Best Things to Do in New Zealand in 2023 | New Zealand Travel Guide

Traveloka Accomodation
07 Sep 2023 - 6 min read

Things to do in New Zealand - New Zealand has long been a favorite destination for Singaporean travelers. Here I will comprehensively review the best things to do in this beautiful country based on the experiences of travelers from Singapore.

Whether you're looking for extreme adventure, a moment of relaxing relaxation, or a rich cultural enchantment, New Zealand has it all. From the stunning natural landscapes to the richness of unique Maori culture, this article will guide you through the unforgettable options that await in New Zealand.

Ready to plan your unforgettable trip? Find all the recommendations for where to go in New Zealand in this article!

List of Top 10 Things to Do in New Zealand

1. Hike at Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Things to do in New Zealand

Tongariro National Park in the center of the North Island features the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, an all-day hike that crosses Mount Tongariro and passes Mount Ngauruhoe.

This junction may be recognizable to fans of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy because several scenes were filmed here. Blue Lake and Emerald Lake also have significant historical significance for the Maori people and should be treated with respect.

This challenging hike is the best way to experience the spectacular views of Tongariro National Park.

2. Visit Rotorua

Rotorua - Things to do in New Zealand

Rotorua, New Zealand, is an imperative destination for travelers. Surrounded by green forests, clear lakes, and the world's geothermal uniqueness, this city presents an extraordinary panorama.

This geothermal land features geysers, mud pools, and natural wonders. The Rotorua Museum, a city icon, houses a stunning collection of Maori art, often the subject of tourist photos.

The best experience is a scenic flight with Volcanic Air over Mount Tarawera, the geothermal valley, and White Island. Famous Maori performances can also be enjoyed at Whakarewarewa or Maori Village. If interested, you can sail with Lakeland Queen, which offers a fishing experience and captures the stunning ocean.

3. Explore Queenstown

Queenstown - Things to do in New Zealand

Queenstown is the best city in New Zealand. This city attracts tourists worldwide with unrivaled charm, regardless of the season. Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains, this town is an adventurer's paradise, offering jet boating, bungy jumping, mountain hiking, and paragliding.

The best way to explore Queenstown is to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, offering stunning panoramic views from Lake Wakatipu to the mountain and city below.

Snow lovers get paradise in winter with The Remarkables and Coronet Peak snow sports facilities in 30 minutes. Close to historic towns and attractions such as Lake Wanaka, Treble Cone, and Cardrona ski resorts, mountain biking trails, trout and salmon fishing, hiking, and 150 km of cycling trails with stunning views, Queenstown fulfills a traveler's dream.

4. Visit Nelson

Nelson - Things to do in New Zealand

Situated on the east coast of the stunning Tasman Bay, Nelson, New Zealand's second oldest city, stands out as a leading center for arts and culture. The best place to visit in New Zealand annually holds the Nelson Arts Festival, a spectacular event for music, comedy, dance, and theater arts, and the stage for the Arts Awards.

This event is also an international fashion arena where designers are present to present their creativity to fashion lovers. The city's nickname 'Sunny Nelson' comes from its fantastic climate. A thriving arts and crafts presence, excellent restaurants, and bustling markets give this city its personality.

Known as one of the best places to live in New Zealand, Nelson is enchanting with the beautiful gardens that surround it. Its popularity extends widely among locals and foreigners alike, who flock to sample Nelson's cultural, culinary, scenic, and natural beauty. Nelson also provides plenty of overnight accommodations.

5. Enjoy The View in Milford Sound

Milford Sound, located on the west coast of the South Island, is a must-visit thing to do in New Zealand because it has panoramic views of towering peaks, powerful waterfalls, and extraordinary views.

Exploring Milford Sound can be done via bus tours and cruises, kayaking or trekking the stunning tracks—cruises, day or night, provide the most authentic experience of enjoying the Sound.

Sea kayaking, diving, or flying opportunities are also available for the adventurous. The underwater observatory at Harrison Cove allows for an in-depth understanding of marine life, including black coral, 11-legged sea stars, and gentle anemones.

A paddle trip around Bowen Falls or Stirling Falls is an unforgettable experience. Hiking the Milford Track is also an exciting option, passing through the wilderness and ending with a boat trip from Sandfly Point to the Milford Sound pier.

