travel guides new zealand

New Zealand

Get ready for mammoth national parks, dynamic Māori culture and world-class surfing and skiing. New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, but it's always epic.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

One Tree Hill

Maungakiekie was the largest and most spiritually significant Māori pā (fortified village) prior to British arrival. At the top of this volcanic cone (at…

Cape Reinga

The Far North

This dramatic headland is where the waters of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, swirling and breaking together into waves up to 10m high in stormy…

The Waikato, New Zealand’s longest river, squeezes through a narrow chasm at Huka Falls, making the dramatic 11m drop into a surging crystal-blue…

Pancake Rocks

The Great Coast Road

Punakaiki's claim to fame is Dolomite Point, where a layering-weathering process called stylobedding has carved the limestone into what looks like piles…

Slope Point

Fiordland & Southland

South Island’s true southerly point lies not in Bluff, as many mistakenly believe, but at the end of a 20-minute trudge through a windswept cliff-side…

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Bay of Islands

Occupying a headland draped in lawns and bush, this is NZ's most significant historic site. Here, on 6 February 1840, after much discussion, the first 43…

Te Matua Ngahere

Bay of Islands & Northland

From the Kauri Walks car park, a 20-minute walk leads past the Four Sisters, a graceful stand of four tall trees fused together at the base, to Te Matua…

Tāne Mahuta

Near the north end of the park, not far from the road, stands mighty Tāne Mahuta, named for the Māori forest god. At 51.5m, with a 13.8m girth and wood…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 of the best things to do in new zealand.

Weta Workshop

Academy Award–winning special-effects and props company Weta Workshop has been responsible for bringing the likes of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit,…

Otara Flea Market

Held in the car park between the Manukau Polytech and the Ōtara town centre, this market has a palpable Polynesian atmosphere and is good for South…

Kaikōura Seafood BBQ

Conveniently located on the way to the Point Kean Seal Colony, this long-standing roadside barbecue is a great spot to sample local seafood, including…

Auckland Museum

Parnell & Newmarket

This imposing neoclassical temple (1929), capped with an impressive copper-and-glass dome (2007), dominates the Auckland Domain and is a prominent part of…

Nin's Bin

This simple caravan 23km north of town sells fresh cooked and uncooked crays (and is an Instagram favourite). Fishing quotas are in place here to protect…

Waikato Museum

The excellent Waikato Museum has several main areas: an art gallery; interactive science galleries; a Waikato River exhibition; and Tainui galleries…

Ulva Island

A tiny paradise covering only 269 hectares, Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara is a great place to see lots of native birds. Established as a bird sanctuary in…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Experience the very best of New Zealand with this guide to the country's top activities.

Things to Know

To visitors, New Zealand can feel comfortingly familiar and completely strange all at once. Here are some key things to know before you go.

Transportation

Whether you want to explore the cities, escape into nature or have the road trip of your dreams, here are some of the best ways to navigate New Zealand.

Visa Requirements

New Zealand is an incredible country that appears on many travelers' bucket lists. Start planning your trip now with our guide to visa requirements for NZ.

Money and Costs

Affordable travel in New Zealand is possible – if you plan carefully.

Traveling with Kids

With many of New Zealand's major attractions also outdoor activities, it's a great destination for kids.

Best Road Trips

The best way to experience New Zealand is by car or campervan at your own pace, stopping for stunning walks, cycling, wild swimming or wildlife spotting.

Latest stories from New Zealand

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Tips & Advice

Mar 15, 2024 • 17 min read

Go the farthest with your points and miles all the way to New Zealand with this expert's easy guide.

Jan 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Nov 22, 2023 • 5 min read

Oct 22, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 22, 2023 • 5 min read

Oct 22, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 12, 2023 • 8 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in New Zealand

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of New Zealand with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

New Zealand and beyond

• facebook-official
• youtube-play
• pinterest-circled

30 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand 🗺️ [2024]

101 things to do in new zealand: the ultimate list 🏔️ [2024], 5 best bars in queenstown, new zealand in april, more new zealand travel tips, nz weather guide.

This guide will not only teach you about the NZ climate but give you a quick idea of what the weather is like in New Zealand month-by-month.

Best Time to Visit

With New Zealand transforming in many ways between seasons, planning when to travel to NZ is an important decision to make.

NZ Packing List

This complete New Zealand packing list aims to remove the anxiety by listing all of the essentials.

Complete Travel Guides to New Zealand

Bay of islands, christchurch, franz josef, hanmer springs, invercargill, milford sound, new plymouth.

• The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand
• The Honeymoon Guide to New Zealand
• The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand
• The Travel Guide to New Zealand for Families
• The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget
• Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Full Guide
• The 50 Best Stays in Auckland
• The 50 Best Stays in Queenstown
• The 50 Best Stays in Rotorua
• The 50 Best Stays in Wellington

Best New Zealand Activities

50 best free things to do in new zealand 🤑 [2024], 51 best things to do on the north island 🔥 [2024], 51 best things to do on the south island 🏔️ [2024], new zealand accommodation tips, 10 best family accommodations in auckland 👪 [2024], 25 best hotels in auckland 🛎️ [2024], new zealand pocket guide, the largest new zealand travel guide in your pocket.

Welcome to the internet’s most comprehensive travel guide to New Zealand! Plan your holiday to New Zealand on this fast and free travel guide with just a click or tap away in your browser. We have over 2,000 articles to help inspire, plan and get on-the-ground advice for every nook and cranny of Aotearoa, written by real travel writers; not some dodgy algorithm.

Written by Travel Journalists for Travellers

Our editorial team is spearheaded by Laura and Robin (Hey!), a travel journalist and tourism entrepreneur who has lived, worked and travelled extensively across New Zealand and the South Pacific for more than a decade. With unique tourism insights and an encyclopedic knowledge of New Zealand through personal experience and journalistic research, we provide travellers with comprehensive reliable and accurate travel guides.

So, what are you waiting for? Get all your New Zealand travel tips right here on New Zealand’s largest travel guide. Or if you want us to continue blabbering on about ourselves, check out our About Us page .

Note: Icons on this page were provided by Flaticon.

• New Zealand in 3 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
• North Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
• South Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
• Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process
• NZ Working Holiday Visa: The Complete Guide!
• How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?
• The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand
• Travel by Campervan in New Zealand: Full Guide
• Do You Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand?

Destinations

Travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

Welcome/Kia Ora By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Connect with us

Welcome/Kia Ora! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it.

© 2024 NZ Pocket Guide. Contact – Disclaimer – About Us – Our Standards

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

New Zealand Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Backpacking through New Zealand is one of the most popular activities in the world, with thousands of people making their way there on their round-the-world trip (backpackers sweep up those working holiday visas!).

Whether you’re a backpacker, budget traveler, or want to splurge a bit more, New Zealand won’t let you down. I’ve loved all my visits to New Zealand. The people are friendly, the country is beyond beautiful, the wine is cheap, the people are friendly, and you meet a lot of travelers. It’s one of the best countries in the world. I’ve never heard anyone not love their time in the country. You will leave here wanting to come back.

And, fortunately, as the land of backpackers, budget travel in New Zealand is easy to do if you know a few tips and tricks on how to save money. It won’t be dirt cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

Use this New Zealand travel guide to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on New Zealand

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in new zealand.

1. Explore Fiordland

Fiordland National Park , located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, is home to Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. You can walk the forest trail along the sandy Milford shore for perfect views of Mitre Peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls. The are also several multi-day hikes here, including the 4-5 day Milford Track, as well as all kinds of scenic flights and cruises. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 199 NZD.

2. Heli-hike Franz Josef Glacier

Heli-hiking this glacier is amazing. With a heli-hike, you take a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier and then land in remote areas where you can explore on foot. Although the 2-3 hour hike is grueling, many tour providers also throw in a complimentary soak in the Hot Pools at the end. Expect to pay around 485 NZD for a heli-hike. It’s not cheap, but I personally thought it was completely worth the cost. You can also just do a scenic flight with Glacier Helicopters for 360 NZD.

3. Relax in the Bay of Islands

North of Auckland, this area has some of the best opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, relaxing on the beach, swimming, boating, and eating seafood. The area is very low-key and is a popular summer and weekend getaway destination for Aucklanders. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the most important historical sites in the country, is also located here. It’s where the British and Maori signed what is considered the founding document of modern New Zealand. Today, there are two interactive and interesting museums here as well as Maori cultural performances you can attend.

4. See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Explore these incredible caves in sheer darkness with nothing but the glow of glowworms to guide your way. It’s an exciting activity as you float down rivers and jump over waterfalls and watch the “starry sky” in the cave. You can also tube and abseil (rappel) through the caves, too. Expect to pay around 55 NZD for the classic 45-minute cave tour and 265 for five-hour tours with abseiling. You can save money overall by purchasing combo tickets (if you want to visit multiple caves or do various tours), or by going on weekdays when you get 20% off.

5. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Other things to see and do in new zealand, 1. try bungy jumping.

A.J. Hackett, a Kiwi, popularized the modern activity of bungy jumping when he (illegally) jumped off the Eiffel Tower in 1987. Today, bungy jumping is hugely popular around the world, but especially in its country of origin. Any adrenaline seeker worth their salt will do the 134-meter (440-foot) Nevis Bungy Jump outside of Queenstown. If that’s too high, there are smaller ones in Auckland and Queenstown. The price of adventure isn’t cheap, however, with a single jump at Nevis costing 275 NZD.

2. Go skydiving

Another popular adventure activity in New Zealand is skydiving. The best place for this is over Lake Taupo . It provides a stunning backdrop as you plunge to Earth from high above. Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers jumps from 12,000-18,000 feet starting at 279 NZD. You can also take a full-day course to learn how to skydive on your own for 499 NZD. Franz Josef and Lake Wanaka are also popular spots for skydiving as well.

3. Visit Abel Tasman National Park

Located on the South Island, this national park looks like something you’d find in Asia, with its turquoise blue water, dense jungles, and warm temperatures. There are many multi-day hiking trails and beautiful sea kayaking throughout the park. It’s also home to one of the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand, the 60-kilometer (37-mile) Abel Tasman Coastal Wal. Entry is free, though you need to pay 16-24 NZD for a campsite if you plan on staying overnight. Huts are also available for 26-52 NZD per night. Accommodation prices vary depending on the time of year. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles for 79 NZD.

4. Hang out in Wellington

I found New Zealand’s capital to be the most “artsy” city in New Zealand. There’s great architecture, character, fantastic nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities. Tour the Beehive (where Parliament meets), ride the cable car for epic views over the city, visit the award-winning Wellington Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, or learn how to make movie-quality armor at Weta Workshop (the special effects studio behind Lord of the Rings , District 9 , Avatar , and many others). You can also leave the city for a wine tour of the Martinborough wine region (149 NZD). There are so many cultural activities to do here so don’t be like other travelers and rush through — it’s worth a few days!

5. Go dolphin and whale watching

Whether you go from the Bay of Islands, Auckland, or somewhere on the South Island, the country is within the migratory route for many of these creatures and you’re bound to see lots of them no matter when you go (though October-March is the best time). Sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales all call the region home. Boat tours last around 4 hours and cost 135-160 NZD per person.

6. Hit the slopes

During the winter months, the South Island (especially the area around Queenstown and Wanaka) has snow-covered mountains that offer some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere. Prices vary depending on where you go, how you get there, what equipment you rent, and how long you go for, but expect to pay around 105-140 NZD for a lift pass.

7. Unwind in Rotorua

Located on the North Island, Rotorua is famous for its Maori cultural shows and for its sulfur smell (which comes from the geothermal activity in the area). All around the city are sulfur mud pits that give the city a unique odor. But the upside is that there are a ton of thermal spas in the area to relax in! Also, don’t miss the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which has all kinds of traditional Maori arts and crafts.

8. Get outdoors in Kaikoura

This is a coastal town several miles north of Christchurch . It is set on a peninsula, which makes it an awesome place to enjoy the mountain scenery while searching for whales and dolphins. Whale Watch Kaikoura is the best company to go whale-watching with here. They are a Maori-owned tour company that guarantees you see at least one whale on your trip (otherwise they refund you 80% of the cost). Additionally, there is an interesting museum, a handful of historical sights, and the Maori Leap limestone cave to see while you’re here.

9. Explore Wellington Botanic Gardens

Of all the beautiful gardens throughout the country, this is perhaps the most popular. There is a vast native forest, an international plant collection, a rose garden, and a landscaped area — complete with a duck pond, sculptures, a playground, and a cafe. Created in 1868, the park spans a massive 25 hectares (60 acres) and makes for a great place to stroll or relax with a book. Admission is free.

10. Ride the Christchurch gondola

If you are in Christchurch, take the gondola ride up Mount Vaendish. The ride is 10 minutes and offers the best views of the city. There is a restaurant at the top if you want to grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the scenery too. Most people walk back down (you can also walk up if you don’t mind the exercise; it takes around 45 minutes). Tickets are 35 NZD (round trip). Wellington and Queenstown also have gondolas for views over these cities as well.

11. Enjoy Queenstown

The action capital of the country, Queenstown is one of the most fun cities I’ve ever visited. There are a lot of outdoor activities and sports (bungy jumping is the most popular) to do in the area, amazing restaurants, and the best nightlife in New Zealand. Everyone who comes ends up staying longer than planned. Don’t skip Fergburger either — they have the best burgers in the country!

12. Watch a Maori cultural show

The Maori are the indigenous people who came to New Zealand from Polynesia in the 14th century. Getting to know Maori culture is important to understanding life in this country. Maori make up about 16% of the country’s population and you’ll see Maori symbols and words throughout the country as you travel. See a Maori cultural show while you are here to get a better understanding of their culture and history. The most popular shows are in Rotorua and cost 150-245 NZD per person (most are 3-4 hours and include a meal).

13. Explore Milford Sound

Milford Sound is such an amazing fjord it deserves its own mention. Located in Fiordland, Milford Sound is best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest environments. Waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls cascade down the mountainsides, and the fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat, and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Cruises start from 59 NZD.

14. Visit Wanaka

Wanaka is a ski and summer resort town on New Zealand’s South Island, set on Wanaka Lake and framed by snowcapped mountains. From here you can explore the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, with its many glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Wanaka Lake itself is perfect for boating enthusiasts, including jet boaters, sailors, and kayakers. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll want to check out the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts nearby. For some quirky fun, go to Puzzling World just outside town. It’s an outdoor maze and sculpture gallery that’s good for a laugh!

