The Catlins
South Island, Otago
Remote coastal drive with waterfalls, sea arches, and abundant wildlife.
Logistics: Start from Balclutha or Invercargill; 2‑hour drive to the main tourist spots.
Updated: 2025-10
Highlights
New Zealand — Top 10 Highlights
Explore the essentials of New Zealand with precise pins and a quick-scan overview—clean, fast, no popups.
Did you know?
From mist‑shrouded peaks to turquoise coves, New Zealand invites you to explore a land where adventure meets serenity. Wander the volcanic trails of Tongariro National Park, hike the dramatic fiords of Fiordland, sail the golden sands of Abel Tasman, gaze at the star‑lit sky over Lake Tekapo, stand in awe before Mount Cook, and stroll the historic harbor of the Bay of Islands. Feel the cool mist, hear the wind, taste the fresh seafood, and let the landscape write its own story. These are the things to do in New Zealand that will leave you refreshed and filled with wonder. Discover the highlights of New Zealand and experience an adventurous vibe that stays with you long after you return. Explore more of this remarkable country and let your wanderlust guide you.
Why go — quick legend
- Tongariro National Park — Explore volcanic landscapes, steaming craters, and ancien…
- Fiordland National Park — Witness towering fjords, glacier-carved valleys, and wild…
- Abel Tasman National Park — Walk the scenic Coast Track, kayak along golden beaches, …
- Lake Tekapo — Stargaze under world class skies, admire turquoise waters…
- Mount Cook — Climb or view New Zealand's highest peak, trek glaciers, …
- Bay of Islands — Sail through historic coves, spot dolphins, and taste fre…
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves — Float beneath thousands of bioluminescent glowworms on a …
- Franz Josef Glacier — Walk or helicopter ride to the glacier’s front, witnessin…
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds — Explore the historic site where the 1840 Treaty of Waitan…
- Otago Peninsula — Hike coastal trails to spot rare penguins, seals, and alb…
Tip: Open individual spots in Google Maps from the table below.
Legend
Why go — quick legend
- Tongariro National Park — Explore volcanic landscapes, steaming craters, and ancien…
- Fiordland National Park — Witness towering fjords, glacier-carved valleys, and wild…
- Abel Tasman National Park — Walk the scenic Coast Track, kayak along golden beaches, …
- Lake Tekapo — Stargaze under world class skies, admire turquoise waters…
- Mount Cook — Climb or view New Zealand's highest peak, trek glaciers, …
- Bay of Islands — Sail through historic coves, spot dolphins, and taste fre…
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves — Float beneath thousands of bioluminescent glowworms on a …
- Franz Josef Glacier — Walk or helicopter ride to the glacier’s front, witnessin…
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds — Explore the historic site where the 1840 Treaty of Waitan…
- Otago Peninsula — Hike coastal trails to spot rare penguins, seals, and alb…
New Zealand — Top 10 Highlights (Overview)
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| # / Name | Why go | Significance | Since | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ruapehu District · Manawatū-Whanganui | Explore volcanic landscapes, steaming craters, and ancient M ori trails that offer adventure and cultural insight. | Oldest NZ national park, UNESCO World Heritage, blends cultural heritage with volcanic geology. | — (natural) | Outdoor |
Fiordland Community · Southland | Witness towering fjords, glacier-carved valleys, and wildlife like penguins and seals in a remote wilderness. | Largest NZ park, part of Te W hipounamu, showcases Southern Alps' dramatic glacial history. | — (natural) | Outdoor |
Tasman District · Tasman | Walk the scenic Coast Track, kayak along golden beaches, and spot native birds in a popular coastal escape. | Smallest park yet most visited, preserves golden sand, clear waters, and M ori heritage sites. | — (natural) | Outdoor |
Mackenzie District · Canterbury | Stargaze under world class skies, admire turquoise waters, and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. | Key glacial lake in Mackenzie Basin, renowned for astronomy and unique turquoise hue. | — (natural) | Outdoor |
Mackenzie District · Canterbury | Climb or view New Zealand's highest peak, trek glaciers, and enjoy panoramic alpine vistas. | Highest mountain, topographic isolation, central to Southern Alps' mountaineering history. | — (natural) | Outdoor |
Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community · Northland | Sail through historic coves, spot dolphins, and taste fresh seafood in a world famous fishing hotspot. | Known since the 1930s for big game fishing, it remains a key maritime heritage site and a gateway to New Zealand’s northern culture. | — (natural) | Beach |
Waitomo District · Waikato | Float beneath thousands of bioluminescent glowworms on a guided boat tour, experiencing a natural light show unlike any other. | Home to Arachnocampa luminosa, the caves are New Zealand’s most visited glowworm display and a unique example of subterranean biodiversity. | — (natural) | Natural Wonder |
Westland District · West Coast | Walk or helicopter ride to the glacier’s front, witnessing ice formations and wildlife in a dramatic alpine setting. | A temperate maritime glacier that descends from the Southern Alps, it illustrates climate change impacts on New Zealand’s iconic ice fields. | — (natural) | Natural Wonder |
Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community · Northland | Explore the historic site where the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and learn about M ori P keh relations through interactive displays. | The birthplace of New Zealand’s nationhood, it preserves the original treaty documents and symbolizes the country’s bicultural foundation. | — (natural) | Outdoor |
Dunedin · Otago | Hike coastal trails to spot rare penguins, seals, and albatrosses while enjoying panoramic views of Otago Harbour. | A volcanic peninsula rich in wildlife and geological history, it showcases the region’s unique biodiversity and maritime heritage. | — (natural) | Outdoor |
“Since” dates reflect earliest public access (opening/consecration/founding) or UNESCO/natural markers. Natural sites show “— (natural)”.
