatable Balls

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”.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Zorbing Inflatable Balls

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand See a Kea Alpine Parrot

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Waiheke Island Lookout

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.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Waiheke Island Viewpoint

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Waiheke Island Casita Miro Tapas

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

new zealand tourist spot

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

Sea Kayaking Things to do in New Zealand

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)

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Sea Kayaking 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Pancake Rocks 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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Geothermals Hot Springs

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Hot Water Beach

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!

North Island New Zealand Hot Water Beach

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Caving Tour

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand 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.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Visit Hobbiton

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

Franz Joseph Glacier Things to do in New Zealand

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

Top Things to Do in New Zealand Helicopter Ride Over Glaciers

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.

Auckland skyline things to do in New Zealand

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 Things to do in New Zealand

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’

Abel Tasman Track

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 New Zealand

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

Wanaka Tree Things to do in New Zealand

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.

Wanaka Tree Things to do in New Zealand

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

Carve a jade necklace things to do in New Zealand

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.

Carve a jade necklace things to do in New Zealand

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!)

Piha New Zealand surfing

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!).

Piha New Zealand surf town

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

Anatoki Salmon Fishing and Cafe things to do in New Zealand

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 .

Anatoki Salmon Fishing and Cafe things to do in New Zealand

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

Mount Taranaki New Zealand

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

Lupin Lake Pukaki Things to do in New Zealand

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!).

Lupin Field New Zealand

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?

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

Planning a Campervan Trip in New Zealand | Two Wandering Soles

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!

Lake Pukaki lupins in New Zealand

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

North Island 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

Tips for visiting New Zealand

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. 

What to pack for a trip to New Zealand

Milford Sound South Island 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!

New+Zealand+Packing+List+_+Two+Wandering+Soles

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

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Things to do in New Zealand

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 (23) on “ 45 Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit ”

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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14 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

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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

Map of New Zealand

14. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

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

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.

Nelson

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

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

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

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

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.

Napier

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.

Wai-o-Tapu

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.

Paihia

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

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

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

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

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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February 26, 2020 at 4:47 am

Arrowtown and Wanamaker should have been included in your list.

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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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Auckland   Travel Guide

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new zealand tourist spot

19 Best Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand

In Maori, the native language of New Zealand, the city of Auckland is known as "Tamaki Makaurau," meaning "a place desired by many," which is only fitting given how much there is to enjoy in New Zealand's most populated city. 

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  • All Things To Do

new zealand tourist spot

Waitemata Harbour Waitemata Harbour free

No trip to Auckland is complete without getting out on the harbor and feeling the sea breeze toy with your hair, plunging into the water for a swim or enjoying a spot of fishing. Auckland’s nickname is the "City of Sails," after all. 

The harbor sprawls from downtown Auckland and beaches like Mission Bay across to the North Shore – home to beautiful beaches and tourist spots like Devonport – and beyond. Tourists can catch a ferry from central Auckland across the Waitemata Harbour and into the Hauraki Gulf where popular attractions include Waiheke Island and the hiking hub of Rangitoto Island .

new zealand tourist spot

Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Do as the locals do and pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds outside Cornwall Park Cafe. The area has bean bags to sink into and sprawling lawns for sports, while the cafe sells coffee, ice cream and takeaway meals. – Leena Tailor

Imagine  New York 's Central Park , but with an Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) twist, and you've got Cornwall Park. This sprawling park, which sits on a volcanic cone, offers an abundance of greenery, plus unique features like the remnants of a pre-European Maori fort and the remains of Sir John Logan Campbell, the park's donor. 

new zealand tourist spot

Hike Mount Eden Hike Mount Eden free

U.S. News Insider Tip: At the base of the mountain lies Eden Village, home to must-try coffee spots like Circus Circus and Frasers Cafe. Grab a beverage for the 30-minute walk to the summit, which is so picturesque you’ll want to snap a new profile pic. – Leena Tailor

One of the most visited maunga (mountains) in Auckland is Mount Eden/Maungawhau. This dormant volcano, which is completely covered with grass, offers 360-degree views of Auckland, with recent visitors deeming the views better than what you see from the top of the Sky Tower . It's also the highest natural point in Auckland.

new zealand tourist spot

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Hop a Ferry to Rangitoto Island Hop a Ferry to Rangitoto Island free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are no shops on the island, so be sure to bring your own food and water supplies. – Leena Tailor

Situated just off the coast of central Auckland and across from Devonport is Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island known for its superb hiking trails and panoramic views. Multiple trails are available for island exploration, including the popular Summit Track, which takes hikers through lava fields and the world's largest pohutukawa forest to the summit. Prepare for stunning vistas and a steep, yet doable approximately 4-mile hike when visiting Rangitoto Island. Multiple tourists have mentioned being in awe when arriving on the island and they’ve also praised the hike to the summit and the views at the top.

new zealand tourist spot

AJ Hackett Auckland SkyJump & SkyWalk at Sky Tower AJ Hackett Auckland SkyJump & SkyWalk at Sky Tower

The most noticeable structure in Auckland's skyline is the 1076-foo-tall Sky Tower. At the top, visitors can take in 360-degree views of the city, eat at the cafe, dine at one of two restaurants (including one that revolves), walk over glass flooring panels or grab a drink at new hot spot, SkyBar, which is New Zealand’s highest bar. A gift shop is available as well.

Previous travelers praised the Sky Tower's views, suggesting visiting on a clear day to avoid obstructed vistas. Sunset-lovers will want to visit around that time to watch the city bask in sinking rays. If you do decide to eat here, book your dining reservations in advance. And remember, Sky Tower admissions are waived for visitors dining on site. The only complaint among visitors? The ticket cost, which reviewers say is too high.

new zealand tourist spot

Viaduct Harbour Viaduct Harbour free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Sample some of the city’s finest cocktails or mocktails with a Viaduct bar crawl starting at Park Hyatt Auckland’s nautical-themed Captain’s Bar, then QT Auckland’s rooftop bar before nabbing a patio spot at Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co. – Leena Tailor

For some of central Auckland's best restaurants and bars, consider visiting the city's waterfront Viaduct Harbour, which bursts to life during evenings in summer. This Auckland precinct, which some compare to Sydney 's Darling Harbour , features more than 30 watering holes and eateries, plus a marina, the New Zealand Maritime Museum and several hotels.

new zealand tourist spot

Devonport Devonport free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Some of Auckland’s best beaches are along the Devonport Peninsula, so pack a swimsuit and picnic then walk or grab a cab to Cheltenham Beach or Narrow Neck Beach, which boasts incredible views of Rangitoto Island . – Leena Tailor

Devonport, a historic suburb across the harbor from the central business district, boasts a spectacular view of Auckland, so bring your camera. Aside from being a quaint spot to dine and shop, it also features a naval base. For a laid-back day of meandering past quaint, colonial architecture and along peaceful beaches, Devonport is the place to go.

new zealand tourist spot

Mission Bay Mission Bay free

There isn’t a more authentic Auckland experience than enjoying a picnic of fish and chips at Mission Bay, while watching children play in a fountain or gazing out to picture-perfect Rangitoto Island . The seaside spot is around 5 miles and a gorgeous 10-minute waterfront drive away from downtown Auckland and it’s the place to be in good weather.

Lined with cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops, the beach also has a playground, restrooms, free parking, shady spots under trees and picnic tables. Kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours are also available, with a one-hour kayak rental costing NZ$28 (about $17) at Auckland Sea Kayaks . Recent visitors praised the company’s fun and informative tour guides. A waterfront bike path, which connects Mission Bay to downtown Auckland, is also perfect for walkers and cyclists, while SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is great for kids. Tickets cost NZ$45 (about $28) for adults and NZ$32 (about $20) for children ages 3 to 15.

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland

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Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour

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Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

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Hunua Ranges Hunua Ranges free

A hub for hiking, mountain biking, camping and fishing, the Hunua Ranges is an approximately 150-square-mile forest that sits about 30 miles southeast of central Auckland. The star attraction is the spectacular Hunua Falls, which cascades about 100 feet into the Wairoa River. The waterfall can be accessed via a 15-minute walk, which winds along a stream and ends with a lookout platform. Those who want to venture farther into the park can continue along the track, which loops back into the base of the falls.

Swimming at the Hunua Falls isn’t recommended due to safety risks, but there’s enough trails to keep visitors busy. One of the most popular is the approximately 5-mile-long Cossey-Massey Loop. It’s a hit with past visitors thanks to the spectacular views and a well-maintained path, not to mention shade and plenty of birds. In between hikes, heed the advice of recent visitors and enjoy a picnic among the park’s lush vegetation. Camping areas can also be booked online , with campsites costing NZ$9.50 (around $6) per night for adults and NZ$4.50 (less than $3) for children.

new zealand tourist spot

Matakana Matakana free

There’s something for everyone in Matakana, just an hour’s drive north of Auckland. The town is best known for the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market , which takes place every Saturday in a parking lot that transforms into a buzzing market brimming with local vendors selling delicious cheeses or specialty wines like feijoa-flavored sparkling wine. Many of the stalls also offer samples. Past travelers rave about the produce on offer, but some have found products overpriced. It can also get so crowded it’s difficult to make your way through the stalls. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday and it’s vital to arrive early to secure parking, according to reviewers.

