There are so many things to do in New Zealand. Did you know it is known as the adventure capital of the world? New Zealand is a dream destination packing a huge punch into a small space with astounding scenery, cosmopolitan cities, adrenaline pumping adventures, and a jaw dropping coastline.
Things to do in New Zealand
Unique Things to do in New Zealand
It can be overwhelming deciding on what things to do in New Zealand.
We've rounded up the more unique and exciting things to do in New Zealand beyond the usual bungy jumps and skydives.
Although they make the list too, because you can't go to New Zealand without giving them a go too!
Moeraki Boulders
You must see the Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are a natural phenomenon that lay along a stretch of the Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast of New Zealand.
I didn't even know they existed, but seriously, they are one of the best things to do in New Zealand.
They are located between Moeraki and Hampden on the South Island.
Scientists claim that the were formed millions of years ago due to muddy sediments slowly forming the boulders through erosion, wave action and landslide. They are a fascinating site to see.
Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua
Maori Performer
The Polynesians settled here in the 13th century and an excellent way to learn about their history is to .
Here you will be welcomed by the Powhiri, a formal welcoming ceremony followed by a performance of warrior dances and songs.
We named New Zealand as one of the top spots for the Best Road Trips in the world, see where else made the cut!
Go Zorbing in Rotorura
Must do things in New Zealand - Zorbing
New Zealand is known for their zany adventures and when there you must in Rotorua.
Rotorua is an excellent stop for hot springs as well, so after a day of adventures, you can warm up in the warm volcanic sulfur waters.
Wai-O-Tapu
Wai-O-Tapu Sulpher Springs
Wai-O-Tapu is a Thermal Wonderland.
Walk along safe and defined tracks through this incredible geothermal pools and volcanic and acidic lakes.
Witness bubbling mud, steaming ground and volcanic craters at this natural attraction that has bee called One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World.
Movies shot in New Zealand
Read Next: Top Thrill Seeking Things to do in New Zealand
Swim with Dolphins, The Bay of Islands
Swim with bottle nose dolphins
Swimming with dolphins is one of the most magical moments you will ever have in your life.
In The Bay of Islands, we had the opportunity to swim with bottlenose dolphins.
The waters are warmer on the North Island so you don't have to wear a wetsuit here!
Recommended Travel Gear for New Zealand
Fly Your Own Stunt Plane Abel Tasman
Fly Your Own Stunt Plane
The most original and exciting adventure you will ever do in your life is to fly your own stunt plane at Ufly Extreme (sadly, you can no longer fly your own stunt plane in New Zealand, but it was so cool I had to leave it in!)
Imagine taking full control of the plane you flip upside down and all around in mid air as pilot Vincent talks you through the flight from the cockpit behind.
It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but is definitely the most unique thing we did in New Zealand or anywhere for that matter.
Bungy Jump in Queenstown
You can't visit New Zealand without doing a bunjy jump
Bungy jumping was invented by AJ Hackett in Queenstown, and if you are visiting here, you must make sure you jump off a platform at one of the sites.
A bungy jump is the number 1 activity of things to do in New Zealand for many people, if you don't do it, you'll be sorry!
There are many to choose from, from the original bridge jump to the terrifying Nevis Bungy located 134 metre over the middle of a gorge!
See why you should: Visit New Zealand
Cruise Milford Sound
In 2008 it was named the World’s Top Travel Destination and Rudyard Kipling called it the 8th Wonder of the World.
Milford Sound is the country's most famous tourist destination.
A is a must when visiting the country. Its breathtaking fiords showcase some of the highest sea cliffs in the world.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
We like the standards of Sofitel Hotels and this modern hotel is walking distance from all the sights.
Check out Availability & Prices
SkyCity Grand Hotel
Centrally located upscale hotel. Located next to the casino and connected to entertainment complex.
A 5 Star experience in heart of the city
Check out Availability & Prices
Hike the Tongariro Crossing
Hike the Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is considered one of the best day hikes in the entire world.
It's an absolutely beautiful trek taking you through huge valleys, up mountain slopes and to incredible volcanic lakes.
Peter Jackson chose this location to be the dreaded Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings.
Whitewater Raft Class 5 Rapid
Whitewater Rafting for Pure Adrenaline
We've done a lot of whitewater rafting around the world, but the class five rapids just two hours from Christchurch were the thrill of a lifetime.
After facing the massive water, you can jump into some smaller rapids yourself from 3 - 5 meter high ledges.
That really gets your blood pumping.
More Fun Things to do in New Zealand
Go Whale Watching Kaikoura
Whale watching in Kairkoura
When whale watching in Kaikoura, the chances of spotting whales are so that if you don't see any, they will refund 80% of your money.
We not only saw humpback whales, we saw killer whales too!
Go Sailing
Go sailing in Abel Tasman
One cannot appreciate the beauty of a coastline until you see it from afar.
Taking a sailing trip is a fun and relaxing way to spend the day.
We sailed along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park exploring secluded beaches and witnessing unique rock formations.
But most importantly, we had the opportunity to captain the boat!
See the Glow Worms
Glowworms are a unique thing to do in New Zealand
Glowworms are small insects that emit .
They can be found in many caves in New Zealand and you must go to see them when you are there.
Glowworms never leave the cave and they spend their lives feeding on insects that make their way into the deep caverns.
One glowworm hangs hundreds of threads to catch their prey using their lights attract the bugs where they are trapped in their gooey string to wait for a slow death.
Read more at our Visit to the Glowworm Caves New Zealand or check out that includes tubing through the caves.
SkyDive Abel Tasman
Skydiving in Abel Tasman
When skydiving in Abel Tasman you have the option to jump from 16,500 feet. S
kydive Abel Tasman is the only place in New Zealand that you can jump from so high.
There are many places to jump in New Zealand, but Abel Tasman is special as you can see both the North and South Island when you jump.
Trek the Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier Guided Trek
Who doesn't want to walk on a glacier? The Fox Glacier is probably one of the easiest and quickest glacier walks you'll ever be able to do.
We were suited up with thick woolly socks and boots suitable for crampons.
They gave us a rain jacket and waterproof pants all we had to do was show up. Located at a low elevation, it's suitable for anyone that's relatively fit.
By Stefan December 13, 2017 - 11:03 am
Wow! Some of these things seem insane! I’m planning a trip to New Zealand at the moment and I’m definitely going to be looking into how many of these I can get done. I’m sure that a few of them out of my budget but I hope I can definitely squeeze in the whale watching and skydiving at the very least. Thanks for sharing! Your photos are incredible!
By Sajay November 11, 2017 - 5:56 am
The walks, Oh the walks! The Milford is no doubt really beautiful. I also did a few more on my trip like: 1. Abel Tasman 2. Franz Josef Glacier 3. Canterbury – Mount Cook National Park (this. This was my favorite. When I think of New Zealand, this is the first memory that pops up in my head) 4. Stewart Island Have you done any of these? I’d highly recommend them!
By Tom April 1, 2017 - 4:35 am
I did quite a few of these when I was living and traveling around New Zealand. The Great thing about New Zealand is there’s so much to see and do there!
The Milford Cruise was amazing! We went on a rainy day, even though you couldn’t see the peaks of the sound at all, it was still great, such a beautiful place!
Likewise, the Moeraki Boulders were really intriguing as well. They really don’t look like they are the result of millions of years of erosion! We had great fun climbing over them!
Fair play to you for doing the bungee and skydive! I definitely couldn’t do the former!
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By Paul (The Travelling Boomer) March 22, 2015 - 7:42 pm
I did about half of these things when I was in New Zealand long ago, but I’d go back in a heartbeat to do the rest — though I’m still not jumping off a bridge with an elastic band tied to my ankles. New Zealand has even more great experiences to offer, too, like wine tasting in its beautiful wine country, watching the amazing bird life in the south island, and hiking the temperate rain forests of Fjordland. One of my favourite countries in the world, and AIr NZ is one of my favourite airlines.
By Arianwen March 22, 2015 - 6:04 pm
I did most of these things a couple of years ago. I still don’t think anything has ever beaten the experience of flying that stunt plane!
By Arti March 21, 2015 - 11:30 am
New Zealand is one country very high on my wish list! Spectacular pictures and great insight into the activities – off right away to check more on the contest!