Top 10 Things to Do in New Zealand
Exclusive glacier experiences:
Helicopter landings on moving ice fields
Ice climbing instruction for all skill levels
Private guide sessions exploring blue ice caves
Custom timing around optimal weather windows
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Adventures
Helicopter access transforms glacier exploration from tourist viewing into genuine ice adventures. Your aerial approach reveals crevasses and ice formations that are impossible to reach on foot, while landing directly on moving ice fields. Expert guides lead you through blue ice caves to discover glacial movement that creates new features daily.
Professional gear is provided, including specialized glacier boots and waterproof layers designed for ice conditions. Crampons dig into ancient ice while your guide explains how these glaciers carved current valleys over geological timescales. Local expertise includes Māori legends about these ice rivers that connect spiritual stories to physical landscapes.
Volcanic landscape highlights:
Active steam vents and volcanic craters
Emerald Lakes with changing mineral colors
Red Crater rim walks with panoramic views
2. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
12.3 miles of volcanic trails cross active terrain shaped by lava flows over thousands of years. Steam vents remind you these mountains stay geologically active, while mineral deposits create the famous Emerald Lakes that photographs never quite capture accurately. UNESCO recognition protects both natural features and Māori cultural connections to these sacred peaks.
Summer reveals vivid mineral colors in crater lakes while winter transforms everything into pristine alpine conditions. The whole crossing typically takes seven to eight hours, though guided options provide necessary training on the day itself. No prior mountaineering experience is required, but decent fitness helps you enjoy rather than endure this world-renowned day hike.
3. Abel Tasman Coastal Kayaking
-
Golden beaches reveal themselves only to people willing to paddle beyond road access points. Your kayak becomes the key to secluded coves, where you can find fur seals lounging without concern for human presence. Crystal-clear water maintains visibility down 30 feet while native bush provides habitat for birds that rarely encounter crowds. Guided tours offer in-depth knowledge of marine ecosystems, while self-guided options allow you to explore at your own pace.
-
Coastal exploration options:
Self-guided day trips with provided safety gear
Multi-day guided expeditions with beach camping
Combined kayak and Coast Track hiking adventures
4. Kaikoura Whale Migration Watching
-
Humpback whales cruise past Kaikoura during the winter months from June through August on migrations covering thousands of miles. These massive creatures follow predictable paths where deep trenches provide year-round feeding spots. Sperm whales, orcas, and dolphins are also frequently seen in these rich waters.
Local guides share Māori stories about the connections between marine life and generations of coastal living. Responsible operators maintain eco-certification standards that protect wildlife, allowing you to witness natural behaviors up close.
-
Marine wildlife experiences:
Humpback whale migration viewing during peak season
Year-round sperm whale and dolphin encounters
Cultural education about Māori maritime traditions
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Adventures
-
Helicopter access transforms glacier exploration from tourist viewing into genuine ice adventures. Your aerial approach reveals crevasses and ice formations that are impossible to reach on foot, while landing directly on moving ice fields. Expert guides lead you through blue ice caves to discover glacial movement that creates new features daily.
Professional gear is provided, including specialized glacier boots and waterproof layers designed for ice conditions. Crampons dig into ancient ice while your guide explains how these glaciers carved current valleys over geological timescales. Local expertise includes Māori legends about these ice rivers that connect spiritual stories to physical landscapes.
-
Exclusive glacier experiences:
Helicopter landings on moving ice fields
Ice climbing instruction for all skill levels
Private guide sessions exploring blue ice caves
Custom timing around optimal weather windows
2. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
-
12.3 miles of volcanic trails cross active terrain shaped by lava flows over thousands of years. Steam vents remind you these mountains stay geologically active, while mineral deposits create the famous Emerald Lakes that photographs never quite capture accurately. UNESCO recognition protects both natural features and Māori cultural connections to these sacred peaks.
Summer reveals vivid mineral colors in crater lakes while winter transforms everything into pristine alpine conditions. The whole crossing typically takes seven to eight hours, though guided options provide necessary training on the day itself. No prior mountaineering experience is required, but decent fitness helps you enjoy rather than endure this world-renowned day hike.
