The 31 Best Things To See And Do in New Zealand

Home to the renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track (one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks), Abel Tasman National Park sits right at the northwestern tip of the South Island. Hiking is just one of the must-dos in the area. You can also kayak the serene blue waters and its surrounding coves – if you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins and swimming next to you.

Within a three-hour drive from Auckland lies the incredible Bay of Islands Region. Island trails, secluded coves, an abundance of marine life and exquisite rock formations are some of the key highlights that visitors can look forward to. Some of the area’s most popular destinations include Cape Brett, the Poor Knights Islands and the towns of Paihia and Russell.

Middle-earth comes to life at the Hobbiton Movie Set. A two-hour drive from Auckland will enable you to see the original hobbit holes and several film sites from up close – it’ll almost feel like you’ve stepped into a Tolkien-esque world of your own.

A ferry ride from Downtown Auckland is all it takes to reach this incredibly popular island destination. Spectacular beaches, remarkable vineyards and plenty of lush forestry adorn Waiheke’s picturesque shores. The island is bigger than it seems, and there are plenty of activities to try out on a single day trip.

Where else will you find a landmark that brings fine dining and adventure activities into a single location? Auckland’s Sky Tower is the highest man-made monument in the Southern Hemisphere, and is also renowned for its remarkable views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Home to one of New Zealand’s most popular beaches, Mount Maunganui is definitely worth visiting if you’re passing through the Bay of Plenty Region. Choose between walking around its namesake mountain, or right to the top; the latter will reward you with wonderful panoramas of the Tauranga Harbour.

New Zealand has plenty of geothermal treasures to be discovered, and Rotorua is where you’ll find some of the country’s finest. Among its stunning spouting geysers, mud pools and volcanic lakes you’ll find the iconic Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland: a place that’s famous for its awe-inspiring forces of nature and uniquely coloured thermal waters.

Head to the middle of the North Island to encounter the country’s largest lake. This prominent gem, better known as Lake Taupo, is a popular stopover for water sports enthusiasts and adventurous travellers eager to try the lake’s water-touch bungy jumps. The lake’s Huka Falls are also worth seeing if you’re passing through.

Visitors from all over the world head to the Waitomo Caves to catch a glimpse of the native glow-worms that light up its subterranean limestone walls. You can immerse yourself in this natural luminescent showcase through a leisurely underground tour, or you can take the adrenaline route by caving, hiking or heading on a rafting expedition.

A sparkling blue glacial lake that practically envelops New Zealand’s most popular tourist town. Queenstown is filled with sensational sights and activities, and Lake Wakatipu seems to be right at the forefront of many of these – it’s a popular place for walking, cycling and even picnicking.

Extending almost the entire length of the South Island, the Southern Alps mountain range is the highest in Australasia. It is home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring and Mount Tutoko, along with various other mountains, glacial lakes and enchanting forests.

Here’s an underrated treat for you. Hokitika Gorge is located in the South Island’s West Coast region, and its waters have a remarkable turquoise tinge that you won’t get to see elsewhere. Walk around the gorge to marvel at a concoction of sublime glacial waters, rock stilt and plankton.

Located on New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, Tiritiri Matangi Island is an incredible wildlife sanctuary that’s home to various native and coastal birds. It is a predator-free island, where a number of threatened and endangered species have been introduced and protected from extinction.

Dubbed the ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’, Queenstown is nestled on the edges of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu on South Island. Its lakeside location offers everything from high-energy jet boating to relaxing river cruises and fly fishing, while the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains are suited to walkers, hikers and photographers hoping to capture the South Island’s iconic, rugged landscape. Small and laid-back, but simultaneously cosmopolitan and lively, Queenstown boasts fine-dining restaurants, a bustling bar scene, and a packed cultural calendar with events such as the Queenstown Winter Festival, New Zealand’s biggest celebration of winter featuring street parties, fireworks, and winter sports.

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Tucked away just south of Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is famed for its secluded coastlines, incredible rock formations and compelling excavated tunnels. A short walk along a fenced, downhill track is all it takes to reach this hidden treasure.

Right at the tip of the South Island you’ll find the Marlborough Region. Along with comprising New Zealand’s largest vineyards and wineries, the area is loved for the spectacular river-drowned valleys that make up the famous Marlborough Sounds, as well as the fantastic hiking and cycling opportunities one can find along the Queen Charlotte Track. An inter-island ferry trip from Wellington is all it takes to reach this wonderful destination.

Glacier hiking is on top of many New Zealand visitors’ bucket lists. One of the country’s best-known glaciers, Franz Josef is highly desired by those wanting to get on the ice. While you’re in the region, definitely consider taking the time to visit its other famous neighbour, Fox Glacier. While Franz Josef is the steepest of the two, Fox Glacier is noteworthy for being the longest and fastest moving.

