The 10 best places to visit in New Zealand

In the soaring Alps of the South Island and just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is the ultimate base for many outdoor activities. Mountain climbers and hikers can head to Roys Peak for a sunrise hike with panoramic views across Lake Wanaka through open tussock grasslands and alpine meadows. The nearby Isthmus Peak track also boasts stunning views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and the Southern Alps.

EAT: If you want to kick your feet up after a strenuous hike, the charming Cinema Paradiso has comfy couches, great films and a café serving homemade ice cream, fresh hot cookies and cocktails. 

STAY: For a stunning stay on the edge of Lake Wanaka, you can either camp or book bougie with a stay at Edgewater Hotel.

DO: Find time to take a leisurely stroll along Lake Wanaka to see the Instagram-famous Wanaka Willow, a lonely tree at the southern tip. 

If you're up for an adrenaline-filled adventure, head to the shore of Lake Wakatipu and spend a couple of days in Queenstown, a resort town southwest of the South Island. As the birthplace of adventure activities, what better place to challenge your fears than with the country's oldest bungy jump experience at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge (which also has the highest jump at a 134-metre plunge at Nevis Bungy for the daredevils amongst you). Queenstown is also the home of tandem skydiving, so there's the chance to skydive 1,500 feet over Queenstown and experience the heart-pounding thrill of free-falling with Nzone Skydive. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are several fantastic hikes to conquer, such as tracks like Queenstown Hill, Moke Lake Loop or the more challenging Ben Lomond track.

EAT: Want an escape from the grunge? Go fancy with an otherworldly feast experience at one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, Amisfield. 

STAY: For a convenient but still elevated stay right in the city centre, you can't go wrong with SO/ Auckland.

DO: Don't miss out on seeing one of the world's wonders, the jaw-dropping Milford Sound, a mere 3.5-hour drive away. 

Spend your day lounging by milky turquoise waters and your night stargazing the skies at Lake Tekapo. Part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, the township of Tekapo faces north across the lake to the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps and, in the warmer months, springs to life with a sea of purple lupins. Make sure to check out the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo at sunset, before choosing from one of the many stargazing tours and experiences.

EAT: Morelea Lakeside, for no-frills but delicious food with lake views. Get their pavlova. 

STAY: Peppers Bluewater Resort, for a respite from the outdoorsy adventuring. 

DO: From a summit experience held on the summit of Mount John to a chance to relax under the stars in a 38-degree hot pool and a VR experience, the Dark Sky Project has something for everyone.

New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook, is a must-visit when travelling the South Island. A third of the Mount Cook National Park is covered by glaciers – notably the Tasman, Hooker and Mueller – and there are several day walks, overnight hikes and mountaineering expeditions to choose from. Base yourself at Mount Cook Village for at least a night and hike the Hooker Valley Track, arguably one of New Zealand's best short walks with views of the peak of Mount Cook soaring above. Other great hikes include the Mueller Hut, Sealy Tarns and Tasman Glacier View Track. 

EAT: After braving the elements, an enclosed and warm feast is always welcome. Check out the Hermitage Hotel for amazing views and wholesome grub. 

STAY: This is a camping kinda place. Stay near the hiking tracks at the White Horse Hill Campground. Just remember to book in advance. 

DO: Get a bird's eye view of Mount Cook from the air with a scenic flight, or go on a boat trip with Glacial Explorers, where you can view New Zealand's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs.

As the island nation's largest city, Auckland is a buzzing hub of top-tier restaurants and bars, world-class cultural institutions, inner-city beaches and unforgettable day trips. Whether it’s sipping wine on the island paradise of Waiheke or exploring the hidden gems of Tāwharanui Regional Park, the city proves beauty and adventure are always just around the corner. Nicknamed the 'City of Sails', the best things to do in Auckland celebrate its gorgeous setting on two large harbours, offering countless waterside walks and more view-laden stops than should be possible. 

EAT: With the 100 Iconic Auckland Eats as your guide, you’ll have the locals’ best secrets right at your fingertips. Two dishes have held their spot on the list since its inception in 2020, including the raspberry lamingtons from Sugar at Chelsea Bay and Depot’s legendary fish sliders. Also, taste the world-famous (and gluten-free) hokey pokey gelato at Giapo.

STAY: Hotel Indigo Auckland, for a fresh and cool stay near the heart of the city.

DO: First-timers should head straight to the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and coastline, then slip into local life by browsing the boutique shops and buzzing café scene along Ponsonby Road. 

Head for New Zealand's capital to sink your teeth into a city with more eateries and bars per capita than New York City. The remarkably compact city, often called 'Wellywood' or 'The Windy City', is chock-full of the three golden C's: coffee, culture and cuisine. Head to Wellington's bohemian Cuba Street and check out the many cafes, op-shops, fashion stores and art galleries that line the pavement.

EAT: While in the area, dine at Fidel's Café, one of Wellington's oldest cafés or treat yourself to some fine dining at Logan Brown. As well as being the culinary capital, Wellington is also the craft beer capital, and there are several tastings and tours.

STAY: Stay in one of Wellington's most photographed buildings at the cool and spacious Central Character Loft.

DO: Dedicate a day to scouring the free Te Papa Museum, where you can learn all about Māori culture and New Zealand's history, geology and native species. 

Whether it's getting mucky on a mountain bike trail, marine wildlife spotting or trying out some mouthwatering seafood, there is so much to do in the charming seaside town of Kaikoura. This world-famous marine mammal and wildlife destination lets you watch or even swim with dolphins, and is also the best place to spot sperm and humpback whales. 

EAT: Kaikoura translates to "eat crayfish", so make sure you check out one of the fishmongers, local seafood vendors or restaurants to try some of the red rock lobster with generous helpings of garlic, butter and lemon.

STAY: Nikau Lodge is a warm and welcoming B&B near the beach in Kaikoura. 

DO: Experience the picturesque scenery by wheels on a mountain bike trail or on foot. The 11.7-kilometre Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway loop will give you roaming views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the chance to see seals in their natural habitat at the Kaikoura Seal Colony.

Just a three-hour drive from Auckland, the Far North District is your gateway to the stunning coastal beauty of the Bay of Islands. The subtropical area is laden with islands featuring pristine beaches, charming towns and native forests waiting to be explored. Base yourself in the boutique seaside town of Russell and choose from several boat tours that can take you up to Cape Reinga (the most spiritually significant place for Māoris), to the Hole in the Rock or Urupukapuka Island. 

EAT: Zane Grey's Restaurant and Bar for a special seafood meal, right on the water.

STAY: The heritage Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, for a historical experience.

DO: Find time to visit New Zealand's most important historical site, the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds. As the site where New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840, the museums invite you to learn about the intertwined history of Māori and European settlers over the past centuries.

Want a wild and woolly escape, full of Victorian-era Scottish charm, ancient Māori history and a giant albatross colony? Look no further than the student town of Dunedin on the Otago Peninsula. Moody winters and windy summers, this cosy and brilliant town on the South Island is peppered with oodles of independent cafes, bars and eateries, and is in close proximity to some wild natural spots. Base yourself here to explore the epic vistas and wildlife of the stunning Otago Peninsula. 

EAT: No.7 Balmac for zesty South Island local produce, that's coolly elevated. 

STAY: Larnach Castle, for a grand and unforgettable stay in New Zealand's only castle. 

DO: Travel up to the world's only mainland wild albatross breeding colony, and marvel at the gigantic albatross and its gorgeously fluffy chicks from atop a windswept hill at the Royal Albatross Centre.

Home to the largest lake in New Zealand, Taupo, is the place to experience geothermal wonders and try outdoor activities like kayaking, trout fishing and white water rafting. Check out Taupo's central geothermal park, Craters of the Moon, the geothermal walkway with bubbling craters and steaming vents. Watch the phenomenon of natural hydro power and stop by Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water per second charge into a turbulent pool. Heralded as the best one-day trek in New Zealand, Taupo is also an excellent base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and several shuttles take you to the site of the famous volcanic hike. 

EAT: Local produce makes this place a culinary delight. Fresh trout, food and coffee can be found at Creel Café. 

STAY: Anchorage Resort, for family-friendly rooms and a pool. 

DO: Take a kayak or boat tour across the Western Bays of Lake Taupō to see the giant Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carving, hailed as one of New Zealand's most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks.