Come Play for Real in New Zealand – A Real-Life Travel Itinerary Inspired by Minecraft

If you’re counting down the days until the release of A Minecraft Movie, starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, and you’ve explored the Minecraft New Zealand world, why not take it to the next level? Come and experience these epic landscapes in real life.

As part of a collaboration between Tourism New Zealand and A Minecraft Movie, six iconic destinations - including Doubtful Sound - have been recreated in Minecraft, offering a digital glimpse of Aotearoa’s natural beauty. 

🎮 Check out the Minecraft New Zealand DLC here: Aotearoa New Zealand in Minecraft Marketplace | Minecraft 

But no screen can match the real thing. To celebrate Doubtful Sound’s inclusion in the Minecraft world, we’ve put together a New Zealand travel itinerary that takes you deep into the wilds of Fiordland, through glowworm-lit caves in Te Anau, across Stewart Island’s rugged landscapes, and into the adventure capital of New Zealand - Queenstown. 

Ready to come play for real? Let’s go.

Step 1 – Experience the Magic of Doubtful Sound 

Minecraft might have built it block by block, but nothing compares to seeing Doubtful Sound in the flesh. Vast, remote, and humbling, this fiord is nature at its most powerful. Carved by glaciers over millennia, this remote fiord is a true escape into nature’s untouched beauty. Surrounded by towering cliffs draped in lush rainforest and home to an array of marine life, it’s a destination that truly embodies the spirit of wilderness. You can experience it in two ways: 

Doubtful Sound Day Cruise 

Drift through towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls on a journey into one of New Zealand’s most untouched landscapes. The vastness of Doubtful Sound makes it feel like an entirely different world. 

• Glide through deep waters surrounded by rainforest-clad peaks.
• Watch for dolphins, fur seals, and rare Fiordland crested penguins.
• Experience the legendary “Sound of Silence” as the boat’s engines switch off, leaving only the call of nature. 

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise 

For an even deeper experience, spend the night on the fiord and watch as the landscape transforms under a starlit sky. Wake up to the first light illuminating mist-covered peaks. 

• Spend the night surrounded by untouched wilderness. 
• Savor a three-course dinner and wake up to mist-shrouded peaks with a full continental and hot breakfast.
• Paddle a kayak or take a small craft through tranquil inlets, where the only ripples come from your paddle.

Step 2 – Discover Milford Sound & the Glowworm Caves 

No New Zealand travel itinerary is complete without Milford Sound. Called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ it’s a place where cliffs rise from the water like ancient fortresses, and waterfalls crash down from massive heights. 

Milford Sound Day Cruise 

• Cruise past Mitre Peak and beneath waterfalls that tumble from hundreds of meters above. Whether in sun or rain, Milford Sound is a place of constantly shifting beauty.
• Cruise past the famous Mitre Peak, one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.
• Get close to Stirling Falls, where you can feel the cool mist on your face.
• Watch for playful dolphins, sunbathing seals, and rare birds along the shoreline.
• Upgrade to Business Class for gourmet food, drinks, and a private lounge.
• Take a Fly-Cruise-Fly option for jaw-dropping aerial views of Fiordland.

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise 

When the crowds leave, the magic of Milford Sound deepens. An overnight cruise lets you experience its untouched beauty in a way few get to see. 

• Enjoy a multi-course dinner as the sun sets behind towering peaks.
• Paddle a kayak or take a small craft around Harrison Cove, an important location for Fiordland crested penguin conservation efforts.
• Sleep aboard in a private cabin, far from the hustle of everyday life.
• Enjoy a full hot and continental breakfast in soft morning light in the peaceful fiord. 

Te Anau Glowworm Caves 

On your way south, step into a world of glowing magic in the mountains on the shores of Lake Te Anau. These ancient limestone caves are home to thousands of tiny bioluminescent creatures. 

• Take a scenic boat ride across Lake Te Anau to the cave entrance.
• Wander through a labyrinth of twisting tunnels and rushing underground waterfalls.
• Drift in complete silence beneath a galaxy of glowworms in the Glowworm Grotto.

Step 3 – Go Off the Grid on Stewart Island 

For a true wilderness adventure, hop on the Stewart Island Ferry and cross Foveaux Strait to New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited island. With more kiwi than people and an endless rugged coastline, it’s the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature. This is New Zealand, raw and unfiltered. 

Stewart Island Wilderness Walk 

Explore untouched forests and stunning coastal scenery on one of the island’s many walking trails. This is a real adventure, where every track offers a unique glimpse into this wild landscape. 

• Wander through lush native forest, where native birdsong fills the air.
• Learn from expert guides about the island’s unique ecology.
• Take in sweeping coastal views that stretch beyond the horizon.

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter 

Stewart Island is one of the best places in the world to see wild kiwi in their natural habitat. Join a night tour and witness these rare birds foraging along the beach.

• Cruise across Paterson Inlet at sunset to a remote beach.
• Walk through coastal bush as your guide listens for kiwi calls.
• Watch out for the elusive Southern Brown Kiwi in its natural environment.

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary 

Just a short boat ride from Stewart Island, Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary where native birds thrive. Conservation in action, this island offers a rare chance to see New Zealand’s birdlife as it once was.

• Look out for rare native birds like kākā, saddleback, and the Stewart Island robin.
• Walk through ancient forests untouched by introduced predators.
• Learn about the island’s conservation efforts and success stories.

Step 4 – Find Adventure & History in Queenstown

Queenstown is where adventure meets breathtaking scenery. Whether you're here for a high-speed thrill or a slow, scenic cruise, this is the perfect final stop on your journey.

TSS Earnslaw, Spirit of Queenstown & Walter Peak Experiences

Sail across Lake Whakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, or opt for a modern cruise on the Spirit of Queenstown. Either way, you’ll be treated to stunning alpine views. 

• Scenic Cruise – Soak up the alpine beauty of Lake Whakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown.
• Walter Peak Farm Tour – Meet the working farm dogs, feed friendly animals, and experience high-country life.
• BBQ Dining Experience – Feast on a gourmet lakeside BBQ at Walter Peak, made with locally sourced produce.
• Eco Experience – Learn about conservation and sustainability in this unique high-country setting.

Shotover & Kawarau River Rafting

For those craving adrenaline, Queenstown delivers. From thrilling white-water rapids to scenic rafting experiences, these rivers offer something for every level of adventure seeker. 

• Shotover River – Brace yourself for exhilarating grade 3-5 rapids through narrow canyons.
• Kawarau River – A gentler rafting journey with stunning views and splashy rapids. 

Bonus for Winter Visitors: Hit the Slopes at Cardrona & Treble Cone

If you’re visiting in winter, head to New Zealand’s biggest ski area - Cardrona & Treble Cone.

• Carve fresh tracks on New Zealand’s biggest alpine resort, now bigger than ever.
• Enjoy wide, beginner-friendly runs or tackle Treble Cone’s legendary steeps.
• Soak in panoramic alpine views while riding world-class terrain. 

Why Travel with RealNZ? 

At RealNZ, we don’t just show you the landscape—we invite you to be part of it. Our experiences are designed to connect you with the land, the wildlife, and the stories of New Zealand.

Ready to Play for Real? Book Your Minecraft-Inspired Adventure Today! 

Now that you’ve explored Minecraft New Zealand, it’s time to step into the real world. Follow this New Zealand travel itinerary and discover Aotearoa’s most breathtaking landscapes with RealNZ. 

🎮 Play the Minecraft DLC here: Aotearoa New Zealand DLC | Minecraft 

🌍 Book Your Adventure Now and turn your digital dreams into a real-world journey!