10 Places You Can’t Miss in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of those places that honestly just doesn’t feel real. I spent an incredible four weeks exploring both the North and South Islands while living life on the road in a trusty van. It’s tough to put into words just how amazing those weeks were, but I’m going to try. 

Narrowing down my top 10 places in this stunning country was way harder than I expected. In all honesty, you can’t go wrong anywhere in New Zealand, but for the sake of this post, here are my top 10 places that you can’t miss.

1. Queenstown

I’m kicking off this list with the classic New Zealand destination – Queenstown. Known by many as the adventure capital of the world, it offers heart-pounding thrills and the charm of a mountain town. Don’t leave without trying a Ferg Burger or their boston creme donut that I think about daily.

It is in Queenstown that I put on my big girl pants and bungee jumped not once, but twice… you could say I really embraced my time in the adventure capital of the world. I also took a scenic flight here which takes me to my next must-see place… 

Fun Fact: The only place for freedom camping in Queenstown is the bungee jumping parking lot, which makes for a unique experience.

2. Milford Sound

I’ve dedicated a whole blog post to my scenic flight over Milford Sound, so I won’t dwell on details here. Just trust me, it’s a New Zealand must-see. The awe-inspiring beauty is simply indescribable.

3. Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a breath of fresh air, both figuratively and literally. This stunning lake is famous for its fantastic stargazing, and if you visit during spring, you’ll be treated to the enchanting sight of lupins in full bloom.

Did You Know: Lake Tekapo is part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places on Earth to observe the night sky.

4. Mt. Cook

Another New Zealand classic, Mt. Cook, is the tallest mountain in the country. The 6 mile Hooker Valley Hike is a must-do, offering an easy stroll through jaw-dropping scenery. At the end, you’ll find yourself at a serene lake surrounded by glaciers and waterfalls.

5. Hobbiton 

Listen, I had never watched a single Lord of the Rings movie before I came to New Zealand but I knew that I wanted to make it to Hobbiton because, well, when in Rome. When purchasing LOT on Apple, it only offers the painstakingly long almost 4 hours extended edition version, so my 2 pals and I spent a few nights leading up to our trip to Hobbiton watching the first one so that we could better appreciate where we were going.

With that being said, even with my limited knowledge and appreciation for the Lord of the Rings world, Hobbiton still ranks high as one of my favorite places in New Zealand. The tour is so well designed and the landscape is just stunning. It’s a place that transports you to another world, even for someone like me who hadn’t watched a single movie from the series before arriving.

6. Fox Glacier

In the debate over Fox versus Franz Glacier, I have to say Fox comes first for me. Franz definitely gets more tourists because of the heli-hike that you can do there, but Franz is prettier in my opinion.

The surrounding area has a lot more to offer and you can get a better glimpse of the glacier without having to dish out the extra cash for a helicopter ride. 

Lake Matheson makes for a great place at sunset and Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a beautiful place to take a walk. 

Be extra careful in this part of New Zealand as the sand flies were absolutely horrific! We were getting eaten alive and were soooo itchy for days, if not weeks, because of them.

7. Akaroa 

Akaroa is a hidden gem, recommended to us by a friendly local. It’s a place where you can park by the ocean, swim with the world’s smallest dolphins, and soak in breathtaking coastal views. Our first stop after leaving Christchurch with the van, it set the tone for an amazing journey.

8. Wanaka

Wanaka is home to the famous lone tree in the lake, as well as charming restaurants and shops. If you’re up for a hike, don’t miss Roy’s Peak. It’s a favorite among avid hikers for its panoramic views. My friends did the hike and loved every minute of it.

9. Rotorua 

While the South Island gets most of the love, Rotorua in the North has plenty to offer. Maori Cultural Experiences, Hell’s Gate, and glow worm cave tours are just a stone’s throw away from the town center. These attractions were so close that they defined our North Island adventure.

Pro Tip: These attractions are all within a 20-minute drive from downtown Rotorua, making it a fantastic hub for your North Island adventures.

10. Hot Water Beach 

My last night in New Zealand was spent at Hot Water Beach, and it turned into a hilarious adventure. During low tide, you can dig your own hot tub in the sand. But when we arrived at high tide, we had to get creative, and it led to a collective effort to create a massive hole.

It became peak comedy as everyone worked together to build this massive hole for everyone to take a turn sitting in.

It’s moments like these that make you appreciate the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Humanity at its cutest, it’s something I’ll always cherish.

So there you have it, my top 10 places you cannot miss on your New Zealand vacation. Happy travels!