There are such a lot of fun things to do in New Zealand it may be tough to know the place to start out!
Typically thought of the journey capital of the world, New Zealand is an incredible vacation spot and we have got you lined with concepts, itineraries and locations to remain.
New Zealand is a dream vacation spot packing an enormous punch right into a small house with astounding surroundings, cosmopolitan cities, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and a jaw-dropping shoreline.
We really did all of those adventures in New Zealand and may give you first-hand info on what to see and do!
It may be overwhelming deciding on what to do in New Zealand.
We have rounded up the extra distinctive and thrilling locations to go to in New Zealand that you could be not be capable to do anyplace else on earth!
Take pleasure in our favorite adventures that we skilled within the North and South Islands from our numerous visits to New Zeland over time.
Let’s reveiw fun things to do in New Zealand on the South Island
We spent plenty of time on the South Island throughout our first journey to New Zealand and really feel it’s undoubtedly the extra adventurous facet of the 2.
The South Island is the bigger of the 2 islands however has a decrease inhabitants making for wonderful backcountry adventures and unspoiled surroundings.
1. Bungy Bounce in Queenstown
You possibly can’t go to New Zealand with out doing a bunjy soar
Bungy leaping was inve
nted by AJ Hackett in Queenstown, and in case you are visiting right here, you have to be sure you soar off a platform at one of many websites.
A bungy soar is the #1 exercise of issues to do in New Zealand for many individuals, should you do not do it, you may be sorry!
There are a lot of to select from. The unique Bridge Bounce, The Ledge Bunjy and the terrifying Nevis Bungy situated 134 metre over the center of a gorge!
2. Cruise Milford Sound
In 2008 it was named the World’s High Journey Vacation spot and Rudyard Kipling referred to as it the eighth Surprise of the World.
Milford Sound is the nation’s most well-known vacationer vacation spot.
A cruise via Milford Sound is a should when visiting the nation. Its breathtaking fiords showcase a few of the highest sea cliffs on the planet.
3. Whitewater Raft Class 5 Rapids
Whitewater Rafting for Pure Adrenaline
We have completed plenty of whitew
ater rafting all over the world, however the class 5 rapids simply two hours from Christchurch had been the fun of a lifetime.
After going through the huge water, you possibly can soar into some smaller rapids your self from three – 5 meter excessive ledges.
That actually will get your blood pumping.
4. Trek the Fox Glacier
Trek the Fox Glacier in New Zealand
Who does not need to stroll on a glacier? The Fox Glacier might be one of many best and quickest glacier walks you may ever be capable to do.
We had been suited up with thick woolly socks and boots appropriate for crampons.
They gave us a rain jacket and waterproof pants all we needed to do was present up. Positioned at a low elevation, it is appropriate for anybody that is comparatively match.
5. Go Paragliding Over Queenstown
Catch the Skyline Gondola (only a 5-minute stroll from central Queenstown) to the highest of the mountain for probably the most extraordinary paragliding expertise you may ever have.
Then soar 2000 ft above Queenstown. We had a very good 15-minute flight and will maintain catching the waves to return as much as our place to begin quite than dropping shortly to the bottom.
You will get to do some wonderful maneuvers too!
Chosen New Zealand Excursions from Queenstown
We ebook day excursions with Get Your Information Across the World. They provide final minute bookings and simple cancellations.
Lord of the Rings Full Day – Go to the various areas the place Lord of the Rings was filmed and take within the spectacular panorama of the South Island.
Jet Boat Underwater Observatory – New Zealand is the journey capital of the world and this Jet Boat Journey will get your coronary heart pounding.
Scenic Helicopter Tour – Fly over the peaks of Mt. Aspiring Nationwide Park the place you may see beautiful mountains and ice falls earlier than touchdown within the Forbes Mountains.
6. Moeraki Boulders
You will need to see the Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are a pure phenomenon that lay alongside a stretch of the Koekohe Seashore on the Otago coast of New Zealand.
I did not even know they existed, however critically, they’re among the finest issues to do in New Zealand.
They’re situated between Moeraki and Hampden on the South Island.
Scientists declare that the Moeraki boulders had been shaped thousands and thousands of years in the past resulting from muddy sediments slowly forming the boulders via erosion, wave motion and landslide. They’re an interesting sight to see.
7. Fly Your Personal Stunt Airplane
Fly Your Personal Stunt Airplane
Essentially the most authentic and thrilling journey you’ll ever do in your life is to fly your personal stunt airplane at Ufly Excessive. (sadly, you possibly can now not fly your personal stunt airplane right here however you are able to do it in Wanaka! My expertise was too cool to not go away in)
Think about taking full management of the airplane you flip the wrong way up and throughout in mid-air as pilot Vincent talks you thru the flight from the cockpit behind.
