New Zealand is often overshadowed on people’s itineraries by its much larger Aussie neighbour, but it remains one of my favourite dream travel destinations of all time! I was first introduced to the Land of the Long Cloud through the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which used New Zealand as their main filming location. But while the films may be mere fantasy, the visually scenic locales are very much real!
The country is filled with many sights and experiences, so to truly enjoy NZ to the fullest, I’ve come up with travel plans to share with you so that we all get to soak it all in together.
South Island
Starting us off, welcome to the South Island of New Zealand! Chock full of dreamy landscapes, vibrant culture, a bustling arts scene and delectable cuisine, it’s a perfect place to make your next holiday destination!
From the vibrant cultural centre in Christchurch to the hub for adventure that is Queenstown with its varied high-octane activities, combined with the gorgeous sights of Fiordland, there’s something for everyone on the South Island!
Natural Wonders
Fiordland National Park
One of New Zealand’s most famous national treasures and one that should be on any prospective tourist’s must-visit list is Fiordland National Park!
Located on the South Island, Fiordland National Park is a major highlight as one of New Zealand’s most dazzling tourist spots—home to epic fjords carved into cliff faces and magnificent mountains sculpted by glaciers. Snaking through the landscape are hiking trails such as the Routeburn Track, twisting through scenic valleys and around picturesque lakes and waterfalls.
📍Locations:
Milford Sound
Not to be missed is the majestic Milford Sound, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World! Found on the west coast of the South Island, the name Milford Sound is a misnomer, as it’s actually a fjord—a deep, narrow ocean inlet carved by ancient glaciers between towering cliffs to create a captivating sight. Regardless, this 15-kilometre-long pristine waterway is a sight to behold, framed by cliffs up to 1.2 kilometres tall, overseen by the imposing Mitre Peak.
For wildlife lovers, Fiordland is a must-visit! Part of the larger Te Wahipounamu region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique biodiversity, you can find flora and fauna here like nowhere else on Earth!
📍Locations:
The Catlins
Tucked away on the southeastern edge of the South Island, The Catlins is where rugged landscapes meet untouched beauty. This remote region truly feels like stepping into another world, with dramatic cliffs, stark beaches, and dense rainforests that seem to go on forever.
The Catlins are full of some of the greatest views in New Zealand, and nowhere is this more evident than at Nugget Point, a breathtaking spot where a lighthouse stands guard over the Pacific Ocean. But it’s not just the coastline that will leave you speechless. The Catlins is also home to incredible waterfalls, with Purakaunui Falls and McLean Falls offering picture-perfect moments that feel straight out of a nature documentary.
Before you leave, don’t miss the Cathedral Caves, towering sea caves accessible only at low tide! Whether you’re hiking through the lush forests or exploring the depths of hidden coastal caves, The Catlins offer a rare sense of wonder that’s hard to find anywhere else.
📍Location: The Catlins, South Island, New Zealand
Culinary Highlights
Aside from beautiful nature, you simply can’t miss out on the array of culinary delights on the South Island! Best known for its fresh seafood straight from the ocean in the many coastal towns, the South Island is also the source of some of New Zealand’s finest wine and cheese!
Pou-o-kai
Opened by Chef Ben Bayly, Pou-o-Kai is a one-of-a-kind restaurant, situated on Castle Hill in the foothills of the Southern Alps. This one-of-a-kind pop-up restaurant will only be open until August 2025, so be sure to visit it before it closes!
Promising Michelin star-level cuisine that showcases ingredients from all across New Zealand, the main draw of Pou-o-Kai is what sits directly overhead – at night, the restaurant is bathed in the light of countless stars and the Southern Lights.
If you’re looking for more information to visit Pou-o-Kai on your next trip, you can visit their website here!
Hopgood’s & Co
This highly acclaimed restaurant is nestled in the heart of Nelson, one of New Zealand’s foremost centres of art and culture, holding the Nelson Art Festival every year. It feels only right, then, that Hopgood’s & Co is found in a place rich in heritage, the Dalgety & Company Ltd Building.
