New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It has a vibrant culture and great hospitality and tourists from all over the world come to New Zealand in large numbers to visit the famous and popular tourist places. There are many gorgeous places in the country that tourists love to explore such as Auckland, Milford Sound, Christ Church, Rotorua, etc. and there are many more amazing things that one can experience in New Zealand.
There are many incredible things to do in New Zealand that will add to the joy of your trip and leave you with unforgettable memories!
10 Top Things To Do In New Zealand
New Zealand offers so many exciting things at our disposal that we can’t help but get both enthralled and confused! So, here are 10 best things to do in New Zealand that will help you make endless memories!
1. Milford Sound Underwater Observatory: Lose Yourself In The World Of Water
2. Waitomo Caves: Get Mesmerized By The Wonder Of Nature
3. Lake Tekapo: Enjoy The Picturesque And Dazzling Views
4. Abel Tasman National Park: Check Out The Abode Of The Rarest Species
5. Franz Joseph Glacier: Experience Thrill Activities
6. Sky Tower: Enjoy The Fun Of Sky-Walking
7. Mount Cook: Trek Till Your Bones Get Tired
8. Bay of Islands: Go Fishing
9. Museum Of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Dig Out Old Treasures
10. Larnach Castle: Explore The Excellent Architecture
1. Milford Sound Underwater Observatory: Lose Yourself In The World Of Water
New Zealand has two bulks of islands- North and South. Milford Sound is a part of New Zealand’s south group of islands and it lies within the Fiordland National Park. There is a Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory for the tourists which has seal colonies, dolphins and penguins. Also, there are extremely rare black corals and other exotic marine life that you can see!
Location: Harrison Cove, Milford Sound 9600, New Zealand
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fees: INR 4,620
Places to stay: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise – Fiordland Discovery
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2. Waitomo Caves: Get Mesmerized By The Wonder Of Nature
The Waitomo Caves are located in a village on the Northern Island of New Zealand and these are two underground caves including Ruakuri Caves and Glowworm Caves. The Glowworm caves, as the name suggests, are lit up by glowworms giving an exotic view and the vastness of Ruakuri caves features different limestone formations and waterfalls.
Location: 39 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves, Otorohanga 3943, New Zealand
Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 116
Places to stay: Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge, Glow Worm Motel, Kiwipaka Waitomo and Abseil Inn
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3. Lake Tekapo: Enjoy The Picturesque And Dazzling Views
Lake Tekapo is a small town at the southern end of Tekapo Lake. The trail around Lake Tekapo takes half a day and starts from Mt. Cook and it offers a breathtaking view of the Southern Alps. The waters of Lake Tekapo have an intense white milky and turquoise color and you can simply sit and relax by the lake on your trip.
Location: Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island, New Zealand
Timings: 24 hours open
Entry Fees: INR 1300
Places to stay: YHA Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park and Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes
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4. Abel Tasman National Park: Check Out The Abode Of The Rarest Species
The land of New Zealand is famous for its reserves of flora and fauna and there are numerous species of distinguished plants, animals, and birds. The Abel Tasman National Reserve is located at the northern end of New Zealand’s south island; it is a perfect place for relaxation and adventure. The native wildlife includes tui, bellbird, fur seals, gannets and blue penguins and one can enjoy watching all the wildlife by taking a ride through the Abel Tasman National Park. There are adventure activities like hiking and paddling as well. One can certainly visit this place with family as it is one of the most exciting things to do in New Zealand with family.
Location: South Island, 7183, New Zealand
Timings: Depends on the activities you undertake
Entry Fees: INR 1400 to INR 3500
Places to stay: Ocean View Chalets, Abel Tasman Kaiteriteri B & B and Kaiteri Lodge
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5. Franz Joseph Glacier: Experience Thrill Activities
The Franz Josef Glacier is a maritime glacier which is 12KM long. It descends from the Southern Alps along with the 30KM long Fox Glacier and another third glacier. It descends to almost 300m above sea level. One can walk through the glacier and the glacier valley to experience some of the most breathtaking views and the magic of nature. The path is clad with snow and hence, it is advised to travel through this region only with the help of a knowledgeable guide. There are thrilling activities like ice climbing, hiking, valley tour through the glacier and an overnight stay in the glacier region. Also, there is a flight that takes you through the glacier and lets you explore the raw and sumptuous beauty of nature.
