Our Favourite 10 Places to Visit in New Zealand (and Why We Love Them)
Kia ora and welcome to our insider’s guide to some of New Zealand’s most unforgettable spots!
We’ve clocked a lot of kilometres exploring Aotearoa - sometimes on quick weekend getaways, other times on longer road trips. Over time, certain regions keep drawing us back. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, each destination offers a unique slice of Kiwi life - from serene beaches and geothermal wonders to vibrant cityscapes and glacier adventures.
Here are ten of our top picks, each with its own unique vibe and plenty of ways to make your visit memorable with our handy insider tips, and suggestions on how to include each stop in one of our self-drive tours.
Happy planning!
1. Bay of Islands (Northland)
Why We Love It
Whenever we drive north from Auckland, the Bay of Islands feels like we’re stepping back in time into a laid-back coastal paradise. Sure, it’s famous for day cruises, but we’re equally fond of mooching around Russell’s historic streets.
One of our fond memories is spotting dolphins on an early-morning ferry ride from Pahia to Russell! The region is also steeped in history - don’t miss the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a look into Aotearoa’s past.
Insider Tip
Time your visit for a mid-week stay to avoid busier weekends. For a special treat, grab fresh snapper and chips at a local takeaway shop and enjoy it by the water - a true kiwi tradition!
Tours That Visit
7 Day North Island Tour: Ideal if you want a short but sweet journey through Auckland, the Bay of Islands, and other North Island highlights.
21 Day Top to Toe Highlights: Goes even further, letting you explore both the Bay of Islands and iconic South Island destinations.
More Info
If you’re keen on more local insights and travel tips, check out our Bay of Islands location page.
2. Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
Why We Love It
One word: beaches! The Coromandel’s white-sand bays and hidden coves are legendary and a complete change of pace from city life. Whitianga is our go-to base for exploring the famous Cathedral Cove (go early in the morning to avoid crowds). And if you time the tides right at Hot Water Beach, you’ll get to dig your own toasty warm pool in the sand - pretty hard to beat that for a one-of-a-kind Kiwi experience!
Insider Tip
Pack a spade (or rent one locally) for Hot Water Beach and check tide charts to make the most of your “DIY spa.” For a quieter experience, head there outside peak daytime hours.
Tours That Visit
7 Day North Island Highlights Tour: Perfect if you want a snapshot of the North Island, including the Coromandel.
21 Day Top to Toe Highlights: Includes multiple North Island stops, giving you enough time to truly unwind on Coromandel beaches.
More Info
Curious to know more? Our Whitianga location page has tips on top attractions, when to visit and more.
3. Rotorua (North Island)
Why We Love It
Rotorua’s geothermal wonders create a surreal landscape - rising steam, boiling mud pools, and the occasional sulphur smell that reminds you this place is alive beneath your feet! We love diving into local Māori culture here too: a traditional hāngi feast is a must-do.
Rotorua’s geothermal energy is a real eye-opener - steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vibrant mineral springs make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. We also love the strong Māori culture here: a traditional hāngi feast is a must do, and you can upgrade the experience to include a kapa haka cultural performance.
Insider Tip
Don’t let the sulphur smell put you off - it’s part of the geothermal charm! If you can, try an evening dip in a hot spring; there’s nothing quite like a relaxing soak under the stars.
Tours That Visit
10 Day Best of North Island Tour: Our go-to option for including Rotorua’s top geothermal spots and cultural experiences.
8 Day North Island Geysers and Lakes Tour: Spends plenty of time in Rotorua before heading south to other iconic landscapes.
More Info
Check out our Rotorua location page for the low-down on geothermal parks, Māori cultural tours, and more.
4. Wellington (North Island)
Why We Love It
Compact but bursting with character - Wellington has a thriving café culture, artistic flair, and some pretty spectacular harbour views. We’re big fans of wandering along Cuba Street to sample craft beers and people-watch, then popping into Te Papa Museum to soak up a bit of Kiwi history.