It is undoubtedly not for the faint of coronary heart however is certainly probably the most distinctive factor we did in New Zealand or anyplace for that matter.
Replace: UFly Excessive is now not in enterprise, however we do see that there’s nonetheless a spot to fly a stunt airplane in New Zealand. We nevertheless did not fly with the brand new institution, so we will not say how good it’s.
8. Stroll Up the World’s Steepest Avenue
New Zealand has the steepest avenue on earth.
Baldwin Avenue is situated in Duneden and is a brief 350 metre(1,150 ft) stroll, nevertheless it rises a whopping 30 metres(98) in that brief time.
It is a fast brief bucket record merchandise so as to add to your New Zealand itinerary.
9. Search for Greenstone on the Seashore
Dave Proudly wears his Toki Greenstone Wherever He Goes
Dave hasn’t taken his Inexperienced Stone (Kiwi for Jade) off since our first journey to New Zealand in 2011.
Hokitika is known for the inexperienced stone that washes up on the seashores. For those who discover a good piece, you possibly can convey them to a studio and somebody will make a necklace for you.
Greenstone within the outlets is dear, however should you stroll across the markets, hyou will discover some inexpensive items.
Dave wears a Toki round his neck. The Maori used Tokis as a instrument, however right this moment they’re worn across the neck and represents energy.
It is vital to not purchase your self a Toki, they need to be given to you. Naturally, I gave one to Dave.
10. World Well-known Gorge Swing
If bunjy leaping is an excessive amount of for you, strive a gorge swing as a substitute.
You get to do that in pairs of two should you like! It is not a direct fall, however as a substitute a swing throughout the gorge on a 300-metre arc.
11. Lake Tekapo
The Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo on the South Island, New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo is a part of the Darkish Sky Protect and is a superb place for tenting.
Spend the night time and take within the stars.
It is most photographed view is the one above of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
12. Go to Wanaka
Because of Instagram going loopy with pictures of the Wanaka Tree, this sleepy city has gained recognition.
Surrounded by Mountains there isn’t any scarcity of hikes and out of doors adventures available in Wanaka.
Try all of the issues to do there written by native journey author Matt Burns.
13. Pancake Rocks
The Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki are an superior place to go to.
Take a walkway out to view the 1000-year-old eroded limestone formations.
For those who time it proper, you may catch the ocean spewing up via the rocks blowholes.
A part of the Paparoa Nationwide Park, the Pancake Rocks are accessed by the straightforward Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Stroll proper within the centre of Punakaiki.
14. Go Crusing
Go crusing in Abel Tasman
One can not admire the great thing about a shoreline till you see it from afar.
Taking a crusing journey is a enjoyable and stress-free technique to spend the day.
We sailed alongside the coast of Abel Tasman Nationwide Park exploring secluded seashores and witnessing distinctive rock formations.
However most significantly, we had the chance to captain the boat!
15. Mount Prepare dinner
Mount Prepare dinner is the very best mountain in New Zealand. Sir Edmund Hillary educated right here for his summit to Mount Everest!
Mount Prepare dinner is definitely accessible by street providing beautiful views of peaks and glaciers.
There are many tracks to hike and it has excellent mountain climbing experiences.
16. Go Whale Watching Kaikoura
Whale watching in Kaikoura
Whale watching may not seem to be some of the distinctive issues to do in New Zealand, however what makes it particular is the variety of species you will notice.
Every kind of various whales migrate via these waters and possibilities of spying a number of are excellent!
When whale watching in Kaikoura, the possibilities of recognizing whales are in order that should you do not see any, they are going to refund 80% of your cash.
We not solely noticed humpback whales, we noticed killer whales too!
17. Break up Apple Rock
Break up Apple Rock New Zealand
Break up Apple Rock is a 120 million-year-old granite rock that has been break up in half.
Legend has it the rock was break up between two warring Gods.
Science tells us that through the ice age, water that had seeped into the rock expanded splitting the huge formation in half.
I am going with the Gods!
18. Take a Jet Boat Tour
There are a lot of locations to take a jet boat in New Zealand with probably the most well-known being within the Queenstown space.
We took a couple of via rivers and out to sea, however one in every of our favourites was The Luxmore Jetboat Expertise taking some thrills and spills via Fjordland Nationwide Park.
19. Discover Christchurch
Christchurch has come a great distance because the 2011 Earthquake. Town has a brand new funky vibe and issues are coming collectively.
We had been there simply after the earthquake and will inform that it was a good looking metropolis, even inside the rubble.
