9 Bucket List Things to Do in New Zealand

Fancy your own Middle‑earth adventure? New Zealand is home to the original Hobbiton Movie Set featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films. Set outside the Waikato town of Matamata, the movie set is a thrilling place to visit - and it’s not just for fans of the flims. Book a guided tour and delight in spectacular views of the Kaimai Ranges, hear engaging stories and get lost in your own adventures as you take in highlights such as Bag End, Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree and the mill. 

Against a backdrop of ethereal landscapes and minimal light pollution, New Zealand’s clear, dark skies make for the ultimate stargazing experience. With much of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region designated one of the best stargazing sites on earth, you’re in for starry wonders. Look up in awe at the night sky as constellations and shooting stars dance across glittering dark skies. For some of the best stargazing experiences, head to Big Sky Stargazing at the foot of Mount Cook or join a guided tour at Mount John Observatory and make the most of seeing highlights like seasonal ecliptic objects, planets, stunning star clusters and distant galaxies with the help of astro-binoculars, state-of-the-art astronomy telescopes and passionate experts.

Deep within the earth on New Zealand’s North Island, naturally heated mineral water bubbles up through the sand on the aptly-named Hot Water Beach. Up for a unique Kiwi experience? Dig your own natural hot pool and relax in it mere metres away from the Pacific Ocean!

Take in epic highlights including emerald lakes, panoramic views, volcanic craters and lava flows on one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. A 19.4km one-day hike, the walk takes you past Mt Ngauruhoe and over Mt Tongariro, and can be done in either direction. Ready to take this on? Download the Plan My Walk app for the latest information to plan a safe walk.

Caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Coast, the picturesque coastal town of Kaikōura in New Zealand’s South Island has plenty of options for wildlife lovers, from marine mammal encounters with whales and dolphins to seal swimming and birdwatching opportunities. An easy two-hour drive north of Christchurch, Kaikōura makes for a great day trip or a fun stop en route to Marlborough. If you’re a fan of crayfish, Kaikōura is a great place to eat it. Did you know “kai” means food and “kōura” means crayfish in the Māori language? Now you do! 

Want to dive in one of the world’s top diving locations? Be sure to include a visit to the Poor Knights Islands in Northland! Various expeditions are available to help you take on adventures in this subaquatic wonderland including scuba diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking or simply cruising around the islands. With submerged and above-water geology displaying dramatic topography, snorkellers, scuba divers and kayakers are sure to enjoy this stunning encounter with nature.

Towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, quirky wildlife and glassy waters await in Milford Sound, one of the most awe-inducing places on the planet. Once described as the “eighth wonder of the world” by Rudyard Kipling, explore Milford Sound on a cruise, coach or kayak. If you enjoy hiking or trekking, lace up your shoes and take on some of the stunning walks in the area, including the Milford Track which winds its way through vivid wilderness.

Enjoy the experience of a bungy jump in stunning landscapes and iconic locations including Auckland and Queenstown. From bridges, climbs and rail viaducts to specially-made platforms perched on the edge of cliffs and stadium roofs, bungy jumping is one of New Zealand’s most renowned leisure activities - and it’s available all over the country. Ready for that leap of faith?

A series of mesmerising and dramatic natural wonders, the Waitomo Cave system is a labyrinthine mix of glow worm caves, sinkholes and underground rivers best explored on a walking or boat tour. Keen adventurers should try the unique experience of black water rafting where you crawl, swim and float through the caves on a rubber tube. Or, how about abseiling and zip-lining? If you prefer your feet firmly on the ground, enjoy atmospheric cafes, nature walks and farmlands with fascinating rock forms. However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you’ll have an unforgettable time.