Best things to do in New Zealand from Auckland to Queenstown
Make sure you add these day trips to your itinerary the next time you hop across the ditch to New Zealand. Need more motivation to hop across the ditch? Jetstar's just launched a New Zealand flight sale.
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Known for its beautiful scenery, friendly locals and rich Māori culture, New Zealand is only a few short hours away for most Australians; but for many of us, it remains an untapped source of adventure.
If you've been curious about what all the fuss is about, now's a good a time as any to pay our neighbours that overdue visit.
Not least because there are some cracking deals about right now.
To start, Mix&Match is running a sale on Jetstar flights to top spots across the ditch. That's Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington, for those of you playing at home. Flights start from $179 a pop and travel dates range from August 14, 2024 through to June 25, 2025.
Escape Deals has also blown us away with this fully-guided 7-day New Zealand Panorama tour. For as little as $731 per day it includes everything from accommodation and some meals to activities and transport. All you need to do is get there (hint: check out the deal above).
Highlights on the itinerary include spying glowworms in Rotorua, a trip to the National Kiwi Hatchery and the chance to get your heart-pumping on a jet-boat ride in the adventure capital of Queenstown.
From breathtaking fjord tours and adrenaline-pumping white water rafting to lush snowfields and scenic wineries, there's plenty to visit and experience in New Zealand. To help you get started, here's our take on the best things to do that are only a few short hours from Queenstown or Auckland.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Waitomo and Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland, Escape Deals, from $336
Enjoy two unmissable North Island attractions in one day with this Hobbiton and Waitomo tour. Lovers of JRR Tolkien's iconic The Lord of The Rings series will, of course, know that the movie adaptations were filmed with New Zealand as their glorious backdrop; and to this day, you can still visit the Shire yourself in the beautiful town of Matamata. Snap a pic in front of the Baggins door; inside the Green Dragon Inn with your flagon of Hobbit cider; and hear all the secrets behind the filming itself. Then, travel through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside on your way to the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves to experience the dazzling display of luminescent worms on a magical boat ride.
Included in your ticket price is pick-up and drop-off from all Auckland CBD hotels, a two hour tour of Hobbiton, a 45-minute tour of Waitomo caves, and a delicious picnic lunch.
Rotorua White Water Rafting, Escape Deals, $78
New Zealand is known as a thrillseeker's dream, and this white water rafting experience in Rotorua (a few hours from Auckland) is sure to impress. Run by Rotorua Rafting, this experience will see you white water rafting down the world's highest commercially-rated waterfall, as well as two other waterfalls and loads of heart-pumping rapids.
Note that for families, kids have to be 13 or older to come along for the ride.
The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour, Wotif, $222.80
Experience the beauty of Waiheke Island and its many lush wineries with this daylong wine tasting tour. You’ll have to buy yourself a ferry ticket to take the approximately 40-minute trip over the water to the island from Auckland, but once you’re there, it’s all sorted.
Your guide will be your designated driver as you head to three vineyards - chosen based on seasonal availability, potentially including Mudbrick Vineyard, Goldie Estate, and Te Motu Vineyard - and finally, Three Seven Two Restaurant, where you’ll stop for an included lunch. Between the delicious wine tastings, you’ll get to witness the stunning scenery of the island from the air-conditioned vehicle, and your guide will fill you in on all the local history, geography, culture and more.
Costing $223 per person, it’s a pretty great deal if you’re a lover of wine - and the reviews prove that it’s worth the spend, with one commenting, "We were met (with a name sign) at the ferry dock and transported in a very comfortable van to three wineries. Each had its own unique style and product. At the conclusion of the tastings, we were treated to a very nice lunch. Following lunch we were returned to the ferry dock for the return trip. A very enjoyable tour and the driver/guide was informative and congenial".
BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Onsen Hot Pools Experience in Queenstown, Klook, from $90.65
If you can't quite make it to Japan, this Japanese-style Onsen experience in the heart of Queenstown is the next best thing.
Overlooking the stunning and tranquil Shotover River, choose between an Original Onsen Indoor Soak or a Garden Onsen Outdoor Soak experience. With either one, you’ll enjoy an hour-long soak in a classic cedar-lined hot pool spa that's perfectly heated to 38.3 degrees and infused with 100 per cent magnesium-rich Earth Minerals to naturally detoxify the mind and body.
Included in the price is a complimentary drink and snack, and shuttle service, so you can enjoy the perfectly relaxing day with all the details taken care of.
Reviewers have raved about the experience, calling it "One of the best experience we had on this trip. View was amazing, with excellent service by the staff. Will definitely recommend this place to everyone that is paying Queenstown a visit during their trip".
Ultimate NZ Ski, Contiki, from $1,805
Whether you're a snowboarding and skiing expert or a total snow newbie, New Zealand is one of the most enviable winter destinations, and this seven-day Contiki tour will take you to some of the very best spots: Coronet, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak.
With the price equating to about $258 per day for four whole days of skiing, three days for warming up and winding down, six nights of accommodation, six breakfasts and one dinner, it's an incredibly good deal.
If you want to spend a little more, you can easily add on more fun attractions including jet boating, bungee jumping, kayaking and skydiving. Best of all, you’ll be staying in Queenstown the entire time, so it’s super easy to fly in and out of, and each night you can experience the joys and attractions of the southern hub city.
"The trip was awesome. So well organised, lift pass, rental gear, transport to and from the ski fields, nights out - all organised for us. Our trip manager was so fun and he knew all the great places to go in Queenstown, always made sure we were having a great time," raved one happy traveller. Most compellingly - "There is really nothing you have to organise yourself on this trip, it’s all sorted for you which I loved because it meant I didn’t have to stress about anything".
Milford Sound Vista Day Tour, Klook, from $181.29
If you’re on-board with a long day trip, this one certainly won’t disappoint. Departing from Queenstown, this day tour will take you on a beautifully scenic four-hour journey in a comfortable coach to the famous Milford Sound fjord.
There, you’ll get to cruise along the Sound itself to take in all the glorious views, from mountains and waterfalls to local fauna - lucky visitors may spot penguins, seals and dolphins!
After a stopover in the picturesque lakeside town of Te Anau for lunch, you'll hop back in the coach to Queenstown.
Reviewers have called Milford Sound "breathtaking", with one commenting, "The tour was such a comfortable experience. Jucy vista tour comes with a luxury glass roof bus which made the sight seeing experience so pleasant...The tour guide was very cheerful and experienced. The cruise experience was the highlight of the tour. Along the way, the tour bus would stop by other iconic places as well".
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN NEW ZEALAND?
Most recommendations say that you'll want about 14 days to get the full New Zealand experience - that gives you a week on both the North and South Islands.
More Coverage
If you're only planning on visiting one island, you can make do with a week to make the most of the stunning scenery and endlessly exciting experiences on offer.
On the hunt for more great travel recommendations? Check out the best food, wine and gin tours in the Barossa Valley, as well as the best Great Barrier Reef tours for your next Queensland holiday.
To save even more on holiday, check out news.com.au Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Luxury Escapes, Expedia and Wotif.
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