Top 10 Must-Do

Experiences in New Zealand

Discover the real New Zealand with our handpicked list of the top 10 must-do experiences. Curated by local experts, these unforgettable adventures go beyond the typical tourist trail.

At New Zealand Private Tours, we’ve gone beyond the usual travel lists to bring you something truly special—our personal selection of New Zealand’s most unforgettable experiences. These aren’t just the most photographed spots or most visited attractions—they’re the ones we believe will genuinely move and inspire you. From luxury escapes to deep dives into Māori culture and breathtaking natural wonders, each experience has been personally tested and highly recommended by our team. Let us guide you to the very best of Aotearoa, with memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Person wearing a yellow life jacket and rain gear paddling a yellow kayak in a dark green body of water, with a large white and black yacht in the background and lush green mountains in the distance.

1: Overnight in Milford Sound – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Discover the magic of Fiordland National Park with an unforgettable overnight stay aboard the Fiordland Jewel. This boutique catamaran offers a luxurious and intimate way to experience one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Surrounded by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and serene waters, you'll enjoy gourmet dining, private ensuite cabins, and breathtaking views.

Don’t just visit Milford Sound—immerse yourself in it. Book your overnight adventure today.

Scenic helicopter landing at Earnslaw Burn with views of cascading waterfalls and the majestic hanging glacier in Fiordland, New Zealand.

2: Earnslaw Burn - A Hidden Gem

Take a scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown and soar over schist-covered slopes and historic gold mining sites on your way to the breathtaking Earnslaw Burn. Featured in The Hobbit film series and on popular TV shows like Travel Guides and The Summit, this remote alpine valley is one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring hidden treasures.

Land beneath the towering blue ice of the Earnslaw Glacier, where you’ll have time to explore the valley floor and witness dozens of waterfalls cascading dramatically down the cliffs.

Make this cinematic and unforgettable location part of your Queenstown adventure.

A person standing on a grassy hillside taking a photo over the Skippers Canyon.

3: Arrowtown & Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure – A Scenic and Historic Queenstown Experience

Discover the rich gold rush history of Arrowtown and the dramatic landscapes of Skippers Canyon on a private 4WD tour from Queenstown. Travel in a luxury vehicle with a local expert guide as you explore charming Arrowtown’s heritage streets and then venture into one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking and infamous roads—Skippers Road.

This thrilling off-road journey offers dramatic views, rugged gorges, and fascinating tales of early pioneers. Perfect for photography, history lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

Group of people dressed in traditional Polynesian costumes, some playing guitars, making faces, and posing for a photo on stage.

4: TE PĀ TŪ Evening Cultural Experience – Rotorua’s Premier Māori Cultural Attraction

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Aotearoa with the TE PĀ TŪ Evening Cultural Experience in Rotorua – New Zealand’s most award-winning Māori cultural attraction and a TripAdvisor Top 10 experience worldwide.

Begin your journey at Tamaki Gathering Place before being transported to the forest village of Tawa-ngāhere-pā, where powerful storytelling, haka performances, and ancient traditions bring Māori heritage to life.

Enjoy a uniquely authentic evening filled with traditional song, ceremony, and a delicious hāngī feast in a setting unlike any other.

In a ice cave while doing a Heli Hike at Mt Cook

5: Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike – Aoraki Mount Cook’s Ultimate Ice Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook with a heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest and largest glacier.

Fly by helicopter over the dramatic Southern Alps and land on the remote “white ice” of the Tasman Glacier (Huapapa). With an experienced Alpine Guides glacier expert, you’ll explore this stunning frozen landscape, complete with crevasses, ice formations, and panoramic alpine views.

Perfect for adventurers of all levels, this guided heli-hike combines scenic flightseeing with unforgettable glacier exploration.

People kayaking in a river surrounded by mountains and trees, with one person in the foreground wearing a red life jacket labeled 'Dart River Adventures'.

6: Funyaks – Jet Boat & Canoe Adventure in Paradise

The Funyaks experience offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Area near Glenorchy.

Start with an exhilarating wilderness jet boat ride deep into the Dart River valley, then slow things down as you paddle your own inflatable Funyak canoe through crystal-clear waters, secret side streams, and the enchanting Rockburn Chasm. This unique journey lets you explore untouched landscapes that few ever get to see up close.

Silhouettes of two people standing near a waterfall in a forested area at night, illuminated by natural and artificial light, with trees and rocks surrounding them.

7: Nocturnal Glowworm Tour – A Magical Nighttime Experience

Step into the stillness of New Zealand’s native forest after dark and follow your guide by the sound of flowing water. As towering canyon walls rise around you, switch off your torch—and prepare to be amazed. Thousands of glowworms illuminate the darkness like a galaxy of stars, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.

This unique tour offers a rare glimpse into New Zealand’s nocturnal wildlife, topped off with stargazing beneath the southern skies.

Night sky with the Milky Way galaxy reflected on a calm lake surrounded by mountains and landscape at Mt Cook.

8: Big Sky Stargazing – Discover the Magic of the Southern Night Sky

Join expert guides for a one-hour journey through the spectacular southern skies at one of New Zealand’s premier stargazing locations. Using powerful telescopes, astro-binoculars, and the naked eye, you'll explore celestial wonders like the Southern Cross, star clusters, distant galaxies, and the breathtaking Milky Way.

This unforgettable experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with the universe in a crystal-clear, light-pollution-free environment.

Holding a glass of champagne, while on the TransAlpine Scenic Plus train.

9: TranzAlpine Scenic Plus – New Zealand’s Most Iconic Rail Experience

Travel in style on the world-renowned TranzAlpine train journey, crossing the majestic Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth. Covering 223 kilometres in under five hours, this coast-to-coast adventure takes you through alpine peaks, river valleys, native beech forest, and sweeping plains.

Upgrade to the Scenic Plus experience for regionally inspired cuisine, complimentary drinks, luxury seating, and personalised service—turning this already unforgettable journey into a truly indulgent South Island experience.

A person sitting on a large rock at the Hokitika Gorge

10: Hokitika Gorge Walk – A Short Walk Through a South Island Wonder

Discover one of New Zealand’s most photogenic locations on the Hokitika Gorge Walk. Just a short drive from the town of Hokitika on the West Coast, this easy trail winds through native forest to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the gorge’s famous turquoise waters.

Cross the suspension bridge for dramatic views of the vivid blue river framed by lush greenery and rugged rock. With accessible paths and breathtaking scenery, this walk is a must-do for anyone exploring the South Island’s wild west.