15. Travel to Hobbiton

Journey to Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. This is easily one of New Zealand’s most famous activities, so you can expect crowds. To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour. It starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm with some epic views over the Kaimai Ranges. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. If you’re a LOTR fan, you can’t pass this up. Tours start at 89 NZD.

16. Visit Stewart Island

Stewart Island is located 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the South Island. Over 85% of the island is National Park (Rakiura National Park to be exact), and most people come here for hiking and birdwatching. The island has just 28 kilometers (17 miles) of road, but 280 kilometers (175 miles) of walking tracks suited to short walks, day hikes, and multi-day excursions. Walk the three-day Rakiura Track for the full experience of Stewart Island’s natural beauty. Offshore, on Ulva Island, you’ll find a predator-free bird sanctuary with dozens of native species. Getting to Stewart Island means you’ll need to take a ferry or flight. Ferries take one hour and cost 89 NZD while flights from Invercargill take 15 minutes and cost 230 NZD return.

17. Relax on a scenic rail journey

New Zealand’s challenging landscapes demanded some remarkable feats of early railway engineers. While their rail network isn’t vast, thanks to their skill and determination, there are some incredible rail journeys on offer. Travel through remote national parks, along beautiful coastlines, and over rugged volcanic landscapes. The routes are the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. I took the TransAlpine and loved every minute of it. You pass rivers, mountains, cross gorges, and vibrant green farmland. It was the highlight of my trip to New Zealand and one of the most peaceful experiences I had. I can’t recommend it enough. Tickets vary between 169-219 NZD (one-way) depending on the route and how far you go.

18. Take one of the Great Walks

New Zealand has thousands of miles of hiking trails but sitting above them all are the ten Great Walks that journey through the country’s most magnificent places and iconic locations. On the North Island, the Lake Waikaremoana Track takes 3-4 days, leading you through prehistoric rainforests and beautiful wildlife areas. The famous Tongariro Northern Circuit is a challenging 3-4 day excursion where you’ll see active volcanoes, emerald lakes, and epic waterfalls. The South Island has its own unique routes, as well, including the Milford Track, which winds its way through the fjords of Milford Sound. Keep in mind that due to their popularity, Great Walks must be booked in advance (and they can sometimes fill up months ahead of time).

19. Explore wine country

New Zealand’s wine regions extend 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from sub-tropical Northland down to Central Otago, home to the world’s most southerly vineyards. Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, and Central Otago are signature New Zealand wine regions and home to a number of different vineyards. Smaller wine-producing areas include Auckland, Gisborne, and Waipara. If you’re keen on seeing the best of what Kiwi vineyards have to offer, check out the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — a wine-tasting adventure through the heart of New Zealand’s grape-growing regions. If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are plenty of bus (and even bicycle) tours available. Half-day small group wine tours generally cost 120-170 NZD, while full-day tours start at 200 NZD.

20. Visit Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to some of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. Here you’ll find sky-scraping peaks, sweeping glaciers, and permanent snowfields. Although it encompasses 23 peaks over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) high, this park is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, which is situated beside the scenic Lake Pukaki. Far from city lights, the stargazing here is magnificent — Aoraki Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, while less skilled adventurers will find plenty of enjoyable hikes with stunning views of the area. Admission is free.

  For more information on specific destinations in the country, check out these guides:

• Auckland Travel Guide
• Bay of Islands Travel Guide
• Christchurch Travel Guide
• Franz Josef Travel Guide
• Nelson Travel Guide
• Queenstown Travel Guide
• Rotorua Travel Guide
• Taupo Travel Guide
• Waitomo Travel Guide
• Wanaka Travel Guide
• Wellington Travel Guide

New Zealand Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms cost between 25-40 NZD per night for a bed in a dorm with 4-8 beds. Private rooms begin at 75 NZD though most are closer to 100 NZD. Free Wi-Fi is common, though very few hostels include free breakfast. Most hostels have self-catering facilities, so be sure to check before you book if having a kitchen is a priority.

Budget hotels begin around 75 NZD per night. You can often find cheaper hotels and motels, however, they are usually far from the city center or don’t include a private bathroom.

Airbnb is widely available with private rooms starting around 65-85 NZD per night and entire homes/apartments costing at least 120-150 NZD per night. Expect to pay double if you don’t book in advance.

There are also a ton of campgrounds throughout the country with rates starting at around 15 NZD per night. Most Department of Conversation campsites need to be booked in advance online (in the summer they fill up months in advance). Couchsurfing is huge here, too.

Food – New Zealand cuisine consists mostly of seafood, fish and chips, meat pies, and specialties like Maori hangi (meat and vegetables cooked underground). Expect to indulge in things like roast lamb, muscles, scallops, oysters, and snapper. However, the country is overall very veg-friendly, and vegans and vegetarians will find plant-based dishes on restaurant menus throughout the country.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant serving typical cuisine costs around 20-25 NZD while a nice meal with a drink costs about 50-60 NZD.

A fast-food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 14 NZD. Chinese, Thai, and Indian can be found for 15-20 NZD while takeaway pizzas cost around 10-15 NZD. A takeaway meal of fish and chips is 10-15 NZD.

For drinks, a beer costs 9-10 NZD, a glass of wine is 12-15 NZD, a cocktail is 13-18 NZD, a latte/cappuccino costs 5 NZD, and bottled water is around 3 NZD.

If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend around 60-80 NZD per week on basic foodstuffs like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish. PaknSave, mainly located in big cities, is typically the cheapest supermarket.

Backpacking New Zealand Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, prepare to spend at least 75-85 NZD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, do free hikes, visit the odd paid site (like museums), and cook your own meals. You’ll need to budget more if you plan to do bigger activities like bungy jumping. You can also lower this by Couchsurfing, camping, and cutting out drinking altogether.

For a more mid-range budget, expect to spend around 150-225 NZD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a private room in a hostel or Airbnb, take the occasional taxi or Uber to get around, do some larger activities like bungy jumping or whale watching, eat out for most meals at casual restaurants, and enjoy a few drinks.

A “luxury” budget of around 315-395 NZD per day or more gets you a hotel, any activities you want, wine tours, delicious meals out, and the best the country has to offer. You can also rent a car or take a scenic train journey. This is just the ground floor for luxury — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NZD.

New Zealand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Costs in New Zealand can skyrocket quickly if you aren’t careful. Eating out here is expensive and all those adventure activities can really add up. In New Zealand, you have to pick and choose your battles. That said there’s a ton of ways to save here and it’s very easy to travel here on a budget without impacting your experience. Here are ways you can save money in New Zealand:

• Learn to cook – I know this is going to sound crazy but: the food scene in New Zealand isn’t that mind-blowing. Yes, there are nice cafes, some hip gastronomy, and really delicious meals but nothing blew my mind. There’s good food but there’s not great food. At least not great enough when you are trying to save money. If you want to really save, cook your own food. When it comes to buying groceries, the cheaper supermarkets are Pakn’Save or Countdown.
• Choose wisely – Tours cost a lot of money in New Zealand. A few of these are enough to bust any budget and send you home before you had planned. Pick the ones you really want to do and save the rest for another trip.
• Hit happy hour – The backpacker bars have cheap happy hours. Hit them up and drink for cheap.
• WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a great way to work for your accommodation and food. In return for working on a farm or B&B, you get free room and board. It’s a popular activity with travelers because it lets you stay in a place cheaper and longer. You can do it for a few days or a few months. Keep in mind that most farms require you to have some experience, as too many inexperienced workers have caused trouble in the past.
• Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary paying gigs.
• Clean in exchange for your room – Many hostels let you trade a few hours of cleaning and making beds for free accommodation. Ask when you check in if this is possible — it might just save you some money!
• Ride share – Ride shares are a popular transportation option for travelers looking to lower costs — all you need to do is chip in for gas. You can find rides on websites like Craigslist and CarpoolWorld. Additionally, you’ll see people asking for rides on hostel bulletin boards.
• Transport vehicles – Campervan and car relocation services will provide you with a free vehicle and gas if you drive it from one destination to another for them. This can be a great way to save a lot of money if you’re flexible with timing. Check Transfercar.co.nz to see what’s available.
• Stay with a local – While there are not a ton of Couchsurfing options available in the country, there are hosts in all of the major cities. If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch or floor, this is a great way to save some money and meet locals who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking is easy in New Zealand and it’s one of the main ways to get around. There are plenty of people who will pick you up. Additionally, you can just ask around at any hostel and find a ride. Everyone is doing the same circuit. I got from Wanaka to Queenstown to Fiordland that way. Check out HitchWiki for tips.
• Take a free walking tour – There are a few free walking tours in New Zealand, such as Auckland Free Walking Tour  in Auckland, that offer visitors insights into each city. If you want to get beneath the surface of New Zealand then walking tours are a great place to start. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get a campervan – Campervans litter New Zealand, especially on the nature-heavy South Island where people hike and camp because they serve as accommodation and transportation all wrapped up in one. For budget-conscious travelers, that’s a win. Be sure to download the awesome Campermates app, which lets you find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.
• Find cheap activities – The bookme.co.nz website provides last-minute discounts on activities (and pub crawls) throughout the country. Most of the activities are last minute, but if you’re flexible in when you want to do things, you can save up to 60% off attractions! I can’t recommend it enough.
• Skip the backpacker buses – While fun, buses like the Kiwi Experience, Stray, or Haka are expensive so it’s best to avoid them if you are on a tight budget. If your budget isn’t so tight and you do want to check them out, be sure to sign up for their mailing lists. There is always a sale on them.
• Enjoy nature – Remember that nature is free! New Zealand, home to the great walks of the world, has tons of free outdoor activities. While the adventure sports, wine tours, glacier treks, and boat cruises can eat into your budget, there are plenty of free hiking trails and walks to keep you busy!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink so bring a water bottle with you to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always be sure your water is clean and safe!

Where to Stay in New Zealand

The hostel scene in the country has vastly improved since I first came here in 2010. There’s much more variety and higher quality now. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• Haka Lodge (Auckland)
• Waiheke Backpackers Hostel (Auckland)
• Nomads (Queenstown)
• Haka Lodge (Queenstown)
• Kiwi Paka (Waitomo)
• Urbanz (Christchurch)
• Trek Global (Wellington)
• Mountain View Backpackers (Wanaka)

How to Get Around New Zealand

Public transportation – Most towns and cities in New Zealand have buses, and Auckland and Wellington both have rail services. One-way fares start around 2-3 NZD and increase depending on what zone you’re traveling to (most cities and towns in New Zealand are sprawling). Check to see if there are transit cards available. For example, Wellington has a Snapper card which will save you nearly half your fare, and the same goes for Auckland’s AT HOP card.

Backpacker bus – One of the most popular ways travelers get across New Zealand is by backpacker bus. These buses offer a hop-on/hop-off service that allows travelers both the flexibility to go at their own pace and the convenience of having activities and accommodation organized for them. New Zealand has two major hop-on/hop-off buses:

• The Kiwi Experience
• Stray Travel

Kiwi Experience tours range from 2-28 days and cost between 85-1,499 NZD while Stray Tours range from 8-18 days and cost between 2,140-4,999 NZD.

Trains – New Zealand has three train lines: Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. These are scenic train rides complete with viewing platforms, audio commentary, information packets, and big windows for taking photos. However, they’re not the most convenient for getting around as they have quite limited schedules. They are meant to be scenic rides than transportation. Tickets range from 99-219 NZD depending on the route.

Buses – Buses are the best and cheapest way to get around New Zealand. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities. Visit InterCity for fares and routes. The earlier you book in advance, the cheaper your ticket will be. Avoid last-minute bookings if possible.

Flying – Flying in New Zealand isn’t that cheap, as there are only two companies that dominate the entire market: Air New Zealand and Jetstar — and on most routes, it’s just Air New Zealand. While you can find some cheap fares on shorter routes or by booking a few months in advance, unless you are really pressed for time or traveling from island to island, I’d skip flying.

One-way routes from Auckland to Queenstown cost 60-130 NZD (a two-hour flight), Queenstown to Christchurch is usually 50-140 NZD (a one-hour flight), and Auckland to Christchurch from 45-125 NZD (a 1.5-hour flight).

Campervans and Car Rentals – This is a popular way to travel in New Zealand, especially on the nature-heavy South Island, where people hike and camp. There are five main rental agencies:

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Daily rates change depending on where you pick the vehicle up, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book. (Going during the high season? Prices seem to double!). Check out this post for more information and price comparisons .

When to Go to New Zealand

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning when most North Americans are dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, Kiwis are enjoying their beaches. Overall, the climate here is temperate. Summer is from December-February and is the most popular time to visit. Kiwis also take their holidays during this time, so things get busy! Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The average daytime temperature is 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Fall is from March-May and it’s one of the best times to visit. The crowds have dispersed, prices are lower, and the weather is pleasant. Some areas still have very warm temperatures, like Auckland.

Winter is from June-August, and it’s a great time to visit if you’re into snow sports. Queenstown and the Central Plateau are winter playgrounds during this time, but especially in June and July! Temperatures on the South Island can drop as low as 0°C (30°F).

Spring (September-November) is also a nice time to visit, especially on the South Island. In short, there’s really no bad time to visit, depending on the sort of things you’d like to do.

That said, since New Zealand is so expensive, the shoulder season is one of the best times to visit if you’re on a budget.

How to Stay Safe in New Zealand

New Zealand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent crime and petty theft are both incredibly rare here. That said, it never hurts to always keep your valuables safe and secure just in case. Don’t leave valuables in your car or van overnight as break ins sometimes do happen.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

You can read about common travel scams to avoid here but there aren’t many in New Zealand though. People here are generally friendly and nice. In all my years traveling here, I’ve never felt unsafe.

If you’re doing any hiking or other adventure sports, always check the weather in advance and bring water and sunscreen.

As earthquakes and tsunamis do occur in New Zealand, consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and also sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

New Zealand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
• bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
• treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

New Zealand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on New Zealand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Christchurch

Where to Stay in Christchurch: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Auckland

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Stay in Auckland: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hostels in Queenstown

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

New Zealand

Comprised of the volcanic, lush green North Island and its rugged, mountainous neighbor to the south, New Zealand has just about everything you could ask for in a destination. With a rich Maori heritage, beautiful beaches, geothermal spas, Lord of the Rings filming locations, and a growing wine culture—plus tons of adventure sports—the “Land of the Long White Cloud” has much to offer travelers, who are guaranteed to fall in love with this little nation.

• Copy Link copied

Photo by Tyler Lastovich/Unsplash

When’s the best time to go to New Zealand?

At the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons in New Zealand are reversed from what most of us are accustomed to. Summer runs roughly from December to March, with Christmas through January considered peak season. Snowfields on both islands lure skiers and snowboarders, making New Zealand a popular winter destination as well. During the shoulder seasons, the crowds die down. The weather on the North Island, especially around Auckland, is considered mild and temperate, making it a nice destination year-round.

How to get around New Zealand

Really, the only way to get to New Zealand is by flying, and all international flights are routed through Auckland because of its large airport. From Australia, it’s a four-hour flight, and from Los Angeles it’s 12. A growing cruise industry brings tourists to travel around New Zealand by ship.

Many visitors choose to rent a “campervan” as a way to explore New Zealand’s lush countryside, save on accommodations, and participate in the country’s rich camping tradition. There are plenty of holiday parks and sites in which to park overnight, but free camping isn’t allowed anymore in most of New Zealand. If you are planning to explore the country for more than a month, you might even consider buying a car or campervan. Because of New Zealand’s remote location and limited public transportation, there is a large market of used cars being bought and sold by travelers; it’s a relatively easy, cheap, and painless process. The major cities also have airports, so if you’re on a limited schedule, you can fly between destinations. Public buses connect towns and cities (you can buy hop-on, hop-off bus passes), and there are some train routes on both islands, as well as plenty of tour companies.

Food and drink to try in New Zealand

New Zealand has a growing food scene, and in recent years big cities like Wellington and Auckland have turned out gourmet restaurants, chic cafes, and boutique bars. The famous coffee culture here ensures you will never be far from a delicious cup of coffee. Trendy new independent craft beer companies and breweries continue to pop up around the country, and plenty of wineries dot both islands.

Culture in New Zealand

Before it was colonized by Westerners, New Zealand was settled by the seafaring Maori people from the Pacific. You can visit various Maori sites and have Maori cultural experiences in places like Rotorua. From carving greenstone or jade pendants to witnessing the famous Haka, you’ll see Maori culture and history everywhere in New Zealand.

The two main wine festivals are Toast Martinborough on the North Island in November, and the Marlborough Wine Festival in February on the South Island. New Zealand’s version of Independence Day, when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maoris and the British Crown, takes place every year on February 6. Also in February, Wellington comes alive with the Sevens, when seven rugby teams compete, creating a massive party in Wellington. If adventurous eating is your thing, then be sure to check out the Hokitika Wild Food Festival in March, where you can try anything and everything.

Local travel tips for New Zealand

- New Zealand is one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world. From the commonplace encounters with hitchhikers around the islands to conversations with just about anyone you meet, it won’t take long for you to realize that there’s something special about Kiwis. - Remember that because New Zealand is very remote, parts of the country aren’t easily accessed, aren’t connected to phone service, or are prone to wild weather and geological activity such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes—and it’s good to come prepared.

Practical Information

- English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand, and pretty much everybody speaks English. - Of course, like any language, Kiwis (aka New Zealanders) have their own take on some words. If you’re told to get dressed in your togs and jandals, change into a swimsuit and flip flops. And when you’re driving around in a camper van, there’s a good chance you’ll end up in the middle of the wop wops (aka the sticks). - The country runs on 230/240 volts with angled two- or three-pin plugs so you’ll need a converter.

Guide Editor

Brett Atkinson is a full-time travel and food writer based in Auckland. He writes about adventure travel, unusual destinations, and surprising angles on more well known destinations for Lonely Planet and the BBC, among other outlets.

Liz Carlson is a writer and travel blogger based in New Zealand.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• New Zealand Travel Guide Overview: New Zealand Travel Guide
• This Country Is Made Up of 2 Stunning Islands Full of Pristine Beaches and Otherworldly Landscapes
• This New Zealand Town Is an All-season Destination With Epic Skiing, Hiking, and Wineries
• 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Trip to New Zealand, According to a Local
• New Zealand Travel Guide This Country Is Made Up of 2 Stunning Islands Full of Pristine Beaches and Otherworldly Landscapes This New Zealand Town Is an All-season Destination With Epic Skiing, Hiking, and Wineries 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Trip to New Zealand, According to a Local CLOSE Part of New Zealand Travel Guide

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to New Zealand

See the best places to stay, dine, and experience the beauty of New Zealand, according to a local.

Amy Louise Bailey is a freelance content creator and media specialist. Her work has been published in Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar , Elle , Condé Nast Traveler, Bloomberg Pursuits , and Robb Report .

Bay of Islands

Christchurch, best times to visit new zealand, how to get there, transportation.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

When people learn I’m from New Zealand , I often hear that it’s at the top of their bucket list — or, if they’ve been, that it’s their favorite country in the world.  I may be biased, but I am not surprised. The stunning natural beauty, thriving culinary scene, and unique outdoor activities would charm even the most seasoned traveler.

Everywhere you look, there’s a picture-perfect backdrop filled with greenery and crystal-clear waters. And although it has a lot of untouched land, it boasts the same highlights you would find in any major global city, with art galleries, shopping districts, nightlife, and luxury hotels. Plus, it’s politically stable and very safe, which are increasingly appealing traits.

Geographically, the country is divided into two islands with distinct characteristics: the North Island is full of beaches and is home to the main cities, and the South Island is an alpine wonderland, defined by majestic mountain landscapes, rugged coasts, and world-class ski slopes. There has been a lot of development over the past few years, and travelers have more places to eat, stay, and play than ever before.  Below, see Travel + Leisure ’s essential guide to making the most of this magical South Pacific destination, according to a local.

Angelina Pilarinos/Travel + Leisure

North Island

The North Island is lined with beautiful beaches and islands surrounding the narrow coasts. It’s also where the capital, Wellington, is located, along with the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Auckland , which is an essential destination on any New Zealand itinerary (and the gateway for most international flights). As Annie Dundas, head of the visitor economy for Auckland Unlimited notes, Auckland is “an urban oasis — the perfect fusion of a busy, modern city that looks out to mesmerizing landscapes and islands — all within easy reach and laden with wineries and leisurely places for long lunches.” It is worth spending at least four days in Auckland, but the North Island has many unique areas to explore, and below, we’ve charted the key destinations to prioritize.

Things to Do

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a popular day trip for locals and is accessible by boat, ferry, or helicopter from downtown Auckland. It’s filled with boutique wineries, restaurants, and beautiful beaches, and is especially popular in the summer months, when music festivals and jazz concerts are hosted in sprawling vineyards. There’s also a contemporary art sculpture trail, Sculpture on the Gulf , hosted each summer, enticing many Aucklanders across the harbor for a cultured day out. Pop over for the day, tour the wineries, get a scoop of ice cream at Island Gelato Company , and wander around the artisan boutiques. If you’d like to spend the night, there are high-end rentals available on Waiheke Unlimited and Vrbo , or for a hotel, go for Delamore Lodge .

Visit the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery

For a close-up view of New Zealand’s culture and history, visit the stately Auckland Museum , where you’ll find a collection of national artifacts along with a rotation of exhibitions. It’s set at the top of the city’s main park and is within walking distance of Auckland CBD, where the Auckland Art Gallery is located. Here you’ll find some of the country’s most valuable artworks along with various international collections. Both are worthwhile attractions that can be ticked off in half a day.

Explore Commercial Bay and Britomart

Downtown Auckland has been transformed over the past decade and has become the city’s most vibrant shopping and dining hub. It’s bustling from day to night and is especially packed on Friday nights for after-work drinks and dinner. You can find some of the city’s best restaurants and cocktail bars within a small vicinity, and it’s a fashion mecca, with storefronts from major brands and local fashion designers (be sure to check out Karen Walker , Kate Sylvester , and Zambesi ).

Courtesy of Park Hyatt Auckland

Park Hyatt Auckland

Since opening in 2020, the Park Hyatt has become the crème de la crème of the Auckland hotel scene. It has a prime location, excellent views, amenities, restaurants, and spacious rooms with freestanding bathtubs and terraces overlooking the Viaduct Harbor — ideal for room service with some atmosphere. It’s within walking distance of the best bars, restaurants, and shops, but it feels like a serene enclave where you can manage to get a good night’s sleep, despite being right by the action.

The Hotel Britomart

As the name suggests, this chic hotel is located right in the heart of Britomart, surrounded by some of Auckland’s best shopping and dining. Rooms are sleek and modern yet very small, so are suitable for solo travelers and couples. If you’re seeking something more spacious, the suites are some of the finest in the city (with price tags to match). And the restaurant, Kingi, is also excellent. 

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor

Located between the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, the Sofitel has long been a go-to for celebrities and diplomats visiting New Zealand. It boasts the high standards that you would expect from the French hotel brand, with a fine-dining restaurant, elegant interiors, and an impressive spa and wellness center. 

Restaurants

For a fun atmosphere and Italian-inspired fare, head to Bivacco in the Viaduct. The menu has sharable classics like pizza, antipasto, pasta, and oysters, and on any given day, you’ll find yourself surrounded by well-heeled locals socializing over bottles of rosé and cocktails. 

Soul is a restaurant that has stood the test of time, and for over 20 years, it has been a go-to venue for some of the city’s most stylish soirees. Like Bivacco, it’s also a lively spot in the heart of the Viaduct, where people go for the food as well as the scene. After dinner, there’s a dance floor that attracts a mature crowd, and on the menus you’ll find fresh seafood and bistro classics alongside an extensive wine and Champagne list.

While it’s not the newest or the sceniest place, Prego has been a solid option along Ponsonby Road for years and is just as popular with families as it is for birthday celebrations and dinners preceding big nights out at the bars along the strip. Go for the pizza or the chicken saltimbocca — everything on the menu is great as are the cocktails. Always a reliable destination for a good atmosphere and delicious food.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Known locally as Te Papa , the country’s largest museum is an essential on any Wellington itinerary. It contains over 800,000 artworks and objects, and it has a rotation of exhibitions including dinosaur skeletons and ancient artifacts that you would expect to find at the American Museum of Natural History. It’s an interesting experience for children and adults alike.

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

For panoramic views of the city, jump on the historic Wellington Cable Car , which boards in the heart of the Lambton Quay shopping district and travels up the hillside of Kelburn. Here you will find a scenic lookout, botanic gardens, and the Cable Car Museum . 

Wander Hannahs Laneway 

Also known as Leeds Street, Hannah’s Laneway is a foodie’s paradise, lined with street food vendors, contemporary art, and cool cafes. You can pick up a variety of distinctly "Kiwi" specialties, from black forest toast to pies and creamy hot chocolates. Just be sure to skip breakfast so you have room to sample everything.

QT Wellington

This centrally located hotel could be equated to the likes of The Standard and Edition Hotels, with quirky, ultramodern design and a lively food and beverage scene.  It’s right across from the Te Papa Museum in the center of town and is popular with both business and leisure travelers. There are 65 hotel rooms with either city or harbor views, and it also has 98 apartments. 

Wharekauhau Country Estate

Although it’s a 90-minute drive from Wellington, this luxury lodge is a popular stop on any Wellington itinerary. It’s set on a 5,000-acre estate overlooking the coast and has welcomed the royal family and many international diplomats visiting the capital. Everything is designed so that you don’t need to leave: food is included and sourced from the farm, it has a spa and fitness center, and a variety of outdoor activities from ATV quad biking to tennis. 

You will need to book a month in advance to secure a table at this intimate prix-fixe restaurant. The menu is seasonal and it changes every day, so there’s always something new. A typical night might feature lamb manti, panfried snapper, and crisp meringue — delicious renditions of local New Zealand cuisine.

Located on the nightlife-centric Cuba Street, Loretta is a place to enjoy crowd-pleasing classics in a fun environment.  It’s renowned for its sourdough pizzas and vanilla cheesecakes and is a great place to go with friends before a night out or for brunch on a Sunday. 

Ortega Fish Shack

This nautical-themed restaurant has some of the best seafood around, from Yellowtail Kingfish ceviche to smoked Moki rillettes and green lipped mussels. It’s a charming and eclectic place that perfectly represents the hip, creative vibe of Wellington. 

Sculptureum

Sculptureum is a lovely and cultured place to spend an afternoon, with six art galleries, three sculpture gardens, a vineyard, and a restaurant appropriately named Rothko. Whether you’re staying in the area or doing a day trip up from Auckland, it’s an essential for contemporary art lovers and is especially great to visit in the summer months.

Matakana Village Farmers Market

Every weekend, Matakana Village comes alive with rustic markets featuring a variety of artisan food stands and fresh local produce. You’ll find delicious local cheese, honey, baked goods, chocolate, and award-winning flat whites.  It’s set up right next to the boutiques in the charming village, where you’ll find everything from quaint homeware stores to shoe shops, and there’s also a cinema and a restaurant within the main village complex.

Omaha Beach

The Rodney District has some of the most stunning beaches on the North Island, and one of the most popular among them is Omaha — a white sand beach that attracts swimmers, surfers, and families setting up for the day. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Matakana Village, and it has ample parking, a café, a boutique with swim essentials, and a playground. For bigger waves, surfers head to Tawharanui Beach , which is also located within the Matakana region. 

Takatu Lodge

This gorgeous boutique lodge is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. It has only four suites with luxurious furnishings, underfloor heating, and views overlooking the gardens and the vineyards. Meals are provided in the dining spaces and tailored to guests’ preferences. Also, picnics are on offer for those wanting to set up at the nearby beaches for the day. 

Courtesy of Brick Bay

Brick Bay is a similar concept to Sculptureum, with a restaurant, wine tastings, and a contemporary sculpture trail positioned around a pond and throughout a native bush. It’s been around for a long time and is very popular with both locals and Aucklanders, so it’s worth booking in advance, even if it’s just to sample their wine varietals over a cheese platter after the lunchtime rush. 

Cruise the Islands

The Bay of Islands has 144 subtropical islands, and there are many ways to explore them, be it by chartering a yacht, going on a scheduled group boat tour, hiring a kayak, or embarking of a snorkeling expedition. You can see an abundance of enchanting sea life, too, including dolphins, penguins, and whales. 

Visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most important historic site, where the country’s founding document was signed back in 1840. Today, it contains two museums with interactive displays, guided tours to learn about the country’s history, and traditional Maori cultural performances that are staged in the meeting house. 

Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs was recently added to the Rosewood portfolio, which is testament to its high standards. It’s one of New Zealand’s most iconic luxury lodges, with a golf course that is ranked 37th on Golf Digest ’s Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World, an excellent restaurant, and a fabulous spa nestled into a tranquil forest full of native birdlife. 

Eagle’s Nest

Positioned on a private 75-acre peninsula overlooking the Bay of Islands, Eagle’s Nest is one of New Zealand’s most luxurious boutique retreats. It is an intimate enclave, with only five villas that are beautifully designed. One thing to note is that there is no restaurant, however breakfast provisions are provided and there are on-call chefs available for private dining. 

Duke of Marlborough

The Duke of Marlborough is New Zealand’s first pub, and since opening in 1827 (before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed nearby), it has undergone various reincarnations. Visit today and you’ll find a refined version of a classic pub, with décor that feels fresh while honoring its history. Menus feature locally sourced, seasonal fare with popular items like paua risotto, clam fritters, pork belly, and of course, a solid burger.  

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

South Island

The South Island is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery from the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman to the fiords and mountains in the Southern Alps. The vibe is generally more casual, and it’s where many of the country’s best adventure activities can be experienced. In Wanaka and Queenstown , you’ll find pristine ski slopes, dramatic mountain landscapes, and an array of sprawling wineries. It’s also home to many of New Zealand’s Great Walks and multi-day hikes. There are many beautiful places to explore, and as Sarah Handley, Tourism New Zealand's general manager for the Americas and Europe notes, “New Zealand's connection to the U.S. has never been stronger, and Americans can now fly non-stop to Christchurch, in the South Island, with United's direct service from SFO [starting Dec. 8].”

Americans can now fly non-stop to Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island, with United Airlines' direct service from San Francisco (SFO) starting Dec. 8.

Over the Top Helicopter Tour

For a true bucket list experience, take a helicopter ride and tour through the Southern Alps and the Milford Sound.  It’s the most magical way to see everything, and experience areas that are usually inaccessible, like the secluded Madagascar Beach and snow-capped, sky-high peaks. The "eurocopters" are state of the art, with maximum visibility from any vantage point.  They can be booked privately or as part of scheduled group tours. 

JensenChua/Getty Images

TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Renowned as "the Lady of the Lake," the Earnslaw is a 110-year-old steamboat that tours Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown down to Glenorchy. It’s one of the best ways to observe the natural grandeur of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak and is a particularly popular activity for families. The cruise itself take 90 minutes, but there are various experiences that can be added on arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, including horse treks, cycling, or barbecues. 

Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining town that looks like a village out of a fairy tale. Everything has been lovingly preserved and it is lined with quaint artisan boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, and on the way, you could stop at Millbrook Resort for a round of golf or a spa session (just outside of the main village). Be sure to stop at The Remarkable Sweet Shop for the crème brulee fudge.  

Eichardt’s Private Hotel

Eichardt’s an iconic Queenstown establishment and one of the most beloved boutique hotels in the country. It has an exceptional cocktail bar, restaurant, and a spa, along with a $20,000-per-night penthouse located above the Louis Vuitton boutique next door. The location could not be better, positioned right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the center of the action. Inside the rooms, the interiors are ultra-luxurious and suited to the alpine theme of the town — think crackling fireplaces, marble bathrooms with underfloor heating, and plush beds with fur throws. 

Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge is another property that was recently added to Rosewood’s portfolio (along with Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers in the Hawkes Bay) and is a key destination on New Zealand’s luxury circuit, hosting the British royal family and many celebrities over the years. The intimate lakeside retreat has only 13 spacious accommodations and it boasts stunning views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Cocktail hour is a social affair, and the food and wine offerings are world class.

The Carlin is new, but it’s already garnered international acclaim, winning Best New Hotel at the Boutique Hotel Awards in 2022. It’s a place that would have "Palace" distinction if it were in France, with ultra-luxe amenities that surpass the typical five-star standard. Guests have access to private jets and Michelin-star dining, and it is home to the largest penthouse in the Southern Hemisphere.

Located just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Amisfield is the most popular winery and restaurant in the region and is an essential daytime excursion for any Queenstown itinerary. Wine tastings are available, and there are excellent Pinot Noirs produced on site. But to make the most of it, do an al fresco lunch in the beautifully manicured courtyard and take in the views of the postcard-worthy mountains.

Botswana Butchery

This lively lakefront bistro is one to book in advance, particularly if you’re visiting on a weekend. It has a charming atmosphere and some of the best representations of hearty New Zealand cuisine sourced from the surrounding farms and waters. It also has an excellent wine list with varietals from vineyards in the area.

You will need to time your visit to Fergburger well, as the lines can often exceed an hour in the evenings, but it has the best burgers in Queenstown (and anywhere, really) and is worth factoring in. There is a long menu of options to suit everyone including vegetarian options, beef, lamb, pork, fish, chicken, and also breakfast burgers. The same operators also opened Fergbaker next door where you can pick up a classic meat pie — both delicious options, especially on a cold and snowy day.

Blanket Bay

Glenorchy is very remote, and what to do, where to stay, and where to dine all fall under the same category if you want to do it well. The place to go? Blanket Bay, where apocalypse-weary billionaires are known to escape. It is one of the country’s finest luxury lodges and is the best way to experience all the area has to offer, with an excellent restaurant, bar, spa and wellness center, and a variety of outdoor activities from horse riding to heliskiing and jet boating. Accommodations are split between rooms in the main house and luxuriously decorated standalone villas.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Located in the Mt. Cook National Park, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve has some of the clearest and darkest skies for star-spotting. It was the first Dark Sky Reserve to be established in New Zealand, and is a magical way to experience the country’s untouched natural beauty by night. 

Explore the City’s Art Galleries

Christchurch has a thriving art scene and many galleries in the central city that are worth checking out. The main ones to prioritize are the Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCa) , Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu , and the Christchurch Art Centre . 

The Mayfair

Since opening in 2022, The Mayfair has been a welcome addition to the city’s luxury hotel scene. It’s a boutique hotel with minimal, contemporary décor, and sophisticated dining options from high tea to an all-day café and cocktail bar and bistro. The central location makes it popular for both leisure and business travelers. 

The Observatory Hotel

The Observatory is a chic, design-forward boutique hotel that also opened in Christchurch in 2022.  It has rich interiors that give the sense of eternal night, with vivid colors and ambient lighting. Rooms are very photogenic, and there are multiple dining options from the Drawing Room to all-day eatery Bunsen, and more casual options within the broader complex, from food trucks to sushi and dumplings.

Inati is a stylish fine dining establishment helmed by the former head chef of Gordon Ramsay’s The Warrington. If there’s one place to book in advance in Christchurch, this is it. The menu is filled with sharing plates and is divided into earth, land, and sea categories. Guests can park up at elegant stools overlooking the open kitchen and observe their food being artfully crafted. 

If you want to experience the great outdoors (which is the primary drawcard), the best time to visit is over the summer, between December and the beginning of April. During this period, temperatures are balmy and you’re more likely to encounter solid blocks of sunshine. It’s also when the cities come alive, with many music festivals and cultural events, and is the best time to explore the beaches, wineries, and stunning walking tracks. That said, New Zealand is a great place to visit year-round, and it is also a world-renowned ski destination with ski resorts throughout the North and South Island. If you’re looking to ski, the months to consider would be between June and October, when the fields are open. 

Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

The best way to get to New Zealand is to fly into Auckland Airport, which is the country’s primary gateway. Air New Zealand has multiple routes available, including a direct flight from New York City, which takes 17 hours but is surprisingly manageable, given it flies overnight (and the airline is renowned for its excellent cuisine and high standard overall). United Airlines is launching a direct flight from San Francisco's SFO in December, and Qantas also has a route from New York to Auckland. 

Once you arrive at the airport, there are taxis and rideshare services available, including Uber, but given everything is quite spread out, it is definitely worth renting a car. That will allow you to easily explore all of the different areas (some of which don’t have regular public transport options available). Driving is also a great way to visit some of the more remote beaches and destinations off the beaten path. If you’re planning on staying in the city centers, there are buses available, trains (albeit with limited routes), and ferries. 

New Zealand Travel Guide

TRAVEL to NEW ZEALAND – Tips and Information Guide

New Zealand

Everything you need to know about travel to New Zealand in our comprehensive 2024 New Zealand travel guide.

New Zealand is truly the land of the Long White Cloud with a vast contrast between the epic coastlines of the Otago Peninsula to the summit of Aoraki Mount Cook.

Most people divide their travel in New Zealand between the North Island and South Island. South Island tends to be more popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

But regardless of which island you see, or whether you tour both, you won’t be let down.

Fancy a thermal river? Then head to the North Island’s Rotorua or if you prefer snowy mountains, Queenstown is the place to go!

If none of this fancies you then why not head to the Bay of Islands only a short drive from Auckland to take in some sunshine and fresh oysters? Follow this up with a trip you’ll not soon forget to the top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga.

New Zealand is probably the most surprising country you can visit as it is jam-packed full of adventure, landscapes and friendly locals. Do yourself a favour and get there ASAP!

Once you start planning to travel to New Zealand, you’re in for a great adventure!

Here’s our New Zealand travel guide to get you caught up on the basics of this amazing country.

TRAVELLING IN NEW ZEALAND: AT A GLANCE

Here are the basics about travel to New Zealand.

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN NEW ZEALAND

With so much to see and do in New Zealand, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate New Zealand you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Cruising the Milford Sound

Cruising on a boat in the stunning Milford Sound is an absolute MUST! Kayak, cruise and cuisine your way through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand!

Book a Milford Sound cruise and lunch today !

Walking Hooker Valley

The Hooker Valley walk at Aoraki National Park is basically like walking in a piece of paradise. To your left will be snowcapped peaks and to your left will be snowcapped peaks. At the end of the trail lays Hooker Valley Lake full of icebergs and epic views of Mount Cook.

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo is remarkable due to limited light pollution. Opt for a summer’s night out to enjoy the Southern Hemispheres spectacular stars!

Book a trip to Lake Tekapo here !

Snowboarding or Skiing the Remarkables

Snowboarding or skiing The Remarkables high above Queenstown is every snow enthusiasts dream! So get prepared to shred and smash some freshly fallen powder!

Wildlife Watching on the Otago Peninsula

Wildlife watching on the Otago Peninsula can be done at any time of the year where penguins, seals and albatrosses can be seen in their natural environment.

Other Things to do in New Zealand

There are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand. Most of them will keep you outside exploring the beautiful landscapes found throughout the country!

Splurge on a heli-skiing trip in Wanaka . See the mountainside like few people do as you shred your way through freshly fallen snow!

Go for a hike on any of the spectacular trails found throughout the country. Some favourites can be found in our guide to hiking New Zealand.

Visit Hobbiton and tour the set of Lord of the Rings . If you’re not a fan of the movies you will be once you check out where they were filmed !

Paddle a canoe on a multiday trip down the Whanganui River. Spend 3-5 days on a unique journey you are not bound to forget.

Kayak Doubtful Sound . You won’t get a more authentic and raw natural experience in New Zealand than getting out on the Doubtful Sound for a good paddle.

Take a zip-line canopy tour through Rotorua . Visit the thick forest from above and learn about its importance while getting the adrenaline moving !

Kayak Abel Tasman . Ok, so paddling Abel Tasman is pretty magical too. Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Zealand!

Kitesurf in Taranaki . The wind is epic and harnessing it in a kitesurfing sail is going to lead to one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities in New Zealand!

Go whitewater rafting down the Kaituna River . Paddle through 14 rapids , including a handful of epic class 5 rapids and the world’s highest rafted waterfall.

Bungee jump in Auckland or Queensland . Go weightless (momentarily) where bungee jumping first began with the most spectacular backdrop!

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in New Zealand. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

Rich in Maori history and culture, Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand. Here you’ll find plenty of incredible things to do !

Known for its beautiful landscapes and wild outdoor activities (can you say bungee jumping?!) Queenstown will have your heart as soon as you arrive!

Aoraki National Park

Aoraki National Park is a place of dreams complete with New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook soaring to over 3,700 metres.

Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro Crossing is one of the most popular day treks in the North Island where you see scenes from the famous Mordor and Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is honestly the most beautiful place to sit back and just stare at mountains for hours on end. Options here include a hike to Rob Roy Glacier or further onto French’s Ridge hut for those adventurous souls.

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in New Zealand, reference our following city travel guides: 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND . 

BEST NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL ITINERARY

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do when travelling in New Zealand, we’ve put together a few itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in New Zealand that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

In this section, we’ll not only help you plan a 1-, 2-, or 3-week New Zealand itinerary but also give you an overview of many of the places you might want to consider visiting and things you may want to do. 

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to New Zealand these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week New Zealand North / South Island Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you only have 1 week to travel in New Zealand the best thing you can do is to pick either the North Island or the South Island to explore.

Here’s an overview of how we’d spend 1 week on either the North Island or South Island of New Zealand. 

2-Week New Zealand Travel Itinerary Highlights

With 2 weeks in New Zealand, you can split your trip to cover both the North Island and the South Island. For this itinerary we recommend you fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch.

This is an idea of how we’d spend 2 weeks in New Zealand.

• Day 1 and 2  – Auckland
• Day 3 – Mount Maunganui
• Day 4 – Rotorua and drive to the Tongariro National Park
• Day 5 – Tongariro National Park 
• Day 6 – Wellington
• Day 7 – Crossing the Cook Strait and driving to the Abel Tasman National Park. 
• Day 8 – Hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park 
• Day 9 – South Islands West Coast – Kaiteriteri to Hokitika
• Day 10 – South Island’s West Coast – Hokitika to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and on to Wanaka
• Day 11 and 12 – Lake Wanaka
• Day 13 – Mount Cook 
• Day 14 – Christchurch

3-Week New Zealand Travel Itinerary Highlights

Three weeks in New Zealand gives you a chance to see and do more. So if we had 3 weeks in New Zealand, this is how we’d spend it. 

• Day 1 – Auckland 
• Day 2 – Waitomo 
• Day 3 – Tongariro National Park
• Day 4 – The Forgotten World Highway
• Day 5 – Wellington 
• Day 6 – Crossing the Cook Strait to Picton and driving to Kaikoura
• Day 7 – Whale watching and dolphin swimming in Kaikoura
• Day 8 and 9 – Akaroa, the Banks Peninsula and driving to Mount Cook.
• Day 10 – Hiking around Mount Cook
• Day 11 and 12 – Wanaka
• Day 13 and 14 – Queenstown 
• Day 15 and 16 – Doubtful Sound 
• Day 17 and 18 – Caitlins National Park 
• Day 19 and 20 – Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula 
• Day 21 – Christchurch 

READ MORE: Check out this post for more details on our New Zealand travel itinerary . 

NEW ZEALAND TRIP PLANNING

Now we’re going to help you plan your ultimate trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud so you don’t make any mistakes! Here’s our best New Zealand travel tips based on almost a dozen trips!

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND

These are the best times to travel to New Zealand:

• October – February  for those perfect summer days.
• June – September for all things snow.

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

New Zealand is not the most affordable place to visit. However, you are sure to have a spectacular time well worth the expense.

You’ll find that taking a road trip is the best and most affordable way to see the country – especially if you plan to do some camping along the way.

Here’s an overview of what to expect when budgeting for travel to New Zealand:

Here are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($90 Single / $140 Couples)

If you’re here on a strict budget you are more likely to be getting around by car or basic camper van relying on DOC sites for your accommodation needs with the occasional splurge at a holiday park.  

Basic camper vans will be small 2 berth campers that are often old Mazda vans, or people carriers converted into a home on wheels.

These budget-friendly camper vans are not self-contained, therefore you will not be allowed to freedom camp. 

Make use of supermarkets and accommodation facilities to cook and limit eating out to an absolute minimum to keep the costs down.

Make sure to check the discounted aisles as quite often meat is marked down significantly if it is soon the pass its expiration date. 

Adrenaline sports and other activities in New Zealand do not come cheap. If you are on a budget you will need to limit there.

So work out what you can realistically afford and do your research before you go, as the same activity may be cheaper in other parts of the country. 

Mid-Range Traveller ($140 Single / $280 Couple)

If you’re on a mid-range budget then you are more likely to be travelling in a self-contained pop-top camper van and staying in a few more holiday parks than DOC sites. 

Although eating out is expensive you may be able to afford the odd restaurant visit. But you will still be utilising supermarkets and holiday park facilities for the majority of your meals. 

In terms of activities, you will be able to do more than if you were on a budget.

However, you will still need to watch the pennies, as the costs of these can rack up very quickly. 

Luxury Traveller ($200+ Single / $300+ Couple)

If money is no object then you will be travelling in a rental car and staying in Airbnb, hotels or guesthouses, or you will be in a large multi-berth camper van.

As well a being fitted with the latest mod cons, the larger camper van will also be self-contained. If you’re taking the camper van option then you will be spending the majority of your time in holiday parks. 

You will have the option to eat out more often, and whether you choose to is up to you.

In addition, you will also be able to splash out on some fancy purchases from the supermarket. 

For activities, go wild! You’ve got the money so splash out and do as much as you want. New Zealand is full of great adventures and opportunities to have an amazing time!

New Zealand Budgeting Tips:

We have some great tips on how to make the most of your budget when you travel to New Zealand.

Top 10 Cards 

Top 10 is the largest holiday park chain in New Zealand. They offer high-quality facilities at a reasonable price.

Purchasing a Top 10 card for $49 will save you 10% at all of their holiday parks. There are other additional discounts all over the country, including the ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton and on various activities including trips to Milford and Doubtful Sound.

Whenever you’re booking an activity, check if they have a top 10 discount. It saved us quite a lot when we were out there. 

Take advantage of supermarket deals 

Unless you have an almost unlimited budget you are going to be cooking a lot of your own food. New Zealand’s main supermarkets are Four Square, Pak n’Save, New World, Countdown and Fresh Choice. 

Each supermarket will have various deals and multi saver options and some will have fuel discounts as well. 

Early Bookings 

If you’re visiting in Spring or Summer then it pays to book early to both ensure your space in a holiday park (especially around the Tongariro National Park) or on various activities. 

Occasionally booking early will get you significant discounts. 

Scour Travel Magazines 

Any travel magazine, including ones you will pick up with your rental vehicle or at the airport, are loaded with discount coupons, for a variety of things potentially saving you quite a bit of money.

These generally can’t be combined with a top 10 discount card though. 

Free BBQ’s  

At various locations across New Zealand, you can expect to find free BBQs for public use. Make sure you have cleaning materials to ensure it’s clean for others to use afterward. 

Plan Where You Are Going To Fill Up 

Prices of petrol can vary in New Zealand. Therefore it pays to plan where to fill up.

For example, if you are taking a trip down to the tiny town of Manapouri to take a trip to Doubtful Sound, make sure you have a full tank before heading off as petrol is expensive there. 

As a general rule of thumb, the smaller and more isolated a place is, the higher the petrol price is likely to be. A small difference here or there can help you to save if you’re here for a significant period of time. 

Keep this in mind when travelling in New Zealand.

Check Your Fuel Consumption

When choosing which campervan you want to rent, check the fuel consumption. Often a lot of older and cheaper models consume a lot more fuel than some more expensive models.

Therefore it may be worth paying more to rent, as it could be cheaper when fuel costs are taken into account. 

Limit Your Eating Out

If you are on a budget then this is one of the easiest ways to save money. Whilst being delicious, eating out in New Zealand is expensive and as such is an easy way to limit your outgoings.

Consider Travelling in New Zealand in The Winter

The cost of activities and vehicle rental is much cheaper in the winter than in the spring and summer.

Naturally, the weather won’t be as good and there will be some activities that are not running and some hiking trails that may not be accessible.

However, it has the potential to save you quite a bit of money. 

Hire Returns 

If you are planning on visiting New Zealand for a long time then this could be worth considering. Many camper van rental companies need vehicles moving to various places around the country.

The cost of renting campervans for these journeys is insanely cheap, sometimes as little as a few dollars a day.

The downside is that you have a limited time to get from point A to point B and it can be hard to follow a route, as you may be going here there and everywhere. 

However, if time is on your side then this could be well worth it! 

Buying A Vehicle 

If you are going to be visiting New Zealand for an extended period of time then renting is not a sensible financial decision. 

Buying your own vehicles has a number of advantages

• Your trip is a long as you want it to be. 
• You could potentially sell the vehicle for the same or a similar price to what you paid for it, limiting your travel costs. 

However, you won’t be able to rely on a hire company if something goes wrong. 

You will need to add a few weeks on either side of your trip to buy and sell your vehicle.

GETTING TO AND AROUND NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is an island nation and thus the most reasonable, cost-efficient and common way to travel to New Zealand is by air.

Entry Requirements

It is relatively easy to travel to New Zealand. Australians can enter and stay visa-free.

UK citizens can enter for free with a 6-month stay.

Other nationalities may qualify for a visa waiver. 

For information about which countries are granted visa-free waivers click here

Getting Around New Zealand

Hiring a vehicle is the best way to get around New Zealand and experience the stunning scenery that New Zealand has to offer.

Whilst there are public transport options available, there are natural limitations on the areas you can visit.

Travelling by Air

This is not a common option for many travellers. However if your time here for a shorter period of time then they can be an excellent option to cover larger distances.

You can then pick up a hire car at each destination and utilise short term rentals. This may be beneficial, for example, in flying between the North and South Islands to/from Auckland and Christchurch.

It’s not uncommon to find discounts, especially when booking early. 

Travelling by Car

Generally much cheaper than renting a campervan, both in terms of rental fees and fuel consumption. If you’re here on a short visit then renting a car may be a better option than renting a campervan. 

This can be a particularly budget-friendly option if you plan on camping as opposed to staying in Airbnb’s and guesthouses.

This is the way most travellers get around. Many have wonderful memories of pulling up in their campervans on edge of a lake, a deserted beach, or just stopping on a quiet road to admire the view. 

It gives you more freedom and flexibility than a car. However it is more expensive and uses more fuel.

But if you are visiting for a longer period of time it can actually work out being quite similar, once you take the cost of accommodation into account. Holiday parks and DOC sites are much cheaper than guesthouses and Airbnb’s. 

Many travellers rent large campervans, despite have little experience of driving a vehicle of such size.

When combining this lack of experience with New Zealand’s narrow and winding roads it can be a rather stressful experience. So think carefully about what you really need.

READ MORE: Check out our epic New Zealand road trip itinerary !

Travelling by Bus

If you don’t drive then this is the best option. The two most well known bus companies are the Kiwi Experience , which is aimed primarily at those aged between 18 and 25, and the intercity network . 

Both companies offer flexible hop on hop off passes where you buy a certain number of hours in which you can then top up as you see fit. You can also change your plans if necessary.

Additionally you can purchase pre-arranged passes which can work out to be good value for money. 

Although bus networks in New Zealand are well connected, it is harder to get away from the towns and into the middle of nowhere – which is one of the highlights of any visit. 

Additionally, it will be harder to access hiking trails since you will not have a car and thusly will be reliant on public transport. 

Travelling by Boat/Ferry

The countries major ferry route is between Picton and Wellington connecting the North and South Islands.

In high season it is recommended to book ahead.

Travelling by Train

The most famous train journey in New Zealand is the Trans-Alpine route that crosses the South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth via the Arthus Pass National Park.

Aside from this there a number of other train routes offering stunning scenery. 

That being said, this isn’t the most convenient way to travel and you will have to combine it with bus travel or vehicle hire to be able to get around the country.  

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

Mobile apps and technology will make your trip safer, more affordable and overall more enjoyable.

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• Google Maps – The tried and true navigation app that will help you find virtually any place in New Zealand and help you with directions on how to get there
• XE Currency – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in New Zealand. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• CamperMate – Since you will most likely find yourself camping at some, if not all, of your travel to New Zealand, use this app to find camping spots all around the country

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has some pretty tasty food. You should definitely give the following foods a try when visiting!

• Lamb – A staple in Kiwi meals and found at almost every restaurant. Lamb is traditionally prepared with rosemary and garlic.
• Spaghetti on toast – Yes, as simple as it sounds this is a delicious New Zealand staple
• Marmite – The equivalent of Australian Vegemite, made from yeast extract and herbs. Spread it thin over crackers or bread.
• L&P – Lemon and Paeroa is mineral water tinted with lemon that could easily be the countries national drink
• Hangi – A traditional Maori method of steaming meats and vegetables where the food is wrapped in leaves and buried to cook on heated stones in holes in the ground.
• Kumara – A form of sweet potato that is prepared a variety of ways such as chips and wedges
• Fish And Chips – A classic dish with deep-fried battered fish and potato fries served with tomato sauce
• Pavlova – A meringue dessert that has caused much dispute over whether it was originally created in Australia or New Zealand.
• Hokey Pokey Ice Cream – Vanilla ice cream with caramelized sugar. Enough said!
• Manuka Honey – Produced by bees that collect the pollen of Manuka trees, this honey is thick and uniquely sweetened in flavor

PLACES TO STAY IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is chock full of great accommodation options. Whether you’re on a budget and need to stay at a hostel or have enough room in your budget to splurge on a hotel or unique Airbnb you’ll be pleased with your stay.

Of course, if you are looking to camp in beautiful landscapes then your options become even more wide open.

Holiday Parks and Campsites

Probably one of the most popular accommodation options for travellers visiting New Zealand. The predominantly cater to campervans and campers. However, some do have small chalets on site.

The vast majority will come with large kitchens and communal bathrooms. However, not all kitchens are equipped, meaning they do not have cooking utensils and cutlery. 

In addition, holiday parks will offer both powered and non-powered sites. Naturally, non-powered sites are cheaper, so this could be a good way to save a few pennies here and there. 

Rankers and Campermate are two useful apps that can help you locate holiday parks and campsites, see what facilities they have and check out reviews from other travellers.

Campmate allows you to book in advance and check out various things to do in the local area amongst other things. 

There will be some campsites and holiday parks that only allow self-contained vehicles.

Your vehicle is self-contained if: 

• You have a toilet fixed or portable that can be used even when the beds are down
• You have a fresh and wastewater tank
• An evacuation hose
• A rubbish bin with a lid
• Self-contained campervans can also be identified by a blue sticker. 

DOC (Department of Conservation Sites) are generally cheaper and more rustic than holiday parks. Expect a bathroom and maybe a small unequipped kitchen.

However, they often located in stunning locations, with the White Horse Campground close to Mount Cook being a prime example. 

There are 6 different categories of DOC site . They are a great budget option and are often surrounded by some stunning scenery. 

Freedom Camping

There are some spots where you are allowed to freedom camp. In the past, you used to be able to freedom camp almost anywhere.

However, a large increase in tourists and the waste they left behind has put paid to that. You can now only freedom camp if you are in a self-contained vehicle.

Freedom camping is a wonderful thing. However for it to carry on working effectively, everyone needs to follow the rules and clear up after themselves. 

New Zealand is jam-packed with plenty of awesome hostels that connect travellers and are phenomenal resources of tips and information.

Incidentally, they are great places to buy and sell vehicles. So if you land in Christchurch or Auckland and are planning on buying camper van for your road trip, then your hostel is the perfect place to start. 

Hostels predominantly focus on dorms as opposed to private rooms, which brings to cost down significantly. 

If you are travelling by car, then hostels are a great alternative to camping, although they are naturally more expensive. Make sure they have parking!

Hotels in New Zealand are not cheap, so if you are on a budget this is something you may want to avoid.

However, there are spectacular hotels and guesthouses throughout the country that are a great excuse to splash some cash. 

Generally, hotels rank from simple motel-style options up the swanky 5-star options with plenty in between. 

Another good option in recent years for accommodation in New Zealand is AirBnB. And there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are popping up, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS

Here are the best travel tips for New Zealand to help you have the safest, most affordable and enjoyable trip possible.

GENERAL NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS 

While there are many basic travel tips we suggest you use when travelling to New Zealand, there are also plenty of New Zealand-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit New Zealand: 

1. Make Sure You Have a Credit Card

New Zealand is not densely populated. It’s the size of the UK with a population of around 4.5 million (for reference the UK population is over 65 million).

This means there are a rather large number of unmanned petrol stations that are pay at the pump. 

When we visited we had problems with debit cards being accepted at these machines. However, we experience no issues with credit cards.

2. Avoid The Summer Holidays If Possible

Late December and January are particularly busy in New Zealand as this is the nation’s summer holiday. This means that there will be large numbers of both international and domestic tourists.

November and early December bring great weather and smaller fewer people.

3. Don’t Follow Penguins 

If you are in Omaru, and you’re walking back to your accommodation and you catch sight of a penguin, stop and do not follow them.

If you don’t stop then the penguins may be too scared to return to their nests.

4. Check For Weather Warnings 

The weather can change quickly in New Zealand. During the winter months, large areas of New Zealand can experience heavy snowfall which can lead to road closures amongst other things. 

Make sure to check weather warnings and road closure notices to ensure you can make appropriate plans. 

5. Be Prepared For 4 Seasons in a Day 

New Zealand is the absolute definition of 4 seasons in a day. Therefore whenever you’re heading out on a hike make sure you bring the appropriate clothing just in case the weather changes.

6. Hayfever Issues

New Zealand has a large amount of indigenous flora and fauna, particularly on the South Island. If you have hay fever then you may have quite a serious allergic reaction. 

