Group of people standing on an icy glacier with a helicopter flying nearby at Franz Josef.

The Top 10 New Zealand Experiences

At New Zealand Package Holidays, we know that finding the truly exceptional experiences can be challenging. Forget all the other top 10 lists you've seen, because we have curated a list of the very best that New Zealand has to offer. These are the experiences that we have personally tried and tested, and we believe they deserve to be at the top. From luxurious adventures to immersing yourself in rich Māori culture, you can trust us to provide an unforgettable journey.
At New Zealand Package Holidays, we understand that every traveller seeks a unique and exceptional experience. With our expertise and local knowledge, we ensure that every aspect of your journey is extraordinary. Let us help you create memories that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Person in red jacket holding rope, standing between ice walls on a helihike.

1: Tasman Glacier Helihike

Hike and explore the 'white ice' of New Zealand's longest glacier at Aoraki Mount Cook. Heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier with Alpine Guides offers easy access to the realm of the mountaineer.

With your professional glacier guide, you will fly high onto the “white ice” of New Zealand's longest and largest glacier – the mighty Tasman (Huapapa)

Three people in traditional Maori attire performing a haka, with facial moko tattoos, holding wooden sticks, in front of a fire, surrounded by forest and carved wood structures.

2: TE PĀ TŪ Evening Cultural Experience

Journey into the heart of Māori culture, an experience you will never forget!

Journey back to a time of proud Māori warriors and ancient traditions during the Evening Experience. This is New Zealand’s most award-winning cultural attraction and was voted Top 10 in the World by TripAdvisor.

From Tamaki Gathering Place in town, you’ll be chauffeured to the ancient forest village at Tawa-ngāhere-pā, where the land, its people, and their spirit come to life.

Sailing ship on a fjord with a waterfall in the background in Milford Sound, New Zealand.

3: Overnight in Milford Sound

Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up to dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. It’s the ultimate Milford Sound experience!

Silhouette of person standing under a starry night sky with the Milky Way visible.

4: Big Sky Stargazing

Experienced guides will introduce you to the beautiful southern night sky with a full hour tour, using the naked eye, astro-binoculars and state-of-the-art 14″ and 11″ astronomy telescopes. Unleash your imagination as you discover our neighbourhood in the universe including the Southern Cross, seasonal ecliptic objects, planets, planets, stunning star clusters, moons, distant galaxies and even our very own galaxy, the spectacular Milky Way.

The TranzAlpine train on a railway station platform in front of snow-capped mountains.

5: Tranzalpine Rail Journey

Explore the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train - one of the world's great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way and taking just under 5 hours. The TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island.

Silhouetted figures in front of a waterfall at night, surrounded by greenery and trees Rotorua.

6: Nocturnal Glow-Worm Tour

After a walk through the darkness of the native forest you will be guided by the sound of running water. Towering banks will rise up around you and if you turn your flashlights off you will not be disappointed. Literally thousands of glowworms are lit up like the night sky, forming their own constellations all around you. Experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars.

The Wānaka Tree with snow-capped mountains and bare trees, during twilight.

7: Arrowtown Wānaka Highlights Tour

Taking in the best bits of the region: historic Arrowtown, stunning Wānaka, the Crown Range New Zealand’s highest paved road, the world-famous Cardrona Hotel, and the Instagram favourite, The Wānaka Tree.

Group of people kayaking on a mountain river, wearing red life jackets with "Dart River Adventures" logo, surrounded by trees and rocks, snowy peaks in the background.

8: Funyaks

This unmissable Funyaks experience begins with the thrill of a wilderness jet boat ride, then allows you to get even closer to the untouched wilderness with an unforgettable float downstream on our inflatable Funyak canoes.

Explore the dramatic landscape of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Area – an untouched natural wonderland - with its pristine waters, hidden side streams and the ancient Rockburn chasm.

Quaint hobbit-style house with round yellow door, small arched windows, grassy roof, surrounded by lush greenery and wooden fence. Features a mailbox and garden tools near entrance.

9: Hobbiton Movie Set

Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey on a short bus ride through the unequivocal beauty of the land.

A vibrant turquoise lake surrounded by lush green forest and rocky cliffs, with steam rising from one side, suggesting geothermal activity.

10: Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise

Geothermal features at Waimangu are awesome. There is a huge amount of volcanic energy driving the Geothermal System. This energy comes from a large magma chamber which is approximately 2.0km below the Valley. The magma superheats the geothermal aquifer ( fluids trapped within the earth). Fluid from the aquifer finds its way to the surface along dykes (cracks and fissures) formed during the eruption in 1886. Frying Pan Lake is the largest hot water spring in the World, by surface area, and the second largest hot spring by discharge.

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