Location: Franz Josef Glacier, South Island, New Zealand
Timings: Depends on the type of activity you undertake
Entry Fees: Ranges between INR 3,700 to INR 46,000 ( depending on the activity you choose)
Places to stay: Franz Josef Oasis, Alpine Escape and Franz Josef Montrose Hostel Lodge
Suggested Read: 24 Famous New Zealand Tourist Attractions That One Should Visit
6. Sky Tower: Enjoy The Fun Of Sky-Walking
Auckland is the capital of New Zealand and hence, has excellent and ambitious structures like the Sky Tower. It is a telecommunications and observation tower and is 328 meters tall. It is the 25th tallest tower in the world and has the honor of being the tallest freestanding building in the Southern hemisphere. It gives an elaborate and panoramic view of the Auckland skyline along with some fine dining restaurants. A romantic date at one of these restaurants is one of the things to do in New Zealand for couples. The adventure activities like sky-walking and sky-jumping attract almost 1000 visitors every day.
Location: Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 970
Places to stay: QV Waterfront Apartment Viaduct Area, Latitude 37 and Hobson Lodge
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7. Mount Cook: Trek Till Your Bones Get Tired
The peak of Mt. Cook is also referred to as ‘Aoraki’. It is the highest peak in New Zealand with a height of approximately 3,724 meters. There is a church of the Good Shepherd which you can see and also there are various trekking options available. A trek to this peak is a great challenge for mountain climbers from all over the world. It is visited by many people and trekking here is one of the best things to do in New Zealand with friends. One can also enjoy stargazing at the Mount John Observatory located nearby.
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Timings: Anytime
Entry Fees: N/A
Places to stay: Mt Cook Lodge and Motel, YHA Mt Cook and The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
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8. Bay of Islands: Go Fishing
This region lies at the far east of the northern island of New Zealand. This place is famous for its big-game fishing and the Maori cultural artifacts. Also, one can undertake different activities apart from fishing such as sailing and diving in the waters of this Bay. It has some undeveloped beaches which give a rustic feel to the visitors and partying or fishing at the beach is one of the best things to do in New Zealand for bachelors.
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Timings: Anytime
Entry Fees: N/A
Places to stay: Hananui Lodge and Apartments, Bay Of Islands Beachhouses and Blue Pacific Apartments
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9. Museum Of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Dig Out Old Treasures
Museums are the best ways of reminiscing the history and stories which give national glory and recognition to a country. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum of New Zealand and it lies in Wellington opened in 1998. It houses collections of fossils, archaeozoology, and pieces of English and French furniture. It also has exquisite collections of photography and art. One can correctly study the Kiwi culture with a visit to this place and exploring this place is one of the most interesting things to do in New Zealand with kids.
Location: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Places to stay: Boulcott Hall, YHA Wellington and QT Wellington Apartments
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10. Larnach Castle: Explore The Excellent Architecture
The Larnach Castle is a huge mock castle in New Zealand and it is built on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula in the city of Dunedin. This castle was created by the great politician and architect William Larnach, hence, the name Larnach castle. This place has a guided tour informing the people about the creation and development of this castle. There are a ballroom café, historic stables and outbuildings and a lovely garden around the structure of this castle. One can enjoy richness, royalty, and regality in the Larnach Castle of New Zealand.
Location: 145 Camp Road, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fees: INR 2425 for adults
Places to stay: Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay, Camp Estate by Larnach Castle and The Burlington Apartment Dunedin
Further Read: Canyoning In New Zealand Is Not For The Faint-Hearted, Here’s Why!
New Zealand is a country of cultural vastness and abundance of the resources of nature. All of these factors have helped tourism in this region boom and prosper. There are tourists from around the world who are eager and excited to visit the brilliant attractions of the country and experience the amazing things to do in New Zealand! So, what are you thinking, plan your trip to New Zealand now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In New Zealand
What is New Zealand famous for?
The country of New Zealand is famous for its beautiful landscape and picturesque tourist destinations.
What are some of the adventure sports in New Zealand?
Some of the best adventure sports in New Zealand that one can try are:
1. Jet Boating
2. Rafting
3. Canyoning
4. Caving
5. Zorbing
6. Skydiving
What is the most famous food in New Zealand?
The Maori culture profoundly impacts the food of New Zealand. Hence, dishes like Hangi, crayfish, kiwi burger, and Jafflas are popular food items here.
What is the best time to visit New Zealand?
The best season to visit New Zealand is summer which lasts from December to February.
What should one buy in New Zealand?
One can shop for the following things in New Zealand:
1. Paua and jade jewelry
2. Jerseys
3. Gumboots
4. Wine and beer
What are the romantic places one can visit in New Zealand?
The romantic places to visit in New Zealand are:
1. Auckland
2. Queenstown
3. Milford Sound
4. Fox Glacier
5. Dunedin
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An Aerospace Engineer by profession and a freelance content writer by passion, Ankur has always had a zeal to write. He has been born and brought up in Allahabad, and strongly believes that the pen is mightier than the sword.