Top 10 places to have on your New Zealand bucket list

Despite being a reasonably small country, Aotearoa New Zealand offers so much to do that even on a 12-month working holiday, you’d struggle to see absolutely everything. Since you’ll have to prioritise where to spend your time, here are the top 10 places not to be missed (listed in no specific order). My suggestions for the ultimate New Zealand bucket list trip are based on my own working holiday: places I wish I could go back to again and places I still think about to this day.

1. Northland

It’s a shame that few travellers make the journey north of Auckland, as they are missing out on a region so rich in history and culture. This is one of the places where I felt most like I was truly seeing New Zealand and having experiences unique to this country. For example, walking through ancient kauri forests or learning about the importance of sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cape Reinga to the Māori people. If you want to get off the beaten track and develop a real understanding of the country’s history, the Northland should be on your bucket list.

2. Rotorua

While the South Island is known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife, the North Island stands out for strong Māori culture and geothermal activity. Rotorua delivers on both, which is why everyone should have Rotorua on their list of North Island must-dos. Explore the various geysers, hot springs and volcanic lakes unique to the area—if you only have time for one geothermal site, Wai-O-Tapu is the best all-rounder. Visit a living Māori village, where local Māori residents welcome you into their home and teach you about their way of life and customs that they have maintained for hundreds of years.

3. Hobbiton

New Zealand has become synonymous with The Lord of the Rings and you can be part of the movie magic with a tour of the Middle Earth film set, Hobbiton. Don’t rule this activity out if you aren’t a LOTR fan; I never read the books or watched the films but Hobbiton still ranks as one of my top memories from my working holiday! It’s incredibly fun hearing the behind-the-scenes stories and taking ample photos in the Hobbit houses. Plus, the surrounding scenery of the New Zealand countryside is stunning. Note that if you are a LOTR fan, you should add the Wētā Workshop in Auckland or Wellington as another must-do.

4. The Coromandel

One of the reasons I fell in love with the North Island was because it had a bit of everything; as well as big cities and geothermal activity, it can still deliver on spectacular landscapes, just like the South Island. The Coromandel is one of the North Island’s standouts for epic nature: pristine beaches, rugged coastline, native rainforest, dramatic mountains and gorges, and old mining caves all in one peninsula. It’s a chance to really connect with the land, not just through hiking but also with opportunities to snorkel, kayak, wildlife watch, mountain bike, and more. Don’t miss the main highlights of Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

5. Tongariro

Disclaimer: I did not manage the Tongariro Crossing during my working holiday. It was winter when I travelled around the North Island, and you can’t attempt the crossing if you don’t have winter hiking experience. It’s the one thing I regret missing out on, and everyone I know who has completed this world-famous trek confirmed it was worth the effort. The scenery is otherworldly—you’ll see everything from lava rocks and active craters to emerald lakes and LOTR’s Mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe in real life).

6. Milford Sound

Heading to the South Island now on the list, I’ll start with my favourite place on the island, Milford Sound. It calls itself the country’s most spectacular natural wonder, and I completely agree. The mountains and waterfalls that tower over this fjord are so impressive, as is the fact the cliffs have been formed by glaciers over thousands of years. Milford Sound is one of those moments where you feel grateful to Mother Nature to exist in a lifetime where such landscapes are not a dream, but a reality we can actually visit.

7. Kaikoura

One of the biggest draws of New Zealand that we haven’t fully covered yet is its wildlife. Thanks to its geographic isolation from the rest of the world, the country is home to species that you can only see here in New Zealand. We talk about wildlife spotting more in New Zealand wildlife: What to expect and where to go wildlife spotting. Kaikoura is one of the best places for wildlife spotting because you can tick off multiple species in one short visit. You are pretty much guaranteed to see albatross, fur seals and sperm whales year-round, as well as blue penguins, orcas and other types of dolphins in the warmer months.

8. Akaroa

Akaroa is another town easily overlooked by travellers who stick to the South Island’s bigger cities like Queenstown and Christchurch, but it’s included on my list for two main reasons. The first is that Akaroa is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see the rare Hector’s dolphin. You can also usually see whales, seals and seabirds here, too. The second is because Akaroa is a former French settlement, offering a slice of home for any Europeans feeling homesick during their working holiday. You will be transported by the architecture and cuisine to a pretty French village, a world away from any of your other New Zealand experiences.

9. Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo has the brightest turquoise water you’ll probably ever see. It is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, meaning there is a good chance of stargazing or even seeing the southern lights here. The village is small (around 500 residents), and it felt like time stood still when I stayed here; pure peace and quiet, no stress. Tekapo has something for everyone—you can relax in the hot springs or go for an adrenaline-fuelled 4×4 tour. You can learn how to fish or hunt, ride horses, or tour a working farm. Essentially, it’s got everything New Zealand has to offer in one small area, without too many crowds!

10. Mount Cook

Closing out the New Zealand bucket list is one of the top national parks in the country, Aoraki Mount Cook. Part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, there are hiking trails for all abilities open year-round. You can even hike on the glaciers in winter! From July-September, you can ski the extraordinary Tasman glacier. Aoraki Mount Cook is made up of glacial valleys and alpine landscapes, and also holds the record for the country’s highest mountain peaks. The best of the park’s scenery can be found on the popular Hooker Valley hike.