Things to Do in New Zealand

The TranzAlpine Train is New Zealand’s most spectacular train journey. It winds its way through the dramatic gorges and alpine forests of the Southern Alps, over staggering viaducts and dizzying mountain passes. From Christchurch on the East Coast to Greymouth on the West Coast, this almost 5-hour trip serves up endless photo opportunities as it runs through the heart of the South Island.

It’s possible to complete the entire route from Christchurch to Greymouth on a full-day tour, while adventurous travelers can travel by train to Arthur's Pass National Park and then explore off-road on a 4WD safari or take a jet boat cruise along the Waimakariri River. For the best value, opt for a multi-day tour from Christchurch or Queenstown. This lets you combine a ride on the TranzAlpine with top New Zealand attractions such as Mount Cook, Milford Sound, the Fox Glacier, or the Franz Josef Glacier.

You can ride the TranzAlpine Train in either direction, starting your journey at Christchurch or at Greymouth. Christchurch Railway Station is located in Addington, just west of downtown Christchurch or about six 6 miles (nine kilometers) southeast of Christchurch Airport. 

The TranzAlpine runs daily with morning departures from Christchurch and afternoon departures from Greymouth. Trains run year-round, but it’s best to book ahead for the summer season as tickets can sell out. 

Setting out from Christchurch, the TranzAlpine Train rolls through the Canterbury Plains and crosses the Waimakariri River Gorge toward Rolleston. After climbing into the Southern Alps, the railway crosses the famous “Staircase” viaduct, soars over Arthur’s Pass, and traverses the 5.3-mile (8.6-kilometer) Otira Tunnel. Finally, it chugs along the shores of Lake Brunner and through Moana to the final station in Greymouth.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland showcases New Zealand’s geothermal topography at its most dramatic and colorful. Located along the Reporoa Caldera within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, the park’s lava-sculpted landscapes are punctuated by hissing geysers, swirling sulfur lakes, and bubbling mud pools.

Thanks to a guiding system of boardwalks Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park is easy to explore on your own. For the best value, visit as part of a full-day tour and also see popular North Island attractions such as the Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, or the Waikato River. For a more personalized experience, small-group and private tours run from the Rotorua and Tauranga cruise ports, and include convenient extras such as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is located along Waiotapu Loop Road, 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Rotorua, or 20 minutes by road. The closest international airport is in Rotorua. 

You can visit year-round, but summer (December through February) is the most popular. The park can become very crowded—to avoid large tour groups, visit early in the morning or just before closing.

Stand in awe before massive craters and the thundering Lake Ngakoro Waterfall, watch as the Lady Knox Geyser erupts, and marvel at multi-colored pools known as the 

‘Artist's Palette” for their bright swirls of color—a result of the water’s sulfur content. Additional highlights include the bubbling “Champagne Pool,” a number of cold and hot springs, and elaborate sinter terrace formations.

Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open wildlife sanctuary devoted to the protection of local endangered species. The island is tightly controlled to keep out predators such as cats and mice, which hunt fragile bird species, including the tiny kiwi birds you’ll see running around the island.

With about 80 species of birds, Tiritiri Matangi is a must-see for birdwatchers, and the air is rich with varieties of birdsong rarely heard on the mainland. Guided walks can help you spot and identify the various types of birds, and you can find the trailheads of walking tracks at the visitor center. The Kawaura Track winds through coastal forest and 1,000-year-old pohutukawa trees, while the Wattle Track leads to the oldest working lighthouse in New Zealand. Head to Hobbs Beach, just a short walk from the ferry dock, to take a swim and spy on blue penguins in their nesting boxes.

When visiting New Zealand’s Milford Sound, you’d be forgiven for driving straight through from Te Anau and simply just wanting to get there. After all—Milford Sound is one of the world’s most stunningly scenic areas, and it’s hard to bottle the excitable urge to get there as fast as you can. As it turns out, however, the journey to famous Milford Sound is all a part of the experience, and the Milford Road is lined with hikes, viewpoints, and scenic adventures. One of these stops is known as “The Chasm,” where wooden boardwalks weave through the rain forest amidst a canopy of ferns. After only a couple of minutes on the trail, the sound of waterfalls thundering in the distance gradually begins to get louder, until the Cleddau River is powerfully splashing beneath your feet. From the bridge overlooking The Chasm, you’ll notice a series of massive rocks that are riddled with oversized potholes, which have been naturally formed by water swirling in circles within the canyon. Over the course of thousands of years, the swirling water has created these smooth depressions and holes in the rocks, which only add to the impressive nature of this short, but worthwhile hike.

