29 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is a fantastic creation of nature. It is a hotspot for sports and possesses spectacular geographical features. Travellers can discover snow-capped mountains, glittering coves, coastal glaciers, rain forests, fjords, and rivers teeming with fish. The nation is also known to be the spot for one of the highest bungee leaps in the world. 

The top 29 tourist places to visit in New Zealand are listed below.

Currency in New Zealand: The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar. 1 New Zealand dollar equals 50.13 Indian Rupee as of 10th March 2023*

*Currency rates change are subject to the market exchange rate.

New Zealand has been developing as a major tourist attraction recently. With its stunning islands, landscapes and fjords, it can be an ideal destination if you are looking for a blend of nature and urbanisation. Check out the popular tourist destinations in New Zealand from the list provided below:

Visit the top natural and architectural wonders of New Zealand as listed below to have an extraordinary tourist experience:

1. Coromandel Peninsula, North Island

It is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, mainly because of its unparalleled natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere and gold-mining history. Its pristine beaches with golden sand and misty rainforests will surely win your heart. You will get a rope swing at Whangapoua Beach to swing up and jump into the bay. More than 790,000 visitors are seen here every year.

• Location: Coromandel Peninsula, 380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel 3506, North Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Hiking, skydiving, kayaking, relaxing in a hot pool, and digging a trench in the sand for sitting 
• Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM
• Entry fees: 35 NZD

2. Franz Josef Glacier, South Island

This glacier, which has its beginnings high in the Southern Alps and flows into the rainforest of Westland's National Park, is the steepest guided glacier in New Zealand and heaven for trekkers. The primary icefall of this glacier flows faster than the typical glacier. This results in the formation of impressive structures, including ice caves, tunnels, seracs, and crevasses.

• Location: Franz Josef Glacier, Te Tai o Poutini, West Coast of South Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Hiking, skydiving, flying over the glacier by helicopter, catching waterfalls, and visiting glacier water pools
• Timings: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM in summer, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in winter
• Entry fee: The cost can be free to 1000 NZD, depending on the hiking experiences one opts for.

3. Kaikoura, South Island

Kaikoura attracts tourists with its abundant wildlife and seafood. It is a small village surrounded by the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean, which adds to its natural beauty. If you enjoy fishing, this place can be ideal with its huge fishing ground. Do not miss the coastal hikes, Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, and whale-watching tours.

• Location: Kaikoura, East coast corner of South Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, whale watching, paddling, hiking, trying out local seafood, and trekking
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Entry fees:  40 NZD for walking/running up to 5km, 60 NZD for walking/running up to 10km, 90 NZD for walking/running 20 km, and 110 NZD for a marathon run (42km) only.

Here are some stunning city attractions which are a must-visit in New Zealand.

4. Sky Tower, Auckland

Auckland’s Sky Tower is a 328-metre-high communications and observation tower. It is the highest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It allows one to get a panoramic 360-degree view. One of the highlights of the Sky Tower is its LED lighting arrangement, which produces different colour combinations. The building is completely safe due to its earthquake-resistant structure.

• Location: Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand
• Things to do: Yoga, sky jumping, skywalk, and dining experiences
• Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Level 51 of the Sky Tower Main Observation is currently open
• Entry Fee: Adults 40 NZD and children (below 15 years) 21 NZD, free for infants, and 37 NZD for students and senior citizens.

5. Auckland Botanic Gardens, Auckland

Situated on Hill Road in Manurewa, this garden sprawls across 64 hectares (156 acres) of land, including 10 hectares of native woodland. The gorgeous Botanic Gardens offers lovely walking trails, conservatories, and horticulture exhibits. Some of New Zealand's oldest, tallest, and largest trees may be found in the garden. More than 950,000 people visit the gardens each year.

• Location: 102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105, New Zealand
• Things to do: Learning about different plants, participating in family events and holiday programmes
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

New Zealand is a place with the most museums and galleries than any other country in the globe. Here is the list of popular ones which you should visit at least once.

6. Museum of New Zealand, Wellington

This museum tells the tales of New Zealand's past, attracting visitors with its collection of national treasures. The most famous museum in Oceania, Te Papa Tongarewa, is located on the water. Here, you get to explore the wonderful stories and riches of New Zealand, including its exceptional natural environment, Maori culture, and taonga (treasures).

• Location: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
• Things to do: Participating in interactive activities, playing the Ukulele, participating in exhibitions, viewing a giant squid, and walking on an enormous interactive New Zealand map
• Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Christmas
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

7. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland

Tourists visit this museum to learn about the military expedition stories of New Zealand. It also displays a wide collection of books, photographs, important documents, weapons, and equipment belonging to the country's soldiers. The museum upholds the traditions of Māori culture and the local inhabitants of New Zealand. There are more than 1.5 million specimens and other historical evidence as well.

