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Things to see and do in New Zealand: North and South islands
With the snow-capped Southern Alps, the magnificent Fiordlands and the grand glaciers of the west coast, the South Island steals much of the spotlight when it comes the best things to see and do in New Zealand. But that spectacular scenery is only the start of the country’s tempting sights.
The smaller North Island has its own fair share of photogenic landscapes, whether you’re tempted by brooding volcanoes, spluttering thermal mud pools, caves illuminated by glow worms or rippling sand dunes.
And beyond the scenery, there’s more to find as you explore this enticing country; Māori culture, wonderful wildlife, a unique history and vibrant cities, with Auckland and Wellington in the North Island, and Christchurch in the South Island.
Before you set off to discover some of the highlights of the whole country on our New Zealand tours, we’ve picked out the best things to do in New Zealand: North and South Islands.
South Island
The Fiordlands
One of the most dramatic landscapes in all of New Zealand, the Fiordlands were carved out by glaciers millennia ago. Today, waterfalls cascade into the water of these fjords, while the spine of mountains running through the island tower high above, with lush rainforest clinging to the peaks.
This World Heritage Site is home to Milford Sound, called the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, along with Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. And no trip is complete without a cruise or flight above these majestic waterways; cruise past Mitre Peak and out to the open sea as you explore Milford Sound or discover quieter Doubtful Sound nearby. The deepest of the 14 fjords in the Fiordland National Park, it’s three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound, and was given its name by Captain Cook, who was doubtful as to whether it could be navigated.
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Spot fur seals resting by the water’s edge, even a glimpse of dolphins breaking through the surface, along with rare birds at Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, which is home to dense native forest and cascading waterfalls.
Franz Josef glacier
Along the west coast of the South Island, you’ll find the magnificent Franz Josef glacier, as well as the less-visited Fox glacier, winding dramatically down the valleys from high in the mountains. Unlike most of the planet’s glaciers, which tend to be hidden away in high peaks or the world’s more remote corners, these are unusually close to sea level, making them some of the easiest to visit – although it still involves a hike or helicopter ride to reach the ice.
The area surrounding the ice face is packed with unexpectedly verdant rainforest, waterfalls and lakes for more fabulous views and walks. And near the quieter Fox glacier, you can also visit Lake Matheson with its mirror-still surface reflecting the Southern Alps.
Abel Tasman National Park
Set at the northern tip of the South Island, Abel Tasman might be New Zealand’s smallest national park but it’s been called its loveliest. This wilderness reserve is an enticing mix of beaches and coves surrounded by forest and mossy valleys, with glimpses of sparkling turquoise seas appearing through the trees as you explore.
You’ll find a string of trails to walk, including the 37-mile Abel Tasman Coast Track which runs along the coastline; water taxis make it easy to walk a single stretch rather than committing to a multi-day hike. Or hire a kayak to paddle along the coast, with the chance to spot dolphins, fur seals and blue penguins.
Aoraki/Mount Cook
New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook - or Aoraki, to use its Māori name – towers 3,724m above sea level, rising above the other peaks of the Southern Alps. It’s here that Sir Edmund Hillary developed his climbing skills, summiting the snow-capped peak before tackling Everest.
Now part of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, you’ll also see glacial lakes, turned a milky blue by rocks ground to powder by the area’s glaciers; Tasman Glacial Lake is perhaps the most memorable of them all, with icebergs floating in its opaque waters as you cruise past the country’s largest glacier.
The mountain also sits within the world’s largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve, for clear skies and stargazing that’s hard to beat.
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Another of the country’s spectacular glacial lakes is Lake Tekapo, a vibrant turquoise expanse of surrounded by snow-capped mountains; also part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, you can see stars reflected in the still waters
Christchurch
The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is also one of the greenest cities in New Zealand – known as the ‘garden city’. Set between the South Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps, it’s also one of the country’s main centres for art, with everything from street art to modern and contemporary works in the string of galleries.