-
Active steam vents and volcanic craters
Emerald Lakes with changing mineral colors
Red Crater rim walks with panoramic views
3. Abel Tasman Coastal Kayaking
-
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
-
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Adventures
-
Helicopter access transforms glacier exploration from tourist viewing into genuine ice adventures. Your aerial approach reveals crevasses and ice formations that are impossible to reach on foot, while landing directly on moving ice fields. Expert guides lead you through blue ice caves to discover glacial movement that creates new features daily.
Professional gear is provided, including specialized glacier boots and waterproof layers designed for ice conditions. Crampons dig into ancient ice while your guide explains how these glaciers carved current valleys over geological timescales. Local expertise includes Māori legends about these ice rivers that connect spiritual stories to physical landscapes.
-
Exclusive glacier experiences:
Helicopter landings on moving ice fields
Ice climbing instruction for all skill levels
Private guide sessions exploring blue ice caves
Custom timing around optimal weather windows
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
-
12.3 miles of volcanic trails cross active terrain shaped by lava flows over thousands of years. Steam vents remind you these mountains stay geologically active, while mineral deposits create the famous Emerald Lakes that photographs never quite capture accurately. UNESCO recognition protects both natural features and Māori cultural connections to these sacred peaks.
Summer reveals vivid mineral colors in crater lakes while winter transforms everything into pristine alpine conditions. The whole crossing typically takes seven to eight hours, though guided options provide necessary training on the day itself. No prior mountaineering experience is required, but decent fitness helps you enjoy rather than endure this world-renowned day hike.
-
Active steam vents and volcanic craters
Emerald Lakes with changing mineral colors
Red Crater rim walks with panoramic views
Abel Tasman Coastal Kayaking
-
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
-
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Adventures
-
Helicopter access transforms glacier exploration from tourist viewing into genuine ice adventures. Your aerial approach reveals crevasses and ice formations that are impossible to reach on foot, while landing directly on moving ice fields. Expert guides lead you through blue ice caves to discover glacial movement that creates new features daily.
Professional gear is provided, including specialized glacier boots and waterproof layers designed for ice conditions. Crampons dig into ancient ice while your guide explains how these glaciers carved current valleys over geological timescales. Local expertise includes Māori legends about these ice rivers that connect spiritual stories to physical landscapes.
-
Exclusive glacier experiences:
Helicopter landings on moving ice fields
Ice climbing instruction for all skill levels
Private guide sessions exploring blue ice caves
Custom timing around optimal weather windows
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
-
12.3 miles of volcanic trails cross active terrain shaped by lava flows over thousands of years. Steam vents remind you these mountains stay geologically active, while mineral deposits create the famous Emerald Lakes that photographs never quite capture accurately. UNESCO recognition protects both natural features and Māori cultural connections to these sacred peaks.
Summer reveals vivid mineral colors in crater lakes while winter transforms everything into pristine alpine conditions. The whole crossing typically takes seven to eight hours, though guided options provide necessary training on the day itself. No prior mountaineering experience is required, but decent fitness helps you enjoy rather than endure this world-renowned day hike.
-
Active steam vents and volcanic craters
Emerald Lakes with changing mineral colors
Red Crater rim walks with panoramic views
Abel Tasman Coastal Kayaking
-
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
-
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
10. Rotorua Māori Cultural Experiences
-
Helicopter access transforms glacier exploration from tourist viewing into genuine ice adventures. Your aerial approach reveals crevasses and ice formations that are impossible to reach on foot, while landing directly on moving ice fields. Expert guides lead you through blue ice caves to discover glacial movement that creates new features daily.
Professional gear is provided, including specialized glacier boots and waterproof layers designed for ice conditions. Crampons dig into ancient ice while your guide explains how these glaciers carved current valleys over geological timescales. Local expertise includes Māori legends about these ice rivers that connect spiritual stories to physical landscapes.
-
Exclusive glacier experiences:
Helicopter landings on moving ice fields
Ice climbing instruction for all skill levels
Private guide sessions exploring blue ice caves
Custom timing around optimal weather windows
Find Your Top Things to Do in New Zealand
We build New Zealand trips around what interests you and how you like to travel. These experiences are carefully curated to foster genuine connections, rather than typical tourist excursions. Whether you're seeking culture, outdoor adventure, wildlife, or time in unique places, our personalized approach tailors your luxury New Zealand experience to your passions.