101 great things to do - right now

Goblin Forest in Taranaki. Photo / Supplied.

Forget the Great Wall of China, London Bridge or the Statue of Liberty - many of the world's most memorable "must do's" are right on our doorstep.

But unlike these international hot spots, some of New Zealand's best attractions are slightly off the beaten track.

It's not surprising that when AA Traveller launched its "101 Must Do's for Kiwis" (which included obscure offerings alongside top tourist attractions) it was an instant hit with New Zealand wanderers wanting to make the most of our beautiful country.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of 101 Must Do's and to celebrate this - and the launch of a new AA Traveller website - AA has curated a sparkling new list to help Kiwis plan their next mission.

The original 101 Must Do's was derived from a public vote, but this year the AA Traveller's editors get to have their say.

Rhys James, AA Traveller Marketing Manager, says the three editors who compiled the list had key criteria for their selections.

"The 'Must Do's' had to be inspiring places, activities or events that you would be annoyed with yourself if you didn't experience," he explains. "We were looking for a good balance between the expected and the obscure; places families can enjoy together and some more adventurous ideas."

James says the emphasis of the new 101 Must Do's list and AA Traveller website is on "doing it now".

"We really want people to be inspired to visit these places now, not some time in the future."

The aim is for AA Traveller to excite Kiwis about their country and engage with our natural heritage, history, outdoor adventures and memorable events.

Alongside classic adventures like bungy jumping in Queenstown and popular tourist spots such as Waiheke Island and Bay of Islands, the new list includes some lesser-known musts.

The Goblin Forest in Taranaki has made the cut - an eerie fairy-tale land where gnarled and contorted kamahi trunks are festooned with hanging moss.

Oparara Basin on the West Coast of the South Island is also on the list. This pristine rainforest features three giant limestone arches and caves that were carved out over 35 million years ago.

A number of summer festivities also appear on the list. Held at Lake Taupo, Wanderlust is a four-day celebration of "mindful living" with music, meditation, yoga, hiking and workshops. It will be held from February 2-5 at the Wairakei Tourist Park.

The Marlborough Food and Wine Festival will take place on February 11 - New Zealand's longest running festival and features wine tasting, great food and a range of entertainment.

Our built heritage also features in the 101 Must-Do's. The Church of the Good Shepherd, (located above Lake Tekapo with wide views over the picturesque lake) was created in 1935 and stands as a lasting testament to those who crafted it from rocks sourced from within an 8km radius of the site.

The historically significant Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook and the Chateau Tongariro hotels also appear on the list.

The new website also looks set to become a leading information hub for domestic travel in New Zealand.

"Hopefully people will see AA Traveller's - 101 Must Do for Kiwis and be inspired to explore our beautiful country sooner rather than later," says James.

The list can be viewed on aatraveller.co.nz