Things To Do In New Zealand

Whether you're looking for a treasure on a pirate's island or just looking for a park big enough to drain their relentless energy, I’ve got your itinerary sorted.

The Urban List guide to the absolute best things to do in Wellington. 

Ōtautahi is an absolute gem of a city—there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load! So go get out there and explore it with our list of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

As per usual, mighty Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is pulling out all the stops. Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, and this year. 

Arts and culture capital of Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara is packed with an epic lineup of things to do.

You’ve made it—the weekend’s here and she’s a vibe

Welcome to the most fabulous corner of the internet—Urban List's destination for the picks of the beauty crop. This month, our fave haircare has a glow up, there's new scents galore, indie brands are having a *moment* and a new immersive beauty space. 

Whether you’re heading to Queenstown for a ski getaway or to dance the night away with your pals, we’ve done the research and found the very best hotels.

We’ve rounded up a list of the best Airbnbs in Queenstown to make that dream holiday a reality…

Whether you love getting amongst the arts, prefer to eat your way around town, or headbang into the night, Ōtautahi's got something for you. Here are the best events happening in Christchurch in 2025. 

Walking is one of the best ways to make the most of the City of Sails. So grab some sturdy shoes, make use of the kauri dieback wash stations and get amongst the beautiful coastlines, stunning waterfalls, urban strolls and native bush.

From free playgrounds to rainy-day museums, here are the best things to do with kids in Wellington.

Decision fatigue? Not on our watch—especially when our plans have *finally* made it out of the group chat and into the city.

No matter your budget—from cheap and cheerful to total baller—there’s all manner of top-tier eateries to sink your teeth into.

From boutique to five-star luxury we've scoured town for la crème de la crème, so without further ado, here are the best hotels in Auckland.

Does life feel so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone? Check out these romantic getaways and magical retreats within driving (or ferry) distance from Auckland.

Whether you’re out for a veggie deal, are craving some homemade treats, or just want to support local grassroots creatives, Wellington’s market scene has got you.

Olivia Dean is returning Down Under in October 2026 to kick off our spring season with her honey-sweet vocals and soul-filled lyrics. Touring her upcoming album The Art of Loving, the singer has just announced her Australia and New Zealand tour dates. Here are all the details.

Ho, ho, holy snowball. December is nearly here and it's time to get our Christmas party on. Is it just us, or did this year really sneak up on us?

Euro summer FOMO hitting hard? Not on our watch. No, seriously, we’ve got our alarms set—and our city hitlists stacked—to pounce on the next suite of Singapore Airlines’ special fares for Europe 2026. 

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too. Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

The queen of pop-rap herself, Doja Cat, is coming to Australia and New Zealand later this year with the Ma Vie World Tour.

Beyond Japan’s neon-soaked cities and 7-Eleven snack havens lies a world of unspoiled trails, steamy onsens, and wellness stays sure to transport you into a world of utter zen.

 Next-gen artists lighting up the city, tropical islands, ancient rainforests and sun-soaked afternoons await.

Your go-to guide for maximising your time on-board.

Dreaming of a European escape but don’t have the time (or budget) to hop on a long-haul flight? Good news—some of Aotearoa’s most stunning spots give serious Euro vibes.

With the colder nights calling for a tipple that warms from within, what better way to celebrate New Zealand’s Rum Month than with some tasteful takes on well, rum.

Pampering yourself doesn’t come much better than a sleek set of nails. 

We’ve taken the hard yards out of scoping out the very best massage places in Auckland, so that you can sit back and slip right into a state of bliss. Toodles, tension. 

It's the time of year when we resolve to go harder, to be better, to move faster, and to get stronger—no wait, that might just be Daft Punk. In any case, here's our ultimate guide to Auckland's best gyms. 

Here are eight epic day trips from Auckland for you to tick off one by one.

Invercargill may get a bad rap but once you start exploring this southern extreme of New Zealand, you soon realise just how much there is to love. 

One of the side effects of becoming the Editor of Urban List is friends and strangers alike are always sliding into my DMs asking for recs (which I dig, by the way—she loves a flex). So I decided I should really be spilling my secrets here, for all of you, too. 