At this time, native author Martina Grossi shares how far it has come and what to do in Christchurch do you have to base your self there for a couple of days.
20. See the Glow Worms
Glowworms are small bugs that emit bioluminescent.
They are often discovered in lots of caves in New Zealand and you have to go to see them when you’re there.
We really noticed them on each the South Island in Te Anau and North Island, however we selected to place them on this part becuase the Waitomo Caves are the extra in style tour and simpler to get to.
Glowworms by no means go away the cave and so they spend their lives feeding on bugs that make their means into the deep caverns.
One glowworm hangs tons of of threads to catch their prey utilizing their lights entice the bugs the place they’re trapped of their gooey string to attend for a sluggish dying.
Learn extra at our Go to to the Glowworm Caves New Zealand
Try this tour of the Waitomo Caves that features tubing via the caves.
21. Hike the Tongariro Crossing
Hike the Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is taken into account among the finest day hikes in your complete world.
It is a fully stunning trek taking you thru large valleys, up mountain slopes and to unimaginable volcanic lakes.
Peter Jackson selected this location to be the dreaded Mount Doom within the Lord of the Rings.
Distinctive Excursions to do in New Zealand from Auckland
Tour of the Waitomo Caves this is likely one of the most fascinating excursions we have taken. To see thousands and thousands of Glowworms shining like stars. Try that features tubing via the caves.
Zorbing It is fully distinctive to New Zealand and you have to when you’re there. Get in a ball and roll down a hill like a hamster. The place to do it’s Rotorua or Waitomo
Maori Luxurious Tour – Be taught concerning the Maori tradition as you discover the wild west coast with a neighborhood Maori information.
22. Wai-O-Tapu
Wai-O-Tapu Sulpher Springs
Wai-O-Tapu is a Thermal Wonderland.
Stroll alongside protected and outlined tracks via this unimaginable geothermal swimming pools and volcanic and acidic lakes.
Witness effervescent mud, steaming floor and volcanic craters at this pure attraction that has bee referred to as One of many 20 Most Surreal Locations within the World.
23. Sky Dive Taupo or Abel Tasman
Skydiving in Abel Tasman
When skydiving in Abel Tasman you will have the choice to leap from 16,500 ft.
Skydive Abel Tasman is the one place in New Zealand which you can soar from so excessive.
There are a lot of locations to leap in New Zealand, however Abel Tasman is particular as you possibly can see each the North and South Island while you soar.
Taupo appeared prefer it was fairly superior too, however we had a climate subject and our soar was cancelled. Alas, we needed to transfer on, however they had been a improbable firm throughout our expertise with them.
24. Go Zorbing in Rotorua
New Zealand is understood for his or her zany adventures and when there you have to strive zorbing in Rotorua.
Rotorua is a superb cease for warm springs as nicely, so after a day of adventures, you possibly can heat up within the heat volcanic sulphur waters.
25. Sail On The America’s Cup Profitable Yacht
New Zealand’s staff is likely one of the greatest on the planet. They’re the present holders of the America’s Cup and when in Aukland, you possibly can expertise what it’s prefer to sail these rasing yachts.
Get as concerned as you want, or simply take within the view of town from the ocean.
26. Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua
Maori Performer
The Polynesians settled right here within the 13th century and a very good technique to study their historical past is to go to the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua.
Right here you may be welcomed by the Powhiri, a proper welcoming ceremony adopted by a efficiency of warrior dances and songs.
We named New Zealand as one of many prime spots for the Greatest Street Journeys on the planet, see the place else made the reduce!
Continue review fun things to do in New Zealand
27. Go Sandboarding
Sandboarding in Openoni which is simply south of the Bay of Islands is an effective little cease in the midst of a sunny afternoon.
The price is okay at 20 NZD (about $15 USD) per particular person for the boat trip and the board rental making it one of many least expensive excursions we did within the nation.
28. Wellington Lookout
Within the middle of Wellington, there’s hill generally known as Mount Victoria.
There, they filmed the primary scene from The Lord of the Rings, the place Frodo and the Hobbits conceal from their first Wraith.
It is a good way to get. out of town.
29. Mount Maunganui
New Zealand Travel Journey Information
Mount Maunganui is a good looking place to go to. The Foremost Seashore has been topped the ‘Greatest Seashore in New Zealand and mountaineering the mountain, Mauao, is a beautiful hike that takes about 45 minutes.
It is one in every of New Zealand’s hottest walks making it one of many prime issues to do in New Zealand.
30. Huka Falls
The Huka Falls presents a spectacular show of the facility of water with 220okay litres of water speeding down an 11-metre waterfall per second!
It is value stopping to take a look!
