The top 10 things to do in New Zealand
A very rough guide to my top suggestions for things to do in Aotearoa — as you’ll see it’s almost impossible to narrow down the list, but I have done my best to pick out my favourite attractions and destinations.
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.
This also isn’t a list of top 10 activities and attractions, it’s more 10 broad categories of wonderful things you can do in New Zealand, which I have then stuffed with many more recommendations.
I’m sure it all adds up to more than 10 things but I couldn’t help myself. My hope is that this list is more of a start point for planning your trip than a definitive list of the 10 things you have to see the most.
I do believe that you could see and do almost anything in New Zealand and still have a good time.
1. Visit a national park
New Zealand is an outdoorsy nation — we treasure our wilderness areas.
There are 13 national parks in New Zealand, with 3 in the North Island and 10 in the South Island.
Each national park offers something unique, although they all have the same promise — in these national parks you’ll see the best scenery in New Zealand.
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.
Seeing New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, is a must-do.
Ice-capped Aoraki is a stunning sight.
Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, at 3,724 metres (12,218 feet).
The pyramid shaped mountain is visible across Lake Pukaki, a bright blue lake fed by glaciers pouring down from the Southern Alps. Looking across Pukaki toward Aoraki/Mount Cook is one of the most iconic views in all of New Zealand.
Make the drive out to Mount Cook Village at the heart of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and you’ll get awesome views the whole way.
From the village, you can walk the Hooker Valley Track — one of the best day walks in New Zealand — and up the Sealy Tarns.
On a fine day, you can admire Aoraki Mount Cook in all its glory.
The Hooker Valley Track is only a 3 hour walk on a well-maintained path, so it’s accessible even if you’re not a keen hiker.
Mount Cook village is a great place to spend a night or two. The Hermitage is a classic, higher-end place to stay.
If you stay for the night, you should check out the night skies. The national park forms part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, an area renowned for pristine night skies and views of the stars and galaxies above.
Relax on the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is a great place for walking and kayaking between stunning beaches.
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.
The curved golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park might be some of the most stunning in the whole country. Scythes of sand lie between dense native bush and calm waters in vivid turquoise. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, traces the park from end to end. The park can be explored by boat, kayak, on foot, or a combination of all three.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk is one of the best hikes in New Zealand. You’re not limited to exploring Abel Tasman National Park on foot, though.
From Marahau, you can catch boats to different parks of the coast and either kayak or walk back to the starting point.
The calm bays with pristine water are perfect for swimming. If you’re hiking along the Abel Tasman, you’ll be tempted strip off and jump into the sea at every opportunity.
See the bright blue water of Mount Aspiring National Park
Abel Tasman, Tongariro, and Fiordland National Parks often get all the attention. But of all New Zealand’s national parks, Mount Aspiring might be my favourite.
The park stands out for its incredible blue water, which runs down from glaciers high in the mountain peaks. The result is incredible hiking.
For an easy walk, check out the Blue Pools in Makarora, near Wanaka. Or, head into the West Matukutuki Valley to hike to Rob Roy Glacier.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is one of only two UNESCO sites in New Zealand. The park is recognised for its unique natural and cultural heritage.
Tongariro National Park is home to the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most epic day walk. The emerald lakes on this walk are spectacular.
Most people visit to walk the Tongariro Crossing, an epic day walk, but there are other lovely walks in the park as well.
Taranaki Falls is a great loop track with views of the imposing Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, or Mount Doom for Lord of the Rings fans.
Go on a boat cruise at Milford Sound in Fiordland
In Fiordland National Park, known for its stunning fjords and waterfalls.
Milford Sound is a highlight of Fiordland National Park, as are short walks like the Key Summit and Lake Marian Tracks.
Milford Sound is a deep fiord carved into the wildness of Fiordland and one of the most alluring places in New Zealand.
Piercing the sky above the indigo waters of the sound is the towering Mitre Peak. Waterfalls tumble down the steep sides of the fjord, casting mist across the rainforested slopes.
Seals, penguins, and dolphins all call Milford Sound home.
Sailing across the dark water of Milford Sound is a highlight of any visit to the South Island.
