Your guide to New Zealand's best nature and outdoor experiences
New Zealand is ranked among the best places in the world for outdoor activities. From high-adrenaline adventures to off-the-grid escapes, world-class hiking trails to dark sky reserves, the outdoors is always within reach.
Take a walk on the wild sideDiscover New Zealand's top hiking and walking tracks, from short scenic strolls to legendary multi-day Great Walks.Jump to hikes and walks
Nature looks better from the waterKayak, sail, paddle or raft — explore New Zealand's coastlines and inland rivers and lakes.New Zealand coastal and water activities
Meet the localsSpot native birds, whales, dolphins and more. New Zealand is home to some of the world's rarest wildlife.New Zealand nature and wildlife
Epic New Zealand landscapesFrom subtropical beaches to glacier valleys, discover the landscapes that make New Zealand unforgettable.New Zealand landscapes
Take a walk on the wild side New Zealand hiking and walking trails
New Zealand is home to some of the world's most scenic hiking trails, from quick coastal loops to multi-day backcountry adventures.
Short walks: easy to reach, hard to forget
New Zealand's many short walks are perfect for road trip stopovers or day excursions. Explore coastal walkways and ancient native forests or stretch your legs beside alpine lakes. There's a trail for all fitness levels.
New Zealand Great Walks
The Great Walks are New Zealand's top multi-day hikes. These nine legendary trails traverse the country's most stunning landscapes. Expect untamed beaches, alpine passes, dense forests, and epic views.
Nature looks better from the water New Zealand coastal and water activities
Thousands of kilometres of coastline, island-dotted waters and pristine lakes and rivers.
Whether you're seeking serenity or adventure, New Zealand's coastlines and inland waterways deliver. Kayak through hidden coves, sail to remote islands, or paddleboard across still alpine lakes.
After more adrenaline? Tackle whitewater rapids, jet boat through river canyons, or surf uncrowded ocean breaks. From relaxed beach days to high-energy thrills, the water is where your New Zealand story begins.
Top New Zealand water activities
Island hopping and sailing
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Surfing and beach life
Meet the locals (the furry, feathered and finned ones) New Zealand nature and wildlife
New Zealand's wildlife is as unique as its landscapes — from the iconic Kiwi bird to spectacular marine life.
New Zealand is a haven for nature lovers — where you can spot rare birds in native forest, or watch whales breach just offshore.
New Zealand wildlife highlights
• Bird watching New Zealand has a diverse bird life, including the famous New Zealand kiwi.
• Whale watching Kaikōura in the South Island is known for its marine life, particularly whale watching.
• Penguin spotting There are a number of places to spot penguins, but our top pick is just south of Dunedin on the Otago Peninsula where you'll find the Hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin.
Epic New Zealand landscapes
With a rich geological history, New Zealand packs a world of landscapes into one country. From fjords to geothermal terraces, here's where to find the most unforgettable natural wonders.
RotoruaNew Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, creating geysers, hot pools, and volcanic plateaus. Rotorua is home to active geothermal fields, geysers, hot springs and mud pools.Visit Rotorua
Milford SoundNew Zealand's glaciers and fjords are nature's grand spectacle. A quick trip from Invercargill or Queenstown, Milford Sound is a glacial fjord where sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls meet crystal clear waters.Visit Fiordland National Park
Stewart Island / RakiuraNew Zealand is home to several dark sky reserves — perfect for stargazing. Stewart Island, just off the South Island and accessible via Invercargill, offers some of the clearest night skies in the world.Visit Stewart Island
Aoraki/Mount CookNew Zealand's mountain ranges offer dramatic scenery across both islands. Mount Cook boasts the highest peak, glacier-fed lakes, and stargazing skies. Stay in Timaru for coastal charm, then head inland for an unforgettable alpine escape.Visit Timaru