The village also has boutique stores, great coffee spots, bars and restaurants, while surrounding areas are home to wineries, breweries and distilleries. With a diverse array of wines, including chardonnay and sangiovese, the wine region can be explored by self-driving using the Matakana Wine Growers’ Wine Trail Map . Be sure to check out Matakana Estate , where tastings start at NZ$15 (about $9), and Heron’s Flight , where a flight of three tastings costs NZ$10 (around $6). Wine tours are also available with Matakana Coast Tourism or TIME Unlimited, whose Matakana Country & Cuisine Tour starts at NZ$415 (about $257) per person.

new zealand tourist spot

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki free

Located in the southwest corner of Albert Park, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is a must-visit for art lovers. Inside, travelers will find more than 17,000 historic, modern and contemporary art pieces. In fact, the museum is home to the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art. Established in 1888, the museum features international paintings, sculptures and print collections dating from the 11th century to today.

Some past visitors bemoaned the high entrance fees, however the museum has now waived admission fees for international tourists. General collection tours are also complimentary (departing at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday), but special exhibitions may require fees. Past tourists agreed that the property's architecture is stunning and fitting of a modern art gallery.

new zealand tourist spot

Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary

Bird lovers and outdoor enthusiasts cannot miss a chance to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary. Located on Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf (and within view of  Rangitoto Island  and  Waiheke Island ), this pest-free island and wildlife sanctuary is considered one of New Zealand's most successful conservation projects. Thousands of volunteers worked under the direction of the Department of Conservation to eradicate species-killing pests from the island, and between 1984 and 1994, around 300,000 native trees were planted. As part of the conservation efforts, 11 species of threatened native birds were reintroduced back onto the island. Notable wildlife found on the island include little spotted kokako, tieke (saddleback), kiwis, tuatara and takahe. 

Recent visitors appreciated this wildlife sanctuary's natural beauty and its top-notch hiking trails, adding that they saw several bird species during their visits. 

new zealand tourist spot

Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo

U.S. News Insider Tip: Bring your own water bottle to fill at water fountains as the zoo no longer sells bottled water in an effort to reduce single-use plastic. Or, buy a bottle at the gift shop and it will double as a take-home souvenir! – Leena Tailor

Located less than 4 miles southwest of downtown Auckland is one of the city’s premier animal attractions: the Auckland Zoo. This sprawling animal sanctuary, which boasts the largest number of exotic and native animals in New Zealand, features everything from fur seals to lions to kiwi.

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Waitomo & Hobbiton Guided Tour departing Auckland

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Karekare Falls at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park Karekare Falls at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Reward a morning of hiking the park’s trails by stopping at Titirangi Village on the way back and indulging in delicious desserts or fun cocktails at Deco Eatery. The cute strip is also home to galleries, stores and cafes. – Leena Tailor

Tucked along the North Island's west coast, less than 14 miles south of the city center, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park boasts 40,000 acres of forest and beaches, as well as the spectacular Karekare Falls. Everything from hiking and biking to bird-watching and strolling along the park's black sand beaches can be enjoyed here. Must-see beaches in this sprawling parkland include Piha and Muriwai. 

new zealand tourist spot

Take a day trip to Waiheke Island Take a day trip to Waiheke Island free

Whether you're a foodie, wine lover, thrill-seeker or beach bum, odds are you'll love exploring Waiheke Island. Found within the Hauraki Gulf, which also harbors Rangitoto Island and Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary , Waiheke Island features vineyards, olive groves, white sand beaches and a variety of shops and restaurants. For adventure junkies, book a zip lining excursion with EcoZip Adventures .

Visitors agree that Waiheke Island is one of the best wine areas in the region. Several recommend wine-tasting tours with local operators Waiheke Island Wine Tours (starting at NZ$149, or about $92) and Ananda Tours , which starts at NZ$205 (roughly $126) for a half-day tour, which includes lunch and tastings at three vineyards. Ananda Tours also offers overnight packages and custom and specialty tours, such as ones that stop at an olive oil mill. Popular winery stops include Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurants, which has been visited by celebrities like Taylor Swift, and also has beautiful on-site accommodations. The hot spot has also been praised by recent visitors for its incredible views of Auckland City. Tantalus Estate, Stonyridge Vineyard, Cable Bay, Man O’ War and Wild on Waiheke are local favorites.

new zealand tourist spot

Auckland War Memorial Museum Auckland War Memorial Museum

The main objective of the Auckland War Memorial Museum is to tell the story of the Auckland region. To that end, the museum, which is housed in a memorial that honors fallen service members, hosts exhibits featuring taonga (treasures) from New Zealand’s native Maori people and displays showcasing Pacific Island natives and other ethnic communities who have made Auckland home. The area's natural history, archaeology, art and military history are also a focus.

According to previous museumgoers, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-see attraction when visiting Tamaki Makaurau (the Maori name for Auckland). Many praised the interesting exhibits, citing the ones about New Zealand's Maori culture as highlights. Reviewers reported spending between three and four hours here, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Others suggested taking advantage of the museum’s late closure on Tuesdays to avoid the school groups that usually visit during weekdays.

new zealand tourist spot

New Zealand Maritime Museum New Zealand Maritime Museum

To learn about the City of Sails' ties to the sea, check out the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Located in the Viaduct Harbour precinct along the water, this museum is packed with artifacts documenting New Zealand's rich maritime history. Its collection includes more than 130 watercraft representing a variety of different subjects, including vessels used for whaling, European exploration voyages, Polynesian and Maori navigation, lifeboat services and more.

Recent visitors said this attraction's exhibits are interesting and family-friendly. Many were especially impressed with the museum's Blue Water Black Magic gallery, which features Sir Peter Blake's championship yacht. Blake is New Zealand’s most celebrated sailor. Tourists also loved the Maori section. If you visit on a sunny day, travelers recommend purchasing an upgraded ticket, which covers museum admissions, plus a one-hour cruise on the property's restored ship, the Ted Ashby. Though visitors warn there is a lot of information to take in here, they say the museum’s displays and interactive games manage to engage kids of all ages.

new zealand tourist spot

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Waitomo Glowworm Caves

This world-famous natural wonder, which is situated about 120 miles south of Auckland, features a boat ride through Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave ceiling. New Zealand is one of the few places in the world where these bright, tiny creatures can be found. A number of the attraction’s tour guides, who tell the site’s stories, legends and history, are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the caves.

Although some former travelers have been disappointed that the boat portion of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour was shorter than they anticipated (about 10 to 15 minutes), most found the attraction interesting and well worth a visit. While the caves are beautiful, the star attraction is the glowworms. However, photography and videography are not allowed in any part of the caves, so keep cameras stowed when inside. Visitors are also asked to keep quiet during the boat portion of the tour.

new zealand tourist spot

Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland with Options - Smaller groups

(156 reviews)

from $ 227.63

Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu - Small Group Tour from Auckland

Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu - Small Group Tour from Auckland

from $ 248.83

America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour

America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour

from $ 121.61

new zealand tourist spot

Hobbiton Movie Set Hobbiton Movie Set

Located roughly 110 miles southeast of Auckland on a working sheep farm, the Hobbiton Movie Set is a must for fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies. It's the country's only remaining set from the films and features the movies' famous hobbit homes and The Green Dragon Inn, plus plenty of greenery. Past travelers described their experiences as “magical” and the highlight of their New Zealand vacations. Even those who have never seen "The Lord of the Rings" enjoyed their time at the attraction, in part thanks to the knowledgeable, friendly guides. 

To get to the Hobbiton Movie Set, visitors can drive or take a day tour. The on-site parking lot is free and tours cost NZ$89 (about $55) for adults 17 and older and NZ$44 (around $27) for youth between 9 and 16. Children 8 and younger can tour for free. Set tours are approximately two hours long and begin daily at 9:30 a.m.

new zealand tourist spot

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Love Exploring

Love Exploring

50 Reasons Everyone Should Visit New Zealand

Posted: October 10, 2023 | Last updated: October 10, 2023

New Zealand, or Aotearoa in Māori, benefits from a diverse landscape of golden beaches, rainforests, fiords, wineries and snow-topped mountains. Where else can you bungy off a bridge, visit Hobbiton and soak up a fascinating culture with a mix of Māori and European identities, before exploring gleaming harborfront cities? Here, we highlight 50 New Zealand experiences not to miss.

