30 unforgettable things to do in New Zealand
This list could be so much longer.
But, in the interests of trying to help you plan a holiday that you can fit into two or three weeks, I have tried to keep it (somewhat) short.
For me, the best things to do in New Zealand are all connected to the outdoors in some way — we have some of the best hiking, swimming, camping, kayaking in the world. (And yes I know that statement isn’t really true or objective in any way, but I just want to show you how much I love this country).
If you’re looking for the highlights, the creme de la creme, this is a good place to start. Just know that I haven’t filled it up with the classic tourist fare of zoos, hop on hop off bus tours, and so on.
I have roughly organised this list in order of my very top activities, to ones that are more obscure.
Read right to the end and I’ll even tell you about the places I don’t like, and wouldn’t recommend.
1) Visit Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
It’s hard to beat the scenery in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Glaciers grumble down the steep mountain slopes, and the peak of New Zealand’s tallest mountain shimmers above the rest.
Although the Hooker Valley Track is usually pointed to as the best walk in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, I also love Kea Point. It’s much quieter and you still get beautiful views.
The trail up to the Sealy Tarns is also incredible for views — just be ready for a lot of walkers and many more steps.
2) Go on a boat cruise at Milford Sound
In Fiordland National Park, known for its stunning fjords and waterfalls.
3) Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
One of the most scenic day hikes in the world.
13) Relax on the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is a scenic wonder.
The park is a long string of sandy bays backed by thick native forest. It’s the ideal spot to get out on the water and go kayaking, or enjoy coastal walks along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
4) Visit the geothermal wonders of Rotorua
Including geysers, hot springs, and mud pools.
5) Experience Maori culture and traditions
At a cultural show or village.
6) See glaciers on the South Island's West Coast
The West Coast of the South Island is my favourite region in New Zealand.
It’s wild and beautiful, with forests that are clad in ethereal green moss. The lakes are tannin dark and reflect the mountains, and there are walks to glaciers, natural hot springs, and high mountain huts.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are highlights of the West Coast, and you can see them by either flying in a helicopter, or hiking to viewpoints.
7) Cruise through the Bay of Islands
8) Explore the glowworm caves in Waitomo
marvel at the luminescent underground world.
9) Visit Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata
Immerse yourself in the world of Middle-earth.
15) Go whale watching in Kaikoura
see sperm whales, dolphins, and seals.
10) Go wine tasting in Marlborough (or Waiheke, or Central Otago)
The Marlborough wine region is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, which accounts for 75% of New Zealand’s wine production.
Blenheim is the heart of the region, with vineyards within easy reach of the town.
If you don’t make it to Marlborough, you can still taste exceptional New Zealand wines in Central Otago, between Queenstown and Wanaka. This is my favourite wine region, where the stand out varietal is Pinot Noir (but I personally adore the dry Rieslings from here).
Waiheke Island is also a great spot for a wine tasting, although here the experience is as much about visiting a beautiful island and getting amazing views as it is about the wine itself.
12) Go skiing or snowboarding in Queenstown
The adventure capital of New Zealand.
Go bungee jumping or jet boating in Queenstown for an adrenaline rush.
14) Take a scenic train journey through the Southern Alps
21) Visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington
There are many things to do in Wellington, New Zealand’s cool little capital. You can explore bohemian Cuba Street, indulge in the cities excellent coffee and food, or visit Zealandia to spot native birds.
One thing you absolutely should do while in Wellington is to visit Te Papa to learn about New Zealand's natural history, Maori culture, and art.
Entry is free and the exhibits are varied.
22) Go on a hike. Anywhere. For any length of time
There is probably no greater past time in New Zealand than hiking.
We are a nation of outdoor lovers, and this shows in how we spend our weekends.
There are walking and hiking trails around the country, most managed by DOC (the Department of Conservation). To see the best of New Zealand, check out some of the short walks and day hikes, or tackle a longer multi-day walk.
20) Discover the rugged beauty of the Catlins
The Catlins is a remote region on the South Island's southeast coast, known for its wildlife, waterfalls, and coastal scenery.
It’s a great destination for camping, so perfect if you’re travelling in a campervan.
My highlights of the Catlins was camping in Purakaunui Bay and spotting sea lions, and visiting the Lost Gypsy Gallery.
A few places that are overrated and/or skippable
Narrowing down your list of things to do in New Zealand is hard. To help you, these are some popular places I’ve visited but don’t rate.
You could honestly drop these from your itinerary and you won’t be worse off.
The Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are pretty, but they aren’t really “otherwordly” (as I’ve seen other travel writers describe them.
Taupo (the town)
This is probably a controversial one, but you don’t need to spend a night in Taupo.
The lake is pretty but you can visit Huka Falls, the Aratiatia Rapids, and the lakefront in a couple of hours.
There are some beautiful places around Lake Taupo, but the town of Taupo itself is pretty boring. The lakefront is lined with fast food joints — when I visited in the summer, I went to dinner on the lakefront at Burger Fuel.
Hot Water Beach
Please don’t come after me for this one. I love Hot Water Beach — it’s in my home region of the Coromandel Peninsula — but the reality is the part of the beach where you dig a “spa” is small, and only accessible at low tide.
That means you’ll probably be sharing a hot pool with others, many bodies lying in shallow pools of scalding water.
I actually love visiting Hot Water Beach, but to walk along the entire beach because it’s beautiful, not to try and sit in the hot pools.
Thanks for reading this far! I hope this list of my top things to do in New Zealand gave you a helpful starting point for planning your trip.
As always, you’re welcome to email me with questions. Otherwise, you might enjoy reading these articles as well:
