A Guide to New Zealand’s 7 Best Places & Getting a Tourist SIM Card

New Zealand has a way of stealing your heart the moment you step off the plane. I remember my first trip there—jet-lagged, wide-eyed, and clutching a crumpled list of places I thought I had to see. What I didn’t know back then was that New Zealand’s real beauty lies not just in its famous landmarks, but in the little hidden gems you stumble across along the way.

But before I dive into the “must-sees,” let me tell you one thing that can make or break your holiday: staying connected. Honestly, having a reliable tourist SIM card or even better, an eSIM, is a lifesaver. It means you can find your way when you take that wrong turn (and you will), book last-minute activities, or simply upload that jaw-dropping photo of a fjord without waiting for dodgy hotel Wi-Fi. For me, I’ve found Commbitz to be the smoothest option—affordable, instant, and no fiddling about in airport shops. But more on that later.

Let’s start with what you came here for: the best places to explore in New Zealand.

The seven best places for tourists to explore

1. Fiordland National Park – Nature at Its Most Dramatic

If New Zealand were a movie, Fiordland would be the opening scene—wide shots of misty fjords, waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, and boats looking like tiny toys in the vastness. I went on a boat tour through Milford Sound, and I’ll be honest, I felt like I’d wandered onto the set of a fantasy film. Rain or shine, the views are unbelievable.

Top tip? Don’t just stick to Milford. Doubtful Sound is quieter, bigger, and in some ways even more magical. It feels untouched, like you’re one of the first people to see it.

2. Queenstown – The Adventure Capital

Queenstown is where I realised New Zealand is not just about staring at pretty views—it’s about throwing yourself into them. Bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving… it’s like the country dared me to test my courage. I chickened out of the bungy (next time!), but I did take the Skyline Gondola up to see the town from above. The view over Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range in the background? Pure postcard material.

And when you’re done with the thrills, grab a Fergburger. Yes, it’s as good as everyone says.

3. Rotorua – Geothermal Wonders and Maori Culture

The first thing you notice in Rotorua is the smell. Sulphur. It hits you straight away, but give it a few hours and you’ll stop noticing. What you will notice, though, are the bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and geysers shooting water into the sky. It feels like the earth is alive beneath your feet.

Rotorua is also one of the best places to experience Maori culture. I went to a traditional hangi feast, where food is cooked underground using hot rocks. It wasn’t just dinner—it was storytelling, music, and a warm welcome that felt like being part of a family.

4. Abel Tasman National Park – Golden Beaches and Kayaks

This is a place for slowing down. Think golden sandy beaches, turquoise water, and gentle walking tracks along the coast. I rented a kayak and paddled past seals lazing on the rocks—it was one of those days where I kept thinking, “Is this real life?”

If you’re after a hidden gem, take the Abel Tasman Coast Track but do it in sections. You don’t have to trek the full 60km to get the magic. Even a few hours will give you a taste of paradise.

5. Wellington – The Cool Little Capital

Most capitals are big, loud, and a bit overwhelming. Wellington is different. It’s small, walkable, and bursting with character. I loved the waterfront, with its quirky sculptures and cafés that made me want to sit for hours people-watching.

Don’t miss Te Papa museum—it’s fascinating and free. And if you’re into film, a visit to Weta Workshop (where Lord of the Rings props were made) is brilliant fun. Oh, and brace yourself for the wind. They don’t call it “Windy Welly” for nothing.

6. Bay of Islands – A Slice of Paradise

Sailing through the Bay of Islands felt like being let loose in a pirate’s playground. Over 140 islands, each with their own personality—some wild, some peaceful, some perfect for swimming. I took a dolphin-watching tour, and when a pod swam alongside the boat, it was one of those moments that stick with you for life.

If you like a mix of history and beauty, check out Russell, once a rowdy whaling town and now a sleepy little seaside spot with lovely cafés.

7. Mount Cook / Aoraki – A Hiker’s Dream

Standing at the foot of Mount Cook made me feel very, very small—in the best possible way. The mountain is New Zealand’s tallest, and the walking tracks around it are some of the most breathtaking I’ve ever done.

The Hooker Valley Track is a favourite: swinging bridges, alpine views, and a glacier-fed lake at the end. It’s not a tough hike, but the reward is huge. Just remember to bring layers—the weather can switch from sunshine to icy winds in minutes.

Staying Connected: Why a Tourist SIM Card or eSIM Matters

Now, let’s talk about something less glamorous but just as important: your phone connection. Travelling around New Zealand, you’ll realise pretty quickly that Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable. And when you’re trying to book a last-minute campervan or navigate a back road, being offline is a pain.

That’s where a tourist SIM card comes in handy. Pop it into your phone, and you’ve got data, maps, and messaging sorted. But honestly, switching SIMs can be fiddly, especially if your own card is tiny and you’re terrified of losing it. That’s why I’ve moved to an eSIM. It’s like a digital SIM—no swapping plastic cards, just a quick download, and you’re ready to go.

I used Commbitz on my last trip, and it couldn’t have been easier. I landed in Auckland, scanned a QR code, and boom—data within minutes. No queuing at the airport kiosk, no haggling over plans, no stress. Plus, it’s reasonably priced and designed for travellers, which means you’re not tied into some long contract you don’t need.

Why I Recommend Commbitz

Here’s what I liked about it:

• Instant setup – You can get it sorted before you even fly.
• Flexible plans – Perfect if you’re doing a short trip or an extended road trip.
• No SIM swapping – Your original number stays safe in your phone.
• Reliable coverage – I had service everywhere I went, even in some surprisingly remote spots.

Honestly, it felt like having a local guide in my pocket. Need directions? Easy. Want to book a last-minute kayak? Done. Craving to show off that photo of Milford Sound to friends back home? Instant upload.

Travelling through New Zealand is like flicking through a book of the world’s best landscapes—fjords, beaches, mountains, and volcanoes, all crammed into two islands. Each place has its own charm, and half the fun is discovering those little hidden gems along the way.

But don’t underestimate the power of being connected. A reliable tourist SIM card (or better yet, a Commbitz eSIM) doesn’t just keep you online; it makes your whole trip smoother and less stressful. Think of it as your invisible travel buddy—quiet, reliable, and always there when you need it.

So, if you’re planning a New Zealand adventure, pack your hiking boots, your sense of wonder, and maybe just leave the SIM card drama behind. With Commbitz, you’re free to focus on what matters: the adventure of a lifetime.