The Best Places to Visit in New Zealand: Our Personal Favourites

New Zealand is one of those countries that stays with you long after you’ve left. Its diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains, make it one of the best places to visit in the world. Whether you’re on a New Zealand tour package or exploring solo, this country has something for everyone. If you’re wondering where to visit in New Zealand, let me share five of our favourite spots and the must-do experiences that’ll make your trip to Aotearoa unforgettable.

Queenstown

Queenstown is hands down one of New Zealand’s best destinations. I might be a little biased, since we’re based nearby in Wanaka, but there’s a good reason Queenstown is so popular. Often included in any New Zealand Queenstown tour, this adventure-filled town is surrounded by mountains and set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Even if you're not a thrill-seeker, Queenstown’s natural beauty and buzzing vibe make it a must on any New Zealand itinerary. With plenty of wineries, restaurants, and scenic views to see, I almost guarantee you’ll find something in Queenstown for you!

Must-do experiences in Queenstown:

• Bungee jumping – If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, try bungee jumping at the iconic Kawarau Bridge or Nevis Bungy. It’s the perfect way to get your heart racing and soak in the beauty of Queenstown.
• Milford Sound day trip – No New Zealand tour is complete without a visit to Milford Sound. A day trip from Queenstown will take you through some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll ever see. It’s a truly magical place that should definitely be on your New Zealand bucket list. Most day trips include a cruise through the sound, which will more than likely be the highlight of your trip!
• Ben Lomond Track – For a more active adventure, check out the Ben Lomond Track. It’s a challenging trek, but the panoramic views over Queenstown and the surrounding peaks are absolutely worth it. You can also start “half-way” up the mountain by taking the gondola from Queenstown, where you can check out a restaurant with some of the best views in Queenstown, as well as race your friends in the down-hill luge. 

The best thing about Queenstown is that it’s a year-round destination. Whether you’re skiing in winter, hiking in summer, sampling wines in spring, or photographing the colours of autumn, Queenstown has something for everyone all year round. If you’re unsure when to visit New Zealand, check out our blog: When’s the best time to visit New Zealand for an in-depth guide to New Zealand’s seasons, plus some recommendations on where to go for each season!

Rotorua

Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, and it’s one of the top spots for travellers looking for unique experiences in New Zealand. I like to think of Rotorua almost as the North Island’s version of Queenstown, except without skiing and a much larger Māori culture presence. This region offers a glimpse into the country’s geothermal wonders and Māori culture, making it a must on any New Zealand tour. If you’re looking for a perfect summer vacation spot, Rotorua is a hugely popular destination for locals and visitors alike. 

Must-do experiences in Rotorua:

• Te Puia – Explore bubbling mud pools, geysers, and the famous Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia. While you’re there, immerse yourself in Māori culture with a traditional hāngī meal - a meal cooked in the ground - and cultural performances.
• Redwoods Forest – Rotorua’s Redwoods Forest is magical, with towering trees and endless walking and cycling tracks. For something unique, try the Redwoods Treewalk – a series of suspended bridges that offer a bird’s eye view of the forest. If you’re into mountain biking, this is a great place to get your fix!
• Hot springs and lake swims – Rotorua is known for its natural hot springs, and soaking in one after a day of exploring is bliss. There’s also an abundance of lakes to swim and explore in Rotorua. I recommend checking out Lake Rotomahana and Lake Rotoiti, especially if you’re keen on kayaking.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

If you’re a fan of mountains and pristine landscapes, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Out in the Mackenzie Country and home to New Zealand’s highest peak, it’s a paradise for hikers, getaway enthusiasts, and those who just want to take in the incredible views. If you want to escape to the country during your trip in New Zealand and experience nature's beauty on full display, then Aoraki deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Must-do experiences in Aoraki/Mount Cook:

• Hooker Valley Track – This easy yet stunning hike takes you past glaciers, swing bridges, and bright turquoise lakes, with Mount Cook towering over the whole scene. It’s hands down one of my favourite walks in the country, and it helps that it’s not difficult to get to.
• Stargazing – Being in a Dark Sky Reserve, the stargazing here is next level. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and countless stars. It’s truly magical, and the nearby Lake Tekapo is a perfect spot for checking out the stars with its observatory. If you’re into astro-photography, Aoraki is your dream astro location.
• Scenic flight – For something really special, take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps. Some tours even land on the Tasman Glacier, letting you experience the landscape from an entirely different angle. This is something that’s still on my bucket list, but a few of our New Zealand Travel Specialists who have done it rave about how incredible the experience is!

Aoraki/Mount Cook national park is home to some of New Zealand’s largest glaciers. These hulking but stunning glaciers are incredible to experience if you haven’t seen one before. Read our guide on how to visit the glaciers in New Zealand to see how and which glaciers you should add to your itinerary. 

Abel Tasman National Park

For beach lovers, Abel Tasman National Park is the ideal destination. Located at the top of the South Island just an hour from Nelson, this coastal paradise is all about golden sands, clear waters, and lush forests. It’s one of the most beautiful coastal spots in the country and definitely worth adding to any New Zealand tour. If you’re road tripping between the North and South Islands, then you’re probably going to head through Nelson anyway, so why not take the short trek up to Abel Tasman and enjoy all it has to offer?

Must-do experiences in Abel Tasman:

• Kayaking – One of the best ways to explore the park’s coastline is by kayak. Paddle your way along the stunning beaches, hidden bays, and keep an eye out for seals and dolphins as you go.
• Abel Tasman Coastal Track – Whether you’re after a short walk or want to tackle a multi-day trek, this track offers stunning coastal views. Walk through native bush, beaches, and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most famous walks.
• Sailing the Abel Tasman – If you’re wanting to spend a bit of time exploring the Abel Tasman, then there’s no better way than to sail the coastline. Dive at the best beaches, enjoy some mouth-watering seafood, and relax as your captain whisks you around the Abel Tasman’s shores.

Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, might be small, but it’s packed with character. It’s one of New Zealand’s best destinations for food, culture, and art. The capital city’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re there for a day or a few. If you’ve visited Australia’s Melbourne and Hobart, you can imagine Wellington as an amalgamation of the two popular cities, offering a unique city culture with a gorgeous backdrop of the rugged, mountainous coastline.

Must-do experiences in Wellington:

• Te Papa Museum – Te Papa is an absolute must when visiting Wellington. This interactive, free museum covers everything from Māori history to New Zealand’s natural wonders. You could easily spend hours here learning about Māori culture and history.
• Wellington Cable Car and Botanic Garden – Hop on the iconic red cable car for a ride up to the Botanic Garden. Once there, enjoy the views over the harbour or explore the garden’s walking trails.
• Cuba Street – Wellington’s café scene is second to none, and Cuba Street is where you’ll find some of the best spots to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. It’s a great place to chill, people-watch, and enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe.
• Lord of the Rings Tours – If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, then you should definitely check out a Lord of the Rings tour at the Weta Workshop in Miramar. You’ll visit the iconic film locations as well as dive into how the movies were made, and dig into a Lord of the Rings inspired lunch too!

Whether you're travelling solo or booking a New Zealand tour package, these five destinations are some of the very best places to visit in New Zealand. Each spot offers its own unique experiences, from adventure-packed days in Queenstown to peaceful beaches in Abel Tasman. I hope this list helps you figure out where to visit in New Zealand and gets you excited about discovering all the incredible places this country has to offer! If you’re after the best advice on where to go, and help building your perfect New Zealand itinerary, then chat with our New Zealand Travel Specialists to get started on planning your next adventure.