20 of the best new things to do in New Zealand this summer

So you’ve already finished the books you got for Christmas, and you’re sick of the beach.

Don’t worry – there’s plenty more to fill your days with. We’ve scouted Aotearoa from top to bottom for the best new attractions and activities that you should put on your summer bucket list.

Paihia Mountain Bikes is now offering private guided tours within the epic Waitangi Mountain Bike Park. While riding the tracks on one of their comfortable electric mountain bikes, you’ll also learn more about the history of the Bay of Islands, as well as the Māori stories behind the names of the tracks. The four-hour tour costs $250 per person (minimum two people).

Nemo the glass bottom boat joined Xtreme Jet Bay of Islands’ fleet last summer, and is back this season, taking visitors out to the Hole in the Rock. The two-hour boat ride costs $105 for adults and $69 children, or $310 family.

Rooftop tours are back at Auckland Museum this summer, giving you the opportunity to learn more about one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings while enjoying the views out over Waitematā Harbour, Mount Eden and beyond. Tours are an hour and cost $30 per person.

Also hit up one of the city’s new rooftop bars, like Bar Albert on the 38th floor of the – the highest rooftop bar in New Zealand – or Sunset on the top floor of .

The is now complete, with the final section of the 65km trail completed last month. Winding its way from Ngāruawāhia to Lake Karāpiro, following the mighty Waikato River, the trail can be experienced on two wheels or two feet, with boardwalks, bridges, picnic spots and stunning views to enjoy along the way.

Mauao Adventures have just launched a new Mountain to the Sea tour. The four-hour experience includes a paddle in a waka ama (outrigger canoe) in Pilot Bay, and a cultural walk of Mauao guided by tangata whenua and visiting special ancestral sites. You also get a lunch pack. Costs $255 for adults, $195 children.

The Coastal Arts Trail is New Zealand’s newest and largest arts experience, encompassing more than 60 art galleries, museums and open studios across the Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū regions. From well-known institutions to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Taupō Watersports has launched a brand-new boat ride this summer – a double banana boat, which seats up to 12. Their expert captains will tow you along the scenic waterfront, making for a very “appealing” experience. A 15-minute ride costs $25 per person.

State Highway 35 from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne makes for an epic road trip, and Tairāwhiti Gisborne has just released an interactive map for making the most of it, sharing all the must-sees, camping spots and pit stops (not to mention pie stops) to check out over a three-day itinerary.

Just 15 minutes from Hastings or Napier is Shed 530, Hawke’s Bay’s newest cellar door, offering their own wine as well as a curated range of boutique gin, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and sharing platters, with live music on weekends over the summer.

Nothing says summer like a field full of sunflowers, and this spectacular sea of gold can be found at Mangamaire, south of Pahīatua. From mid-January to mid-February they’ll be holding weekend open days, so you can bring a picnic and snap some photos, with pre-cut flowers to purchase. $8 entry (cash only), children under 12 free.

Wellington Chocolate Factory has expanded to a second location in the city, not far from Te Papa, where they sell their chocolate bars and serve up their famous hot chocolates – as well as soft serve ice creams for those warmer days. You can also book their Chocolatier Experience at this location, where you get to craft three of your own chocolate bars. This experience costs $60 per person.

This summer Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures is launching its new day sailing catamaran, ideal for sightseeing in Abel Tasman National Park. Dubbed “Power of Two”, the catamaran has an open viewing platform as well as plenty of covered seating, with room for 40 onboard. As a sailing vessel, it’s one of the most peaceful ways to experience the National Park. Various tours available.

Cloudy Bay is one of Marlborough’s most iconic wineries, and their stunning cellar door has just undergone a major revamp. Over the summer months you can dine on plates from Jack’s Raw Bar – freshly shucked oysters and Cloudy Bay clams make it a haven for seafood lovers.

A dual zipline is now on offer at the in Hokitika. At a height of 45m, and spanning 425m in length, you’ll fly through the rimu treetops, reaching speeds in excess of 60kph. Admission to the Treetop Walk and zipline costs $105 adults and $85 children, or $350 family.

is nestled on the slopes of the Port Hills, just a short drive from the city, offering cellar door snacks and lunches with a side of spectacular views. You can also stay in one of their two new vineyard retreats, set amongst the vines.

Akaroa Stargazing is the Banks Peninsula’s newest dark sky experience, based at the Akaroa Heritage Park. Private and group tours are on offer, where you’ll use binoculars, a telescope and the naked eye to spot some stellar sights. Costs $70 adults, $35 children for a group tour, or $220 for a minimum of two adults for a private tour ($90 per extra participant). They’re also launching a new 30-minute daytime tour where you can safely observe the sun through a solar telescope – costs $20 adults, $10 children.

Queenstown’s iconic Bathhouse Lakefront Restaurant has reopened its doors, now under the helm of prominent chef and restaurateur Ben Bayly. The menu is described as “nostalgic British meets modern New Zealand”, in a nod to the fact the building was built to commemorate the coronation of King George V in 1911 – think scotch eggs and knickerbocker glories.

has a thrilling new experience – the Taycan Takeoff, where a professional racecar driver takes you from zero to 100 in 2.4 seconds in the first all-electric Porsche. Costs $129 ($25 per additional passenger, takes up to three).

Ōtepoti is the place to go to treat yourself this summer. The city is now home to New Zealand’s second Cookie Time Cookie Bar (the other one is in Queenstown), where you can get your fix of their iconic cookies and specialty shakes. Also be sure to check out the new diner from – they already have a food truck and scoop shop, and now they have a home on George Street where you can sit down and enjoy burgers, thickshakes and desserts.

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Our southernmost city has a flash new hotel, The Langlands, which boasts 78 rooms and suites. It’s also a one-stop shop for foodies, with five eateries and bars – including a top-floor bar, perfect for enjoying those late-night summer sunsets.