Recently refurbished, the Toitu Otago Settlers Musuem is a fascinating look at the life and times of Dunedin’s early settlers. Because of its sheltered, deep water port and fertile coastal plain, Dunedin was one of the South Island’s earliest places where Europeans settled. Arriving by boat in 1848, European settlers—predominantly Scottish—slowly began to build a community in the coastal Otago frontier, which exploded into hyper-growth when gold was found in the hills. From the time of the gold rush in 1861, Dunedin continued to serve as the center of life in Otago and the Southland, all of which is on display in this massive downtown museum. Aside from exhibits on European settlers, visitors will also find info relating to native South Island Maori, as well as a look at how Dunedin was New Zealand’s “First Great City.” At the Smith Gallery, look in the eyes of early settlers through the stunning collections of portraits, all of which feature early settlers from pre-1864.  You’ll also find newer, more modern exhibits on Dunedin in the digital age, and this one of the city’s best activities on a cold or rainy day.

Just a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island has great beaches, some of New Zealand’s best boutique wineries, a number of art galleries, scenic walking trails, and acres of olive groves, making it the ideal getaway. The island’s calm waters—perfect for watersports like snorkeling, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding—and the relaxed bohemian atmosphere in Oneroa Village draw a steady stream of visitors year-round.

Waiheke Island is most often visited on day tours from Auckland. The most popular experiences include food tours, wine tasting excursions, adventure tours—and simply spending time on one of the many sandy ocean beaches. Wine enthusiasts should choose a wine-tasting tour to visit some of the nearly 30 wineries, many of which have locavore restaurants attached and make for the perfect way to enjoy a vineyard lunch. Adventure and culture also abound, with ziplining, hiking, and eco tours available for exploring the island’s lush forests and nature preserves, plus ancient Maori terraces and cooking pits to be discovered on cultural bike tours.

Waiheke Island lies in the Hauraki Gulf, 13 miles (21.5 kilometers) from Auckland on New Zealand's North Island. Fullers Ferries provides fast transport from the downtown Auckland ferry terminal (35 minutes), and Sealink has car ferries from Half Moon Bay and Wynyard Quarter in Auckland (45 minutes). Waiheke tours offer one of the most convenient ways to travel from Auckland, although it’s easy to hail a taxi or find a bus on the island. Rental cars, bikes, and motorbikes are also available for rent.

Aucklanders flock to Waiheke in droves in summer (December to February), the best time to hit the beach. During the less crowded month of March, some wineries offer additional experiences like the chance to stomp grapes or sample special vintages in honor of harvest time. Each Saturday from 8:30am to 1pm, a popular art and farmers market pops up in Ostend.

Island wine tours often feature expert guides, combine visits and tastings at several wineries and boutique vineyards into one excursion, and leave the driving up to someone else. Some popular stops include Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay, Stonyridge, Jurassic Ridge, Batch, and Casita Miro. Winery tours highlight the production process and unique terroir of Waiheke Island wine, while offering the chance to try the delicious wines.

Traveling from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, Waimakariri is a Maori term meaning “cold water.” Known for its scenery, the Waimakariri River is also the hub for a number of popular water activities.

Jet boating offers a fun and fast way to explore the Waimakariri River's lower braided river system. Fishing is also a popular way for visitors to get their feet wet in the area. Walking, horseback riding and cycling along the river is a good choice for those who want more of a guarantee to stay dry. Full day high country explorer style tours offer a fun escape from Christchurch.

Visitors to Velocity Valley (formerly Agroventures Adventure Park) choose from six adrenaline-fueled activities: Shweeb Racer, Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Rotorua Bungy, and Freestyle Airbag. Each ride is suitable for daredevils of almost all ages. Activities can be purchased separately or combined as part of a tour package.

 

Choose a tour that combines admission and ride(s) of your choice with round-trip transportation. Then, strap yourself into a high-speed Agrojet and splash around corners at 60 mph (100 kph). Feel the pressure of a Rotorua Bungy cord around your ankles, and the stomach-drop when you fall from 140 feet (43 meters). Don a squirrel suit at Freefall Xtreme and step inside an outdoor wind tunnel, where 130-mph (210-kph) winds create the feeling of falling from a plane.

 

Daredevils can attach themselves to a thin ripcord that is raised 130 feet (40 meters) before releasing and swooping at 80 mph (130 kph) on the Swoop super swing. If you’d prefer a ride that’s more unique than scary, step inside the world’s only Shweeb Racer: an aerodynamic, pedal-driven pod attached to a monorail track. Bicyclists of all skill levels go airborne before landing safely on a huge Freestyle Airbag.

 

 

Velocity Valley is located at 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, 15 minutes from downtown Rotorua. The park is about 4 miles (8 kilometers) from the city center and bus terminal, and 15 miles (25 kilometers) from Rotorua Airport.

 

Velocity Valley is open every day from 9am until 5pm, with the exception of Christmas Day. Because all activities take place in the outdoors, the best times to visit are when the weather is warm and dry.

 

You can take it slow on the Shweeb Racer, which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy the view while pedaling three laps around the monorail course. Once you’re comfortable, pick up the pace and challenge your friends on dueling tracks that are perfect for racing and speed.

Originating in the mountains of Tongariro National Park and spilling down towards Lake Taupo, the Tongariro River forms the upper section of the greater Waikato River. Famously known for its world-class trout fishing, you can also find whitewater rafting and kayaking through operators based in Turangi. The crowds here can be notably thinner than in Lake Taupo or Rotorua, and the riverfront scenery is some of the best you’ll find on the North Island’s central plateau.

Drift peacefully along a tree-lined riverbank and swim in the numerous pools, or crank up the adrenaline as you go bouncing down the occasional rapids and falls. It’s even possible to go rafting in winter when the mountain peaks are covered in snow, and the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu and the Lake Taupo shoreline are both just an hour away. Or, for those who prefer to stay on shore, the land bordering the Tongariro River is covered in dozens of trails, where mountain bikers, hikers, and riverfront joggers can enjoy  the fresh mountain air.

Waitemata Harbour is the real name for what is often just called Auckland Harbour. It means “sparkling waters” in the Maori language, which is a very fitting name. Numerous islands dot the harbor, and a day spent on the water, with city views in the background, is a memorable way to tour Auckland.

 

You can clearly see why Auckland’s nickname is “City of Sails” once you glimpse Waitemata Harbour. Landmarks around the harbor, include the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, Devonport, Mission Bay, and volcanic Rangitoto Island. These can be seen from many high points around Auckland, particularly from the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland, as well as closer on a boat or walking tour.

 

Tours of and around Waitemata Harbour take many forms. From active water sports, such as kayaking, to the more sedate, such as ferry crossings and cruises, all travelers can spend some time enjoying the beauty of Waitemata Harbour.

 

 

Tours around the harbor start from various points and usually include round-trip transportation from central Auckland. Ferries to the North Shore and islands in the Hauraki Gulf (which is the water body just beyond the harbor) depart from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, as do some cruises.

 

Despite a generally warm climate, Auckland experiences frequent rain at any time of year. Summer is best for water sports, such as kayaking and sailing, but cruises can be enjoyed year-round. Although temperatures in the winter aren’t too cold, the chance of rain and cold winds is high. The harbor hosts a number of festivals, including the Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival and Auckland on Water Boat Show.

 

Active travelers wanting to experience Auckland’s natural treasures will enjoy a kayak or other small-boat tour of Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve. Southwest of the harbor, the 1,235-acre (500-hectare) protected reserve, including salt marshes and mangrove swamps, provides a habitat for numerous varieties of wading and sea birds.

Whether you’re embarking on a short day cruise from the marina or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Viaduct Harbour is an energetic entertainment hub right on the Auckland waterfront. The harbor is best known for its food: there are more than 20 cafés, restaurants, and bars, almost all of them easily found on the harbor’s pedestrian mall.

 

In the 1990s, Viaduct Harbour was transformed from an underloved port to a bustling, America’s Cup–hosting luxury entertainment district right in the heart of Auckland. The pedestrian mall that runs around the harbor is lined with high-end apartments, and restaurants, cafés, and bars thrive on the ground floor. From quiet little coffee shops, family restaurants, and fine dining restaurants run by celebrated chefs to pubs, bars, and clubs that are open late into the night, there’s plenty on offer. Theater lovers can take in a show at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, home to the Auckland Theatre Company. You can even stay on the harbor, at one of several luxury hotels and apartment complexes located on or near the waterfront.