Kiwi experiences you've been missing

<p>Charter a sailboat or join a cruise to experience Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour from the water. The City of Sails, as it's also known, has a rich maritime heritage and when you’ve learned all you can about Polynesian and European history in its museums, nothing beats seeing Auckland’s skyline with the wind in your hair. There's even an option to book an ex-America's Cup sailing yacht.</p>

Sailing Auckland's harbor

Charter a sailboat or join a cruise to experience Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour from the water. The City of Sails, as it's also known, has a rich maritime heritage and when you’ve learned all you can about Polynesian and European history in its museums, nothing beats seeing Auckland’s skyline with the wind in your hair. There's even an option to book an ex-America's Cup sailing yacht.

<p>The central North Island region features the one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Famed for its views of magnificent lava fields, smoking craters, volcanic lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe (known as Mount Doom in <em>The Lord of the Rings</em>), it's lauded as one of the world's best one-day hikes. In winter, the track is covered in snow and ice. The hike takes six to eight hours to complete and covers around 12 miles (19.4km). Note that it's a point-to-point hike, so travelers are advised to arrange pick-up at the end of the trail.</p>

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The central North Island region features the one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Famed for its views of magnificent lava fields, smoking craters, volcanic lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe (known as Mount Doom in  The Lord of the Rings ), it's lauded as one of the world's best one-day hikes. In winter, the track is covered in snow and ice. The hike takes six to eight hours to complete and covers around 12 miles (19.4km). Note that it's a point-to-point hike, so travelers are advised to arrange pick-up at the end of the trail.

Sandboarding on New Zealand’s Giant Sand Dunes is some of the best fun you’ll have on a trip to New Zealand. Nowhere is better than the towering sand dunes in a recreational area, en route to Cape Reinga in the far north of the North Island. Boards can be hired in the parking lot and you walk them up to the top of the slope before speeding down on your belly.

Sandboarding Giant Sand Dunes

<p>Queenstown in the South Island is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Braving a skydive from 15,000 feet (4,572m) is the ultimate high-octane experience and after an exhilarating (and terrifying) 60-second freefall you can enjoy a scenic parachute ride over beautiful and dramatic scenery – drop zones include the base of the Remarkables mountain range.</p>  <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/loveexploringUK?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=front"><strong>Love this? See our Facebook page for more travel inspiration</strong></a></p>

Braving a skydive

Queenstown in the South Island is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Braving a skydive from 15,000 feet (4,572m) is the ultimate high-octane experience and after an exhilarating (and terrifying) 60-second freefall you can enjoy a scenic parachute ride over beautiful and dramatic scenery – drop zones include the base of the Remarkables mountain range.

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<p>Kiwi film director Sir Peter Jackson shot much of <em>The Lord of the Rings</em> trilogy on location in the epic landscapes of New Zealand. Hobbiton, however, was built from scratch (and rebuilt for <em>The Hobbit</em>) on farmland just outside the small Waikato town of Matamata. The movie set is now one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions and offers guided tours, dinner feasts, special weekend breakfast experiences and more.</p>

Visiting Hobbiton Movie Set

Kiwi film director Sir Peter Jackson shot much of The Lord of the Rings trilogy on location in the epic landscapes of New Zealand. Hobbiton, however, was built from scratch (and rebuilt for The Hobbit ) on farmland just outside the small Waikato town of Matamata. The movie set is now one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions and offers guided tours, dinner feasts, special weekend breakfast experiences and more.

<p>The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a series of 22 mostly off-road cycle routes that take anything from a couple of hours to several days. Alps 2 Ocean (pictured) is an epic route that follows glacier-carved valleys from the foot of the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean on the South Island and takes four to six days to complete. It's mostly pretty easy but can be lumpy with steep drop offs in places.</p>

Riding the New Zealand Cycle Trail

The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a series of 22 mostly off-road cycle routes that take anything from a couple of hours to several days. Alps 2 Ocean (pictured) is an epic route that follows glacier-carved valleys from the foot of the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean on the South Island and takes four to six days to complete. It's mostly pretty easy but can be lumpy with steep drop offs in places.

New Zealand's wine regions extend from Northland to Central Otago and tours, tastings and long lunches are practically obligatory. Marlborough wine region (pictured) is at the top of the South Island and is famous for producing world-class Sauvignon Blancs. Touring by bicycle is the perfect way to explore this gently undulating region.

Touring world-class wineries

<p>In northern New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, White Island – or Whakaari in Māori – is an active marine volcano that last erupted in December 2019. There were 47 people on the island at the time and 22 tragically lost their lives when rock and ash was exploded into the air. Visitors can no longer set foot on White Island, but you can take a scenic flight from Whakatane, Rotorua, Tauranga or Taupo to see the often-smoking crater up close.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/73178/the-worlds-most-incredible-active-volcanoes-you-can-visit?page=1">More active volcanoes you can visit</a></strong></p>

A flight over an active volcano

In northern New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, White Island – or Whakaari in Māori – is an active marine volcano that last erupted in December 2019. There were 47 people on the island at the time and 22 tragically lost their lives when rock and ash was exploded into the air. Visitors can no longer set foot on White Island, but you can take a scenic flight from Whakatane, Rotorua, Tauranga or Taupo to see the often-smoking crater up close.

More active volcanoes you can visit

A marae (meeting place) is a traditional complex that belongs to a particular iwi (roughly translated as tribe). The focal point within the marae is the wharenui (carved meeting house) and visiting one is likely to be a cultural high point of your trip. Rotorua, a city on the North Island, is a great place to gain an insight into Māori culture, but remember that you must be formally welcomed in order to go inside any marae in New Zealand.

Visiting a marae

<p>The far north’s Ninety Mile Beach is officially a highway – but one that's only suitable for 4WD vehicles. Beefed-up minibuses regularly run tours up and down the sands from Kaitaia to Scott Point, while more adventurous travelers tackle the sands in their own vehicles (though rental motors don't allow you to drive on the beach). A seemingly never-ending stretch of sand, Ninety Mile Beach, which is actually 55 miles (88.5km) long, is famed for spectacular sunsets and one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world.</p>

Driving Ninety Mile Beach

The far north’s Ninety Mile Beach is officially a highway – but one that's only suitable for 4WD vehicles. Beefed-up minibuses regularly run tours up and down the sands from Kaitaia to Scott Point, while more adventurous travelers tackle the sands in their own vehicles (though rental motors don't allow you to drive on the beach). A seemingly never-ending stretch of sand, Ninety Mile Beach, which is actually 55 miles (88.5km) long, is famed for spectacular sunsets and one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world.

<p>There are plenty of spots other than Ninety Mile Beach where you can take a drive on the sands, though. At the far north of the South Island in Golden Bay, narrow Farewell Spit is a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary with bar-tailed godwits, knots, curlews, whimbrels, turnstones and breeding blue penguins. Just one tour company has permission to operate here, allowing visitors to explore the 21-mile (34km) stretch of windswept sands backed by ever-moving dunes on a 4WD minibus.</p>

Exploring Farewell Spit

There are plenty of spots other than Ninety Mile Beach where you can take a drive on the sands, though. At the far north of the South Island in Golden Bay, narrow Farewell Spit is a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary with bar-tailed godwits, knots, curlews, whimbrels, turnstones and breeding blue penguins. Just one tour company has permission to operate here, allowing visitors to explore the 21-mile (34km) stretch of windswept sands backed by ever-moving dunes on a 4WD minibus.

<p>The unbelievably blue waters of the fast-flowing Shotover River are a mesmerizing spot for jet-boating on the Shotover Jet. Your heart is in your mouth as you race through the rocky and narrow canyon, skimming rocks and spinning through sharp turns. The jet is owned by the Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land, and is the only company allowed to operate in this area of the river.</p>

Jet-boating on the Shotover River

The unbelievably blue waters of the fast-flowing Shotover River are a mesmerizing spot for jet-boating on the Shotover Jet. Your heart is in your mouth as you race through the rocky and narrow canyon, skimming rocks and spinning through sharp turns. The jet is owned by the Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land, and is the only company allowed to operate in this area of the river.

<p>Queenstown is the home of the bungy and seems to bring out the adventurous side to every visitor. There are plenty of opportunities for bungy jumping from lofty bridges and ledges in and around town – be like the pros and throw in a flip or twist as you hurtle off. Pictured is the 154-foot (134m) Nevis Bungy – the highest in New Zealand, offering an incredible 8.5-second free fall.</p>

Bungy jumping in Queenstown

Queenstown is the home of the bungy and seems to bring out the adventurous side to every visitor. There are plenty of opportunities for bungy jumping from lofty bridges and ledges in and around town – be like the pros and throw in a flip or twist as you hurtle off. Pictured is the 154-foot (134m) Nevis Bungy – the highest in New Zealand, offering an incredible 8.5-second free fall.

