12-Day NZ Self-Drive Trip｜Our Must-Try Activity Guide

As temperatures rise, New Zealand's summer season is just around the corner! From December to February, there are plenty of exciting activities to unlock — from skydiving and glacier hikes to century-old steamship rides. If you're planning a trip to NZ, save this activity guide 🚠 Out of all the options, here are our top picks: 1️⃣ Auckland · Hobbiton Day Tour 🧙‍♂️ Most international arrivals transit through Auckland before heading south. Spend a day at Hobbiton — book a day tour on Klook with hotel transfers included. Step into tiny hobbit holes, sip cider at the Green Dragon Inn, and feel like you're in Middle‑earth. 2️⃣ Queenstown · Deer Park Heights 🦌 Don’t miss this in Queenstown! We found a carpool group via Xiaohongshu. Feed deer, goats, and Highland cattle up close, then enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown from the hilltop — peaceful and uncrowded. 3️⃣ Mount Cook · Glacier Hike & Ice Lake Boat 🧊 Mount Cook is the jewel of the South Island. We chose the glacier hike and ice lake boat tour — two different ways to experience the mighty Tasman Glacier up close. Book on Klook — gear is included, super hassle‑free. 4️⃣ Queenstown · TSS Earnslaw Steamship & Farm Tour 🚢 For a relaxed adventure in the “Adventure Capital,” hop on the TSS Earnslaw — a 100‑year‑old steamship with live piano music cruising Lake Wakatipu. We booked the ship + farm + BBQ lunch package — watch sheep‑shearing and sheepdog shows while enjoying a buffet lunch. 5️⃣ Queenstown · Skydiving & Paragliding 🪂 In Queenstown, you can’t skip the thrill! We went with the “we’re already here” mindset and tried both skydiving and paragliding. Scary at first, but once you’re in the air — soaring like a bird with epic views — it’s a life‑changing experience! Book on Klook at least two weeks ahead and use promo codes to save. 6️⃣ Queenstown · Skyline Gondola & Lookout 🚡 Take the Skyline Gondola up to Queenstown’s best viewpoint in minutes. Best visited in the afternoon or at sunset — though it can get crowded. We recommend booking the summit buffet restaurant — enjoy a meal with stunning sunset views over the town. Besides these, NZ has so much more: whale watching in Kaikōura, Milford Sound cruises, jet boating, bungee jumping… We didn’t have time for them all, but you definitely should! All activities can be booked via Klook for a one‑stop solution. In peak summer, book well in advance! Wishing you an unforgettable NZ adventure ✨ #NewZealand #NZTravel #NZGuide #TravelTips #AdventureTravel #Klook #Queenstown #Hobbiton #GlacierHike #SkydiveNZ #MustDoNZ #BucketListTravel