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SO/ Auckland, New Zealand

Things to do guide

The best things to do in New Zealand

Updated 1 October 2026 · 15 things to do

Pictured: SO/ Auckland

New Zealand packs more landscape into two islands than seems entirely reasonable. Steaming volcanic craters and glowworm caves in the north, fjords, glaciers and alpine lakes in the south, and empty golden beaches in between. It's also the home of the bungy jump, hot pools with a view, and some of the friendliest locals on earth.

Distances are long and the roads are winding, so don't try to see everything. Two weeks is a good start: a few days in the North Island for Auckland, Rotorua and Tongariro, then the South Island for Queenstown, Milford Sound and the glaciers. Hire a car or camper, and leave time for stops, because every bend has a lookout.

Don't miss

  1. 1Milford Sound
  2. 2Queenstown
  3. 3Hobbiton Movie Set
  4. 4Wai-O-Tapu
  5. 5Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Auckland, Wellington and the north

Cities and the far north.

  1. Auckland Sky Tower and Waiheke Island

    Landmark

    The Sky Tower rising above Auckland
    Photo: August Dominus, CC0

    New Zealand's biggest city is built across volcanic hills and two harbours. Ride the Sky Tower for the view, then catch a ferry to Waiheke Island, a short hop across the Hauraki Gulf, for vineyards, olive groves and sheltered beaches.

  2. The Bay of Islands

    Nature

    Sandy and rocky islands in the Bay of Islands
    Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A sheltered subtropical bay of more than 140 islands in the far north, with sandy coves and calm blue water. Sail or kayak among the islands, then visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840.

  3. Te Papa

    Museum

    Wellington's national museum is a hands-on introduction to New Zealand's nature, Māori culture and history. It's on the waterfront, and an easy half-day, with the cafés and cable car of the capital close by.

Volcanoes, geysers and the Shire

The thermal heart of the North Island.

  1. Hobbiton Movie Set

    Landmark

    Hobbit holes reflected in the water at Hobbiton
    Photo: Jackie.lck (photos · photo sets), CC BY 2.0

    The rolling farmland near Matamata was the setting for the Shire in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. Round hobbit holes with painted doors dot the hillsides, with gardens in bloom, and the tour ends with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

    Tip: Tours are guided, so book ahead, especially in summer.

  2. Wai-O-Tapu

    Nature

    The Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu, near Rotorua
    Photo: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl, CC BY 2.5

    Near Rotorua, this geothermal wonderland features boiling mud pools, the vivid green Devil's Bath and the multicoloured Champagne Pool, ringed in orange. The air smells of sulphur, and the ground steams around you.

    Rotorua itself is a good base for Māori cultural experiences and soaking in hot pools.

  3. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    Nature

    Float in a small boat through the dark as thousands of glowworms light the cave ceiling like a starry sky. The tiny creatures are native to New Zealand, and the silent, glowing ride is one of the country's most magical experiences.

  4. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    Nature

    Emerald Lakes and Red Crater seen from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
    Photo: Jeffrey Pang from Madison, NJ, USA, CC BY 2.0

    A long day hike across a volcanic landscape of craters, emerald lakes and steaming vents, beneath the cone of Mount Ngauruhoe. It's often called New Zealand's best one-day walk, and a very demanding one.

    Tip: Check the weather and track conditions before you set off, and carry layers and plenty of water.

Fiordland and Queenstown

The south, at full volume.

  1. Milford Sound

    Nature

    Mitre Peak rising above Milford Sound
    Photo: MurielBendel, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Despite the name, this is a fiord: a glacier-carved inlet in Fiordland National Park with sheer cliffs and waterfalls plunging into dark water. Mitre Peak soars straight out of the sea. Cruise the length of it, or paddle a kayak and feel very small.

    The drive in is spectacular too, so allow time to stop.

    Tip: It rains a lot here, and the waterfalls are at their best after rain.

  2. Queenstown

    Activity

    The Remarkables mountain range above Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown
    Photo: Σ64, CC BY 4.0

    The adventure capital of the world sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, backed by the Remarkables mountains. Bungy jumping started commercially here, at the Kawarau Bridge. There's also jet boating, skiing, hiking and wineries, and some very good restaurants for refuelling.

Alps, glaciers and coast

Mountains, lakes and golden bays.

  1. Aoraki Mount Cook

    Nature

    Aoraki Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley under a pink sky
    Photo: Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0

    New Zealand's highest mountain towers above glaciers and turquoise lakes in the Southern Alps. Short walks, such as the Hooker Valley Track, lead to glacier-fed lakes and swing bridges with huge views.

  2. Lake Tekapo

    Nature

    The Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore of Lake Tekapo
    Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A lake of unreal milky turquoise, coloured by glacial rock flour, with the little stone Church of the Good Shepherd on its shore. The surrounding area is an International Dark Sky Reserve, so the stars at night are astonishing.

  3. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

    Nature

    Franz Josef Glacier flowing down its valley
    Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Two glaciers that flow down from the Southern Alps almost to the rainforest on the West Coast. You can walk to viewpoints on the valley floor or join a guided helicopter or heli-hike onto the ice.

    Tip: Glacier conditions change, so check access before you book.

  4. Abel Tasman National Park

    Beach

    Totaranui Beach in Abel Tasman National Park
    Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A coastline of golden beaches, granite headlands and clear water at the top of the South Island. Walk the coastal track, kayak between the coves, or catch a water taxi to a beach for a swim and a picnic.

Eat and drink

  1. Hāngi

    Food

    A hāngi dinner served at Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua
    Photo: einalem, CC BY-SA 2.0

    A traditional Māori feast cooked in an earth oven: meat and vegetables wrapped and slow-steamed over hot stones for hours. The result is smoky, tender and delicious. Rotorua is the best place to try one, often as part of a cultural evening.

  2. Marlborough sauvignon blanc

    Food

    The vineyards at the top of the South Island produce the zesty, herbaceous white wine that made New Zealand famous. Cycle between cellar doors near Blenheim, and pair a glass with local green-lipped mussels.

Where to stay in New Zealand

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in New Zealand →

Getting around

A hire car or camper van is the best way to see New Zealand, with driving on the left. Roads are winding, so allow more time than the map suggests. Domestic flights link the main cities and Queenstown, and ferries cross Cook Strait between the islands.

When to go

The seasons are reversed from the UK: summer runs from December to February and is the best time for beaches and walking. Winter, from June to August, brings snow and skiing in the south. Spring and autumn are quieter and mild, with changeable weather throughout.

Questions about visiting New Zealand

What is New Zealand best known for?
Dramatic scenery, including Milford Sound and the Southern Alps, adventure sports in Queenstown, Māori culture, the Lord of the Rings film locations and its geothermal region around Rotorua.
How many days do you need in New Zealand?
Two weeks gives you a good mix of both islands. With a week, focus on one island, ideally the South Island for the scenery or the North for geothermal sights and culture.
Is New Zealand worth visiting?
Yes, and it's worth the long flight. The scenery is varied and accessible, and the welcome is warm. Try to stay at least ten days.
Do you need a car in New Zealand?
For touring, yes. Public transport between the main attractions is limited, so a hire car or camper van gives you the most freedom.

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