NZ Bucket List: 35 Truly Unique Things to Do in New Zealand
It’s no secret that New Zealand is one of the most incredible and diverse places on Earth, and if you’ve read some of my New Zealand guides (thank you, by the way), you’ll know just how much I LOVE New Zealand.
I was fortunate enough to spend six months exploring every corner of this incredible country and experiencing some of the world’s most unique activities.
In this post, I’ve shared all the unusual and unique things to do in New Zealand, including my favourites. From exploring Hobbiton to seeing glowworms, many of these activities are only possible here or in a select few countries around the world.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a list of all the incredible activities to add to your New Zealand bucket list.
Disclaimer: This list is by no means an exhaustive list of everything to do in New Zealand. Instead, it’s a list of some of the most unique activities for those looking for something a bit different.
Unique things to do on the North Island
Hike up a volcano
Let’s kick off this list with a big one – hiking an active volcano. While it’s possible to hike active volcanoes in several countries, New Zealand is home to several epic volcanoes which can be accessed on foot. And don’t worry, while they’re active, they’re closely monitored.
One of the most famous hikes in New Zealand (and the world) is the Tongariro Crossing. This epic hike across volcanic landscapes has been voted one of the best day hikes in the entire world.
The hike is 12 miles (19.4km) in length, and takes you through otherworldly landscapes, volcanic craters and turquoise lakes.
It’s by far one of the best hikes I’ve ever done, and it’s an absolute must for your New Zealand itinerary.
If hiking in New Zealand is your main focus, don’t miss hiking the breathtaking Fanthams Peak, a volcanic cone right next door to the famous Taranaki.
The hike is no walk in the park, but it’s a must-do for experienced hikers.
Ease your muscles in a volcanic mud bath
Looking for one of the most unique experiences in New Zealand? Try a volcanic mud bath in the town of Rotorua.
Rotorua is one of the best places in New Zealand to experience the volcanic side of the country, and at Hell’s Gate Spa, you can relax in the volcanic springs and give yourself a volcanic mud bath.
It’s believed that the mud is filled with healing properties, and after soaking in the mud, you can relax in the thermal springs.
I was a bit sceptical of whether Hell’s Gate is worth it, and while it’s not quite the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, I’m still really glad I did it. It’s a good value activity, and there aren’t many places in the world where you can bathe in volcanic mud. Just be prepared for that typical sulphur smell to linger for a few days.
👉 Book your volcanic mud experience here
Learn the Haka and try a delicious Hangi
No visit to New Zealand is complete without learning about traditional Māori culture.
As the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), the Māori people are proud of their heritage, and there are many places where you can learn about their history and traditions.
One of my favourite experiences in New Zealand is the Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua. During the evening, you’ll learn about Maori traditions, watch incredible performances (including the Haka), and try the most delicious Hangi (a Maori dinner).
As a tour guide in New Zealand, I was lucky enough to visit the Mitai Village several times, and it never disappointed. It’s a perfect balance of performances, education and of course, eating! When I say it remains one of my favourite meals of all time, I’m not kidding.
If you’re after something a bit more personal, you could consider the Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience. Although it’s a little more expensive, it’s known to be a bit more personal than Mitai.
If you’re short on time or on a budget, consider visiting Te Puia during the day. This geothermal park is home to a geyser, bubbling mud, the native kiwi bird and traditional Maori experiences.
Your visit includes a tour by a Maori guide, and you’ll get to see them making traditional Maori crafts. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to see the volcanic activity and learn about the Maori culture.
Walk on the moon (sort of)
Back to the theme of geothermal activity, the North Island of New Zealand is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. And in the centre of the island, there are several geothermal parks where you can experience the activity up close.
One of the most unique geothermal parks in New Zealand is Craters of the Moon in Taupo. The walk through the park takes you through steaming craters, bubbling mud and steam vents.
If you’re looking for something a bit more colourful, consider visiting the Wai-o-Tapu volcanic park near Rotorua. Home to explosive geysers, colourful lakes and unique geothermal activity, it’s by far one of the best things to do in Rotorua. I absolutely loved exploring here.
P.S. – If you’re on a budget, Rotorua’s Kuirau Park has lots of geothermal activity and it’s entirely free to enter.
Dig your own seaside hot tub at Hot Water Beach
If you’ve spent any time researching the best things to do in New Zealand, you’ll no doubt have heard about one of the most unusual activities in the country – digging a hole on the beach and relaxing in hot water.
Hot Water Beach is home to one of the most unusual natural phenomena in New Zealand. If you visit around low tide, you can walk out to an area where hot water lies below the surface. You can dig a hole, get in, and relax!
If you’re wondering why this happens, it’s all due to the volcanic activity happening below the surface.
It’s by far one of the most popular things to do on the North Island, but it’s famous for a reason.
Pro tip: Don’t miss visiting Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Soak in a natural hot creek in the middle of the forest
Okay, I promise this is the last activity related to volcanoes! But, I promise it’s a good one.
Ever wanted to soak in an entirely natural hot river heated by the earth? Well, in Kerosene Creek (Rotorua), you can,
Similar to Hot Water Beach, the waters of Kerosene Creek are naturally heated by volcanic activity happening beneath the Earth’s surface. This means you can swim in the river even during the winter months.
The best part about the experience is that it’s entirely natural and entirely free. I’ve written a whole guide with all you need to know about Rotura’s free natural hot springs.
Drift through caves lit up by glowworms
New Zealand is one of the only places in the world where you can see the wondrous glowworm. Thanks to bioluminescence, these tiny creatures illuminate caves and forests with an otherworldly glow.
Although you can see glowworms on both the North and South Islands, one of the best ways to see the bioluminescence is to go rafting through the caves as the glowworms light the way.
The Black Labyrinth Tour takes you on an adventure through the caves of Waitomo, as you float on tubes and jump through waterfalls. It’s the perfect way to get your adrenaline kick while seeing the beautiful glowworms.
If you’d prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, you can do a regular walking tour in Waitomo (with a short boat ride). Although, I preferred the tour in Ruakuri Cave (part of the Waitomo Caves). It felt a bit more of an adventure, and there are a lot more glowworms to see.
For something a bit different and more personal, consider the Spellbound Tour. The tour takes you on an adventure through the caves and includes a boat ride.
See a real kiwi bird
No trip to New Zealand is complete without seeing the country’s most iconic and elusive creature: the kiwi bird.
Native to New Zealand and notoriously shy, these nocturnal birds can be hard to see in the wild, but several conservation centres across the North Island offer a chance to observe them up close.
One of the best places to see a kiwi on the North Island is at the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about kiwi conservation and see the birds used for the breeding programme. If you’re lucky, you may even see one hatch.
Sail on a lake inside a super volcano and see Maori carvings
Taupō is home to the largest lake in New Zealand, and it also happens to be in the caldera of a supervolcano, one of the most powerful in the entire world.
This giant lake covers a whopping 238 square miles, and it’s also where you’ll find some beautiful Maori rock carvings, which can be seen by kayak or on a boat trip.
The rock carvings were created in the 1970s by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell as a gift to the town.
For a truly unique experience, I recommend going on a sailing tour around Lake Taupo, which includes a stop at the carvings. It’s also possible to hire a kayak or join a kayaking tour.
Eat in the coolest McDonald’s in the world
The town of Taupo is home to the coolest McDonald’s in the world. And yes, it actually won an award.
If you’re wondering what makes this McDonald’s so unique, it features a decommissioned DC-3 aeroplane parked right next to the restaurant, and you can actually sit and eat inside the plane!
It’s fully decked out with seating and tables, making it one of the most unusual fast food experiences you’ll ever have.
Go zorbing down a giant hill
If you’re looking at what to do in Rotorua, consider taking a ride down the world’s first zorb track.
As the birthplace of zorbing, nowhere does it as well as Zorb Rotorua. It’s the world’s largest zorb park and is home to some of the fastest, steepest and longest tracks in the world.
I put off going zorbing for ages. I won’t lie, I was low-key terrified of it. However, I was eventually convinced to do it, and I have to say, it’s a real laugh! It won’t be for everyone as it can be pretty rough, but it really is a lot of fun. (Although, pro-tip: don’t do it hungover…).
They also have some hot tubs to warm up in between your zorb runs.
Begin a New Zealand road trip in a campervan
One of the best ways to explore New Zealand is via campervan. It’s just you, your van, and the open road.
In fact, my two-month campervan road trip in NZ remains one of my all-time favourite travel memories and one of the best road trips I’ve ever done. I really don’t think there are many, or any, countries that can top New Zealand when it comes to using a campervan to get around.
The country is very campervan-friendly, and while wild camping is illegal, there are plenty of freedom camping sites where you can camp for free.
Both the North and South Islands are truly stunning, with many campervan spots located in breathtaking mountain settings or along spectacular coastlines.
I recommend starting your road trip in the North Island, before heading down to the South.
Explore giant sand dunes
When you think of New Zealand, you probably don’t think of giant sand dunes. But, in Northland, you’ll find a surreal landscape that feels more like the deserts of Namibia than New Zealand.
The Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes are located near Cape Reinga in Northland, and are a must-see for those looking to get off the beaten path. It’s actually the first place I visited on my road trip (after Auckland), and it was well worth the six-hour drive.
Some of the dunes rise to 150 metres high, and they can be explored on foot or even by sandboarding. One of my favourite parts of the experience was seeing the dunes against the ocean. It’s genuinely beautiful!
If you’re travelling in a 4WD vehicle, you can drive down 90 Mile Beach, a stretch of coastline that doubles as a highway. Just be sure to check tide times and drive carefully.
Witness where the oceans collide
If you’re travelling up to Northland, don’t miss visiting Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean collides with the Tasman Sea, creating a visible swirl of currents.
It’s also the northernmost accessible part of New Zealand, and it feels a bit like you’re standing on the edge of the world.
More than just a scenic lookout, Cape Reinga holds a lot of cultural significance for Māori. According to tradition, it’s the place where spirits begin their journey to the afterlife, leaping from the ancient Pōhutukawa tree on the cliffs.
The short walk to the lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views. In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth the drive!
Taste some local wine on an island
New Zealand is no stranger to good wines, and it makes a variety of world-class red and white wines.
For those looking to try some, one of the best places is on Waiheke Island. This small island can be visited on a day trip from Auckland, and is home to several famous wineries and some spectacular scenery!
One of my favourite wineries on Waiheke Island is Mudbrick Wines. You can take a wine tour, try a mix of red and white wines, and you’ll be treated to stunning views over the ocean. Man O’ War is another beautiful winery on the island.
For true wine lovers, don’t miss adding the Hawke’s Bay Region to your road trip itinerary.
Explore a hobbit home
New Zealand is the home of The Lord of the Rings, and the original movie set is open and ready to be explored.
Walk in the footsteps of Frodo and Sam as you visit Hobbiton, the magical set of the movie. With over 40 hobbit holes, the guided tour takes you through the Shire with plenty of photo ops along the way.
The tour ends in the Green Dragon Inn with an included drink.
Even if you’re not a fan of the movies, I still think the set is worth a visit. I’d never seen the movies (I know, I know), but still loved exploring the set and learning all about the movie-making process.
Make sure you book your tickets in advance as the tours often sell out.
Unique things to do on the South Island
Come face-to-face with a great white shark
Let’s kick off this list of the unique things to do on the South Island of New Zealand with a terrifying one – swim with great white sharks!
Okay, you’re in a cage, so you don’t technically swim with them, but it’s close enough.
