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…

Hang Gliding & Paragliding Queenstown – Coronet Peak

Experience tandem hang gliding and paragliding in Queenstown. Launch from Coronet Peak with SkyTrek and enjoy epic alpine views above the region.

EcoSEAker Dolphin Swim & Wildlife Tours Akaroa.

Swim with Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour, one of the few places in the world for this unique experience. Book your wildlife adventure today!

Nature & Nosh – Guided Hiking with Food & Wine

Just pack your hiking boots and a healthy appetite,
we’ll take care of the rest.

Bayscapes Charters – Bay of Islands Sailing & Island Adventure’s

Sail the Bay of Islands with Bayscapes Charters aboard Hibiscus Star. Island stops, swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, lunch. Day & private charters.

Packrafting Queenstown – Guided Hike & Paddle Trips

Packrafting in Queenstown with guided hike and paddle trips. Trek to remote rivers, inflate your raft and explore pristine backcountry gorges.

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.

Going Blue Queentown Electric Bike Self Guided Tours & Hire

Queentown Electric Bike Full or half day Self Guided Bike Tours & Hire options, you will be amazed at how much fun you can have here on two wheels!

Paihia Dive HMS Canterbury Bay of Islands Dive Trips

The trip starts at the Paihia dive shop in Paihia; we organize your diving equipment and load the boat to head out to Deep Water Cove at the entrance to the Bay of Islands. The HMNZS Canterbury Wreck is 11.4m long. She lies in

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs & Spa Resort

Soak at Taupo DeBretts—hot pools, private mineral soaks, hydroslides, day spa, and a holiday park with villas, cabins and powered sites near Lake Taupo.

Tandem Skydivers adrenalin activity in queenstown

NZONE Skydive Queenstown – Tandem Skydiving 9,000–15,000 ft

It takes a certain kind of person to skydive from 15,000ft. You step out of that aircraft & for some 60 seconds you freefall at 200km/hour.

Orakei Korako Geothermal Reserve Park

Orakei Korako also known as Hidden Valley is one of the best thermal areas in New Zealand, boasting the largest & most geothermal activity

Phantom Charters – Day Sailing in the Bay of Islands

Escape to New Zealand’s sailing paradise with Phantom Charters in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy island stopovers, snorkeling, and a delicious lunch included.

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.