Choose from 212 Fun Things to Do in New Zealand
Hauraki Gulf Islands
- The 16 islands are Waiheke, Rangitoto, Great Barrier, Kawau, Tiritiri Matangi, Motuihe, Rotoroa, Motutapu, Rakino, Ponui, Pakatoa, Browns, Tarahiki, Whanganui, Kaikoura, and Moturekareka.
- Several of the islands have a strong Department of Conservation. Information on hiking trails, campsites, and local flora and fauna can be found on the DOC website.
- You don’t have to set foot on an island to enjoy them. Take a cruise in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to spot dolphins and whales.
Mitre Peak
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Bethells Beach
Other hikes include Te Henga Walkway, which weaves for nearly five miles north towards Muriwai Beach. Fom the top of the bluffs, visitors are met with sweeping views of Bethell’s Beach below, as well as the Waitakere Ranges that rise behind the coast.
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Christchurch Gondola
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Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
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Hobbiton
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Mitai Maori Village
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Cape Reinga
Lighting the point where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, the remote lighthouse has an atmospheric end-of-the-world feeling, the ideal spot for long walks on the beach.
On the very tip of the cape is the 800 year-old pohutukawa tree, whose roots hide the entrance to the Maori Underworld, where the souls of the dead return. It’s a particularly spiritual place for the Maori, so eating and drinking here is best avoided.
Walks lead from here to surrounding bays and capes, and the area’s signature dunes.
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Christchurch Tramway
- The Christchurch Tramway departs daily, every 15–20 minutes.
- Tickets are typically valid for one day.
- Use your ticket to hop on and hop off at 17 stops and create your own sightseeing itinerary.
- Some combo tours include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Children up to age 15 travel free; however, the Tramway Restaurant is not suitable for children under 10 years old.
Hagley Park
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- The Botanic Gardens are a must-see for gardeners, arborists, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxing oasis away from the bustle of the city.
- This family-friendly destination features a children’s playground that’s been popular since the early 1900s.
- Smoking is not allowed, nor are dogs permitted.
- You’ll find a cafe at the Visitor Centre, a restaurant at the Tudor-style Curator’s House, crisscross trails for walking, and inviting lawns for a picnic.
Hollyford Track
Located two hours north of Te Anau on the road towards Milford Sound, the Hollyford Track is often overlooked in lieu of the Routeburn, Kepler, or Milford tracks. Whereas these more popular hikes weave their way through the mountains of the Southern Alps, the Hollyford meanders along the length of a valley which winds towards the Tasman Sea. It’s an area that Maori once used as a trade route for harvesting and selling pounamu (jade), and much of the wilderness remains entirely unchanged since the Maori once wandered this valley.
Following the length of the Hollyford Valley, the trail makes its way over multiple bridges which span the Hollyford River. It’s a corner of New Zealand which is much less frequented than many of the surrounding hikes, and it’s the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to avoid the crowds.
Given its length, however, anyone planning to hike on the Hollyford Track should be sure to arrive prepared. This 34-mile trek from the trailhead to the sea is often completed in four nights, but nearly all trekkers must turn back around and hike back the way they came. Along the way are six different huts which offer primitive backcountry bunks, and camping is allowed outside of the huts for those who have packed their own gear. Whereas the majority of hikers return along the same route, the truly intrepid can return to the trailhead along the rugged Pyke-Big Bay Track. There are also huts along this route to accommodate visiting trekkers, although the trail itself is best reserved for the most accomplished of backcountry navigators.
Even though hiking the Hollyford can be a logistical challenge, however, rewards for the effort can literally be found around every bend in the trail. Watch the sunrise over the waters of Lake Mckerrow, and walk in the shadow of glacially-formed mountains which pierce upwards towards the sky. Trek to a beach which is inaccessible by road, and scan the shoreline for Fiordland crested penguins or even the occasional seal. The Hollyford Track offers long-distance trekking away from all the crowds, and it’s the lone conduit through a segment of the South Island which has rarely been touched by man.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
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Christchurch Art Centre
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Hells Gate Geothermal Park
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Hawke's Bay
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Haruru Falls
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Old St Paul's Cathedral
The simple white-painted exterior leads to a dramatic interior featuring bold use of native timbers. The piers of wood form trusses that curve upwards to meet in the roof’s center, a bit like the hull of an upturned boat.
Another highlight of this popular building is the lovely stained glass, particularly the windows surrounding the apse and south alcove.
While the church no longer hosts regular Sunday services, it’s a popular venue for weddings and funerals.
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Old St. Paul Cathedral's is north of the waterfront near Wellington’s central train station.
MJ Savage Memorial Park
Although he passed away in 1940 at the age of 68, his memory lives on near the Auckland waterfront at the park which bears his name. At MJ Savage Memorial Park, not only can you pay your respects to one of New Zealand’s most loved politicians, but you can enjoy the ornately-landscape surroundings and drink in the stunning view.
Located a five minute drive from downtown Auckland, the park sits along a stretch of waterfront which lies just east of the city. The view from the park gazes out over the water towards symmetrical Rangitoto Island, and the famous skyline of Waitemata Harbor occupies the view to the west. From this vantage point, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best views of Auckland you’ll get from along the waterfront.
Once you’ve walked the grounds, toured the mausoleum, and snapped photos in front of the reflection pool, you can walk down the hill to Mission Bay and enjoy the popular eateries and cafés. While tour buses occasionally make stops at the MJ Savage Memorial Park, this is somewhat of a removed attraction you’ll be more than happy you stumbled upon.