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…

Scenic Helicopter Flights from Lake Tekapo

A range of scenic flights over the spectacular alpine scenery of the Mount Cook region, viewing glaciers, lakes & snow capped peaks.

Golf Course Paihia Bay of Islands Waitangi Golf Club

Paihia, Bay of Islands 18 Hole Golf course with the most panoramic sea and island views of any other golf course in New Zealand

Tranquil alpine lake at sunset, jagged mountains surround the calm water, pink/orange sky reflected in the surface.

Mitre Peak Cruises – Milford Sound Cruise & Tour Options

Compare Mitre Peak Cruises in Milford Sound, from 2-hour nature cruises to coach, walking and scenic flight packages. Enjoy a more personal Fiordland experience.

NZ Riverjet The Ultimate Jet Boat Ride & Squeeze

NZ’s untouched nature, the adventure of squeezing through tight rock passages and dipping into a mystical hot spring waterfall.

Hanmer Springs Quad Bike Rides & Adventures

Guided quad bike rides in Hanmer Springs. Explore streams, forest tracks and rugged terrain on a fun, family-friendly two-hour off-road adventure.

Te Papa Wellington Museum of New Zealand

This is no ordinary museum, With A combination of the latest technology, interactive exhibits and classic story-telling. Te Papa is a must see

Bay of Islands Cruises & Sailing Tours – Departing Paihia & Russell

Explore Bay of Islands cruises & sailing tours. Depart from Paihia or Russell to visit Hole in the Rock, Otehei Bay, & more. Book your on-water adventure today.

Queenstown’s Wine Tasting, Food & Vineyard Tours

The Queenstown Wine Trail offer a fun, personalised & friendly sightseeing tour of vineyards & wineries in Queenstown & Central Otago.

Is the Franz Josef to Mt Cook Scenic Flight Worth It?

Is the Franz Josef scenic flight worth it? See what you’ll experience flying to Mt Cook, costs, views, and whether it’s one of NZ’s best tours.

Ocean Leopard – Cathedral Cove Boat Tours

Ocean Leopard boat tours in Whitianga offer relaxed coastal cruises to Cathedral Cove with marine wildlife sightings and dramatic Mercury Bay scenery.

Haast Aerial view of a winding highway through green fields beside a braided river delta with forested mountains in the background.

Haast to Wanaka: Crossing the Haast Pass

Drive from Haast to W?naka via Haast Pass. Discover Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, Makarora and Lake H?wea on this scenic journey.

Yaldhurst Vintage Car & Transport Museum

An interest in vintage classic cars and other forms of road transport and technology from the last 100+ years of New Zealand history,

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.