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…

Okarito Boat Tours & Bird Watching on Okarito Lagoon

Okarito boat tours and bird watching on Okarito Lagoon near Franz Josef. Guided eco cruises spotting New Zealand birdlife on the West Coast.

Kiwi Adventure Backpacker Tours of Northland, New Zealand

Northland is stunningly beautiful, and rich in culture and history, and our Far North Escape tour will take you to some of the best bits!

Akaroa Pohatu Penguins: Farm Stays, Nature & Penguin Tours

Discover Akaroa’s Pohatu Penguins. Guided walks, kayaking, and wildlife tours let you witness Little Penguins in their natural habitat on Banks Peninsula.

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!

South Island Backpacker Adventure Tours in New Zealand

10 Day South Island Snow Adventure New Zealand’s South Island is a place of breathtaking beauty. It’s home to Queenstown, the Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo and our incredible glacier country, and so much more. There is no better time to explore it when your borders open

Helicopter Scenic Flights Over Ruapehu & Tongariro

Explore Ruapehu and Tongariro from the air with Kaimanawa Helicopters. Scenic flights, alpine landings, heli-biking adventures and unique wilderness glamping.

Shamarra Alpaca Farm tours Akaroa

Shamarra Alpaca farm offers a tour with a difference and only 20 minutes drive from Akaroa on the western side of Akaroa Harbour.

E Bike Hire Queenstown – Cycle Trails & Wineries

Explore Queenstown by e-bike with self-guided rides to wineries, lakes, and trails. Hotel pickup, flexible hire options, and scenic routes await.

Lake Wanaka Mountain Bike Guided tours

So if you are looking for, stunning scenery, amazing riding, friendly locals, and lot’s of FUN, then you have come to the right place!

Parasailing Lake Wanaka Stunning Mountain Views

Parasailing on Lake Wanaka is a truly unique experience combining the thrill of free flight and the stunning views of Lake wanaka

Discovery Jet – 45 Minute Jet Boat Ride in Rakaia Gorge

Blast through braided river channels at high speed with Discovery Jet. Hold on tight for 360° spins, epic scenery, and pure adrenaline in Rakaia Gorge!

Flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound – Scenic Air Tours

True South scenic flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound & Mt Cook. Choose Fly–Cruise–Fly or Coach–Cruise–Fly, plus glacier landing and heli-hike options.

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.