New Zealand offers an abundance of sights and activities to explore. While the country’s landmarks and attractions will certainly fill up your itinerary, it’s essential to set aside time for the many thrilling adventures and adrenaline-pumping experiences that await.
From heart-racing bridge climbs to breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand caters to every type of adventurer. And after tackling some of the country’s top activities, you can unwind with a dip in natural hot pools, relax on pristine beaches, sample fine wines at local vineyards, or immerse yourself in its rich cultural offerings. Bookmundi highlights some of the best experiences in New Zealand.
Queenstown (above image)
Queenstown is renowned for its exceptional skiing, set against some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this charming alpine town is known for its vibrant atmosphere and year-round natural beauty. Queenstown stands out for blending the cozy feel of a small town with world-class skiing and big-city excitement. The food scene here is a highlight, with places like The Bunker, The Cow, Fergburger, and Wai offering a wide range of dining options. Additionally, Queenstown is just a short drive from Arrowtown, a historic former gold rush town that retains much of its heritage.
Milford Sound
Rudyard Kipling famously called Milford Sound the Eighth Wonder of the World, and it’s easy to see why. Situated within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s premier adventure destinations. The area features expansive bays surrounded by dense rainforests, towering waterfalls, and dramatic rock faces that rise over 1200 meters. Visitors can also enjoy glimpses of local wildlife, including dolphins, penguins, and seals, through scenic cruises and an underwater observatory.
Great Barrier Island
Known as “The Barrier,” Great Barrier Island is the fourth largest island in New Zealand. It features a rugged, mountainous landscape and sits at the final point before the Hauraki Gulf opens to the Pacific Ocean. Located 90 km from downtown Auckland, the island is renowned for its stunning beaches, which are popular for both wild surfing and their natural beauty. Visitors can stay in a variety of accommodations, ranging from basic one-bedroom cabins in the mountains to luxurious beach houses.
Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo
Adventure lovers cannot miss out on abseiling 37 meters into a hole that is small enough to let you touch the edge with your feet. The Ruakuri Cave presents a 5-hour underground Black Abyss tour that lets you explore a world that was hidden beneath the sea around 30 million years ago. You’ll tube, zip-wire, wade, leap and squeeze through ice-cold water during this adventure and stop along the way to capture the breathtaking sight of glow-worms in your memories.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro, the first national park of New Zealand, is a world heritage site that presents three dramatic peaks – Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapeha. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a natural hotspot for hikers and the most famous track in the national park, passes through majestic volcanic terrains, with much of the area still being active. The track requires a 6-to-8 hour trek as it passes through lava flows, steam vents, emerald lakes and active craters. The ski town of Ohakune acts as a base for snowboarders and skiers. It is located on Ruapehu’s southwestern slopes.
Maruia Springs
Travelers often head down the east coast of South Island to the Hanmer Springs spa village and the stunning Southern Alps. However, most tend to ignore the less-traveled Maruia Springs, a beautiful resort set amidst thermal mineral pools in a picture-perfect setting. The pools come in all shapes and sizes and boast of stunning mountain backdrops. The area also has private spas that present dramatic views of the river and the mountains beyond. Other highlights include Japanese Shiatsu massage, reflexology, private spas, three-course dinners, swimming pools and a complete lack of cellphone coverage. Bookmundi recommends you to try out the bathhouse for an authentic Japanese experience.
River Valley, Taihape
River Valley presents one of the most frantic rivers in the country for the best white-water rafting experience in New Zealand. Full of broken water, powerful rapids and large drops, this Grade-5 adventure is everything you need to get your adrenaline pumping. River Valley is home to 10 Grade 4 and Grade 5 foamy rapids and is an activity that is specifically designed for the brave-hearted. Bookmundi also recommends adventurers to jump from a designated cliff edge for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Franz Josef Glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier is a 12-km long glacier located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Its Maori name refers to a mountain climbing adventurer whose lover was swept away by an avalanche, leaving her heartbroken. It is famous as one of the fastest flowing glaciers in the world with a flow rate that is 10 times more than other glaciers. It is also unique in the sense that it runs all the way from the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps to a rainforest located 300m above sea level. The best way to explore the glacier is via a helicopter. It drops you at the first or second icefall for a guided walk through daily changing ice tunnels and glacial landscapes.
Rotorua Geothermal Zone
Located at a distance of three hours from Auckland, Rotorua is the primary geothermal area in the country. It boasts of all kinds of geysers and hot springs and presents a wide range of Maori attractions. Bookmundi recommends you to spend a couple of hours at the Wai-O-Tapu hot springs to inhale the sulphur-rich air and watch all kinds of bubbling mud and thermal pools in action.
The Milford Track
Milford Sound is an obvious attraction in New Zealand, but the 53-km Milford Track is considered to be one of the greatest walks on the planet. The Milford Track presents a series of hiking tracks that have been particularly designed to allow visitors to see the best and most inaccessible areas in the country. It starts at the head of Lake Te Anau, which can be reached by climbing the Dore Pass or by ferry and ends at Sandfly Point, which can only be reached by sea.
Manu Bay
Manu Bay, home to the longest left-hand break in the world, was made immortal in the 1966 classic Endless Summer and its popularity hasn’t dwindled ever since. Located in the surf town of Raglan, Manu Bay attracts surfers from all over the planet as a decent wave here can carry surfers for up to 2 kms. The town itself is very surfer-friendly and laid-back and the restaurants here can always whip up a hearty fare.
Buller Gorge, Westport
Jetboating on the Buller Gorge is one adventure that you simply have to experience while in New Zealand. This twin V8 engine, 820 hp powered adventure takes you closer to craggy overhangs and rock walls at terrifying speeds over crystal-clear water. You are also offered great insights into the geological and historic features of Buller Gorge during your jetboating adventure. Bookmundi recommends you to watch out for the 360-degree Hamilton spins that will leave you unsure of where you’re heading and where you began your adventure.
The Kiwis have made it possible for you to fly, hike, roll, dive, jump or slide through almost each and every part of the country, making New Zealand a wonderland for adventure seekers. This list of the top things to do in New Zealand is sure to get your blood racing.