Situated on the South Island’s West Coast, the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are the West Coast’s most popular tourist attraction. Watch as the Tasman Sea bursts through vertical openings in the limestone rocks. The best time to watch this live entertainment from nature is at high tide. Keep an eye out for Hector’s dolphins which like to swim in shallow waters near the shoreline.

The Coromandel Peninsula’s movie-worthy Cathedral Cove gets plenty of love, but Hot Water Beach is a local treasure worth cherishing too. With its golden sands and bubbling hot waters, this deserted piece of coastline is sure to enthral all travellers who spend some time familiarising themselves with the North Island’s natural beauty. Don’t forget to bring a shovel so you can scoop out your own thermal mineral water spring to dip into.

As the start of the South Island’s Southern Alps mountain range, the Nelson Lakes National Park is an exciting place to explore for adventure seekers. With glacial lakes, red-and-silver beech forests and a network of mountain ranges, this picturesque area can be explored over a multi-day hike with stopovers at mountain huts. Day visitors can try one of the lakeside walks around Lake Rotoiti or Rotoroa.

The Hamilton Gardens is unique from any other you’ll find in New Zealand: unlike the ones in Queenstown, Wellington or Auckland, it is not a botanical garden in the strictest of terms. Rather, the 54-hectare (133.4-acre) park is a showcase of 21 gardens that symbolise the art and traditions of different civilisations, from Maori to European and South East Asian.

Situated between Picton and Nelson, the emerald-green waters of the Pelorus River are great for kayaking and whitewater rafting. If just driving by, stop at the Pelorus River bridge and do the loop walk that goes up one side of the river to a rope bridge, cross over and explore the native forest before heading back to the car park. There is also a walk down to the river itself for those who want to cool off in the river.

A visit to Wellington is not complete without dropping by the Te Papa Museum. This is the place to familiarise yourself with local history, Maori culture and many other important aspects of New Zealand society. The regular line-up of exhibitions also make this a great place to keep coming back to.

Head two hours outside of Wellington to soak up this coastal gem. Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for the seals that lounge around Cape Palliser’s rocky beaches. If you want to get your heart racing, hike up the stone steps that lead to the lighthouse – the magnificent views are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Perhaps New Zealand’s most famous natural location, Milford Sound on the Southwest Coast of the South Island is an outdoor lover’s dream. This pristine environment with sparkling lakes bordered by towering glaciers and snow-capped cliffs is best explored on a cruise or a kayak with a local tour operator. The Sound can be explored on a day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau.

The Moeraki Boulders are some of the most fascinating things to see in New Zealand and this is definitely one of the most popular attractions in the country. These perfectly spherical rock formations are technically not boulders but concretions exposed by erosion, and are found down on the Otago coast in the South Island. Maori myth says that these boulders are in fact the debris of a massive waka (canoe).

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Often referred to as New Zealand’s third island, the subantarctic Stewart Island is situated 30km (19mi) from Bluff and is the southernmost tip of this Pacific island country. Most of the island is considered to be part of the Rakiura National Park and is a great place for hiking and spotting the elusive kiwi.

If you feel like taking a stroll into another world then just north of Taupo on the North Island you’ll find the Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk. The name gives it away; the land, with its huge craters, lack of plant life and seething gouts of steam, looks more like another planet than anything terrestrial. Geothermal activity is responsible for the steam, of course, as well as the pervasive sulphurous smell. Visitors pay a nominal fee for admission and follow a carefully mapped hike through the dramatic terrain. The walk takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on the route selected.

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Tane Mahutu is estimated to be about 2,300 years old, 51 metres tall and has a girth of 13 metres. And is a tree. In fact, it’s an ancient Kauri tree — a New Zealand native — and can be found after a short hike through the Waipoua Kauri Forest Sanctuary on the northernmost tip of North Island, about 100 miles out of the Auckland. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can also campout here. FYI Tane Mahutu is Maori for “King of the Forest”, and after you’ve met the tree you’ll see why.

Out of the main Parliament buildings, the Beehive is probably the most famous. Known for its distinctive layered structure, this modern fixture is home to the parliamentary Executive Wing where Cabinet meetings are held and also, where you’ll find the offices of the Prime Minister and Cabinet members. Parliament House next door was first occupied in 1918 after a fire wiped out its predecessor in 1907. The Beehive was designed in 1964 by Sir Basil Spence, while Parliament House was devised by architects John Campbell and Claude Patton.

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Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill is a volcanic peak that’s as historically significant as it is scenic: it serves as an important memorial site for both Maori and European New Zealanders alike. The picturesque domain combines with the neighbouring Cornwall Park to form the largest parkland in Auckland City — if you’re travelling with family, definitely drop by the latter after descending from One Tree Hill summit so you can see the grazing sheep and cattle that make the area so unique.

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