New Zealand is a land of dramatic mountains, pristine fjords, geothermal wonders, and rich Māori culture spread across two main islands. The country caters to adventure seekers, nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and families alike. The things to do in New Zealand range from hiking volcanic terrain to cruising through glowworm caves and visiting the famous Hobbiton Movie Set.
With attractions scattered across the North and South Islands, you can spend weeks here and still find new places to see. In this guide, we have covered the must-see places in New Zealand, with their timings, ticket prices, and practical tips to plan your trip.
1. Milford Sound
You can start your New Zealand trip at Milford Sound, a breathtaking fiord in Fiordland National Park. Often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” this destination sits within the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, covering 26,000 square kilometers.
Towering cliffs rise over 1,600 meters above the water, with cascading waterfalls like Lady Bowen Falls dropping 162 meters into the sea. Cruise operators run year-round trips lasting approximately 2 hours. Spot New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin from July to December.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: Southland Region, New Zealand
- Timings: Cruise timings vary throughout the day
- Price: Cruise packages start from NZD 175/ INR 8,750, set aside 2 to 8 hours depending on your departure point
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2. Hobbiton Movie Set
If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, this is one of the top things to do in New Zealand. The Hobbiton Movie Set sits on a 1,250-acre sheep farm near Matamata, where Sir Peter Jackson filmed both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Your guided tour takes you past 44 Hobbit Holes, including the iconic Bag End. Walk through the Party Tree area and end your visit at The Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary beverage from their Hobbit Southfarthing range. The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours, including bus transfers within the farm.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand
- Timings: Daily tours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (seasonal variations apply)
- Price: Adults NZD 120/ INR 6,611, for youth (11-17) NZD 60/ INR 3,305, for Children (0-10) Free (ticket required), set aside an entire day for the tour
3. Queenstown Adventure Activities
Queenstown holds the title of “Adventure Capital of the World” for good reason. The town sits on Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, and it offers some of the most fun things to do in New Zealand.
AJ Hackett operates the original Kawarau Bridge Bungy at 43 meters, plus the Nevis Bungy at 134 meters, which is New Zealand’s highest. NZONE Skydive lets you jump from up to 15,000 feet with views stretching from Milford Sound to Mount Cook. Jet boating through Shotover Canyon provides high-speed thrills at 85 kilometers per hour.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
- Timings: Kawarau Bungy Centre daily 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Nevis trips depart from downtown Queenstown
- Price: Varies based on the activities you choose; set aside 2 to 4 hours per activity
4. Te Puia Rotorua
For things to do in New Zealand for tourists interested in culture and nature together, Te Puia delivers both. This 60-hectare geothermal park in Rotorua houses the famous Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts around 20 times daily and shoots water up to 30 meters high.
The site also contains the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you can watch carving and weaving students at work. Visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre to spot the country’s national bird.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: 20 Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
- Timings: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:30 pm – 11:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM
- Price: Te Rā Guided Experience NZD 100/ INR 5,511, while Haka performance and other activities have extra charges, set aside 2 to 3 hours for the guided tour, and more time based on the package you have selected
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5. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This 20.2-kilometer trek ranks among the top single-day hikes globally. The trail crosses an active volcanic zone within New Zealand’s oldest national park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk past ancient lava flows, steaming vents, and the stunning Emerald Lakes colored by volcanic minerals. The highest point reaches 1,900 meters at Red Crater. Mount Ngauruhoe, which served as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings, stands beside the trail. Allow 6-8 hours to complete and book your shuttle transport well in advance.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Tongariro National Park, Central North Island, New Zealand
- Timings: Shuttles depart early morning from Whakapapa and National Park Village
- Price: Track booking is free, guided tour prices vary based on the operator; set aside 7 to 8 hours for the full hike
6. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves have welcomed visitors since 1887, making them one of New Zealand’s original tourist attractions. Three separate caves offer different experiences in the Waitomo region.
The main cave includes a boat ride through the glowworm grotto, where thousands of tiny bioluminescent insects light up the ceiling like stars. The Cathedral chamber is famous for its acoustic qualities. Ruakuri Cave provides wheelchair access and closer glowworm viewing. Aranui Cave showcases spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations without glowworms.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
- Timings: Daily 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: For adults NZD 81/ INR 4,466, children NZD 37/ INR 2,040. Combo tickets are also available; Set aside 45 minutes to 1.5 hours per cave
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7. Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands contains 144 subtropical islands scattered off the Northland coast. This is a prime spot for things to do in New Zealand today that involve marine life and water activities.
