The Best Things to Do in New Zealand
Come explore New Zealand's natural wonders—on foot, on bike, in a camper van, at the fully-extended end of a bungee cord—and meet the (exceedingly friendly) locals. For a small country, there's an almost overwhelming number of things to do. But, to get you started: Lord of the Rings fans should head straight for their middle earth in Hobbiton. Adventure fans can get their wheee on ziplining on Waiheke Island. Nature fan? Go do some whale watching. But, no matter what you love to see, make sure you learn about Maori culture. The culture is at the center of the beauty of New Zealand.
234 Hereford St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Following a powerful earthquake in February 2011, the Christchurch Cathedral was severely damaged, and while there is an ongoing ideological and economic debate over whether or not the Gothic-style church can, or should be, repaired, the Anglican...
Stewart Island / Rakiura, Southland 9818, New Zealand
At the far south end of the country, Stewart Island is a rugged and isolated addendum to New Zealand's two main islands, and it's a superb place to get a glimpse of the country's national bird, the kiwi, in the wild. Sunset trips with Bravo...
Rotorua, New Zealand
Traditional Maori culture and geothermal activity combine at the fascinating lakeside village of Ohinemutu in Rotorua. Steam rises from volcanic vents in the ground (local Maori families still use the earth's energy in this way for cooking and...
126 Broadway, Matamata 3400, New Zealand
Welcome to Middle Earth in the South Pacific, and an ideal stop for traveling fans of the author J.R.R. Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. Near the rural town of Matamata—itself a destination for its LOTR-inspired...
Grange Rd S, Hahei 3591, New Zealand
Part of the spectacular wind- and ocean-eroded shoreline of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, Cathedral Cove, on New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, is reached via an undulating coastal track that takes around 40 minutes to hike. To avoid the...
89 Quay St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
With a prime waterfront position on the edge of Auckland's inner harbor, The Lighthouse is one of New Zealand's newest and most interesting public art projects. Erected in 2017 as a replica New Zealand 'state house,' a popular form of social...
Pouakai Track, Egmont National Park 4391, New Zealand
In a country featuring some of the world's more popular multiday hikes, the Pouakai Crossing around the iconic volcanic cone of New Zealand's Mount Taranaki is a more convenient one-day adventure. The Taranaki region's Egmont National Park does...
42 Queen St, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand
A thrilling tribute to world-renowned New Zealand kinetic artist Len Lye (1901–1980), New Plymouth's Len Lye Centre is an integral part of the excellent Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. From the outside, the center's stunning architecture of...
State Highway 45, Taranaki, New Zealand
Located on the western edge of New Zealand's North Island, the Taranaki region is less visited by travelers than other parts of the country, but the combination of its wonderfully symmetrical volcanic cone and its cavalcade of surf beaches makes...
