Choose from 212 Fun Things to Do in New Zealand
ShowingFilter 201-212 of 212 listings.
Waipara Springs Winery
Started in the early 1980s, the Waipara Springs Winery can brag about having some of the oldest vines in the Waipara Valley. Across more than 64 acres (26 hectares), the site grows Riesling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, pinot noir and merlot vines.
Wine is produced from estate-grown fruit and is available to taste at the winery at the Southern Boundary Wines Cellar Door. Reservations are required for groups of eight or more. The winery also has a popular cafe that has a seasonal lunch menu focused on fresh local produce.
Practical Info
Waipara Springs Winery is less than an hour's drive from Christchurch, making it an easy day trip for visitors. The Waipara Valley is the fastest-growing wine region in New Zealand.
Address: 409 Omihi Rd, Waipara 7483, New Zealand
From $ 71
Torlesse Wines
Torlesse Wines is one of the older wineries in the Waipara Valley and owns the title of being the first winery in Waipara to bottle with a screw cap instead of a cork. It started with one wine, and now all of Torlesse Wines have screw caps.
The winery produces a dozen wines including sauvignon blanc, Gewurztraminer, rose and a cabernet. The Torlesse Cellar Door is open for tastings seven days a week, from 11am to 5pm.
Practical Info
The Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand's newest and fastest growing wine areas. Torlesse Wines is only a 40-minute drive north of Christchurch International Airport and Christchurch city, making it an easy day trip for visitors.
Address: Loffhagen Dr, Waipara 7483, New Zealand
From $ 71
Fullers Ferries
Even though Auckland is the "City of Sails", not every traveler has their own personal sailboat to ply the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Luckily, the boats run by Fullers ferries make it remarkably easy to explore around Auckland. The main ferry terminal is in the downtown city center, from where Auckland travelers can embark on a day trip to various spots around the city.
For a short cruise, you can cross the waters of Waitemata Harbor to the northern suburb of Devonport. While en route, be sure to snap a photo of the Auckland Harbor Bridge which famously punctuates the city skyline. For those who are looking for a bit of hiking, Fullers offers boats to Rangitoto Island where you can trek to the top of a dormant volcano. In December and January, Fullers ferries make the 2.5-hour journey to Great Barrier Island, where you can trek to hot springs, bake on the beach, or kayak your way through empty coves. Or, if you're just looking for a leisurely cruise, Fullers has narrated tours of the harbor which point out the sights as the boat cruises across the water.
Finally, for those who want to spend the day wine tasting at Auckland's trendiest vineyards, Fullers has ferries which make the crossing to the grape-covered shores of Waiheke Island. In addition to the ferry, Fullers offers guided tours of the island, and help out with transportation from bicycles to car hire.
For Auckland travelers and vacationing locals, Fullers ferries are not only a means of efficient public transit, but a convenient conduit connecting the city with many of its surrounding adventures.
For a short cruise, you can cross the waters of Waitemata Harbor to the northern suburb of Devonport. While en route, be sure to snap a photo of the Auckland Harbor Bridge which famously punctuates the city skyline. For those who are looking for a bit of hiking, Fullers offers boats to Rangitoto Island where you can trek to the top of a dormant volcano. In December and January, Fullers ferries make the 2.5-hour journey to Great Barrier Island, where you can trek to hot springs, bake on the beach, or kayak your way through empty coves. Or, if you're just looking for a leisurely cruise, Fullers has narrated tours of the harbor which point out the sights as the boat cruises across the water.
Finally, for those who want to spend the day wine tasting at Auckland's trendiest vineyards, Fullers has ferries which make the crossing to the grape-covered shores of Waiheke Island. In addition to the ferry, Fullers offers guided tours of the island, and help out with transportation from bicycles to car hire.
For Auckland travelers and vacationing locals, Fullers ferries are not only a means of efficient public transit, but a convenient conduit connecting the city with many of its surrounding adventures.