New Zealand’s oceans are teeming with wildlife, and its southern waters are a popular spot for great white sharks. The animals congregate between Bluff and Stewart Island, and if you’re brave enough, it’s possible to go cage diving with Shark Experience NZ.
The tour departs from Bluff and takes you across the Foveaux Strait, where you’ll get inside a cage and (hopefully) witness these magnificent and misunderstood animals.
While you don’t need any experience to do this, you’ll be shown how to use basic scuba equipment and have to pass a test before you’re allowed in the cage without a guide.
I absolutely LOVED my experience swimming with sharks in New Zealand. The crew at Shark Experience NZ were passionate, responsible (no chum was used), and put the shark’s welfare above everything. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the most unique activities to do in New Zealand.
Journey into Middle-earth
It’s no secret that New Zealand is home to some other-worldly scenery, so much so that it was used as the filming location for the classic movie, The Lord of the Rings.
The movie was filmed all over both islands, but the South Island is home to some of the most recognisable filming locations from The Lord of the Rings.
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, don’t miss exploring some of these beautiful filming locations. One of the best places to see the locations is the area surrounding Queenstown and Glenorchy, where you can go on an organised day tour or take a self-guided tour of the popular sites.
One of my personal favourite spots is North Mavora Lake and the surrounding forest, home to several recognisable filming locations.
If you’d prefer to take a tour to find the famous locations, I recommend this day trip from Queenstown.
Swim with playful dolphins
New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to swim with wild dolphins. There are several places where you can see the dolphins, but Kaikoura is by far the best place.
Swimming with the dolphins in Kaikoura is one of my absolute favourite memories from New Zealand, and if you love wildlife, it’s an absolute must for your itinerary.
The waters surrounding Kaikoura are filled with resident Dusky Dolphins, one of the most playful species of dolphins in the world.
To do the activity, you’ll need to book your experience with Dolphin Encounter. You’ll be given the relevant equipment and a safety talk before heading out on the water to find the animals.
It’s worth noting that the crew will only let you enter the water if they feel it’s suitable. If there are lots of baby dolphins or the dolphins don’t seem interested, they will go off to find more dolphins.
It’s a completely wild and authentic experience and one of my favourite memories from all my travels. There really aren’t many countries in the world where you can do this activity in an ethical way, so I highly recommend adding it to your New Zealand bucket list.
Spot the world’s smallest penguins returning from the sea
There aren’t many countries where you can see penguins in the wild, but New Zealand is one of them. It’s possible to find three different species in the country: little blue penguins, Fiordland crested penguins, and yellow-eyed penguins.
The little blue penguin is actually the smallest species of penguin, and you can often see them on the east coast of the South Island.
If you don’t want to do a tour, the best thing to do is head to the small town of Timaru, where you can see the penguins return to shore after dusk. Your best chances of seeing them are in the summer months. That being said, I saw several when I visited the area in May.
For a better chance of spotting the penguins, you can also join guided tours from Akaroa.
Dive beneath the surface at Milford Sound (without getting wet)
Update – As of July 2025, the underwater observatory is temporarily closed due to storm damage. There is no time frame for when it will reopen, but I’ve included it in this list just in case.
One of the best things to do in Milford Sound is to step below the fiord’s surface at the underwater observatory.
This unique structure allows guests to descend beneath the surface to view the various marine life that call Milford Sound home. Think of it like looking at animals at an aquarium, but for entirely wild marine life.
I was a bit sceptical about this activity – it sounded gimmicky and I had heard mixed reviews. However, I genuinely found it fascinating. I had no idea that so many interesting animals called the fiord home. We even saw a spiny dogfish, which our guide got very excited about.
To enter the observatory, you’ll need to join this tour with Southern Discoveries. You’ll do the regular Milford Sound cruise and stop at the observatory on the way back to the harbour.
Ride one of the most scenic trains on the planet
Want to take one of the most beautiful train rides on Earth? Well, in New Zealand, you can.
The TranzAlpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth takes you on a magnificent journey through the Southern Alps and over Arthur’s Pass.
You can start or end your journey in either Christchurch or Greymouth, and it’s possible to do a one-way or return journey. This makes it easy to build the train ride into a bigger New Zealand itinerary.
Trek one of New Zealand’s Great Walks
New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtaking multi-day hikes in the world, known as the Great Walks. The South Island, in particular, is home to some of the most beautiful hikes.
If you’re up for an unforgettable adventure, consider tackling the Routeburn Track, Milford Track, or Kepler Track, all close to Fiordland National Park.
These trails take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and you’ll stay in remote huts along the way.
Even if you’re not up for multi-day treks, you can do part of the hikes as day hikes. For example, consider the Key Summit hike, a fantastic hike near Milford Sound and part of the Routeburn Track.
Go whale watching with a bird’s-eye view
Another unique thing to do in New Zealand is to go whale watching from a plane. This is possible in the picturesque town of Kaikoura, where you can take a flight or a helicopter ride to try and spot some of the resident or migratory whale species.
I wasn’t planning on doing this as I’m not the biggest fan of small planes, but I am SO happy I did. I’ve been whale watching in various spots around the world, but I’ve never had a view like this before.
The planes take you above Kaikoura’s Jurassic coast and out over the ocean, where your pilot will search for whales. We saw several sperm whales and then had a quick flight over the beautiful coastline.
If you want to do the exact tour I did, you can book it here.
Stargaze in one of the clearest night skies on Earth
Believe it or not, New Zealand is home to five different dark sky reserves, making it one of the best places in the world to go stargazing.
One of the most popular and accessible dark sky reserves is the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve on the South Island. Here, you’ll be able to witness one of the darkest night skies on Earth.
The gorgeous town of Tekapo is one of the best places for stargazing in New Zealand.
When it comes to stargazing, you have several tour options as well as self-guided options. For tours, I recommend the Dark Sky Project and one of their summit experiences, where you’ll have the opportunity to look through giant telescopes into the night sky.
One of the most popular tours is the Mount John Summit experience. The mountain is home to some famous telescopes, and the tour is a fantastic way to learn about the stars while also gazing at them through the telescopes.
Another popular activity is to go stargazing at the hot pools. Here, you can relax in the outdoor heated pools while staring at the stars.
If you’d prefer not to splurge on a tour, I recommend walking down to the Church of the Good Shepherd away from any natural light. It’s a beautiful spot.
It’s also possible to go stargazing in Mount Cook National Park and the nearby Twizel.
Admire the incredible Southern Lights
Along with incredible stars, it’s also possible to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) in New Zealand.
I’ve witnessed both the Northern and Southern Lights several times, and it honestly never gets old. It’s one of the most stunning natural phenomena.
Like the Northern Lights, seeing the Southern Lights is a game of luck. Generally speaking, to have the best chances of seeing the lights, you’ll need to visit during the winter months (between May and September), and go as far south as you can.
Locations like Stewart Island, Dunedin and Lake Tekapo are great spots to try and see the lights. If there is a chance of seeing them, try to get as far away from artificial light as possible.
You can check the forecast here.
Conquer the steepest street on Earth
The beautiful town of Dunedin is home to one of the steepest streets in the world, Baldwin Street.
In fact, up until recently, Baldwin Street was the steepest street on Earth. However, in 2019, it lost its title to a street in Harlech (Wales) that is just slightly steeper than Baldwin Street.
With a 35% gradient, walking up Baldwin Street is no walk in the park, but it’s a fun activity for those visiting Dunedin.
Take a llama for a walk
Okay, on to one of the most unusual things to do in New Zealand… walk a llama. Yes, take an actual, real-life llama for a walk.
This is another activity for your Kaikoura itinerary, and it’s as delightfully quirky as it sounds. At Llama Trekking Kaikoura, you can lead your own fluffy companion through scenic coastal trails with panoramic views of the mountains and ocean.
