15 Fun Things To Do In New Zealand

Asia, Africa, Europe, America, Canada ﹘ same old! same old! How about something new with a new zeal? Yeah, we are talking about New Zealand and its islands. Break from your normal travel routine and try landing in Christchurch while the sun is up top. The sunbathed picturesque Alps from your window and the breathtaking bird’s eye view of the south island will guarantee you a cinematic entry into the wonderland of the kiwis. Wait! The fun doesn’t stop here. Here is a list of 15 fun things to do in New Zealand to ensure that the fun doesn’t end while you live your some of the most zealful days here.

1. Near Ashburton – Beat The Gravity

While in New Zealand and not skydiving would be a sin if you ask a religious adventurer. Hence, it’s time to beat the gravity for a while and enjoy an aerial view of the city. A free fall of about 45 seconds from 12000 feet is an experience to cherish for life .

Fun element: Skydiving for starters, and if you could not make it till jumping, the moments of flying in an open aircraft at 12000 ft is something like tasting the thunder.

Cost: Varies as per the package selected (NZD 235 to NZD 335)

For details, here is the Website

2. Christchurch – Visit Botanic Gardens

Also known as the garden city, Christchurch is one fine epitome of the picture that the nature itself can paint. Flowers with different color combinations, and the quaint lawns in the botanic gardens are perfect retreats for creating something inspirational. Moreover, as you can explore the colorful garden without making payment of an entrance fee, it is one of the cheap things to do in New Zealand.

Fun element: River Avon passes right through the middle of the garden; apart from watching ducks having fun in the river, you can also sail in the river after booking your ride.

Cost: NZD 28 for an adult for river punting; entry to the garden is free

3. Christchurch – Conquer The Snow At Canterbury

If you are in Christchurch and it’s winter (July, August, September), you have got to do the best among the fun things to do in New Zealand. Mt Hutt near Christchurch has one of the longest drops (683m) in South Island. Not to forget that the 90 minute ride from Christchurch International Airport to Mt Hutt will boost your excitement level with all its scenic vistas and challenging mountains.

Fun element: Four different lifts to reach the starting point of the ski point elevation of 2086 metres, skiing, snow boarding

Cost: Passes start from NZD 98

Must Read: 24 Famous New Zealand Tourist Attractions That Are Staggeringly Beautiful

4. Akaroa Harbour – Swim With Dolphins

Part of the Bans peninsula, the Akaroa harbour is about everything that any list of fun things to do in New Zealand can suggest. Endless scenic drives, nature cruises, sailing and swimming along dolphins and penguins, guided kayak safari, walking tracks and a lot more – the harbour has it all.

Fun element: Everything about the harbour is fun.

Cost: Varies as per the task

5. Christchurch – Visit The Antarctic Center

If you already knew about the Christchurch winters and stillmissed it, don’t worry! A visit to the International Antarctic Center guarantees snow-full time; as similar as that of the experiences in Antarctica.

Fun element: Simulated 4D cruise and feeling of being proud survivor of an Antarctic Storm.

Cost: NZD 59 for an Adult. Various passes are also available.

6. Hanmer Springs – Rejuvenating Experience

You will love your own skin after taking a dip into the thermal pool. The chilling weather and hot temperature (33 to 42 degrees Celsius) of the water guarantees a natural jacuzzi under the sky- another name among the fun things to do in New Zealand. There are other thrillful activities that have added to the tourist footfall at this lovely little place.

Fun element: Pierce through mud and conquer the river crossing while Quad Biking and river rafting.

Cost: Quad Biking for NZD 91.08 for an adult; rafting for NZD 72.68

7. Kaikoura – Whale Watching

The seaside settlement of Kaikoura is the most northern district in the Canterbury region located on the east coast of the South Island. An ideal location for both north and south bound travellers, a glimpse of the biggest mammal of the world here will make you skip a heartbeat.

Fun element: Whale watching, photography, and cruise

Cost: Flight at NZD 180 | Cruise at NZD 145

Suggested Read: 20 Best Beaches In New Zealand For A Romantic Holiday You Always Wanted

8. Arthurs Pass – Trek Through The Pass Of South Island:

The National Park at Arthur’s Pass possess many mountain peaks over 2000 meters. If you are planning to go from East coast to West coast or vice versa, you must take this pass as your route. The pass offers various walks, waterfall and endless opportunities for mountaineering.

