Condé Nast TravelerOct 29, 2026
Planning Your First Trip to New Zealand? Here's Where to Go
Plus, our recommendations for how long to stay.
23 things in this story
- Dark Sky ProjectMuseumIndoor experience brings Māori astronomy and science together.
- Mount John ObservatorySightSummit Experience for nighttime stargazing.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkSightExcursion from Lake Tekapo.
- Cairns Alpine Resort’s Alpine LodgesHotelInspiration from musterers’ huts with two bedrooms and kitchen.
- Elsewhere
- Lake TaupoSightTaupo, New ZealandTake a boat or kayak trip to Māori rock carvings.
- AostaRestaurantArrowtown, New ZealandNorthern Italian cooking using Central Otago produce.
- AyrburnSightArrowtown, New ZealandFormer 150-acre farm with restaurants in restored buildings.
- Billy’sRestaurantArrowtown, New ZealandServes modern Chinese food in the original homestead.
- Arrowtown HouseHotelArrowtown, New ZealandSmall boutique hotel in town, easy walk to dinner.
- Millbrook ResortHotelArrowtown, New ZealandResort feel with apartments, rooms, and a spa.
- Huka FallsSightTaupo, New ZealandWater forces its way through a narrow rock channel.
- Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori rock carvingsSightTaupo, New ZealandStriking example of contemporary Māori art.
- Poronui Safari CampHotelTaupo, New ZealandTwo canvas tents beside the Mohaka River.
- City GalleryMuseumWellington, New ZealandReopening has moved it up the list.
- PuffinRestaurantWellington, New ZealandOn the list for a glass of natural wine.
- RitaRestaurantWellington, New ZealandKnown for its changing set dinners.
- Super RitaRestaurantWellington, New ZealandDaytime deli, expected to open early next year.
- The Intrepid HotelHotelWellington, New Zealand18 rooms in Te Aro, near Cuba Street.
- Lake Te AnauSightTe Anau, New ZealandGlowworm caves across the lake.
- ManapouriSightTe Anau, New ZealandStarting point for route to Doubtful Sound.
- Huka LodgeHotelTaupo, New Zealand
- Milford SoundSightTe Anau, New Zealand
- Doubtful SoundSightTe Anau, New Zealand