<p>Join the throngs of people as the tide rolls out on Hot Water Beach on the east of the North Island. Grab a spade (you can hire one from a nearby café) and head to the southern end of the beach where you can dig your very own hot pool and immerse yourself in naturally heated water. It's one beach experience that's even better on a rainy day. </p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/75835/experts-reveal-the-worlds-most-stunning-beaches?page=1">See more of the world's most stunning beaches</a></strong></p>

Bathing on Hot Water Beach

Join the throngs of people as the tide rolls out on Hot Water Beach on the east of the North Island. Grab a spade (you can hire one from a nearby café) and head to the southern end of the beach where you can dig your very own hot pool and immerse yourself in naturally heated water. It's one beach experience that's even better on a rainy day. 

See more of the world's most stunning beaches

<p>The Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland is close to Rotorua, a place revered by Māori (Wai-O-Tapu means sacred waters). The geothermal playground has mud pools, geysers and sulfur pools. Although there's a distinct rotten egg whiff in the air, the views are nothing short of stunning.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/92672/the-worlds-most-beautiful-natural-wonders">Discover more of the world's incredible natural wonders</a></strong></p>

Discovering Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland

The Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland is close to Rotorua, a place revered by Māori (Wai-O-Tapu means sacred waters). The geothermal playground has mud pools, geysers and sulfur pools. Although there's a distinct rotten egg whiff in the air, the views are nothing short of stunning.

Discover more of the world's incredible natural wonders

<p>Māori traditionally used the natural geothermal heat of Rotorua as a subterranean oven. At the Te Puia Māori cultural center you can enjoy a hāngi buffet lunch that includes chicken and lamb dishes cooked in a pit dug in the earth. As New Zealand reopens, hāngi experiences are also expected to return at Whakarewarewa and Tamaki Māori Village.</p>

Feasting at a Māori hāngi

Māori traditionally used the natural geothermal heat of Rotorua as a subterranean oven. At the Te Puia Māori cultural center you can enjoy a hāngi buffet lunch that includes chicken and lamb dishes cooked in a pit dug in the earth. As New Zealand reopens, hāngi experiences are also expected to return at Whakarewarewa and Tamaki Māori Village.

The Coromandel’s secluded Cathedral Cove is picture-perfect, framing a stand-alone rock that rises from the turquoise sea on the east coast of the North Island. For a different perspective (and to avoid the summer crowds) take the 'viewing platform' detour, a mile-long (1.6km) loop that offers views down onto the rock.

Being dazzled by Cathedral Cove

<p>The Waitomo region on the North Island has plenty of limestone caves to explore and a boat ride through the dimly lit Waitomo Glowworm Caves is unmissable. Gliding along in silence with the cavern lit by what looks like thousands of stars is a magical experience.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/74880/the-worlds-most-incredible-caves-caverns?page=1">The world's most beautiful caverns and caves</a></strong> </p>

Exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo region on the North Island has plenty of limestone caves to explore and a boat ride through the dimly lit Waitomo Glowworm Caves is unmissable. Gliding along in silence with the cavern lit by what looks like thousands of stars is a magical experience.

The world's most beautiful caverns and caves  

<p>New Zealand has some of the best white-water rafting in the world and Kaituna River near Rotorua is no exception. The river – one of the warmest in New Zealand – can be rafted year-round, but spring (September, October and November), is when the waterfalls are particularly epic. Kaituna Cascades offer 50-minute Grade 5 rafting tours tackling 14 rapids along the river.</p>

White-water rafting on Kaituna River

New Zealand has some of the best white-water rafting in the world and Kaituna River near Rotorua is no exception. The river – one of the warmest in New Zealand – can be rafted year-round, but spring (September, October and November), is when the waterfalls are particularly epic. Kaituna Cascades offer 50-minute Grade 5 rafting tours tackling 14 rapids along the river.

<p>The stupendous scenery of the TranzAlpine rail route between Christchurch and Greymouth takes in the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps (jump off to explore Arthur's Pass), lush lake valleys and native beech forests. The train goes through short tunnels and crosses dramatic viaducts on its five-hour journey. Currently, face masks are required, even in the open-air viewing carriage.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/64341/the-worlds-most-luxurious-train-journeys-you-wont-want-to-get-off">These are the world's most luxurious train journeys</a></strong></p>

Riding the TranzAlpine Express

The stupendous scenery of the TranzAlpine rail route between Christchurch and Greymouth takes in the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps (jump off to explore Arthur's Pass), lush lake valleys and native beech forests. The train goes through short tunnels and crosses dramatic viaducts on its five-hour journey. Currently, face masks are required, even in the open-air viewing carriage.

These are the world's most luxurious train journeys

<p>Crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island is a scenic ride. On the laid-back three-and-a-half-hour crossing, you’ll have unparalleled views of the Marlborough Sounds (pictured) and might spot seals, penguins, whales and dolphins.</p>

Cruising Cook Strait

Crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island is a scenic ride. On the laid-back three-and-a-half-hour crossing, you’ll have unparalleled views of the Marlborough Sounds (pictured) and might spot seals, penguins, whales and dolphins.

<p>For an invigorated sense of wonder at the galaxy, enjoy a night-time visit to the Aoraki-Mackenzie Dark-Sky Reserve, which includes Canterbury University’s Mount John Observatory (pictured) above Lake Tekapo, or travel to the southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world on Stewart Island/Rakiura. It's a truly magical experience.</p>

Stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere

For an invigorated sense of wonder at the galaxy, enjoy a night-time visit to the Aoraki-Mackenzie Dark-Sky Reserve, which includes Canterbury University’s Mount John Observatory (pictured) above Lake Tekapo, or travel to the southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world on Stewart Island/Rakiura. It's a truly magical experience.

The largest ski field in New Zealand is less than a 30-minute drive from Queenstown and is open from June until the end of September. Coronet Peak itself is at a lofty 5,410 feet (1,649m) and there’s a snow-making system as well as the natural white stuff, plus stunning Southern Alps views.

Skiing the Southern Alps

<p>The outstanding coastline of Abel Tasman National Park is the main reason to visit and paddling the picturesque islets and islands is an unmissable experience. From a kayak, you’re able to access secluded golden sand beaches that can’t be reached on foot. This might be the country's smallest national park, but it's perfectly formed for fabulous adventures that are not too strenuous. </p>

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

The outstanding coastline of Abel Tasman National Park is the main reason to visit and paddling the picturesque islets and islands is an unmissable experience. From a kayak, you’re able to access secluded golden sand beaches that can’t be reached on foot. This might be the country's smallest national park, but it's perfectly formed for fabulous adventures that are not too strenuous. 

Tramping – the New Zealand term for hiking – on the west coast of New Zealand with Franz Josef Glacier as a backdrop can't be beaten. The Franz Josef Glacier Walk trails along the rocky riverbed to the viewing area and takes an hour and a half (round-trip). It's the closest you can get to this magnificent natural wonder.

Tramping in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

<p>Golden Bay’s Te Waikoropupu Springs (which translates as 'place of the dancing sands') is a serene spot to visit. While you can’t swim (the springs are a taonga, or treasure, to Māori), the stroll through the forest follows the stream and emerges at a viewing platform over the crystal-clear waters, some of the clearest in the world.</p>

Viewing the world’s clearest freshwater springs

Golden Bay’s Te Waikoropupu Springs (which translates as 'place of the dancing sands') is a serene spot to visit. While you can’t swim (the springs are a taonga, or treasure, to Māori), the stroll through the forest follows the stream and emerges at a viewing platform over the crystal-clear waters, some of the clearest in the world.

<p>Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tāmaki) impresses from the outset. The building has a strong connection to Albert Park, which was once the site of a Māori pā (village site or hill fort). Māori commissions form part of the fabric of the building and exhibitions are world-class.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/news/89355/the-worlds-most-beautiful-museums">The world's most beautiful museums</a></strong></p>

Immersing in art at Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tāmaki) impresses from the outset. The building has a strong connection to Albert Park, which was once the site of a Māori pā (village site or hill fort). Māori commissions form part of the fabric of the building and exhibitions are world-class.

The world's most beautiful museums

<p>Kauri trees can grow to more than 164 feet (50m) tall and once dominated the forests of the North Island. However, logging wiped out huge swathes of land and only a few kauri still stand. Waipoua Forest is one of the best places to have a close encounter with a kauri tree, several of which are more than 2,000 years old. Footprints Waipoua offer tours to visit these ancient giants from Opononi in Northland.</p>

Discovering giant kauri trees

Kauri trees can grow to more than 164 feet (50m) tall and once dominated the forests of the North Island. However, logging wiped out huge swathes of land and only a few kauri still stand. Waipoua Forest is one of the best places to have a close encounter with a kauri tree, several of which are more than 2,000 years old. Footprints Waipoua offer tours to visit these ancient giants from Opononi in Northland.