If you experience this then you’ll need to go to a doctor and get some prescription-strength hay fever medication.

7. Always Assume Journeys Will Take Longer Than Google Maps Says

New Zealand’s roads offer breathtaking views as you wind your way across the country.

Occasionally roads can be steep, narrow and extremely twisty.

If you are not used to driving such roads then it’s a safe bet that journeys will take longer than what google maps says.

8. Book Ahead If You Can

This is especially advisable for campsites and holiday parks. In Autumn and Winter, there is a good chance you can turn up and there will be space.

However in late Spring, early Summer this is not always a guarantee. Naturally, this is more likely in busier, more popular spots.

Additionally, you are likely to be arriving somewhere after 6 pm it’s worth calling the holiday park/campsite and booking a spot as very often desks close at 6 pm. 

If you are planning on taking on any of New Zealand’s great walks and are planning in staying on the huts en route, then this is another situation where it is advisable to book ahead. 

NEW ZEALAND PACKING LIST

We always travel with a core packing list wherever we go. And when it comes to New Zealand, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our travel essentials and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

STAYING SAFE IN NEW ZEALAND

Generally speaking, New Zealand is very safe. That being said, you still need to take sensible precautions to keep yourself safe as you would do in your home country. 

If you are heading out on multi-day hikes make sure you inform somebody. You’re best off informing you accommodation, however, they may directly ask you to register elsewhere.

This will differ depending on the hike and the region of the country you’re in.  

Generally driving is very safe. The majority of road users are courteous and follow the rules of the road.

However, as mentioned earlier, New Zealand’s road criss-cross a variety of environments meaning that roads can be very narrow, steep and winding along the contours of the landscape.

Therefore make sure you are driving at a speed that you are comfortable with and follow the rules of the road. 

New Zealand is blessed with many stunning beaches. However, make sure you pay attention to any beaches that are advising against swimming due to currents. 

STAYING CONNECTED IN NEW ZEALAND

Staying connected in New Zealand can be challenging. But it has never easier as the country becomes more and more popular for travellers.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Travel sims can be picked up anywhere in New Zealand. There are usually a variety of deals on offer. However, don’t expect the same kind of data packages you get in Europe, the Far East or the US. 

With some companies, you can get free data when in the vicinity of one of their phone boxes. 

Access Free WiFI

The vast majority of holiday parks and campsites have wifi. However, outside of major towns and cities, there is often a limit on the amount of data that you can use, as little 250 MB in some cases. 

Unsurprisingly wifi connections can be patchy in more rural locations, with the South Island having a noticeable poorer wifi service in comparison to the North Island.  

Hotels and guesthouses don’t suffer the same wifi issues and don’t have limits of the amount of data you can use. Generally, the speed is reasonable, much faster than what is available in holiday parks. 

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN NEW ZEALAND

In recent years tourism numbers to New Zealand have surged. Whilst this has brought economic opportunity up and down the country, it has also lead to a number of challenges. 

The first of these is freedom camping. In years gone by you could freedom camp almost anywhere with the expectations that people would follow basic rules such as cleaning up after yourself.

Sadly, however, these rules have been changed and you can now only freedom camp in designated spots and only if you have a self-contained vehicle in many cases.

Being a responsible traveller means following the rules with regards to freedom camping. 

New Zealand is pristine. A large part of this is due to the lack of trash bins. You are expected to leave nothing but footprints.

It’s a simple and easy rule to follow. Make sure you keep New Zealand beautiful for everyone else that has the pleasure of visiting. 

New Zealand is also home to a wide variety of wildlife with strict rules on interacting with them.

For example, a few of the basics are not feeding kea’s (the worlds only alpine parrot), staying a safe distance from seals whilst they are on land and not following the little blue penguins in Omaru. 

Many roads in New Zealand are single lane and are particularly windy and can be challenging if you are driving a large campervan.

Be sure to observe all road rules and drive sensibly. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

Maybe you already know everything about New Zealand. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to New Zealand. 

Pounamu Pounamu (Witi Ihimaera) – A look at what it is like to be a New Zealander from the Maori perspective from one of New Zealand’s first and most respected writers of Maori culture, tradition and storytelling. Buy it online here .

The Penguin History of New Zealand (Michael King) – The well-rounded historical story of the settling and advancement of New Zealand from one of New Zealand’s leading historians. You can find it here .

Squashed Possums: Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand (Jonathan Tindale) – An fun story of vagabond life in New Zealand from a man who lived in a wandering caravan and had some of the most peculiar encounters across the country. Check prices on Amazon .

Straying From the Flock: Travels in New Zealand (Alexander Elder) – The memoir of a New Zealand traveller as told through 50 chapters, each reflecting one day of adventure in the wild country. Buy it online .

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR NEW ZEALAND BLOG POSTS

Whanganui journey in new zealand – the ultimate guide [2024], the ultimate guide to new zealand’s south island in winter, 5 best adventure activities in taranaki, new zealand, 17 awesome things to do in wanaka (epic 2024 guide), 22 cool things to do in wellington, new zealand (2024 edition), 18 awesome things to do in christchurch (2024 guide), the ultimate guide to hiking in new zealand (2024), 13 amazing things to do in franz josef (2024 guide), 3 days kayaking in abel tasman (everything you need to know), 8 amazing things to do in rotorua, new zealand, the most epic 1, 2 or 3 week new zealand itinerary (2024), the best new zealand road trip itinerary in 2024.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in New Zealand

Find the right fully guided tour for you in New Zealand. There are 314 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 28 days. The month with the most departures is January, making it the most popular time to visit New Zealand.

Filters applied

250+ fully guided tour packages in new zealand with 2,637 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

New Zealand: Best of the North Island

My group was phenomenal, we all had a blast together. Our guide was very communicative, using WhatsApp and a photo circle to share information, resources and photos. I’m not used to hopping hostels, so that was a bit rough, definitively pack light and try to be organized. I should have done a better job researching temperature as well - as it got much colder than I was expecting. Overall the trip was incredible and I did everything I wanted to do.

Highlights of New Zealand

Such an amazing trip and stunning landscapes we visited with a great crew! The tour and activities have been amazing and surprising varied plus our guide, Lauren, has been a must in the hole trip! She definitely knows how to guide, inform, entertain, and maintain a good vibe the hole tour! She’s a legend! She worries about the group and put some sense of humor despite the outbreak of this pandemic.

• Sightseeing

Southern Voyager

Awesome trip, great guide and plenty of activities to do.

New Zealand South Island Express

Callum was a fantastic tour guide he made our trip memorable beside the hickups he had to fix.

Northern Voyager

This was a brilliant tour and a stress free way to travel with local guided knowledge. Telli was a great tour guide and his horse joke is unforgettable! Good choice of activities offered. The small group made sure this did not feel like a military operation and was a really friendly group with a mix of age ranges! I will be using Wild Kiwi for future trips!

New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Southbound)

Snowy, our guide was the best that could be. Safe in his hands. Real dincum n. Zealander. Beautiful country. Wish i lived there.

NZ Adventure South

Great value overall, might recommend only spending one night in Tekapo as there is very little night life (especially during the week). Perhaps one full day/night in Te Anau.

Premium New Zealand North Island (8 destinations)

Summer did an excellent job guiding us around and telling us all about her home country.

NZ Adventure North

James is great! 100% would recommend!

• Coach / Bus

Sun and Steam (6 Days)

It was f******** amazing

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)

Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way

Southern Spectacular (10 Days)

Great itinerary and guide. Hotels and food excellent.

NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands

New Zealand and my itinerary was perfect! I had to be efficient since I only had 10 days and wanted to see both islands of NZ. The Highlights Tour put together by Bucket List Tours was exactly what I was hoping for and it exceeded my expectations. Before leaving the US, Bucket List Tours connected with me and made sure we were able to communicate throughout my trip via WhatsApp. And that was super helpful since there were a number of times where I was able to clarify logistical items on the itinerary to ensure such things as being at the right pickup locations for scheduled day tours. Bucket Lisr Tours was always very responsive and helped me do everything I had on my list for New Zealand. I would highly recommend Bucket List Tours to anyone and am already planning on using them again in the future!

New Zealand Journey National Geographic Journeys

This was an excellent tour with a very knowledgeable guide (Jonno). We only had 6 people on the tour which allowed us to get to know each other very well over the 12 day tour. The tour bus was very clean and our driver/guide kept us entertained during the entire trip. All transportation (bus, flight, train & boat) were well coordinated and we never felt rushed. Our guide always made good suggestions for lunch and dinner and we often ate together as a group. Overall a good experience that I would highly recommend for anyone wanting to see the most of both North and South islands over a 2 weeks period.

Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in New Zealand

The tour guide was exceptional! The accommodations could have been better.

One of the best experiences of my life, made possible by the incredibly talented and charismatic Daisy! This was well organized with all of the logistics taken care of for you while having the freedom to pick what activities interest you most. The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world. Some of the hostel stays were great, some were just ok, but all were clean and had the essentials.

Regions in New Zealand

• New Zealand South Island (129)
• New Zealand North Island (86)
• New Zealand Central North Island (38)
• Milford Sound (31)
• New Zealand Bay Of Islands (14)
• Te Araroa Trail (12)
• New Zealand Northland (11)
• Aoraki Mount Cook (10)
• Bay Of Plenty (7)
• Southern Alps (6)
• Marlborough (5)
• Southland New Zealand (5)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• New Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

• Work With Us
• Blogging Bootcamp

• Van Conversion Academy
• Campervan Shop
• Campervan Rentals
• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Destinations
• Responsible Travel
• Family Travel
• Budget Travel
• Scuba Diving
• Travel Credit Cards
• Digital Nomad
• Teach English Abroad
• Blogging Resources
• Income Reports
• Travel Shop
• Meet Katie & Ben
• About Two Wandering Soles
• Personal Stuff
• Portfolio & Press

New Zealand Travel Guide

Welcome to the “Adventure Capital of the World”! In New Zealand, you can go caving, hiking, skydiving, skiing, climbing, bungy jumping, jet boating, swimming with dolphins, and camping… just to name a few of the heart-pumping activities you’ll find! Everywhere you look, there’s jaw-dropping landscapes and adventures to be had. Welcome to the real Middle Earth.

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, this travel guide has everything you need to know. Plus, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page, and you’ll see all of our New Zealand articles!

But first, don’t miss your chance to download our perfect 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary !

New Zealand Travel Guide Contents

Important Info    |    Best Time to Visit    |    Things to Do    |    What to Eat    |    Typical Budget

Travel Tips    |    What to Pack    |    New Zealand Articles    |    Book Now

Important Information about New Zealand

Visas/Documentation Needed to Enter New Zealand: Okay, so they don’t exactly call it a “visa”, but as of October 1st, 2019 you need to pay enter New Zealand. Please apply on the New Zealand Government website or using their free mobile app . The two fees you need to pay before entering NZ are below. You can take care of both of these fees by following the link we provided.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): cost $9 NZD on the official app or $12 NZD on a browser.

International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): Costs $35 NZD for each person entering New Zealand. The fees will be put toward conservation of New Zealand’s land and nature as well as tourism infrastructure. Citizens of Australia and some South Pacific Islands are exempt.

New Zealand at a Glance: What’s not to love about New Zealand? It has white snow capped mountains, creaking glaciers, silent lakes, thunderous waves, black sandy beaches and smoking volcanoes – almost everything that makes a picturesque paradise.

Currency in New Zealand: New Zealand Dollar | 2022 Conversion Rate: 1 NZD = $0.58 USD

Tipping in New Zealand: While tipping is common in other parts of the world, it isn’t so much in New Zealand. You don’t need to leave a tip in restaurants but if you feel the service was excellent, a 10% gratuity is sufficient. For taxi drivers, you can simply leave your change as it is not common practice to tip taxi drivers. In hotels, tipping $1-$2 per bag and $1-$5 for maid/room service is seen as a nice gesture. Tipping tour guides are more common since their services are mainly for tourists. While tipping is not necessary, you can tip your guide a few dollars if you feel that they did an excellent job.

Language & Helpful Phrases: English… but Kiwi English . What do we mean? Well, here are a few Kiwi phrases that will help you get around New Zealand:

Kia ora: This is the Māori word for “welcome”, and you will hear it everywhere!

Sweet as: Pretty cool, sweet, or a nicer way to “sweet as F#@%!”

Togs: Swimsuit

Dairy: Corner store, typically serves milkshakes

Jandals: Flip flops/sandals

Tramping: Hiking (longer hikes when you plan to stay overnight)

Religion and Culture: The Maori people and different European heritages have greatly influenced the religion and culture of New Zealand. Nowadays, the country has a multicultural society with all sorts of religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Traditional Maori religion.

Transportation around New Zealand: The main form of public transportation in New Zealand is via bus. The main cities, Auckland and Wellington, have suburban rail systems and ferries. The best way to get around is to rent your own campervan , which gives you a ton more freedom.

Psst! Read up on the things to know before traveling to New Zealand . 

Most popular places to visit in New Zealand:

Fiordland – This is one of the most scenic spots in the country. It offers incredible hikes, cruises on amazing fjords, and beautiful waterfalls. The biggest attraction here is the Milford Sound.

Tongariro National Park – Tongariro is New Zealand’s first national park and is well known for its extremes and surprises. You will find here active volcanoes, untamed forests, herb fields, tranquil lakes, desert-like plateaus, and one of the most epic hikes we’ve every been on.

Queenstown – For people looking for some adventure and adrenaline, Queenstown is paradise. With the surrounding Southern Alps and blue Lake Wakatipu, this place is a picture perfect spot.

Auckland – As the largest city in the country, Auckland has fun and quirky neighborhoods and many things to do.

Wellington – The country’s capital city has a growing craft beer scene, a lively nightlife, and lots of pretty sights. Known as being the southernmost capital city, this hipster hotspot makes a good stop on your New Zealand itinerary.

Coromandel Peninsula – For water sports, sailing, and fishing. You can also go scuba diving in this gorgeous region. And there are plenty of things to do inland too, like the Pinnacles Hut hike and incredible waterfalls to chase!

Other popular spots include:

Waiheke Island

Christchurch

Glacier Country

Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Abel Tasman National Park

Franz Josef Glacier

Marlborough wine region

Wondering how to fit all this into one trip? We’ve got you covered! We’ve created the perfect customizable New Zealand Itinerary for a one-month road trip.

Best Time To Visit New Zealand

Climate in new zealand.

Since New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are a bit different than what Americans and Europeans are used to. While it’s snowing in the United States, it’s summer in New Zealand.

