New Zealand Travel Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat

One of the top things to see in New Zealand is Fiordland National Park. (That’s right, there’s a famous fjord region in New Zealand.) There you’ll bask in the beauty of the renowned Milford Sound (included on all of our New Zealand tours). Take in the sparkling lakes, forests, waterfalls, and the towering Mitre Peak from a boat as you cruise between the 4,000-foot cliffs of Milford Sound, with a glass of wine in hand. Staffer Lynne said, “Sailing slowly through the misty fjords and seeing hidden waterfalls around every turn was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life.” See what else Lynne loved about visiting New Zealand on tour.

Queenstown’s impressive landscape reaches its pinnacle at Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand’s top attractions. The lake is surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range, known as Kawarau in Maori which means “many peaks.” A kayak trip around the lake makes you understand just how small you are compared to mighty Mother Nature. This is a great opportunity to take some Instagram-worthy selfies on the New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes tour. Another way to experience Lake Wakatipu is via boat cruise to a cattle station where you can get an inside look at rural life in the area and witness a sheep-shearing demonstration. Our travel experts name this excursion as a “must-add on to your trip” when you have just 48 hours in Queenstown.

Did you know kiwis are the only birds in the world that have nostrils at the end of their beaks? Learn all sorts of fun facts on tour about New Zealand’s treasured national bird on the Queenstown Kiwi Park excursion on our New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes tour. Take a guided tour and get an up-close look at the country’s famous flightless bird and see kiwi conservation in action. This five-acre, family-owned park is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand to gain a deeper understanding of these adorably curious creatures and why locals love them.

Cave exploration is one of the most unique things to do in New Zealand. To reach the entrance of Te Anau Glowworm Caves on the South Island, you’ll take a scenic boat ride on Te Anau Lake. Cruise through the limestone grotto, lit up with thousands of glittering glow worms, and you’ll feel like you’ve just entered another dimension. See the light show for yourself on our Australia & New Zealand tour. The Waitomo Caves, located on the North Island, offer another chance to see the native glowing creatures light up the incredible cavern complex.

Did you know that one in seven New Zealanders identify as Maori? While in the Rotorua region, the cultural heart and soul of New Zealand, visit the Whakarewarewa village with a local guide and learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the indigenous Maori people. Discover more about the Maori culture on the Highlights of Australia & New Zealand tour with a visit to the Auckland Museum to watch a traditional haka dance performed by a local Maori tribe. Staffer Lynne said, “Their pride in their country was contagious and warmed my heart.” Read about what else inspired Lynne to write a love letter to New Zealand after she went on tour.

One of New Zealand’s biggest exports is lamb meat, so naturally it’s a popular food throughout the country. New Zealand lambs are grass-fed, an aspect that contributes to its unique taste. Lamb is often roasted with rosemary and served with vegetables in higher-end restaurants or pubs.

They don’t call these mussels “green-lipped” for nothing. The seafood boasts an eye-catching bright-green color to go along with their impressive size and delicious taste. The native New Zealand shellfish is usually sauteed or steamed. Green-lipped mussels pair perfectly with a glass of sauvignon blanc.

This is not an ordinary hamburger. The legendary Fergburger is known for its size (huge) and quality New Zealand beef. In Queenstown, locals and visitors alike line up for burgers—proof that backs customers’ claims that it’s the world’s best burger. Our staffer Brittany snagged a bite while on tour in New Zealand and said, “There’s always a line, but the flavorful food made with fresh ingredients is truly worth the wait.” Brittany loved her Fergburger so much, she named eating it one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

More than a food, hangi is a cultural experience in the form of a feast. This traditional Maori meal uses a man-made underground oven to slow cook meat and vegetables (like chicken, beef, potatoes, carrots, and corn). The process is a long one, and the meal is typically served only on special occasions. Visit a Maori village and join in on a hangi feast while you learn about their ancient customs and watch traditional dances and chants.