The South Island’s Kaikoura Peninsula is famous for whale spotting, which can be done from a boat or from the air. Humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, southern right whales and orca might be seen, depending on the season (the best time to visit is between June and August). There’s a bachelor pad of male sperm whales that feed here all year-round.

Whale watching off the Kaikoura Peninsula

<p>The 1966 surf classic <em>Endless Summer</em> was filmed in Raglan and it’s a popular spot with surfers. The long peeling left-hand break at world-famous Manu Bay (five miles, or 8km, from Raglan) can get a little crowded, so Ngarunui (Ocean) Beach might be a better choice for beginners.</p>

Surfing Raglan, Waikato

The 1966 surf classic Endless Summer was filmed in Raglan and it’s a popular spot with surfers. The long peeling left-hand break at world-famous Manu Bay (five miles, or 8km, from Raglan) can get a little crowded, so Ngarunui (Ocean) Beach might be a better choice for beginners.

Glacier climbing needs a bit of technical know-how before you get started, but it’s an exhilarating skill to learn. You’ve got to be fit to tackle cascading ice waterfalls but your instructor will choose a route based on your abilities. One popular destination for ice climbing is Wye Creek in the Remarkables, near Queenstown.

Ice climbing on the Southern Alps

<p>The world’s rarest species of penguin, the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes), or hoiho, can be spotted at Curio Bay in The Catlins. The southeast corner of the South Island is home to these protected birds and it’s estimated there are only around 6,000 to 7,000 of them left in the wild in New Zealand.</p>

Getting up close to penguins

The world’s rarest species of penguin, the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes), or hoiho, can be spotted at Curio Bay in The Catlins. The southeast corner of the South Island is home to these protected birds and it’s estimated there are only around 6,000 to 7,000 of them left in the wild in New Zealand.

New Zealand has caught the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) bug and although you can hire boards in loads of places, the Tutukaka coast and Poor Knights Islands are simply spectacular. Go by boat out to the Marine Reserve and then jump on boards to explore craggy hidden sea caves.

Paddleboarding Poor Knights Island

<p>South Island’s Fiordland National Park is one of the most pristine and spectacular places on the planet. The vast fiord known as Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi in the Māori language, has sheer rock walls rising 5,522 feet (1,683m) and a daytime or overnight cruise gives a unique perspective.</p>

Cruising Milford Sound

South Island’s Fiordland National Park is one of the most pristine and spectacular places on the planet. The vast fiord known as Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi in the Māori language, has sheer rock walls rising 5,522 feet (1,683m) and a daytime or overnight cruise gives a unique perspective.

You might hear the distinctive call of kiwis at night, but spotting the flightless bird by chance is highly unlikely as they are generally nocturnal and also an endangered species. Outside of wildlife sanctuaries and bird parks, you might get the opportunity to see one in the wild on Stewart Island, or Rakiura in Māori.

Searching for a kiwi

<p>More than 800 years ago Māori arrived in New Zealand on waka (canoes) from eastern Polynesia. Learning about Māori heritage while paddling as a team along the beautiful Abel Tasman coast in single or double-hulled outrigger canoes is a special experience. Visitors learn the etiquette (tikanga) associated with waka before beginning the journey along the coast to Split Apple Rock. All trips also begin and end with a blessing (karakia) for protection.</p>

Paddling a waka

More than 800 years ago Māori arrived in New Zealand on waka (canoes) from eastern Polynesia. Learning about Māori heritage while paddling as a team along the beautiful Abel Tasman coast in single or double-hulled outrigger canoes is a special experience. Visitors learn the etiquette (tikanga) associated with waka before beginning the journey along the coast to Split Apple Rock. All trips also begin and end with a blessing (karakia) for protection.

<p>There are plenty of hot springs in New Zealand, but Kerosene Creek (around a 30-minute drive from Rotorua) is totally free. Here, the tumbling waterfall and naturally heated hot pool is at the end of a short track and surrounded by native forest. For a more commercial experience, visit Ngawha in Northland, where 16 geothermal pools have recently been redeveloped and reopened in 2021. The Parahirahi Ngawha Waiariki Trust owns and operates Ngawha and upholds the cultural and spiritual values of the springs.</p>

Soaking in hot springs

There are plenty of hot springs in New Zealand, but Kerosene Creek (around a 30-minute drive from Rotorua) is totally free. Here, the tumbling waterfall and naturally heated hot pool is at the end of a short track and surrounded by native forest. For a more commercial experience, visit Ngawha in Northland, where 16 geothermal pools have recently been redeveloped and reopened in 2021. The Parahirahi Ngawha Waiariki Trust owns and operates Ngawha and upholds the cultural and spiritual values of the springs.

<p>Standing at the lighthouse at the far north of New Zealand looking out at the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding, you can feel why it’s such a special place for Māori. This sacred site at the end of the road marks the point from which Māori wairua (spirit) return to their traditional homeland. While it's not the most northern point of the country (North Cape is, but it's not open to public), this is as far as you can get by road. There are guided coach tours departing from Kaitaia and Paihia daily too.</p>

Visiting Cape Reinga

Standing at the lighthouse at the far north of New Zealand looking out at the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding, you can feel why it’s such a special place for Māori. This sacred site at the end of the road marks the point from which Māori wairua (spirit) return to their traditional homeland. While it's not the most northern point of the country (North Cape is, but it's not open to public), this is as far as you can get by road. There are guided coach tours departing from Kaitaia and Paihia daily too.

Around 30 million years in the making, the Pancake Rocks at Dolomite Point near Punakaiki are a heavily eroded limestone area with vertical blowholes (at their most impressive at high tide). The Pancake Rocks track can take around 40 minutes to walk, but you’re sure to be a lot longer as you stop to take photos of this incredible natural wonder.

Walking the Pancake Rocks track

<p>The Tongariro River is the most important spawning habitat in the Great Lake Taupo region. The river runs through Turangi, which makes a great base for anyone keen on fly fishing for world-renowned rainbow trout. Tongariro Lodge has been offering guided experiences to over 40 rivers and three lakes since 1982 in the Lake Taupo region, including in the Tongariro River.</p>

Fishing in the Tongariro River

The Tongariro River is the most important spawning habitat in the Great Lake Taupo region. The river runs through Turangi, which makes a great base for anyone keen on fly fishing for world-renowned rainbow trout. Tongariro Lodge has been offering guided experiences to over 40 rivers and three lakes since 1982 in the Lake Taupo region, including in the Tongariro River.

<p>The Bay of Islands is a watery wonderland with more than 100 offshore subtropical islands to explore. The talisman of the region is the Hole in the Rock (Piercy Island) – a spectacular rock formation that is possible to cruise right through on a calm day. Half-day tours leave from Paihia.</p>

Cruising through the Hole in the Rock

The Bay of Islands is a watery wonderland with more than 100 offshore subtropical islands to explore. The talisman of the region is the Hole in the Rock (Piercy Island) – a spectacular rock formation that is possible to cruise right through on a calm day. Half-day tours leave from Paihia.

<p>Wellington is the capital of the New Zealand film industry and Miramar peninsula, 20-minutes from downtown, is where all the action happens. You can tour the digital workshop to get insight into the special effects that turn fantasy movies like <em>The Lord of the Rings</em> and <em>District 9 </em>into reality and visit Wētā Cave (pictured) to buy props and merchandise made by the artists who work on the movies.</p>

Touring “Wellywood”

Wellington is the capital of the New Zealand film industry and Miramar peninsula, 20-minutes from downtown, is where all the action happens. You can tour the digital workshop to get insight into the special effects that turn fantasy movies like The Lord of the Rings  and District 9 into reality and visit Wētā Cave (pictured) to buy props and merchandise made by the artists who work on the movies.

<p>On weekend mornings locals in every part of the country flock to their local farmers’ market to pick up fresh local produce. Buzzing markets include La Cigale French Market (in Auckland), Harbourside Market (in Wellington), Nelson Farmers Market, Christchurch Farmers' Market and Matakana Village Farmers' Market, pictured, which is zero waste.</p>

Stocking up at a farmers' market

On weekend mornings locals in every part of the country flock to their local farmers’ market to pick up fresh local produce. Buzzing markets include La Cigale French Market (in Auckland), Harbourside Market (in Wellington), Nelson Farmers Market, Christchurch Farmers' Market and Matakana Village Farmers' Market, pictured, which is zero waste.

<p>The haka is a complex dance and traditional Māori challenge that tribes built their reputation on. The intensity and ferocity of the All Blacks performing either Ka Mate or their own haka Kapa O Pango before a game is not easily forgotten. Catch a game at one of the international stadiums across New Zealand, from Auckland to Dunedin.</p>

Taking in an All Blacks haka

The haka is a complex dance and traditional Māori challenge that tribes built their reputation on. The intensity and ferocity of the All Blacks performing either Ka Mate or their own haka Kapa O Pango before a game is not easily forgotten. Catch a game at one of the international stadiums across New Zealand, from Auckland to Dunedin.

