17 Best Places to see in New Zealand

1. Overnight on the Milford Sound

The road to Milford Sound is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. You'll enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu passing rolling countryside before coming to the famous sight of Mitre Peak soaring above the waters of the fjord. On your cruise you will see waterfalls, mountains and wildlife.

2. The Glowworm caves at Waitomo

Enjoy a magical boat ride in a dark grotto where you will see thousands of lights emitted by glowworms. The caves are a magnificent network of limestone formations, arches and caverns.

3. Overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands

There is a spectacular overnight cruise around the Bay of Islands in a ship that has a stylish bar and restaurant, sundeck and just 30 cabins, all with a view. You will get time to go walking along deserted beaches, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, while keeping a look out for dolphins, seals and whales.

4. Watching the geysers erupt at Rotorua

There are about 1200 geothermal features here including hot springs, mud pools and steaming vents, however the most spectacular sight is watching the geysers erupt before your very eyes. Most are very regular, such as Lady Knox which erupts daily at 10.15am.

5. The colours of Champagne Pool, Wai-O-Tapu

This is New Zealand's largest mud pool with a series of colourful hot springs, of which Champagne Pool, names after the bubbles that fizz to the surface, is the most famous. It has a bright orange rim containing an amazing mixture of silver, gold and mercury.

6. Experiencing Maori culture at Rotorua

Rotorua is the heartland of Maori culture, and you can gain an insight with a unique evening of dinner and entertainment with traditional greetings and a hang, which is a delicious meal cooked underground on hot rocks.

7. Relax in a Polynesian Spa

This was voted one of the best day spas in the world, and is set on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Enjoy relaxing in hot spring baths as you take in the magnificent views over the lake, or indulge in some massage treatments and therapies.

8. Cycle the wineries of Hawke's Bay

Spend either half a day or a full day riding through the beautiful scenery of the Hawke's Bay wine producing region with detailed maps and suggested routes, all at your own pace. You can stop at up to seven different vineyards and enjoy wine tastings in idyllic settings.

9. A wine tour of Martinborough

Indulge in a day of tasting some of New Zealand's finest wines, without worrying about driving as you will be collected from your hotel in Wellington. The drive to Martinborough is scenic in itself with a series of stunning views along the way, and the tour includes a superb bistro style lunch at a vineyard restaurant.

10. Walking the Queen Charlotte Track

Although the long walk takes four days, the best section can be done in just a day, and it starts in style with a cruise from Picton to Ship Cove, passing salmon farms and viewing many sea birds. When you get to Ship Cove the walk starts and before long you will have breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds.

11. Go whalewatching in Kaikoura

This is a year round experience and promises breathtaking up close encounters with giant sperm whales. You may also see humpback whales, orca, hector dolphins, dusky dolphins, fur seals and the royal albatross.

12. Swim with dolphins at Kaikoura

This is a unique experience where you can choose either to view the dolphins from the boat, or to swim with them in their natural environment.

13. Go hot air ballooning over Christchurch

View the sun rising out of the ocean towards the mighty Southern Alps as you float across the patchwork farmlands on this balloon adventure. Then when you land enjoy a glass of celebratory champagne!

14. Heli Hiking on the Franz Josef Glacier

Your day starts with a spectacular flight over the glacier icefall before landing on the glacier. Feel the snow and ice beneath your feet and hike for approximately two hours with an experienced guide before returning by helicopter. You will see the huge flow of ice and the deep trench that the glacier has carved through the mountains, and get close to ice caves, deep cravasses, pinnacles and seracs.

15. Watch ice melting on a glacial lake

At Lake Tekapo near Mount Cook, you can take a boat on to the glacial lake and watch and listen in silence as the ice melts before your eyes and chunks fall into the water.

16. A dinner cruise in Queenstown

The vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw, known as the 'Lady of the lake' is perfect if you're looking for a touch of nostalgia. Your twilight cruise is followed by dinner in a local restaurant.

17. Penguins at Dunedin

See yellow-eyed penguins and royal albatross on a wildlife cruise from Dunedin which also takes you past Larnach Castle.