Fun elements: The wide river on the eastern side and the dense rainforests on the west, several vantage points to admire the beauty of the nature

9. Wanaka – Indulge In Fun Activities

Replenish all the fun things to do in New Zealand at this one place called Wanaka. Apart from fishing, boating and swimming at the lake here, the town has best single mountain biking tracks to offer.

Fun element: Puzzling world with illusion rooms and world’s first 3D ‘Great – Maze’

Cost: Illusion Room- NZD 16 | Great Maze – NZD 16

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Auckland For An Unforgettable NZ Vacay

10. Omarama – Glider Flying

No flying experience can beat gliding experience. While you are in Omarama, bring that bird in you out  and fly a glider over the mesmerizing valleys.

Fun element: Glider flying for starters, photography, mountain treks, natural beauty to admire.

11. Hobbiton – Lord Of The Rings Tour

Image Source

If you are a movie geek, then a visit to Hobbiton is probably one of the best things to do in New Zealand, North Island for you. Take a tour of the real-life movie set of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the movie set, and let yourself dig into the fairytale land for a fascinating experience. Nevertheless, whether you are a fan of the films of Peter Jackson or not, a tour to this quaint village shall certainly leave you mesmerized until the entirety of the trip.

Fun Element: Witnessing Tolkien’s Middle Earth come to life

12. Maori Village – Indulge In Maori Culture

Image Credit: Nydegger for Pixabay

If you take pride in being a culture vulture, then get ready to immerse yourself in a unique culture with a visit to Maori Village. Wander around the mysterious village, and choose to spend the night in a marae, witness the power of haka, dig your taste buds into a hangi, and learn about the heritage of Maori at Te Papa for an altogether a different experience. And, we promise it will be one of the best things to do in New Zealand that you won’t regret to include in your bucket list.

Suggested Read: Snorkeling In New Zealand: 6 Best Places To Swim Through Ultimate Joy!

13. Mine Bay – Explore Maori Rock Carvings

Image Source

Here is another significant sight of the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay that you must explore for an exemplary experience. Created by Matahi Brightwell and his team, these awe-inspiring rock carvings are the depiction of his ancestor- Ngatoroirangi. Nestled on the side of a low headland, you need to navigate your way to the carvings through the serene waters of Lake Taupo. Yo can opt for a boat tour, paddle out in a kayak, or hop on a float plane. Irrespective of what medium you choose to get there, this attraction never ceases to impress you.

Fun Element: Kayaking through Lake Taupo

14. Abel Tasman National Park – Beach Hopping

Image Source

Nestled on the summit of the south island of New Zealand is the Abel Tasman National Park, which is completely beguiling! Encompassing the unspoilt sandy stretches, this park makes you feel like you are enjoying a sojourn along a tropical oasis. Accessible by boat or foot, the best way to get to the beaches of national park is via kayaking. Choose to stay there till night, for you might grab a chance to savor a natural phenomenon of phosphorescent plankton while sailing through the waters in the dark, which makes this excursion one of the best things to do in New Zealand, South Island.

Fun Element: Sailing through the park’s beaches in the dark

Suggested Read: Food Festivals In New Zealand: To Indulge In The Country’s Most Exclusive Delicacies

15. Castle Hill – Marvel At The Odd Formations

Image Source

Have you ever been to the Castle Hill located in the proximity of Christchurch? If no, then do add an excursion to the hill in your next itinerary of New Zealand. As you climb up the Castle Hill cradled by the giant limestone formations, its ethereal landscapes will leave you astonished, for sure!

Fun Element: Trekking to the Castle Hill

Further Read: 12 Exotic Destinations For A Fairy-Tale Honeymoon In New Zealand

There you go. Compiling a complete package of fun and adventure, this list of some of the best things to do is meant to make your excursion to New Zealand a wonderful experience. We suggest going for all at a go, however do tell us if you finalise upon a few to start with.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fun Things To Do In New Zealand

People Also Read:

Things To Do In Rotorua Things To Do In Auckland Things To Do In Dunedin

Chintan Parekh