Unique Things to do in New Zealand

We spent a lot of time on the South Island during our first trip to New Zealand and feel it is definitely the more adventurous side of the two.

The South Island is the larger of the two islands but has a lower population making for amazing backcountry adventures and unspoiled scenery.

1. 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. The original Bridge Jump, The Ledge Bunjy and the terrifying Nevis Bungy located 134 metre over the middle of a gorge!

See why you should: Visit New Zealand

2. Cruise Milford Sound

In 2008 it was named the World’s Top Travel Destination and Rudyard Kipling called it the 8^th Wonder of the World.

Milford Sound is the country's most famous tourist destination.

A cruise through Milford Sound is a must when visiting the country. Its breathtaking fiords showcase some of the highest sea cliffs in the world.

back to top

3. 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.

back to top

4. Trek the Fox Glacier

Trek the Fox Glacier in New Zealand

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.

back to top

5. Go Paragliding

Catch the Skyline Gondola  (just a 5-minute walk from central Queenstown) to the top of the mountain for the most extraordinary paragliding experience you'll ever have.

Then soar 2000 feet above Queenstown. We had a good 15-minute flight and could keep catching the waves to go back up to our starting point rather than dropping quickly to the ground.

You'll get to do some amazing maneuvers too!

back to top

6. 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 Moeraki boulders 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.
back to top

7. Fly Your Own Stunt Plane

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 here but you can do it in Wanaka! My experience was too cool not to leave 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.

8. Go Whale Watching Kaikoura 

Whale watching in Kaikoura

Whale watching might not seem like one of the most unique things to do in New Zealand, but what makes it special is the number of species you will see.

All kinds of different whales migrate through these waters and chances of spying several are very good!

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!
back to top

9. Split Apple Rock

Split Apple Rock New Zealand

Split Apple Rock is a 120 million-year-old granite rock that has been split in half.

Legend has it the rock was split between two warring Gods.

Science tells us that during the ice age, water that had seeped into the rock expanded splitting the massive formation in half.

I'm going with the Gods!

back to top

10. World Famous Gorge Swing

If bunjy jumping is too much for you, try a gorge swing instead.

You get to do this in pairs of two if you like! It's not a direct fall, but instead a swing across the gorge on a 300-metre arc.

back to top

Check out Queenstown Tours from Get Your Guide

11. Lake Tekapo

The Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo on the South Island, New Zealand.

Lake Tekapo is part of the Dark Sky Preserve and is an excellent place for camping.

Spend the night and take in the stars.

It's most photographed view is the one above of the Church of the Good Shepherd.

back to top

back to top

12. Visit Wanaka

Thanks to Instagram going crazy with shots of the Wanaka Tree, this sleepy town has gained popularity.

Surrounded by Mountains there is no shortage of hikes and outdoor adventures to be had in Wanaka.

Check out all the things to do there written by local travel writer Matt Burns.

back to top

13. See the Glow Worms

Glowworms are a unique thing to do in New Zealand

Glowworms are small insects that emit bioluminescent.

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 this tour of the Waitomo Caves that includes tubing through the caves.

14. Pancake Rocks

The Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki are an awesome place to visit.

Take a walkway out to view the 1000-year-old eroded limestone formations.

If you time it right, you'll catch the sea spewing up through the rocks blowholes.

Part of the Paparoa National Park, the Pancake Rocks are accessed by the easy Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk right in the centre of Punakaiki.
back to top

15. Mount Cook

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Sir Edmund Hillary trained here for his summit to Mount Everest!

Mount Cook is easily accessible by road offering stunning views of peaks and glaciers.

There are plenty of tracks to hike and it has outstanding rock climbing experiences.

back to top

17. 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.

back to top

Movies shot in New Zealand

18. 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.

back to top

19. Visit Hobbiton

New Zealand has always been an amazing destination but the world really took notice when the Lord of the Rings filmed here.

An entire Hobbit Village was built on farmland and it is now open to the public. See where Frodo and Sam great up and experience a piece of Hollywood History.
back to top

20. Swim with Dolphins - Kaikoura/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.

In Kaikoura, you swim with a larger pod but it is also a tour with more people too.

The waters are warmer on the North Island so you don't have to wear a wetsuit in the Bay of Islands.

A wetsuit is required in Kaikoura.

back to top

21. Sky Dive Taupo or Abel Tasman

Skydiving in Abel Tasman

When skydiving in Abel Tasman you have the option to jump from 16,500 feet.

Skydive 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.

back to top

22. Go Zorbing in Rotorua

Must do things in New Zealand - Zorbing

New Zealand is known for their zany adventures and when there you must try zorbing 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 sulphur waters.
back to top

23. Sail The America's Cup Winning Yacht

New Zealand's team is one of the best in the world. They are the current holders of the America's Cup and when in Aukland, you can experience what it is like to sail these rasing yachts.

Get as involved as you like, or just take in the view of the city from the sea.
back to top

24. Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua

Maori Performer

The Polynesians settled here in the 13^th century and an excellent way to learn about their history is to visit the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua.

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!

back to top

25. Go Sandboarding

Sandboarding in Openoni which is just south of the Bay of Islands is a good little stop in the middle of a sunny afternoon.  The cost is okay at 20 NZD (about $15 USD) per person for the boat ride and the board rental making it one of the cheapest excursions we did in the country.
back to top

26. Take a Jet Boat Tour

There are many places to take a jet boat in New Zealand with the most famous being in the Queenstown area.

We took a few through rivers and out to sea, but one of our favourites was The Luxmore Jetboat Experience taking some thrills and spills through Fjordland National Park.
back to top

Recommended Travel Gear for New Zealand

27. Wellington Lookout

In the center of Wellington, there's hill known as Mount Victoria.

There, they filmed the first scene from The Lord of the Rings, where Frodo and the Hobbits hide from their first Wraith.

It's a great way to get. out of the city.

back to top

28. Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is a beautiful place to visit.  The Main Beach has been crowned the ‘Best Beach in New Zealand and hiking the mountain, Mauao, is a gorgeous hike that takes about 45 minutes.

It's one of New Zealand's most popular walks making it one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

back to top

29. Huka Falls

The Huka Falls offers a spectacular display of the power of water with 220k litres of water rushing down an 11-metre waterfall per second!

It's worth stopping to have a look!

30. Sky Tower

Want a little adrenaline in the city?

Choose from the Skywalk or Sky Jump at Auckland's Sky Tower.

What I love about this is, if you are not ready for a bunjy jump, this offers a controlled decent reaching a speed of 85km per hour.

back to top