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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Taking a guided walk on a glacier has to be one of the coolest experiences you'll have in New Zealand. Whether hovering over the spectacular ice formations by helicopter or strapping on crampons to hike the ice, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are truly unforgettable destinations. A helicopter is the ideal choice for sightseeing, taking you up close to towering peaks, crevasse-filled glaciers and sparkling waterways. Embark on a Twin Glacier flight to marvel at the mantle of pure white snow, landing at the head of either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Make a snow landing and walk along the Main Divide before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea. Experience this wonderful alpine environment and get up close to touch snow, viewing the glaciers as they carve their way slowly down the frozen valleys from their origin in the mountains high above.

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 has something for everyone, from geothermal activity and luxurious mud baths to Maori cultural experiences and adrenaline rushes. Experience the scenic beauty, history and culture of Rotorua, viewing geysers and boiling mud pools at Te Puia and Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and see traditional arts and culture at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Maori culture is a major attraction in Rotorua with cultural performances including a greeting ceremony, traditional dances, singing and hakas, combined with a hangi. Rotorua is best known for its thermal activity. Head to Kuirau Park in the city center to glimpse steamy bubbling pools, visit Whakerewarewa for expansive mud pools and gushing geysers or relax in one of the many thermal spas. Ready for more adventures? Go white-water rafting on the Kaituna River or take the easier Rangitaiki River, try skydiving into a paddock, a 4WD bush safari, or the short and steep 10-minute thrill ride.

The first things you need to do on arriving anywhere is get your bearings. In Wellington, take to the air in a helicopter and really see how the city nestles into that legendary New Zealand landscape. If you’re slightly more earthbound, catch the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, or head to the Mt Victoria Lookout for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Then head down to the waterfront, the hub of Wellington, and visit the innovative Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. New Zealand is famous for fashion. All that wool from all those sheep combined with a creative streak and you have labels valued worldwide. Explore the area around Lambton Quay, College Street, and Cuba Street. Also the weekend markets, especially Frank Kitts Market of emerging designer stalls. Wellington is renowned for its good food – restaurants in the city have won the national Best Restaurant Award four years out of the last five.