Serving seasonally-based bistro dishes since 2005, Hopgoods & Co was awarded two Chef’s Hats from the Cuisine Good Food Guide in 2022 for their continually stellar food. Making the most of the bountiful Nelson region’s produce, Hopgood’s & Co is a cannot-miss for any foodie traveller!
📍Location: 284 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours: 5.30pm to 9.30pm daily, closed on Christmas Day
Fergburger
When it comes to iconic Queenstown experiences, Fergburger is right up there with bungee jumping and jet boating. This legendary burger joint has earned a world-renowned reputation for serving up the best burgers in all of New Zealand!
A must-visit for anyone passing through the adventure capital of the world, Fergburger is a local institution! It’s the perfect spot to refuel after a day of adrenaline-pumping activities or a late night out. Locals and tourists alike flock here not just for the food, but for the experience of indulging in what many call the best burger in the world.
Whether you’re tackling the classic Fergburger – a juicy beef patty with all the trimmings of a fully decked out burger – or the more outlandish Chief Wiggum burger, featuring slow-cooked pork belly, every bite at Fergburger is one to remember!
📍Location: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours: 8.30am to 4.30am
Culture and Arts
Before we head over to the North Island to see what it has to offer, let’s take a look at the cultural gems on the South Island, which tells the storied history of the Maori people!
Otago Museum
To start off, we have the Otago Museum in Dunedin, the largest museum in the region and one of the biggest in New Zealand! It focuses mainly on the vibrant traditions of New Zealand’s Maori iwi (tribal) groups, particularly the Kāti Māmoe and Kāi Tahu peoples. The museum has historical artefacts, including carvings, weapons, and daily items—a window into the island’s inhabitants’ daily lives and cultural practices.
Alongside ancient relics, the museum also provides insight into Maori perspectives on subjects such as their understanding of astronomy and native wildlife. Besides these, Otago Museum has a wide range of galleries relating to the region’s social and cultural development.
From telling the stories of European settlement in the 1850s to the influences from various immigrant groups like Jewish, Chinese, Indian and beyond, the museum seeks to honour and immortalise their influence on the local community.
📍Location: 419 Great King Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm
Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum in Christchurch is much like other museums, but with a twist – they allow the public to get involved in history by hosting hands-on workshops, mostly for students.
Putting a lot of focus on making history accessible, Canterbury Museum offers classes and educational programmes for kids aged 5-14, allowing them to get up close and personal with histories from around the world. These sessions let students roleplay as archaeologists and feel items from Rome and Egypt!
📍Location: 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
⏰Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
In the centre of Christchurch, the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū stands as a symbol of both artistic expression and resilience. After Christchurch’s devastating earthquakes, the gallery became a symbol of the city’s road to recovery, reopening its doors to the public in 2015.
The building itself is a work of art. Its striking glass facade reflects both the surrounding cityscape and the vibrant creative culture within, and inside, you’ll find a diverse range of exhibitions that highlight both local and international talent! The gallery is particularly known for its impressive collection of New Zealand art, with works by iconic artists such as Ralph Hotere, Colin McCahon, and Rita Angus. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious newcomer, the gallery offers something for everyone!
Beyond just the art, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is a living, breathing testament to the city’s resilience and commitment to culture. It’s a place where you can witness not just the art on the walls, but an evolving vision of a city rebuilding itself.
📍Location: 312 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
⏰Opening Hours:
- Thursday to Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
- Wednesday: 10am to 9pm
North Island
Moving on from the South Island, we have the North Island of New Zealand! Home to the capital, Auckland, known as the “City of Sails”, where skyscrapers share the skyline with extinct volcanoes – all while being a cosmopolitan hub.
If you’re looking for a little more nature, there’s Rotorua, where bubbling mud pools and geysers are the norm – perfect for those who like to spice up their sightseeing! And don’t sleep on Napier, the art nexus of New Zealand, where Art Deco meets incredible culinary offerings. Whether you’re after adventure or culture, the North Island’s got you covered!
Natural Wonders
Rotorua
Another place rife with natural wonder is Rotorua, a town on the North Island. Part of the larger Rotorua Lakes District, the city is perched on the Southern coast of Lake Rotorua, formed from the caldera of an ancient volcano.
