Condé Nast TravelerOct 29
Planning Your First Trip to New Zealand? Here's Where to Go
Plus, our recommendations for how long to stay.
Glowworm caves across the lake.
23 things in this story
- Lake Te AnauSightGlowworm caves across the lake.
- ManapouriSightStarting point for route to Doubtful Sound.
- Milford SoundSight
- Doubtful SoundSight
- 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.
- Dark Sky ProjectMuseumLake Tekapo, New ZealandIndoor experience brings Māori astronomy and science together.
- Mount John ObservatorySightLake Tekapo, New ZealandSummit Experience for nighttime stargazing.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkSightLake Tekapo, New ZealandExcursion from Lake Tekapo.
- Cairns Alpine Resort’s Alpine LodgesHotelLake Tekapo, New ZealandInspiration from musterers’ huts with two bedrooms and kitchen.
- 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.
- Huka LodgeHotelTaupo, New Zealand