NZ Tourism.com New Zealand Tourist Attractions
Various optional New Zealand tourist attractions and activities can be added to your pre-planned or tailor-made NZ itinerary, especially for the free days. New Zealand is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.
❤️ The BEST 40 New Zealand Tourist Attractions
Here’s a list of some of the top tourist attractions & activities (from North to South) in New Zealand. These tourist places offer a variety of experiences, from adventure activities to cultural encounters, showcasing the highlights of New Zealand, including Stewart Island, in a single day.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Explore the magical underground world of Waitomo, known for its limestone caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Located near Matamata, this movie set brings the fictional world of Hobbiton from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” to life.
Polynesian Spa Deluxe Rotorua
Famous for its geothermal activity, Rotorua offers geysers, hot springs, and mud pools. It’s also a hub for Maori culture and traditional performances.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Tongariro National Park
Home to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this national park features dramatic volcanic landscapes, including Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe.
Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand
Located in Wellington, Te Papa is the national museum, showcasing New Zealand’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
Auckland Sky Tower
Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland from the Sky Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, and try the SkyWalk or SkyJump for an adrenaline rush.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Bay of Islands
This scenic region in the Far North is known for its beautiful islands, historic sites like Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and water activities such as sailing and dolphin watching.
Napier Art Deco
The city of Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture, which rose from the ashes of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. The annual Art Deco Festival is a popular event.
The iconic Cathedral Cove – Coromandel Peninsula
Known for its pristine beaches, hot water beach, and the iconic Cathedral Cove, the Coromandel Peninsula is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
A geothermal wonderland near Rotorua, Wai-O-Tapu is known for its colorful hot springs, the Champagne Pool, and the Lady Knox Geyser.
Whanganui River Experience
Explore the Whanganui River by jet boat or canoe, and experience the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region.
Wellington Sightseeing
New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is known for its vibrant arts scene, coffee culture, and the scenic Wellington Cable Car.
Abel Tasman National Park Tour
Enjoy kayaking, hiking, or relaxing on pristine beaches in this stunning coastal park.
Wine Tour in Marlborough
Explore the renowned Marlborough wine region with a guided wine tour, visiting multiple wineries to sample their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals.
Nelson Art and Craft Trail
Discover the vibrant arts and crafts scene of Nelson with a guided tour of local galleries, studios, and artisan workshops.
Kaikoura & Whale Watching Tour
Take a boat tour from Kaikoura to see majestic sperm whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Enjoy the sampling of fresh seafood in this coastal town known for its marine life.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Day Tour
Marvel at the unique limestone formations and blowholes along the Punakaiki coastline.
Maori Cultural Experience in Christchurch
Immerse yourself in Maori culture with a guided tour at a local marae (Maori meeting ground), including traditional performances, storytelling, and a hangi feast.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
Experience the dramatic alpine scenery, waterfalls, and native wildlife on hikes and scenic drives through Arthur’s Pass.
TranzAlpine Railway Journey
Take a scenic train journey on the TranzAlpine Railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, crossing through the spectacular Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Lake Tekapo & Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Relax in the hot pools and stargaze at the clear night skies in this picturesque alpine setting.
Dunedin & Otago Peninsula
Visit the historic city of Dunedin and explore the nearby Otago Peninsula, home to diverse wildlife, including albatross, penguins, and seals.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Experience the Franz Josef Glacier from above and below with a helicopter ride followed by a guided glacier hike, exploring ice caves, crevasses, and stunning ice formations.
Mount Cook National Park & Alpine Explorer
Join a guided tour to Mount Cook National Park from Lake Tekapo or Queenstown, including scenic drives, short walks, hikes, and opportunities for photography amidst the stunning alpine landscapes. Hike or take a scenic flight to see New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and surrounding glaciers.
Akaroa Harbor Nature Cruise
Explore the stunning coastal scenery and encounter wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds on a harbor cruise in Akaroa.
Lake Wanaka
Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and water sports in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Wanaka.
Heli-Skiing in Wanaka or Queenstown
Experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding on untouched powder snow in the remote backcountry of the Southern Alps with a helicopter-accessed tour.
Lord of the Rings Tour in Glenorchy
Embark on a journey through Middle-earth with a guided tour of the filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies near Glenorchy.
Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand
Queenstown offers activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and skiing in the winter months.
Jet Boat Adventure in Queenstown
Hold on tight for an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the narrow canyons and braided rivers of the Shotover or Kawarau rivers near Queenstown.
Penguin Encounter Tour in Dunedin
Visit the Otago Peninsula for a guided tour to see the rare yellow-eyed penguins and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour
Explore the mysterious underground world of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with a guided tour, including a boat ride through the illuminated cave system.
Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise
Join a guided coach tour from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. Explore the breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, and wildlife on a cruise through Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions.
Southern Scenic Route
Drive along this scenic highway to see stunning coastal vistas, lush rainforests, and charming coastal towns.
Stewart Island/Rakiura Day Tour
Explore New Zealand’s third-largest island, known for its pristine wilderness, hiking trails, and abundant birdlife, including the elusive kiwi bird.