Things to Do in New Zealand
Walks, beaches, playgrounds, waterfalls, parks, historic places and more in and around our 20 cities, 8,544 places in all. Search, pick a category or use Near me. Every place links to the full local guide on its city's own Explore site.
Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington: free entry for NZ residents, NZ$35 for international visitors (48-hour ticket) and major collections.
Huka Falls
Huka Falls near Taupō: the Waikato River pours through a narrow gorge, with walking tracks and viewing platforms.
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens has 19 enclosed themed gardens in a 54ha park on the Waikato River in Hamilton, with free parkland, guided tours and audio guides.
Takapuna Beach
With its stunning scenery and essential amenities, swimming at Takapuna Beach offers an unforgettable experience, discover what makes it so special.
Sumner Beach
In the seaside suburb of Sumner, just a short drive from central Christchurch, Sumner Beach offers golden sands, gentle waves.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland south of Rotorua: the Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette and the daily 10:15am Lady Knox Geyser eruption on a walking circuit.
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, is a Gothic Revival home built from 1871, often called New Zealand's only castle, with seven-acre gardens.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Glenbrook Vintage Railway operates heritage steam and diesel train rides from its Glenbrook station, roughly 30 minutes south-west of Pukekohe.
Te Mata Peak
At Te Mata Peak, near Hastings in Hawke's Bay, visitors enjoy a network of walking trails that lead through native bush, limestone formations.
McLaren Falls Park
McLaren Falls Park is a 190-hectare parkland beside Lake McLaren, just ten minutes by car from Tauranga.
Puke Ariki
Puke Ariki on Ariki Street, New Plymouth combines a free museum, the central library and the Taranaki Research Centre, telling Māori and settler stories.
Te Manawa
Te Manawa combines a regional museum, art gallery and science centre in Palmerston North with free general admission and the NZ Rugby Museum inside.
Things to do in each city
Each city's Things to Do page has every place on one map, with its own top picks and what's on this weekend.
- Things to do in Auckland1,508 places
- Things to do in Blenheim231 places
- Things to do in Christchurch1,121 places
- Things to do in Dunedin376 places
- Things to do in Gisborne186 places
- Things to do in Hamilton500 places
- Things to do in Hastings227 places
- Things to do in Invercargill255 places
- Things to do in Napier188 places
- Things to do in Nelson360 places
- Things to do in New Plymouth288 places
- Things to do in Palmerston North331 places
- Things to do in Pukekohe252 places
- Things to do in Rotorua281 places
- Things to do in Taupō264 places
- Things to do in Tauranga495 places
- Things to do in Timaru201 places
- Things to do in Wellington994 places
- Things to do in Whanganui163 places
- Things to do in Whangārei323 places
Questions people ask
What is there to do in New Zealand?
Our 20 city sites list 8,544 places to go, including 2,802 parks, 2,774 playgrounds, 1,017 walks, 911 historic places. Search above, or pick a category to see the most popular across the country.
How do I find things to do near me?
Tap Near me and allow your location. The list then shows the closest places first, within about an hour of where you are, with the distance on each one.
Where does the information come from?
Every place comes from one of the 20 Explore city sites, written and kept up to date by the local site. Each one links back to its full guide with directions, facilities and what to know before you go.
Are there guides that compare the best spots?
Yes. Our 12 national guides pick one place near each city for things like beaches, waterfalls, walks and fishing, with tips for each.