New Zealand packs an astonishing variety of landscapes into two islands — from volcanic geothermal fields and ancient fjords to golden beaches and snow-capped peaks.
Top New Zealand Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate new zealand highlights experience
Queenstown Adventure Hub
The adventure capital of the world
Queenstown is the undisputed adventure capital of the world — a stunning lakeside town surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range that has invented or popularised more extreme sports than anywhere else on earth. Bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, white-water rafting, paragliding, and canyon swinging are all available within minutes of the town centre, alongside world-class skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Highlights
- AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge — the world's first commercial bungee jump
- Skydiving over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables
- Shotover Jet — the world's most thrilling jet boat ride
- Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski fields
- The Milford Sound day trip
Things to Do
- Bungee jump at Kawarau Bridge
- Skydive over Lake Wakatipu
- Ride the Shotover Jet
- Ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak
- Take a day trip to Milford Sound
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
Year-round — skiing June–September, adventure sports October–April
Recommended Duration
3–5 days
Typical Cost
Bungee from NZD 195 (£90); skydive from NZD 299 (£140)
Travel Tips
- ·Fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN) — direct flights from Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne
- ·Book adventure activities in advance in peak season
- ·The Skyline Gondola gives the best views over the town and lake
- ·Fergburger is legendary — expect a queue but it's worth it
- ·Combine with a Milford Sound overnight cruise for the full South Island experience
Nearby Attractions
Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland
Geysers, mud pools and Māori culture
Rotorua is New Zealand's most geothermally active region — a landscape of erupting geysers, boiling mud pools, and colourful silica terraces that looks like another planet. It is also the heartland of Māori culture, offering the most authentic cultural experiences in New Zealand, from traditional haka performances to hangi feasts cooked in the earth. The sulphurous smell is unmistakable — locals call it "the smell of money".
Highlights
- Pohutu Geyser — New Zealand's largest active geyser
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Traditional Māori cultural performances
- Hangi feast cooked in geothermal earth
- Redwood Forest mountain biking
Things to Do
- Watch Pohutu Geyser erupt at Te Puia
- Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Attend a Māori cultural performance and hangi
- Soak in the Polynesian Spa on Lake Rotorua
- Mountain bike through the Redwood Forest
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
Recommended Duration
2–3 days
Typical Cost
Wai-O-Tapu entry NZD 45 (£21); Māori cultural evening from NZD 120 (£56)
Travel Tips
- ·Drive from Auckland (3 hours) or fly to Rotorua Airport (ROT)
- ·The sulphur smell fades after a few hours — you stop noticing it
- ·Book Māori cultural evenings in advance
- ·The Polynesian Spa is excellent for tired muscles after hiking
- ·Combine with Hobbiton Movie Set (1 hour away) for Lord of the Rings fans
Nearby Attractions
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