Insider Tip
Try the local coffee - it’s often said Wellington has the best brews in the country. Also, don’t be surprised by the gusty wind; it’s part of the city’s charm!
Ride the Wellington Cable Car up to Kelburn, then stroll back down through the Botanical Gardens at sunset for epic harbour views.
Tours That Visit
14 Day Nature, Culture and Glaciers Tour: Finish off your North Island adventure in Welly before crossing to the South.
22 Day North to South Island Highlights Tour: Spend a night or two here to soak up the capital’s food scene and maybe catch an art-house film.
More Info
For more info on the best time to visit, fun facts and more, see our Wellington location page.
5. Abel Tasman (South Island)
Why We Love It
Golden beaches and turquoise waters - need we say more? Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks destinations.
Kayaking is hands-down our favourite way to explore - you can paddle along the coastline from bay to bay, spotting penguins and seals, and then stop for a picnic on a secluded beach. If you’re not keen on a full day paddling, then you can give yourself a treat with a half-day and water-taxi back for refreshments!
Insider Tip
The stunning coastal track can be split into many different options of short sections with water taxis - handy if you want to skip the tougher parts or are short on time.
Tours That Visit
12 Day Ultimate Southern Adventure: This scenic South Island tour takes you through Abel Tasman and other breathtaking locations, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation.
11 Day Scenic South Island Road Trip: From kayaking Abel Tasman’s golden Bays, a luxurious glamping experience & scenic vineyards. Prepare for the most breathtaking landscapes & relax in paradise.
More Info
For tips on how to get there, best time to visit and top tips, see our Abel Tasman location page.
6. The West Coast South Island (Glacier Country)
Why We Love It
Few places feel as raw and untamed as the West Coast - towering rainforests, rugged coastlines, and those famous glaciers like Franz Josef and Fox. We think a heli-hike is a must-do if your budget (and the weather) allows. Standing on the ice, surrounded by dramatic peaks, is something you won’t soon forget.
Insider Tip
The West Coast is known for its quick-changing weather, so plan a buffer day if a glacier flight is on your wish list. If it’s too rainy, the local hot pools or glow-worm caves make fun backups.
Tours That Visit
12 Day Ultimate Southern Adventure: Perfect if you want to experience glacier country on your way to Queenstown.
More Info
For more information on Franz Josef Glacier top activities and insider tips, pop over to our Franz Josef location page.
7. Lake Tekapo & Aoraki/Mount Cook (South Island)
Why We Love It
The turquoise water of Lake Tekapo is truly something else - in particular if timed for lupin season! Adding in Aoraki/Mount Cook, NZ’s highest peak, means this region is teeming with alpine walks, stellar stargazing (it’s part of a Dark Sky Reserve), and some of the most majestic mountain views around.
Insider Tip
The Hooker Valley Track is one of our favourite day hikes - fairly gentle, but it rewards you with stunning glacier and mountain scenery. Pack layers; it can get chilly quickly!
Tours That Visit
21 Day Top to Toe Highlights: Packed with Glaciers, Fiordlands, incredible landscapes & wildlife you’ll experience the best at your own pace.
14 Day South Island Campervan Package: Spend a night in Tekapo for stargazing, plus time to explore Mount Cook’s hiking trails.
We’re also happy to customise any trip to add extra nights in this alpine paradise.
8. Queenstown (South Island)
Why We Love It
Queenstown might be called the “Adventure Capital,” but there’s so much more than just bungy jumps and jet boats. Yes, we adore the adrenaline rush, but we also enjoy slow mornings by Lake Wakatipu, sipping coffee and soaking up the alpine scenery. Nearby Arrowtown is a real treat too - especially in autumn, when the leaves turn a riot of colours.
Insider Tip
Feeling hungry after a day of adventure? Fergburger is famous for a reason, but try going at off-peak times to avoid the queues. Or head to Arrowtown for something quieter.
