Choose from 212 Fun Things to Do in New Zealand
Kaitoke Regional Park
- Kaitoke Regional Park is ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and LOTR fans.
- On-site park rangers provide guidance on finding a location or keeping safe in the rain forest.
- Hunting for deer, goats, and pigs is permitted in much of the park, though you’ll need to get a permit from the Greater Wellington Regional Council first.
- The park typically has events running during the summer for families camping in the area.
Picton
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Kaituna River
- Rafting trips on the Kaituna River are suitable for adventurous beginners.
- The minimum age for this white-water excursion is 13 years; children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Every Class V rapid is followed by a stretch of flat water.
- Outfitters provide all necessary equipment: life jacket, wetsuit, booties, safety helmet, fleece top, and spray jacket.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothing.
Ponsonby
- Trendy, chic, hip: all describe Ponsonby and its visitors.
- Combine a tour of Queen Street, Ponsonby, and Devonport with an excursion to the Kumeu wine country.
- Parking availability can be a challenge, especially on weekends.
Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (Te Puia)
Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute was established by the New Zealand Parliament to guard and preserve Maori culture, housing the national schools of carving and weaving. Visitors interact with master craftsmen as they turn native hardwood and plant fibers into beautiful pieces of traditional art, spinning stories as they work.
Touring the facilities is interesting, informative and not to be missed, but the highlight is Te Po, Te Puia's authentic evening experience. As evening falls, you'll assemble in a carved meeting space and go on to participate in Maori rituals of friendship and greetting. As the night progresses, you'll feast on traditional cuisine as your guides will share Maori heritage, song and weaponry.
Te Puia is also the staging area for tours of the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, where there are numerous geysers and 3 regularly erupt - Kereru, Tohu and the world famous Pohutu geyser, which erupts around 20 times a day reaching heights of up to 30m (100ft).
In addition to preserving to the Maori culture through performances and demonstrations, Te Puia also preserves New Zealand national culture with the Kiwi House. As its name implies, the Kiwi House is dedicated to helping the little flightless birds in their fight against extinction.
Kumeu Wine Country
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Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa)
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Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
Although the designs appear like the remains of an ancient Maori settlement, they were in fact carved by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970s, taking three summers to complete. The dramatic works are some of the largest rock art of their kind in the world, depicting Ngatoroirangi – the Maori visionary who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to Lake Taupo over a thousand years before. Flanking Ngatoroirangi are two smaller carvings depicting the south wind and a mermaid, and utilizing traditional Maori stone-carving techniques.
Only viewable from the water, visiting the Maori Rock Carvings is a popular boat excursion from Taupo, but it’s also possible to get there by kayak, offering an incredible up close view of the figures as you float beneath the cliffs.
Penguin Place
- You are allowed to take photos at Penguin Place, but don’t use a flash as it can scare the birds.
- The reserve tour is only suitable for travelers with good mobility, as it covers more than 0.5 miles (1 kilometer) and includes quite a lot of steps.
- The wildlife seen on guided tours can vary day to day, so you could be in for a surprise!
- Penguin Place has its own lodge with budget accommodation (closed from May to August.)
Milford Sound
- The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, so prepare for wind and rain even in summer.
- If hiking, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as places to purchase supplies are limited.
- Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Milford Sound Information Center.
- Most Milford Sound cruises are wheelchair accessible, but not all activities within Fiordland National Park are accessible to those with limited mobility, so it’s best to check in advance.
Kaikoura
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Port Hills
Mackenzie Basin
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Mirror Lakes
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Milford Track
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Picton Cruise Port
How to Get to Picton
Cruise ships dock at the Waitohi Wharf, about a half mile from the center of Picton. There is no bus service in Picton, but taxis are generally available to make the short trip into town.
One Day in Picton
A day in Picton is likely to be an active one. Spend an hour exploring the town on foot, perhaps stopping at the small Picton Museum along the way. Then, move on to any one of a number of outdoor activities. Dive to the wreck of a Soviet cruise ship or join a dolphin watching cruise. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to the Snout, a peninsula between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Biking, kayaking, fishing and sailing are all great options as well.
If you’re looking for souvenirs before you depart, try the Oriel Gallery or The Gallery for jewelry, paintings, photographs and other crafts from local artists.
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Mission Estate Winery
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Milford Sound Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory
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Ohinemutu
Ohinemutu was the first settlement in the region established by the Ngati Whakaue people. Originally used as an entry hub for visitors and food headed to the neighboring villages, Ohinemutu is now a suburb of Rotorua city, but it is still a perfect example of how Western and Maori cultures integrated. Visit the Te Papaiouru Marae and St Faith’s Church, and you'll see how the two peoples collaborate, as Maori carvings and woven panels complement the Tudor-style architecture.
Ohinemutu's preservation of Ngati Whakaue is not to be missed. St. Faith's church is well known for a window etching of Jesus wearing a Maori cloak - it faces the lake, giving you the impression that Jesus is walking on water. The century-old church's rich decorations are a must-see.
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Packaged cruise tours often make a stop at Ohinemutu along with visits to the nearby redwoods and geothermal sites. As much of the activities in and around Rotorua involve hiking and the outdoors, the same goes for Ohinemutu, but its focal points are the Marae (meeting place) and Church.