Volcanic activity still powers geothermal phenomena that have become quite the attraction, such as the Whakarewarewa volcanic valley and the Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa.
Of course, the stunning views of Lake Rotorua and the accompanying geothermal sights on the numerous hiking paths around the parks and reserves in Rotorua are not to be missed. One can’t-miss landmark is the Pohutu Geyser, which can erupt to heights of up to 30 feet in an awe-inspiring display of nature’s power
📍Locations:
Waitomo Caves
Moving from the top of a volcano into the deep, dark depths, the Waitomo Caves are a standout tourist spot and a must-visit on any trip to the North Island!
Over millennia, underground rivers have carved intricate limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites throughout the Caves. However, what makes them truly distinctive is that they’re inhabited by glowworms! They create their signature lights by excreting their glowing mucus, attracting prey and creating dreamy starry night sky effects that dance on the walls of the caves.
In addition to pretty lights, visitors can also take boat rides in the pitch-darkness, their journey on the underground river only illuminated by the twinkle of glowworms on the cave walls. The best caves to see from a boat ride are the Cathedral Caves, and for those who want to take a look at the innate beauty of the caves’ carved limestone, walking tours of Ruakuri Caves are always popular!
📍Location: Waitomo Caves, North Island, New Zealand
Kaitoke Regional Park
Kaitoke Regional Park sits just north of Upper Hutt in the Wellington region, a spectacular landscape of bubbling brooks, serene forests, crystal-clear lakes and an abundance of rare native tree species. It seems like something straight out of a movie, and you’d be right!
Used as the set for the ethereal elven realm of Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings trilogy owing to its unreal scenery, Kaitoke Regional Park also serves as one of New Zealand’s prime camping, backpacking and hiking locations. Spanning 2,800 hectares, there’s no shortage of hidden nooks and crannies across the park for a spot of peace and quiet if you want to have a nature-filled getaway from the city!
📍Location: Kaitoke Regional Park, Twin Lakes Road, Te Mārua, Upper Hutt 5372, New Zealand
Culinary Highlights
Pātaka Kai
Found within the Te Puia cultural centre in Rotorua, Pātaka Kai offers a truly novel dining experience, combining elements of traditional Maori cooking techniques with the region’s geothermal qualities.
Using a cooking method called hāngi, where food is slow-cooked underground using heated stones, infusing them with a rich, earthy, smoky flavour, Pātaka Kai serves various kinds of meats and vegetables using this method in a buffet style.
In addition to the spread of hāngi-cooked dishes, Pātaka Kai features a diverse menu with locally sourced produce, fresh seafood and mouthwatering desserts. All this comes with a free breathtaking view of Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, allowing guests to dine surrounded by active geysers and steaming pools.
📍Location: 20 Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours: 9am to 7pm
Black Barn Bistro
Tucked within the rolling hills of Havelock North, Black Barn Bistro offers an unforgettable farm-to-table dining experience in one of Hawke’s Bay’s most gorgeous backdrops! The bistro is part of the renowned Black Barn Vineyards, and its rustic yet elegant atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner. With panoramic views of the vineyard and the surrounding countryside, dining at Black Barn feels as much like a retreat as it does a culinary experience.
The menu at Black Barn Bistro celebrates Hawke’s Bay’s rich culinary offerings, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Expect dishes like chargrilled venison, freshly caught fish, and wood-fired pizzas! Each dish is crafted to complement the vineyard’s award-winning wines, making wine pairing an integral part of the experience. Truly, Black Barn Bistro is a culinary destination in New Zealand that should not be missed.
📍Location: Black Barn Road, Havelock North 4294, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12pm to 4pm
- Thursday: 12pm to 10pm
- Friday to Sunday: 11.30am to 10pm
Bistronomy
Hidden away in the charming Art Deco capital of Napier, Bistronomy stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking a modern, creative twist on bistro dining! Helmed by Chef James Beck, the restaurant is well-known for its innovative approach to local ingredients, crafting dishes that are both stunning in taste and visual.