31. Go to Hobbiton
New Zealand has at all times been an incredible vacation spot however the world actually took discover when the Lord of the Rings filmed right here.
A complete Hobbit Village was constructed on farmland and it’s now open to the general public. See the place Frodo and Sam nice up and expertise a chunk of Hollywood Historical past.
Try excursions of Hobbiton with Get Your Information.
32. Sky Tower
Need slightly adrenaline within the metropolis?
Select from the Skywalk or Sky Bounce at Auckland’s Sky Tower.
What I like about that is, in case you are not prepared for a bunjy soar, this presents a managed descent reaching a velocity of 85km per hour.
33. Swim with Dolphins, Kaikoura
Swim with bottle nostril dolphins
Swimming with dolphins is likely one of the most magical moments you’ll ever have in your life.
We swam with them within the The Bay of Islands the place we had the chance to swim with bottlenose dolphins. However that’s now not allowed resulting from authorities restrictions.
I hear they grew to become to domesticated.
However you possibly can nonetheless swim with dolphins in different elements of New Zeland.
In Kaikoura, you swim with a bigger pod however it’s also a tour with extra folks too.
The waters are hotter on the North Island so you do not have to put on a wetsuit like within the South Island.
A wetsuit is required in Kaikoura.
Urged New Zealand Excursions from Auckland
Bay of Islands: This can be a stunning vacation spot situated on the North Island. Try Tall Ship Sailling tour from Auckland via Get Your Information the place you possibly can assist the crew hoist the sails.
Black River Rafting – Not solely will you get to see glow worms, you may have an journey climbing, abseiling and caving into the black river.
The Final Cave Bundle – Final cave expeirence zip lining, glowworms, waterfalls and canyoning.
Hobbiton Film set: Are you an enormous Lord of the Rings fan? Go to Center Earth and the precise shire set from the films!
Hop on Hop off Bus – Discover Auckland simply with a hop on hop off bus tour of town.
34. Sizzling Water Seashore
I’ll admit, it was pouring rain after we visited Sizzling Water Seashore, so we did not make a scorching pool within the sand like so many others do.
When the seaside is at low tide, the new springs that run beneath rises via the sand creating a comfortable place to burrow into.
35. Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington
Mushroom Homes Charlevoix
When heading over from the South Island, we hopped on a ferry to Wellington and had the prospect to spend a couple of days there.
Wellington was the situation for the principle studios when filming Lord of the Rings.
We had the prospect to see the miniatures and one of many coolest issues was to see the units displaying the angle of how they made the Hobbits look small in comparison with the wizards.
It was all completed by perspective manipulation. Wizards had been in a tiny a part of the room hunched over whereas the Hobbits stood in a spot with excessive cielings.
If you cannot make it to New Zealand, take a look at the Hobbit Homes of Charlevoix in Michigan!
36. Rent a Campervan
New Zealand was made for a street journey. One of the best ways to expertise it’s to have the liberty of the open street.
Campgrounds are nicely stocked and getting round is tremendous simple. Plus there are many scenic lookouts simply ready so that you can pull over.
37. Take the Flying Kiwi
Hat Day at The Flying Kiwi
We travelled New Zealand with the Flying Kiwi and it is an amazing finances technique to get round.
The hop on Hop off Bus helps you to keep so long as you want in a location.
It is primary, with tenting as your lodging and barbecues in your meals, nevertheless it’s an exquisite technique to get to know your fellow vacationers and to see plenty of the island.
The North and South Island Tour final about 6 weeks!~ However you possibly can select a leg of any tour that’s normally round 9 days.
This is the last of fun things to do in New Zealand .
Map of Stops on our New Zealand Journey Information
Getting Round New Zealand – Fun things to do in New Zealand
New Zealand is compact and simple to get round by renting your personal campervan, flying between cities or becoming a member of a full hop on hop off multi-day bus tour.
We have now travelled New Zealand 3 times. With Flying Kiwi, in a Campervan, and on a cruise.
We additionally rented a campervan to get round. We used AllWays Leases however they’re now not round. We noticed lots of people driving in Depraved and JUCY Campervans
Lastly, we visited New Zealand with Holland America Cruise Strains.
Get Your information additionally presents Tour choices:
There are such a lot of issues to see and do in New Zealand, you could possibly spend a month exploring the 2 islands and nonetheless not see all of it. We all know! We have spent almost two months there.
A part of it as a Street Journey with AllWays Leases, with The Flying Kiwi and once more with Holland America Cruises
And now you may get round with Air New Zealand presents native flights to 25 cities getting you shortly to your vacation spot.
So there you will have it, you’re armed with these 35 concepts of the best adventures and issues to do in New Zealand, you’ll simply create your personal customized itinerary.
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