Summer: December to February (Peak Season)

Fall: March to May

Winter: June to August

Spring: September to November

Peak season for tourists is summer. It is the busiest time of the year and the most crowded so expect that prices are a little bit higher than other months.

Times to avoid traveling in New Zealand

There’s no bad time to go to New Zealand. But if you don’t like the snow and the cold, avoid visiting in the winter. Also, try to avoid New Zealand during early January. Most of the locals go for a vacation. A lot of cafes and restaurants are shut down.

Still can’t decide when to travel? We’ve broken down the very best times to visit New Zealand so the hard work is done for you!

Major Festivals in New Zealand

Pasifika Cultural Festival, March: Have a fantastic weekend filled with dance, arts, food and music at Auckland’s Pasifika Festival.

Auckland Lantern Festival, February/March: This is a popular event where lanterns lit up the Albert Park. Don’t miss the live music, delicious Chinese cuisine, fireworks, dance, and martial arts.

Parihaka Peace Festival, January: If you want to listen to the top Kiwi Music performers, Parihaka Peace Festival is just for you. Coupled with arts, crafts, food, and a film festival, this is a must-visit festival in New Zealand.

*These festivals follow the Lunar calendar, so the exact dates vary each year

Top Things to Do in New Zealand

Learn about maori culture.

Around 700 years ago, the Māori people discovered and settled in New Zealand. The Māori culture has been a great influence on what New Zealand is today. You can find local Māori guides who will show you how their culture is surviving in modern times. In the town of Rotorua, there are living Māori villages, cultural dinners and dances you can attend.

Go Kayaking

With the amazing wildlife and stunning scenery, kayaking in New Zealand is a mind-blowing experience. You can try paddling in islands around the North Island or through the Fiordland.

Try Tramping

There’s no such thing as trekking for New Zealanders. With the snow-capped mountain peaks, lakes, craters and beautiful fjordlands, New Zealanders go tramping. You can even hike to mountain huts, spend the night and return in the morning. We rounded up the best New Zealand hikes to put our your adventure bucket list. 

Explore in a Campervan

Experience the greatest sense of freedom by driving along with everything you need. There are so many hidden spots in New Zealand that can be only seen with renting a campervan . It’s definitely the best way to see the country and we have all the info you need to plan your campervan trip in New Zealand .

Visit Middle Earth

If you’re a Lord of the Rings movie fan, New Zealand is probably in your top destination for the Matamatato rolling hills. See the idyllic Hobbiton movie set and explore the 44 Hobbit holes.

Swim with dolphins

With Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura , you’ll have the opportunity to swim with these wild animals ethically, making it one of the best places to swim with dolphins in the world.

There’s so much more…  There are so many more incredible  things to do in New Zealand , we had to create an entire article about it. We’ve rounded up the top adventures, sights to see and culinary experiences so you can create your own New Zealand bucket list.

Best Food to Eat in New Zealand

New Zealand is not only famous for its stunning views but also for its delicious cuisines. As a country with thousands of kilometers of coastline, it’s not surprising that one of the most served dishes are seafood. If you’re planning a food trip in New Zealand, here are some of our favorites:

Hangi: Hangi is a traditional Maori dish that involves slow-cooked vegetables and meat in an underground oven. It is often served more often at special occasions.

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Who doesn’t want ice cream? New Zealand’s Hokey Pokey ice cream take the delight further with it’s caramelized honeycomb. Yum!

Crayfish: Everything seafood is delicious and Kiwi’s favorite crayfish or lobster is a must try in New Zealand!

Kina: Ever tried eating sea urchins? You should! It’s a foodie delight that New Zealanders love.

Jaffas: Here’s another sweet candy for your sweet tooths! Jaffas are chocolate balls coated with sugar. It also has an orange flavor to it. You would think the combination’s weird but its definitely heavenly!

Kiwi Burger: Burger lovers unite! The Kiwi burger is a weird and genius dish. It has fried egg and beetroot included in a typical burger. Try it once and you’ll be hooked!

Insider Tip: Happy Cow is a great resource for finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants all around the country!

Typical Budget for New Zealand

New Zealand is paradise to most travelers for its amazing sights and delicious food, but it all comes at a cost.

Good to know: Food and drinks are expensive. If you want to save some money, plan to cook your own food in your campervan . PAKn’Save and New World are good grocery stores to stock up and are in most big towns. And check out our campervan recipes for some meal ideas!

How Much to Budget in New Zealand Per Day

Budget traveler: If you are on a tight budget and watch your spending closely, $60 – $90 could be a sufficient budget. Psst! We have an entire article devoted to budget tips for traveling in New Zealand !

Mid-range traveler: If you want to have a few splurges and stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150 per day per person.

Luxury traveler: It won’t be hard to blow through $200 per person each day if you’re renting a top of the line campervan and packing your itinerary with tours like bungey jumping and scenic helicopter flights.

Dorm bed = $15-$25

Camping = $0-$20

Campervan Rental = $75-450 per day

Budget room = $45-$65

Mid-range = $90-$125

Luxury hotel = $135+

Fast food = $5-$20

Mid-range restaurant = $8-$40

Fancy restaurant = $50+

Local beer = $5-$8

Skydive = $230-300

Bungy Jump = $150-200

Whitewater Rafting = $68-100

Glacier Hiking = $265-320

Bus Fare = $25-$40

Ferry from North to South Island = $55

Domestic Flights = $80-$165

Train = $68-$150

Responsible Travel Tips in New Zealand

We are passionate about sharing tips anyone can use to travel more responsibly . Here are some easy ways you can travel better in New Zealand.

1. Respect the environment

New Zealanders love recycling. If you don’t recycle properly, you can get fines! When going to beaches, read the signs with the do’s and dont’s so you’ll know what you can and can’t do. Also, avoid buying bottled water. Instead, have a reusable water bottle.

Related Article: Eco-friendly Travel Gear Packing List

2. Bring all your trash with you

If you’re going camping, make sure you tidy up after you’re all done. Have a handy trash bag where you can put all of your garbage during the trip.

3. Shop local

Support local artisans to help keep the traditional Māori crafts alive. Check out the Jade carvings in the West Coast, they are stunning!

Related Article: 36 Responsible Travel Tips for anywhere in the world.

What to Pack for New Zealand

The weather in New Zealand changes drastically from season to season and from the South to the North Islands. Be sure to pack appropriately for the region, season and activities you’ll be doing. You can download this 7-page packing list for free. Just give us your email and we’ll send it straight to you inbox.

Here are some New Zealand-specific items we’d recommend packing:

bug repellant (solids are the way to go, because sandflies really suck)

reef safe sunscreen

insulated water bottle

t-shirts, a nice top, and long sleeved shirt

rain and windproof jacket

reusable straw & reusable bag ( say no to single-use plastic! )

jeans, and hiking trousers

sweater and jacket for the mountains

thermal underwear and socks

Chaco sandals (we’d recommend these instead of hiking boots as they are less bulky and are good for walking through water)

sneakers and some flats

travel towel and toiletries

New Zealand Travel Articles

Find all sorts of information to help you plan the perfect New Zealand trip. From budget tips to things to do, we have it all!

South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Road Trip

We’ve done all the trip planning for you and put together the best 2-week itinerary for South Island New Zealand you’ll find! It’s packed full of incredible sights and heart-thumping adventures, plus insider tips and advice.

25 Things to Do in Wellington That You Can’t Miss

New Zealand’s capital city is vastly underrated and well-worth a spot on your itinerary. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore, we’re sharing all the fun things to do in Wellington that you won’t want to miss!

Planning a Campervan Trip in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide

This comprehensive guide has literally everything you need to know about planning a campervan trip to New Zealand; from how much it costs, to how to shower while living in a campervan, to the magic trick you need to know to find campsites. Any questions you have about renting a...

Car Rental in New Zealand: ESSENTIAL Guide + Tips

New Zealand is spectacular but incredibly remote, both in terms of getting there and getting around once there. That’s exactly why getting a rental car in New Zealand is such a good idea! This guide details everything you need to know before you hit the road.

How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Itinerary

With miles of jaw-dropping landscapes and experiences, it can be hard to decide how to plan for a trip to New Zealand. We're walking you through how to put together the perfect New Zealand itinerary based on our travels.

45 Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit

Whether it is your first time visiting or you're a Kiwi looking to explore your own (amazing!) country, there are endless things to do in New Zealand. We’ve rounded up the top adrenaline rushes, foods to try, epic hikes and cultural experiences, so you can create your very own New...

9 Easy Camping Meals (that are healthy & delicious!)

Cooking healthy and delicious meals while traveling in a campervan is easier than you think! We’ve rounded up our favorite healthy camping meals and are sharing the step-by-step recipes so you can see just how easy they are, even if you have a tiny kitchen to work with. Bonus: All...

Queenstown to Milford Sound: Perfect Road Trip + Must-See Stops

A road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is one of the best ways to experience the rugged wilderness and stunning scenery of Fiordlands National Park in New Zealand. This guide will help you plan your route and choose the best stops to make along the way.

Best Milford Sound Cruise + Tips for Planning your Visit 

Surrounded by the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park, visiting Milford Sound in New Zealand is a must! Specifically, a Milford Sound cruise allows you to experience this incredible landscape in a unique way. Read on for what to expect and which cruises are best.

Milford Sound, New Zealand: Things to Do + Essential Tips

One of many highlights of the South Island, Milford Sound New Zealand is at the top of many bucket lists. We put together this ultimate guide with everything you’ll need to know when planning a visit including when to go, where to stay, things to do, and essential tips.

54 Things to Know Before Traveling in New Zealand

In this article we’re sharing some helpful New Zealand travel tips we wish we would have known before our trip. Plus, some fun facts about New Zealand that’ll give you a deeper understanding about its history, people and culture.

North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Itinerary

From Auckland to Wellington, and everything in between, we’ve created a perfect New Zealand North Island itinerary. Follow this route, and you’ll explore the biggest highlights, plus some off the beaten path adventures! This North Island New Zealand road trip covers everything you need to know!

Best New Zealand Campsites: Ultimate Guide + Free Map

With so much jaw-dropping country to explore, a lot goes into planning a New Zealand camping trip. With the help of fellow travel bloggers, we rounded up the best New Zealand campsites, plus everything you need to know to plan an epic trip.

New Zealand Travel on a Budget: 19 Money-Saving Tips

Let’s be real: traveling in New Zealand is not cheap. But even though it’s notorious expensive, you can still travel to NZ on a budget. We’re breaking down common expenses like food, transportation, and accommodation, so you know exactly how much it costs to go to New Zealand. Plus we’re...

Best Campervan Rental in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide

There are so many campervan rentals in New Zealand, choosing one can feel overwhelming. We’re breaking down all the important things you need to look for to find the best campervan hire for your New Zealand road trip. We’re even sharing exactly which companies we recommend.

16 Wild Things To Do in West Coast New Zealand

New Zealand's West Coast is packed with adventure! From glaciers and snow snow capped mountains to rainforests and palm-lined beaches, there are so many things to do and see on the West Coast of New Zealand.

Routeburn Track: Hiking Guide + Local Tips

The Routeburn Track is one of the most diverse and beautiful hiking trails in New Zealand. As one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, it is important you are properly prepared before hitting the trail. In this article you’ll learn how to book your hike, important packing tips, and other essential...

20 Incredible New Zealand Hikes + Local Tips

Hiking in New Zealand was one of the major highlights of our trip, and we think it will be one of your best memories, too. This article is packed with some of the most incredible New Zealand hikes, plus lots of tips and advice (from a local!) so you’ll be...

31 Fun Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand

Seaside, multicultural, and full of greenspace, Auckland is a top destination on New Zealand’s North Island. We’ve rounded up all the fun things to do in Auckland, New Zealand, plus everything you need to know to help you plan an unforgettable trip!

Best Time to Visit New Zealand: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Trying to figure out the best time to visit New Zealand can be a bit overwhelming. We’re going over the pros and cons of all four seasons in New Zealand to help you decide which is the best time of year to visit for your specific travel style.

Tongariro Crossing: Guide to New Zealand’s Best Day Hike

Vivid crater lakes, dramatic valleys, and snow-capped peaks await you along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Known as the “World’s Greatest Day Hike”, this trail was a highlight during our trip to New Zealand, and this guide will cover everything you need to do it!

22 Best New Zealand Foods to Try (& what to skip!)

Pulling from both British and South Pacific influences, New Zealand cuisine is interesting and relies heavily on locally-sourced ingredients. From Hāngi, which is a type of cooking integral to the indigenous Māori people, to the country's famed seafood, we’ve rounded up the best New Zealand foods to try (and skip!).

20 Coolest Airbnbs in Auckland, New Zealand

From rural retreats nestled in the jungle and sunny beach cottages to apartments in the bustling city center, there’s an impressive selection of unique Airbnbs in Auckland for every type of traveler. We gathered up the most noteworthy to help you plan your stay!

35 Adventurous Things to Do in Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is often referred to as the “adventure capital of New Zealand,” and for good reason! There are so many fun things to do in Queenstown — from adrenaline-pumping activities to low-key excursions for all ages. This article is packed with activities, tips and things to know to plan an...

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa: Everything You Need to Know!

Considering doing a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand? This article will answer all your questions about life in NZ, cost of living, how to find housing, and advice from someone who has been there before. This guide also walks you through the necessary steps to apply for a New...

Swimming with Dolphins in New Zealand: Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter

While traveling in New Zealand, we were happy to find Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, which is a company that gives guests the opportunity to swim with these wild animals ethically and responsibly, making it one of the best places to swim with dolphins in the world.

Save this guide on Pinterest for later!

Three of the most adrenaline-fuelled moments from the Travel Guides' trip to New Zealand

Just a three hour flight from Australia's east cost is our friendly neighbour New Zealand.

And while the Travel Guides are no stranger to the country's South Island they headed on an adventure to the less-explored North Island.

"Holiday snobs" Kevin and Janetta , the Frens , siblings Stack and Josh , best mates Kev, Dorian and Teng and Matt and Brett took on a scenic driving tour with a detour for adventure.

Stream new episodes of Travel Guides on 9Now.

And as the home to the adrenaline capital of the world, New Zealand certainly delivered thrills at every stop.

From throwing themselves off sky high buildings to rafting the world's tallest waterfall, we take a look at the most electrifying activities the Guides took on in New Zealand.

Matt overcomes his fear of heights

Auckland's Sky Tower stands at a toe-tingling 330 metres tall.

And despite having been to Auckland at least seven times before Matt and Brett had done their best to avoid the dizzying heights... until now.

