Things to do in New Zealand

If you're planning on backpacking your way around New Zealand there certainly won't be a shortage of things to do or see along the way. We've compiled a list of websites, suggested by our readers, for activities and excursions that will be sure to fill up your itinerary. If you're looking for information on accommodation, tours, and just getting around in New Zealand, click here, or if you wish to view information about New Zealand hostel accommodation, click here. If you have any suggestions of your own to add, we'd be happy to hear from you.

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Historical, Cultural and Scenic

Historic Places Trust - A listing of New Zealand's historic sites
New Zealand Museums Online - Take a virtual tour of NZ's museums
Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa = 'Our Place' in Maori)
NZ Maori Institute - A great insight to the world of Maoridom
Agrodome - A truly unique look at NZ's farming lifestyle
Tamaki Maori Village - A look into Maori life and customs
Northland - Visit the 'winterless north' with endless scenic attractions
Polynesian Spa - Relax in the thermal hot pools at Rotorua
Rotorua - Thermal hot spot and rich in Maori culture
Great Barrier Island - Take a boat ride to this scenic spot
Sky City - NZ's tallest building with breathtaking views over Auckland
Queenstown - NZ's jewel in the crown in the south of the South Island

Cycling

The NZ Mountain Bike Web - Covering the biking scene in New Zealand
Cycling NZ - Everything about cycling in New Zealand
Adventure South - Cycling tours around New Zealand

Powered vehicles

Motorcycling New Zealand - Covers the NZ motorcycling scene
Happy Valley Adventures - 4 wheel drive motorcycles based in Nelson, S.I.
Rally of New Zealand - Every year the best come to compete
Rally Drive NZ - Learn to rally drive

Snow-related

Snow.co.nz - overview and details of the NZ snow scene
NZ Ski - Information, maps, and webcams
Snowboarding Queenstown - rentals, passes and snowboard information
Whakapapa Ski Resort - information on the N.I. ski field
Rainbow Ski Area - in the upper part of the South Island
Mt. Lyford Ski slopes - 2hrs north of Christchurch
Mt. Hutt ski information - Cantebury ski fields
Ohau Ski Area - Lower central west coast of the South Island
Mt. Dobson - Ski area in central South Island
Treble Cone - Beautiful surroundings about 1 1/2 hours from Queenstown

Nature

Sea Safaris - Nature adventure tours - shark dives, dophin swims and more
Kaikoura - many nature and wildlife activities in this scenic area
Oceanwings - Albatross Encounter in Kaikoura
Dolphin Encounters - Swim with the dolphins in the South Island
Elm Wildlife Tours - Many wildlife treks to choose from
Nautilus Subsea Adventure - Go underwater in the Bay of Islands
Paihia Dive - Diving in the Bay of Islands
Pacific Hideaway - Diving up in Northland
Dive Kaikoura - Swim with Fur Seals and Dolphins or go diving
Tawaki Dive - Dive in the splendour of Milford Sound
TrueNZ Guides - Eco Tours around NZ
Kiwi Wildlife Tours - Birdwatching tours

Boating, Sailing, Windsurfing and Kayaking

Yachting New Zealand - Learn to sail or watch some regattas
New Zealand Canoeing Association - information on recreational canoeing
Kayak Tours - Kayak in the Abel Tasman National Park
WindSurf New Zealand - Where and when to go windsurfing
Wakeboarding and Kneeboarding - NZ info site for wake and kneeboarding

Fishing and Hunting

Alan's Fishing and hunting New Zealand - Private website with good info
Whangerei Deep Sea Anglers Club - Info on fishing in the far north
Manawatu Fly Fishing - Guided fly fishing in the Lower North Island of NZ
Brown Trout Heaven - Guided fly fishing for trout
Southern Trout - Fly fishing in some of the most scenic locations in NZ
Ministry of Fisheries - What you need to know about fishing in NZ

Hiking, Caving and National Parks

Waitomo Adventures - caving expeditions in the Waitomo caves
National Parks and Protected areas - listing of the national parks in NZ
Hiking New Zealand - Hiking (or tramping) tours in New Zealand
New Zealand Wild Walks - Hiking and climbing tours
Catlins Wildlife Trackers - Walks and tracks in the deepest south
Gateway to New Zealand Trekking - Various tours to choose from
The Tongariro Trek - Tramping in the central North Island
The Heaphy Track - Take a hike in the Upper South Island
Ultimate Hikes - Hiking tours in the scenic Queenstown area

Gardens

NZ Gardens Online - Directory of New Zealand gardens to visit

Horse Trekking

TrueNZ - Horse trekking guide
Eventing New Zealand - Eventing news and information
Ridenz.com - New Zealand horse riding activities
Naturally New Zealand Horse treks - in the high country of Nth Canterbury

Golfing

Golfing New Zealand - All about New Zealand golf
The New Zealand Golf Guide - Contact details for golf clubs in NZ
New Zealand Golf Tours - Travel around the country and play golf as you go

Adrenalin

TrueNZ Guides - Directory listing of adventure pursuits
Shotover Jet - Jet boat trips in the Shotover Canyon, Queenstown
Fly by Wire - Be a pilot of a high speed, tethered, plane
AJ Hackett Bungy - Bungy jumping in Queenstown from the originals
High Time Bungy - Bungy jumping in the Taihape region
Taupo Bungy - Take a bungy jump when in Taupo
Zorbing - Roll down a hill at high speeds inside a rubber ball
Tongaririo River Rafting - White water rafting
Rangitikei River Adventures - Get wet on the Rangitikei
River Safaris - Jet boat and nature tours
Sky City - NZ's tallest building - and you can jump off it
Wanaka Skydiving - What's more exhilerating - the view or the plunge?

Wining and Dining

The Wild Food Festival - Eat anything from the wilds of Hokitika
Wine Tours - Around the Queenstown region
Wine Tours by Bike - Marlborough's famous Sauv.Blanc and Chardonnays
NZ Wine Tours - Nationwide wine tours