Shantytown Greymouth – Explore a Recreated Gold Rush Town
Shantytown Greymouth is a recreated 1860s gold rush town with gold panning, train rides and historic buildings. One of the top things to do on the West Coast.
Best Things to Do in New Zealand (2026 Travel Guide)
Updated: 20 th June 2026
Explore New Zealand's Top Destinations
From world-famous landscapes to hidden local gems, this guide showcases the best things to do in New Zealand — from iconic North Island highlights to unforgettable South Island adventures. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or building your NZ bucket list, discover top tours, natural wonders, wildlife encounters and free experiences across the country.
Top Attractions, Tours & Experiences Across New Zealand
Your Ultimate Guide to the North & South Islands
Why Travellers Use Must Do New Zealand
Must Do New Zealand is an independent travel guide dedicated exclusively to showcasing the best experiences across New Zealand. For more than 16 years, our team has worked with tourism operators throughout the country, creating travel content, photography and videos that help visitors confidently plan their New Zealand adventure.
Our destination guides, activity pages and travel resources are regularly updated with current tour information, pricing and local insights. From iconic attractions and family-friendly activities to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track experiences, we help travellers discover the very best of both the North and South Islands.
Unlike large international booking platforms, Must Do New Zealand focuses solely on New Zealand experiences, connecting visitors directly with local tourism operators while providing independent travel inspiration and planning advice built on years of travel, photography and video production throughout New Zealand.
Plan your perfect New Zealand itinerary and let this guide lead you through unmissable experiences across both the North island and South Islands.
Things to Do in the North Island
Explore the North Island of New Zealand with Must Do New Zealand. Discover activities, attractions and unforgettable things to see and do across this diverse and vibrant island.
Things to Do in the South Island
Travel the majestic South Island of New Zealand and discover unforgettable experiences. Explore activities, attractions and incredible things to see and do across this spectacular island.
Some of New Zealands Recommended Must Do Experiences
Handpicked experiences showcasing the diversity of New Zealand — from wildlife encounters and scenic journeys to unique local adventures…
Mount Cook Scenic Flights – 5 Helicopter Tours & Heli-Hike
Compare 5 Mount Cook helicopter flight options, from 25–55 minutes plus a Tasman Glacier heli-hike. Enjoy alpine landings with experienced pilots.
Best Places to Skydive in New Zealand – Top Tandem Jumps
Discover the best places to skydive in New Zealand, with top tandem skydiving in the North & South Islands. Handpicked tandem jumps for your ultimate adventure.
Queenstown Trail Bike Hire & Shuttle Tours
Explore Queenstown with Around The Basin electric bike hire, shuttle transfers and self-guided trail rides through Gibbston Valley, wineries and alpine scenery.
Free Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand
Discover free things to do in Auckland, including beaches, harbour walks, volcanic viewpoints, parks and affordable city attractions.
Mount Cook Heli Hike & Alpine Guided Treks
Day adventures include the Tasman Glacier Heli Hike, Mount Cook Heli Snowshoeing, guided hiking & climbing, glacier trekking adventures
Free Things To Do In Dunedin – Beaches, Wildlife & Historic Attractions
Discover free things to do in Dunedin including Tunnel Beach, Signal Hill, street art, wildlife spots, beaches, gardens and historic attractions.
Free Things to Do in Whanganui – Best Attractions & Activities
Discover the best free things to do in Whanganui! Explore scenic walks, historic sites, gardens, markets & riverside attractions without spending a cent.
Auckland Wine, Cocktails & Craft Beer Tours
Showcasing Auckland’s cultural diversity through fresh local food and NZ wine, NZ Craft Beer and handmade cocktails.
Helicopter Scenic Flights Fox Glacier, Franz Josef
‘Glacier Helicopters’ provide scenic flights which include snow landings on the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier & guided heli-hike adventures
Social Nature Movement – Eco Adventures: Kayaking, Climbing & Hiking
Discover New Zealand’s stunning landscapes with Social Nature Movement. Kayak, hike, and climb on guided outdoor adventures designed to connect you with nature.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tubing – Small-Group Tour at Okohua Cave
Experience Okohua’s glowworm cave in Waitomo: small-group black-water tubing with pro guides. Gear included, cedar hot tub. 3 hours. From NZD $229.
Travel Inspiration, Expert Guides & New Zealand Travel Ideas
Planning a trip to New Zealand? Explore our growing collection of travel guides, destination features and experience comparisons designed to help you discover the very best of both the North Island and South Island. Whether you’re searching for New Zealand’s top attractions, scenic flights, jet boat rides, wildlife encounters, family-friendly activities, hidden gems or unforgettable road trip destinations, our guides provide inspiration, local insights and practical travel information to help you plan with confidence.
From iconic experiences such as Milford Sound, Queenstown and the Bay of Islands to lesser-known locations that many visitors overlook, these expert guides highlight some of the best things to do in New Zealand. Compare experiences, discover new destinations, explore seasonal travel ideas and find inspiration for your next New Zealand adventure.
New Zealand’s Top Destinations to Visit – Your Travel Guide
Explore New Zealand’s top 20 must-visit destinations. From Northland to Stewart Island, discover breathtaking landscapes, adventure, and local attractions!
Best Scenic Flights in New Zealand – See Aotearoa from Above
Discover New Zealand’s best scenic flights – from Bay of Islands to Fiordland. Helicopter, floatplane & fixed-wing adventures over mountains, lakes & coastlines
New Zealand’s Best-Kept Secrets: Remarkable Places & Experiences Worth the Detour
Discover 10 of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets, from remote wilderness lodges and forgotten gold towns to hidden geothermal beaches & ancient limestone arches.
Best Places to Go Jet Boating in New Zealand – Top Jet Boat Rides
Discover the best jet boat rides in New Zealand’s North & South Islands. Experience thrilling 360° spins, fast canyon runs and breathtaking landscapes.