<p>Floating over the panoramic Canterbury Plains landscape is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Hot air ballooning here is at its most magical and peaceful at sunrise. Ballooning Canterbury offers hour-long flights and balloon fiestas where you have the opportunity to float among other balloons.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/81915/the-worlds-most-incredible-hot-air-balloon-rides?page=1">The world's most incredible hot-air balloon rides</a></strong></p>

Hot air ballooning over the Canterbury Plains

Floating over the panoramic Canterbury Plains landscape is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Hot air ballooning here is at its most magical and peaceful at sunrise. Ballooning Canterbury offers hour-long flights and balloon fiestas where you have the opportunity to float among other balloons.

The world's most incredible hot-air balloon rides

<p>Wood, stone and bone carving are prestigious art forms practiced by master carvers. Spending a day or more learning traditional Māori skills is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about all aspects of Māori culture (and you take home something you made with your own hands). You'll find many places that offer carving experiences all across the country.</p>

Carving pounamu (New Zealand greenstone)

Wood, stone and bone carving are prestigious art forms practiced by master carvers. Spending a day or more learning traditional Māori skills is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about all aspects of Māori culture (and you take home something you made with your own hands). You'll find many places that offer carving experiences all across the country.

<p> A devastating earthquake in 2011 changed the skyline of Christchurch, on the South Island, forever. Luckily, the city's quaint heritage streetcars remain. They operate a hop-on-hop-off tour of the inner city, taking in all the major tourist sites (17 of them). Cathedral Square, where Christchurch Cathedral is being rebuilt to look much like the 1904 original, sits along the route as does the new Riverside Market on the banks of the Avon River. It has sprung up as part of the regeneration of the city.</p>

Riding the streetcars in Christchurch

 A devastating earthquake in 2011 changed the skyline of Christchurch, on the South Island, forever. Luckily, the city's quaint heritage streetcars remain. They operate a hop-on-hop-off tour of the inner city, taking in all the major tourist sites (17 of them). Cathedral Square, where Christchurch Cathedral is being rebuilt to look much like the 1904 original, sits along the route as does the new Riverside Market on the banks of the Avon River. It has sprung up as part of the regeneration of the city.

<p>Sure, there are restrictions on where you can camp, but New Zealand has many beautiful untouched spots where it’s possible to pitch or park up for free. Nothing beats the freedom of driving off the beaten track to set up a remote camp under the stars. Travel New Zealand has lots of valuable information when it comes to freedom camping. "While it is free of charge, it is not free of responsibility," they say, so read up before planning a trip.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/news/87189/28-camping-and-rv-hacks-that-are-borderline-genius">Check out these brilliant camping and RV hacks</a></strong></p>

Embracing freedom camping

Sure, there are restrictions on where you can camp, but New Zealand has many beautiful untouched spots where it’s possible to pitch or park up for free. Nothing beats the freedom of driving off the beaten track to set up a remote camp under the stars. Travel New Zealand has lots of valuable information when it comes to freedom camping. "While it is free of charge, it is not free of responsibility," they say, so read up before planning a trip.

Check out these brilliant camping and RV hacks

<p>A new edition to the famous Great Walks of New Zealand, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is set to open at the end of 2022. This three-day, 38-mile (61km) loop through Fiordland gives access to sensational southern coastline, native forests, limestone tors and historic viaducts. Trampers must book the two backcountry lodges in advance – Okaka at 3,281 feet (1,000m) and Port Craig at sea level.</p>

Hiking New Zealand's newest Great Walk

A new edition to the famous Great Walks of New Zealand, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is set to open at the end of 2022. This three-day, 38-mile (61km) loop through Fiordland gives access to sensational southern coastline, native forests, limestone tors and historic viaducts. Trampers must book the two backcountry lodges in advance – Okaka at 3,281 feet (1,000m) and Port Craig at sea level.

<p>New Zealand has some stunning high-altitude destinations for heliskiing. Take a chopper from Queenstown or Wanaka to the Southern Alps or to Aoraki Mount Cook, where you'll land in the best dry powder snow and can take a number of runs. You need to be a strong skier, but there's a wide range of terrain so it's possible to be dropped somewhere a little less advanced. Powder skis or all-mountain skis are recommended. Tourism New Zealand offers a handy guide to companies offering heliskiing experiences.</p>

High-altitude heliskiing

New Zealand has some stunning high-altitude destinations for heliskiing. Take a chopper from Queenstown or Wanaka to the Southern Alps or to Aoraki Mount Cook, where you'll land in the best dry powder snow and can take a number of runs. You need to be a strong skier, but there's a wide range of terrain so it's possible to be dropped somewhere a little less advanced. Powder skis or all-mountain skis are recommended. Tourism New Zealand offers a handy guide to companies offering heliskiing experiences.

These are the most dangerous tourist attractions in Australia

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The 11 best experiences in amazing Auckland

Roxanne de Bruyn

Oct 8, 2023 • 8 min read

new zealand tourist spot

Experience the best of the beautiful, multicultural city of Auckland with our guide to the top things to do © Janice Chen / Shutterstock

Situated on a narrow strip of land between the west coast and Hauraki Gulf, Auckland is arguably one of New Zealand 's most geographically blessed cities.

Within the city limits, there are around 50 volcanoes, dozens of islands and countless beaches. It's also the country's most populous city, with over 1.6 million people calling it home.

All that mingling of people and topology makes Auckland a place worthy of your time. You can spend a day or two seeing the major attractions, but there's also plenty to see and do in Auckland beyond the city center.

To discover the best parts of the city, consider hiring a car and hitting some of the places where locals love to hang out. Here are the top things to do in Auckland.

1. Learn about Māori culture on Mt Eden/Maungawhau

One of the major attractions in Auckland is Mt Eden , or Maungawhau  – one of the city’s approximately 50 dormant volcanoes, and a protected archaeological site that's both historically and spiritually significant to Māori. It’s an easy, if steep, walk up to the summit, where the hill abruptly disappears into a remarkable 50m (164ft) crater.

While most visitors amble along the grassy banks of the crater and admire sweeping views from its rim, you can also join a hīkoi  (Māori walking tour) for a special insight into this sacred place, bringing the mountain and its history to life while learning more about Māori culture.

2. Take a yoga class on top of the Sky Tower

The Sky Tower dominates the skyline and is a distinctive feature of the city. Offering panoramic views of Auckland and its harbor, going up the Sky Tower is one of the most popular tourist activities in Auckland.

Planning tip:  For a unique experience – and to visit at one of the quietest times – head up early in the morning for a yoga class on the observation level. On clear days, you can watch the sun rise over the Hauraki Gulf and see the nearby islands silhouetted against the morning sky. It’s a serene way to see the city.

If yoga isn’t your thing, you can visit the Sky Tower during the day, of course, or experience the views from the revolving restaurant. More adventurous visitors can take a walk around the building's edge, or even jump from it.

Young woman shopping for clothes in a night market

3. Discover Auckland’s night markets

For a glimpse into some of Auckland’s diverse cultures, visit a night market . Held at different locations around the city, they usually happen in undercover venues (often car parks) and are all-weather events. The markets are busy and vibrant with eclectic stalls, live performances and the mingling scents of different cuisines.

Planning tip: Food is the main draw, so go hungry and taste different dishes from around the world. There is always a wide range of Asian food on offer – be sure to try the dumplings – and usually a mix of other flavors as well, including some Western staples and delicious desserts.

4. Take a ferry to Devonport

From the city, it’s only a 15-minute ferry ride to Auckland’s North Shore and the charming suburb of Devonport. The ferry itself gives visitors an opportunity to see the city from the water and gain an appreciation for the number of boats in the harbor – Auckland is called “the city of sails” for a reason.

When you arrive in Devonport, walk along the coast past the Navy Museum and up North Head , or Maungauika, one of Auckland’s many volcanoes, which juts out into the harbor. From here, you’ll find stunning views of the city and Rangitoto Island.

North Head also houses a network of historic tunnels and military defenses built during WWII. On your way back to Devonport, explore the colonial village and pick a local restaurant for lunch – there are a few good options to choose from.

Explore Devonport effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

5. Hike up a volcano on Rangitoto Island

Auckland’s youngest volcano rose from the sea some 600 years ago, and its dark cone is easily visible from much of the city. Now dormant, Rangitoto Island is a scenic reserve just a 25-minute ferry ride from the city, making it an easy option for a day trip .

Hiking to the summit is the most popular activity on the island, and the trail only takes about an hour, winding through native bush before reaching the top with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. If you'd prefer a longer hike, there are a number of other trails on the island, including a route to nearby Motutapu Island that's only available at low tide. Just remember to wear sturdy shoes, apply sunscreen and bring food and drink with you – there are no shops on the island.

