18 Best Things to do in New Zealand

Planning a trip to New Zealand? You’re in for an adventure like no other!

From glacier hikes and glowworm caves to Middle-earth landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities, this country packs more into its islands than almost anywhere else in the world. Over the years, I’ve explored it all—rafting down raging rivers, sailing through fjords, tasting world-class vintages, and stumbling upon plenty of hidden corners along the way.

To help you plan, I’ve rounded up the absolute best experiences, tours, and day trips that showcase the magic of Aotearoa. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these are the ones you won’t want to miss. Let’s get straight to the good stuff!

Things to do in New Zealand

1. Go whitewater rafting with the famous 7-meter drop!

This whitewater rafting tour in Rotorua is somewhat famous, and for good reason—this is where you’ll find the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! The 23-foot (7-meter) drop of Tutea Falls is one of those heart-pounding moments you’ll never forget, and I honestly think it’s one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in all of New Zealand.

A few different companies run rafting trips here, but my favorite starts on the Kaituna River with some easier rapids before building up to the big drop. And just when you think the adrenaline can’t get any higher, you’ll get the chance to leap off a 10-foot (3-meter) cliff—talk about a rush!

What makes the experience even better is how safe and supportive it all feels. The guides are absolute pros, and all the gear (including wetsuits and helmets) is provided. 

Still, I’d recommend wearing a swimsuit underneath and bringing a change of clothes for afterward, because you’re guaranteed to be soaked by the end. Photographers are usually on hand too, ready to catch the moment you plunge down the falls in all your wetsuit glory.

The whole adventure lasts about an hour on the river, and by the end, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear. It’s one of those adventures that leaves you buzzing long after you’ve dried off, and it’s a must for any adrenaline-seeker visiting New Zealand.

2. Cruise along Milford Sound

Visiting Milford Sound is, hands down, my favorite thing to do in New Zealand. There are a couple of ways you can do so, whether you want to book an all-inclusive day trip, a nature cruise by itself, or a memorable overnight cruise!

Milford Sound cruise only

Do you know the saying, “bigger is better”? With wine glasses, burgers, and mountains, I couldn’t agree more. But when it comes to exploring Milford Sound, I’ve learned that smaller really is better. That’s why this private boutique cruise has become one of my favorite ways to experience the fiord.

Being on a smaller boat means you’re able to slip right under waterfalls, spot seals basking on the rocks, and enjoy the towering cliffs without feeling crowded. And since it’s a private tour, it’s designed just for you, so the experience feels tailored and personal from start to finish. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to wander between the deck and the lounge, soaking in the ever-changing views from every angle.

I’ve done this cruise more than once, and each time Milford Sound has looked completely different, sometimes shrouded in mist, other times glowing in sunshine. That’s the beauty of it—it’s never the same cruise! With thousands of glowing five-star reviews from travelers around the world, it’s no wonder this Milford Sound experience is so popular. 

From Queenstown

This full-day Milford Sound tour from Queenstown is more than just a transfer—it’s an epic adventure in itself. Leaving the city behind, the road winds past Lake Wakatipu with its backdrop of the Remarkables before cutting through valleys, farmland, and dramatic mountain passes. Along the way, there are plenty of stops to stretch your legs, snap photos, and soak in views that look straight out of Lord of the Rings.

I loved pausing at Mirror Lakes to see the Earl Mountains reflected perfectly on a calm day and watching for cheeky kea parrots high in the Darran Mountains. By the time the road dipped through the hand-carved Homer Tunnel, anticipation for Milford was at its peak.

Once at the fiord, the cruise feels like the grand finale—sailing beneath Mitre Peak and right alongside cascading waterfalls. With live commentary, snacks, and a picnic lunch included, it’s a seamless and scenic way to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. 

Overnight Milford Sound Cruise

If we’re talking about the best Milford Sound tours, this overnight cruise has to be on the list. To call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience wouldn’t be an exaggeration, but honestly, it felt like even more than that. Spending the night on the fiord was one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had.

From the moment we boarded in the late afternoon, the crew made the trip special with top-notch service and genuine enthusiasm. With only a small number of passengers, it felt intimate and relaxed—almost like being on a private yacht. 

