My Top Ten Favourite New Zealand Experiences

It’s no secret I love exploring my own country, New Zealand - we’re so lucky to have a place full of wild landscapes, jaw-dropping views, and unforgettable adventures right on our doorstep. While there are so many amazing things to see and do here, I wanted to share ten of my absolute favourite New Zealand experiences to date - the ones I still think about long after the trip is over.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot of Aotearoa, and I’ve done plenty of incredible activities and tours - luging (since I was a baby), whale watching in Kaikōura, sand surfing in Northland, Shotover jet-boating in Queenstown, kayaking at Cathedral Cove… the list goes on. While every one of those experiences is worth doing, I’ve narrowed it down to my personal top ten.

Each of these adventures had something really special about them - whether it was the epic scenery, the sense of accomplishment, or just pure fun. So in no particular order (except maybe the last one!), here are my top ten NZ experiences I've done to date:

10. Touring Hobbiton

As a massive Lord of the Rings fan, of course I had to include this on my list! Stepping into Hobbiton is pure magic - and not just for movie buffs. Trust me, even if you haven’t seen the films, you’ll still be blown away by the stunning scenery. Nestled in the rolling green hills of Matamata, the guided tour takes you through the Shire, where you can wander past hobbit holes, stroll winding enchanting garden paths, and finish with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The attention to detail is incredible and the whole place feels like a fairytale. A true New Zealand icon, and one of those places you have to see for yourself.

9. Exploring Stewart Island

Remote, wild, and full of natural beauty - visiting Stewart Island is such a special experience, it's like stepping back in time and discovering New Zealand’s best-kept secret. We explored untouched beaches, native bush trails, and even spotted a real kiwi in the wild! With fewer tourists and a slower pace, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and reconnect with nature. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Rakiura (Stewart Island’s Māori name) is absolute magic.

8. Bungy Jumping

If there’s one place in the world to tick bungy jumping off your bucket list, it’s New Zealand - the birthplace of commercial bungy! I’ve taken the plunge three times now - once in Taupō and twice in Queenstown - and each jump has been just as terrifying and exhilarating as the last. There’s nothing quite like that adrenaline rush of jumping off a ledge and freefalling with epic views all around you. It's the ultimate Kiwi thrill, and an experience you’ll never forget.

7. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Often dubbed the best day hike in New Zealand (and one of the best in the world), the Tongariro Crossing is a full-day trek across a dramatic volcanic landscape. Think steaming vents, red craters, and those impossibly turquoise Emerald Lakes. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime thing - its a very challenging walk, but absolutely worth it - the scenery is next level and changes constantly throughout the day. A must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting the North Island.

6. Oparara Arches, West Coast

One of my favourite days ever was exploring this area - this place feels like stepping into a secret world. Tucked away near Karamea on the northern West Coast, the Oparara Basin is home to ancient limestone arches surrounded by rainforest and mossy magic. It’s quiet, remote, and completely enchanting - like something out of a fantasy film. It’s a total hidden gem and so worth the detour.

5. White Water Rafting in Rotorua

Adrenaline, laughter, and a 7-metre waterfall drop - count me in! Rafting the Kaituna River is hands down one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever done in NZ. Surrounded by lush native bush and geothermal steam rising through the trees, it’s more than just a wild ride - it’s an unforgettable way to experience Rotorua. And yes… 90% of rafts capsize going over the falls. Did ours? Absolutely! It was chaos, hilarious, and still one of the most adventurous things I’ve ever ticked off.

4. Hooker Valley Track Hike

This hike is iconic for a reason. The 3-hour return walk to Hooker Lake in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an absolutey incredible - and easily one of the most scenic hikes in New Zealand. From dramatic swing bridges to sweeping alpine views and snow-capped peaks, every step of the trail is breathtaking. The track is relatively flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels, and at the end you’re rewarded with views of the glacier lake dotted with icebergs in front of Aoraki itself - New Zealand's tallest mountain. It’s hands down my favourite hike in Aotearoa.

3. Funyak Tour, Queenstown

An adventure I didn’t expect to love this much - the Funyak Tour with Dart River Adventures turned out to be one of my favourite Queenstown experiences. It starts with an exhilarating jet boat ride up the Dart River, followed by a peaceful paddle back downstream in ‘funyaks’ (inflatable kayaks). The scenery is next level - crystal-clear turquoise waters, towering peaks, and hidden canyons and waterfalls that feel like they’re straight out of Middle-earth. It’s the perfect mix of excitement and serenity, and genuinely felt like paddling through a Lord of the Rings film set. An absolute must-do tour in my opinion!

2. Milford Sound Day Tour

Milford Sound in Fiordland is truly one of the most magical places in New Zealand - and I genuinely believe it’s something every visitor should experience at least once. I’ve been lucky enough to visit five times now, and it never loses its sense of awe. Towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and serene, moody landscapes make it one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen. Whether you drive there yourself or join a guided tour, it’s a full-day adventure you’ll never forget - with epic scenic stops throughout Fiordland National Park that are almost as breathtaking as the cruise on Milford Sound itself.

1. Franz Josef Heli-Hike

This is hands down my all-time favourite New Zealand experience! Glacier hiking is epic on its own - but throw in a scenic helicopter ride there and back, and it becomes completely unforgettable. The Franz Josef Heli-Hike takes you soaring over the West Coast’s stunning icefields before dropping you right onto the glacier to explore towering ice formations, blue crevasses, and frozen caves with an expert guide. It’s definitely a splurge activity - but one that’s absolutely worth it. A jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

There are so many incredible adventures to be had in New Zealand but these are the ten that have left a lasting impression. If you’re planning a trip and looking for a bit of inspiration, I hope this helps you build your own list of unforgettable experiences!

Feel free to follow my latest adventures on Instagram.

Happy Travels,
Krysti