Your guide to New Zealand
Top destinations in New Zealand
Auckland
Pack your spirit of adventure on a visit to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover or culture enthusiast, Auckland promises an unforgettable journey.
Christchurch
Christchurch is rebuilding itself into a bustling metropolis filled with world-class museums, street art and an exploding restaurant scene. See what’s cooking in this South Island getaway.
Queenstown
Backdropped by the razor-sharp peaks of the Remarkables, Queenstown dazzles year-round. From spring lupin blooms to winter skiing and summer hiking, each season has its magic.
New Zealand: fast facts
| Language | English, Māori |
|---|---|
| Currency | New Zealand dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) and UTC+13 (NZDT) |
New Zealand highlights
Māori culture
To get the most out of your visit to this bicultural nation, seek out its Māori heritage sites. At Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn about the nation’s founding document, signed in 1840. Take a Māori-led tour of Te Puia to see the southern hemisphere’s largest natural geyser. Admire Māori art, cultural objects and historical exhibits at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, the nation’s capital.
Adrenaline highs
As the birthplace of the world’s first commercial bungee jump, New Zealand has adrenaline in its DNA. Experience this heart-pounding activity where it all began at AJ Hackett Bungy near Queenstown. There’s also skydiving above Lake Taupō and skiing on the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. For awesome views of the country’s tallest building, harness up and walk on the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower.
Fire and ice
From snowy mountains to steaming geothermal landscapes, this is a place of immense contrasts. Watch active geysers and bathe in natural hot springs at Rotorua, or trek among volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. Heli-hiking to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers is one of the coolest things to do in New Zealand. And don’t miss the country’s largest glaciers and highest peak, at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Things to do in New Zealand
Top attractions
Start by getting a bird’s-eye view of Auckland from the Sky Tower, whose panoramic observation deck rises 220 metres above street level. Or delve into JRR Tolkien’s fantasy world at Hobbiton, two hours south of Auckland. And you can’t leave New Zealand without ticking Milford Sound off your bucket list. Book an overnight cruise to see the fiord at its most tranquil.
Beaches
The beaches in New Zealand are as diverse as its landscapes. They range from the volcanic black sands of Piha Beach to the stunningly remote beaches of the South Island’s West Coast. Northland’s Ninety Mile Beach (which isn’t actually 90 miles long) is a seemingly endless stretch of sand with epic sunsets and surf. Pack some high SPF — the New Zealand sun is strong.
Nature
You’ll discover natural beauty everywhere you look in New Zealand. Cruise or kayak through Milford Sound’s glacier-carved fjords with cascading waterfalls. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, where you can gaze at some of the world’s clearest night skies. Explore pristine wildernesses on multi-day ‘Great Walks’, from Stewart Island’s ancient forests to Fiordland’s misty valleys and Abel Tasman’s stunning beaches.
Culture and museums
One of the best museums in New Zealand happens to be the country’s national museum, Wellington’s Te Papa Tongarewa. You’ll learn about everything from native plants and wildlife to disasters and Māori culture. ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans shouldn’t miss Hobbiton, home to the iconic Middle-earth movie sets. To hear the stories of survivors of the 2010 Canterbury Earthquake, visit the Quake City special exhibition at the Canterbury Museum.
Cuisine
You’ll eat some of the world’s freshest seafood in the restaurants in New Zealand. Local delicacies include meaty Bluff oysters, Northland scallops and ‘pāua’ (sea snails). For a classic Kiwi snack, pick up a savoury pie from a roadside cafe or local bakery. And don’t miss sampling the country’s internationally renowned wines — try a glass of Central Otago pinot noir or Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
Family friendly
Nature lovers big and small shouldn’t miss Zealandia. This haven for native plants and animals is immersive, educational and just a scenic cable car ride from Wellington. For fast-paced outdoor thrills, take a zip line through towering redwood trees at Rotorua. Or race the kids on the Queenstown Luge, a mashup between a go-kart and a toboggan offering stunning views of Lake Wakatipu below.
Find the best time to visit New Zealand
Weather in New Zealand
March – May: The weather is cooler but pleasant, averaging 20°C on the North Island and a few degrees less down south. Look for golden-brown leaves around Central Otago.
June – August: Winter is prime time for snow sports. Head to resorts like The Remarkables, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Hutt to get your fill. You’ll need chains to drive in the mountains, and some roads may close.
September – November: Expect lots of rain in spring. Waterfalls are especially lively, and lupin blooms can be spotted around Lake Tekapo from late November.
December – February: Summer brings sunny days and highs of around 25°C. Kiwis often say that you can experience four seasons in one day. So pack a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
Events in New Zealand
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival (February): Famous for its sauvignon blanc, Marlborough holds the country’s longest-running food and drink festival. Enjoy tastings, masterclasses and local food stalls against a backdrop of rolling vineyards.
Pasifika Festival (March): Auckland’s Pacific cultural celebration features eight themed villages showcasing traditional crafts, foods, music and dance from 11 Pacific Island nations.
Matariki (May to July): The appearance of the ‘Matariki’ (Pleiades) star cluster marks the Māori New Year. Look out for stargazing events, traditional performances, kite flying and feasts nationwide. Dates vary each year.
Rhythm and Vines (December): This three-day music festival lures international and Kiwi artists to Gisborne for the New Year. It also has a sister festival, Rhythm and Alps, in the South Island’s Cardrona Valley.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Kiwis are known for their friendliness. If you’re met by a local with the Māori greeting ‘kia ora’ (hello), it’s good manners to say it back. With an outdoorsy lifestyle at the heart of Kiwi culture, the dress code leans toward casual and practical. Nature is deeply respected here, so stick to designated hiking trails and leave no trace behind.
Health and safety
New Zealand is a safe country to visit, but nature can be unpredictable. Before heading out on a hike, check the weather, pack appropriate clothing and let someone know about your plans. Make sure your travel insurance covers winter sports if you plan on skiing or snowboarding. And if you’re travelling with medication, you may need a doctor’s certificate to show at customs.
LGBTQ+ travel
One of the world’s safest countries for LGBTQ+ travellers, New Zealand was the first Asia–Pacific nation to legalise gay marriage. Attitudes towards queer travellers are generally welcoming here. You’ll find the biggest communities in Auckland and Wellington. Check out Auckland Pride in February, or book a ski trip during Queenstown’s Winter Pride in August or September.
Budget
Although the country has a reputation for being expensive, visiting New Zealand on a budget is possible. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs 25 New Zealand dollars ($), a local beer is around $10 and a cup of coffee costs about $6. If you’re staying in self-catered accommodation, save money by buying groceries and preparing your own meals.
Getting around New Zealand
Public transport
Buses: InterCity buses connect major cities and tourist hotspots, with more services on the North Island than the South. Popular routes can fill up, so book ahead. Planning multiple trips? A FlexiPass will save you money.
Trains: Rail travel isn’t common in New Zealand, but there are three long-distance routes worth the ride — the TranzAlpine (Christchurch to Greymouth), the Coastal Pacific (Christchurch to Picton) and the Northern Explorer (Auckland to Wellington).
Boats: New Zealand’s most popular ferry ride is the scenic four-hour crossing between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island, run by Bluebridge and Interislander. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, orcas and dolphins along the way.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights are often the quickest way to get between the two islands. Flights are available from Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch. Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the main carriers.
Driving
With safe, scenic, well-maintained roads, New Zealand was made for road trips. Driving gives you the freedom to explore remote areas that public transport can’t reach. You can hire a car with an international licence — just bring an English translation if yours isn’t in English.