The boat itself is pure comfort, with cozy rooms, open decks, and plenty of spaces to enjoy the views. One of my favorite perks was the hot tub on the top deck, the perfect spot to sip a drink while surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls.

Plus, the meals were incredible, and in between dining, I loved kayaking, paddleboarding, and joining the naturalist guide on a smaller boat to spot wildlife. But nothing topped watching the sun set and rise over Milford Sound. Those quiet moments were truly magical—the kind of memories that stay with you forever!

3. Go Ziplining

Rotorua

This Rotorua zipline tour lets you fly high above 500-year-old native forest, and it’s hands-down one of my favorite ways to explore the canopy. You start from a platform 72 feet (21 meters) up, then clip into a series of six ziplines that thread through towering trees—an unforgettable mix of adventure and epic views.

I’ve ziplined in a bunch of places, but New Zealand’s courses are next-level, and this one really stands out. The expert guides make everything feel easy with clear instructions and all the safety gear, so you can relax and enjoy that weightless, bird’s-eye glide. 

The longest line stretches 722 feet (220 meters), giving plenty of time to soak it all in, and there are fun suspension bridges along the way to keep the adrenaline going.

Round-trip transport can be arranged, and you’ll even get access to photos from your adventure afterward. It’s pure, wind-in-your-face joy—the kind of thrill that sticks with you long after you’ve unclipped!

Queenstown

This Queenstown zipline tour launches from the Skyline Gondola summit, 1,500 feet (450 meters) above town, and it’s the perfect mix of views and velocity. I loved that it’s a small-group experience—more time on the lines and fewer crowds—plus those panoramic shots of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables are unreal.

From the Ziptrek Treehouse, you can choose between three courses: a great intro for first-timers, the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline for thrill-seekers, or the Kererū option with a 69-foot (21-meter) drop that’ll have your stomach doing flips. 

Guides handle all the safety gear (including hats and gloves in winter) and sprinkle in fun bits of Queenstown history and ecology between aerial tree-house platforms. Skyline Gondola tickets are extra, but the ride up sets the scene perfectly.

The five-star reviews here call out how well-organized and professional the staff are—funny, encouraging, and brilliant at nudging you just outside your comfort zone. I finished this tour with shaky knees, a full camera roll, and a brand-new favorite Queenstown adrenaline fix!

Related Read: Check out the top things to do in Queenstown for even more thrilling adventures!

4. Visit Hobbiton

Movie set tour

Middle-earth feels wonderfully real the moment you walk past those round doors and winding garden paths, and this small-group walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set is the best way to experience it. Tucked into the rolling Waikato hills on the Alexander family farm, the set sits beneath the Kaimai Ranges and looks exactly like it does on screen.

Your guide brings the village to life with behind-the-scenes stories about how the details were crafted, where iconic scenes were filmed, and clever tricks Peter Jackson used to make the magic happen. Even if you’re not a diehard fan, the craftsmanship and storytelling here will win you over.

You’ll wander the 12-acre set past colorful Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and Bagshot Row, even peeking at the interior of a humble hobbit’s home before ending at the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary Southfarthing beverage by the fire.

It’s relaxed, fun, and easy to fit into a trip. You’ll leave grinning, grass on your shoes, and your camera roll full of Hobbit Holes!

Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves from Auckland

Two of New Zealand’s ultimate must-dos sit just a couple of hours from Auckland, and this full-day combo tour makes it easy to experience both without juggling logistics. I loved how the day flowed—no maps, no parking, just pure Middle-earth and glowworm magic back-to-back.

First up is the Hobbiton Movie Set, tucked into the rolling Waikato hills. With a guide leading the way, you’ll wander past colorful Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and Bagshot Row while hearing clever behind-the-scenes stories from filming. It looks exactly like it does on screen, right down to the gardens and laundry on the line. A stop at the Green Dragon Inn is the perfect finish.

After a relaxed lunch break, it’s on to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll board a small boat and drift through limestone tunnels as thousands of glowworms light the ceiling like a night sky. Our guide mixed geology and local stories just right, and we emerged grinning and wide-eyed. 