Cruise to Motukōkako, better known as the Hole in the Rock, a natural tunnel formation large enough for boats to pass through. Swim with dolphins, kayak around secluded coves, or visit historic Russell, New Zealand’s first European settlement. The island of Urupukapuka offers walking tracks and beaches within the Department of Conservation reserve.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Northland Region, New Zealand
- Timings: Cruise departures vary by operator, typically 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Price: Cruise prices vary based on the operator; set aside 3 to 5 hours for the cruise and island stops
8. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu translates to “sacred waters” in Māori, and this 18-square-kilometer geothermal reserve showcases New Zealand’s most colorful thermal features. The area sits 27 kilometers south of Rotorua.
The Champagne Pool, formed 900 years ago, displays brilliant orange and green colors from mineral deposits and reaches 62 meters deep in places. Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10:15 AM. Walking trails take you past bubbling mud pools, steaming caves, volcanic craters, and the Artist’s Palette, where different minerals create rainbow hues across the rocks.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
- Timings: Daily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Price: Adult NZD 47/ INR 2,590, Children (aged 5 – 15) NZD 17/ INR 750; set aside 1.5 to 3 hours to cover all three walking tracks
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in New Zealand for first-time visitors?
Your first trip should start in Auckland with the Sky Tower, then move south to Hobbiton before experiencing Rotorua’s geysers and Māori heritage. Queenstown wraps up the journey with lakeside mountains and adventure activities that define these top things to do in New Zealand.
What shouldn’t you miss in New Zealand?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing ranks as the country’s best day hike, taking you through volcanic craters and past emerald lakes. Milford Sound matches that drama with waterfalls plunging from cliffs into dark fjord waters. The must-see places in New Zealand also include Hobbiton’s movie set and Waitomo’s caves, where thousands of glowworms light the ceiling.
What are the best things to do in New Zealand during the day?
The best things to do in New Zealand during the day start early when morning light makes the glaciers and peaks look incredible, whether you’re hiking the Hooker Valley Track or taking a Milford Sound cruise. Rotorua’s geothermal parks look completely different in daylight when you can see all the wild colors in the mud pools and mineral terraces.
What are the best things to do in New Zealand at night?
The best things to do in New Zealand at night depend on where you are and what you’re after. Te Puia runs the Mārama Light Trail after dark, lighting up the geothermal valley with installations that make the whole place feel magical. Head up to Auckland’s Sky Tower for harbor views with your dinner, or drive out to the Mackenzie Basin near Mount Cook.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in New Zealand?
The most kid-friendly activities in New Zealand start at Hobbiton, where kids under 10 walk free and can explore actual hobbit holes and gardens from the movie set. Waitomo’s glowworm caves come next, with boat rides under thousands of glowing insects that mesmerize children and adults alike.
What are the best cultural things to do in New Zealand?
The best cultural things to do in New Zealand start at Te Puia in Rotorua, where geysers erupt alongside Māori performances and traditional craft demonstrations. From there, head to Waitangi Treaty Grounds to see where the nation was founded, then visit Wellington’s free Te Papa museum for Māori treasures and national history displays.
What are the top food experiences in New Zealand?
The top food experience in New Zeland include Kaikōura’s roadside caravans that serve morning-caught crayfish with lemon and butter. Central Otago pours award-winning pinot noir at vineyard cellar doors, while Rotorua’s hangi cooks underground using geothermal heat, and Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter serves harbor-fresh seafood.
What are the best shopping areas in New Zealand?
For the best shopping areas, you can check out Auckland’s Queen Street and Britomart Precinct mix international brands with local merino designers. Queenstown stocks outdoor gear and handmade products, Christchurch’s Riverside Market gathers food and craft vendors, and Hokitika specializes in pounamu greenstone jewelry workshops.
What’s the best time of year to visit New Zealand for sightseeing?
The best time of the year for visiting New Zealand is October through April for its warm weather (between 15°C and 25°C) with long daylight hours perfect for outdoor activities. Peak summer from December to February opens all trails but brings crowds, while shoulder months offer the same access to things to do in New Zealand with fewer visitors and better prices.
