From the endless coastline, tropical forests and volcanoes of the North Island, to the Southern Alps, glaciers, and glacier fed lakes of the South Island, New Zealand has it all, making it a bucket list destination for so many. You could truly spend months here without seeing everything (and honestly, New Zealand has a way of making you want to stay forever) but most people have limited time, so I put together this list of 14 things you can’t miss during your precious time in Aotearoa.
1. Take a boat tour on the Coromandel Peninsula
We booked this tour through Get Your Guide. It was a great way to see the coast of Coromandel, full of volcanic rocks and cliffs, turquoise water, some sea caves, and the famous Cathedral Cove! It was 2 hours long which was perfect for our little half-day adventure.
2. Experience the Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Even though the glowworms are really maggots with glowing poop, seeing them lit up in the cave was truly magical – just light you were sitting under a sea of stars. You’ll need to buy tickets ahead of time if you’re on a tight schedule.
Please note: Photography wasn’t allowed inside, so I don’t have any pictures. But it was truly magical!
3. Stay at a sheep farm in the heart of New Zealand farmland
We enjoyed an amazing farm stay located in Aria. This Airbnb was super private (minus the sheep), and offered stunning views of the rolling hills all around the property, where we watched the sunrise and sunset. This stay also included a fabulous outdoor tub, bottles of New Zealand wine (for purchase), and board games – everything you’d need for an ultra-relaxing stay.
4. Take a hike in Tongariro National Park
Tongariro is home to volcanos, alpine lakes, and many miles of hiking trails. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, known as the “World’s Greatest Day Hike”, is a 12.7 mile track with over 2,000 ft. elevation gain, likely taking you most of the day to complete. If you have less time and are looking for an easier option, Taranaki Falls track is a great alternative, giving you great views of the volcano, plains, and the waterfall at the end.
5. Take an Inter-islander ferry across the Cook Strait
If your New Zealand journey includes both the North and South islands, consider taking the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait – leaving from Wellington and arriving in Picton. The ferry ride is 3 hours long, taking you across the Cook Strait and through Marlborough Sound, all with incredible views. Please note: If you’re renting a car, you’ll have to have 2 separate cars for the North and South islands. Car rental companies don’t allow you to take cars on the ferry. Luckily, there are plenty of rental options located at both ferry terminals, and the car rental companies are good at helping you with the reservation process.
6. Visit the seal colony in Kaikoura
Kaikoura is home to hundreds of seals, and on a good day, you’ll see them lazing on the rocks. The seal colony is a stop on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walk, a 7.8 mile loop giving you great views over the coast, forest, and beach.
7. See the blue waters of Lake Tekapo
There are lots of options to enjoy Lake Tekapo. Pamper yourself at the thermal waters of Tekapo Springs. Gaze at the stars at Mount John Observatory. Hike up Mount John for fantastic views of the lake. You can even go horseback riding on some of the trails!
8. Stay in an Airbnb made for stargazing
In the heart of International Dark Sky Reserve country, lies this marvelous Airbnb, complete with outdoor tub, telescope, moon-phase calendar, snacks, and fireplace – everything you need for a cozy night gazing at the stars.
Please note: I didn’t take many pictures here, but I do have a full video saved on my Instagram stories!
9. Hike the Hooker Valley Track
Located in Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park, this 6.7 mile hike takes you over a couple suspension bridges, through a valley, across a roaring river, and ends at the beautiful Hooker Lake – complete with glacier views. If you only have time for one hike in the national park, this is a great option!
10. Hike Mount Iron in Wanaka
For amazing views over Wanaka, and the Otago mountains beyond, hike this steep 2.9 loop.
11. See the picturesque Wanaka Tree
People love it when trees grow in the middle of a lake. It helps when there’s a beautiful mountain range in the background too.
12. Take a cruise of Milford Sound
Sometimes called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, Milford Sound is something you have to experience from the water. Take a cruise to better see the waterfalls and towering cliffs and to hear insights into the history and wildlife of Milford Sound. There are many companies who offer these cruises. We went with this one.
13. Hike a portion of the famous Milford Track
The famous Milford Track is one of the Great Walks, at 37.2 miles long, it generally takes about 4 days to complete. However, if you don’t have much time, there is an option to do the end section of this hike by taking a water taxi from Deepwater Basin (close to where the Milford Sound cruise terminal is) to Sandfly Point (the end of the Milford Track). You can hike as far as you’d like, but people will generally hike to Giant Gate Falls and back, which takes about 3 hours.
14. Explore beautiful Queenstown
Queenstown is full of adrenaline activities, from skydiving to bungee jumping to paragliding, you will find what you need to sate your inner adrenaline junkie. You can also take a gondola up to the top of a peak for stunning views of Queenstown, the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and beyond.