• Location: Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
• Things to do: Learning about the involvement of New Zealand in wars, watching volcanic eruption simulations, watching Maori Cultural Performance
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry fees: International visitors: 28 NZD (Adults), 14 NZD (Children), 75 NZD (Family)

8. Canterbury Museum, Christchurch

Canterbury Museum is known for its frequently changing exhibitions. It has a huge preservation of natural and human history. If you wish to explore the rich culture and heritage of New Zealand, do not forget to check out this museum. There is also an art gallery and library inside the museum.

• Location: Canterbury Museum, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
• Things to do: Participating in events and online exhibitions, witnessing the preservations, exploring the art gallery
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Entry fees: Adult: 20-25 NZD, Children (15 years and below): 10 NZD

9. Sculptureum, Matakana, New Zealand

If you want to experience local art, Sculpterum is the most appropriate place for you to visit. There are galleries and sculpture gardens which have preservation of more than 800 artworks. In addition to this, you can taste grape wines at Rothko Restaurant which are made from the vineyard of Sculptureum.

• Location: Sculptureum, Matakana, New Zealand
• Things to do: Watching arts and galleries, and participating in art activities specially designed for children
• Timings: Every day from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Entry fees: 30-45 NZD (Adults), 15-20 NZD (Children from 6 to 16 years), 25 NZD (Gold card holder seniors)

Apart from the museums and galleries, New Zealand is also known for its stunning national parks, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and enjoy various adventures. Here is a list of some of the top national parks you will find here.

10. Tongariro National Park, North Island

Tongariro National Park is located in the centre of New Zealand's North Island. The park is home to Mount Ruapehu, the highest mountain in the country. It contains the revered volcanic cones of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu and features hot springs, alpine lakes, lava caves, and numerous other geological formations. The park is unique for its varied terrain and flora, with an abundance of native trees and many rare birds such as kiwis and takahes.

• Location: Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui 4691, North Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Walking, mountain biking, skiing, rafting, and fly fishing
• Timings:  8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Entry fee: No entry fee

11. Christchurch Botanic Garden, Christchurch, South Island

Christchurch, also known as the garden city, is a favourite tourist destination for having multiple picturesque gardens. The Botanic Garden in Christchurch is one such famous tourist destination where one can see varied species of locally sourced and exotic plants. Visitors can smell the fragrance of cultivar roses inside the garden. You can visit any month because there is something unique to explore in every season.

• Location: Christchurch Botanic Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Exploring nature, paddling in the pool
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Entry fees: 25 NZD (5-15 years), 60 NZD (2 Adults and 3 Children)

12. Fiordland National Park, South Island

Fiordland is one of the most popular tourist places in New Zealand. Tourists prefer walking and hiking here. You can find dense forests, exceptional wildlife, spectacular alpine lakes and huge waterfalls in this park. Do not miss Milford Sound once you are in Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound contains wonderful waterfalls, which is a magnificent sight to view. You can also explore Doubtful Sound, Kepler Track and Milford Track.

• Location: Fiordland National Park, South-west of South Island, New Zealand
• Activities to do: Road trip to Milford Sound, scuba diving to Milford Sound, cruising at Milford Sound, fishing, hunting, cycling, sailing, and day walking
• Timings: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Closed during lunch time from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
• Entry fee: 27 NZD for each day

13. Abel Tasman National Park, South Island

This park in New Zealand is known for its amazing forest landscape and other natural beauties, such as wetlands, glaciers, and golden sand beaches. International visitors come here in large numbers during the summer season. You can see plenty of fur seals in Abel Tasman. The park also has arrangements for proper accommodations for visitors.

• Location: Abel Tasman National Park, South Island 7183, New Zealand
• Activities to do: Kayaking, walking, canyoning, staying till late at night in the park, visiting gateways of the national park and camping
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry fees: Free for 17 years and below, Local adults: 42 NZD each night for staying in huts and 16 NZD for campsites. International visitors: For staying in huts, 56 NZD for adults and 32 NZD for children, and for campsites, 24 NZD (adults) and 12 NZD (children).

14. Mount Cook National Park, South Island

Located in the foothills of Mt Cook, this national park is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. You can enjoy skydiving here, as Mount Cook is the highest mountain. In this national park, you can witness the stunning Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. Snow dominates more than one-third of the park.

• Location: Mount Cook National Park, Central corner of the South Island of New Zealand
• Things to do: Hiking, camping, stargazing, walking in the Tasman Glacier Track and Hooker Valley Track, taking a scenic flight, and going for a scenic helicopter ride
• Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (October-April), 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (May September)
• Entry fees: No entry fee

There are some top-rated theme parks in New Zealand. The list mentioned below will help you to plan in a better way before going.