Transform your visit to Rangitoto Island by  booking with GetYourGuide.

6. Taste local seafood at the Auckland Fish Market

For a taste of local seafood, head to the Fish Market in Wynyard Quarter in the city. Take your pick from the eateries and enjoy fresh fish the way you like it best, whether that’s sashimi, poke bowls, lobster rolls or traditional fish and chips.

Enjoy your food outside at a seat in the sunshine, and on the weekends you’ll often be treated to live music. After you’ve finished eating, stroll through nearby Silo Park, where you’ll find events in summer and a playground where little ones can burn off some energy.

A young child runs a long an empty beach near Auckland holding a red bucket at sunset

7. Watch the sunset at Muriwai Beach

Some of Auckland's most remarkable beaches , known for their rugged landscapes, rough surf and sparkling black sand, are found on the West Coast about a 40-minute drive from the city center. Muriwai is a favorite, with a long, dark beach that stretches far into the distance. The black sand can get very hot during the day – late afternoon is a cooler time to visit.

Planning tip:  Arrive a little before sunset and walk up the cliff to see the gannet colony and catch a peek at the seals (and the occasional shark) visible in the waves. Then, as the sun begins to dip, head onto the beach and walk along the water. The setting sun is reflected on the waves and the dark sand – the effect is mesmerizing and somewhat otherworldly. If you’re tempted to swim, be aware that the currents are very strong, so be cautious, especially as lifeguards usually leave in the late afternoon.

8. Head to Ponsonby Road for shopping and drinks

If you enjoy shopping, head to the city-fringe suburb of Ponsonby and spend an afternoon strolling down Ponsonby Road. Lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, the street showcases local designers and boutiques with a few chain stores thrown in.

Planning tip:  Ponsonby Road really comes alive in the evenings, so hang around for cocktails after the shops close. The bars fill up quickly with a mostly local crowd, and the people-watching is excellent. If you end up staying out a bit longer, there are some lovely places to go for dinner . 

9. Hike to a waterfall in the Hunua Ranges

New Zealand is known for its lush forests and natural features, and Auckland is no exception. If you enjoy the outdoors, go hiking in the Hunua Ranges, about an hour southeast of the city center. There are two waterfall trails: the Hunua Falls loop walk (20 minutes return), and the more strenuous Cossey/Massey loop (three hours plus), which takes you up through a reservoir and back via a creek, both good places for a swim.

Both trails meander through the native bush, with ferns, dappled sunlight and huge, ancient trees. Take a picnic and have lunch by the waterfall or beside the river. Remember to clean your shoes carefully at the stations before entering the forest to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease, which can kill the local kauri trees.

Auckland Harbour Bridge at twilight from Northcote Point, with pink light reflected in the water

10. Climb up or bungee jump from the Harbour Bridge

True to its name, Auckland Harbour Bridge sweeps across the harbor, connecting central Auckland to the North Shore. The bridge is only open to cars and doesn’t usually allow for pedestrian access; however, adventurous visitors can take a guided tour to the summit, where they'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city – a great activity for those who want to see Auckland from a different vantage point. It’s a steep climb along dedicated walkways, and it can get very windy as you climb up. Seeking a more intense adrenalin rush? You can also bungee jump from the bridge. 

11. Eat fish and chips on the beach

Eating fish and chips on the beach on a summer evening is a quintessential Auckland experience. There are many beaches to choose from, and almost all of them have a small fish-and-chip shop somewhere close by. Expect your fish to come battered unless you ask for it crumbed, with a large scoop of chips, all wrapped up in paper.

Planning tip:  Fish and chips followed by an after-dinner stroll along the sand is an extremely popular thing to do on Friday nights, with beaches like Mission Bay and Takapuna Beach getting particularly vibrant during the summer months.

This article was first published December 2021 and updated October 2023

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Top 15 Things to Do in New Zealand's North Island

new zealand tourist spot

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

New Zealand is comprised of three main islands—the North Island, the South Island , and Stewart Island/Rakiura —as well as lots of smaller islands and archipelagos . Both the North and South Islands are geographically and culturally diverse, and the North Island is best known for its volcanoes and other thermal attractions, sub-tropical beaches, big cities (by New Zealand standards!), and strong Maori culture.

Named Te Ika-a-Māui in Te Reo Maori, the North Island is smaller than the South in terms of land area, but much bigger in population: more than 3.5 million of New Zealand's 5 million inhabitants live in the North Island. That means it's more densely populated than the South Island, but this is relative to New Zealand's overall small size: even in the North Island, it's very easy to get far away from towns and villages.

Whether you have time for both the North and South Islands on your New Zealand trip or can only visit one, here are some of the best North Island sights and attractions to enjoy.

Witness the Meeting of Oceans at Cape Reinga

chrisp) / Getty Images 

While most visitors to the North Island will start in Auckland, near the top of the island, they shouldn't miss heading even further north, to the northernmost tip of mainland New Zealand: Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga is a spiritually important place to the Maori people, who call it Te Rerenga Wairua and believe that the spirits of the recently departed leave New Zealand through the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree at the cape.

The (disused) lighthouse is an iconic New Zealand landmark, and the dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meeting is worth the long, remote drive up the Aupori Peninsula in the north of Northland. Short and longer hikes around the cape and to hidden beaches are worthwhile for energetic travelers.  Te Araroa , a long-distance trek that spans the length of New Zealand, starts at Cape Reinga.

Learn About New Zealand History at Waitangi

Holger Leue / Getty Images

South of Cape Reinga is the ever-popular Bay of Islands , a favorite vacation spot of Aucklanders. As well as being full of gorgeous beaches and islands, this is one of the most significant places in New Zealand history . Waitangi, just north of the town of Paihia, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown. Although certainly not uncontroversial, this is the modern country of New Zealand's founding document. There's lots to see here so dedicate at least half a day to exploring Te Whare Runanga, the Treaty House, the ceremonial waka, the artisan workshops and the forest and lawns at Waitangi.

Dive at the Marine Reserve of the Poor Knights Islands

apsimo1 / Getty Images

South of the Bay of Islands but on the same coast of the peninsula, the Poor Knights Islands , north-east of Whangarei , are considered to be one of the best diving spots in the whole world. They are a natural and marine reserve, and a huge variety of underwater plant and animal life call them home, thanks to the warm ocean currents that flow here. The islands are the remains of ancient volcanoes, so underwater caves, arches, tunnels and cliffs provide added interest for divers. If you don't dive, snorkeling can also be done here, but definitely not fishing, due to the islands' protected status.

Enjoy Sweeping Panoramic Views from Auckland's Skytower

Phattra Charoensuk / EyeEm / Getty Images

Auckland is the city that many New Zealanders from elsewhere love to hate, but there's no denying it has the best skyline of any New Zealand city. With the pointy Skytower at its center and the hundreds of yachts that give Auckland its "city of sails" nickname, it's attractive by day or night. The best views can be enjoyed from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the North Shore, or from the road journey south from Northland.

Ride the Ferry to Waiheke Island

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Waiheke Island  is the most populated island in the Hauraki Gulf, about 12 miles from downtown Auckland, and can be reached by ferry or charter plane. It's a great day trip or overnight destination from Auckland, with attractive beaches, a thriving art and artisan community, short walks, and about 30 vineyards. As Waiheke Island is popular with Aucklanders, book accommodation well in advance if you're visiting in high season or during school holidays. Otherwise, a day trip via the ferry is good.

Spot Dolphins in Tauranga

takashikiji / Getty Images

The small city of Tauranga , on the east coast of the upper North Island, is popular with cruise ship passengers who disembark here. But however you arrive in Tauranga, it's a good place to spot dolphins, orcas, pilot whales, blue penguins, fur seals, and even humpback whales during the migration season.

See Film History Come to Life at Hobbiton

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Tolkien fans are not short on "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" destinations throughout New Zealand, but a particular highlight is Hobbiton, in the Waikato town of Matamata. While many places across New Zeland used in filming are just natural landscapes these days, Hobbiton retains parts of the film set, so visitors can be immersed in the atmosphere of the Shire. Guided tours last about two hours, and take you to some of the 44 "hobbit holes".

Splash Down the Rere Rockslide Near Gisborne

John Gollop / Getty Images

You won't find any major watery theme parks in New Zealand, but you don't really need them when there are exciting natural equivalents, like the Rere Rockslide near Gisborne . Grab a bodyboard or inflatable ring to slide down the smooth, slick rocks about 40 minutes west of Gisborne. The nearby Rere Falls are also worth visiting.

