Things To Do
in New Zealand
New Zealand is a diverse island nation renowned for its dramatic landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and fiords to golden beaches and verdant forests. Its rich Māori and Pacific Island heritage blends seamlessly with contemporary Kiwi culture, offering unique arts, cuisine, and traditions. Adventure seekers flock here for world-class activities like bungee jumping, hiking, and water sports, while nature lovers marvel at pristine national parks and wildlife.
Friendly locals, known for their laid-back hospitality, welcome visitors to explore both bustling cities and remote wilderness.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Auckland and feel the buzz of New Zealand’s largest city as you navigate customs and baggage claim. Board a shuttle to your city-center accommodation and marvel at the harbor views from your hotel window. Slipping into the local pace, enjoy a flat white at a cozy café to fuel your first kiwi morning.
Stroll along the Viaduct Harbour and watch luxury yachts bob beneath the skyscrapers. Ascend the Sky Tower to claim panoramic views that stretch from the city skyline to distant volcanic cones. Refuel with a lunch of fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, savoring the ocean breeze.
Wander the vibrant streets of Ponsonby, lined with boutiques and street art, as the sun dips behind the Waitakere Ranges. Indulge in a chef-driven dining experience that showcases Aotearoa’s seasonal produce and wines. Cap your evening with a nightcap at a rooftop bar, the city lights twinkling below.
Rise early for a scenic drive north to the Bay of Islands, arriving in Paihia as golden light dances on the water. Step aboard a boat for a dolphin-watching cruise, listening to playful clicks as pods frolic. Hop into crystal-clear waters to snorkel among colorful fish and submerged treasures.
Explore the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and absorb the story of bicultural foundations beneath towering pohutukawa trees. Refuel on fresh mussel fritters and kawakawa tea in the seaside village of Russell. Wander its quaint streets, lingering at heritage sites and boutique galleries.
Return to Paihia as the sun softens, painting the bay in pastel hues. Savor a seafood feast at a waterfront bistro, tasting the day’s catch grilled to perfection. Conclude with a barefoot stroll along the shore under a canopy of southern stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15–20 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $4–5 |
| 🚕Taxi start + 1 km | $3.50 + $2.00/km |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5 L) | $8–10 |
| 🏨Hostel dorm bed | $25–35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning and varied natural landscapes
- Friendly and English-speaking locals
- World-class adventure and outdoor activities
- Rich Māori culture and heritage
- High cost of living and travel expenses
- Long international flight for many visitors
- Weather can change rapidly
- Remote distances between attractions
- "Kia ora" - Hello/thank you
- "Haere rā" - Goodbye
- "Kei te pēhea koe?" - How are you?
- "Ngā mihi" - Many thanks
Places to Visit in New Zealand
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic fiord with towering cliffs and waterfalls; best at sunrise or on a glass-roof cruise.
Turquoise glacial lake framed by lupin fields; stargazers flock for dark-sky reserve views.
Volcanic terrain with emerald lakes and eerie crater landscapes; ideal midday for vivid colors.
Natural rock archway and white-sand beach accessible by scenic coastal walk.
Food in New Zealand
New Zealand Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Māori feast slow-cooked in underground ovens; try it at Rotorua marae experiences.
Must-Try!
Plump, briny mussels farmed in the Marlborough Sounds, served steamed with garlic butter.
A crisp-shell meringue topped with whipped cream and kiwifruit or berries; find variations in most cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant stalls offering dumplings, tacos, bao buns and global fusion dishes every Friday and Saturday.
Pacific Island–influenced produce market; sample fresh tropical fruits and fried taro cakes.
Street-food hall with rotating vendors serving everything from Korean chicken to gourmet burgers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always wait your turn patiently in lines for public transport, stores, and attractions.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some Māori cultural sites.
Follow protocol at marae; accept the hongi (traditional greeting) and listen during the pōwhiri (welcome).
Kiwis value personal space and polite distance; handshakes are standard for introductions.
Safety
Tipping in New Zealand
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
EFTPOS and credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February brings warm sunny days (20–30°C), ideal for beaches and hiking but book early.
March–May offers crisp air and changing foliage, with mild temperatures (15–25°C) and fewer crowds.
June–August delivers snow sports on the Southern Alps (down to –2°C) and cozy thermal springs.
September–November showcases blooming gardens and mild weather (10–20°C), with occasional rain showers.
New Zealand at Night
Hiking in New Zealand
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Renowned 19 km volcanic trek through emerald lakes and craters.
Four-day guided hike through Fiordland’s rainforests and waterfalls.
Multi-day trail linking Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks with alpine vistas.
Easy coastal path featuring golden beaches and lush native bush.
Airports
How to reach New Zealand by plane.
New Zealand’s largest international hub, 20 km from city center with shuttle and bus connections.
Main gateway to the South Island, 12 km from downtown via bus or taxi.
International and domestic flights 8 km from city, connected by shuttle bus.
Small alpine airport with scenic approach, serves major domestic routes and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 70% of the population, primarily of British and Irish descent.
About 16.5%; the indigenous Polynesian people with a strong cultural presence.
Roughly 15%, mainly in Auckland and Wellington suburbs.
Around 8%, contributing vibrant Pacific Island communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home of the All Blacks; rugby is a national passion with matches drawing large crowds.
Summer favorite, with international tests in Wellington and Auckland.
Leading women’s team sport, widely played in schools and clubs.
America’s Cup history in Auckland makes it a global sailing powerhouse.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés offer veggie pies, salads, and plant-based burgers; look for vegan-specific menus in major cities.
Widely available across bakeries and cafés; gluten-free breads and pastries are common.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Zealand.