Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in New Zealand
Kia Ora! Planning to visit beautiful New Zealand soon? 🇳🇿 If you're not sure what to add to your itinerary - we've got major wanderlust inspo for you! Whether it's visiting the iconic and majestic Milford Sound to skydiving in Queenstown, here are some bucket list must-sees and dos that are perfect for the first-time visitor or seasoned tourist who's back for more.
How to Travel Around New Zealand
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New Zealand Travel Essentials 🇳🇿
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🏮 New Zealand Essentials: Top Must-Dos & Tours
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From North Island's Rotorua to South Island's Queenstown, there's plenty to see and do in New Zealand. Here are some of our top picks!
South Island
1. Explore Franz Josef Glacier
Experience the ultimate glacial experience when you visit Franz Josef Glacier or Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere in NZ’s South Island!
There are several ways to tour these New Zealand tourist attractions - go on a 1.5-hour walk that takes you within 750 metres of the glacier, or go on a heli hike or guided ice walks to get much closer to one of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions!
Heli Hike in Franz Josef Glacier
Learn how to walk on ice when you visit Franz Josef Glacier!
What's a heli hike, you ask? It's an adventure-filled combination of helicopter flight PLUS guided trek that guarantees the best views and experience for this majestic glacial formation!
Spend half a day discovering the glacier with an expert guide who’ll teach you all about the formation and get up to 2 hours of fun ice time on the snowy landscape. Learn the art of step-cutting, and you’ll soon find the safest and most comfortable way for you to travel through the glacier like a pro.
Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing in Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is mainly inaccessible unless by air, so if you want to marvel at this snowy alpine region, we recommend taking this helicopter flight experience! For those who prefer to do without the ice hike, this experience is perfect for you!
Soar 6,000 feet above ground on your breathtaking 20-minute flight and experience a thrilling snow landing. Then it's a picture-perfect snowcapped sights all around - better challenge your family or friends to a snowball fight while you’re up there!
2. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Take on the challenge and try to reach Mount Cook’s summit! Image credits: @kooleahnoel
Can’t get enough snow fun? We encourage you to head onto Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for more mountain trails and glacier tours!
Home to the highest mountains and longest glaciers in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park should definitely be on your bucket list! Learn the legend of Aoraki and choose from the several activities in this national park.
Key activities in this New Zealand tourist attraction include mountain walks, glacier viewing and skiing, and mountaineering. If you’re an expert climber, you must try climbing Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain!
3. Milford Sound
Nature lovers will definitely enjoy Milford Sound when they visit New Zealand. This remote fiord welcomes you with its verdant rainforests, majestic rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. It’s also home to famous New Zealand tourist attractions such as Mitre Peak and Stirling and Lady Bowen Falls.
Here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy Milford Sound:
Milford Sound Scenic Flight
The quickest way to see Milford Sound from Queenstown is by a fly over. Get the best views of Milford Sound via a scenic flight - window seats guaranteed! You will get to enjoy sprawling panoramas that span from the Mount Aspiring National Park into the Fiordland National Park, flying above snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and glacial rivers before descending into Milford Sound. You'll also get to fly past Sutherland Falls (one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls!) on your way back!
Fiord Day Cruise
Now that you've seen the sights from way up high - how about going on a cruise all aboard a Milford Sound cruise to catch the majestic Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls up close? Bonus - you'll get to meet adorable local creatures such as New Zealand fur seals along the way!
The cruise lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes, and you can sit back as you listen to your local guide’s fun commentary while sipping on a complimentary cuppa or tea. Picnic lunches are available for pre-purchase too.
Milford Sound Sightseeing and Kayaking Experience
Don’t let the calm, pristine waters of Milford Sound’s glacier-fed rivers go to waste! Avail of this sightseeing and kayaking experience to explore the sparkling waters via your very own kayak!
During the cruise, experience the best views of the iconic Lady Bowen Falls, the fiord’s tallest waterfall, and be greeted by rare local fauna such as the Fiordland crested penguin. Afterward, go on your kayak and paddle across giant rock formations and get up close to majestic, thundering waterfalls such as Stirling Falls!
4. Skydive in New Zealand
If you've been thinking about checking skydiving off your bucket list, there's no better place to do it than New Zealand. Pluck up the courage to take the leap and you will be vastly rewarded with sublime 360-degree views of Queenstown's spectacular surrounds from Lake Wakatipu to the snowy slopes of The Remarkables Ski Resort - it'll definitely be an unforgettable view!
You can take your pick from a 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000-feet jump, and enjoy up to 60 seconds of freefall at up to speeds of 200km/h! Are you up for the challenge?
5. Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Who says you need to head to a waterpark for a splashing good time? Get ready for some serious spills and thrills on a Shotover Jet Boat ride - a screaming good time is guaranteed!
Race through canyon walls down Shotover River on this 30-minute adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride and hold on tight (especially with those 360-degree spins!).
6. Shotover River Rafting Experience
Toughen up as you brave out the rapids of Shotover River! Image credits: @challengerafting
Another way to enjoy Shotover River and have a hand in the action is through a river rafting experience. Feel the thrill of a lifetime when you conquer the foamy grade 3 to 5 rapids, with names like the Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball.
To finish you'll ride through the famous 170m Oxenbridge tunnel - this is an unforgettable outdoor river adventure that you won't get anywhere else!
7. Soak in Onsen Hot Pools
After your heart-pumping Queenstown activities and adventures, it's time to chill and unwind inside a classic cedar-lined hot pool spa at Onsen Hot Pools!
Ease your mind and body, and bask in the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Shotover River. You can opt for an indoor or outdoor pool, and all hot pools are heated to the optimal temperature and are infused with 100% earth minerals to help detoxify your body. This 1-hour soak is also inclusive of a complimentary beverage and snacks - now, how amazing does that sound?
8. Take on the Nevis Thrillogy
Hankering for more experiences that are coupled with some awe-inspiring views? The Nevis Thrillogy will more than scratch that itch.
The 'thrillogy' refers to the Nevis Swing, Nevis Bungy, and Nevis Catapult - and to complete all three in a day? Let's just say that the thrillogy is not for the faint-hearted.
More about the thrillogy:
- Nevis Swing: Iconic giant swing that, you can choose to go solo or tandem, completes a 300m-arc
- Nevis Bungy: The highest bungy in New Zealand (134m), that will have you free-falling for 8.5 seconds
- Nevis Catapult: The Catapult propels you 150m up and out across the Nevis Valley reaching speeds of up to 100kms in 1.5 seconds flat
9. Go Skiing
With ice-capped peaks galore, it's no surprise that New Zealand is home to fluffy snowy slopes that are perfect for skiing or snowboarding. Head to one of the many ski resorts that you will find on both the North and South islands and zoom away!
Some top spots include:
- Treble Cone
- Mount Hutt
10. Visit Larnarch castle
You'll definitely want to pay a visit to Larnach Castle, which just so happens to be the one and only castle in New Zealand. Built in 1871, the majestic Lanarch Castle offers a glimpse into the Victorian era and culture. Surrounding the castle grounds is a beautifully manicured garden, which was recently selected as the Garden of International Significance.
Did you know that you can also stay in the castle itself? There are three accommodation options available to suit various budgets, and you can easily book on the castle website.
11. Stargaze at the Dark Sky Project-Summit Experience
Love stargazing? Brace yourself for a breathtaking experience at Mt John Observatory and part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
On this stargazing tour, you'll get to take in the incredible Milky Way, far-off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies using start-of-the-art telescopes! Every night beholds something different - who knows what you'll get to see!
12. Go Whale Watching
New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to spot whales. You can spot whales throughout the country, in places like Auckland's Hauraki Gulf and Kaikoura (p/s: this is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales!).
The best way to go whale watching? On a cruise of course! Hop on the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise or a Whale Watch Cruise in Kaikoura in search of these beloved creatures. If you prefer a bird's eye view, go for the Kaikoura Whale Watching Premier Helicopter Flight!
13. Hop on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
There's nothing more magical than a sunrise ride on a hot air balloon. Imagine floating through the clouds and looking over to enjoy the stunning views of Mt Hutt and the Canterbury Plains beneath you before watching the sky change colours. Breathtaking might just be an understatement.
14. Indulge in a Marlborough Wine Day Tour
Get the best views of Marlborough at Eatwells Lookout. Image credits: @marlborough.nz
Love a good tipple? Then you cannot miss heading to New Zealand's magical wine country, Marlborough!
Enjoy the finest sauvignon blanc and the freshest seafood in this long vineyard stretch on the South Island. Backpackers and hikers should head to Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound, while history buffs should definitely visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to check out their WWI and WWII exhibits!
Wine lovers - this way! Discover the famous wines of Marlborough on this day tour where you can visit different wineries and learn about the various varieties of grapes and wines - wine tastings are included (of course!).
North Island
15. Wai-O-Tapu Park
Image credit: New Zealand Tourism
You’ll never run out of photo opportunities in this thermal wonderland! Image credits: @waiotapu_wonderland_nz
Named "One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World", Wai-O-Tapu Park is a geothermal wonderland in Rotorua that's home to gushing geysers, neon sulphuric pools, and bubbling hot springs.
Some cannot-miss features here include the Wai-O-Tapu mud pools (largest mud pools in New Zealand) as well as the Lady Knox Geyser eruption which happens daily at 10.15 am!
16. Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Feel the magic surround you in this Hobbiton movie set tour! Image credits: @shwetasarkar_
Calling all Ringers! It’s your chance to step into the Shire and explore the magical Middle Earth right at the heart of the Waikato region.
Let your guide show you how movie magic transformed a 1,250-acre sheep farm into well-loved filming locations for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit! This 2-hour guided tour takes you to the exact film sets of the Hobbit House, Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill and you can cap off the tour with a complimentary beverage at The Green Dragon Inn or in The Beer Garden.
17. Waitomo Glowworms cave
Known as one of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions, the Waitomo Glowworms Caves is home to thousands of glow worms. Hop on a boat and silently glide through the waters of the glow worm grotto to admire Mother Nature's light display.
Fun Fact: The species of glow worms found in this cave are native to New Zealand, so this is a unique experience that you won't be able to find anywhere else in the world!
18. Explore Taupō
Image credit: Tourism New Zealand
The Taupo region in the North Island is definitely a great place to add to your road trip itinerary. With a huge lake that's about the size of Singapore and other natural attractions like the Huka Falls, Tongariro National Park, and more - it's a great launchpad for adventures in the wild.
Dive into activities like water skiing, sailing, and kayaking, or go fishing, since the town of Turangi happens to hold the largest natural trout fishery in the world.
19. Skyline Gondola and Luge
Hop on a cable car ride to see the spectacular views of Rotorua City and its surrounding geothermal areas and lakes from Mount Ngongotaha!
The ride up is fun but there's also the luge ride down, where you'll get to zip down different tracks and race your family/friends! Come at night for a chance to spot amazing constellations in the clear New Zealand sky!
20. Learn about Maori Culture
Last, but not the least, you can't visit New Zealand without learning more about the local culture. And there's no better place to do so than at the Whakarewarewa Village, New Zealand's only true living Maori village.
Learn more about how the local people live day to day in this geothermal village, and catch the Maori Cultural Performance Show, where you can witness the powerful and sacred Haka. You will also get to listen to stories, songs, and dances that play an important role in the Maori culture.