Tours That Visit
9 Day Quick New Zealand Highlights: Great if you want a short burst of Queenstown fun.
14 Day Classic South Island Road Trip: This 14 day self drive itinerary will give you time to experience the South Island’s spectacular scenery which includes the mysterious Moeraki Boulders, picturesque Hokitika Gorge, stunning Queenstown and that iconic Wanaka Tree. With central hotels and activities - this is superb value!
More Info
If you want more info on day trips, seasonal events, or where to find the best flat white in town, our Queenstown location page has you sorted.
9. Fiordland National Park
Why We Love It
Milford Sound’s epic cliffs and waterfalls have to be seen to be believed - photos just don’t do it justice. We also have a soft spot for Doubtful Sound, which is quieter but just as jaw-dropping. Rain only adds to the magic, making waterfalls multiply overnight.
Insider Tip
Consider an overnight cruise if you can swing it. The fiords become wonderfully peaceful once the day-trippers leave, and stargazing out on the water is something else.
Tours That Visit
12 Day Ultimate Southern Adventure: Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island, including Milford Sound’s iconic scenery, boat cruises, and wildlife encounters.
30 Day Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip: Puts Fiordland on the itinerary and lets you explore both islands.
More Info
Our Milford Sound location page outlines activities and adventures, and ways to make the most of any weather conditions.
10. Christchurch & the Canterbury Plains
Why We Love It
Christchurch has reinvented itself as a vibrant hub of street art, pop-up markets, and cutting-edge architecture. Beyond the city, the Canterbury Plains stretch out to meet the Southern Alps - perfect if you fancy day trips to Hanmer Springs (hello, hot pools) or Akaroa (bonjour, French-influenced charm).
Insider Tip
Stroll the Riverside Market for a taste of local produce, coffee, craft beers, and gourmet bites. Then, wander around the laneways to check out ever-changing murals.
Tours That Visit
11 Day Scenic South Island: Starts and ends in Christchurch so you can explore the city before or after venturing deeper into the South.
21 Day Top to Toe Highlights: This tour spans both the North and South Islands, starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch, taking in highlights like Glow Worm Caves, Hobbiton, and the Southern Alps.
More Info
For more information and to learn about the highlights in Christchurch, dive into our Christchurch location page.
Ready to Explore These Kiwi Icons?
From the sandy shores of the Coromandel to the towering peaks of Mount Cook, these ten destinations capture the essence of New Zealand’s variety. If you’re not sure how to fit them all in, don’t worry - that’s where our tours come in. Whether you’ve got a week to spare or a month-long holiday in mind, our self-drive tours make it easy to see these stunning destinations - plus a few hidden gems along the way.
Short on Time? Check out our 7 Day Taste of the North Island Tour or 8 Day Taste of the South Island Tour.
Go All In: The 21 Day Taste of New Zealand Tour, or 30 Day Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip both cover the north and south islands at a relaxed pace.
Looking for Something Unique? Let us organise a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, travel style, and schedule.
Eager to learn more? Browse our Destination Pages for detailed info on each location, and feel free to get in touch with any questions. We can’t wait to help you experience New Zealand in all its natural splendour!
Quick Tips for First-Timers
Driving on the Left: Give yourself time to adjust, especially if you’re from a right-hand drive country. Read more in our blog post “First-Time Driving in New Zealand? Here’s What You Need to Know”.
Layer Up: Weather can change quickly - pack a mix of clothing, including a light rain jacket. Read more in our blog post “Exploring the Seasons: A Visitor's Guide to New Zealand's Weather”.
Book in Advance: Popular spots like Queenstown and the Coromandel fill up fast, especially from December to February.
Ngā mihi and safe travels from all of us at New Zealand Driving Holidays! If you have any questions or are ready to start planning, drop us a line. We’re here to make your Kiwi road trip dreams come true.
