In a nutshell
- We give you a personal overview of the 12 best things to do in New Zealand — highlights we’ve actually been to on both islands.
- For every attraction, you’ll find honest tour and hotel recommendations to help you plan without the guesswork.
- Our top three picks: the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Milford Sound, and Abel Tasman National Park — don’t miss any of them.
- Ready to map out your full route? Check out our guide to the New Zealand road trip.
Our Top 12 New Zealand Attractions on a Map
New Zealand consists of two large islands. Our top 12 highlights are spread across both.
To give you a quick overview, here’s a map of all 12 must-sees — so you can start picturing your route right away.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
What do you need to know? Our personal favorite on New Zealand’s North Island. Inside the Waitomo Caves, millions of glowworms light up the cave ceiling like a starry sky. The standard tour includes a walk and a boat ride — but if you want more of an adventure, there are also tours with black water rafting and abseiling.
Best base for overnight stays: Mount Maunganui. Our hotel pick: Quest.
Book a 1-hour boat ride through the Waitomo Caves
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Milford Sound
What do you need to know? Milford Sound is a dramatic fjord landscape — think Lofoten Islands in Norway, but in New Zealand’s South Island. The drive out is long, but this is absolutely one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Most people explore it on a boat tour, which is the way to go.
Best base for overnight stays: Queenstown. Our hotel pick: Scenic Suites Queenstown.
Book a catamaran cruise through Milford Sound
Read our tips on Milford Sound
Franz Josef Glacier
What do you need to know? A seriously impressive glacier on New Zealand’s West Coast. What makes it unique is that it descends to unusually low elevations — all the way down into the rainforest. That means you can actually see the ice tongue without a long hike, which is pretty rare for a glacier this size.
Best base for overnight stays: Franz Josef. Our hotel pick: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.
Book a helicopter flight with a glacier landing
Read all our tips on Franz Josef Glacier
Abel Tasman National Park
What do you need to know? One of the most popular national parks in the country — and for good reason. Expect stunning bays with sandy beaches and dense jungle. A kayak or SUP tour is an absolute must here. With a bit of luck, you might even spot little blue penguins and seals along the way.
Best base for overnight stays: Kaiteriteri. Our hotel pick: Kaiteriteri Retreat.
Book a boat tour through Abel Tasman National Park
We have more on Abel Tasman for you here:
Bay of Islands
What do you need to know? The Bay of Islands is a sprawling bay in Northland, New Zealand, dotted with countless beautiful little islands. It’s one of the best diving spots in the whole country. There’s also a great range of boat tours on offer — from whale watching to kayak excursions.
Best base for overnight stays: Paihia. Our hotel pick: Allegra House.
Book a catamaran cruise in the Bay of Islands
Coromandel Peninsula
What do you need to know? The Coromandel Peninsula has a laid-back, hippie vibe and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. The most famous is Hot Water Beach, where you can actually dig your own hot tub right in the sand. The other iconic spot here is Cathedral Cove — both are totally worth the trip.
Best base for overnight stays: Whitianga. Our hotel pick: Beachfront Resort
Book a 2-hour boat tour to Cathedral Cove
Tongariro National Park
What do you need to know? Tongariro National Park is home to three active volcanoes: Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. The big draw for most visitors is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing — a full-day hike through an otherworldly volcanic landscape, past glowing sulfur lakes. It’s one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, full stop.
Best base for overnight stays: Whakapapa Village. Our hotel pick: Skotel Alpine Resort
Book a guided tour for the Tongariro Crossing
Read all our tips about Tongariro National Park:
Rotorua
What do you need to know? Rotorua is a city sitting on top of some seriously intense geothermal activity. The most spectacular geysers are at Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland — it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. There are also several Māori villages in the area where you can learn about the culture and traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous people.
Best base for overnight stays: Mount Maunganui. Our hotel pick: Quest.
Book tickets for Wai-o-Tapu and the Lady Knox Geyser
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Mount Cook
What do you need to know? At over 3,700 meters, Mount Cook is the highest peak in the country and one of the absolute standout New Zealand highlights. The best vantage point is from the Hooker Valley Track — an easy, rewarding walk that puts the mountain right in front of you.
Best base for overnight stays: Twizel. Our hotel pick: Matuka Lodge.
Book a helicopter flight over Mount Cook
Read our tips on Mount Cook too:
90-Mile Beach
What do you need to know? Fun fact: 90 Mile Beach is actually closer to 90 kilometers — about 55 miles — long, so the name is a bit of a stretch. Still, it’s a wild and wonderful place. You can drive along it in a four-wheel-drive vehicle just like a regular road, and there are cool dunes perfect for sandboarding.
Best base for overnight stays: Ahipara. Our hotel pick: Gems Seaside Lodge.
Book a day trip to 90 Mile Beach from the Bay of Islands
Hobbiton Movie Set
What do you need to know? The ultimate thing to do in New Zealand for any Lord of the Rings fan. Hobbiton is the original filming location — you can explore the hobbit holes and see loads of authentic props from the movies. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s a really fun experience.
Best base for overnight stays: Mount Maunganui. Our hotel pick: Quest.
Book a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set
Read also our experiences with the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour:
Marlborough Sounds
What do you need to know? The Marlborough Sounds are a vast, winding labyrinth of peninsulas and sea inlets — and a real outdoor paradise. Kayaking and hiking the Queen Charlotte Track are the top activities here. Keep your eyes open for wildlife too: dolphins, seals, cormorants, and sometimes even orcas make an appearance.
Best base for overnight stays: Picton. Our hotel pick: The Gables Bed and Breakfast.
Book a guided kayak tour through the Marlborough Sounds with hiking
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