If you’re short on time, this is the easiest way to see both icons without the stress!

5. Enjoy a Māori cultural experience

Rotorua is one of the best places in New Zealand to connect with Māori culture, and this evening experience at Te Pā Tū is the one I recommend most. It’s immersive from the start: you’ll arrive at a village just outside Rotorua and step straight into an evening of stories, song, and kai (food).

I was welcomed with a pōwhiri (formal welcome), which set the tone beautifully. Then the warriors—dressed in traditional attire—demonstrated tools, shared games, and explained aspects of daily life. The energy builds with a powerful haka that you don’t just watch—you feel it. I loved how the hosts blended humor with deep knowledge, making it easy to learn and ask questions.

Dinner is a hāngī feast cooked in the earth, and it’s as much about ceremony as it is about flavor. Slow-cooked meats, vegetables, and seasonal sides are served over multiple courses, with your hosts weaving in stories, waiata (songs), and plenty of context so you understand what you’re tasting and why it matters. It’s warm, welcoming, and incredibly memorable.

By the end of the night, you’ll leave feeling full of food, yes, but also of insight and appreciation. If you’re visiting Rotorua, this is the cultural experience I’d plan my evening around!

6. See New Zealand’s tallest peak – Mount Cook

If you’re dreaming about a Mount Cook day trip, this full-day small-group tour makes it easy without the hassle of planning. You’ll leave Queenstown in a comfortable mini-coach with a guide who keeps the stories flowing as the scenery shifts from vineyards to high country. 

There are plenty of photo stops—Lindis Pass for those sweeping tussock views and the unreal turquoise of Lake Pukaki, where the mountain suddenly feels close enough to touch. Plus, I loved how the guides even pointed out their favorite snack spots en route.

Once inside Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you get around four hours to do your thing. I used that time to stroll the Hooker Valley Track, pop up to Kea Point for a glacier lookout, and grab a coffee in the village. But it’s up to your pace, and the team is great about helping you tailor the afternoon to what you enjoy most.

It’s a long day (about 12 hours round-trip), but the breaks are well-timed so you can stretch your legs and enjoy lesser-known viewpoints along the way. With a small group of around 16 travelers, there’s time to ask questions, swap tips, and snag the best photo angles without a crowd hovering.

You’ll roll back into Queenstown tired in the best way—memory card full, legs happily used, and Aoraki’s summit still on your mind. Check out the five-star reviews here to see why it’s a top choice in New Zealand!

7. See whales and dolphins

From Akaoroa (near Christchurch)

Akaroa’s volcanic harbor is one of my favorite places to get out on the water, and this wildlife catamaran tour makes it easy to meet the stars of the show: rare Hector’s dolphins. As a permitted year-round operator, the crew knows these waters intimately and treats encounters with genuine care.

The two-hull catamaran is stable and spacious, so you can roam the decks scanning for dorsal fins while soaking up the coastline. Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals hauled out on the rocks and white-flippered penguins bobbing between swells. 

Between sightings, the skipper and guide share local history and marine ecology, and everyone gets a fresh-baked cookie and a drink. For conservation reasons, there’s no swimming—just respectful viewing, which I genuinely appreciated.

Wildlife is, well, wild—so sightings can vary, but success rates here are high and the crew makes every moment count. You’ll step back onto the pier with salt in your hair and a grin, grateful to meet Hector’s dolphins in a way that puts their well-being first.

From Auckland

This Hauraki Gulf whale and dolphin tour from Viaduct Harbour is one of the coolest things I’ve done in Auckland. The cruise heads into a protected marine park scattered with 50+ islands, and within minutes, it feels like you’ve slipped into a different world.

On my half-day trip, I spotted dolphins, penguins, and a whale, plus gannets rocketing into the water after bait balls—wildlife theater at its best! Up to six whale species use these waters, including resident Bryde’s and migrating humpbacks, which makes the gulf a rare year-round whale-watching destination. 

The comfortable catamaran is purpose-built for viewing, and the crew mixes marine biology with local stories while scanning the horizon. Sightings are never guaranteed, but success rates are high, and the search is half the fun.