6. Enter The Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Things to do in New Zealand

In New Zealand, there is the Waitomo Glowworm, a beautiful cave whose inner walls are beautified by a blue-green glow. The stunning view of this cave's sparkling lights attracts many tourists.

The blue glow on the ceiling of this cave comes from the rare insect Arachnocampa Luminosa, known as a glow worm. The presence of these insects not only brightens up the cave but also beautifies the stalactites.

It is estimated that thousands of glow worms the size of mosquitoes inhabit the cave walls. The beauty of this panorama is an attraction for tourists from various countries, including Singapore, who want to witness the blue light on the Waitomo Glowworm directly. If visiting New Zealand, visiting this cave is an experience to be noticed.

7. Stay in Auckland

Auckland - Things to do in New Zealand

As the largest and best city in New Zealand, with a population of around 1.5 million, Auckland is the gateway to the rest of the country, welcoming around 70% of total visitors.

Diverse cultures blend harmoniously, making Auckland a hub of cultural life filled with museums, art galleries, festivals, and other events celebrating this diversity. Situated on active volcanic land, Auckland is the only city in the world that stands above 50 volcanoes. This location is strategic and safe to enjoy the panorama of the city and the harbor with cruise ships passing by.

With beaches on the west and east coasts, Auckland offers tropical summers and a unique winter experience. Auckland also provides plenty of overnight accommodations.

Also, the perfect location to embark on a camper car expedition designed to explore the beauty of the north or the Coromandel Peninsula to the east.

8. Stay or Ski in Christchurch

Christchurch - Things to do in New Zealand

Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island and the third largest in the country is situated one-third of the way to the east coast, making it an essential gateway to the rest of the island. The town overlooks Lyttelton, its suburb's harbor, and is situated east of the Canterbury Plains, across from Port Hills, where cruise ships arrive for cruising.

Despite suffering heavy damage from major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the city is currently recovering, with the city center and suburbs being reconstructed. Although several historic buildings were destroyed, the city has received a new face with the emergence of bars, restaurants, shops, and public spaces.

Located just an hour from the Mt Hutt ski resort, the town is also a major transit point for skiers and snowboarders seeking the best conditions. In addition, there are numerous easily accessible lakes and rivers with excellent trout and salmon fishing locations scattered throughout the area.

9. Admire The Dunedin Area

Dunedin, ranked as the fifth largest city in the world, offers a lot of entertainment and tourist attractions. The stunning scenery inspired Mark Twain, a famous American writer, who described Dunedin as "The people here are Scots. They stopped here on their way to heaven, thinking they had arrived."

With a strong Scottish background, the best place to visit in New Zealand was initially called New Edinburgh before changing to Dunedin, which is taken from the Celtic language – Dun Edin (which means Edin on the Hill). Dunedin is also the first city outside America to have its tram system. Currently, it is the second-largest city in New Zealand.

Home to the University of Otago, Dunedin lets you experience Scottish culture in the middle of New Zealand. The University of Otago also opens student exchange opportunities with 90 partner educational institutions in 31 countries.

The city also has beautiful gardens and the first Chinese Garden in New Zealand, the third Chinese Garden outside of China.

Here are some recommendations for things to do in New Zealand that can inspire your next adventure. Plan an unforgettable trip to New Zealand with Traveloka. Discover the country's stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting adventure experiences.

With Traveloka, you can easily book flight tickets, accommodations, and tourist activities in attractive cities such as Auckland, Queenstown, and Wellington. Explore national parks, beautiful lakes, indulge in extreme sports, and experience the friendliness of the locals. Start your adventure now with Traveloka and make your trip to New Zealand extraordinary.

Book your tickets and accommodations now for an unforgettable experience at your dream destination!

In This Article

• List of Top 10 Things to Do in New Zealand
• 1. Hike at Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• 2. Visit Rotorua
• 3. Explore Queenstown
• 4. Visit Nelson
• 5. Enjoy The View in Milford Sound
• 6. Enter The Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• 7. Stay in Auckland
• 8. Stay or Ski in Christchurch
• 9. Admire The Dunedin Area
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Flights
Things to Do
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