After six months exploring one of our favorite countries on earth, we have some recommendations. This is our list of New Zealand’s top attractions, so you know where to go when you visit.
New Zealand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country has world class museums and historic sites, but there’s also a lot of hype, and you can’t do everything! Hopefully this list of what we loved helps.
Best Museums
We couldn’t talk about New Zealand’s top tourist attractions without mentioning museums. On a rainy or cold day, or the day after a long hike or bike ride, a museum is a good option. Some of New Zealand’s museums are among the best we’ve ever visited.
auckland war museum
One of our Auckland favorites, the War Museum is much more than a war memorial. With multiple stories and galleries, the museum houses memorials to multiple wars, Maori artifacts, and relics and art from the Pacific region. Admission is free or pwyc.
We visited the Auckland War museum when we sailed there in January and took the excellent Gallery highlights tour. The guide gave us a great overview of the exhibits and answered our questions about others. It was a great intro to the museum and provide us with the knowledge to wander on our own afterward.
Auckland War Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland, North Island
Omaka aviation centre
Located in Blenheim, the Omaka Aviation Centre blew us away. Brian used to fly planes, so of course we wanted to go, but it was even better than we expected. At the time we visited, the museum – also operational airplane hangers – hosted two excellent exhibitions devoted to WWI and WWII.
One of New Zealand’s most esteemed citizens, Sir Peter Jackson, is a supporter of the Aviation Heritage Centre. The WWI exhibit Knights of the Sky includes his personal memorabilia and pieces designed by professional film set designers. It’s an incredibly immersive experience featuring real and recreated fighter planes.
We thought we’d spend an hour or two here, but took more time talking to the friendly volunteers. Museum volunteers included a pilot and an aviation engineer, both of whom shared interesting details about the exhibits.
One of New Zealand’s top attractions, it’s a great place to visit before lunch or a tasting at a nearby winery.
Omaka Aviation Centre, 14 Rosina Corlett Lane Via, Aerodrome Road, Omaka, Blenheim, Marlborough, South Island
te papa wellington
Te Papa, Maori and short for Te Papa Tongarewa, means container of treasures, which perfectly sums up Wellington’s national museum. Located on the waterfront in the capital city, Te Papa Museum is easily one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions.
Upon entering the lobby of Te Papa, we immediately understood this museum’s significance. One of the treasures here is the Treaty of Waitangi, signed by the Maoris and English, and the translations hang in a place of honor in the main atrium of the museum.
When we were there, we explored the interactive Gallipoli war exhibit, enjoyed the Maori and Pacific artifacts, including a marae built into the museum, and saw an exhibit about volcanoes. That barely scratches the surface of what Te Papa offers.
Te Papa is free to enter, which is a great deal for one of New Zealand’s top attractions, making it hard to say no to a visit.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington, North Island
New Zealand’s Top Attractions: Sites
doubtful sound overnight cruise
People who live on boats don’t normally go on cruises, but we made an exception for this one. We kayaked alongside huge waterfalls in New Zealand’s fiordlands, and enjoyed dolphins playing alongside the boat, and didn’t have to navigate or steer! It was one of the highlights of our road trip. It was cold, but beautiful.
More people go to Milford Sound because it’s easier to access than Doubtful, and I am sure it is wonderful. We booked late and this was the overnight cruise available. We were happy with this choice and loved Fiordland. This is one of the most expensive excursions we did in New Zealand, about $800NZ pp, but it included three meals and overnight accommodations and we loved it.
Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, South Island
hobbiton
Even if you’re not a Lord of the Rings fan, Hobbiton is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions. Once you arrive at the filming site of New Zealand’s biggest movie franchise, you’re immersed in the experience for the entire two hour tour. You walk all around Hobbiton, past cute houses devoted to cheese mongering, dress making, and more. As of late 2023, you can even explore the inside of a Hobbit house, trying out the bed and bath! The level of detail is incredible.
After a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, you can easily imagine that Sam and Frodo are going to walk around the corner. At $120NZ per person for the two hour tour, it is pricey, and that was the least expensive offering. The more involved options include feasts and dinners for a lot more money. Still, we considered it money well spent. At Hobbiton, they exercise lots of effort to give everyone a fun experience.
Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road, Matamata, Waikato, North Island
Check out some of New Zealand’s quirkiest attractions
Waitangi treaty grounds
A highlight in The Bay of Islands, a visit to the treaty grounds includes a guided tour, museums, and a Maori performance. New Zealand’s most important historic site is a must if you’re in the Northland.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi, Bay of Islands, North Island
WOMAD
WOMAD was fantastic! While not a museum or historic site, it’s definitely a worthwhile tourist attraction and one of the best music festivals we’ve ever attended. It is held annually for one weekend in March in New Plymouth. You can go for a day, like we did, or buy a whole weekend pass. 100% would do again.
WOMAD New Zealand, New Plymouth, North Island
As you can probably tell, we loved New Zealand, partly due to the care the Kiwis take in their excellent tourist spots. For those who’ve been, share your top attractions in New Zealand in the comments. If you haven’t gotten there yet, where do you want to go first?
Share this:
The Doubtful Sound cruise sounds like it would be beautiful, though I am not a cruise person generally.
Fully agree to all of your recommendations. In addition, we would include:
A trip to Cape Reinga in the very north of the north island. The drive there is a 100km long highlight, and the short walking section with the many good explanation boards along the path is excellent.
Visit to the open air museum in the old harbour area of Oamaru and its highlight- the Steampunk Museum, where you can see, what crazy machinery can be driven by steam energy.
Just 2 additions, in case you visit next time 😉
Regards from Fiji, SY Lupina, Pia and Kobi
Ooh cool Kobi! We did go to Cape Reinga but missed Oamaru. Thanks for the recommendations 👍
There is so much to see in New Zealand. You made some very fine picks. WOMAD in New Plymouth is supposed to be amazing (and crowded). New Plymouth is one of my favourite cities and has heaps of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. I’ll may be going back in several weeks for the Winter Light Festival.
Oh Rhonda, WOMAD is amazing. We didn’t find it crowded compared to other music festivals, and the vibe is the best. New Plymouth is really lovely too. I think the hardest thing is finding accommodations, but with our campervan it was easy. Enjoy the Winter Light Festival! I heard it was great!
I’ve never heard of the Doubtful Sound — looks so beautiful!
It is beautiful, Melissa. And because it’s difficult to get there, it’s virtually untouched. Hopefully you can visit someday!
Looks like there are multiple must-see spots to visit. Hobbiton is at the top of my list followed by all of the museums and nature.