Taste Fine Wines in the Hawke's Bay

katyenka / Getty Images

The Hawke's Bay region on the east coast is the North Island's premier wine-making area , with around 90 wineries. The merlot, syrah, and chardonnay from this region are particularly good. The main towns of Hawke's Bay are Napier , Hastings, and Havelock North, which are also renowned for their Art Deco architecture. Hawke's Bay is quite a long drive from other major areas of interest in the North Island, so it's worth visiting for a few days.

Watch the Powerful Volcanic Activity at Taupo and Rotorua

powerofforever / Getty Images

A visit to the North Island would be incomplete without checking out the steaming hot pools, bubbling mud, gushing geysers, and sulfurous terraces of the central North Island. While Rotorua is most famous for these attractions, Taupo has many, too. Buying a ticket to a dedicated nature and culture park is not a bad idea, but there are various unticketed places to enjoy geothermal attractions, such as Rotorua's public Kuirau Park, which has geothermal foot baths.

Go Black-Water Rafting in the Waitomo Caves

The white-water rafting in the North Island is among the best in the world, but a fun twist on the theme is black-water rafting, offered at the Waitomo Caves , south of Hamilton. In the darkness of the underground caves, guides lead visitors on rubber tubes down underground rivers lit up by thousands of glowworms.

Hike Around the Perfect Conical Peak of Mt. Taranaki

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The dominant, inescapable landmark of the west coast of the North Island is Mt. Taranaki, a snow-capped volcanic peak that can be seen from many miles around (on a clear day). It sits within the Egmont National Park , one of only three national parks in the North Island, which has many hiking trails from which to appreciate views of the mountain. A full circuit of Mt. Taranaki takes four to five days, but many shorter hikes are also possible.

Canoe Down the Mighty Whanganui River

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Another of the North Island's national parks is the Whanganui National Park , through which the Whanganui River flows. As New Zealand's longest navigable river and surrounded by native bush, the Whanganui is a perfect place to kayak or canoe. Huts, campsites, and Maori-run marae accommodation along the river provide long-distance paddlers places to stay. Paddling the Whanganui River is also an essential part of Te Araroa, the trekking trail that spans the length of New Zealand.

Shelter From Wellington's Famous Wind at Te Papa

New Zealand's capital is a notoriously windy city, and this stereotype is firmly grounded in truth. Fortunately, there are excellent indoor activities to enjoy in Wellington , including the Te Papa museum on the waterfront. Its full name is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa . Visitors are informed and entertained through permanent and temporary exhibits on an array of cultural, historical, and natural themes related to New Zealand and its people. There's something for everyone at Te Papa, and is a Wellington must-do, even when the wind isn't in full force.

Ride the Northern Explorer Train From Wellington to Auckland

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One way of seeing a lot of the North Island in a short time while getting from A to B (Wellington to Auckland, or vice versa) is to ride the Northern Explorer. This passenger train travels from Wellington, up the Kapiti Coast, through the Central Plateau (and past the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park ) and the atmospheric King Country, before arriving in Auckland. The journey takes ten to 12 hours, but if you have to travel the length of the North Island, it beats driving, and you'll see more than when flying. There's a dining cart, an open-air viewing platform, and informative commentary through headphones.

Take a Road Trip on New Zealand's North Island

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Guide to Te Araroa, the Trek That Spans the Length of New Zealand

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The Coolest Architecture in New Zealand

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Learn about New Zealand's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

10 Reasons to Visit New Zealand's North Island

The 10 Most Important Historic Sites in New Zealand

The 14 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in New Zealand

The 10 Best Road Trips in New Zealand

Cape Reinga: The Complete Guide

Traveling to New Zealand With Kids: Everything to Know

The Complete Guide to Whitewater Rafting in New Zealand

How to Spend One Week in New Zealand

Best hotel in Melbourne CBD: Voco offers a trendy spot to stay

Sarah Pollok

Sarah Pollok

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The bathroom feature was an unexpectedly epic part of the room. Photo / Supplied

When talking about a hotel, we often discuss the size of the room or quality of the breakfast, how plush the bed was or how kind the staff were. Rarely do we discuss the bathroom (and more specifically, its architecture). Yet, this was something I loved about my room when checking out Voco Melbourne.

Voco Melbourne, in the centre of the city.

Visiting a city as terrifically cultured and artistic as Melbourne, it felt only right to stay somewhere in the thick of the city’s spirited laneways and boutiques. Located on 18 Timothy Lane, literally in a downtown laneway, one doesn’t get closer to it all than Voco Melbourne, a 252-room hotel inside the 380 Melbourne skyscraper.

Perfect for:

Like its Auckland counterpart, Voco Melbourne is perfect for those who want an upscale, sustainably-minded spot in the centre of the city.

First impressions:

Since the entrance is located in a narrow laneway, off the main streets, it did take a few minutes to find. Fortunately, the atrium entrance to the elevators was clearly branded, so I knew I was in the right place. While the lobby is on the sixth floor, it doesn’t have windows, which, combined with the cream-white archways and abundance of framed art, made it feel like a museum or gallery.

Like Auckland, the brand colours of inky blue, grey and honey gold are in full force, displayed via the artwork, plush carpets, couches and curtains. Unlike most hotels, a single front desk is replaced by around six smaller desks, although only two or three were ever staffed during my stay.

The lobby area on level six.

When the lobby is on level six, you know the views are going to be good no matter what floor you stay on. This time, I’m lucky enough to be on level 26, which had me looking down on birds flying past in a V formation through the floor-to-ceiling window. Admittedly, the view of dusty rooftops wasn’t the prettiest during the day but as the sun set, it was thrilling to look out and see the millions of lights twinkling across the horizon.

Voco has several room types with different views, bed arrangements and bathroom styles. During my stay, I checked out the “King Standard High Floor room”, which is anything but standard.

Entering the 22-square-metre room, I was greeted by a petite but well-stocked kitchenette (coffee pods and machine, tea, kettle, mini-fridge and cutlery) to my left and the bathroom’s large arched entranceway beside it. Walking past this and the tall wardrobe, the room opens out to fit a king-sized bed, with matching bedside tables, and a small coffee table with two seats in front of the large window.

A "Standard King Bed" room.

Views aside, the room itself is beautiful and every element feels not just trendy, but thoughtful too. Sure, the dark marble kitchenette, grey bathroom subway tiles and soft yellow lighting look great, but just as important are the massive hallway mirror, bedside USB ports and outlets and blackout curtains.

A few small cards in the room also point out the hotel’s sustainability achievements and practices guests can help with. For example, the bedding is made entirely from recycled materials, while guests can fill reusable glass bottles with sparkling or still water from the lobby to take to their room, to avoid using plastic bottles.

One typically appreciates a bathroom’s toiletries or size, but here, something must be said about the architecture.

The bathroom was an unexpectedly epic part of the room.

Firstly, the bathroom had a sliding door that rolled in behind the hallway wardrobe, maximising space. Secondly, two of the shower’s walls were glass; one was a door that opened into the bathroom itself, while the second looked out at the bedroom. This was brilliant - it made the entire room feel far larger by essentially “removing” a wall between the bedroom and bathroom. Plus, it also means you can shower while enjoying the city view through your large bedroom window, at least until it steams up. For those who want privacy from the birds, or a fellow guest, they can press a button for curtains.

Facilities:

Along with the room, guests can enjoy an outdoor plunge pool on the seventh floor and a simple but functional gym open at all hours. Guests can also book one of five business rooms for events.

Food and drink:

Breakfast, if you book it with your room, is a delicious buffet affair held in Voco’s restaurant on level seven, which boasts two-storey windows with a view of the city around it. Whether you like a freshly made omelette with all the fixings, a selection of cereal, fruit and yoghurt or a charcuterie plate, this buffet has you covered with high-quality, delicious options.

Blacksmith Bar & Grill offers stunning views across the city for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Later in the day, the space becomes Blacksmith Bar & Grill, which dishes up lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. In a foodie mecca like Melbourne, mealtime competition is fierce, and Blacksmith certainly rises to the challenge with an impressive menu and flawless staff. I wasn’t the only one who thought so, either.

“I could not fault anything, it was amazing,” one couple told the superb waiter whom I had watched flit between tables, a picture of charm, never missing a beat. After indulging in the kingfish crudo (a perfect combination of umami sauce, tangy pomegranate seeds and fresh fish) and a small but dense savoury vegan tart with cashew cream, I had to agree.

In the neighbourhood:

As mentioned, you’re in the heart of it all, a minute’s walk or tram ride away from popular spots such as Emporium Melbourne Shopping Centre, Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne Town Hall and Federation Square.

Accessibility:

Voco Melbourne has six accessible guest rooms which include roll-in showers and wheelchairs available at the hotel. While pets aren’t allowed, service animals are welcome.

Price: Rates fluctuate depending on the season, but prices typically start from $250 per night.

Contact: Visit the Voco Melbourne website , or email [email protected] for more information.

The writer was a guest of Voco Melbourne.

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