It’s a great destination for those who love their food too, whether that’s browsing the city’s markets or enjoying the variety of cuisines in the restaurants. In between, there are plenty of sights to enjoy; make the most of the views as you head up into the hills by cable car, discover the city’s architecture by historic tram or even explore the remnant of two extinct volcanoes at the Banks Peninsula.
The TranzAlpine
One of the world’s great rail journeys, the TranzAlpine train crosses the width of New Zealand’s South Island, connecting Christchurch in the east to Greymouth on the west coast. As you relax back in your spacious seat to look out of the panoramic windows, you can enjoy the sight of the Canterbury Plains before reaching the Southern Alps, rising up to Arthur’s Pass, the highest pass over the mountains, and descending to the west coast.
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Following an ancient Māori trail through the mountains, this spectacular journey led to some major engineering challenges and equally innovative solutions, from the 73m high Staircase Viaduct to the 8km long Otira tunnel, which took 15 years to build. With lakes, rivers and lush green scenery, particularly in the west, there’s no chance of being bored on this unforgettable journey.
Dunedin
Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, there’s no missing the Scottish influences in Dunedin; home to New Zealand’s only kilt shop, the South Island’s second-biggest city also produces the country’s whisky, while there’s even a statue of poet Robert Burns. Set on an attractive harbour, Dunedin is also known for its Edwardian and Victorian architecture, as well as its botanical gardens.
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But this isn’t a city frozen in its European heritage. Head to the Warehouse Precinct to follow the Street Art Trail, visit the country’s biggest science centre at Tuhuru Otago Museum, or discover one of the craft breweries making local beer. There’s plenty to tempt if you love wildlife too, with little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions on the Otago Peninsula.
Queenstown
The country’s adventure capital, Queenstown is a favourite with those who love the great outdoors. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, it’s backed by the Remarkables mountain range – named because they run true north to south.
The lake itself is New Zealand’s longest, stretching 50 miles from end to end, and one of its largest, with walking and hiking trails around the waterfront and the surrounding countryside. Or head out onto the water to enjoy the views in a kayak or on a boat trip. There are less energetic options too, from wine-tasting in the nearby vineyards to the city’s art scene.
It’s also a fantastic base if you’re a fan of winter spots, with slopes in the alpine peaks nearby, but you can enjoy the snow-capped mountains without strapping on skis if you take the cable car up Cecil Peak. Or discover gold-mining history in the surrounding area, with prospectors settling Queenstown in the 1860s.
Kaikoura
At the top of the South Island, Kaikoura is one of the best places in New Zealand for whale-watching, with a deep underwater canyon that attracts sperm whales year-round, as well as dolphins and other cetaceans.
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Once you’ve spotted some of these gentle giants at sea, head to the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway for more lovely coastal views and the chance to see a colony of New Zealand fur seals. Then relax in one of the town’s many restaurants to indulge in a seafood spread; it’s particularly known for crayfish, and Kaikoura’s name even comes from the Māori words kai, meaning food and koura, meaning crayfish.
North Island
Wellington
New Zealand’s capital might only be its third largest city, but there’s plenty packed in to its walkable centre, even if you only have 24 hours in Wellington. The country’s national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, also known simply as Te Papa, is a fantastic introduction to New Zealand’s history, heritage and nature, with its huge collection spanning six floors – this is somewhere you can easily spend hours.
Wellington is famously windy but there are plenty of chances to get outdoors too, with walks, bike trails and kayaking, plus a cable car to transport you up to the city’s botanic gardens. Or relax with a coffee or locally brewed beer from one of the many craft breweries, before browsing cool Cuba Street or one of the pedestrian laneways.
Rotorua
Rotorua is best known for being a hotbed of geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pools, hot springs and erupting geysers courtesy of the volcanic activity resulting from its location in the Pacific Rim of Fire.
But once you’ve finished marvelling at the vibrant orange mineral deposits encrusted around the water’s edge, or the steam which swirls across the surface, the area is also one of the best places to learn about Māori culture, with a string of cultural villages designed to introduce visitors to Māori customs and protocols.