I came back sun-kissed and salty, skyline glittering ahead, and memory card full—reminded how close real wilderness sits to the city. It’s the kind of half-day escape I’d do again in a heartbeat!

Related Read: This is just one of the awesome things to do in Auckland – see all of my favorite activities here!

From Kaikoura

If you’re looking to get out on the water in Kaikōura and meet its most famous residents, this whale-watching tour is the best way to do it. You’ll head into deep offshore canyons while hearing stories about the Māori connections to these waters, with the mountains and rugged coastline framing every sighting.

The tour runs year-round and lasts about 2.5 hours on a modern, stable catamaran. A local guide provides live commentary about whale behavior, seabirds, and the area’s unique geology, while the crew scans for spouts. The quick shuttle between check-in and the marina keeps everything smooth, so all you have to do is step aboard and keep your camera ready. 

Sightings are never guaranteed with wild animals, but success rates here are strong, and the operator has a thoughtful policy if whales don’t appear. 

You’ll come back wind-tousled and grinning, with Kaikōura’s peaks and a few tail flukes burned into memory. And if you still need convincing, just scroll through over 2,000 glowing reviews here to see why this is a must-do in Kaikōura!

8. Experience the Franz Josef Glacier with a helicopter hike

Few adventures feel as otherworldly as lifting off over lush rainforest and touching down on blue ice, and this small-group Franz Josef heli-hike is exactly that. After a quick check-in and safety briefing in the village, I geared up with everything provided (jacket, over-trousers, hat, gloves, leather boots, and crampons) and hopped in the helicopter for a scenic flight over the Southern Alps.

We set down on the glacier and spent around two hours on the ice with an expert guide, weaving through shimmering caves, knife-edged pinnacles, and deep crevasses. Crampons made the footing secure, and the pace felt “moderately challenging” in a good way—enough to get the heart rate up while leaving time to stop for photos and take it all in. 

Along the way, my guide shared insights into glaciology and Māori stories tied to the landscape, which added real depth to the experience.

Because it’s a small group tour, there’s room to ask questions and explore features you might miss in bigger crowds. Franz Josef is one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers, so no two routes are the same—yesterday’s passage can be today’s ice wall—which makes the adventure feel truly unique. Plus, the round-trip helicopter transfers mean you travel farther onto the glacier than most hikes can reach.

It’s the closest I’ve come to walking on another planet—cold air, blue light, crunching ice underfoot!

9. Taste New Zealand’s finest wines

New Zealand’s wine scene is wonderfully varied, and this region makes it easy to taste the differences. Waiheke Island sits a quick ferry ride from Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf – its warm, coastal microclimate turns out bold reds (think Syrah and Bordeaux-style blends) plus some lovely Chardonnay. 

Down south, Marlborough (from Picton) is New Zealand’s largest wine region, renowned for its zesty Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Pinot Noir and other aromatic varieties. Further south, Central Otago (Queenstown/Gibbston) is the southernmost wine region, where alpine days and cool nights yield elegant Pinot Noir and crisp Riesling/Pinot Gris. And the easiest way to enjoy them is on a small-group tour—they handle the driving, line up great tastings, and let you focus on the views and the wine!

Waiheke Island

Hopping the morning ferry from Auckland feels like a mini escape, and this small-group Waiheke wine tour makes the day effortless. You’ll meet your guide at Matiatia Wharf and kick things off with a scenic highlights drive including lively commentary about the island’s microclimates and winemaking story. 

From there, we rolled into a trio of boutique vineyards—think Mudbrick, Cable Bay, and Stonyridge—for guided tastings that showcase why Waiheke’s reds and aromatics punch above their weight.

I loved the pace: plenty of time to swirl, ask questions, and wander vine-side for photos, without feeling rushed. All tasting fees are included, island transport is handled, and there’s chilled bottled water on board, plus a handy “Island of Wine” guide so you can keep track of favorites. 

After the tastings, you can head to Oneroa Village for lunch with a drop-off, then choose to ride back to the ferry with the group or stay longer and make your own way later, so this tour is super flexible. It’s relaxed, personal, and beautifully organized from start to finish!

