Choose from 212 Fun Things to Do in New Zealand
Skywalk Auckland
- Admission to the Sky Tower observation deck is included with each adventure package.
- Coveralls and a safety harness are provided, as well as complete instructions on procedure and safety.
- Participants are securely fastened to safety lines, allowing them to lean over the ledge or perform tricks.
- Photos and video of the experience are made available to purchase.
Skyline Queenstown
- Alternate routes down the mountain include walking tracks in the Ben Lomond Reserve and mountain biking trails in the Queenstown Bike Park (in season)
- Family bundles—with return fare for two adults and a maximum of three kids—offer good cost savings
- Skyline stargazing tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
- Maximize your Queenstown experience with a discounted combo ticket for a gondola ride plus other local adventures, like skydiving, bungee jumping, a helicopter ride, a jet boat tour, or canyon swinging
- Kids under 3 feet 6 inches tall (110 centimeters) must ride in tandem with an adult
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
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Skippers Canyon
Hop into a 4WD off-road vehicle available via one of the many guided tours and shoot photos to your hearts delight, while you are navigated through Skipper’s Road, being recited the canyons plentiful and rural history.
For a more romantic experience, Skipper’s wine tours are also a popular and fulfilling way to spend your time here. What could be better than enjoying Queenstown’s mouth-watering venison over a glass of locally made wine in the breadth of New Zealand? Feel free to explore the happening local art-scene on your way to gorgeous Gibbston Valley, take a scenic walk along the mountain road, or just spend your time relaxing at the wineries.
Since many visitors who come to Skipper’s Canyon are here for relaxation and the wonderful landscape, amenities for those who are physically limited are well off, with many services offering air-conditioned and quite comfortable minibus tours throughout the area, including picking you up from your accommodation.
Arthur's Pass National Park
This superbly scenic national park is in Central Canterbury, rising out of the plains. A magnet for wintertime skiers and summertime hikers, Arthur's Pass National Park is also a popular day trip from Christchurch.
Easy day walks fan out from the visitor information center, leading to vantage points affording panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Providing an instant snapshot of New Zealand's legendary natural beauty, a day trip to the park also reveals glimpses of extensive beech forests, rainforest, mountain passes and soaring peaks.
If you're planning on experiencing a bit of New Zealand 'tramping' (the NZ word for hiking) take note that this is tricky territory, and for experienced hikers only. Tracks are not continuously marked, and they can involve river crossings, plus the weather is notoriously changeable.
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Arthur's Pass National Park is on New Zealand's South Island, two hours northwest of Christchurch.
The town of Arthur's Pass is on the main bus route between Christchurch and Greymouth; the scenic TranzAlpine train also comes through here daily. If you're driving from Christchurch, take Highway 73.
Zealandia
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary’s restored forest and wetlands provide a habitat for more than 30 native bird species, as well as frogs, lizards and cute green geckos.
View the exhibition tracing the development of New Zealand’s natural history, take a guided walking tour through the predator-proof, 225-hectare (550-acre) sanctuary, then refuel at the park’s cafe overlooking the lake.
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Buses stop nearby, or it’s 10 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes by bike and around 1 hour on foot via the botanic garden.
Cuba Street District
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The Remarkables
Cool jumps, tunnels, trails, and even a bouncy castle at the crèche are available for children of all ages, while snow-sports schools are waiting for adults who have put off the slopes for too long.
You can also have a look at how the pros do it, with international competitions that take place. See boarders go sky-high off the half-pipes, or see renowned skier’s flow between slaloms at immense speeds.
Located just 26 miles south of Queenstown, the short 45-minute detour to the Remarkables is well worth your time. No car? No problem. Daily shuttle services are also available to and from Queenstown. You can also feel free to book one of the many available guided tours, which will take you though the nooks and crannies of the mountains’ valley’s and peaks.
Tongariro River
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Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb
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Tongariro National Park
- Check for hiking track and weather conditions, avalanche reports, and volcanic eruption risk, including explosion pits and lava flows on Tongariro.
- Most alpine routes are located above the treeline. Bring a waterproof raincoat and pants, warm gloves and hat, wool or fleece layers, and sun protection.
- Don’t forget sturdy hiking footwear, water, high-energy food, first aid, and a map.
- You’ll find maps and information about weather, hiking tracks, and current trail conditions, plus 24-hour phone access, at the visitor center located in Whakapapa Village.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
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Underwater Observatory
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Silo Park
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TranzAlpine Train
- Large bags and suitcases must be checked into the baggage carriage, so pack a small day bag to take on board with you.
- Onboard facilities include restrooms, a café carriage, and an open-air viewing deck, as well as charging stations for laptops and phones.
- There’s time to get off and take in the views at some stations, so dress according to the weather and bring warm clothing as it can get chilly in the mountains.
- Wheelchair access is available at all stations.
Albert Park
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Blue Baths
- Choose a city sightseeing tour that points out the famous landmark.
- There are two hot-soak pools, which vary between 99°F and 106°F (37°C"“41°C).
- The original Juvenile Pool hovers around 86°F (30°C).
- There is no lifeguard at the Blue Baths pools; all children under 14 years of age require supervised entry to the pool area.
Shotover River
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Air Force Museum
SkyJump
- Student and backpacker discounts are available.
- The SkyJump is cancelled when the wind is too high (43 miles/70 kilometers per hour) or in other extreme weather.
- Jumpers receive a complimentary ticket to take another trip up to the Sky Tower’s observation deck on the same day.
- Weight restrictions do apply for the SkyJump: the minimum is 77 pounds (35 kilograms) and maximum 269 pounds (122 kilograms).
- Travelers must be at least 10 years old to jump.