Things to do in New Zealand
Mountains, beaches, glaciers, geysers, wine and the best walks in the world. Start here, then follow the links to our full guides.
The classic attractions
Milford Sound, Waitomo's glowworms, Rotorua's geysers, the Tongariro Crossing, Hobbiton and Cape Reinga.
Read the guide →
Walks and national parks
From an hour on a beach track to multi-day Great Walks. Start with Abel Tasman, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Fiordland.
Abel Tasman guide →
Beaches
Wild black-sand surf beaches in the west, golden bays in the north and east, and hidden coves like Waikawau's tunnel beach.
Black sand beaches →
Glaciers
Franz Josef and Fox glaciers flow down towards the rainforest on the West Coast. See them from the valley walks or a heli-hike.
Franz Josef guide →
City days
Wellington's cafes and Te Papa museum, Auckland's harbour and islands, Christchurch's gardens and Dunedin's wildlife.
Wellington's hidden gems →
Eat and drink
Pies, pavlova, fish and chips, hāngī, flat whites and some of the world's best sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.
Must-eat foods →More ideas
Adventure
Bungy and jet boats in Queenstown, skydiving over lakes, white-water rafting and caving.
Wildlife
Whale watching in Kaikōura, albatross and penguins near Dunedin, kiwi in sanctuaries, dolphins in the bays.
Hot pools
Natural and commercial hot pools across the central North Island, Hanmer Springs and beyond.
Wine regions
Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Central Otago, Martinborough and Waiheke Island, many with cellar doors.
Cycle trails
Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail: Otago Central Rail Trail and many more, easy and scenic.
Snow
Ski and snowboard from about June to October around Queenstown, Wānaka, Mount Hutt and Ruapehu.
Māori culture
Marae visits, cultural performances and hāngī in Rotorua, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland.