Seeing as tomorrow is my birthday (woo!), I thought I’d take over the bucket list topic for June as New Zealand is a top pick on my list!
Known for its incredible landscapes and vibrant greenery, New Zealand has been a bucket list destination for me for a long time – and one I plan to do when we finally cross Australia off our list!
It reminds me of something out of a fairytale – probably why Lord of the Rings was filmed there – and just seems magical with its variety of terrain and unique activities.
I know we won’t have nearly enough time when we finally make it there, but I feel these 10 unforgettable things to do in New Zealand will make the trip worthwhile and leave us with a desire to book a return visit to this mystical place.
Check out our picks for the best things to do in New Zealand when we finally get to travel there!
Top 10 things to do in New Zealand
1. Lord of the Rings tour
Yeah, I’m going to be that nerd. We’ll be heading to the Hobbiton Movie Set (AKA Middle-earth) so we can see the Hobbit homes in the Shire and learn more about how the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed here. We’ll be sure to end the day with an ale at the Green Dragon Inn, but hopefully won’t run into any Nazgul during our time there.
2. Learn about Maori culture
I’d love the opportunity to visit an authentic Maori village and learn about their traditions, culture, food, and witness ceremonial rituals and performances. Tours are available at the Tamaki Maori Village, which includes a hangi feast for an immersive experience.
Another option is exploring the collections and exhibits at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa that celebrate the art and culture of the Maori. The museum is also home to the colossal squid!
Finally, we could also go on a kayak tour of the Mine Bay Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo.
3. Tour of Auckland
Auckland Free Walking Tours has walks at 10 a.m., Thursday – Sunday, for free but a “koha” or donation is greatly appreciated by the guides. The tour of Auckland starts at the entrance to the Queens Wharf Village and lasts almost three hours. On the tour we’ll go through downtown, pass the Auckland Art Gallery, check out Albert Park, and hit up the Britomart Precinct.
For the perfect panoramic view of Auckland, we’ll need to head to Mount Eden, a volcanic cone and crater offering stunning views of the city and harbor after learning all about it.
On our tour of Auckland, we’ll have to include time for a New Zealand must-do: An ice cream stop at Giapo!
4. Sample amazing wine on Waiheke Island
With just a 30-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Rick and I can go on a wine tasting adventure and sample wine from a few of the 30+ vineyards on Waiheke Island! We can either try to navigate the wineries on our own, or book the daily “Views, Vines, and Wines” premium tour with Waiheke Island Wine Tours.
The tour includes visits to three wineries, 15 tastings, and transport to the ferry and lunch stop.
5. Visit the Milford Sound
Rainforests, waterfalls, and towering peaks await in Milford Sound on the South Island and within Fiordland National Park. We’ll probably check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to learn more about the ecosystem here before booking a boat tour or even an overnight cruise.
We could also take to the skies for an impressive bird’s-eye view of the stunning natural area, but I might just opt for the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks to see everything up close and get some stunning photos during our hike.
6. Kayak Cathedral Cove
This kept popping up as a best thing to do in New Zealand and after seeing photos, I can see why! Located on the North Island, it’s only accessible by water or walking. We’ll definitely opt for a boat tour or more intimate kayak tour to get close to the caves and cliffs and then take a rest on the beach.
7. Explore the Bay of Islands
From photos, this reminds me of a miniature version of Hawaii with its stunning and secluded beaches, striking blue water, and a rolling, green landscape. We can go sunbathing, rent kayaks, or book a boat tour of this area for a guided experience.
8. Visit Volcanoes
First up, we could see this active volcano on White Island from the safety of a helicopter (though my motion sickness would hinder the fun element of that New Zealand tour), I’ve heard incredible things about actually hiking on the island and exploring the crater rim.
Another volcano option is to run around Rangitoto Island. This young volcano sits on an uninhabited island and has a wonderful hiking trail that rewards you with 360-degree views of New Zealand. I’ve heard that one of the best ways to explore this area is with a guided hike at sunset and then a kayak tour back across the harbor with the stars guiding your way.
Finally, we could check out Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a baby geothermal system that was created by the eruption of Mount Tarawera. The blue lake of Inferno Crater looks unreal with how striking its hue is, and we can also check out Frying Pan Lake, the largest hot spring in the world, and guessing by it’s name it gets pretty toasty, as well as see Cathedral Rocks during our time here.
9. Play at Ninety Mile Beach
I’ve been to the sand dunes of Colorado and it was awesome, so I’d love to see the sand dunes at Ninety Mile Beach and bodyboard down them before just walking along the lovely stretch of beach.
Fun fact: The beach is actually a highway but you must be in a 4WD vehicle and only drive during specific times of the tides.
10. See the locals
New Zealand is teeming with wildlife and there are a few special species I’d like to see while there.
First up, we have the cute kiwi birds who are under protection in reserves to build back up their population. They remind me of a niffler from Harry Potter with their round little bodies and long beaks. These are nocturnal animals and there are a few tour operators offering nighttime bushwalks to see these little guys.
Next, we have opportunities to see whales in the waters off the Kaikoura Canyon, like humpback whales in winter, orcas in summer, and sperm whales year-round. Another water-based local to swim with are Hector’s Dolphins, the world’s smallest dolphin and native to New Zealand. There’s a marine reserve in Akaroa Harbour and many tours offer visits to the reserve and the chance to swim with these guys.
Lastly, and back to birds, we can see albatross and penguins! Rick and I can plan a trip to the Royal Albatross Centre to see the safe haven for these birds and then head over to the area with the world’s smallest penguins, the Little Blue Penguins. Sign me up!
What’d I miss from our New Zealand bucket list? Tell me in the comments below or on Facebook!