I didn’t have time to do this in Kaikoura, but my friend gave it a try and absolutely loved it. It’s a great activity for the whole family.
Go jet boating BENEATH the surface (on an orca, sort of)
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, so it’s certainly not short on adrenaline-filled activities to get your heart pumping.
One of the weirdest things to do in Queenstown is the town’s Hydro Attack. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it’s basically a cross between a jet ski and a submarine… sort of.
Your driver will take you across the lake, under the water and then fly you up into the sky and back onto the surface.
You can choose from several boats, including an orca or a shark.
One thing to note is that this isn’t the activity for those who have ever experienced even the slightest bit of motion sickness…
Hunt for gold in an old mining village
New Zealand’s South Island was once a hub for gold mining, and it’s still possible to find gold today.
To learn about New Zealand’s mining past and try your hand at searching for gold, I recommend visiting the historic town of Arrowtown.
Close to Queenstown, visiting this lovely spot is like stepping back in time. You can visit the museum to learn more about its history, explore the Chinese village, and stroll down the historic streets.
You can also rent equipment for gold panning in the river. You never know, you might get lucky!
Side note: The South Island’s West Coast is also a hotspot for greenstone (Jade), or pounamu, as it’s known in New Zealand. You can search for this between Hokitika and Greymouth.
Leap off the world’s first-ever bungee jump
Back in 1988, the world’s first-ever commercial bungee jump opened at the Kawarau Bridge close to Queenstown.
Nowadays, there are several popular bungee jumps in Queenstown, but Kawarau Bridge remains one of the best.
This historic jump sends thrill-seekers 43 metres down to the Kawarau River. I’ll be honest, I was not brave enough to do a bungee jump while in New Zealand, but perhaps next time…
To book your experience, check out the AJ Hackett website.
Relax in an onsen
Typically found in Japan, an onsen is a natural hot spring bath, and you can experience this relaxing tradition right in the heart of Queenstown.
At the Onsen Hot Pools, you can relax in private cedar hot tubs overlooking the incredible Shotover Canyon and mountains. Visit at sunset or after dark for the best experience.
This activity was high on my list of things to do, and it’s fair to say I had high expectations. Sure, it’s quite expensive for what it is, but it’s a wonderful experience and the perfect way to relax after all of the exploring.
Step foot on a glacier
New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most magnificent glaciers. On the South Island, you’ll find several famous glaciers, including Franz Josef, Fox and the Tasman Glacier.
While you can admire these glaciers from afar, it’s also possible to do a heli-hike. This is where you’ll take a helicopter ride to the glacier and spend a couple of hours exploring it on foot.
Glacier walking is one of the most popular activities in New Zealand, so it doesn’t come cheap. However, it’s one of the most memorable things to do, and there aren’t many places in the world where it’s possible.
For the best heli hikes, I recommend either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
If you’d like to see the glaciers from above without a landing, it’s also possible to take scenic flights with a brief snow landing.
Sleep in a remote mountain hut
For the hiking fans, don’t miss spending a night in one of New Zealand’s famous mountain huts. The South Island has several remote huts where you can spend the night to break up a hike.
One of my favourite huts in New Zealand is the Mueller Hut. The hike begins in Mount Cook National Park and takes you up past the Sealy Tarns. After a day of hiking, you’ll reach the wondrous Mueller Hut with incredible panoramic views
You can book the Mueller Hut in advance of your hike.
Be wowed by prehistoric birds
Finally, one of the most unique things to do in New Zealand is to witness some prehistoric birds! New Zealand is a bird lover’s paradise, and it’s home to some of the world’s rarest birds.
The takahē bird was once thought to be extinct, but they were recently discovered alive in New Zealand.
You’ll have to be very lucky to see a takahē in the wild, but you can visit Te Anau’s bird sanctuary to see the ones which are part of the breeding programme to reintroduce them into the wild.
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