There’s a chance to enjoy a feast cooked using traditional methods as well as watching performances, and learning more about daily life, from the meanings behind facial tattoos to traditional dress.
The Waitomo Caves
Venture underground to the complex of caves near the little village of Waitomo, and there’s a very difference experience to discover here as pale blue flickers of light illuminate cavern roofs and reflect in the still waters below.
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Thousands of glow worms stud the ceilings of the caves, like living constellations of tiny stars, as you travel by foot and underground river past stalactites and stalagmites, or discover some more adrenaline-fuelled adventures with a chance to abseil beneath the earth as well.
Auckland
The ‘City of Sails’ is the biggest and best-known city in New Zealand. This buzzing multicultural hub is built on a series of volcanic hills, stretching around two harbours, with so much to do that you could easily spend weeks exploring Auckland alone.
Start by heading to the top of the Sky Tower for some fantastic 360-degree views out across the city. Then if you’re looking for culture, there’s Māori history and traditions to discover at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, along with art galleries.
Foodies will be in their element too with countless cuisines in the many restaurants, including the waterside Wynyard Quarter. Or hop on a short ferry ride to Waiheke Island, famous for its sandy beaches and world-class wineries.
Prefer to get active? Paddle across the harbour to the dormant volcanic cone of Rangitoto island, or follow the 16km coast to coast walk, where you’ll cross the entire country in four to five hours and see more of the city along the way.
Northland & the Bay of Islands
Set in the far north of the North Island, the Bay of Islands is simply idyllic, an archipelago of 144 sub-tropical islands that begs you to explore. Unspoilt sands are lapped by glass-clear water, with dunes stretching along picturesque bays; unquestionably some of New Zealand’s loveliest scenery, forests of giant kauri trees grow at the islands’ hearts.
The area is rich in Māori history too. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here, a document agreeing the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony. Visit the Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island too, where according to legend, local warriors would paddle through this naturally formed sea tunnel before departing for battle, with any drops of water falling from the cave roof considered a good omen.
Lake Taupo
New Zealand’s largest lake by surface area, Lake Taupo is around the same size as Singapore. But it’s not only memorable for its size; the deep blue waters glinting in the sunlight are an unforgettable sight, with the Taupo volcano in the background.
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Walking trails lead around the lake, while there are countless chances to get out on the water too, from boat trips to water sports. Not far from the lake itself, the dramatic Huka Falls crash over the cliff face as a volcanic gorge forces the Waikato River to narrow, with more than 220,000 litres of water thundering down the cliff every second. To truly appreciate this force of nature, jetboats cruise close enough to drench passengers in the spray of this torrential cascade.
The Coromandel Peninsula
Just a few hours east of Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula is home to one of the most popular scenic spots in the whole country at Cathedral Cove, where the beach and sea stacks are framed by a natural rock archway.
But this whole area is filled with enticing white sand beaches and verdant forests, with the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, covering 840 hectares in Mercury Bay. Follow a walking trail, or take a kayak or boat cruise to see some of the fish, seals and dolphins living in the clear turquoise water. Or you could even dig your own spa if you time it right, heading to Hot Water Beach around low tide to relax in a warm bubbling pool.
Napier
In 1931, a devastating earthquake hit Hawkes Bay and the town of Napier, destroying its centre. But for visitors today, the rebuilding efforts resulted in a town where you’re transported back to the 1930s, thanks to its beautifully preserved Art Deco buildings.
Stroll the streets, learning more about the architectural styles of the day including those famous Art Deco creations, before discovering the Sea Walls collection of murals, painted on more than 50 walls around the city. Then head to Marine Parade, where the viewing platform gives you some great views out to the Pacific.
The Hawkes Bay area is one of the country’s leading wine-producing regions, with more than 50 leading wineries in the area, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for tastings, whether it’s at the vineyards themselves or one of the bars and restaurants dotting Napier’s streets.
Discover the mountains, fiords and lakes for yourself on an escorted tour of New Zealand
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Cathy Winston is a London-based travel journalist, who’s steadily working her way around the world – 60+ countries visited so far.
Cathy Winston | About the author
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