2. Learn about Māori culture
Māori culture is unique to New Zealand, so it’s important and rewarding to explore.
The classic way to learn about traditional Māori culture is to visit a Māori village in Rotorua. This gives you a chance to learn Māori history and customs, see cultural performances, and sample traditional hangi food.
There are other ways to get to know Māori culture too, though.
In Northland, you can visit Tane Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree. Footprints Waipoua runs a twilight tour which will introduce you to the significance of this tree to Māori people.
Visiting pounamu/greenstone workshops on the West Coast of the South Island is another cool way of learning about Māori arts and crafts. Pounamu is a taonga/treasure for Māori people, and carving the stone is a great skill.
Pounamu and other Māori arts make great souvenirs and gifts, but it’s important to learn about the culture behind these traditions as well, if you plan on taking them home with you.
3. Walk on glaciers
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.
One of the main highlights of the South Island are the twin glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef.
Both glaciers pour from the Southern Alps into valleys which give way to rainforests and then the roiling Tasman Sea.
The twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef were once among the most accessible in the world, plunging from the heights of the Southern Alps down into rainforest close to sea level on the rugged west coast.
In the past decade, they have been forced into retreat by climate change. Although you can walk to multiple viewpoints to see the glaciers, the only way to experience them up close is now via a heli hike.
Despite having lost so much ground, the glaciers are still magnificent, and serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our natural world.
You don’t need to go in a helicopter to see the glaciers on the West Coast. There are multiple walks and viewpoints around Franz Josef and Fox Glacier where you can see them from afar.
It might not be as dramatic as walking on them, but for budget travellers it’s still an awesome way to see rivers of ice flowing out of the mountains.
Alex Knob, the Roberts Point Track, and the lookout point near Lake Matheson are all epic spots.
There are other opportunities to see glaciers, too.
See the Tasman Glacier at Aoraki/Mount Cook on foot or via helicopter. The Hooker Glacier is visible at the end of the Hooker Valley Track (one of New Zealand’s best day walks).
And my favourite, the Dart Glacier, is an epic reward for anyone hiking the Rees Dart or Cascade Saddle Tracks in Mount Aspiring National Park.
4. See whales in Kaikoura, and other native wildlife
The only native land mammal in New Zealand are bats — and according to the Bird of the Year competition, they are also occasionally classed as birds.
Instead of land animals, New Zealand has some of the coolest birds in the world.
Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, kākāpō, the plump, flightless parrots, and the stocky, flightless kiwi bird which came to be a symbol for all New Zealanders.
As well as birds, New Zealand also has stunning marine wildlife. Seals frolic around the country, Hector’s dolphins splash through waves in the South Island, and whales migrate past New Zealand’s coasts on the way north to Antarctica.
Some of the best wildlife experiences you can have in New Zealand include:
Watching whales and swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura
Seeing kiwi birds in the wild at Tawharanui Regional Park near Auckland
Spotting kea in Arthur’s Pass National Park or on the road to Milford Sound
Visiting Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Wellington with a 500 year plan for returning the area to a pre-human state
I loved spotting Hector’s dolphins off the very south coast of the South Island on the Hump Ridge Track
Explore the glowworm caves in Waitomo and marvel at the luminescent underground world.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for wildlife watching.
There are few other places where you can swim with both dolphins and seals, see penguins, albatrosses, petrels and other sea birds, and see spot whales all year round.
The small coastal town, located around 2 and a half hours north of Christchurch, is famous for whale watching.
A population of sperm whales means you can go whale watching any time of year, while migrating humpback whales provide other opportunities to see the great beasts during the winter months.
5. Go on a hike. Anywhere. For any length of time
New Zealand is one of the best hiking destinations in the world. From hut-to-hut hiking through mountain ranges, to day walks to glacier viewpoints, some of the best sights in New Zealand are seen on foot.
The Department of Conservation (known only as DOC) manages an impressive network of hiking huts and tracks around the country. You’ll quickly get familiar with their green and yellow signs.
If you’re looking for a multi-day adventure, check out New Zealand’s Great Walks — a set of 10 backpacking trails that cover the most impressive scenery in New Zealand.