Picton

What I love about this wine tour from Picton is the variety—you’ll visit five to six vineyards that showcase the region from different angles: big-name estates, tiny boutiques, even spots pouring vegan and organic wines. Despite the full lineup, the day never feels rushed, and with a small group, it stays friendly and relaxed.

All tastings are included so that you can dive into Marlborough’s stars like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, plus some fun experimental pours. Guides are wonderfully knowledgeable and generous with tips for where to eat and what to explore afterward—handy if you’re lingering in Picton or nearby Blenheim.

There’s time for a leisurely stop at the Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard for lunch, and the scenery en route is classic wine country—rows of vines, big skies, and mountain backdrops. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, departures are available daily, and the 6–7 hour pace gives plenty of room to sip without feeling hurried. Pickup can be arranged from Blenheim, too!

Queenstown

Queenstown’s wine scene really shines, and this boutique wine tour rolls from town to the Gibbston Valley for four tastings, a relaxed lunch, and some gorgeous Central Otago scenery. The drive out past Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes sets the mood, all glinting water and vineyard-laced hills.

We kicked off with a tasting in Gibbston, where my guide made everyone feel at ease and walked us through the region’s styles (yes, those silky pinots). Then it was over to Bannockburn for a light lunch paired with a glass of wine—simple, fresh, and perfectly paced. I loved stretching my legs around Old Cromwell’s historic precinct before the third stop, then one last tasting back in Gibbston on the return.

With a small group of just 12 people, there’s time for questions and space to linger over favorites, and the line-up mixes big names with smaller, characterful spots. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even add a jet boat ride before the sipping starts. 

I rolled back into Queenstown with a new favorite pinot and a camera full of vineyard views—exactly how a wine day should end!

10. Take a cruise on Lake Wakatiup with dinner at a farm

Ever sat in Queenstown wondering how to squeeze a “wow” evening between packed days and dinner reservations? This dinner cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm is the answer. It turns dinner into an experience without you lifting a finger.

You’ll pick your vibe upon arrival: the vintage TSS Earnslaw (a 1912 steamship where you can peek into the engine room) or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for a smooth glide. Either way, you’ll be leaning on the rail as the skipper’s commentary rolls by and the Remarkables glow across the water.

You won’t eat on board—dinner is served at Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak, which is what makes this night feel so special. The BBQ buffet is generous and includes local meats off the grill, bright salads and vegetables, homemade desserts, and a New Zealand cheeseboard, finished with tea and coffee. It’s the kind of spread that turns dinner into an event!

After dinner, wander out for the farm show—sheepdogs showing off, a live shearing, and plenty of dry Kiwi one-liners. Not feeling the crowd? Grab a perch by the bar and watch the lake fade from gold to silver. Then it’s a breezy twilight sail back to Queenstown, happily full and just a little bit smitten with old-school hospitality. 

By the time Queenstown’s lights twinkle back into view, you’ll have a new favorite evening in town. It’s easy to see why so many travelers call this the highlight of their trip—check out the stellar five-star reviews here! 

11. Visit Lord of the Rings film locations

It’s safe to say that the Lord of the Rings films helped put New Zealand on the tourist map, as many of the scenes from the movies were filmed around Queenstown. If you don’t know where they are for yourself, then joining a tour is the best way to visit them. This Lord of the Rings tour is the one I did and loved! 

We stopped by iconic sights such as Isengard Lookout, Twelve Mile Delta, and Mount Aspiring, which were also the film locations of The Hobbit, X-Men, and The Chronicles of Narnia! You’ll also visit classic locations of the area, such as the Glenorchy Wharf and the scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy.

Plus, my guide was super knowledgeable, mixing LOTR lore with Queenstown history. I learned fun behind-the-scenes tricks, got tips on the exact angles to recreate scenes, and heard stories about how each location was chosen.

LOTR tours are also scenic experiences because all the movie film locations around Queenstown are absolutely breathtaking—Lord of the Rings fan or not, you won’t be able to deny this after visiting!

This half-day tour shows the best scenery of Queenstown and even gets you off the main tourist track. You’ll head back with a camera full of epic landscapes and a new appreciation for the real Middle-earth!

