With its dramatic landscapes, atmospheric cities, and rich cultural heritage, New Zealand is a destination that fascinates from the very first moment.
But what are the best things to do in New Zealand?
In this blog post, we’ll travel to the other side of the world and guide you through 10 attractions in New Zealand, all of which deserve a place on your bucket list.
What is New Zealand known for?
New Zealand is known for its spectacular natural scenery, ranging from volcanic landscapes and majestic glaciers to lush rainforest and thundering waterfalls.
Although the country impresses with one breathtaking view after another, nature is far from the only thing you can experience in New Zealand. New Zealand is also known for its welcoming Māori culture, sustainable wine production, iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations, and, last but not least, Queenstown, which is often referred to as the adventure capital of the world.
It is precisely this unique combination of attractions that makes New Zealand one of the world’s most fascinating travel destinations.
10 things in New Zealand you won’t want to miss
New Zealand is packed with incredible attractions. Below, we’ve gathered 10 of the country’s greatest attractions, showcasing some of the very best that New Zealand has to offer.
1. Experience authentic Māori culture in Rotorua
The Māori are New Zealand’s indigenous people, having arrived in the country around 800 years ago. Their culture is rich in traditions and founded on a deep respect for nature and community – values that are still reflected in the customs and rituals practised with great pride to this day. Perhaps you’ve seen videos from major events where the haka – a traditional ceremonial dance – is performed, sending shivers down your spine.
Following the European colonisation of New Zealand, the Māori experienced a long period of marginalisation. Today, however, Māori culture is an important part of New Zealand’s identity.
Although New Zealand’s Māori culture influences the entire country, there are certain places where the Māori spirit can be felt particularly strongly. One such place is the charming town of Rotorua, one of the Māori people’s most important cultural hubs, where you can gain an authentic insight into the traditions of the indigenous population.
2. Enjoy spectacular views at Milford Sound
Milford Sound, a fjord located in Fiordland National Park, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to experience in New Zealand.
Milford Sound enchants visitors with its spectacular landscapes and is also a true paradise for wildlife lovers, as you may be lucky enough to spot penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and playful dolphins here.
You can explore the fjord on an adventurous boat trip that takes you up close to the magnificent natural surroundings, where sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense rainforest unfold before your eyes like a living painting.
3. Visit the enchanting Hobbiton
Very few people are probably unfamiliar with The Lord of the Rings films – and you don’t have to be a fan to be blown away when you visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set.
The film set, which was built during the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and rebuilt for The Hobbit films, brings the stories to life as you wander between the small, distinctive hobbit houses and take in the views across the green, rolling landscape.
To round off the adventure in true hobbit style, enjoy a refreshment or lunch at The Green Dragon Inn, which served as the meeting place for all the residents of Hobbiton in the films.
4. Experience geothermal activity in Wai-O-Tapu
New Zealand is characterised by intense geothermal activity, particularly in the area around Rotorua. You can truly experience it at Wai-O-Tapu, where bubbling mud pools and hot springs in every colour of the rainbow create a surreal landscape that looks more than anything like something from another planet.
At Wai-O-Tapu, you can, for example, see the fascinating crater lake known as the "Champagne Pool". With its bubbling, turquoise-blue water and orange edges, it is guaranteed to catch the eye of any traveller. And yes, it does "smell" a little of rotten eggs, but in our opinion, that is simply part of the area’s unique charm.
5. Go whale watching in Kaikoura
Kaikoura is New Zealand’s whale-watching capital. Depending on the season, you may encounter several different species of whale, making whale watching here a truly unique experience every time.
The waters off Kaikoura are known as one of the best places in the world to see sperm whales, so you have an excellent chance of spotting these majestic giants up close all year round. Depending on the time of year, you may also be lucky enough to see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, orcas, and blue whales.
Whales are far from the only thing you can experience here, though. When whale watching in Kaikoura, you also have a good chance of spotting dolphins, seals, and various seabirds, such as albatrosses.
6. Get your adrenaline pumping in Queenstown
Often referred to as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is packed with activities for those who love action and want to feel their adrenaline pumping.
It was here, for example, that the world’s first commercial bungy jump took place, helping to cement Queenstown’s status as an action-packed destination. In Queenstown, you can also try your hand at other adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as jet boating, skydiving, river rafting, and paragliding.
If you fancy getting some miles under your belt, you can also set off from Queenstown on a hike to Ben Lomond, taking you through alpine landscapes and rewarding you with breathtaking views along the way.
7. Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park forms part of the Te Wāhipounamu natural area, which is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the national park, you can experience New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, which rises majestically to 3,724 metres above the alpine landscape. It is also home to some of the country’s largest glaciers, which cover more than 40% of the national park.
8. Sample New Zealand’s famous wines
New Zealand’s wine industry is relatively young and accounts for just around 1% of the world’s total wine production. Nevertheless, the country’s wines have already achieved remarkable success and widespread international acclaim.
With around 98% of the country’s wine producers certified under New Zealand’s national sustainability programme, New Zealand is one of the world’s most sustainable wine-producing nations. At the same time, New Zealand’s unique soil and climate create ideal conditions for distinctive wines – not least the country’s famous sauvignon blanc, which is regarded as one of the finest in the world.
If you would like to explore New Zealand’s wine production up close, you could sail from Auckland to Waiheke Island, which offers a wide selection of delicious wines, or visit the Central Otago wine region on the South Island, which is particularly renowned for wines such as pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay, and riesling.
9. See the impressive Franz Josef Glacier
Located on the west coast of the South Island, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. This impressive mass of ice has been shaped over thousands of years, as snow has been compressed and slowly transformed into ice.
Like many other glaciers around the world, Franz Josef Glacier has been affected by climate change and has therefore retreated in recent years. For this reason, it is no longer possible to walk onto the ice from the valley floor, as was once the case.
However, you can still experience the glacier up close, either via one of the many walking trails and viewpoints or on a helicopter tour, which gives you the chance to see the ice mass from above.
10. Visit SkyTower in Auckland
SkyTower, Auckland’s most distinctive landmark, is a 328-metre-high tower that towers over the city and can be seen from much of the city centre.
From the tower’s observation decks, you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panoramic view of Auckland, unfolding like a vibrant miniature landscape below you.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, SkyTower also offers SkyWalk, where you make your way around a platform 192 metres above the ground, and SkyJump, where you plunge into a controlled fall from the same height – a drop that gives you 11 seconds of pure adrenaline.
Would you like to experience New Zealand’s greatest attractions?
A tour to New Zealand is a decision you won’t regret.
Here, spectacular natural scenery, fascinating culture, and vibrant city life come together to create the perfect setting for unforgettable experiences.
Are you ready to make memories that will last a lifetime?
Contact our travel specialists today, and together we’ll find your next adventure.
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