New Zealand Travelers Recommend

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Milford Sound on our full-day trips from Queenstown. Carved by a massive glacier in the last ice age, Milford Sound is one of the most treasured regions of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Your journey starts along Lake Wakatipu traveling beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau. Entering Fiordland National Park to the Mirror Lakes, through Upper Hollyford Valley and past stunning Christie Falls. The road climbs to the Homer Tunnel, emerging above the CleddauValley and descending to Milford Sound. One of the best ways to check out the breathtaking pristine scenery, marine and bird life is a cruise aboard the Milford Sound Red Boat. See waterfalls, wilderness, and wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins, and learn about the rich history and environment of the Sound. Fancy a visit to Fiordland along with the Milford Heaven cruise and BBQ Lunch?

If you want to terrify yourself, you can do it here, in every possible way you can imagine. Take the plunge that started it all on the original Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump, or leap over the Queenstown Urban Ledge Bungy Jump - guaranteed to take your breath away! Dive into the deep end with the Triple challenge: a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, helicopter flight over Skippers Canyon, and white-water rafting down the rapids. If that hasn’t got your heart beating fast enough try skydiving from 15,000 feet, flying downhill on mountain bikes, paragliding from Coronet Peak, canyoning through perilous gorges, and speeding along the river on a purpose-built body board. Queenstown is the perfect base for a movie safari - a scenic journey into the heart of alpine New Zealand to explore the spectacular backdrops used in the Lord of the Rings and Wolverine films.

Enjoy the dramatic landscape of magical Fiordland, take a relaxed cruise on the sound or a more active experience with treks and kayaks. Whether starting out from Milford Sound or the trekking hub of Te Anau, you're perfectly positioned for cruising the Milford or Doubtful sounds and experiencing the unique beauty and wilderness of New Zealand's World Heritage-listed Fiordland. Located in 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of the Fiordland National Park, featuring magnificent untouched native forests, pristine waterways, lakes, glacier and high peaks, Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand. Travel along the Eglinton River to mountain lakes and the ancient alpine beech forest. Head towards Homer Tunnel for incredible mountain views alongside the crystal clear waters of the Hollyford River, then wind your way down the Cleddau Valley.

Rotorua and the sacred waters of the Bay of Plenty lie just 230km (140 miles) southeast of Auckland in New Zealand’s North Island. This famously lively geothermal hot spot abounds with spurting geysers, steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. It’s been a sacred place for the Maori for centuries, and today it’s one of the best spots in the country to catch a Maori cultural performance and join in a traditional hangi feast. Rotorua boasts some glorious colonial architecture, classic botanic gardens and paddle-steamer cruises on the lake. You can also join in some of New Zealand’s wackier adrenaline sports here, like zorbing downhill in a translucent sphere, surfing artificial reefs, whitewater rafting and sledging, and mountain biking through forests of redwoods.

At the northernmost tip of New Zealand is one of the country's best kept secrets: the picturesque Bay of Islands. This is where the locals come for holidays - there is something for whatever strikes your fancy: sailing, fishing, snorkeling, horse-riding, hiking, kayaking, Excitor boat riding, swimming with dolphins, discovering history or just laying in the sunshine under one of the world's bluest skies. You'll want to get your bearings and maybe have a closer look at all those beckoning islands. Since the 1920s a small boat has made its ways around the islands to collect milk and cream from the dairy farms and deliver mail; you can take this 'Cream Trip,' although on a more luxurious vessel than the original small boat. Or you can gaze at the islands from afar, walking along the pristine, sandy beaches of the mainland.

Filled with inherit charm, this modern New Zealand City is packed with things to do. Day 1: Christchurch Meander Visit the Big 5 most popular attractions in Christchurch: Experience the re-created Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre, view native kiwis at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, ride the historic Christchurch tram, take a harbour cruise, and see the city up high from the Christchurch Gondola. Day 2: Get Outdoors Christchurch is packed with many outdoor activities. Swim with Dusky Dolphins and whales in Kaikoura, ride a horse on the Banks of the Waimakariri River, or go ski at Mt. Hutt. Day 3: Day Trips from Christchurch Choose from many South Island multi-day excursions like a three-to seven-day tour to the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin or ride the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbors of staggering beauty. Whether your passion is America's Cup sailing or relaxed harbor cruises, exploring the wilderness or shopping, dining and culture, Auckland offers an amazing range of things to see and do. Day 1: Auckland OrientationDiscover the vibrant city of Auckland on the hop-on-hop-off bus, or get to know this lovely city on the Auckland Great Day Out. Day 2: Auckland Outdoors and AdrenalineGo straight to the top with the Auckland Harbour bridge climb - the 360-degree views of the city are magnificent. If you need more of a thrill, take the plunge on a breathtaking harbor bridge bungy jump, or join the crew on an actual America's Cup yacht, trying your hand at America's Cup style match racing. Day 3: Auckland Day TripsGorgeous islands, hot bubbling mud, glow-worm caves, historic sites and fresh snowfields - there's plenty to enjoy on a day trip from Auckland.