When it comes to deciding the best places to go in the world, anyone who has even traveled to New Zealand will already know why visitors return time and again.
With a landscape of rugged peaks, lost valleys, a friendly culture, neon reefs, and a rich Māori history, New Zealand is one of the most interesting places to spend a holiday. Add in the incredible natural wonders and obvious charms… well, it’s a winning combination.
This is why our travel editors have cast the net wide and reached beyond the obvious to find the best and most exciting, offbeat locations in New Zealand according to locals.
Whether you’re looking for the best food, a snow-filled winter holiday or hiking local trails, here’s all you need for a true New Zealand experience.
How many days is ideal for a trip to New Zealand?
11 days give you the perfect amount of time to experience the top things to do in this country without having to rush or skip places. It gives you ample time to explore off the beaten track, see geothermal attractions, and do a lot of zip lining, boating, bungee jumping, and more.
The Best New Zealand Tourist Places: According to Locals
There’s a lot to love about New Zealand tourist places, whether it’s driving to pristine beaches, enjoying the low-key luxury of the wineries, or exploring the celestial alpine ranges.
Ahead are some of the most beautiful natural destinations that continue to attract locals to help kick off your New Zealand trip. Check them out on your next adventure here.
1. Queenstown, New Zealand
One of the most beautiful places in the world, Queenstown offers endless activities for adrenaline junkies. Travelers can explore the sapphire waters of Lake Wakatipu, jet boat through the Shotover River, paraglide around Coronet Peak or even bungee jump off Kawarau Peak.
Queenstown also offers the best ski slopes in New Zealand along with contemporary art galleries, designer boutiques, and a thriving restaurant and café scene.
2. Waiheke Island, New Zealand
As a part of the New Zealand tour package, Waiheke Island is quite popular among travelers who are looking for family-friendly and uncrowded beaches. This area offers rolling hills, golden-sand beaches, rustic vineyards, and music festivals during the summer months.
Travelers can even enjoy the active food and wine scene or simply relax for a low-key vacation.
3. Wellington, New Zealand
If Wellington isn’t on your destination list, it should be! This area is beautiful and offers a range of boutiques from where visitors can buy sinfully soft alpaca throws and scarves.
Travelers can brush up on Māori art history at Te Papa Museum, Ride the Wellington Cable Car, take in the views at Mount Victoria Lookout, and even tour boutique vineyards.
4. Taupo, New Zealand
Located in the heart of the North Island, Taupo showcases New Zealand’s largest lake. During the best time to visit New Zealand, travelers can explore the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Huka Falls, go skiing on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu.
You can even visit the Lake Taupo for waterskiing and fishing if you are looking for water activities.
5. Christchurch, New Zealand
One of the best places to visit in New Zealand, Christchurch offers local attractions like the New Regent Street, the Christchurch tram, and a host of pretty coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.
Visitors can even view classic attractions like the botanical gardens, the Antigua Boat sheds, the central Tūranga library, or the Christchurch Gondola to Port Hill.
6. Milford Sound, New Zealand
One of the highlights of New Zealand, this deep fjord carved into the rugged coast offers waterfalls, serene cliffs, and a ton of wildlife. Travelers can explore spots like the Mirror Lakes, take a boat trip around the area, or even explore Lake Wakatipu instead.
If you’re short on time, you can even drive down to the smaller shops along the way.
7. Auckland, New Zealand
If you’ve seen The Lord of the Rings, then you’re familiar with Auckland. This location showcases glacial lakes, emerald hills, and even picturesque cliffs. Travelers love to visit the Hauraki Gulf, Newmarket, and Parnell Village for shipping and even go dolphin and whale watching.
Visitors can also visit Piha Beach, and the Sky Tower or go on a guided tour of the city. You can take a short ferry ride to lovely Waiheke Island, and go to Te Whau Vineyard.
8. Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland complete with steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and rivers that naturally run hot. You can visit the local Māori villages, geothermal parks, Kerosene Creek, or explore the Hot Water Beach on Tarawera Trail.
Travelers can even enjoy the Te Puia, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and the Kuirau Park.
Must-do Activities on Your Next New Zealand Trip
1. Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
These glowworm caves offer thousands of glowworms that shine in the dark as you glide through the caves by boat. Travelers can even learn about the history of the caves.
2. Learn About Māori culture
One of the best places to visit International, visitors can learn about the ancient traditions and proud warriors at the Te Pa Tu in Rotorua. Here visitors can explore the traditional village, an ancient 200-year-old native Tawa Forest, taste the exquisite Māori cuisine, and watch beautifully choreographed dances and songs.
Get Your Own, Personalised New Zealand Itinerary
At Anubhav Vacations our team of professionals understand that a good itinerary needs to be tailored to suit your needs. We talk to you and find out what you like so that we can plan the perfect vacation to suit your tastes and requirements. Whether you’re keen to explore the city, adventure through the wilderness, or taste the local food and drinks, our specialists can help. We devise a New Zealand vacation that will take you to all the major destinations, as well as more offbeat spots.