12. See New Zealand’s famous glowworms

Te Anau Glowworms

Gliding across Lake Te Anau feels like the start of an adventure, but the real magic is waiting underground. This Te Anau glowworm caves tour takes you beneath Fiordland’s rugged hills into a hidden world that most visitors never see.

At Cavern House, your guide shares the story of the caves and the delicate glowworms that live here. From there, you’ll step into the darkness on a short walk before boarding a small punt boat. The river rushes beside you, echoing through water-carved limestone as you drift deeper inside.

Then the grotto opens up, and the lights go out. Thousands of glowworms spark to life above, glowing in eerie blue like a living constellation. The silence is complete except for the drip of water and the gentle swish of the boat—an atmosphere so surreal that everyone instinctively falls quiet.

Back on the surface, you’ll cruise across the lake once more, warming your hands on a hot drink and soaking up the mountain views. In just over two hours, this tour manages to pack in mystery, beauty, and that goosebump feeling of discovering something extraordinary.

Waitomo Glowworms

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are world-famous for a reason, and stepping inside feels like joining over a century of visitors who’ve come to see this natural wonder. This 45-minute guided tour combines walking and boating, showing off the cave’s most striking features along the way.

First, you’ll wander through Cathedral Cave, a massive chamber with soaring ceilings and acoustics so good it’s often used for live performances. The rock formations here are impressive enough, but it’s the next part of the tour that really steals the show.

Climbing aboard a small boat, you’ll drift into the Glowworm Grotto in near silence. Thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa—tiny glowworms unique to New Zealand—sparkle above like a living constellation. The effect is mesmerizing, a cool blue galaxy overhead as you glide along the darkened river.

Many of the guides are of Māori descent and share history alongside the science, giving the caves an added layer of meaning. It’s a short experience but unforgettable, and one of those “must-do” moments in New Zealand.

13. Kayak at Cathedral Cove

Few places in New Zealand feel as iconic as Cathedral Cove, but paddling there by kayak makes the experience even better. This small-group tour takes you through Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, a playground of sea caves, islands, and hidden bays that are best explored from the water.

From the moment we pushed off, the water was so clear I could spot stingrays gliding along the sandy bottom in Stingray Bay and swaying seaweed gardens in Gemstone Bay. My guide, Will, kept the group relaxed with easy tips and plenty of laughs, and even first-time kayakers felt confident after his briefing. 

The pace was steady, with time to duck into caves, float along rock formations, and soak up the views of Coromandel’s dramatic coastline. Every bend seemed to reveal a new postcard view, and we couldn’t resist pausing more than once just to take it all in.

Reaching Cathedral Cove felt like a reward in itself—arching cliffs, white sand, and far fewer crowds than those who hike in later in the day. We had time to swim and explore before Will fired up the camp stove for hot drinks and cookies right on the beach. Sitting there with a latte in hand, looking out through the natural arch to the sea beyond, felt pretty incredible!

It’s active without being overwhelming, scenic at every turn, and run by guides who make the whole outing a joy. If you want the best mix of adventure and relaxation in Coromandel, this tour nails it!

14. See the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Cape Kidnappers feels like one of those “how is this not more famous?” spots in New Zealand, and the only way to see it properly is on a guided gannet safari. Because the colony sits on private land, you need a permit to cross, and this small-group tour takes you right through the rolling farmland and gullies of Cape Kidnappers Station in rugged, air-conditioned vehicles.

The drive itself is half the fun! My guide, Marcus, kept us entertained with stories about the station’s history, local conservation, and plenty of colorful gannet facts. We stopped at a few lookouts along the way, including one where the cliffs dropped straight down to Clifton Beach and the view stretched clear across Hawke’s Bay to the Mahia Peninsula.

When we reached the colony, I couldn’t believe how close we were able to get—literally within meters of hundreds of gannets. I watched parents feeding their chicks and pairs greeting each other with that famous beak-tapping display you usually only see in documentaries. The noise, the smell, the constant motion of wings—it’s a spectacle you’ll never forget!

The return drive was just as scenic, rolling past pastures and riverbeds back toward Napier. It’s a rare mix of wildlife encounter and off-road adventure, and one of the highlights of my time in Hawke’s Bay. You’ll leave with incredible photos, fun stories, and a new appreciation for this wild corner of New Zealand!

