Spellbound – Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours
Enjoy Waitomo’s biggest and brightest glowworm show. Experience two wonderful caves softly lit by 30,000 glowworms.
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…
Free Things To Do in Wellington, New Zealand
Discover the best free things to do in Wellington, from museums and gardens to waterfront walks, viewpoints and vibrant city streets.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour – Christchurch Attractions
Experience the natural beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on board our electric powered vehicles. Hop On & Hop Off at leisure Garden Tour
Skydive Tauranga – Tandem Skydiving Over Mount Maunganui
Skydive Tauranga offers tandem skydiving from 12,000 or 15,000 ft over the Bay of Plenty. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views and the thrill of freefall.
Glenorchy Horse Riding – Lighthorse Adventure Horse Treks Queenstown
we offer amazing horse treks for riders of all levels. With our naturally trained quality bred horses & a team of guides with a wealth of experience & knowledge
Fox & Franz Josef Glacier Walks – Scenic Eco Tours & Nature Hikes
Experience Franz Josef Glacier Eco Walks and Fox Valley tours. Family-friendly guided walks through rainforests, waterfalls, and stunning glacier country.
Top Day Tours from Dunedin – Wildlife, Scenery & Heritage
Discover Dunedin’s top tours. Explore city highlights, Otago Peninsula scenery, and wildlife encounters with private and small-group tour options available.
Scenic Harbour Cruise in Tauranga Aboard Kewpie
Discover Tauranga with Kewpie Cruises! Enjoy scenic harbour tours, Matakana Island stopovers, and wildlife encounters aboard a historic 70-year-old boat.
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.
Wellington Helicopter Tours — City, South Coast & Heli-Lunches
Wellington Helicopters provide an extensive range of scenic helicopter flights over Wellington, the Wairapa & Marlborough Sounds
Southern Lakes Heli Bike Queenstown & Wanaka
taking you on a backcountry mountain bike riding adventure you’ll never forget, dropped on top of a mountain by a helicopter with your bike
Aucklands Goat Island Dive & Snorkel Guided Trips
Goat Island Marine reserve is a magical world for snorkeling and Scuba diveing home to a huge variety of New Zealand’s marine life
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.
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.
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 Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown
Adrenaline-Packed Jet Boat Tour options in Queenstown: Discover the best jet boat tours in Queenstown. Adrenaline-fueled excitement awaits! Experience the Thrill!
