By Fathima Rukaiya,

If you’re unsure where to start or feel like New Zealand might not have much to offer, you’re in for a surprise. This spectacular country is packed with world-class adventures, breathtaking natural landscapes, and unique cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of exciting things every traveler MUST do when visiting New Zealand; the kind of experiences that turn an ordinary trip into something unforgettable

1. Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Why go: Often considered among the world’s top one-day walks, this track passes active volcanic landscape, emerald lakes, and steamy vents.

Location: Tongariro National Park (accessible from Taupo, Turangi, or National Park Village).

Costs: No park entry fee. Shuttle transfer to/from trailheads: NZ$60 to $75 or USD $36 to $45 (required in most locations because of parking restrictions).

Facilities:

• Visitor center with trail info
• Toilets at Mangatepopo and Ketetahi trailheads
• Parking at approved shuttle points
• No food or water on the track; bring essentials

Start early, weather changes rapidly.

2. Cruise Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)

Why go: One of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes featuring cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife such as seals and dolphins.

Location: Milford Sound, accessible via the scenic Milford Road from Te Anau or via coach tours.

Costs:

• Day cruises: NZ$99 – $250+ / USD $59 – $150+
• Overnight cruises: NZ$700+ / USD $420+
  
  

Facilities:

• Visitor terminal with information
• Toilets and limited food services
• Parking near the wharf

Morning or late-afternoon cruises offer calmer waters and better light.

3. Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set

Why go: Explore the lush rolling hills and iconic hobbit holes used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Location: Matamata in the Waikato region.

Costs:

• Adults: about NZ$120 / USD $72
• Youth: about NZ$60 / USD $36
• Family packages available

Facilities:

• Large visitor center
• Café and themed gift shop
• Guided tours only
• Accessible pathways in most areas

Book morning sessions for fewer crowds and softer photo lighting.

4. Explore Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers

Why go: Two of the world’s most accessible glaciers, offering Heli-hikes, scenic flights, and glacier valley walks.

Location: Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Costs:

• Helicopter scenic flights: NZ$350+ / USD $210+
• Guided Heli-hikes: NZ$600 – $800+ / USD $360 – $480+
  
  

Facilities:

• Glacier visitor centers
• Helicopter bases with safety briefings
• Cafés, shops, and accommodation in towns

Weather affects flight operations, always have backup plans.

5. See Glowworms in Waitomo Caves

Why go: A magical boat ride through caves lit by thousands of glowworms.

Location: Waitomo district, south of Hamilton.

Costs:

• Standard glowworm boat tour: NZ$80 – $90 / USD $48 – $54
• Blackwater rafting and adventure caving: additional fees (can vary)

Facilities:

• Modern visitor center
• Cafés, toilets, gift shop
• Parking for cars and buses

Early morning and late afternoon tours are quieter.

6. Experience Rotorua’s Geothermal & Māori Culture

Why go: The heart of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Māori cultural heritage.

Geothermal parks with geysers, bubbling mud pools, Māori craft institutes, and kiwi bird sanctuaries.

Costs:

• Combined geothermal and cultural experiences: Around NZ$100 per adult / USD $60
  
  

Facilities:

• Visitor centers
• Cultural performance venues
• Restaurants and cafés
• Boardwalks and accessible viewing areas

Some geothermal areas have strong Sulphur smells, be prepared.

7. Try Queenstown’s Adrenaline Adventures

Why go: The global hub of adventure sports: bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, canyon swinging, and more.

Location: Southern Lakes region.

Costs:

• Bungy: NZ$150 – $400+ / USD $90 – $240+
• Nevis bungy/swing: about NZ$395+ / USD $237+
  
  

Facilities:

• Safety operator bases
• Lockers, shuttle transfers
• Cafés and viewing areas

Book adventure activities early, especially in peak summer.

8. Kayak or Hike Abel Tasman National Park

Why go: Golden beaches, turquoise water, and one of the country’s most beautiful coastal tracks.

Location: Northern tip of the South Island.

Costs:

• Water taxi services: NZ$60 – $150+ / USD $36 – $90+
• Guided kayaking trips: rates can be higher depending on duration

Facilities:

• DOC huts and campsites (prior booking required)
• Water taxi pick-up points
• Toilets at major beaches

Perfect for beginners as the sea is generally calm and warm.

9. Marine Wildlife Encounters in Kaikoura

Why go: One of the world’s best places to spot sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and seabirds.

Location: Kaikoura peninsula.

Costs:

• Whale watching boat tours: NZ$120 – $250+ / USD $72 – $150+
• Scenic flight whale watching rates can be higher
  
  

Facilities:

• Marine tour bases
• Visitor information center
• Cafés and restaurants

Seas can be rough, bring motion sickness tablets if needed.

10. Wine Tasting in Marlborough

Why go: New Zealand’s premier wine region, known globally for Sauvignon Blanc and elegant cellar door experiences.

Location: Around Blenheim.

Costs:

• Winery tastings: NZ$5 – $20 / USD $3 – $12 (often waived with bottle purchase)
• Full-day wine tours: NZ$80+ / USD $48+

Facilities:

• Cellar-door tasting rooms
• Garden cafés and picnic areas
• Bike rental options nearby

The area is flat, perfect for a relaxed cycling wine tour.

11. Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Why go: One of the best places on Earth for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and crystal-clear skies.

Location: Lake Tekapo, Twizel, and Aoraki/Mt Cook region.

Costs:

• Public stargazing: free
• Guided observatory tours: NZ$40 – $150+ / USD $24 – $90+

Facilities:

• Observatories and guided tour centers
• Astro-lodges and glass-roof accommodations
• Visitor centers and nearby cafés

Winter gives the clearest skies, but nights can be freezing.

Important Trip Tips

Make reservations in advance for trips, especially cruises to Milford, Waitomo, Hobbiton, and glacier flights.

The most flexible way to travel throughout New Zealand is to rent a car.

Summer is peak season; off months offer beautiful weather and fewer tourists.

Check DOC (Department of Conservation) updates for track or road closures.

Mobile connectivity is restricted in national parks, download maps ahead.

*Please note that the prices mentioned above can tend to fluctuate, so recheck before planning.