Why I love New Zealand

“As an English-born Australian, every trip to New Zealand presents a mix of landscapes and cultures that's at once familiar to me, and yet quirkily different. The rolling hills and hedgerows collude with the irreverent, easygoing locals to disarm, distract and delight. Māori culture is potent, the surf is world class, and the craft beer is awesome. NZ presents the best of old and new worlds with social and...” Read More

Image of Charles Rawlings
Charles Rawlings
Lonely Planet Writer

Top experiences in New Zealand

Recent articles

Best views in New Zealand: 10 great lookouts

When it’s time to get high, look no further than New Zealand – a country with more hills, peaks and points than you can shake a (very long) stick at. Many of the grandest vistas are in the wilderness, so you’ll have to haul yourself uphill to reach them. But here we bring you some spectacular lookouts that are easy to reach.

Amazing views by day and night at Mt John's Observatory, Lake Tekapo © John_Kasawa / Getty Images
Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater
Lonely Planet Writer

Ten stunning New Zealand cycle rides

It looks like New Zealand’s cycling revolution is set to keep rolling, with stacks of new tracks opening and walking trails being converted to dual use. Unsurprisingly, travellers have been quick to cotton on, encouraged by bike hire and shuttle services in all the right places. Offering opportunities to see so much in so little time, with the bonus of fresh air and exercise, these day rides are an unbeatable way to go exploring.

Pedal across bridges, through railway tunnels and past breathtaking woodlands along New Zealand's Karangahake Gorge. Image by Andrew Bain / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images
Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater
Lonely Planet Writer

New Zealand's unmissable aquatic adventures

With the world’s tenth longest coastline and an interior riven with more than 180,000km of charted rivers, it’s no surprise that New Zealand’s cup is overflowing with watery adventures. Surfing, kayaking, rafting, diving, snorkelling, sailing, and even swimming with dolphins or seals, there’s plenty to immerse yourself in.

Bobbing on the rapids as spray whips your skin... few thrills can beat rafting down the Tongariro River in New Zealand. Image by Oliver Strewe / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images

Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater
Lonely Planet Writer
Read more articles

Travel guides

Starting at $24.99

Image for Image for

New Zealand adventures

$223.26 Boating & cruises

Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise

An overnight cruise amidst spectacular Milford Sound, is a once in a lifetime experience. While on board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove.
$33.71 Sightseeing tours

Auckland Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Discover the vibrant city of Auckland with flexibility and ease on a hop-on hop-off bus across all major sites and attractions. Complete with audio commentary and written translations in 9 languages, you're free to hop-on and off at your leisure. If you have limited time - this is the perfect way to explore the city, especially if this is your first visit to Auckland.
$1168.74 Small group tours

4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch

Picturesque mountains, deep fiords and icy glaciers - this is New Zealand's South Island. See for yourself on a four-day independent tour highlighting this scenic region. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown and up the West Coast to Greymouth before a return to Christchurch. View Franz Josef glacier and experience Milford Sound.
$265.96 Sightseeing tours

Explore Mount Cook from Christchurch

Travel by road on a full day tour from Christchurch to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest mountain. Along the way you'll pass through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains, view MacKenzie Basin, Lakes Tekapo and Pukari and Tasman Glacier. Lunch at the Hermitage Hotel as well as morning and afternoon snacks are also included on your guided tour.
$1239.92 Small group tours

5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch

See all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on this five-day guided sightseeing tour. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown, experience the majesty of Milford Sound, view the glacier at Franz Josef and travel aboard the famous TranzAlpine Express train.
$1197.96 Small group tours

5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Trip

Journey through the North Island of New Zealand and explore Waitomo, Rotorua and Lake Taupo, and discover the natural beauty of Kaikoura and Christchurch on this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa. See the glow worms at Waitomo Caves, relax at Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, see giant sperm whales at play and be mesmerized by the natural beauty of New Zealand. This 5-day tour will have you travelling by coach, train and ferry with plenty of time at leisure to make this holiday truly magical.
See More Adventures
New Zealand photo credits