They say the best things in life are free… and here in New Zealand we definitely agree! Check out 30 free attractions you can’t afford to miss (see what we did there?) on your New Zealand trip…
North Island
Cape Reinga (Northland) – Explore the famous lighthouse and sand dunes… even try sandboarding!
90 Mile Beach (Northland) – Technically only 88 kilometres, but still pretty long, right? Luckily, you can drive down it.
Auckland Art Gallery (Auckland) – New Zealand’s largest art gallery, with over 15,000 works on show.
Ponsonby shops (Auckland) – A fun suburb with heaps of trendy shops and cool cafes to dip into!
Muriwai Gannet Colony (Auckland) – Watch these entertaining birds navigate their mating spot, up to 1200 pairs nest on the colony!
Piha beach (Auckland) – New Zealand’s most famous surf beach, with black volcanic sands. Low tide is best for walks.
Hot Water Beach (Coromandel) – Dig your very own hot pool in the golden sand… don’t forget to hire a spade!
Kerosene Creek (Rotorua) – Soak the day away in a geothermal freshwater stream, just 30 minutes from Rotorua.
Huka Falls (Taupo) – Bring a camera and capture the power of these mighty waterfalls, a stone’s throw from Taupo!
The Beehive (Wellington) – Enjoy a free tour of one of the world’s most unique government buildings, home of the Prime Minister’s offices.
Mount Victoria (Wellington) – Walking tracks, bushland and spectacular 360° views of Wellington and the harbour.
Te Papa Museum (Wellington) – New Zealand’s iconic national museum, showcasing the Arts, History, Taonga Māori, Pacific Cultures, and Natural History.
Cuba Street (Wellington) – Wellington’s cultural heart with hipster cafes, music shops and boutique fashion.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Tongariro) – Perhaps New Zealand’s most famous day walk complete with stunning volcanic lakes and mountains.
Art Deco Napier (Napier) – Discover the history, 1930s Art Deco architecture and beautiful stone fruit in the Summer.
South Island
Wine Tastings (Marlborough) – Some venues may charge for tastings, but many offer free tastings, and the scenery – wow.
Mussel Inn (Golden Bay) – Iconic, family friendly pub in the countryside serving craft beers with live music.
Lake Wanaka Trails (Wanaka) – Experience the gorgeous tree-lined walking tracks by the lake, easy for all ages.
Glenorchy (Queenstown) – A picturesque village, the start of the Routeburn hiking track and short walks also available!
Cardrona Valley (Wanaka) – A short drive from Wanaka with perhaps NZ’s most famous pub, and a whiskey distillery.
Baldwin Street (Dunedin) – Snap a picture from the top of the world’s steepest residential street!
Mount Iron (Wanaka) – A short but challenging walking track – worth it for the incredible views!
Tauranga Bay (Westport) – Check out the fur seal colony and expansive ocean views.
Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki) – See the amazing layered limestone formations and spectacular blowholes!
Rapaki Track (Christchurch) – A popular walking track with fitness enthusiasts, with panoramic views of the Port hills.
Sandfly Bay (Dunedin) – Known for its large sand dunes and wildlife… sea lions, fur seals and penguins!
Historic Oamaru (Otago) – A quirky town with an interesting history and districts with a Victorian “steampunk” theme.
Moeraki Boulders (Otago) – One of New Zealand’s most photographed spots, with giant spherical boulders lining the beach!
Canterbury Museum (Christchurch) – Learn about the past, present and future of Canterbury, including the tragic 2011 earthquake.
Winter Festival (Queenstown) – See fireworks, street parties, craft markets and more every winter in stunning Queenstown.
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