Things to do in New Zealand
Milford Sound Tours18 optionsZiplining5 optionsDay Trips from Auckland12 optionsAuckland Harbor Cruise22 optionsAuckland Airport Shuttle11 optionsWaiheke Island Wine Tour15 optionsAuckland City Tour22 optionsWaitomo Caves Tours13 optionsQueenstown Wine Tour14 optionsWhite Water Rafting5 optionsWaiheke Island Tours13 optionsWaitomo Caves from Auckland11 options
The unmissables
Most booked
Rotorua: Native Forest Zipline Tour & Wildlife Encounters★ 4.97 (4,675) · 2h 30m
Top rated
Milford Sound & Fiordland: Small Group Cruise from Queenstown★ 4.93 (3,664) · 13h
Best value
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Lord of the Rings & Hobbit Holes★ 4.83 (4,009) · 2h 30m
Recommended (7)
Milford Sound Small Boat Cruise & Mitre Peak Views★ 4.90 (3,207) · 1h 45mNZ$ 189View ›
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland with Lunch★ 4.94 (3,123) · 11hNZ$ 359View ›
Kaikoura: Whale Watching Boat Tour & Sperm Whale Encounters★ 4.47 (3,039) · 3h 30mNZ$ 179View ›
Queenstown: Shotover River Jet Boat Ride & Canyon Thrills★ 4.84 (2,856) · 25mNZ$ 204View ›
Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown★ 4.90 (2,647) · 13hNZ$ 419View ›
Rotorua: 6 Ziplines & 400m Tandem with Cliff Walk★ 4.99 (2,610) · 3hNZ$ 269View ›
Akaroa Dolphins & Seals: 2-Hour Harbour Cruise with Wine★ 4.96 (2,266) · 2hNZ$ 140View ›Top rated (10)
Tauranga: Wairoa River Grade 5 Rafting & Cliff JumpYou’ll dive straight into wild Grade 5 whitewater on the Wairoa River near Tauranga, guided by locals who know every rapid by name. Expect technical drops, laughter in unexpected places, and a final cliff jump if you’re up for it—all gear included, plus easy pickup from Rotorua if needed.
Lake Te Anau scenic cruise & walk: South Fiord from Te AnauA scenic cruise and guided walk on Lake Te Anau departs from Te Anau township, crosses the lake toward the South Fiord, and includes a comfortable hike through ancient native vegetation and dramatic landscapes. The boat carries you both ways, so the walk stays short and the scenery stays central. Light refreshments, afternoon tea and live commentary from a local guide are included; the crew handles the sails on the return journey while you relax or help out.Is it for me?The walk is comfortable and the boat handles the distance, so this suits anyone who wants to see Fiordland's untouched wilderness without a strenuous hike or a full day away from Te Anau. Boarding and disembarking require mobility, so it works best for travelers who can manage steps onto a vessel.
Wanaka: Highest Waterfall Cable Climb & Via Ferrata Level 1You climb steel ladder rungs bolted into a waterfall, cross four wire bridges, and reach a mountain picnic spot in about two hours. A professional guide teaches you everything, provides all safety gear, and stays with you the entire way. The route is designed for beginners with basic fitness and no climbing experience. You walk back down a trail to the base, and the whole experience costs less than you'd expect for something that rewires how you see yourself.Is it for me?Right for anyone curious about pushing past their comfort zone without needing prior climbing experience or extreme fitness — the guide handles the technical side, and the two-hour format means you're back in town by early afternoon. Plan for forty-five minutes of real physical climbing, which is what makes reaching the top of the world's highest waterfall cable climb possible.
Milford Sound Day Trip from Te Anau: Private Tesla Tour & CruiseYou’ll ride from Te Anau in a private Tesla with your guide, stopping for morning tea and stories in Fiordland before joining a 2-hour Milford Sound cruise under towering peaks. Expect muddy shoes, local humor, and moments you’ll want to remember long after you’re back home.
Glow-worm tour Rotorua: Night walk in native bushA nocturnal glow-worm tour in Rotorua takes you on a 2-kilometer walk through native New Zealand bush to witness glow-worms in abundance, guided by an experienced guide who teaches you about their life cycle. The small group (maximum 8 people) departs by minivan, includes light refreshments, and lasts 2.5 to 3 hours. Depart times vary by season, and the tour operates in most weather conditions.Is it for me?The guide speaks English and leads the commentary throughout, so you follow comfortably without language barriers. A moderate level of fitness and supportive footwear are needed for the 2-kilometer walk on uneven terrain, but children from age 6 can join when accompanied by an adult who can manage the pace.