A bunch of workshops have popped up all over Auckland with every kind of class imaginable.

Let's get one thing straight—pilates may be a great tool for rehab but that doesn't mean it's cruisy.

From quaint Cotswoldian farmers' markets, quietly trading beneath Gothic grandeur, to sleepy seaside towns and suburbs swapping crafts every Saturday. We’re gonna take a wander, you and I, and you’ll want to pack your pocket money. ‘Cause these are the Best Markets in all of Otautahi Christchurch (and slightly beyond).

Sick of being a passive bystander in a movie theatre? Perhaps it’s time to become the lead in your own story.

If you reckon yourself pretty logical, or maybe you’re the team’s creative, or even you’re the one who’ll touch every single thing in sight just to see if something will happen, tag a team together to conquer these Christchurch Escape Rooms.

While your Spotify may be overflowing with a cracking collection of music, nothing beats the sweet, sweet sound of live music.

You don't have to break the bank to have a good time this winter—check out our list of budget-friendly getaways and festivals across the country. 

For tasty kai with bangin' views, make a beeline for the Auckland Viaduct. 

The Bay of Plenty boasts some of the best sun, sea and sand that New Zealand has to offer. Tucked away along the coveted coastline is Tauranga, home to the iconic Mauao volcano and dreamy Mount Maunganui beach. Affectionately termed “the Mount” by locals, this seaside gem offers watersports for the adventurous, festivals for the free-spirited and mouth-watering eats for the foodies.

Quirky urban cool, natural wonders, arty happenings and more than a few places to quench your thirst, Dunedin is full of contrasts and curiosities.

There’s something about dancing I just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s dancing in the moonlight, dancing in the dark or dancing in the rain, there really is nothing greater.

From the top-notch suggestions you sent our way, we’ve rounded up the non-negotiable places to visit in Fiji.

Your guide on where to eat, stay and play on a Gold Coast adventure.

We sent writer Vicki Young to check out The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station. 

How Pairama Wright found connection to his Māori heritage through food, and the magic of a one-tin traybake.

Matariki a.k.a. Māori New Year is just around the corner (Friday 20 June to be exact). A time of reflection and new beginnings, Aotearoa is busting out all the stops with a treasure trove of ways to celebrate.

Let’s be honest, Mother Nature is one amazing lady. She’s the mastermind behind some of life’s finest things: beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests…the list goes on. 

Dubbed The Tron, Hamilton is a vibrant city with countless experiences to uncover. From adventurous activities and epic eats to natural wonders and zen retreats, there’s something for locals and visitors alike. Here are the very best Hamilton attractions.

Battling with guy ropes, losing pegs and trying to figure out where you should even position the damn thing makes tenting not a walk in the park. But never fear—fallouts and deflating air beds will become a thing of the past when you get your glamping pants on. 

Given Aotearoa is perched on the Pacific Ring Of Fire, it's no wonder Kiwis have an affinity with hot water. How lucky we are then to have an almost endless supply of spots across the country to satisfy our need for a soak, be it a man-made hot pool or hot tub, or a natural hot spring.

Whether you'd love to spend your weekend gazing at art-adorned walls with a quizzical look on your face thinking ‘what the heck is that!?’ or simply elevate your mind by marvelling at stunning artwork then we have found the best places for you.

Ahhh brunch, the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch we just can’t get enough of, which is lucky because the brunch game is strong in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Whether you’re after a healthy meal, a culinary cure after exploring Queenstown’s best bars, or fuel for a day of adventure, there’s something for every brunch or lunch occasion at Queenstown's best cafes. 

If you’re curious about anything (or everything), get yourself along to one of Auckland’s many incredible museums and prepare to expand your mind. From ancient relics to impressive architecture, lush outdoors to lifeforms past and present, Auckland has no shortage of intriguing historic collections to get amongst.

We’ve done the research and know the must-visit restaurants in QT, so read on for the best restaurants in Queenstown.

As the adage goes, if the zombie apocalypse comes after leg day, the ‘fittest’ will be the first ones to go. That said, when your survival odds rest on your ability to head for the hills (and actually make it there), it makes sense to put the leg work in today.