15. Rainbow’s End, Manukau City, New Zealand

One can find amazing rides and attractions at Rainbow End which is one of the largest theme parks in New Zealand. It is especially a place of attraction for kids because they can engage themselves in various entertaining activities and games. It will just take 20 minutes from Auckland to reach this park. There is a place exclusively designed for children known as Kids Kingdom.

• Location: Rainbow’s End, Manukau City, New Zealand
• Things to do: Arcade gaming, virtual sword fighting, and enjoying thrill rides
• Timings: Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry fees: 64.99 NZD (Adults), 54.99 NZD (Children of 13 years and below)

16. Spookers Haunted Attraction Theme Park, Kingseat Road, Karaka, New Zealand

If you want to have fun through fear then Spookers is the right place to visit. You can have a live experience of victims who will move around. The themed sets are designed with amazing visuals and sound effects which makes the sight extremely realistic. The actors are well-trained and carry their special props to scare you to the fullest.

• Location: Spookers Haunted Attraction Theme Park, Kingseat Road, Karaka, New Zealand
• Things to do: Watching the scariest creatures
• Timings: Friday and Saturday from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Entry fees: 25.00 NZD-55.00 NZD (Adults), 20.00 NZD-55.00 NZD (Children of 15 years and below)

17. Huka Prawn Park, Wairakei, New Zealand

If you want a day full of entertainment with your family, Huka Prawn Park is the best place. You can view the cultivation process of prawns and your tour guide can provide you with behind-the-scenes information regarding the park. Also, you can watch how aquatic species are looked after. Moreover, this themed park is appropriate for making unforgettable memories with friends and families.

• Location: Huka Prawn Park, Wairakei, New Zealand
• Things to do: Viewing breeding prawns, boating, racing on the boating lake, and enjoying a pedal boat
• Timings: Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Entry fees: 27.50 NZD (Adults), 15.00 NZD (Children of 15 years and below)

Queenstown is the hub of activity zones in New Zealand as one can take part in maximum adrenaline-inducing activities here. There are other places in New Zealand as well where there are popular attractions to do adventurous things. The following places top the list of adventure activity zones.

18. Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown, Otago

People who visit New Zealand often go to Queenstown, as it is a great spot for adventure. Kawarau Suspension Bridge in Queenstown is one such tourist attraction where you will get a great feeling of adventure. You can jump 43 metres from the bridge. This bridge is the only place in Queenstown where you can take part in tandem jumping. There is also an option to enjoy water-touch bungee jumping. 

Note that the weight of people should be a minimum of 35 kg to participate in bungee jumping. Furthermore, the participant's age should not be below 10 years.

• Location: Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
• Things to do: Bungee jumping, walking the bridge
• Timings: Open all day
• Entry fees: 220 NZD (Adults), 170 NZD (Children)

19. Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown, New Zealand

It is one of the best tourist destinations for adventure lovers. You can enjoy the scenic view of New Zealand from a height of around 450 metres by taking a ride on the cable car. Watching the landscape at sunset can be highly exciting. Stratosfare Restaurant is a famous place for dining out at the Skyline.

Moreover, the places that the cable car will take you include Bob’s Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and many more.

• Location: Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown, New Zealand
• Things to do: Watching Gondola views, hiking trails, mountain biking, bungee jumping, stargazing, and dining out
• Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
• Entry fees: Price may range from 27 NZD to 114 NZD

20. Aratiatia Rapids, Rotokawa, New Zealand

It is one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand. Watching the gushing river flowing through a steep gorge is no less than an adventure. The gates of this dam are opened several times a day, so you need to know the proper opening time before visiting.

Note that swimming is strictly prohibited and you will be able to hear safety warnings to maintain safety.

• Location: Aratiatia Rapids, Rotokawa, New Zealand
• Things to do: Walking the dam, river cruising and jet boating
• Timings: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM (October to March); 10 AM, 12 Noon, 2 PM (April to September) 
• Entry fees: No entry fee

New Zealand is filled with top-notch lakes and waterfalls, attracting the attention of visitors. If you are a lover of nature, you should not miss these places. Here are some of the best lakes and waterfalls you must check out here.

21. Lake Tekapo, South Island

was formed by a glacier over 10,000 years ago, and it has been used as a tourist destination since then. The lake not only offers activities, including swimming and boating but also great hiking trails that extend up into the surrounding mountains.

