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…

Bay of Islands Dolphin Cruise – Eco Wildlife Tour from Paihia & Russell

Spot dolphins and whales on a Bay of Islands Dolphin Eco Cruise with guided commentary and an island stop at Otehei Bay. Departs Paihia and Russell.

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.

Free Things To Do In Hanmer Springs

Explore free things to do in Hanmer Springs, from scenic walks and alpine hikes to forest trails, river spots and budget-friendly activities.

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.

Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Flights — Volcanic Air.

Floatplane scenic flights from the Rotorua lakefront—crater lakes, geothermal valleys and Mt Tarawera from the air. Short loops to extended routes with landings.

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Tours – Hawke’s Bay

Cape Kidnappers gannet colony tours in Hawke’s Bay take you to the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony, with thousands of birds from September to April.

Kates Horse Riding Treks Kerikeri Bay of Islands

Explore horse riding treks in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands. Enjoy scenic rides, beach treks, and pony camps for all ages. Perfect for beginners to advanced riders!

Discover Christchurch: City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tours

Christchurch City Tours & Waipara Wine Tours offer small-group guided experiences, showcasing Christchurch highlights and Waipara Valley’s boutique wineries.

Rotorua Skyline Gondola and luge activities overlooking Lake Rotorua

Rotorua Skyline Gondola Family Attraction

Ride the Rotorua Skyline Gondola for panoramic lake views, thrilling luge rides, dining, wine tasting and family-friendly activities above Lake Rotorua.

New Zealands Travel Guide Best thing to do see places to visit

New Zealand’s Travel Guide to the Best 101+ Things To Do, See & Places To Visit Nau mai Haere mai – Welcome to Must Do New Zealand’s Travel Guide, packed with activities, things to do, things to see, and places to visit. The Must Do New Zealand travel

Napier Art Deco Festival February 2027

Art Deco weekend where you step back in time, wear the fabulous fashions of the day, dance to the music of the jazz age, go on picnics & have a ball!

Exclusive Milford Track Guided Day Walk

Experience one of the world’s Great Walks on a day hike. This exclusively-guided day walk lets you make the most of a day on the Milford Track

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.