Although we may have reluctantly come to terms with the fact that we don’t possess the golfing prowess of Lydia Ko or Rory McIIroy, it doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy an 18-hole game from time to time.

We caught up with the Kiwi sports team of the moment, the Black Ferns, to talk game day routines, mental health and pump-up tunes. 

This is your one-stop money-saving guide to ensure you stay on track with your finances while you study. 

Whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a little somethin' somethin' this ANZAC Friday, there's loads to choose from. 

Our guide to the shows you simply must hit in the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival. 

We called on you—our tasteful readers—to give us all the goss on what should be at the top of our list on a trip to Fiji.

If there’s one day that can trigger the battle of the high teas it’s Mother’s Day, and this year is no exception.

If you’re anything like us, you know that one of life’s greatest pleasures is trawling through a bookstore to discover your next read.

Your guide to finding more soul-nourishing moments in 2025.

Auckland's a pretty fun place to grow up. Not only do we have world-class beaches on our doorstep and all the usual family-friendly tropes like a zoo, arcades, and a museum, there's also a host of city exclusives like our very own marine reserve to swim around, a Wonka-esque sugar factory to explore and of course, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere (which, btw, kids over 10 can even jump off!).

Queenstown is famous for its jaw-dropping landscapes, and while the Great Walks get all the hype, there are plenty of other incredible trails that deserve a spot on your to-do list.

From anniversaries and honeymoons, to family reunions and birthdays, there’s one special spot that caters for every important milestone—Singapore.

Steeped in culture and brimming with world-class hotels, Michelin-starred street eats, a vibing nightlife and sun-kissed islands, Singapore is worthy of so much more than just a few hours between flights.

Between the gleaming skyscrapers and perfectly manicured gardens lies a paradise for savvy travellers. Let's dive in, shall we? 

Forget the total routine overhaul, in 2025 we're making small changes that stack up to a better year. 

The warmer weather is here, and that means it’s the season for lavender to bloom. Here are the best farms across New Zealand where you can stroll amongst the fields, take a picture for the gram and pick your own lavender. Hot tip: pop a few flowers into your next glass of champagne.

Stockholm is sort of an archipelago city. Dozens of islands and little urban peninsulas divided by oceanic canals that freeze solid in mid-winter. Bridges are a big deal here.

One of the best things about Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the fact that writing a list of the best beaches within a region is absolutely possible.

Renowned for serving up the best in spirit-stacked sips, creative mastermind, and a-lister in the bartending scene Alastair Walker is set to hit Ōtautahi to host an epic night of all things shaken and stirred. 

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a special occasion, or you just wanna spoil someone (but also yourself!), high tea is always the answer. Lucky for us, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has no shortage of spots serving up a swanky high tea with alllll the treats, including tea, cake, and if you're lucky, a cheeky glass of bubbles.

Though long viewed as a luxury destination—cue over indulgence and splashing of cash—Waiheke is literally awash in great options to have you out and about and enjoying the land in many different ways, all without breaking the bank.

Myland & Co is a day retreat that's definitely worth forking out for. 

If you’re a bit of a tramping fiend, chances are you’ve lowkey got your eye on crossing off all of the New Zealand Great Walks. If you haven’t done the Routeburn yet, it should be high on your list. 

​Auckland is a mecca for hair salons and when it comes to choosing “the one”, selecting a hairdresser to entrust with your precious locks is a big freakin’ deal.

After a long morning walk and a day spent lounging lakeside, a bar hop chasing the sun seems the next appropriate step.

There’s a lot to love about music festivals in the Aotearoa summer. Racing between stages, dancing like no one’s watching, and snapping up some epic memories. 

We caught up with Hāmiora Bailey, director of Auckland Pride 2025 to pick their brains on the festival and all their favourite spots in the Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

These are the best festivals hitting Aotearoa this summer. 

Renowned for his ability to serve the best Kiwi cuisine, ex-MasterChef New Zealand judge Simon Gault has built his reputation through a love of pushing boundaries and celebrating local ingredients.