15. Go on a thrilling jet boat ride

Shotover River in Queenstown

The Shotover Jet is pure Queenstown adrenaline, and there’s nothing quite like it. This small-group adventure takes you deep into the Shotover River canyons, where sheer cliffs close in and the water races beneath you.

Once the engine roars, hold on—your driver powers across rapids at crazy speeds, skimming just centimeters above the surface. Then come the 360-degree spins and fishtails, the kind that leave you laughing, wide-eyed, and maybe a little shaky when it’s all over. 

My driver, Joe, combined wild maneuvers with quick stops to share stories about the river’s gold mining history and the unique landscape, which made the whole ride feel as fascinating as it was thrilling.

Between the rush of wind, spray in your face, and the impossibly tight squeezes between canyon walls, the Shotover Jet earns every bit of its world-famous reputation. By the time we pulled back into the dock, I was grinning ear to ear—already wanting to line up and do it all over again!

Waikato River in Taupo

The Waikato River is a beauty on its own, but experiencing it by jet boat takes things to another level. This small-group tour is all about speed, spray, and scenery rolled into one unforgettable ride.

From the moment the engine kicks in, you’ll be flying over crystal-clear water, skimming past rocky outcrops, and twisting through narrow canyons with just centimeters to spare. The real highlight? Hitting the Nga Awa Purua rapids, where our driver, Jacob, surfed pressure waves like it was second nature.

Between the heart-pounding spins and sudden bursts of speed, there are also calmer stretches to catch your breath and take in the sheer beauty of the Aratiatia Scenic Reserve.

I loved that the guides balanced adrenaline with storytelling—pointing out local wildlife, sharing river history, and even spotting a trout or two in the clear shallows. It’s the kind of ride where you’ll laugh, gasp, and grip the rail tight, only to wish it lasted longer once you’re back on shore.

16. Take a cruise on the vast Doubtful Sound

From Manapouri

Doubtful Sound is one of Fiordland’s most remote treasures, and this 7-hour wilderness cruise makes it easy to experience without a long day of driving. Departing from Manapouri, the journey itself is half the adventure—first a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a bus ride over the Wilmot Pass through lush rainforest before the fiord finally comes into view.

Once you reach Doubtful Sound, its sheer scale is jaw-dropping—it’s even bigger than Milford. You’ll board a comfortable catamaran for nearly three hours of exploring, gliding between towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense forest that seems to spill right into the water. A naturalist guide is on hand the whole way, sharing stories of the fiord’s geology, history, and cultural significance.

Keep your camera ready, because this is prime wildlife country: Fiordland crested penguins, fur seals, and pods of dolphins often make appearances. With indoor and outdoor viewing decks, it’s a relaxed, immersive way to take in Fiordland’s raw beauty. You’ll step off the boat feeling like you’ve just visited one of the last untouched corners of the world!

From Queenstown

Seeing Doubtful Sound from Queenstown makes for a big day, but this tour with transfers handles all the logistics so you can just relax. The drive from Queenstown to Manapouri takes about four hours, and it’s the perfect time to nap or watch the scenery roll by before the real adventure begins.

From Manapouri, you’ll board a catamaran to cross the lake, then hop on a bus over Wilmot Pass. There’s even a stop at a lookout where the fiord comes into view—one of those “wow” photo moments that sets the tone for the rest of the trip.

Once you’re on the nature cruise, Doubtful Sound reveals its scale with sheer cliffs, waterfalls tumbling from the rainforest, and wide, glassy waters. Naturalist guides point out porpoises, fur seals, dolphins, and even penguins if you’re lucky. The nearly three-hour cruise balances sightseeing with plenty of time to settle in on deck, enjoy food or drinks from the café, and just let the landscape sink in.

It’s a long day, but absolutely worth it—you’ll return to Queenstown tired, happy, and with a camera full of Fiordland magic!

Overnight cruise

This overnight Doubtful Sound cruise is one of the most memorable ways to explore Fiordland, turning a day trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Known as the “Sound of Silence,” Doubtful feels worlds away from civilization, and staying overnight lets you experience its stillness long after the crowds have gone.

