There is so much to see and do in New Zealand that it would be impossible to “do it all” in a single trip.
However, if you’re like us, you’ll want to cram as much as possible into your time here.
There’s something for everyone in New Zealand, whether it’s the must-try New Zealand delicacies, the heart-pounding experiences, or the animal encounters.
To help you begin planning your own Kiwi journey, we’ve compiled this list of must-do activities for your first visit to New Zealand.
We can’t wait for you to start one of the greatest journeys of your life, and New Zealand is one of our favorite places on Earth. These are our best picks for what to do if you only have a short amount of time.
Table of Contents
Bungee Jumping in Queenstown
Queenstown is the most popular destination for adventure tourism in New Zealand.
Queenstown, in the center of New Zealand’s South Island, is a fantastic home base for adventure travelers.
Queenstown is a paradise for adventurers, with activities ranging from bungee jumping to skydiving.
When you want to experience true bungee jumping in New Zealand, nothing beats the original Kawarau Bridge leap.
Queenstown’s greatest vantage point may be found at the Ledge Bunjy, while the third-highest bungee jump in the world is situated 134 meters above the middle of a canyon at Nevis Bungy.
They are all in or around Queenstown.
Spend the Night in a Mountain Hut
The 950 mountain cottages found in New Zealand are a major tourist attraction.
Hikers may find cottages everywhere, from the Southern Alps to the spectacular shores of the North Island.
Staying at Tasman Holiday Parks is a terrific way to see the country’s top attractions and have a unique vacation experience.
The most popular huts in New Zealand need reservations, and their pricing and amenities vary widely.
Cruise in Doubtful Sound
There are actually fourteen fjords in Fiordland National Park, of which Milford Sound is only one. While entry to many of the other fjords is still prohibitively difficult for the typical visitor, Doubtful Sound has opened up in recent years.
Doubtful Sound is more remote and equally as gorgeous as Milford Sound (some would argue much more so). This makes a trip to Doubtful Sound one of a kind among tourist attractions in New Zealand.
From both Queenstown and Te Anau, you may take a tour to see Doubtful Sound. Most trips departing from Queenstown run for 12 hours, so plan to spend the whole day traveling there and back. That’s why a nightlong voyage in Doubtful Sound is something we wholeheartedly endorse. Despite the higher cost, it is one of our top choices for things to do in New Zealand.
Visit Botanic Gardens
Christchurch, New Zealand, is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when man and nature work together. Botanic gardens, with their varying flower colors and quiet lawns, are ideal places to recharge creatively. Furthermore, since there is no entry fee to explore the vibrant garden, it is one of the most inexpensive things to do in New Zealand.
Ride the Rere Rock Slide
Gisbornians have enjoyed the Rere Rock Slide for many years. Families from the area would go to the secluded rock fall equipped with bodyboards, lilos, or anything else that might be used to coast down the 200-meter drop.
The previously obscure (outside of Gisborne) landmark has lately become an online hit because of a drone video recorded there. It’s much more popular these days than before, but it’s still one of the most exciting things to do in New Zealand.
Hike to the Moke Lake Viewpoint
During your time in Queenstown, you can spend a lot of time at this spot, both stargazing and appreciating the lake’s reflections. Moke Lake is a beautiful destination that is approximately 15 minutes away from Queenstown.
Above Moke Lake, at the end of the path, there is the most breathtaking vista imaginable. Several sunsets with friend groups were spent here with a drink and some quiet reflection. The only catch is that it’s very impossible to track down!
Ski the Southern Alps
The Southern Alps mountain range spans the majority of the length of New Zealand’s South Island.
This place is heaven for skiers because of the consistent snowfall of light, fluffy powder. Resorts such as Mt. Hutt, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone may be found there.
New Zealand is, without a doubt, an amazing country that will blow your mind.
Whether you’re searching for a tranquil getaway or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it here at the end of the earth.
We really hope that this collection of New Zealand’s top attractions has piqued your interest enough to warrant a trip there.
