Top 10 things to see in New Zealand
New Zealand packs fiords, glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal valleys and golden beaches into two islands. The South Island holds most of the famous scenery; the North Island has Maori culture, geysers and Hobbiton.
Start with our ten favourites, then browse every sight by region, each with practical tips, prices and the tours that include it.
Our top 10
- 1Milford SoundFiordlandUNESCOSheer cliffs, Mitre Peak and hundreds of waterfalls after rain, in Fiordland National Park.
- 2QueenstownQueenstown and the southern lakesNew Zealand's adventure capital on Lake Wakatipu, with bungy, jet boats and skiing.
- 3Aoraki/Mount CookCanterbury and Mount CookUNESCONew Zealand's highest mountain, with the easy Hooker Valley Track to an iceberg lake.
- 4Hobbiton Movie SetThe North IslandThe Shire from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, on a working farm near Matamata.
- 5RotoruaThe North IslandGeysers, bubbling mud, hot springs and the heart of Maori culture.
- 6Lake TekapoCanterbury and Mount CookA turquoise lake with a stone church, early summer lupins and world class stargazing.
- 7Tongariro Alpine CrossingThe North IslandUNESCOA 20 km volcanic day hike past the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes.
- 8Waitomo Glowworm CavesThe North IslandDrift by boat beneath thousands of glowing lights in a limestone cave.
- 9Abel Tasman National ParkThe top of the South and the West CoastGolden beaches and clear bays, explored by kayak, water taxi or on foot.
- 10Franz Josef GlacierThe top of the South and the West CoastUNESCOA glacier flowing towards the rainforest, best seen on a heli hike or scenic flight.
New Zealand's World Heritage sites
Several sights on this page lie within UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Te Wahipounamu, the great wilderness of the south west, takes in Milford and Doubtful sounds, Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Tongariro National Park, home of the Alpine Crossing, was listed for both its volcanic landscape and its cultural importance to Maori.
Plan when to go with our month by month guide and decide between a tour and driving yourself with our cost calculator.
Milford Sound
UNESCOSheer cliffs, Mitre Peak and hundreds of waterfalls after rain, in Fiordland National Park.
Visitor guide →Aoraki/Mount Cook
UNESCONew Zealand's highest mountain, with the easy Hooker Valley Track to an iceberg lake.
Visitor guide →Tongariro Alpine Crossing
UNESCOA 20 km volcanic day hike past the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes.
Visitor guide →Franz Josef Glacier
UNESCOA glacier flowing towards the rainforest, best seen on a heli hike or scenic flight.
Visitor guide →Doubtful Sound
UNESCOA larger, quieter fiord than Milford, reached by boat and over a mountain pass.
Visitor guide →The North Island
Hobbiton, Rotorua's geysers, Waitomo's glowworms, the Tongariro volcanoes, the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel.
Hobbiton Movie Set
The Shire from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, on a working farm near Matamata.
Visitor guide →Rotorua
Geysers, bubbling mud, hot springs and the heart of Maori culture.
Visitor guide →Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Drift by boat beneath thousands of glowing lights in a limestone cave.
Visitor guide →Bay of Islands
Warm, island dotted bays and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland.
Visitor guide →Cathedral Cove
A huge rock arch between two beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Visitor guide →Queenstown and the southern lakes
Queenstown's adventures and the quieter lakeside town of Wanaka.
Canterbury and Mount Cook
New Zealand's highest mountain, turquoise lakes, dark skies and whales at Kaikoura.
The top of the South and the West Coast
Golden beaches in Abel Tasman and glaciers reaching into the rainforest.
See them on a tour
Most New Zealand tours start in Auckland, Christchurch or Queenstown, with transport, hotels and many activities arranged for you.
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