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…

Guided Kayak & Glowworm Tours in Tauranga & Rotorua

Experience guided kayak and glowworm tours in Tauranga & Rotorua. Paddle scenic lakes, explore glowworm canyons, and enjoy unforgettable day and night adventures.

Vintage parade of high-wheel bicycles on a sunlit city street, spectators lining the pavement.

Free Things to Do in Oamaru

Explore Oamaru for free with penguin viewing, Victorian heritage, coastal walks, public gardens, Bushy Beach and the Moeraki Boulders.

Earl Grey Fishing Charters Bay of Islands

Fishing Charters Bay of Islands – Earl Grey

Over 40 Years experience Captain Steve Butler offers expert local knowledge for both novice and experienced anglers

Flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound – Scenic Air Tours

True South scenic flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound & Mt Cook. Choose Fly–Cruise–Fly or Coach–Cruise–Fly, plus glacier landing and heli-hike options.

Queenstown Expeditions Guided Adventure Tours

Queenstown Expeditions: Luxury guided sightseeing tours. Explore The Old Gold Trail in the morning and ‘All About Paradise’ Glenorchy in the afternoon.

Wanaka & Milford Scenic Flights Southern Alps Air

Our scenic flights includes Mount Aspiring, pristine glaciers, rainforests, alpine lakes, rivers, cascading waterfalls & Milford Sound.

Rakiura Jade Workshop – Carve Your Own Greenstone on Stewart Island

Create your own pounamu pendant with Rakiura Jade. Join a hands-on greenstone carving workshop on Stewart Island and learn from sculptor David Goodin.

Guided Kayak Tours in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

Book guided kayak tours from Picton in the Marlborough Sounds. Half-day, full-day & multi-day options with wildlife, calm waters & expert local guides.

Russell Mini Tours – One hour Scenic Bus Tour

Discover Russell on a one-hour guided mini bus tour with local commentary, historic highlights and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Bay of Islands.

Franz Josef Guided Glacier Kayak Tours

Experience Franz Josef’s unique landscape up close, from Westland’s protected wetlands, untouched forest & the dramatic Southern Alps.

Couple enjoying the scenery on Stewart Island / Rakiura from a coastal lookout

Free Things to Do on Stewart Island / Rakiura

Plan a free Rakiura trip: Ackers Point Lighthouse, Observation Rock, Maori Beach boardwalks, Halfmoon Bay lookouts, easy foreshore strolls and stargazing.

Horse Riding Treks in New Zealand’s South Island

Boutique horseback adventures through the picturesque South Island. catering for riders with differing capabilities & taste for adventure.

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.