Things To Do in New Zealand

Things to do in New Zealand, from the air to the water

New Zealand packs a lot into a small country, and the best way to choose is by what you feel like doing. This page picks out experiences from across both islands, so here's a guide to where to start, whether you're after a thrill, a soak or a family day out.

In the air: skydiving, ballooning and helicopter flights

For freefall, the 12,000ft tandem skydive over Lake Taupō gives you 45 seconds at up to 200km/h. In Queenstown, jump from 9,000ft or 12,000ft at a private drop zone at the base of The Remarkables. See more skydiving.

Prefer a slower start to the day? A sunrise balloon flight over the Waikato, a flight over the Canterbury Plains or a Mt Hutt balloon flight from Methven all lift off at dawn. Browse more hot air ballooning.

In Auckland, the city and volcanoes helicopter flight passes over Rangitoto, and the introductory trial flight lets you hold the controls. Up in the Bay of Islands, a tandem parasail reaches up to 1,300ft. See helicopter flights and parasailing.

On the water: jet boats, cruises and sailing

Queenstown is the home of jet boating. The Shotover River jet boat runs for 25 minutes through the canyon, and the 60 minute KJet ride reaches up to 95km/h on the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. See more jet boating.

For something slower, cruise Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship built in 1912 to Walter Peak, with a gourmet BBQ dinner or a BBQ lunch. The 90 minute Lake Taupō cruise visits the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, and the Tauranga harbour cruise looks for blue penguins and fur seals. In Auckland, a sailing yacht cruise with dinner serves three courses on the harbour, and in Christchurch, punting on the Avon River is a quiet way to see the Botanic Gardens. Browse cruises and sailing.

Bungy, swings and ziplines

Queenstown has the best known jumps. The Kawarau Bridge bungy is a 43 metre leap, and the Nevis Swing arcs 120 metres above the canyon at up to 120km/h. In Christchurch, the Port Hills zipline tour has lines from 400 to 1,100 metres long. See all bungy jumping.

Hot pools, spas and slow days

Not every day out needs a harness. In Rotorua, the Polynesian Spa Pavilion Pools are mineral hot pools for ages 12 and over, and a private cedar hot tub in the forest gives you 45 minutes to yourself. In Methven, the adults-only solar powered pools run for two hours.

For a night away, the Waitakere Ranges rainforest stay with massage for 2 includes bubbles and a cooked breakfast. Browse health and wellness and spa packages.

Family days and things to see

For a family day, the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch has an indoor Antarctic storm, Little Blue Penguins and a Hagglunds ride. The Odyssey Sensory Maze in Auckland has 13 themed rooms for ages five and up, and the Weta Unleashed tour goes behind the scenes of film effects. Further south, the Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour glides under thousands of glowworms by boat. See gifts for families.

Things to do by region

Know where you're headed? Try Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō, Bay of Plenty, Waitomo, Christchurch or Queenstown, or see everything by location. If you'd rather start with the activity, browse all experiences.

Buying for someone else? Shop by occasion or recipient, or get some gift inspiration.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in New Zealand?

It depends on what you like. Skydiving, jet boating and bungy are the classic thrills, hot pools and cruises are the easy days, and glowworm caves and wildlife trips suit families. The sections above group experiences by type so you can start with what fits.

Are there family friendly things to do in New Zealand?

Yes. The International Antarctic Centre, the Odyssey Sensory Maze, punting on the Avon River and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves all suit families. Minimum ages and heights vary, so check each product page before booking.

How long do RedBalloon vouchers last?

RedBalloon vouchers are valid for five years from purchase, so they can choose a date that suits them.