Must Do New Zealand, Unmissable NZ Activities

You probably already know that New Zealand is known as the adventure capital of the world. Known for bungy jumping, amazing skydiving locations, white water and black water rafting, jetboating and some pretty incredible wildlife experiences as well. With so much to do and so much unbelievable scenery to take in it can be hard to decide what the best things to do in New Zealand might be. For me, this list of must do's are the 10 best New Zealand activities, giving you the chance to experience some adrenalin filled activities as well as a bit of culture!

Must Do New Zealand

1. Hobbiton

Whether you're a Lord of The Rings fan or not Hobbiton is the first of our must do activities in New Zealand. The films gave people the world over the opportunity to see how incredible the landscape is in New Zealand and Hobbiton was rebuilt after filming had finished so there was a permanent LOTR place for fans to explore. You can even have a drink in The Green Dragon pub!

2. Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

It's hard to explain just how good Waitomo Caves is. You should definitely go black water rafting so you can combine seeing the spectacular glow worms with an adventure activity you won't forget. Black water rafting basically means floating through the caves in an inner tube. It's serene, fun, beautiful and unmissable.

3. Tamaki Maori Village

Any visit to New Zealand should include some sort of cultural activity. If you only have time for one then this is the one to do. You'll see a cultural show which includes ceremonial rituals and then enjoy a traditional hangi feast.

4. Nevis Bungy

Now we're getting onto the things to do in New Zealand for the more adventurous amongst you. There are numerous places to bungy jump in New Zealand, but the Nevis bungy is probably the most well known of them all, and possibly the most scary too. When in Queenstown, this is a must do.... unless you're too chicken??

Check out our guide to bungy jumping in New Zealand

5. Skydive Taupo

Again there are heaps of spectacular places to skydive in New Zealand, with any of them being an unforgettable, and for many people, a once in a lifetime experience. Skydive Taupo is possibly the most popular of all the locations in NZ and the scenery you witness on the way up, and down, will make you understand why.

6. Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

This will be a highlight of your trip to New Zealand. You'll combine a 3 hour glacier walk with an exciting helicopter ride and some of the most incredible scenery you'll ever see.

7. Shotover Canyon Swing

Swing for 200m in the most amazing surroundings, after a 60m vertical freefall down a cliff face! This New Zealand activity is not for the fainthearted! There are several different jump styles you can choose from dependng on how brave you're feeling that day!

More info about Shotover Canyon Swing

8. White Water Rafting

Again there are quite a few places to go white water rafting in New Zealand but the Kaituna river in Rotorua will give you an experience like no other. You'll be rafting down loads of rapids and several waterfalls including a 7 metre one!

9. Whale and Dolphin Encounter

New Zealand is lucky to have regular whale and dolphin sightings and there are 3 places in particular where whale & dolphin spotting tours are really popular; Auckland, the Bay of Islands and Kaikoura. Kaikoura is possibly the most well known and it's a lovely place to visit on the east coast of the South Island.

10. Kayaking in Abel Tasman

The last of our 10 must do New Zealand experiences is kayaking in Abel Tasman. It's so beautiful here, it seems to always be sunny, and you might also come across a seal or two. A stunning trip! You can choose from half day tours right up to 5 day long adventures!

These 10 things to do in New Zealand are just the tip of the iceberg, but you certainly get to experience some of the best New Zealand has to offer. If you want to book any of these tours just talk to the staff at your accommodation.