TripAdvisor’s top New Zealand experiences for 2024

TripAdvisor has just revealed its top ten New Zealand experiences for 2024, making it easier than ever to navigate the overwhelming number of tours and activities the country has to offer. Whether you’ve been dreaming of ziplining through the lush Rotorua Forest canopy or taking in the breathtaking views on a flight cruise over Milford Sound, these experiences are sure to satisfy every type of traveller.

Each of these activities has earned a spot in the coveted “best of the best” category, having won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award by consistently receiving rave reviews from the community. We’ve taken a closer look to discover what makes these top ten experiences truly exceptional.

1. Rotorua Forest Ziplining

Rotorua Canopy Tours offers an exhilarating journey through ancient native forests on their original forest ziplining adventure. Glide through towering trees and traverse high-flying swing bridges that offer breathtaking views of the lush canopy below. With tours running from early morning to evening, you can easily fit this unforgettable experience into your travel itinerary. Located just a short five-minute drive from Rotorua township, the tour is both accessible and convenient.

As you zip through the forest, knowledgeable guides will share insights into the region’s rich history and diverse wildlife, enhancing your appreciation of the ecosystem. This small-group tour ensures personalised attention, allowing you to engage with your guides and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect this natural treasure.

To capture your adventure, the tour includes complementary photos, so you can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about your phone or camera.

2. Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Prepare for a wildlife-packed morning you won’t forget. The Akaroa Dolphins catamaran takes you on a smooth yet thrilling journey around the harbour, offering prime views of rare Hector’s dolphins, white-flippered penguins, fur seals, and a host of other ocean wildlife.

With its twin-hulled design, the catamaran is more stable than a single-hulled boat and provides ample deck space for you to move around and find the best vantage points. Akoroa Dolphins is one of only two operators with a year-round permit to view marine mammals in the harbour, so you can enjoy your adventure knowing you’ve chosen an ethically responsible tour.

As you cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour, sip on a complimentary glass of local wine or beer, soaking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful area.

3. Full Day Milford Sound Tour

Your day kicks off with a morning pickup from Te Anau or Manapouri, followed by a scenic drive to the stunning Milford Sound. The adventure begins with stops at Bluegum Bay, the gateway to the Milford Track, and Eglinton Valley, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Earl and Livingston mountains.

Next up, stroll along the boardwalk at Mirror Lakes, where you’ll encounter beech forests, wetland pools, and the 45th South Parallel, marking the halfway point between the equator and the South Pole. The journey continues to Marian Cascade and Hollyford Lookout for more awe-inspiring scenery, followed by a bushwalk to the top of the cascade. Then, enjoy a break at Gunn’s Camp, where you can have a bite to eat for morning tea and explore the historic museum and gift shop – perfect for picking up a few souvenirs.

As you approach the 1200 metre-long Homer Tunnel, keep an eye out for keas, the curious native parrots. Drive through the Cleddau Valley to the Chasm, where you’ll witness the impressive rock formations carved by the Cleddau River, and catch a glimpse of Mount Tutoko, the highest peak in Fiordland. The grand finale is a cruise around Milford Sound. Keep your camera ready as you might spot dolphins, fur seals, and penguins. After an unforgettable day, you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation’s doorstep, filled with memories of Milford Sound’s best sights.

4. White Water Rafting on the Kaituna River

Calling all adventure addicts! Get ready to conquer some of the best rafting waters in New Zealand on this half-day tour with Rotorua Rafting. After a thorough safety briefing and a few expert tips from your guides, you’ll gear up and hit the river.

Drift through a dramatic river canyon, surrounded by the lush beauty of New Zealand’s subtropical forests. The river eases you in with some gentle rapids before you glide under cascading waterfalls, leading up to the ultimate thrill: the seven-metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

With your river guides by your side, you’ll tackle rapids and two more falls as you navigate the river’s twists and turns. After the adrenaline rush, head back to the Rotorua Rafting’s tour hub for a hot shower and a chance to relive your epic adventure with a slideshow of professional photos from the ride on the big screen.

5. Hobbiton Sets and Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your Auckland accommodation in the Auckland Scenic Tours van, setting off through the scenic Bombay Hills and Hauraki Plains to reach the iconic Lord of the Rings Hobbiton filming locations, nestled on a sheep farm hidden in the hills.