The seasonal tasting menu showcases the best of Hawke’s Bay produce, with standout items like beetroot gnocchi, lamb with burnt onion puree, and freshly foraged herbs adding a unique local flair to each plate. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary artists at work, making the experience as engaging as it is flavorful!
📍Location: 40 Hastings Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday: 3pm to 10pm
Culture and Arts
Napier
Zooming out from Marine Parade to the whole of Napier, this city is well known for being the jewel in New Zealand’s architectural crown. Rebuilt in an Art Deco style after being mostly flattened by an earthquake in 1931, the city now draws architects and art enthusiasts the world over.
Covered in geometric patterns, symmetrical design and bold colours all characteristic of Art Deco, Napier looks like no other city in New Zealand. Aside from its architecture, it’s also well-known for the MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahurin, a museum, theatre and art gallery all in one, and the annual Napier Art Deco festival which transports the city back in time. For one weekend only, through vintage car parades, 1930s fashion, jazz performances and more, visitors get to experience the peak of the Art Deco era!
If this sounds like the once-in-a-lifetime tourist experience you’ve always dreamed of, be sure to check out the festival’s website for all the information you need!
📍Locations:
- Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
- MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahurin, 1 Tennyson Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand
New Zealand Rugby Museum
Rugby is New Zealand’s national sport, so it’s natural there’d be a museum dedicated to it! The All Blacks, the New Zealand national rugby team, is one of the greatest of all time, so it’s no wonder the New Zealand Rugby Museum exists, dedicated to this sport!
As one of the first museums dedicated to rugby, it boasts a collection of memorabilia beyond a fan’s wildest dreams, including rare artefacts such as the oldest All Blacks jersey, and one of the earliest-produced rugby balls. Visitors can trace the journey of the sport from its introduction in New Zealand in 1870 to its status as its national sport.
For those wanting something more hands-on, the museum’s “Have a Go” area allows visitors to test their skills with rugby challenges like kicking and tackling. This fusion of history and hands-on activities makes the museum appealing to both hardcore fans and newcomers to the sport.
📍Location: 326 Main Street, Palmerston North Central, City Centre 4410, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm
💲Price:
- Adults: NZ$15
- Children (5 years to 7 years): NZ$6
- Families: NZ$40
- Gold cards and students: NZ$13
Te Papa Tongarewa
One of the crown jewels of Wellington’s wonderous waterfront, Te Papa Tongarewa, or the Museum of New Zealand, is a world-class cultural hub that offers an immersive journey through the country’s history, art, and natural wonders.
The name Te Papa Tongarewa literally translates to “container of treasures,” and the museum truly lives up to its name! It houses an expansive collection that includes everything from Māori and Pacific artefacts to contemporary art and natural history exhibits. As New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa is an unmissable destination for tourists and locals alike. It offers both thought-provoking permanent exhibitions and dynamic displays that reflect the nation’s rich cultural heritage!
One of the museum’s standout features is its Māori and Pacific collections, which provide deep insights into the indigenous cultures of New Zealand and the larger Pacific region. Visitors can explore the Te Marae, a stunning modern meeting house, and view intricately carved wakahuia (treasure boxes), pounamu (greenstone), and taonga (treasures).
With its ever-evolving exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and commitment to telling the stories of New Zealand’s diverse communities, Te Papa is not just a museum – it’s an essential cultural experience that deeply connects visitors to the heart of Aotearoa.
📍Location: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
⏰ Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm
And that’s it! This has just been a brief rundown of the highlights of New Zealand, but there’s tons more to be discovered for yourself! If this has got you feeling the itch to go travelling, the Land of the Long White Cloud is ready and waiting for your next adventure, so be sure to book your tickets ASAP!
We’ll be sure to keep you posted on any new exciting travel opportunities in New Zealand, so be sure to follow our Instagram! In the meantime, you can read up on what we’ve written on New Zealand before to get even more inspiration!
Visuals courtesy of Jarod Barton, Tyler Lastovich, Bence Kondor and Kalika Ward via Pexels, Makalu via Pixabay, and Tourism New Zealand.
