Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours Coromandel
Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life and discover the thrill of kayak paddling with the wind on your back.
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…
Sea Kayaking Marlborough Sounds – Kayak Hire and Guided Trips
Either rent a kayak or join one of our guided tours to explore the Sounds, away from the crowds with beauty and wildlife in abundance.
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.
Ferrymead Heritage Park Step Back in Time
A popular family attraction featuring an early 1900s Edwardian township, with exhibits such as church, bakery, jail, railway station & much more.
Free Things To Do in Wellington, New Zealand
Discover the best free things to do in Wellington, from museums and gardens to waterfront walks, viewpoints and vibrant city streets.
Ananda Tours Waiheke – Wine & Food Tours
Discover Waiheke with Ananda Tours: wine tastings, gourmet dining, olive mills, and scenic views. Enjoy personalized tours for groups & individuals!
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.
Best Places to Kayak in New Zealand
Discover the best places to go kayaking in New Zealand. Explore serene lakes, coastal adventures and iconic paddling spots across both North & South islands.
Tandem Skydive Bay of Islands – Skydive Up to 20,000 Feet
Experience the thrill of tandem skydiving in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy stunning views of Paihia, Russell, and the beautiful islands of the Bay of Islands!
Wairaurahiri River Wilderness Jet Boat Tours
Experience Fiordland’s wild Wairaurahiri River by jet boat. Ride from Lake Hauroko to the South Coast with rapids, rainforest walks, and remote scenery.
Napier Bike Hire & Self-Guided Bike Tours – 3 Cycling Adventures
Napier bike hire and self-guided rides through Hawke’s Bay wineries, rivers and coast. Includes e-bikes, maps, transport and return shuttle. Book today!
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
