Wild Seas, Green Worlds, Pure Wonder

Mist lifts from emerald valleys as waves crash against black-sand shores, filling the air with salt and birdsong.

Summer and early autumn shine—cruise Milford Sound, wander Hobbiton’s hills, and use an InterCity Pass for smooth New Zealand travel.

Discover now and begin your New Zealand journey.

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20 Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Comprehensive, experience-focused list of top New Zealand activities (from Milford Sound to adventure sports and wildlife encounters) with practical tips and personal notes — useful for planning highlights and adventure options around both islands.

11 of the best things to do in New Zealand

Curated guide from Wanderlust covering iconic walks, cycling routes, Māori culture experiences and Fiordland highlights, helpful for travellers who want a mix of outdoor activity and cultural context.

Detailed New Zealand Road Trip - with tips & hidden gems

First-person, day-by-day road-trip itinerary including lesser-known stops, campervan tips, driving notes and timing — ideal for self-drive travellers seeking hidden gems and realistic pacing.

20 Best Things to Do in New Zealand | Contiki

Youth-focused, up-to-date roundup of must-do experiences (from cultural stays in a marae to adrenaline activities), with recommendations suited to shorter itineraries and younger travellers.

Things to Do in New Zealand | Time Out

Editor-led list of New Zealand highlights with cultural and city food/drink suggestions (including Auckland and Wellington) alongside major natural attractions — useful for combining urban and nature plans.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa)

55 Cable Street, Wellington 6011

New Zealand’s national museum and art gallery, Te Papa combines natural history, mātauranga Māori and New Zealand history with a strong bicultural Te Tiriti/ Treaty-based approach; it’s a top cultural attraction in the capital.

Piopiotahi / Milford Sound

Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), 9679 / general area: Fiordland National Park, Southland

Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is a glacier-carved fiord renowned for Mitre Peak, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls; long recognized as one of the country’s signature natural icons and a gateway to Fiordland’s wilderness experiences.

Sky Tower (Auckland)

Corner of Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland CBD

Completed in the 1990s, the Sky Tower dominates Auckland’s skyline as a telecommunications and observation tower and is a focal point for city views, dining and urban adventure activities.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Waitomo)

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre, 39 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo

A world-famous cave system known for its native glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa), Waitomo offers guided boat tours through illuminated caverns and a range of adventure-caving and black-water rafting experiences.

Tongariro National Park (including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)

Central North Island — Ruapehu District / general area: Tongariro National Park (nearest village: National Park / Taupō region)

New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage site for both natural and Māori cultural values; home to active volcanic peaks including Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and the famed one-day Alpine Crossing.

Cruise Piopiotahi / Milford Sound (Fiordland)

Scenic boat cruise through towering fiord walls, waterfalls and wildlife in Fiordland National Park.

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural sights — glacier-carved cliffs, frequent waterfalls and seals, dolphins and birdlife make the short cruise hugely rewarding even in variable weather. It’s a must for first-time visitors to the South Island and is part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage area. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Sound?utm_source=openai))

Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Tongariro National Park)

A world-class one-day volcanic hike across alpine terrain, volcanic craters, emerald lakes and lunar rockfields.

Widely regarded as one of the best day-hikes in the world, the Crossing showcases active volcanic landscapes, strong Māori cultural significance and outstanding vistas; appropriate fitness and weather planning are essential. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongariro_National_Park?utm_source=openai))

Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Black Water Rafting

Underground cave tours and optional adventurous black-water rafting among glowworms and limestone formations.

The glowworm grottoes are uniquely magical after dark — guided boat tours give an unforgettable bioluminescent experience, while commercial operators offer rafting and adventure caving for active travellers. The Waitomo area is well set up for visitors. ([waitomo.com](https://www.waitomo.com/contact-us?utm_source=openai))

Auckland Sky Tower — view, dining and adventure

Iconic observation tower in central Auckland with panoramic views, restaurants and optional sky-jump/skywalk activities.

Auckland’s Sky Tower is the city’s defining skyline landmark offering easy access to 360° views, city dining and adrenaline activities — a great introduction to New Zealand’s largest city. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Tower_%28Auckland%29?utm_source=openai))

Abel Tasman National Park — kayaking, beaches and short walks

Golden sand beaches, sheltered coastal kayaking and short day-walks through native bush in the South Island’s northern coast.

Abel Tasman’s combination of easy coastal tracks, clear waters for kayaking and accessible water taxi/boat options make it ideal for flexible day trips or multi-day coastal camping; it’s family-friendly and scenically stunning. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wainui_Falls?utm_source=openai))