Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Day Walks from Ruapehu
Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing day walks with experienced local guides. Learn about volcanic landscapes, Emerald Lakes, and alpine terrain while walking safely.
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…
Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk – Guided Eco Tours & Nature Hikes
Experience Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walks and guided eco tours. Explore Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and ?k?rito with expert local guides.
Blazing Adventures – Whanganui River Canoe Adventures Self Guided
From a quick splash and dash to a five day adventure Blazing Paddles offer the most competitive canoe hire rates in Taumarunui.
Waka Tours Abel Tasman Kaiteriteri
Paddle along the coast to Split Apple Rock –Toka Ngawh?, a beautiful, atmospheric place and one of the Abel Tasman coastline’s most iconic spots.
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
Island Getaway Bay of Islands -Holei in the rock & Island Water Taxi
catering to a maximum of 20 guests allows us to “escape the crowds” enabling us to take you to the most secluded and unfrequented beaches
Auckland Sea Kayak Tours on the Hauraki Gulf
Join Auckland’s premier sea kayaking company for a relaxing day on the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, a sea kayaker’s paradise.
Small Group Cape Reinga Tours from Paihia, Kerikeri & the Far North
Discover Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki Sand Dunes on a small-group tour with Mullarkey Tours. Pickups from Paihia and Kerikeri.
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.
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.
Top 6 Milford Sound Cruises & Tours (Day & Overnight)
Top 6 Milford Sound cruises & tours—day, overnight, coach & fly-cruise—from Queenstown & Te Anau. Compare durations, inclusions, and prices to book.
Aucklands Goat Island Dive & Snorkel Guided Trips
Goat Island Marine reserve is a magical world for snorkeling and Scuba diveing home to a huge variety of New Zealand’s marine life
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