Save room for dessert! There’s an ongoing debate on whether Pavlova, named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, was created in Australia or New Zealand. She toured both countries at the height of her fame and New Zealand claims they made the dessert in honor of her visit. Regardless of its origins, it’s a true treat made from meringue and topped with fruit and cream.

Lemon & Paeroa (L&P for short) is a popular lemon soda that takes its name from the town it was invented in (Paeroa, on the North Island). Best compared to Sprite, the sweet, citrusy soda is a favorite in New Zealand. Grab it at any convenient store, grocery store, or fast-food restaurant.

If you’re a film buff, Hobbiton is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Featured in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” movies, Hobbiton is the movie set used to film the charming shire scenes (think small hobbit homes tucked directly into the hillside). Its location on a family sheep farm showcases classic New Zealand countryside and an organized tour allows you to explore Middle-earth highlights like Green Dragon Inn, Bag End, and the Party Tree.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, heralded as one of the top ten best day hikes in the world, is 12 miles of snow-capped peaks, lakes, moorlands, and dramatic views. If you prefer something less strenuous, Tongariro National Park also offers plenty of walking tracks that show off the region’s forests and water features. Taranaki Falls trail, Ridge Track, or Mounds Walk are short walks with delightful viewpoints inside Tongariro National Park. Staffer Brittany said, “Active volcanoes, rugged mountains, and thermal lakes make this UNESCO-listed park a must-visit.” See what else Brittany recommends as the top things to do in New Zealand.

Central Otago crafts some of New Zealand’s best wine, which means a wine tasting is in order! The world’s southernmost wine region produces a smooth pinot noir along with Chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. On our tours to New Zealand, learn all about the different wines produced in the Otago region before you enjoy a perfectly paired meal. Staffer Brittany named Otago wine tasting as one of the top things to do in New Zealand. The added bonus? She said, “The drive there is stunning!” Can’t get enough of New Zealand wine? Another one of the best places to visit in New Zealand for wine enthusiasts is the Marlborough region, famed for its full-bodied sauvignon blanc.

The drive through the Southern Alps to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Franz Josef Glacier is a top New Zealand attraction all on its own. Once you reach Franz Josef village, the fun really starts with a three-mile round-trip hike for up-close views of the glacier. However, nothing beats the thrill of a helicopter ride and the aerial views over the 7.5-mile-long ice field. Land on the Franz Josef Glacier and explore its peak by foot. It’s a New Zealand tour experience you’ll never forget.

Also known as jade or greenstone, pounamu is a significant part of Maori culture and a great way to remember the traditional experiences you had on tour. Legend has it that it’s bad luck to buy a pounamu necklace for yourself, so if you’re superstitious, buy it as a gift! Cuba Street in Wellington is known for its number of quality jewelers if you’re looking to bring home this authentic Maori keepsake.

If you’re a sports fan, an All Blacks jersey is a classic New Zealand souvenir.  As the country’s national sport, rugby is second to none. The All Blacks give Kiwis plenty to cheer about with their stand-out performances, including three World Cup titles.

The Maori people hand weave these handy tote bags from flax leaves. The weaving process, called raranga, was originally used to make fishing nets, ropes, and baskets. Kete bags are lightweight and durable and make a great cultural souvenir.

A variety of clothing is needed for New Zealand, but you can’t go wrong with some lightweight, breathable base layers. If you’re traveling to New Zealand in their winter season, bring some warm tops and a jacket.

If you visit New Zealand outside of summer, you’ll definitely want to bring a jacket for evenings. Traveler Phaedra said, “We had every kind of weather so just be prepared for every eventuality. Definitely bring a rain jacket.” Here’s more on her travel experience in Australia and New Zealand.

A lot of things to do in New Zealand involve the great outdoors, but it’s good to pack a nice outfit for when you visit wineries or eat in high-end restaurants.

If you travel to New Zealand in their summer season, you’ll definitely want some warm-weather clothing. Temperatures can reach the 90s F in some places.

You spend a lot of time outside when traveling to a place as naturally beautiful as New Zealand. Make sure you bring all the essential sun protection items, like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.