New Zealand attractions

A pathway winds through the lunar-like landscape of this geothermal area, leading you past steaming vents and geysers, and gurgling mud pools. Previously dormant, the Craters of the Moon fizzed to life in the 1950s after underground water levels were altered by the activity of a nearby power station.

In the 1800s, Ohinemutu was a quiet Maori village that served as a gateway to the Rotorua region. Today it is a suburb of Rotorua city, but still retains much of its heritage. Take a stroll around the shores of Te Ruapeka Bay and enjoy the quiet—and the rich history—of this unassuming lakeside town.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve, a peaceful escape about an hour outside of Wellington’s hustle and bustle, is fun for children and big kids of all ages. Walk through a custom-designed nature park full of animals, from wild goats and guinea pigs to rainbow trout and endangered native birds, and feed and get to know these friendly critters.

The short, easy Mirror Lakes Walk is a great place to break up the trip between Te Anau and Milford Sound, on the Milford Road. As its name suggests, you’ll see the reflections of the Earl Mountains on the small lake’s surface, when the weather conditions are right. The short walk is wheelchair accessible and takes about 10 minutes, there and back.

Steam-powered trains chug along a 4.6-mile (7.5-kilometer) section of historic tracks at Glenbrook Vintage Railway. To learn more about New Zealand’s railroad heritage, take your seat on rides ranging from classic steam-train jaunts to first-class experiences featuring viewing balconies and lavish high tea.

Large Mercury Bay is on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula and contains some of its most popular attractions, including Cathedral Cove and the town of Whitianga. Along with enjoying the beautiful beaches, travelers come here to walk along coastal paths, cruise in Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, and to game fish in the bay.

Running from the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu north to Lake Taupo, the Tongariro River is an extremely popular trout-fishing spot. That’s not all that this scenic alpine waterway offers, though: hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and white-water rafting are all available for visitors seeking adventure in the beautiful New Zealand wilderness.

Carved by glaciers and now covered in beech forests and tussock grass, Eglinton Valley is an important conservation site in Fiordland National Park. It’s one of the only valleys in the park with road access, so many travelers pass through this scenic spot en route between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

With one of the largest collections of restored classic vehicles in existence, Bill Richardson Transport World is one of Invercargill’s most popular tourist attractions. Car enthusiasts ogle the retro Kombi vans, Model Ts, 1930s V8s, and vintage gas pumps, while kids enjoy the play area and wearable art displays.

Dating back to 1875, Akaroa Lighthouse was originally built on a rocky perch at Akaroa Heads, where it stood watch over the mouth of Akaroa Harbour. Although the lighthouse was replaced by an automatic light in the 1970s, it had become such a beloved local landmark that it was moved to a new location just south of town.

Dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, this museum includes exhibits that vary from historic aircraft to a hands-on flight simulator. Memorials here are dedicated to members of the air force who have died in service, while a collection of photographs offers a window into New Zealand’s military history.

Stirling Falls, called Waimanu Falls in Te Reo Māori, is a 495-foot (151-meter) high waterfall in Milford Sound. When it rains—which it often does in Fiordland National Park, the wettest place in New Zealand—many temporary waterfalls gush from the mountains, but Stirling Falls is a permanent feature of the landscape. It’s usually seen from cruises on Milford Sound.

Whether you’re driving or taking a guided tour, passing through the Homer Tunnel—which pierces the Darran mountains—is the only way to reach Milford Sound by road. If you’re imagining a wide, brightly lit subterranean expressway, think again: The 0.75-mile (1.25-kilometer) tunnel is narrow, steep, and unlit—except by your car’s headlights.

New Zealand’s largest theater company was founded in 1971 and puts on about 19 productions each year, ranging from serious drama to light-hearted comedy. Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the company relocated from the Arts Centre in the heart of the city to a former grain shed in the Christchurch suburb of Addington.

At 531 feet (162 meters), Bowen Falls is the highest in Milford Sound and a must-see attraction. There’s a constant flow of water here, whatever the weather, unlike some of the fjord’s rain-dependent temporary waterfalls. While you can’t currently walk here, you can see Bowen Falls on a Milford Sound boat ride or on scenic flights over Fiordland National Park.