My favourite Great Walk is The Routeburn Track, which crosses both Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park. You can hike sections of the track as a day walk — check out the Key Summit Track on your way to Milford Sound.
You don’t need to go on a long or overnight hike to get a taste of New Zealand’s trails, though. Try one of our beautiful short walks to go deeper into nature. I love these ones:
The walks around Pelorous Nature Reserve in Marlborough
Lake Matheson walk near Fox Glacier
Kea Point Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Lake Gunn Nature Walk on the road to Milford Sound
6. Explore New Zealand’s wine regions
New Zealand has some incredible wine regions.
Marlborough is the most famous wine region, known for Sauvignon Blanc and producing 75% of all New Zealand’s wine exports.
But there are others to discover as well.
If you visit Auckland, head to Waiheke Island for a day trip. There are dozens of boutique vineyards on the island.
From Wellington, you can easily visit Martinborough and the Wairarapa wine region.
In Queenstown, you can explore the scenic valley along the Kawerau River, home to iconic wineries like Gibbston Valley and Amisfield. This area is known for Pinot Noir, but I also love the Riesling from here.
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
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.
Waiheke Island is the perfect day trip destination from Auckland.
Catch the ferry across to the island (keeping an eye out for dolphins!) and enjoy a day exploring the luscious vineyards.
You can also find some beautiful walks and beaches on Waiheke, as well as gin distilleries, incredible restaurants, and a laid back island vibe in the village of Oneroa.
It’s easy to get around Waiheke Island by public bus, or you can hire an e-bike for more of an adventure.
Waiheke wine tours are also the ideal way to make the most of a day trip from Auckland.
Stay for a few nights to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
7. Go to the beach
New Zealand is famous for sweeping, mountainous landscapes, but you should know that it’s also an awesome beach destination.
In the North Island, you can find black sand beaches on the west coast and incredible white sand bays on the east coast.
Some of my favourite beaches include Matai Bay in Northland, Opito Bay in the Coromandel, and Anchor bay in Tawharanui Regional Park.
The South Island also has some incredible beaches — Abel Tasman has some of the most golden sand you’ll ever see, and the beaches in the Catlins and near Dunedin feel remote and wild.
With so much coastline, New Zealand is a prime destination for surfing, paddle boarding, island hopping, or just relaxing on the beach with a good book.
The Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the best beach destinations in New Zealand.
The east coast of the peninsula is lined with incredible white sand beaches, from secluded bays to wind-swept surf beaches.
Cathedral Cove is the most famous destination on the Coromandel. The stunning limestone arch is well worth a visit.
Hot water beach is the other famous beach to check out — for two hours either side of low tide you can dig your own hot pool in the sand.
The water is heated by geothermal activity and gets surprisingly hot.
You can always jump in the waves to cool off, but just be careful of the strong currents at this beach.
New Chums Beach is another scenic spot, if you want to try surfing, head to Whangamata Beach, famous for its epic waves.
If you’re up for an adventure, there are plenty of other beaches to discover — I also love visiting the north of the Coromandel Peninsula, to off the beaten track destinations like Waikawau Bay.
The loop road that runs around the Coromandel Peninsula makes this an ideal destination for a beachy road trip.
The Bay of Islands
Although most visitors to New Zealand arrive into Auckland and head south almost straight away, there’s a lot to discover if you make your way north.
Bright blue water, lush native forest, and deserted beaches are everywhere.
Paihia is the main town in the Bay of Islands, and the activity hub. From here, you can choose to cruise or kayak around the islands in the area.
Russell is a quieter option if you want small town charm. There are regular ferries across to Paihia so you won’t be missing out if you opt for Russell.
One of my favourite places to visit in the Bay of Islands is Urupukapuka Island. Catch a ferry out and go for a day walk around the island, or stay overnight on one of the island’s campgrounds.
My favourite thing to do near Paihia is the Cape Brett walk, a gorgeous overnight trek to a former lighthouse keeper’s house.
I also love Oke Bay, a stunning beach with perfect blue water and white sand, which is located right at the start of the Cape Brett Track.
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is a place of huge spiritual importance in New Zealand.
At the very northern tip of the North Island, fringed by giant sand dunes and windswept beaches, stands a lonely lighthouse.
