Lake Wanaka Cruises & Guided Walks with Eco Wanaka Adventures
Explore Lake Wanaka with Eco Wanaka Tours—scenic cruises, guided walks, and heli hikes to remote alpine lakes and Mt Aspiring National Park.
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…
Stargazing Tekapo Dark Sky Observatory Tours
Experience the Dark Sky Project in Tekapo with guided stargazing tours, observatory visits, and breathtaking views of the world-renowned dark sky reserve.
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise – Discover the Fiords of Fiordland,
Relax on an overnight Milford Sound cruise. Explore stunning waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife like seals and dolphins in the heart of Fiordland.
Okarito Lagoon Kayak Tours – Guided Kayaking on the West Coast
Experience serene kayak tours in Okarito Lagoon. Explore Franz Josef’s West Coast, hidden creeks, and vibrant birdlife with expert local guides.
Go Jets – Jet Boat Trip Lake Wanaka & Clutha River
This thrilling jet boat trip will take you on a breathtaking journey over Lake Wanaka & An exhilarating jet boat ride down the mighty Clutha River.
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tours – Queenstown
Queenstown jet boat through Skippers Canyon: ~30-minute Shotover River ride, gold-mining history, narrow canyons, 360° spins and Lord of the Rings locations.
Taupo Tandem Skydiving – The Most Scenic Skydive in New Zealand
Taupo tandem skydiving over Lake Taupo with breathtaking views of Tongariro National Park. Experience one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives.
Top Free Things to Do in Glenorchy – Scenic Walks & Film Locations
Explore Glenorchy for free! Discover scenic walks, iconic film locations, and breathtaking landscapes in this tranquil paradise near Queenstown.
Scenic Helicopter Flights in Lake Taupo
Discover Lake Taup? from the air with scenic helicopter flights over Huka Falls, volcanic landscapes and the lake’s most iconic scenery.
America’s Cup Sailing Experience on the Auckland Harbour
Sail an America’s Cup–style yacht on Auckland’s Waitemat? Harbour. Hands-on sailing from Viaduct Harbour—grind, take the helm, or relax on deck.
Siberia Experience Wanaka – Fly, Walk & Jet Boat Adventure
Siberia Experience Wanaka – scenic flight, 3hr walk & jet boat in Mt Aspiring National Park. One of NZ’s best wilderness adventures. Book your trip today.
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.
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 Places to Go Jet Boating in New Zealand – Top Jet Boat Rides
Discover the best jet boat rides in New Zealand’s North & South Islands. Experience thrilling 360° spins, fast canyon runs and breathtaking landscapes.
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 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.
One Month in New Zealand – The Ultimate North & South Island Itinerary
Plan the ultimate One month New Zealand itinerary. Explore the North & South Islands with our curated route featuring glaciers, fiords, beaches & M?ori culture.
Queenstown to Christchurch: Via Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook
Drive from Queenstown to Christchurch via Lindis Pass, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Discover scenic stops, walks, viewpoints and unforgettable alpine landscapes.