With 5 acres (2 hectares) of paddocks on the edge of town, the Hanmer Springs Animal Park is a fun, family-friendly attraction to visit between hot-spring bathing sessions. The residents include typical New Zealand farm animals, such as sheep, goats, and pigs, as well as some more exotic creatures, including emus and wallabies.

Karekare Beach, a wild black-sand cove surrounded by cliffs, is typical of rural West Auckland and a popular getaway from Auckland city. Part of Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, it’s where people come to walk on the beach and to the impressive Karekare Falls, spot birds, admire the views, and surf or swim.

Several times a day, the spill gates from a dam on the Waikato River are opened and transform the otherwise calm waterway into a turbulent melee of white-water rapids. As it courses through the gorge, the raging power of the river is harnessed by a nearby power plant in order to produce hydroelectric power.

In 1846, the British government had strong concerns that Auckland was exposed to attack. To ensure the safety of New Zealand’s capital—before it was moved to Wellington—veteran soldiers of British wars were brought to defend the city. Although it was never attacked, the historic cottages and homes that were built still remain intact.

In the remote Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island lies Mt. Sunday—a skyline that fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy will recognize as the site for the soaring city of Edoras. It’s arguably the most spectacular among dozens of filming locations used by the crew.

The Mavora Lakes Conservation Park is a rugged, remote area of lakes, mountains, forests, and grasslands in Southland. It’s centered on two lakes: North Mavora and South Mavora. You need permission to take a vehicle into the park, but permits are free. It’s a great place to camp, fish, mountain bike, and enjoy other outdoor activities, especially in the summer.

Whether you see it, hear it, or smell it first, approaching the bustling Auckland Fish Market is always an exciting experience. Here along Auckland’s bustling waterfront, fishermen returning to the docks come to sell their fresh catches at auction, and diners come to feast on fish that was literally caught that morning.

Don’t expect to see any monkeys at Fiordland National Park’s Monkey Creek—though you might see alpine parrots. This glacier-fed spring beside the Te Anau Milford Highway (State Highway 94) is a popular place to stop and admire the views on the trip to Milford Sound, and the water’s so pure you can refill your bottle here.

One of several wharves along Auckland's downtown waterfront, Queen’s Wharf is a ferry and cruise ship hub with a lively events and dining scene. After arriving by water or on foot, travelers can admire the views of Waitemata Harbour, grab lunch and a drink, and check out an art exhibit.

Every Saturday in central Queenstown, artists and artisans from all over the South Island display their wares at the Queenstown Market. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts to take home, you’re bound to find something amidst the handcrafted jewelry, knitwear, bone carvings, pottery, paintings, and so much more.

One glimpse of the Westhaven Marina, and you’ll understand why Auckland is nicknamed “the City of Sails.” It’s the largest recreational marina in the southern hemisphere and as much a part of the city skyline as the needle-like Sky Tower. With four yacht clubs, charter operators, eating and drinking establishments, and 1,800 yachts, there’s something for almost everyone here.

The Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a 2,327-acre (942-hectare) native bird breeding sanctuary on Mt. Bruce. Many rare New Zealand birds are hatched here and prepared for release into the wild across the country. Visitors can join a guided tour, take walks through the forest, check out the kiwi nursery and free-flight aviary, and see traditional carvers at work.

In 2010 and 2011, the city of Christchurch and the surrounding areas of Canterbury were hit by two powerful earthquakes. The first, in September 2010, was larger, but the second, in February 2011, caused more damage and loss of life. Opened in 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial in Christchurch commemorates these natural disasters.

Perched on the southern tip of the North Island, New Zealand’s capital is an important center for arts and culture, and a popular stop-off for cruise ships. From CentrePort Wellington, it's easy to explore the treasure-filled Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa), the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, and more.

Central Otago is full of gold-mining history and relics, and Macetown is one of the most intact old mining towns in Otago. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the old Department of Conservation-administered historic reserve, perhaps even panning for gold in the Arrow River. Be prepared for a rugged adventure, however you choose to get there.