• Location: Lake Tekapo, inland South Island of New Zealand
• Things to do: Stargazing, taking a scenic helicopter ride over the Southern Alps, hiking, relaxing in hot pools, and skiing or snowboarding
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and 10:00 to 5:00 PM in winter
• Entry fee: 8 NZD

22. Lake Wakatipu, South Island

This beautiful lake was formed by melted glaciers some thousands of years back. One of the major highlights of Queenstown is Lake Wakatipu. This lake is so deep that its depth is actually below sea level. Queenstown's freshwater comes from this lake. Moreover, the mountains in the surroundings and the unusual tides on the lake add to its appeal.

• Location: Lake Wakatipu, South-central part of South Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Cruising, paddle boarding, swimming, and hydro attacking
• Timings: Open all day
• Entry fees: No entry fee

23. Lake Wanaka, South Island

Lake Wanaka, the fourth-largest lake in New Zealand, comprises several islands. You can choose a horse ride to explore the surroundings. Moreover, sunset cruises are also popular among tourists for taking a relaxing ride across the lake. The Autumn season enhances the charm of the lake with golden and red-coloured trees.

• Location: Lake Wanaka, west-central part of South Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, walking, hiking, dining in restaurants, glamping, and skydiving
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry fees: No entry fee

24. Huka Falls, North Island

At Huka Falls, water flows from a height of 11 metres. It is the most amazing thing to watch. You can go by cruise or a jet boat to get a close view of the falls. It flows through the Waikato River and moves north from Lake Taupo. The crystal-clear water of the pool base is light blue due to the presence of minerals at Lake Taupo. Huka Falls is a spectacular sight due to its water volume.

• Location: Huka Falls, Wairakei, Taupō 3384, North Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Jet boating, cycling, mountain biking, sightseeing and tramping
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (May September), 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (October-April)
• Entry fees: No entry fee

25. Bridal Veil Falls, Waikato

As the name suggests, this waterfall has a veil-like appearance, flowing from an impressive height. Its scenic beauty attracts tourists. It offers a great vision, especially to those who come from an urban area and have not been able to experience natural beauty. The water here is very cold, but visitors still prefer to swim.

• Location: Bridal Veil Falls, Makomako 3895, Waikato, New Zealand
• Things to do: Hiking and walking 
• Timings: Open all day
• Entry fees: No entry fee

Being an island country, New Zealand is blessed with a long, stunning coastline. Here are the most popular beaches and islands of New Zealand among tourists and locals:

26. Muriwai Beach, Auckland

Muriwai Beach is another beautiful New Zealand tourist place worth visiting. About 40 minutes from Auckland city, the beach provides fantastic panoramic views. The incredible surf, enormous dunes, and stunning sunsets contribute to the area's beauty. One may argue that this is one of New Zealand's top vacation locations. Iron content in Muriwai Beach is high which makes the sand of the beach black in colour.

• Location: Muriwai Beach, West Coast of Auckland, New Zealand.
• Things to do: Surfing, walking the beach loop, playing golf, and going to Te Henga
• Timings: Open all day
• Entry fee: No entry fee

27. White Island, Bay of Plenty

White Island is a must-visit tourist place in New Zealand if one wants to attempt something adventurous. It possesses the nation's most active volcano. Take in the breathtaking view of the volcanic environment by way of a helicopter trip over the island. Wearing gas masks and hard helmets is necessary because this area is home to several active volcanoes.

• Location: White Island Bay of Plenty 3120, New Zealand
• Things to do: Enjoying scenic flights, Visit the Moutohora Island Sanctuary, take strolls along the Otarawairere Shoreline
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: For a helicopter ride - 850 NZD; for boat rides - adults  230 NZD and for children (below 15 years) 150 NZD.

28. Waiheke Island, North Island

One of the most stunning places to visit in New Zealand is Waiheke Island, which is only 30 minutes by boat from the centre of Auckland. This is the perfect location for all the wine enthusiasts out there, with several vineyards in the area. Experts lead these excursions to these vineyards, where sampling of some of the highest calibre wines takes place.

• Location: Waiheke Island, southern Hauraki Gulf off the east coast of North Island, New Zealand
• Things to do: Cycling, flying on a zipline, relaxing on beaches, kayaking, biking, jet skiing, and dining
• Timings: Open all day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee; however, the ferry cost can go up to 42 NZD for an adult's return ticket.

29. Bay of Islands, North Island

The stunning Bay of Islands, located 3 hours north of Auckland, is one of New Zealand's most well-liked vacation spots. The sparkling harbour is dotted with more than 144 islands, making it a sanctuary for sailing and yachting. It is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Sea kayakers may explore the subtropical forests where Kauri trees flourish, climb the many island trails, relax in quiet coves, and tour the prominent rock feature known as Hole in the Rock.

• Location: Bay of Islands, New Zealand's North Island
• Things to do: Visiting Rainbow Falls, exploring the Island in a helicopter, cruising, skydiving, scuba diving, and kayaking
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee