New Zealand Travelers Recommend

1. Bay of Islands Tour the Bay of Islands on a full-day trip from Auckland. You'll see spectacular rural and coastal scenery en route, visit historic Waitangi, cruise from Paihia and have free time to enjoy the cafes, museums and shops of Russell, New Zealand's early capital.Your day trip will start with a scenic drive from Auckland to visit the Waitangi Treaty House and grounds and see a traditional Maori meetinghouse and a huge waka (war canoe). Next you'll board the Bay Belle ferry to cruise from Paihia to Russell, a lovely town that retains the charm of its early whaling port days. Editor's Note: This recommendation was taken from our New Zealand Things To Do blog. Visit the original post to continue reading the full post and to learn more about things to do in New Zealand.

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?

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.

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.