New Zealand
16 Best Things to Do in New Zealand
One list for the whole country, drawn from 8 cities and ranked by the travelers who went.
Ranked by traveler review volume across 390 tracked places in New Zealand, max 3 per city. Updated monthly.
Christchurch Tramway
Sight · ChristchurchThe Christchurch Tramway is a charming heritage tram system that loops through the city's central business district, providing a nostalgic and informative way to explore Christchurch.
Read our full guide →Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Park & nature · ChristchurchFree entryThe Margaret Mahy Family Playground is a vibrant, award-winning playground located in the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand.
Read our full guide →Eat Street
Neighborhood · RotoruaFree entryEat Street in Rotorua is a pedestrian-friendly dining hub located on Tutanekai Street, offering a lively mix of food trucks, restaurants, and bars.
Read our full guide →Lake Taupo
Park & nature · TaupoLake Taupo is a vast, crystal-clear lake located in the central North Island of New Zealand, formed by a massive volcanic eruption about 26,500 years ago.
Read our full guide →Avon River
Park & nature · ChristchurchFree entryThe Avon River flows gently through the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand, offering a tranquil escape in the city.
Read our full guide →Fancy Meow Cat Cafe
Landmark · RotoruaFancy Meow Cat Cafe offers a unique experience for animal lovers visiting Rotorua.
Read our full guide →Maori Rock Carvings
Landmark · TaupoThe Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay on Lake Taupo are a stunning modern tribute to Maori heritage.
Read our full guide →Otago Farmers Market
Market · DunedinFree entryThe Otago Farmers Market is a bustling weekly market held every Saturday morning at the Dunedin Railway Station forecourt.
Read our full guide →Queenstown Water Taxis
Sight · QueenstownQueenstown Water Taxis provides a flexible and scenic way to travel across Lake Wakatipu, connecting the town center to various points around the lake.
Read our full guide →Headfirst Travel
Park & nature · RotoruaHeadfirst Travel is a premier outdoor activity provider in Rotorua, New Zealand, offering guided tours that immerse visitors in the region's unique geothermal landscapes and lush native forests.
Read our full guide →Light House Petone
Entertainment · Lower HuttLight House Petone is a premier entertainment destination located at 52 Beach Street in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Read our full guide →Moa Statue
Landmark · QueenstownFree entryThe Moa Statue in Queenstown is a surprising sight: a full-scale replica of an Easter Island Moai statue, standing proudly on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Read our full guide →Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge
Landmark · TaupoThe Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge is a popular and quirky attraction located on the shores of Lake Taupo in New Zealand.
Read our full guide →Time Tripper Queenstown
Park & nature · QueenstownTime Tripper Queenstown is an innovative attraction located on the Main Town Pier, offering a blend of park-like relaxation and interactive time-travel experiences.
Read our full guide →The Chocolate Story
Market · PetoneFree entryThe Chocolate Story is a delightful market and confectionery located on Jackson Street in Petone, a seaside suburb of Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Read our full guide →Luxury Airport Shuttles
Sight · TaurangaLuxury Airport Shuttles in Tauranga, New Zealand, provide a premium transportation option for travelers arriving at or departing from Tauranga Airport.
Read our full guide →
Good to know
What is the best-known of the places to visit in New Zealand?
Christchurch Tramway in Christchurch is the most reviewed, with 2,981 traveler reviews and a 4.5 rating. That makes it the safe choice if you are only fitting in one.
Which of New Zealand's places to visit is worth going out of your way for?
Margaret Mahy Family Playground in Christchurch rates highest at 5.0 out of 5 across 1,073 reviews. Smaller crowds than the headline entry usually explain the gap.
Which city in New Zealand has the most places to visit?
Christchurch, with 3 on this list, ahead of Rotorua on 3. The list spans 8 cities in total, capped at three per city so one big city cannot crowd out the rest of the country.
Are any of these places to visit free to visit?
Yes, 6: Margaret Mahy Family Playground, Eat Street, Avon River and others. That is based on each place's own visiting information, not an assumption about the category.
How is this list of places to visit ranked?
By how many travelers reviewed each place, filtered to those rated well enough to be worth your time, drawn from 390 tracked places in New Zealand. No one pays to appear on it, and the order is refreshed monthly as new reviews land.
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