Hong Kong: 10 Must-See Attractions for Travellers This Year
Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations — a city where glittering skylines, traditional temples, harbour views, world-class dining, island escapes and family-friendly attractions all sit within easy reach of each other.
For New Zealand travellers, Hong Kong is also wonderfully accessible. Both Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand offer convenient services between Auckland and Hong Kong, making it an excellent choice for a short break, a longer holiday, or a stopover on the way to Europe or Asia. Cathay Pacific lists direct Auckland–Hong Kong flights taking around 11 hours 30 minutes, while Air New Zealand notes non-stop Auckland–Hong Kong services up to seven times a week.
Here are ten of the top attractions to include in your Hong Kong itinerary this year.
1. Victoria Peak
No first visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip to Victoria Peak. From the top, travellers can take in sweeping views over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the surrounding hills. It is especially memorable around sunset, when the city begins to light up.
The Peak is one of Hong Kong’s classic vantage points and is featured by the Hong Kong Tourism Board as a must-visit location for admiring the city’s skyline and harbour views.
Best for: first-time visitors, photographers, couples, skyline views
Tip: Go late afternoon and stay for the evening lights.
2. Victoria Harbour & the Star Ferry
Victoria Harbour remains one of Hong Kong’s great icons. The skyline is spectacular from both sides of the water, but one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to experience it is aboard the Star Ferry.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board highlights several ways to enjoy Victoria Harbour, including the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, the Star Ferry, The Peak, rooftop bars and harbour viewpoints.
Best for: classic Hong Kong atmosphere, harbour views, budget-friendly sightseeing
Tip: Take the ferry in the early evening for a beautiful view of the city lights.
3. Hong Kong Disneyland
For families, couples and Disney fans, Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the city’s major drawcards. It is compact, easy to navigate and ideal for travellers wanting a full day of entertainment without feeling overwhelmed.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board includes Hong Kong Disneyland among its must-try attractions and activities, making it a strong choice for families and multi-generational travellers.
Best for: families, Disney fans, multi-generational holidays
Tip: Allow a full day, especially if travelling with children.
4. Ocean Park Hong Kong & Water World Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong combines thrill rides, marine life, animal encounters and coastal views, while Water World Ocean Park adds a waterpark experience for warmer months. It is a great option for families and travellers who want a mix of rides and nature.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board describes Ocean Park as a long-running homegrown theme park with rides and animal encounters, and highlights Water World Ocean Park for water slides and aquatic fun.
Best for: families, theme park lovers, active travellers
Tip: Check opening times and ride availability before visiting.
5. Ngong Ping 360, Big Buddha & Lantau Island
Lantau Island offers a different side of Hong Kong. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car gives travellers panoramic views across mountains, sea and airport approaches before arriving near the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board lists Ngong Ping 360, the Big Buddha, Wisdom Path, Tai O Fishing Village, beaches and Lantau Trail among the best things to do on Lantau Island.
Best for: culture, scenery, day trips, spiritual landmarks
Tip: Combine the Big Buddha with Tai O Fishing Village for a fuller Lantau day.
6. Tai O Fishing Village
Also on Lantau Island, Tai O offers a slower, more traditional side of Hong Kong. Known for its stilt houses, seafood stalls and waterside setting, it is a lovely contrast to the city’s towers and shopping districts.
Tai O is included in the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Lantau Island recommendations, alongside beaches, trails and cultural landmarks.
Best for: culture, photography, food, slower-paced exploring
Tip: Visit after Ngong Ping for a rewarding full-day itinerary.
7. Tai Kwun
Located in Central, Tai Kwun is one of Hong Kong’s most interesting heritage and arts precincts. Set within the restored former Central Police Station compound, it combines history, architecture, exhibitions, dining and cultural events.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board includes Tai Kwun among its must-try attractions and activities, making it a great stop for travellers interested in Hong Kong’s cultural side.
Best for: culture, architecture, history, galleries, dining
Tip: Pair it with nearby Central, SoHo or PMQ.
8. Central Market
Central Market is a revitalised heritage building that now blends food, retail, design and local culture. It is easy to include while exploring Central and works well for travellers who enjoy browsing, snacking and discovering local brands.
Central Market is listed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board among Hong Kong’s must-try attractions and activities.
Best for: food, design, local shopping, easy city exploring
Tip: Visit around lunch or late afternoon when the surrounding Central area is lively.
9. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade & Avenue of Stars
The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is one of the best places to admire Hong Kong Island’s skyline. The promenade is ideal for a relaxed walk, with harbour views, public art, museums nearby and access to the Star Ferry.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board highlights the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront as one of the top spots to marvel at Victoria Harbour.
Best for: skyline views, walking, photography, first-time visitors
Tip: Visit in the evening and combine it with dinner in Tsim Sha Tsui.
10. Hong Kong’s Neighbourhoods, Food & Street Culture
Some of Hong Kong’s best experiences are not single attractions, but neighbourhoods. Areas such as Central, Wan Chai, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon City and Tsim Sha Tsui offer markets, temples, cafés, heritage buildings, street food, shopping and local life.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s e-guidebooks highlight neighbourhoods including Kowloon City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Lei Yue Mun and The Peak, each with its own history, food, culture and walking routes.
Best for: food lovers, repeat visitors, culture, walking itineraries
Tip: Build in time to wander. Hong Kong rewards curiosity.
Getting There from New Zealand
Hong Kong is one of the easiest Asian cities to reach from New Zealand, particularly from Auckland.
Cathay Pacific offers direct flights from Auckland to Hong Kong, with the airline noting a flight time of around 11 hours 30 minutes. As Hong Kong’s home carrier, Cathay Pacific is a natural fit for travellers wanting strong onward connections through Asia, Europe and beyond.
Air New Zealand also offers non-stop flights to Hong Kong from Auckland, with services listed up to seven times a week. Air New Zealand also notes its alliance with Cathay Pacific on the route, offering travellers benefits such as frequency, reciprocal frequent flyer benefits and wider network connectivity.
For Target Travel clients, this means Hong Kong can be:
a short city break
a family holiday
a luxury shopping and dining escape
a stopover en route to Europe
a gateway to Asia
a cruise or multi-city itinerary add-on
Whether you are planning a first visit to Hong Kong, a family holiday, or a stopover on the way to Europe, Target Travel can help design an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
With excellent airline options through Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand, Hong Kong is closer and easier than many travellers realise.
Talk to Target Travel about flights, accommodation, stopovers and tailored Hong Kong holiday ideas.