Top 10 Things to Do in in New Zealand (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else)

There’s no place in the world quite like New Zealand. From skateboardable volcanoes to glowworm caves that light up like the Milky Way, you’ll find yourself experiencing it first-hand—especially from the comfort of your Thrifty rental car, which gives you an affordable and easily bookable way of making your NZ dreams come true. Here are ten experiences to put on your dream list. 

1. Explore the Glowworm Caves of Waitomo

The Waitomo Caves are like stepping into another world. Inside, thousands of tiny glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa, found only in New Zealand) light up the dark like a starry night sky. You’ll float quietly through the cave on a boat, gazing up at the glowing canopy as your guide shares stories of geology, biology and Māori legend. 

2. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Many people call Tongariro Alpine Crossing New Zealand’s greatest hike. You’ll cross a dramatic volcanic landscape filled with steaming vents, alpine meadows, red craters, and the dazzling Emerald Lakes. At 19.4km—taking a whole day to complete—this track isn’t easy, but it’s hard to find anything else like it. 

3. Skydive Over Queenstown

Skydiving can be done all around the world, but skydiving over Queenstown is like another world. On your way down, you’ll see snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and rugged valleys (if you can concentrate on anything but your own screams). 

4. Soak in Rotorua’s Geothermal Hot Springs

Rotorua is famous for its bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and naturally heated hot springs. But beyond the bubbles, it’s also a Māori cultural site. After kicking back in a steamy mineral pool, you can go see a cultural village, watch traditional performances, or feast on a traditional hāngī (earth oven meal).  

5. Visit Hobbiton in Matamata

There’s a reason Matamata was chosen as the film set for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies—it’s got a mystical charm only found in fantasy! Even if you’re not a fan of the films, wandering the still-intact film set, past perfectly round hobbit doors, is an experience unique to New Zealand. 

6. Cruise Through Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a body of water that snakes between misty mountains. Take a daytime cruise and marvel at the waterfalls, keeping an eye out for rare animals like the Fiordland Crested Penguin along the way. It’s vast, wild and untouched—which is why famous author Rudyard Kipling once called it ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. 

7. Drive the Crown Range Road

This steep and mountain pass from Queenstown to Wanaka is New Zealand’s highest sealed road. The views along the way are too good to be true, and it’s an easy way to take in the South Island landscape at its finest—without having to leave your rental car.. 

8. See the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki

Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks are one unusual sight. These layered limestone formations, shaped over millions of years, look like rocky stacks of pancakes—living up to their name. Add to that the natural blowholes that spurt seawater into the air during high tide, and you’ll be in the presence of something unique to this land. 

9. Stargaze at Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve

In New Zealand, the beauty goes beyond the land. Look up in the sky at the Aoraki Mackenzie region, and you’ll be immersed in an otherworldly display of stars. With its world-renowned Dark Sky Reserve status, minimal light pollution, and high elevation, it’s one of the best places on Earth to see the Milky Way, planets, and even the Southern Lights if you’re lucky. 

10. Paddle the Whanganui River

This may be the only place in the world where you can visit a river, and a person, in one. Whanganui River is legally considered a person, thanks to its cultural significance to the Māori people. As you float through in a canoe or boat, or just walk beside it, you’ll be experiencing ancient culture—as well as an unforgettable view. 

Only in New Zealand, Only With Thrifty

There’s a reason why people become so obsessed with New Zealand—and, with this guide, you’ve got at least ten reasons. Here, you can experience a land and culture that’s refreshingly its true self, thanks to many years of comfortable isolation from the rest of the world. And when you’ve got a Thrifty rental car, tracking down these life-changing destinations is not only easy, but affordable. Book your trip, followed by your ride, and see you down here!