Top 20 Things To Do in New Zealand (From a Kiwi!)

Are you heading to New Zealand for the first time? Or maybe you're already here and wondering what to tick off your travel bucket list? Even though we’re tucked away at the bottom of the world, New Zealand packs a punch when it comes to epic scenery, unique adventures, and local experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

From white-sand beaches and sunshine in the north to snowy alps and glaciers in the south, and a mix of native forests, volcanoes, hot springs, lakes and rivers in between - we really do have it all.

After spending a few years overseas, I returned home with fresh eyes and a whole new appreciation for just how special New Zealand is. So here it is - my Top 20 Must-Dos in Aotearoa, a mix of iconic experiences and local quirks, perfect for first-time visitors.

For more in-depth information on where to go, check out my New Zealand Travel Guide.

I'm not yanking your chain, I've personally done all of these things myself. In no particular order, let’s go!

1. Go Bungy Jumping!

We invented it, after all! Bungy jumping was made famous here by AJ Hackett and it’s a rite of passage for adrenaline junkies. Try it in Queenstown, Taupo, or off the Auckland Harbour Bridge or Sky Tower if you're brave enough. I've done it three times!

2. Hike the Hooker Valley Track

This is my favourite hike in NZ! This scenic, easy 3-hour return track near Aoraki/Mt Cook crosses swing bridges and rivers, ending at a glacial lake with jaw-dropping views of NZ's largest mountain.

3. Get adventurous in Queenstown 

Known as the Adventure Capital of NZ, Queenstown offers bungy, skydiving, canyon swings, luging, ziplining, jet boating, heli-skiing, parasailing, funyaking and more. Even if you don't seek thrills, the alpine beauty alone is worth the visit.

4. Explore geothermal wonders 

Rotorua and Taupo are bursting with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, geysers, and natural hot springs. Some top must sees include Wai-O-Tapu and the Craters of the Moon Walk.

5. Visit Hobbiton

LOTR fans rejoice! The Hobbiton movie set in Matamata is magical, even if you're not a die-hard fan. The beautifully kept set is enchanting and you even finish your guided tour with a lovely drink at the Green Dragon Inn. 

6. Do the Franz Josef Heli Hike

This is one of those experiences that is worth the splurge - fly by helicopter in Franz Josef over the Southern Alps and hike through incredible blue ice caves and glacier valleys. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

7. White water rafting in Rotorua

White water rafting isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s seriously one of the most exhilarating things you can do in New Zealand. Prepare to get soaked as you paddle through fast-flowing rapids, plunge down drops (including the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall!), and laugh your way through the chaos with your crew. It’s adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing fun, and an unforgettable way to experience the wild side of Rotorua.

8. Cruise through Milford Sound 

A trip to the South Island isn’t complete without a scenic boat cruise on Milford Sound. You'll experience magical towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and maybe even spot penguins, seals and dolphins. These incredible scenes make you feel like you've stepped into another world.

9. Go wine tasting

New Zealand produces world-class wines, and it would be rude not to do a lovely winery tour or two! Particularly famous for our Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, some top wine regions include Waiheke Island, Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and Central Otago.

10. Experience Maori culture in Rotorua

Rotorua is the cultural heart of Aotearoa and experiencing New Zealand's Maori culture is a special experience. Visit a traditional village, enjoy a powerful kapa haka performance, and try a hāngi (a traditional meal cooked underground - it's delicious!).

11. Soak up the beaches

New Zealand’s coastlines are brimming with stunning beaches, and no matter what time of year you visit, there’s always a way to enjoy them - whether it’s swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the laid-back coastal vibes. One of the most classic Kiwi experiences? Grabbing fish and chips and eating them right on the beach as the sun goes down.

12. Play in the snow

If you're visiting in winter, hitting the slopes is a must. New Zealand is home to world-class ski fields that offer epic alpine adventures. In the North Island, head to Mt Ruapehu for volcanic peaks and snowy runs. In the South Island, Canterbury and the Queenstown–Wanaka region are ski and snowboard heaven, with postcard-worthy views around every corner. 

13. Learn some Kiwi slang  

Here are some fun Kiwi words to know before you visit:
Dairy (corner store), togs (swimwear), jandals (flip-flops), chilly bin (cooler box), heaps (a lot), sweet as (awesome/all good), yeah nah (no thanks), bro (mate or friend), choice (cool/great), chur (cheers or thanks), and aye (used at the end of a sentence for emphasis, like “right?”).

Using these little phrases will have you sounding like a local in no time!

14. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Often dubbed one of the best day hikes in the world, this 19.4 km trail in Tongariro National Park takes you past emerald crater lakes, incredible volcanic landscapes, and LOTR's Mount Doom. Quite a reasonable level of fitness is required - it’s a serious workout (I nearly died), but totally worth it.

15. Whale-watch in Kaikoura

This coastal gem is one of the best places in the world to see whales, fur seals, and dusky dolphins, with a very high daily sighting success rate. It's scenic, wild, and unforgettable. 

16. Cathedral Cove & Dig your own spa pool 

Discover the gems of Coromandel - you can dig your very own hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach during low tide. While you’re there, be sure to walk to Cathedral Cove for jaw-dropping coastal views, made world-famous by the Narnia movies.

17. Glowworm magic in Waitomo Caves 

Drift silently through these ancient caves under a canopy of thousands of glowing worms. It’s like entering an underground galaxy. This is such an epic experience - only in NZ!

18. Try iconic Kiwi food

Let’s start with the humble Mince & Cheese Pie - our ultimate comfort food. Hot, meaty goodness wrapped in flaky pastry. Find them in dairies, bakeries, petrol stations... basically anywhere. Some other kiwi goodies to try include a Tip Top hokey pokey ice cream, L&P (fizzy drink), Whittaker's Peanut Slabs, Pineapple Lumps, Chocolate Fish, and more. 

19. Embrace the footwear: jandals 

Flip-flops? Thongs? We call them jandals, and yes, we wear them everywhere - some people even in winter. Welcome to the Kiwi way of life! 

20. Spot a Kiwi

You can't leave New Zealand without trying to spot our national icon, the kiwi. These shy, nocturnal birds are rare in the wild, but can often be seen in bird sanctuaries across the country. For your best chance at seeing one in the wild, head to Stewart Island and take a guided night walk through the forest. Seeing one in its natural habitat is a truly magical experience.

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Whatever your travel style, New Zealand is full of magic. From mountains to mud pools, extreme sports to ice cream, I hope this list helps kick-start your Kiwi adventure. Safe travels - and don’t forget your jandals!

If you're after more tips and travel inspiration, my New Zealand Travel Guide has you covered.

Have a sweet as day,

*This post contains a few images that are not my own.

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