Address: Ferry Building, Quay St, Auckland, New Zealand
Admission: Prices vary per ferry trip
From $ 52
Town Hall
Grandiose in its Baroque design, Auckland's Town Hall is one of Queen Street's most prominent and notable buildings. Constructed back in 1911, the Town Hall is one of Auckland's best venues for musical performances and shows, as its concert chamber is considered to have some of the best acoustics in the world. In the Great Hall, where over 1,500 people can gather in a theater-style setting, many of the world's top symphonies and orchestras have performed for global dignitaries, and the biggest names in rock and roll have similarly graced the stage.
A permanent fixture is the Town Hall organ, which is not only New Zealand's largest instrument, but having completed a restoration in 2010, is often considered as one the world's most marvelous symphony instruments. Aside from the acoustics, Auckland's Town Hall is visually stunning from the rafters down to the floor, as stained glass windows filter light that falls on kauri wood floors, and chandeliers dangle from a ceiling adorned with exquisite plaster design. It's a building that was purposefully built to impress, and it continues to do so over a century later, right in the heart of downtown.
Practical Info
The Town Hall is often seen on walking tours of Auckland.
Address: 303 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
From $ 56
Ulva Island
This isolated island off the coast of New Zealand is a Mecca for birders thanks a predator-free environment that supports dozens of species of winged creatures that can no longer thrive on the mainland. Visitors will find South Island saddlebacks, yellowhead and Steward Island robins, southern brown kiwis, red-fronted parakeets and even the South Island kaka forest parrot. Travelers can explore the breathtaking landscapes that include unique plant species and beautiful flowers and get an up close look at portions of the island that endangered yellow-eyed penguins use as their breeding grounds. Guided island walking tours are available with expert naturalists who can point out rare birds and unique plants on a stroll through the lush landscapes of Ulva Island.
Practical Info
The island is located inside the Paterson Inlet and measures about 2.5 km long. It is easily accessible from nearby Stewart Island.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 70
Signal Hill
On a sunny day, you'll find the best view in all of Dunedin is from the top of Signal Hill. This 1,289-foot forested promontory rises high above Dunedin Harbor, and offers sweeping views of the blue Pacific and green of the surrounding hills. On clear summer days you can find locals and visitors enjoying the uphill stroll to the summit, and mountain bikers whirring down the numerous trails that weave their way through the woods.
While walking maximizes the hill's beauty, there's also a road that winds its way up to the scenic reward at the top. Not far from the Signal Hill summit, a large memorial commemorates New Zealand's 100th anniversary that took place in 1940, and two bronze statues on the side of the memorial are an ode to the original Scottish settlers who founded the waterfront town.
Practical Info
Signal Hill is approximately 1.5 miles outside of the Dunedin City Center. There is no admission to the summit or walking trails, and even on fine, sunny days, the top can still have a brisk wind that warrants bringing jacket.
Address: Signal Hill, Dunedin, New Zealand
From $ 46
Pegasus Bay Winery
Pegasus Bay Winery is a family-owned and run winery and restaurant located in the Waipara Valley, north of Christchurch. Pegasus Bay wines are made with estate-grown fruit from the Donaldson family's vineyards.
The Donaldsons have been growing grapes and making wine since the early 1970s. A husband, wife and three sons team, the family uses natural methods, and the winery produces a sauvignon, Reisling, chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot and cabernet. The winery is also known for half a dozen reserve wines.
Practical Info
The winery and restaurant are about a 35-minute drive from Christchurch. The winery is open for tastings from 10am to 5pm seven days a week, while the restaurant is open from noon to 4pm Thursday to Monday. Reservations are recommended.
Address: 263 Stockgrove Rd, Waipara 7482, New Zealand
From $ 71
Kawarau Suspension Bridge
Rising 141 feet (42 meters) above the turquoise waters of dramatic Kawarau Gorge, no attraction is more iconic to Queenstown than the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge. Most thrill-seekers know that the bridge is the site of the world's first commercial bungee jump. It's still possible to leap from a platform suspended from the bridge where it all began.
The Basics
Today, hundreds of visitors flock to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge to watch people bungee into the gorge. If you're brave enough to dive the equivalent height of a 10-story building, the experience lets you touch or fully immerse in the aquamarine waters. The Kawarau Zipride is a more recent addition. Ride solo or tandem"”or even turn upside-down"”across suspension cables above the river. There's a reason why nearby Queenstown proclaims itself the "Adventure Capital of the World."
Things to Know Before You Go
- From the safety of a nearby platform paralleling the gorge, spectators can snap photos and watch in delight as bungee jumpers leap from the bridge.
- The jump only takes about five seconds to complete, and a raft delivers you back to shore.
- Specially trained staff provide instruction and attach you safely with a harness to the launch site.
- To see the Kawarau Suspension Bridge from an entirely different angle, consider a rafting tour or other water activity down the Kawarau River.
How to Get There
Located on State Highway 6 (SH6) in the Gibbston Valley, the bridge is only about 30 minutes north of Queenstown and lies even closer to Arrowtown. Plenty of tour groups will shuttle you to the area if you book an activity with them. The intermediate-level Queenstown Trail offers bicyclists scenic views over wooden bridges en route.
When to Get There
The region is a year-round travel destination. Outdoor enthusiasts find spring and summer (September through February) especially popular, with river tours in high demand during warmer months. In autumn (March through May), the rocky slopes surrounding the Kawarau River turn brilliant shades, and skies tend toward clear blue. Bridge activities operate daily.
Bridge History
Originally this rustic bridge, built in 1880, connected Queenstown with the Otago gold fields. With the construction of an asphalt highway, however, traffic moved away from the bridge and it became frequented by bikers and joggers. The bridge would not become famous for bungee jumping until 1988, when adventure-seeker A.J. Hackett decided to strap a bungee cord around his ankles and splash into the waters below.
Address: Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, Gibbston 9371, New Zealand
From $ 35
Museum of Transport and Technology
Auckland's Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is the biggest museum of its type in New Zealand, dedicated to the nation's transport, technology, and social history. MOTAT houses many attractions, including working steam trains and tramways, perfectly preserved WWII planes, and a Victorian-era village full of historical artifacts.
The Basics
MOTAT's biggest draw is its remarkable collection of old vehicles, including military vehicles, old Auckland buses, a variety of 19th- and 20th-century fire engines, and more from the last 100-plus years of New Zealand's transport history. From the museum's Great North Road site, you can take one a well-preserved tram to the MOTAT Aviation Hall on Meola Road, where a wide variety of commercial, recreational, and military aircraft are on display. In the Historic Village, step back in time to Victorian-era New Zealand while you explore a wide range of buildings and artifacts from the country's past; on Sundays the village comes alive, with a working forge, operating printing presses, handcraft-making sessions for kids, and more. MOTAT also hosts temporary science and technology exhibitions from all over the world.
Many travelers visit the museum independently, and it's also a stop on the Auckland hop-on hop-off bus. Regular visitors can pick up an annual pass that gives unlimited entry to the museum and discounts to nearby attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- MOTAT is tailor-made for technology, science, and transport nuts of all ages.
- MOTAT runs children's programs every school holiday, making it a great place to take the kids during those two weeks.
- Expect to spend about four hours exploring both sites.
- Automobile enthusiasts can see the museum's old vehicles get restored every Wednesday and Sunday at the Road Transport Workshop.
- Refuel at the on-site Araroa Tearooms and Oriel's Ice Cream Partner.
- If you're going to the Auckland Zoo next, MOTAT's tram can drop you off right at the zoo entrance.
- Most of MOTAT is accessible to wheelchair users; contact the museum if you're uncertain of any areas.
How to Get There
Located just a few minutes out of central Auckland, MOTAT's main site is located on Great North Road in Western Springs. If driving, follow the North Western Motorway from central Auckland and take the Western Springs turnoff (St Lukes Road exit 6). You can also take the bus 18 to Stop 8122, right outside MOTAT Great North Road, and then take a MOTAT tram up to the Meola Road site.
When to Get There
MOTAT is open from 10am to 5pm every day except for Christmas and one weekend in March (check the website). The museum buzzes with activities and events every Sunday, but especially so on the third Sunday of each month, when the museum holds its MOTAT Live Days. On these days, the museum rolls out some of their old vehicles for rides (including an operating steam train), holds games and activities for kids, and has live demonstrations of technologies from the Victorian era and earlier.
Ride in an Historic Vehicle
MOTAT's tramways are operational every day of the week, and a number of their preserved vehicles are operational on MOTAT Live Days. On these special days, you can take a ride on a horse and carriage, on their adorable Little Flick fire engine, or on one of the museum's steam trains.
Address: 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs, New Zealand
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
McLean Falls
The Catlins landscape south of Dunedin is unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. Waves carve at a forested coastline and waterfalls spill through the trees"”the most spectacular of which is McLean Falls, a two-tiered, bridal-veiled beauty. As part of the Catlins Conservation Park, McLean Falls is hidden down a scenic, tree-lined trail, and broken up into two sets of falls that tower over 70 feet (21 meters) while crashing on moss-covered rocks. This part of New Zealand is sparsely populated, and you truly feel a connection to nature when hiking the trail to the falls, where ferns and trees in every shade of green form a colorful canopy around you. Since the area is so remote, however, one of the best ways to experience the falls is on a private tour of the Catlins, where a local guide helps plan an exceptional day trip from Dunedin.
Insider's Tip: McLean Falls is the second waterfall you encounter along the trail, so don't turn around at the first waterfall and walk away underwhelmed.
Practical Info
McLean Falls is a round trip hike that takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. The access road to the parking lot is unpaved and bumpy, though still accessible by 2WD cars. The nearest town is Papatowai, approximately nine miles (14.5 kilometers) east, or about a 20 minute drive. Dunedin is about a two-hour drive from the falls and Invercargill is about a 75-minute drive.
Address: Rewcastle Road, Catlins Forest Park, Otago 9586, New Zealand
From $ 136
Lady Knox Geyser
Named for Lady Constance Knox, a daughter of the 15th governor of New Zealand, Lady Knox Geyser is located in the North Island's Taupo Volcanic Zone. While this region is famous for a variety of fascinating geological phenomena, the Lady Knox Geyser is unique. Every day it erupts at precisely 10:15am, when a park guide induces it to do so - with soap.
Indeed, the soap is used to break the surface tension of the cold water in the geyser's upper chamber so that it will mix with the hot water in the lower chamber, which causes an 20 meter (65 feet) eruption that can last an hour. Stones have been placed around the opening in order to enhance the blast, and over the years, silica in the water has given the spout a nozzle-like appearance. You'll find it among the other natural marvels of the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Unlike many of the other thermal features of the area, the Lady Knox Geyser does not have a Maori name because it was discovered in the early 20th century - by prisoners who were washing their clothes. They triggered the jet when they dropped some soap in with the hot water!
Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road RD 3, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 8:30am - 5pm (until 1pm on Christmas). The Geyser erupts at 10:15am every day
Admission: Adults: NZ$30, Children (5-15yrs): NZ$10
From $ 110
Waipara
Wine and Waipara go hand in hand. Its proximity to Christchurch makes it an easy day trip, by wine lovers often decide to stay and sip a while.
The Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand's newest wine areas. Known for Pinot Noir and Riesling, the area is growing in size and popularity. And just like many other wine regions around the world, with good wine comes good food. Olive groves, nut farms and fields of lavender are popular stops visitors can add to their itinerary.
Train lovers will want to ride the Weka Pass Railway. Using both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives, on scheduled Sundays, trains travel to Waikari, covering almost 13 kilometers of scenery. The Weka Pass Railway is run entirely by volunteers.
Practical Info
Waipara Valley is a 45-minute drive from Christchurch. It is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand. Around 80 vineyards call the Waipara Valley home, producing around 100,000 cases of award winning wines each year.
Address: Waipara, New Zealand
From $ 71