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Milford Sound Wellington New Zealand
New Zealand top tour attraction Hobbiton North Island

Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the world's great adventure destinations, though it is also known for its stunning fjords, glow-worm caves, and native Maori culture. Each of the major islands offer mountains and incredible vistas to enjoy; especially if you take one of the world-famous "tracks", or long distance hiking trails.

Top New Zealand Experiences

Exploring the quaint shores, coffee shops, and restaurants as well as an adventure activity or two in beautiful Queenstown.

Hiking one or more of New Zealand’s world-famous “tracks” -- Milford, Routeburn or others -- to challenge yourself on mountain terrain while enjoying panoramic views.

Going on a thrilling white water rafting adventure tour down Buller Gorge.

Making your way through a dark glow-worm cave on New Zealand’s South Island, with the worms glowing like stars on a cave-roof “sky.”

Sailing Milford Sound in New Zealand’s southern Fjordland, one of the world’s most spectacular boat trips.

Walking through the Whirinaki rainforest on New Zealand’s North Island in the company of a Maori guide while learning about the flora and fauna and tribal history.



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Things to do in New Zealand - Expert’s guide

1. Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu Queenstown New Zealand

Queenstown is the epicenter of adventure activity in New Zealand. Located on the South Island, and situated on the banks of a lake Wakatipu, this picturesque city will hold the key to your heart after one visit. Chock full of wonderful cafes and restaurants, Queenstown is the perfect base to have for a few days as you explore the many activities and adventures.

Jet boating is highly recommended as a thrilling ride to explore some incredible New Zealand sites, and the famous Skyline Luge is a fun way to take in vistas of Queenstown from great heights.

Just outside Queenstown you can visit AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge to watch brave souls plunge toward the river below - and even try yourself! Deer Park outside of Queenstown is a popular stop for Lord of the Rings location tours.

2. Milford Sound

Milford Sound New Zealand

Commonly included on New Zealand itineraries, Milford Sound is an incredible destination. You can experience Milford in a few different ways. Avid hikers may want to look into the Milford Track - a 6 day trek, with a regular slot on lists of the “top multi day treks in the world".

Read more about Milford Track and the top 10 treks in the world >>

Several adventure tour companies have itineraries just for doing the Milford hike, which is challenging, and not recommended for novice hikers. But don’t despair! Another popular way to experience Milford is with a day cruise through the picturesque sound, ending at the mouth of the Tasman Sea. Before entering the open ocean, you’ll turn around and head back.

3. Hobbiton

Hobbiton movie set in North Island Zealand

One hour drive outside of Auckland, this is a must see not only for die hard fans of Lord of the Rings. Seeing a fantastical tale brought into the real world just reaffirms the New Zealand culture of taking everything to the extreme.

The wonderful whimsy of the Hobbiton site might feel touristy, but New Zealanders have embraced their countries role in the film in a way only New Zealand could.

This attraction is crowded year round, but there is just nothing like connecting with other fans and enjoying the bucolic and idyllic countryside.

4. Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand

People don’t often think of New Zealand as a beach or coastal destination. However once you’ve visited Abel Tasman National Park, that will change. With miles of white beaches and turquoise waters, against forested lands with amazing hiking trails and wildlife spotting - Abel Tasman is the perfect stop along your New Zealand tour for some rest and relaxation.

5. Lord of the Rings Tour

When you visit New Zealand, be prepared for Lord of the Rings to be pretty much everywhere. But for an even more immersive experience, going on a Lord of the Rings tour will highlight several filming locations - which also means you’ll be visiting some of New Zealand’s more remote and beautiful destinations. It’s not hard to see why Peter Jackson chose his home country to bring Middle Earth to life.

Many Lord of the Rings tours are a full day - and this is recommended to take in the richness of the landscapes as well as the many stories your guide will have - many guides served as extras in the film or worked on the sets. You may even have the opportunity to handle some original props!

6. Marlborough Wine Region

New Zealand may be small but it really offers something for every kind of traveler. If the adventure activities that the country is so known are not quite your cup of tea, then enjoy a cup of wine instead in the picturesque and classy Marlborough wine region.

The wine industry of New Zealand has taken off in the past few decades, with several micro-regions now available on the North and South islands. Marlborough is well known for crisp and light Sauvignon Blanc - so be sure you taste this varietal while on your visit!

7. Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki (Mount Cook) in New Zealand south island

When you travel to New Zealand, extreme outdoor travel doesn’t just mean bungy jumping or hurling yourself out of an airplane. The landscapes themselves are extreme - offering unbelievable views and opportunities to explore at every turn. Mount Cook on the South Island is one such example.

A half day hike, relatively flat, takes you winding over rocks and streams, along narrow cliffs (plenty of safety protocols in place - don’t worry!), and ultimately to the base of imposing Mount Cook. The area is massive, with plenty of space to spread out and explore - enjoy a picnic, and cool off with glacial water before heading back out.

Also in the area for something even more extreme, you can go glacier walking, mountaineering (following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary who trained here), and heli-skiing.

8. Rotorua

Rotorua New Zealand

Another classic North Island destination, Rotorua demonstrates similar geothermal activity to Yellowstone National Park. Be prepared - the air is extremely pungent! Volcanic lakes, geysers, and mud pools might night seem exciting, however visiting with a guide will highlight the unique activity going on, and put the ecological wonders in focus.

9. Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo New Zealand

The otherworldly cloudy turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo is just one of the things that draws travelers to its UNESCO recognized banks. Surrounded by colorful lupin flowers, Lake Tekapo is truly a beautiful sight to behold during the day - but it is at night when this area reveals another wonderful activity: stargazing.

There is a scientific observatory situated on nearby Mount John, which looks over Lake Tekapo (and the town of the same name), and visitors can either drive or take the challenging hike to the top for some of the best stargazing in the world.

10. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Fans of unique wildlife viewing experiences will absolutely love visiting the Waitomo Glowworm caves on New Zealand’s North Island. The sight of bioluminescent glowworms hanging down from the cave ceiling, giving off an eerie green glow - creating a completely other worldly feel - is one you’ll never forget.

The caves can be experienced in a few different ways, including rafting and hiking. Take pictures, but know that no photograph will truly capture the light as it appears to the naked eye - so put the camera down often and take it all in.

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New Zealand Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
5,283
Great
1,556
Average
189
Disappointing
66
Terrible
24
Constance Kahle
·
2024-03-15
Written on
The Endless Shores
Like the two days at each stop. gave time to set everything. The Tree walk, zip lining and the glow worm caves were a highlight
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-15
Written on
The Endless Shores
I liked where we stopped but was disappointed that there was so little attention paid to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, by far.
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-15
Written on
Southern Spectacular by AAT Kings
Southern Spectacular
Covered a lot of ground in 10 days.
Vanessa Rowland
·
2024-03-15
Written on
Southern Spectacular by AAT Kings
Southern Spectacular
Every hotel was 5star and they gave the very best service. So many places Dunedin and the Castle. Milford Sound and the boat ride. Steamship TSS Earnshaw. Christchurch and the Trams, Quake city. Queenstown. Everywhere so scenic, Mountains and Lakes and wildlife. Franz Josef Glacier and the Trans Alpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch. The food was very good. The New Zealand people were so friendly and we were made welcome everywhere. The coach was very comfortable and a great way to visit New Zealand.
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Edward Ensing
·
2024-03-14
Written on
Southern Spectacular by AAT Kings
Southern Spectacular
The accommodations were fine. Good hotels for the class of tour. The motel in Twizel has issues....but it was probably the best-in-town.... so it was forgivable.... the included meals at the hotels were tasty and had sufficient choice.
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Vincent Rawcliffe
·
2024-03-12
Written on
Southern Wonders
One or two a bit shabby but overall satisfactory

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