Wanaka: Highest Waterfall Cable Climb Level 2 (4 Hours)You'll climb steel ladder rungs next to a vertical waterfall for three hours, cross six bridges, and walk down a mountainside trail — all with a professional guide, full safety gear, and a sandwich included. Expect moderate to high physical demand and a genuine sense of height; this is not a theme-park experience. The 20-minute drive from Wanaka gets you to a private farm where the climb is the real thing, and the guide keeps the safety record clean.Is it for me?A good fit if you're comfortable with heights and have moderate fitness — the three-hour climb is steep and real, which is exactly what makes the views and the sense of achievement worth it. Plan for four hours total, including the walk down, and know that your legs will feel it the next day.
Rotorua Redwoods: High Ropes Adventure & Forest BridgesYou’ll feel your heart race as you cross swaying bridges high above Rotorua’s Redwoods with a local guide leading the way. Hear stories about Whakarewarewa Forest, spot native birds, and test your nerves on zip lines and an optional descent — all safely geared up for two hours among giants. That moment when you look down is something you’ll remember.
Marlborough: Self-Guided Bike Wine Tour with Shuttle & MapYou’ll start your day in Renwick with friendly locals who’ll set you up on comfy bikes (with wine panniers!) and give you tips for exploring Marlborough’s cellar doors at your own pace. Taste local wines, snack on cheese platters under the sun, and relax knowing there’s always backup if you need it. It’s less like a tour and more like being let loose in wine country—with just enough help when you want it.
Jet Boat Adventure on Clutha River from WanakaA small-group jet boat adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka takes you down the second-longest river in New Zealand through glacial terrain, the famous Snake section, and a rare switchback called Devils Nook, with live commentary and 360-degree spins included. Children from age 4 are welcome; the ride runs about 75 minutes and operates in all weather. A minimum of two people per booking applies.Is it for me?The jet boat departs from Wanaka itself, so if you're staying in town or arriving without a car, you don't need to arrange transport to the river. The small-group format and fixed schedule mean you book once and the timing holds—no coordinating with other travelers or building the day yourself.
Tauranga: 15,000ft Tandem Skydive & Scenic Flight Bay of PlentyYou’ll feel your pulse race from the moment you board the plane above Tauranga for this 15,000ft tandem skydive. Soak up wild Bay of Plenty views during a long scenic flight before leaping into freefall at 200km/h—with an instructor guiding every step. There’s even a chance to steer the parachute as you drift back down, heart pounding all the way.
Lowest price (10)
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Time Tripper Show & Underwater ObservatoryYou’ll start right under Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown for the Time Tripper show—a wild animated ride through 90 million years of history and legend. See ancient glaciers form before your eyes, hear stories from locals, then watch real fish and eels glide past in the Underwater Observatory. It’s quick but surprisingly moving—you might leave seeing Queenstown with new eyes.
Omaka WWII Dangerous Skies Exhibition Tickets & Entry InfoYou’ll get up close to legendary WWII aircraft and hear stories that don’t make it into textbooks. This isn’t just for aviation buffs—the displays are hands-on and personal, with details that stick with you long after you leave.
Christchurch Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Quake StoriesA two-hour walking tour of central Christchurch led by a local guide who shares first-hand accounts of the 2011 earthquake, the city's rebuilding, and its future direction. The small-group format keeps the pace relaxed and interactive, with time for questions and tailored local recommendations. All sites visited are free to enter.Is it for me?The two-hour pace and flat, accessible route suit anyone wanting an authentic introduction to Christchurch without a heavy time commitment or physical strain. If you're a first-time visitor or returning traveler wanting to understand the city's character beyond the guidebook, the guide's personal stories and local insights are what make this walk different from a self-guided walk through the same landmarks.
Dunedin: Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour & GardensYou’ll step right into early 1900s Dunedin at Olveston Historic Home with a local guide leading you through original rooms filled with art and family history. Pause beneath stained glass windows, listen to stories about the Theomins, then stroll through peaceful gardens overlooking Otago Harbour. It’s not just facts — it feels personal.
Auckland Walking Tour: Māori History & Waterfront LandmarksYou walk Auckland's central business district at your own pace, learning about women's suffrage, Māori volcanic mythology, and the city's European history through an offline app that guides you past nine key landmarks including Viaduct Harbour, Sky Tower, and Princes Wharf. The tour takes 90 minutes of walking time, includes lifetime access and works on Android and iOS, so you can start whenever you arrive and pause whenever you want.Is it for me?Right for anyone who wants to learn Auckland's history without being herded through a group — you move at your own speed, pause when something interests you, and keep the tour on your phone to revisit later.
