Updated: 20 th June 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bay of Islands Holiday experiences Bounce your Bubble to the Bay of Islands Escape to the Bay of Islands, a destination that offers something for everyone, from relaxation to where adventures abound. Just a quick 3 hour drive (or 45 minute flight) from Auckland then the
Fly with Air Safaris from Lake Tekapo on the Grand Traverse or helicopter tours over Mt Cook, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Book your scenic flight today.
Stunning high country plateaus, towering mountains and steeped in gold mining history so is the perfect landscape to enjoy a horse trek
Bay of Islands cruise to the Hole in the Rock from Paihia or Russell. Dolphin viewing, visit Urupukapuka Island & Cape Brett coastline. Save 10% online.
Southern Discoveries scenic cruises across spectacular Lake Wakatipu and all the way to Mt Nicholas High Country Farm
Kaikoura has one of the largest numbers of different types of seabirds within a small area than anywhere along the New Zealand coastline
Experience a 12,000ft or 15,000ft jump over one of the best skydiving locations in New Zealand with Skydive Taupo
Experience Hydro Attack Queenstown’s famous shark ride on Lake Wakatipu. Dive, leap and roll at 80kph in this thrilling 15-minute Seabreacher adventure. Ages 6+
Explore a piece of New Zealand’s rich rail heritage while relaxing in the luxury of a rail-car, cleverly modified to be self-driven along the rail tracks
At the International Antarctic Centre, our visitor experiences have been carefully developed to offer adrenalin and inspiration.
Our scenic flights includes Mount Aspiring, pristine glaciers, rainforests, alpine lakes, rivers, cascading waterfalls & Milford Sound.
Join Auckland’s premier sea kayaking company for a relaxing day on the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, a sea kayaker’s paradise.
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.
Discover New Zealand’s best scenic flights – from Bay of Islands to Fiordland. Helicopter, floatplane & fixed-wing adventures over mountains, lakes & coastlines
Explore New Zealand’s top 20 must-visit destinations. From Northland to Stewart Island, discover breathtaking landscapes, adventure, and local attractions!
Discover 10 of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets, from remote wilderness lodges and forgotten gold towns to hidden geothermal beaches & ancient limestone arches.
Discover the best jet boat rides in New Zealand’s North & South Islands. Experience thrilling 360° spins, fast canyon runs and breathtaking landscapes.
Drive from Queenstown to Christchurch via Lindis Pass, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Discover scenic stops, walks, viewpoints and unforgettable alpine landscapes.
Plan the ultimate One month New Zealand itinerary. Explore the North & South Islands with our curated route featuring glaciers, fiords, beaches & M?ori culture.