Hidden gems · Insider picks
Three lesser-known spots worth a detour—remote, scenic, or just special
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Hauraki Gulf, North Island
Wildlife sanctuary offering bird‑watching, native forest walks, and Maori cultural tours.
Logistics: Take a ferry from Auckland’s Devonport or Mission Bay; 30‑minute ride.
Updated: 2025-10
Rakiura National Park (Stewart Island)
South Island, Stewart Island
Remote island with pristine forests, unique birdlife, and rich Māori heritage.
Logistics: Ferry from Bluff to Oban; then local bus or bike to park sites.
Updated: 2025-10
When to go
North IslandJan–Mar: Warm, sunny days make Rotorua’s geothermal parks and Tongariro National Park inviting; moderate crowds and affordable lodging.
South IslandApr–Jun: Cooler temperatures and clear skies create perfect conditions for Southern Alps treks and the scenic Milford Sound drive; off‑peak rates and fewer tourists.
CoastalJul–Aug: Dry, sunny weather turns beaches like Piha and Raglan into prime surf spots; peak season crowds and higher prices, but vibrant beach culture.
South IslandJun–Aug: Heavy snowfall turns Queenstown and Wanaka into world‑class ski resorts; high demand, premium prices, yet unmatched slopes.
North IslandSep–Oct: Mild, less rain makes Wellington and Auckland festivals lively; moderate crowds and good deals on accommodation.
Weather varies by region—always check local forecasts.
Family picks
Three kid-friendly wins—mix of attractions, activities, or stays
Auckland Zoo
$Auckland
Attraction3–12Updated: 2025-10-09
Interactive animal encounters keep kids curious and entertained.
Logistics: Open 9am-5pm. Strollers allowed. Free parking nearby.
Rotorua Whakarewarewa Thermal Village
$$Rotorua
Activity5–15Updated: 2025-10-09
Kids learn Maori culture while exploring geysers and mud pools.
Logistics: Guided tours 10am-4pm. Bring sunscreen. Strollers allowed.
Wellington Cable Car
$Wellington
ActivityAll agesUpdated: 2025-10-09
Short ride offers city views and a fun stop at the top.
Logistics: Runs 9am-6pm. Tickets $5. Strollers allowed.
Safety: practical snapshot
Overall call
New Zealand offers stunning landscapes, but stay alert to petty theft, road hazards, outdoor risks, and seasonal weather changes.
- Petty theft in tourist hotspots
- Road accidents on winding roads
- Outdoor hazards: cliffs, sudden weather
- Seasonal storms in coastal areas
- Scams targeting unprepared travelers
How to travel it safely
- Keep valuables in hotel safe or hidden.
- Use seatbelts and obey speed limits.
- Check weather forecasts before hikes.
- Carry a map or GPS for remote trails.
- Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
- Verify tour operators' credentials before booking.
- Keep emergency numbers handy; dial 112 in EU, 000 in NZ.
Emergency: If injured or lost, call 000 for emergency services.
Information is current as of 2025; verify locally.
Top links
Accurate, high-signal sources for New Zealand.
Published: Oct 9, 2025•Updated: Oct 9, 2025