Viaduct Harbour is also a regular departure point for boat tours out into the harbor and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s also the home of the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa, which tells New Zealand’s maritime history through exhibitions and several impressively restored historical boats.

 

If you’re in the Auckland CBD, Viaduct Harbour is just a short walk from the end of Queen Street—just turn left at Quay Street and keep walking. Britomart Train and Bus Station and the Downtown Ferry Terminal are all just a quick stroll down Quay Street, too. If you’re driving, take the appropriate exits off the motorway: exit at Nelson Street from the Southern Motorway or at Fanshawe Street from the Northern Motorway. There are three parking lots near the harbor.

There’s no bad time to visit Viaduct Harbour—a number of cafés are open from the early morning, bars are often open late, and most restaurants serve in between. Try and visit in summer or fall to make the most of the harbor views and outdoor dining.

 

There are multiple lookout points around Viaduct Harbour, but most of them offer views of only the viaduct itself. Head to the end of Princes Wharf, right next to Viaduct Harbour, for views across the water to Devonport, with the Harbour Bridge in the distance to the west.

With dramatic limestone formations, gigantic stalactites and stalagmites, and subterranean river, New Zealand's Waitomo Caves hold adventure at every turn. This network of underground caverns is one of the best places in New Zealand to spot glowworms, and the glittering creatures provide a magical backdrop to the caves' natural wonders.

The Waitomo Caves can only be visited by guided tours, which typically include a walk through the caves and a boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Tours typically run from Auckland or Rotorua, and are often combined with other Waitomo attractions, such as the Hobbiton film set from The Lord of the Rings.

The Waitomo Caves are located in Waitomo on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The nearest international airport is in Auckland, roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of the caves, or 2.5 hours by road. Tours also run from Rotorua, 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of the caves, or two hours by road. 

The Waitomo Caves are open year-round, but summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit. It can get busy, so be sure to book in advance and opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour if you want to avoid crowds. 

Along with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, visitors can explore nearby Aranui Cave, Ruakari Cave, and Marokopa Falls. Adventurous types can get their adrenaline fix by black water rafting, abseiling (rappelling), cave tubing (gliding along the river in a giant inner tube), or canyoning through the caves.

The hustle and bustle of Auckland is mere miles from lush forests and stunning landscapes. The Waitakere Ranges, a short drive northwest of the city center, are home to a regional park full of dense native bush, running rivers, and enchanting waterfalls. Enjoy numerous walking trails and incredible views of Auckland and the Tasman Sea.

The Basics

Formed by eruptions from the underwater Waitakere Volcano millions of years ago, the vibrantly forested Waitakere Ranges run for 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Manukau Harbor to the suburb of Waitakere north of Auckland, with peaks reaching 1,400 feet (427 meters). If you’re a hiker or are just looking to get out of the city for a bit, the hills have a number of bush trails—from short loop tracks to multi-day treks—for all fitness and experience levels. You can walk to several large dams deep in the Ranges, like the Upper Nihotupu Dam and the Huia Dam; keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls along the way. Intrepid hikers can try the Hillary Trail, a 46-mile (74-kilometer) trek that runs from Muriwai to Titirangi, passing through Piha. On all tracks, watch for native insects, birds, and bats—the bats in the Waitakere Ranges are New Zealand’s only native land-based mammals.

In addition to full-day walking tours from Auckland, the regional park is also popular with sightseeing tours that stop here while exploring Auckland or New Zealand’s West Coast. The lookout on Scenic Drive offers panoramic views of Auckland, or peer out over the forbidding West Coast beaches from Te Henga Walkway.

Things to Know Before You Go

 

How to Get There

Auckland’s public transport network doesn’t reach the Waitakere Ranges, so your best bet is to drive. From central Auckland, follow the Northwestern Motorway to Great North Road. Turn right at Blockhouse Bay Road onto Ash Street, then follow that road (which changes name twice, to Rata Street and Titirangi Road) through Titirangi until you reach the Scenic Drive turnoff.

When to Get There

The Waitakere Ranges offer stunning, uninterrupted views of the Tasman Sea, Auckland, and nearby beaches, so it’s best to visit in summer and fall to avoid fog, rain, or flash flooding.

 

Best Walks in the Waitakere Ranges

While many of Waitakere’s bush trails have closed to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease, some tracks are still open. That includes a lot of picturesque coastal walks like the Whatipu Caves Track, the Kakamatua Beach Walk, the Tasman Lookout Track, and the Te Henga Walkway.

One thing you won’t see when visiting Queenstown are snorkelers in Lake Wakatipu. Not only because the water is alarmingly cold (the average temperature is 48°F), but because the Underwater Observatory allows you to look beneath the lake without even getting your hair wet.

Located along Queenstown’s Main Town Pier, this KJet observatory boasts six large windows where trout, ducks, and 35-pound eels go swimming right past your face. Families with young children will love feeding the ducks and watching them dive for their food, or feeding the writhing schools of trout and watching the chaotic splashes. 

This site has an enormous hot spring, which is believed to be the largest in the world. Take an easy 45-minute stroll past geysers, fumaroles and fissures to learn how this exceptionally “young” landscape is literally changing by the day. Avid hikers can split off on the Mt Hazard trail to get better views of the valley and gaze down on the multi-hued lakes, radiant in turquoise and greens. One such lake provides one of the best activities in the valley—taking a cruise on Lake Rotomohana. This naturally formed lake covers 15 separate craters and is a haven for endangered birds. It grew 20 times as large once the Tarawera eruption was completed and serves as the perfect geothermal site in Rotorua. The surrounding beauty of the native bushland just adds to the outdoor experience.

Spilling 259 miles from Mt. Ruapehu to its terminus with the Tasman Sea, the Waikato River is the most famous—and longest—river in all of New Zealand. It’s the aquatic playground of New Zealand’s North Island, and whitewater kayakers from around the world make pilgrimages to play in its rapids. 

Outside of Taupo, in the central part of the North Island, the Waikato River funnels through a canyon to form the famous Huka Falls.  These violently raging yet beautiful falls are one of the largest attractions in Lake Taupo, and jet boat tours zip towards the base of the falls for an up-close view of their fury.  

To the north of Lake Taupo, the Waikato River famously spills through the Aratiatia Rapids—a dam-controlled section where water is released to create a turbulent torrent of white. A hiking trail connects Huka Falls with the Aratiatia Rapids, showcasing two of Taupo’s best places to feel the Waikato’s natural power. Downstream, towards Hamilton and the King Country, the Waikato River is a popular getaway for fly-fishing, boating, and canoeing.

Tongariro National Park earned dual UNESCO World Heritage status for its combination of Maori cultural and natural features. Located on the central North Island, the park offers visitors several options for exploring the volcanic terrain. If you want to shorten the multi-day Tongariro Northern Circuit, a New Zealand Great Walk, then consider the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike.

Those who tackle the 26-mile (43-kilometer) Northern Circuit must make Great Walk reservations and book hut (or campsite) tickets in advance. Typically, hikers opt for the 12-mile (19-kilometer) Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The moderately challenging route takes you past lava flows, volcanic craters, and the Emerald Lakes (or optional side trip to the summit of Mt. Ngauruhoe). Alternatively, explore easier nature trails or see Tongariro National Park from above by helicopter. Two of New Zealand’s largest ski resorts are located on Mt. Ruapehu.

Equidistant from Auckland and Wellington on the North Island, Tongariro National Park is easily reached via paved roads. The Northern Explorer scenic railway stops at National Park station, or shuttle bus service—departing from National Park Village, Taupo, Turangi, or the Base Camp or Ketetahi parking lots—can take you to Whakapapa Village and the hiking trails, 

The Great Walks season typically runs from mid-October until the end of April. The track can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early in the day and take your time. Before setting out, be sure to check the latest forecast, as the weather is changeable in every season and can reach extremes of cold and wind, even in summer. 

New Zealand’s oldest national park lies at the end of a 1,550-mile (2,494 kilometer) string of volcanoes. The UNESCO-listed area is sacred to the Maori people as a connection point between earth and sky. Also within the park, the Pihanga Scenic Reserve includes Lake Rotopounamu, Mt. Pihanga, and the Kakaramea-Tihia Massif. The reserve is especially significant to the Maori people, who celebrate the love between Pihanga—considered a powerful female mountain—and her equally strong male counterpart, Tongariro.