Top 10 Things to Do in New Zealand: North and South Island

Things to Do in New Zealand at a Glance

Seasonal operations, track conditions and weather can affect availability. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing requires alpine skills and equipment outside the main hiking season, making a guided trip particularly important in winter. TSS Earnslaw schedules can also include periods when the vessel is out of service for maintenance.

We seriously tried to narrow this down to just a single “Top 5 Things to Do in New Zealand” list, but it’s basically impossible. There are too many unforgettable adventures, cultural experiences, natural wonders and incredible places to visit across Aotearoa.

So instead, here is your definitive top 10 things to do in New Zealand, including the Top 5 things in the North Island and Top 5 things in the South Island, it's the perfect starting point for planning your trip.

Top 5 Things to Do in the North Island

1. Experience Māori Culture in Rotorua

Step into the heart of Māori culture at Te Pā Tū in Rotorua, one of the North Island’s most immersive cultural experiences. Enjoy powerful storytelling, kapa haka, traditional arts, and an authentic hāngī feast. This experience showcases the manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) central to Māori tradition. It’s a must-do for travellers wanting a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s living culture.

Experience Te Pā Tu on our Northern Culture and Cuisine journey.

2. Indulge in a Food & Wine Tour on Waiheke Island

Ananda’s Gourmet Food & Wine Tour is a dream for lovers of vineyards, coastal views, and artisan flavours. Explore boutique wineries, savour olive oil tastings, meet enthusiastic local producers, and enjoy seasonal gourmet dishes. With gorgeous beaches, rolling vines, and famously good wine, Waiheke Island offers one of the best food and wine experiences in New Zealand.

Experience Gourmet Food & Wine on our Flavours of New Zealand journey.

3. Sail the Coromandel Coast to Cathedral Cove

Set sail from Hahei on BOOM! Sailing’s Arvo of Goodness - a relaxed 3.5-hour catamaran cruise along the Coromandel coastline. Glide past Cathedral Cove, swim or snorkel in a marine reserve, and unwind on the trampoline deck with light refreshments and a complimentary drink. It’s one of the most scenic and peaceful ways to experience the North Island’s coastline. While the main walking track to Cathedral Cove is currently open, the area remains vulnerable to weather-related closures, making a coastal sailing trip an appealing way to experience this part of the Coromandel.

Set sail in the Coromandel on our Essential New Zealand journey.

4. Soak in Rotorua's Geothermal Hot Pools

Reconnect with nature and wellness at Wai Ariki, located on Rotorua’s lakefront geothermal landscape. This restorative thermal spa experience features mineral pools, therapeutic steam, mud rituals, and luxurious relaxation spaces. Perfect for travellers wanting a balance of adventure and indulgence, Wai Ariki highlights the healing power of New Zealand’s natural geothermal environment.

Experience Wai Ariki Hot Spring and Spa on our Northern Indulgence journey.

5. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing 

Described as one of the best day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you through an otherworldly volcanic landscape of emerald lakes, steaming vents, red craters and rugged alpine ridgelines. With Adrift’s guided experience, you’ll hike safely with expert guides who provide fascinating insights into the geology, history and cultural significance of this dual World Heritage park. A must-do for outdoor lovers and anyone wanting to experience New Zealand’s dramatic volcanic heart.

Walk the Tongiriro Crossing on our Trails & Treasures of New Zealand journey.

Planning a North Island Journey?

If several of these experiences are on your list, we can bring them together in an itinerary that works with your available time, preferred pace and arrival point. Talk to our travel specialists about a tailor made New Zealand journey.

Top 5 Things to Do in the South Island

1. Spend the Night on a Cruise Through Doubtful Sound in Fiordland

Explore one of New Zealand’s most remote and dramatic landscapes on a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise aboard the Fiordland Navigator. Cross Lake Manapōuri, travel over Wilmot Pass, and enter a world of towering cliffs, waterfalls, wildlife, and total tranquillity. Spend the night on the fiord, enjoy dinner under the stars, and wake to sunrise in one of Earth’s most pristine environments.

Experience Patea / Doubtful Sound on our Wild South Wonder journey.

2. Take a Scenic Train Journey Across the Southern Alps

The TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth in just under five hours, crossing the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps before descending towards the West Coast. Scenic Plus adds a hosted onboard experience with regionally inspired dining and drinks served at your table, commentary, panoramic windows and access to the open-air viewing carriage. It works particularly well for travellers who want to cross the South Island without spending another day behind the wheel.

Cross the Southern Alps on The Coast Connection journey.

3. Heli-Hike the Tasman, Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

Take to the skies for a glacier heli-hike, one of the most iconic South Island adventure activities. After a scenic helicopter flight, land high on glacial ice for a guided exploration of deep crevasses, ice caves, and blue formations. Options with Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Fox Glacier Guiding, and Mt Cook Glacier Guiding each offer slightly different terrain - but all deliver a breathtaking alpine adventure.

Hike a glacier on our Southern Alps Magic journey.

4. Cruise Lake Wakatipu onboard a Steamship in Queenstown

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown’s beloved vintage steamship. Wander heritage decks, peek inside the working engine room, and take in mountain views before arriving at Walter Peak. Pair the cruise with a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner for a classic Queenstown experience full of charm, history, and incredible scenery.

Experience the TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak on our Aotearoa Sampler journey.

5. Jet Boat the Dart River From Glenorchy

Set off from Glenorchy, near Queenstown and venture into Mount Aspiring National Park on the Dart River Wilderness Jet, combining an exhilarating jet-boat ride with a guided nature walk. Discover braided rivers, ancient forests, and dramatic valleys featured in The Lord of the Rings. The mix of speed, wilderness, and cultural storytelling makes this one of the most unforgettable outdoor adventure activities in the South Island.

Explore the Dart River on the Ultimate Kiwi Adventure.

More Things to Do in New Zealand

There is plenty to consider beyond our top ten. These experiences are also worth building into a New Zealand itinerary when the route and season allow:

1. Cruise Milford Sound: Travel beneath the steep peaks and waterfalls of Piopiotahi Milford Sound on a day or overnight cruise through Fiordland.
2. Visit Hobbiton: Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata on a guided tour through the landscapes created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
3. See the Waitomo glowworm caves: Head underground to see thousands of glowworms illuminating the limestone cave systems beneath the Waikato countryside.
4. Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park: Paddle past sheltered bays, golden beaches and coastal forest, with options ranging from half-day trips to multi-day journeys.
5. Go stargazing at Lake Tekapo: Experience the dark skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie region on a guided evening beneath some of New Zealand’s clearest night skies.
6. Go whale watching in Kaikōura: Look for sperm whales and other marine life where deep ocean canyons meet the Kaikōura coast.
7. Explore the Bay of Islands by boat: Spend a day among the islands, bays and marine environments of Northland, with sailing and wildlife cruises departing from Paihia and Russell.
8. Cycle a New Zealand Great Ride: Choose a section or multi-day ride on trails such as the Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail or Hawke’s Bay Trails.

Plan a Journey Around These Experiences

Ready to turn inspiration into reality? You’ll find these activities across our Signature Journeys range or if you are after something more bespoke connect with our team to start crafting your own unforgettable New Zealand journey, thoughtfully tailored to your interests, travel style, and pace.