Explore New Zealand’s Best Experiences with GoTravelDaily

Spectacular and diverse, New Zealand (Aotearoa) is one of the world’s most memorable destinations. From its inspirational Māori cultural experiences to its epic national parks, it can be hard to narrow down what to do. You can spend your days soaking in the urban energy of Auckland and Wellington, challenging yourself on outdoor adventures around Queenstown, cycling through Central Otago’s historic towns, or trying to spot the country’s iconic kiwi bird on Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Let GoTravelDaily help you craft your own southern hemisphere adventure with this list of some of the best things to do in New Zealand.

1. Experience Vibrant Māori Culture

There are countless ways to engage with New Zealand’s Māori culture while exploring the country. You can expect to hear greetings in te reo Māori (the Māori language) frequently. For a deeper dive, the Auckland Museum and Waikato Museum offer displays of centuries-old Māori taonga (treasures).

Around Rotorua, families from the local Te Arawa iwi (tribe) entertain visitors with cultural performances and experiences, including the opportunity to take part in a haka (a ceremonial war dance made famous by the All Blacks rugby team) or experience a hāngī (a Māori feast cooked in the ground).

Detour: From Rotorua, travel 61km (38 miles) southeast to the isolated logging town of Murupara. Stays at the family-owned Kohutapu Lodge include excursions to catch tuna (endemic longfin eels), visits to historic Māori rock art sites, and hiking through the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, known for its spiritual significance and pristine landscapes.

2. Be Immersed in Auckland’s Diversity

Framed by two harbors and built on the sprawling remnants of more than 50 long-inactive volcanoes, Auckland is New Zealand’s most diverse and cosmopolitan city. Visit local markets to taste Pacific and Asian cuisines from its multicultural communities. Time your visit for popular cultural events like Pasifika, Diwali, and the Lantern Festival.

Planning Tip: Attend a match featuring the New Zealand Warriors or the Auckland Blues to experience the local sporting culture firsthand.

3. Hike One of New Zealand’s Great Walks

Hiking, known as “tramping,” is one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes, with established wilderness tracks, shelters (called “huts”), and campsites throughout the country. Highlights include the meandering forest trails of the Rakiura Track and the beach-fringed Abel Tasman Coast Track in the Nelson/Tasman region.

Planning Tip: All of New Zealand’s Great Walks are very popular, and the Department of Conservation caps visitor numbers for safety and sustainability. Be sure to plan ahead when making arrangements to hike.

4. Negotiate a Two-Wheeled Adventure in Central Otago

The Otago Central Rail Trail offers an undulating ride through sunbaked landscapes and heritage streetscapes of former gold-mining towns. This multi-day cycling experience allows guests to feast on locally grown stone fruit, visit vineyards known for world-class pinot noir, and unwind at historic pubs.

Detour: The 55km (34-mile) Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail traverses the spectacular Cromwell Gorge via a suspension bridge and a stunning cantilevered biking track.

5. Seek Out Kiwis on Stewart Island/Rakiura

At the southern tip of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is home to a close-knit community, where 85% of the land is protected by Rakiura National Park. Birdlife includes rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) and kākā (a type of parrot). However, the highlight is viewing tokoeka (Southern brown kiwi) in the wild through twilight expeditions.

Planning Tip: Ferries take one hour to cross the Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Stewart Island. Alternatively, opt for a short flight from Invercargill for ease of travel.

6. Commune with Marine Mammals Around Kaikōura

Attracted by the nutrient-rich waters of the Kaikōura Canyon, the coastal town of Kaikōura is visited by various whale species year-round. Join a boat trip to see humpback, orca, and southern right whales, along with resident sperm whales and dolphins.

Planning Tip: Kaikōura translates from te reo Māori as “eat crayfish.” This dish is a local favorite, enjoyed at various food spots around the region.

7. Have a Capital Time in Wellington

Compact and walkable, Wellington is ideal for balancing urban experiences with outdoor adventures. Explore craft beer heritage at local breweries and learn about the movie-making magic of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings franchises at the Wētā Workshop. The city also boasts a vibrant arts and live music scene year-round.

Planning Tip: Plan your visit around popular festivals like Beervana and Wellington on a Plate to fully experience the local culture.

8. Explore Architectural History in Hawke’s Bay

Rocked by an earthquake in 1931, the cities of Napier and Hastings were rebuilt, showcasing some of the world’s best-preserved art deco and Spanish Mission architectural precincts. Join a walking tour to admire these unique designs, infused with traditional Māori motifs.

Detour: Experience the region’s winemaking on two wheels by exploring bike hire options and winery trails.

9. Get Active Around Queenstown

Queenstown reinforces New Zealand’s reputation for adrenaline-fueled experiences amid stunning lake and sub-alpine scenery. Consider a bungy jump, which is almost mandatory for adventure seekers, or indulge in jet sprint boats and extreme 4WD offroading.

Detour: Reached via a scenic road, Wānaka offers a quieter alternative to Queenstown, where you can explore the island bird sanctuary of Mou Waho.

10. Kayak in Pristine Fiordland

While cruising through Milford Sound is popular, kayaking allows for a closer encounter with the breathtaking scenery. Join local guides for on-the-water views of the fiord’s waterfalls and cliffs. For a quieter experience, consider guided kayak tours in Doubtful Sound.

This article highlights the diverse experiences in New Zealand, from cultural immersions to outdoor adventures. For the latest travel advice and more insights, keep exploring with GoTravelDaily!