The Top 10 Activities to Do in New Zealand: North & South Island
We seriously tried to narrow this down to just a single “Top 5 Activities to Do in New Zealand” list - but it’s basically impossible. There are too many unforgettable adventures, cultural experiences, and natural wonders across Aotearoa.
So instead, here is your definitive top 10 activities to do in New Zealand, including the Top 5 Activities in the North Island and Top 5 Activities in the South Island - the perfect starting point for planning your trip.
Top 5 Activities to Do in New Zealand: North Island
1. Māori Cultural Evening, Te Pā Tū - Rotorua
Step into the heart of Māori culture at Te Pā Tū, 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.
2. Gourmet Food & Wine Tour, Ananda Tours - 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.
3. Morning Glory, BOOM! Sailing - Coromandel
Set sail from Hahei on BOOM! Sailing’s Morning Glory - 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.
4. Restorative Journey, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa - Rotorua
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.
5. Tongariro Crossing, Adrift – Tongariro National Park
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.
Top 5 Activities to Do in New Zealand: South Island
1. Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, RealNZ - 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.
2. TranzAlpine Scenic Plus, Great Journeys of NZ - Christchurch & Greymouth
Renowned as one of the world’s greatest train journeys, the TranzAlpine crosses the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, and lush West Coast rainforest. Scenic Plus enhances the journey with hosted commentary, premium seating, panoramic windows, and locally inspired tasting plates. It’s the most relaxing way to see the South Island’s spectacular landscapes.
3. Glacier Heli-Hike - Franz Josef, Fox Glacier & Mt Cook
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 breathtaking alpine scenery.
4. TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, RealNZ - 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.
5. Wilderness Jet, Dart River Safaris - Glenorchy
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 activities in the South Island.
And this list is just the tip of the iceberg — with countless more experiences across Aotearoa to suit every travel style, from adventure and active escapes to art, food & wine, nature & wildlife, and rich cultural encounters.
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.