The South Island
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Milford Sound | A fiord between towering mountains streaming with waterfalls, with daily and overnight cruises. | From Queenstown or Te Anau |
| Queenstown | A lakeside town among the mountains, with a gondola, views and adventure sports. | South of the island |
| Lake Tekapo and its stars | A turquoise lake in the southern hemisphere's largest dark sky reserve. | The Mackenzie region |
| Mount Cook (Aoraki) | New Zealand's highest peak, with walking tracks to glacial lakes. | About an hour and a half from Tekapo |
| Franz Josef Glacier | A glacier flowing down near the rainforest, with scenic flights over it. | The West Coast |
The North Island
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Hot springs, natural geysers and bubbling mud, and Māori culture. | About 3 hours from Auckland |
| Waitomo Glowworm Caves | A boat on an underground river below a ceiling lit by thousands of glowworms. | 9 am to 5 pm, tours every half hour |
| Hobbiton | The Lord of the Rings film village among green hills. | Matamata, booking ahead |
| Auckland and the Sky Tower | New Zealand's largest city between two harbours, and a tower with views over the islands. | Auckland |
Tips before you go
- Saudis need an NZeTA and the visitor levy before travelling, with no visa.
- The seasons are reversed: summer is December to February, and winter brings skiing in Queenstown.
- Renting a car is the best way to explore the South Island.
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in New Zealand?
Milford Sound, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Franz Josef, Rotorua, the Waitomo caves and Hobbiton.
Do Saudis need a visa for New Zealand?
No, they need an NZeTA and the visitor levy before travelling.
Where can I see the stars in New Zealand?
At Lake Tekapo, in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.