After lunch, you’ll make your way to the magical Waitomo glow worm caves. These caves are home to sparkling bioluminescent glow worms that create a dazzling natural light show. A boat ride through the caverns offers the perfect vantage point to soak in this mesmerising spectacle.

Next, explore the Cathedral Cave on foot, renowned for its impressive size and remarkable acoustics. Here, a Māori guide will share fascinating stories and insights into the area’s rich history and legends. The journey back to Auckland takes you along the Waikato River, passing a sacred Māori burial ground, adding a meaningful touch to the day’s adventures.

6. Kayak Cathedral Cove

Meet your group and Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours guide on the pristine sands of Hahei Beach, ready to dive into the natural wonders of the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, known in Māori as Te Whanganui-a-Hei. Film buffs might recognise this breathtaking landscape from the opening scenes of the second ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ movie: the beaches and towering forests are just as magical in person.

As you paddle through the marine reserve, you’ll have the chance to explore sea caves, rock formations, and islands up close from your kayak. The reserve is teeming with marine life, so keep an eye out for stingrays, dolphins, and a variety of fish species.

With a maximum of eight people per group, this small tour ensures plenty of personal interaction with your guide, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the area’s rich history. Midway through, you’ll stop at Cathedral Cove for a break, where you can warm up with hot chocolates, cappuccinos, and cookies before heading back out on the water to continue your adventure.

7. Nocturnal Glow Worm Cave Adventure

Discover Rotorua’s enchanting glow worm caves under the cover of darkness with Real Rotorua. This tour offers a convenient, local alternative to the popular Waitomo Caves. If you’re staying in Rotorua, you’ll join a small group and guide to venture into the native bush at night, following the sound of running water to embankments where thousands of glow worms make their home.

Once you reach the glow worm site, you’ll be asked to turn off all your lights, leaving you surrounded by the bioluminescent glow of these tiny creatures clinging to the towering rocks above.

The walk is about two kilometres, mostly flat and easy, with a relaxed pace so everyone can soak in the night-time wildlife sounds and the serene atmosphere of the bush. Along the way, you’re likely to encounter more than just glow worms: keep an eye out for possums, wallabies, and enjoy the calls of the native morepork bird, adding a natural soundtrack to your nocturnal adventure.

8. Milford Sound Cruise and Fly

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound from both air and water on this half-day tour. Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Queenstown aboard Glenorchy Air‘s 13-seater plane, soaring over snow-capped peaks, pristine forests, and clear waters as you journey deep into Fiordland National Park. Upon landing at Milford Sound, your guide will escort you to the boat ramp for the next leg of your adventure.

The nearly two-hour cruise around Milford Sound will take you past all the natural highlights, including the majestic Stirling and Bowen Falls, where you can feel the mist on your face as you stand beneath the spray. As you sail towards the edge of the Tasman Sea, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife: penguins, fur seals, and dolphins often make an appearance, adding to the magic of your journey across the Sound.

9. Cathedral Cove and Whitianga Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Discover the wonders of Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve on this eco tour with Glass Bottom Boats Whitianga, showcasing the best of both above and below the surface from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. Admire the iconic Cathedral Cove, explore sea caves, blowholes, and striking rock pinnacles without getting wet.

If you’re up for an adventure, snorkelling gear is provided so you can dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim among the vibrant fish. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, simply enjoy the underwater spectacle through the boat’s glass panels.

local guides will enrich your journey with fascinating insights into the area’s Māori and European heritage, the reserve’s wildlife and geology, and the conservation efforts ensuring its preservation for the future generations.

10. Waterfall Climbing in Wanaka

For adventurous travellers, this high-flying waterfall climb tour offers the ultimate thrill: the highest waterfall cable climb in the world. Challenge yourself with a level two climb up the cascading waterfalls of Wanaka, pushing your comfort zone and soaking in breathtaking views along the way.

No prior climbing experience is required, as a safety briefing and equipment checks will ensure you’re ready for the ascent. However, this tour is best suited for more sure-footed travellers who are comfortable with heights and a bit of a challenge.

Your climb involved a mix of steel ladders, footholds, and high, narrow rope bridges, guiding you up the rock faces and beside the waterfall. The intermediate level two climb ramps up from the level one climb, offering a steeper and more exhilarating path.

At the summit, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with your guide and climbing group, relaxing in the crisp mountain air and savouring the stunning views and the sense of achievement from your epic climb.

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