This is where Maori spirits make their final leap from land. You can feel it, standing at Cape Reinga — this is a special place.
State Highway 1 runs aground at Cape Reinga – this is the last stop, for travellers and, for Māori, the spirits of the dead. According to Māori tradition, the departed leap into the underworld from this point, making this the most spiritually significant place in Aotearoa.
From the Cape Reinga lighthouse, you can see the Tasman and Pacific seas crashing into each other. Gusted by winds, pounded by surf, and surrounded by vast sweeps of sand, the headland of Te Rerenga Wairua, the leaping place of spirits, is a beautifully rugged wilderness.
Looking out across the water, you’ll see the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meeting.
The Tutukaka Coast
The Tutukaka Coast is a bit of a hidden gem.
Some of my favourite beaches and camping spots are in this area, like Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay.
Raglan
Raglan is one of my favourite small towns in New Zealand.
The main activity here is surfing at one of the many breaks in the area, or taking surf lessons at Ngarunui Beach.
8. Discover New Zealand food
New Zealand cuisine is only just coming into its own.
A lot of the food you’ll find in New Zealand is inspired by other cultures, but we do have some great food here you should try.
The great thing about New Zealand food is the diversity of fresh, delicious ingredients from around the country. Thanks to a range of climates and regions, New Zealand produces world-class food.
Eat oysters plucked fresh from the ocean on Waiheke Island, wild-shot deer from Fiordland, cherries from Central Otago, and seafood like crayfish in Kaikoura or kina served up in roadside shacks by the seaside.
Here are my tips for where to eat around New Zealand:
9. See geothermal wonders
New Zealand is perched right on the edge of two tectonic plates, so we have an exceptional amount of geothermal activity.
The best places to see this are in the centre of the North Island, near Rotorua and Taupo.
Rotorua is a one of New Zealand’s most touristy towns, but it is a pretty unique place.
The town simmers with geothermal activity. You’ll smell Rotorua before you see it — the sulphur-rich air is the first hint that you’re arriving into New Zealand’s most active geothermal area.
The whole town simmers.
You can stroll for free around Kuirau Park for free, and see steam escaping from vents in the ground, see thermal pools boil from the heat of barely concealed activity below ground, and hear the glug of mud as the ground boils.
It’s worth visiting one of the geothermal parks in the area, like Wai O Tapu or Te Puia, to see geysers spit steam and marvel at the colourful pools.
There are a number of hot springs where you can immerse yourself in naturally heated waters. Kerosene Creek is a popular spot for free hot water bathing.
One of my favourite short walks in New Zealand, the Tarawera Trail, leads to a hot water beach on a lakefront. Here you can take a dip in thermal waters while admiring the view.
10. Explore the Southern Alps
If there is one region in New Zealand that really encapsulates the beauty of the country, it’s probably the area of the Southern Alps that falls between Queenstown and Christchurch.
Wanaka
Wanaka is an excellent base for outdoor adventures like the famous Roy’s Peak hike and walks in Mount Aspiring National Park.
It’s also home to Central Otago vineyards like Rippon, and you can visit the Cardrona Distillery and dine at the town’s great restaurants.
There are some beautiful glamping options around Wanaka too, if you’re looking for somewhere quieter than Queenstown to spend a few nights.
Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Lake Tekapo is an essential stop on any South Island road trip.
The lake is stunning and a scenic spot in its own right. But one of the main draws to Lake Tekapo is the beauty of the night sky.
Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. This was only the third dark sky reserve in the world, so it’s an area of pristine night skies and superb stargazing.
From Tekapo you can join star gazing tours at the Mount John Observatory, or at other locations near the lake.
To star gaze for free, you can also book yourself into accommodation with skylights over the beds, so you can lie in bed and look up at the Milky Way.
The sky-blue expanse of Lake Pukaki shimmers against the golden hues of the Mackenzie Basin.
What makes this alpine lake all the more stunning is the sweeping view of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The fin of New Zealand’s highest mountain rises at the far end of the lake, shimmering against the glacial water.
The route along Lake Pukaki’s shore, towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, is a fantastically scenic stretch of road.
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:
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