The vessel is a three-masted motorized boat—modern and comfortable inside, but with the kind of classic look that makes you feel like an early explorer. You’ll spend the afternoon cruising between sheer cliffs and waterfalls before dropping anchor. There’s also time to kayak or just soak in the views from the deck.

When the motors switch off, the silence is almost surreal! It’s just the sound of birds and the occasional splash breaking the calm. With more time on the water, you’re also more likely to spot dolphins, fur seals, or even penguins.

Private cabins, hearty meals, and a relaxed pace make this one of the best ways to experience Fiordland. Plus, waking up surrounded by Doubtful Sound’s vast wilderness is nothing short of magical!

17. Go skydiving

This Queenstown skydive is the kind of bucket-list adventure New Zealand is famous for. Skydiving here has a reputation for being among the best in the world, and with the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and endless mountain ranges stretching out below, you couldn’t ask for a more dramatic backdrop to a freefall.

In Queenstown, you’ll have the choice between 9,000-foot (2,743-meter), 12,000-foot (3,658-meter), and 15,000-foot (4,572-meter) jumps. The higher you go, the longer the freefall—meaning more time to soak in the views while your heart is racing. No matter which option you choose, the scenery is mind-blowing from the moment you step out of the plane.

You’ll be strapped to an experienced instructor the entire time, so even first-timers can feel confident. The teams are professional, reassuring, and know exactly how to keep you calm before the leap (and grinning ear to ear once you land).

I’ve skydived elsewhere in the world, but friends who’ve done it here say Queenstown takes the cake. The thrill of free-falling through crisp alpine air before floating gently back to earth is the kind of bucket-list experience you’ll never forget.

With over a thousand rave five-star reviews here and flexible options for different jump heights, this is one adventure that delivers every bit of the hype.

18. Cruise through the Hole in the Rock

It’s easy to see the Bay of Islands from shore, but you’ll miss most of its magic unless you get out on the water. That’s why this half-day Hole in the Rock cruise is such a standout—it captures the beauty of the Bay of Islands perfectly. I got to see marine and bird life, hike on uninhabited islets, and even go snorkeling in the turquoise water.

I was so excited to see dolphins leaping out of the water and seabirds soaring overhead as we cruised through the Bay of Islands. I also loved spotting the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse against the dramatic coastal cliffs, but of course, the highlight was seeing the Hole in the Rock. It’s amazing how the ocean has carved an almost perfectly circular hole in the rock formation. 

We also got to stop at two pristine islands. On Roberton Island, we hiked to a lookout and got the most amazing panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. It was a true bucket list experience, but I also loved stopping at another stunning islet to relax on the beach and enjoy some snorkeling and paddleboarding.

I can honestly say that I loved every second of this tour and would do it again in a heartbeat. In my opinion, it’s the best way to see the Bay of Islands, just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!

Where to Stay in New Zealand

As you plan your travels through New Zealand, it’s important to find the right place to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxury getaway or are traveling on a shoestring budget, each city has different areas and offerings for travelers.

To make your travel planning easier, we have created city guides for the best neighborhoods and our favorite hotels in all of New Zealand’s major cities.

• Where to Stay in Queenstown – Stay at the mi-pad Queenstown in the CBD.
• Where to Stay in Christchurch – Don’t miss Hotel 115 in Christchurch CBD!
• Where to Stay in Auckland – I loved the Grand Millennium Auckland in the city center.
• Where to Stay in Rotorua – My top pick is Rydges Rotorua in Whakarewarewa!

For even more options, see all of the top North Island hotels and the best South Island hotels here!

Thanks for reading!

New Zealand is the land of adventure; I could have made this list ten times longer! But, with limited vacation time, you might be able to fit in all of these top activities to see the best of the best as you travel in New Zealand.

If you’re looking for location-specific blogs, see my North Island and South Island posts! Having lived on both islands, I have curated an array of resources to help fellow travelers. Here are a few related reads to get you started – cheers!

11 BEST Things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand

10 EPIC South Island Road Trips You’ll Love in New Zealand

8 BEST Milford Sound Tours + Reviews