Gibbston Valley wine cave tour with tastings: New ZealandA 30-minute tour of New Zealand's largest wine cave at Gibbston Valley includes three wine tastings of current releases and a visit to the original vines planted by founder Alan Brady in 1983. A live guide in English leads the experience, and the cave and all surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Minimum age is 18.Is it for me?Most wine tastings in Central Otago happen in a tasting room where you learn about the wine from a distance. This tour puts you inside the cave where the wine actually sits, so you taste it in the space it comes from and see the original vines that started the region.
Whangarei: Hundertwasser Art Tour & Māori Gallery AccessYou’ll walk through rooms bursting with Hundertwasser’s color, climb onto his award-winning afforested roof for 360° views over Whangarei, and step inside the world’s first dedicated Māori public art gallery — all with all-day access included. Whether you self-guide or join an interactive tour, expect sensory surprises and stories that linger after you leave.
Art Deco Walking Tour Napier: 2pm Guided WalkA guided Art Deco walking tour in Napier that starts with a 20-minute film introduction at the Art Deco Centre, then moves into a 1.5-hour walk through the city's Art Deco precinct with a local guide. You'll wear individual headsets so the guide's commentary reaches you clearly even in open air. The tour runs at 2pm during summer and winter seasons, and children from age 5 are welcome.Is it for me?Start with the audiovisual introduction at the Art Deco Centre, then walk the precinct with a local guide and personal headsets—the context and clear commentary make every building's design details click into place.
Napier: Morning Art Deco Walking Tour & Earthquake StoryYou’ll join a small group in Napier’s city center for a guided Art Deco walking tour with a local guide. Watch rare earthquake footage before strolling past colorful facades and hearing real stories from residents. Expect sensory details—old film reels, cool morning air—and time to notice what makes Napier unique.
Wellington: Te Papa Museum Entry for International VisitorsYou’ll step straight into Te Papa Museum on Wellington’s waterfront—skip the queue with your ticket and explore Māori treasures, natural wonders, and art collections at your own pace. Feel textures, hear local voices, maybe even taste Wellington coffee after wandering through stories old and new. It lingers with you.
Just added (3)
Waiheke Island Zipline Adventure from Auckland: Three Dual LinesA private tour from Auckland combining a 45-minute ferry crossing, three dual ziplines exceeding 200 meters each at EcoZip Adventures, and a guided afternoon visiting two wineries of your choice on Waiheke Island. The tour runs about five hours total, with a personal driver-guide leading the day and all transport and zipline admission included; wine tastings and meals are at your own cost.Is it for me?Your guide speaks English throughout the day, so you'll get the full story about Waiheke's history, landscape and wines as you move between stops. If you're comfortable on a zipline and want the commentary woven in rather than a silent ride, this setup keeps you in the loop.
Kayaking Motuora Island: Kiwi spotting at nightThis private sea kayaking adventure from Auckland combines a sunset paddle across the Hauraki Gulf to Motuora Island with a guided night walk through a predator-free wildlife sanctuary. You kayak from Sullivans Bay, explore the island on foot, then search for New Zealand's iconic kiwi using red-light torches while learning about the island's conservation story and Māori heritage. The 6.5-hour experience includes an experienced guide, all kayak equipment, kiwi spotting gear, and a hot drink with snack; pickup from Auckland is available as an option.Is it for me?Choose the private booking with pickup if you're arriving in Auckland without a car or prefer not to drive to Sullivans Bay; choose the no-transport option if you have your own way there. Either way, the small group size and private guide mean the pace and stops are yours alone, so the experience doesn't rush past the moments when kiwi calls carry through the dark.
Hamilton to Auckland Airport: Private Transfer & Fixed PriceYou provide your Hamilton pickup address and flight details online; a licensed driver collects you, handles your luggage, and drives you directly to Auckland Airport with timing built around your flight. The fixed price and professional route planning remove the usual friction of airport transfers — no negotiating fares, no shared stops, no guessing if you'll make it on time.Is it for me?Book this if you're leaving Hamilton for the airport and want the fare, timing and route decided before you step into the car — the fixed price and direct route mean you skip the usual airport transfer friction and arrive calm instead of rushed.