It was time for the couple to take on the SkyWalk. 

"This is the stuff of nightmares. This is like my number one top fear ever," Matt told cameras.

Not wanting to back down, Matt teetered along the one-metre wide ledge 53 floors above the ground.

"I've never been more terrified in my life," Matt was brought to tears.

"It escalated for me really quickly, but now I'm out here I don't want to retreat. I have to push myself to see how far I can go."

EXCLUSIVE: The first look inside Victoria from Travel Guides wedding

He wobbled out onto the edge but achieved his goal making husband Brett "very proud".

Matt wasn't the only one freaked out by the height, with Kevin and Janetta "not even making it out the door"

The Guides take the plunge over the world's highest waterfall

A gentle stream down Kaituna River sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon in nature.

But that's not what Rotorua Rafting had in store for our Guides.

They were about to take on the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall and while Victoria thought it was "awesome" not everyone was as thrilled about it.

"We're gonna die," Kev blurted out.

READ MORE: 3 of the most memorable moments from the Travel Guides' Riverina road trip 

As a non-swimmer, he admitted that water was his "biggest phobia".

"I'm terrified of the ocean, I'm terrified of currents. I am not excited to do this, I'm terrified," Kev told cameras.

And while his mates Dorian and Teng were delighted at every drop, Kev "knew it was only going to get worse".

The rafting wrapped up with a plunge over the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall – the seven-metre Tutea Falls.

Kev's nerves were not eased when the instructor told him that he once spent 40 seconds under water following the drop.

The moment the raft dropped over the waterfall, Kev, Dorian and Teng came flying out and surfaced in the wash.

EXCLUSIVE: The Guides share their 'genius' packing tips

"That was the most scared I've ever been, that was insane," Kev later told cameras.

"I think near-death brought us closer together."

"To see your mates in that much fear, it's the rawest you can get," Teng added.

The travellers have a ball Zorbing 

To wrap up their New Zealand road trip, the travellers made sure to (literally) have a ball with one last adventure activity – Zorbing.

The Guides hopped into a giant ball where they would then be pushed down a hill.

EXCLUSIVE: The Guides reveal the weirdest foods they've ever eaten overseas

"Zorbing was invented in 1994, in Rotorua New Zealand," narrator Denise Scott revealed.

And the Target Boys wanted to make sure to go out with a bang and rolled down the highest and fasted track on the course.

Siblings Victoria and Jono also got in on the action although it's safe to say the journey downhill wasn't without it's obstacles.

"I think Victoria's got her head in Jonathon's crotch," mum Cathy laughed.

And upon exiting the Zorb ball Victoria said: "That is like a washing machine on turbo cycle."

Travel Guides airs on Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

• New Zealand
• Matt And Brett
• Kev Dorian And Teng
• Stack And Josh
• Kevin And Janetta
• Travel Guides 2023

Auto news: 'They feel powerless or overlooked': Why people key cars.

• Water Sports
• Combat Sport
• Live TV & Guide

• Documentary
• Te Ao Māori
• Sci-Fi & Fantasy
• British & Irish Drama
• Foreign Language
• Natural World
• News & Current Affairs
• Sport Documentaries
• Home & Living
• Adult Animation
• Sustainability
• Travel Guides

Join these hilarious and unconventional every-day travellers as they call it how they see it, reviewing trips across Australia and the world. Bon voyage!

Season 4 episodes available Mondays

• Thursday 9 Nov 2023

PGC The guides are off to explore Morocco. Landing smack bang in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, they experience Morocco's famed open-air marketplace, traditional cuisine, and more.

• Thursday 21 Sep 2023

ML Our Guides are cruising Croatia on a yacht. Island hopping through a land of history and Insta-worthy scenery, they experience a week of natural beauty and cultural quirks. S6 E2

• Advertisement
• Thursday 28 Sep 2023

ML Our Guides are in Malaysia for a truly multicultural experience. From the sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur to the wilds of Borneo there's something here for everyone.

• Thursday 5 Oct 2023

G Our Travel Guides are ditching the rat race and hitting up the most chilled-out spot in the South Pacific - Vanuatu - for a tropical island adventure.

• Thursday 12 Oct 2023

M Giddy Up! Our Travel Guides are getting behind the wheel on a real rural road trip through the New South Wales Riverina and Victorian High Country.

• Thursday 19 Oct 2023

PG Hold on to your hobbit hats, because our Travel Guides are crossing the ditch to Auckland, New Zealand before hitting the road for an epic North Island road trip! S6 E6

• Thursday 26 Oct 2023

PG Our Travel Guides are about to embark on a Finnish adventure - a winter wonderland like no other! From the quirky cities to the rugged north, it's one heck of an Arctic ride.

• Thursday 2 Nov 2023

PG Our Guides are heading to Melbourne for a week long vacation in Victoria's capital of cool before a quick pitstop on Phillip Island.

• Monday 5 Feb

M Our Travel Guides are heading off on the beaten track for a super-sized, self-drive safari through South Africa before making a flying visit to Zambia's Victoria Falls.

• Tuesday 6 Feb

G Our Guides are on a tour of Great Britain taking in buzzing London, the English countryside and the wilds of Scotland and Edinburgh.

• Show more episodes

You may also like

Titles, characters and all other elements are the trade marks and copyright of TVNZ or its licensors. All rights reserved. Further details available here.

New Zealand Travel Guide

With its seemingly endless number of incredible experiences and wild and varied landscapes, New Zealand never fails to wow its visitors. Our New Zealand travel guide will help you plan and organise your dream vacation from start to finish. Whether you want to hike up volcanos and glaciers, lay on a beautiful black sand beach or enjoy a delicious traditional Maori dinner, New Zealand has something for you. I know you’ll love it as much as we do! You can scroll to the bottom if you want to see all the posts we have for New Zealand. There’s a lot.

This article contains affiliate links. For more information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here .

Quick navigation

Quick Facts about New Zealand

• Currency – NZD
• ATM and cards – Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available, and cards will be accepted in most places, so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash on you.
• Internet and wifi – As you’d expect, internet and wifi are readily available in the cities. However, if you are travelling between cities, there is often no wifi signal.
• Plugs and electricity – New Zealand have 230/240 volt 50-hertz electrical sockets. The plugs have three angled pins, the same as in Australia.
• Languages, religion and culture. The official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori. Maori is the language spoken by the indigenous Maori people. However, new Zealand is a multicultural country, and you’ll find people of all religions speaking many languages other than the official two.
• Safety – If you’re wondering how to stay safe in New Zealand, the good news is you can relax. New Zealand is known to be a remarkably safe country. Exercise usual caution when walking alone late and night, and don’t leave your belongings unattended.

Before we get to all the practical information, let’s look at the exciting things.

Top things to do in New Zealand

For a comprehensive list, read our ultimate tourist guide to NZ – the New Zealand travel bucket list .

The best experiences in New Zealand

There really is no limit to what you can do in New Zealand. These are some of our New Zealand travel recommendations for New Zealand’s most popular activities.

Cruise Milford Sound

Milford Sound is New Zealand’s number one tourist attraction and is an awe-inspiring sight. Take a boat trip or, better still, a kayak, and cruise the beautiful black waters of Milford Sound, admiring the sheer vertical cliff faces and waterfalls lining its edges. Doubtful Sound is another very popular option.

Explore New Zealand in a campervan

Travelling New Zealand by campervan is one of the most popular ways to explore the country. The beautiful, ever-changing landscape never gets boring. We have a few travel guides to campervanning New Zealand you might find helpful. There are more articles at the bottom of this page too.

• Travel Guide: Campervan travel around New Zealand
• Tips for campervanning around New Zealand
• How to choose a campervan for New Zealand
• New Zealand road trips and itineraries

See glow worms

You can see glow worms in many places in New Zealand, but one of the most popular is in the Waitomo Caves, a couple of hours south of Auckland. Take a small boat tour through the caves and look for the twinkle of thousands of glow worms.

Experience New Zealand’s Geothermal landscape

A hive of volcanic activity, there are plenty of opportunities to see and experience the geothermic side of New Zealand. Visit Waimangu Valley or Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park to see multicoloured volcanic hot springs and bubbling mud. There are also several hot springs where you can swim or soak in the warm water.

Climb a glacier

Head to Fox Glacier or Frans Joseph Glacier and walk on the ice. With the way the world is heating up, who knows how much longer you’ll be able to do this!

Hike some of New Zealand’s most beautiful Landscapes

New Zealand is known for its spectacular walks and hiking trails; from the Tongariro Crossing to multi-day ‘Great Walks’, you won’t find better scenery than in New Zealand.

Whale watch in Kaikoura

Famous for its wildlife, the South Island of New Zealand is a great place to see all kinds of marine life. Seals, penguins, dolphins and whales can be easily spotted along the coast. A whale-watching tour in Kaikoura is an unmissable experience.

Visit Hobbiton and other Lord of the rings sites.

Many famous scenes and landscapes from the LOTR movies were filmed throughout New Zealand. The most popular place to visit is Hobbiton . Walk amongst the little Hobbit Houses and visit Shires Rest. You can visit Hobbiton from Auckland, Rotorua or Tauranga.

Enjoy a delicious traditional Maori dinner.

Known as a Hangi, a traditional Maori dinner is cooked in an underground oven. The best place to enjoy a Maori Dinner is in Rotorua on the North Island. But, it’s more than just a meal. It’s a cultural experience worth having.

Explore the Bay of Islands

The beautiful Bay of Islands, with its white-sand beaches and deep blue water, is perfect for relaxing in the sun. Base yourself in Paihia and explore the local area north of Auckland.

Sample some of New Zealand’s locally produced wine

New Zealand is known for its fertile wine regions on the North and South Islands. Take a local winery tour and sample some of their delicious produce.

Most popular places to visit in New Zealand

One of New Zealand’s most popular cities, Auckland, is located in the north of the North Island. Situated around two harbours, this beautiful city has plenty of things to do and is also an excellent base for exploring further afield.

You could spend weeks exploring Rotorua city and its surrounds. There are so many things to do in Rotorua itself, including many beautiful walking trails . Day trips from Rotorua include trips to Hobbiton and the geothermal parks.

Christchurch

Christchurch is known for its beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, English heritage, and abundant coastal wild and marine life on the South Islands’ east coast. Repeatedly damaged by earthquakes, this lovely city keeps on repairing and rising.

No New Zealand travel guide would be complete without a reference to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Located on the South Island, Queenstown provides access to all kinds of adventure and water sports. It’s also an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions such as Milford Sound.

Best small towns to visit

If you’re campervanning or just have some spare time, we have some great articles on the best towns to visit on the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. You’ll be amazed at the variety of landscapes New Zealand has once you’re out of the cities. Visiting small towns is also a great way to learn a little more about the local culture and history of New Zealand.

New Zealand travel budget and costs

What is a typical budget for new zealand.

In reality, there is no one typical New Zealand travel budget. It depends on how you like to travel. Do you take local transport everywhere or do you take a taxi? Would you prefer the train? Or to fly when you travel between cities? Do you stay in hotels or hostels?

Below is a table with an average amount spent per category to give you a general idea.

All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD)

Tipping in New Zealand

Tipping is not common practice in New Zealand. But, of course, if you receive excellent service, it’s always a nice thing to do. If you do tip, 5-15% is considered a reasonable amount.

How to travel New Zealand – New Zealand travel planning

When will new zealand travel restrictions be lifted.

The New Zealand Government have announced that the border will be open to everybody from July 31st 2022.

New Zealand travel requirements

Please check the various New Zealand websites, such as the Customs website and the Governments Covid Advisory site, before making any plans,

Visas for New Zealand

Always check your visa requirements before travelling. Currently however

• citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand and Australia
• citizens of the UK
• and citizens of countries that have visa waiver agreements with New Zealand

do not require visas to travel to New Zealand. However, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority or ETA before arriving in New Zealand. You can find all the information you need at the New Zealand Immigration website .

The length of time citizens from different countries can stay in NZ varies, so make sure you check before booking your trip.

Citizens from other countries are required to pre-organise a visa for New Zealand.

Travel insurance for New Zealand

Travel Insurance is a must, especially if you’re planning on doing any adventure activities while you’re in New Zealand. Our New Zealand travel guide tip would be to use World Nomads Travel Insurance. We have always used World Nomads and highly recommend them. We once had to make an ongoing, quite difficult claim, and they were fabulous, even though we were very slow in giving them all the information.

Unfortunately, it’s easy to think that you don’t need travel insurance until you need it, and then it’s too late.

Getting to New Zealand

Flights operate from around the world in New Zealand’s international airports. For most countries, flights will land in Auckland or Christchurch. Travellers from Australia and Fiji can fly into Auckland and Christchurch, as well as Queenstown, Dunedin and Wellington airports.

Make sure you book your flights to the right Island for the start of your itinerary!

New Zealand Geography – Where is everything?

Should you visit the North or South Island?

New Zealand is divided into two main larger islands and a few smaller ones.

The main cities on the North Island are Auckland and Wellington. Highlights of the North Island include

• the Bay of Islands and the Northland region above Auckland. Try this road trip itinerary for Northland if you want to experience the best of the area.
• The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful area and home to Cathedral Cove and Hot water Beach.
• Waitomo Caves and glow worms
• The Tongariro Crossing

The biggest cities on the South Island are Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill. The South Island and Queenstown, in particular, are world-renowned for their adventure activities. On the South Island, you’ll find

• Glaciers such as those at Fox Glacier and Frans Joseph
• Glenorchy and other beautiful small towns
• Kaikoura and the opportunity for whale watching
• Milford and Doubtful Sound
• Lake Tekapo and the Dark Sky Reserve

Both Islands are worth visiting; however, if you only have a short period, our travel guide recommends choosing just one and exploring it more thoroughly. The South Island is generally more popular with tourists than the North Island.

Getting around in New Zealand

Although technically ‘small’, New Zealand is a surprisingly large country to travel around as it is sparsely populated. There is quite a distance between many of the larger cities and towns. Nevertheless, there are plenty of ways to get around.

Domestic flights operate between all New Zealand airports moving the cities and islands much more manageable. If you have limited time, flying is the fastest way to cover large distances. But, of course, it’s also the most expensive option.

As mentioned, travel by campervan is prevalent in New Zealand. Hiring a campervan or a car and road-tripping around the country allows you the time to experience the beauty and diversity of New Zealand. You’ll find these posts helpful if you’re considering hiring a campervan to travel to New Zealand.

• Do I need a self-contained campervan for New Zealand ?
• Where can I park my campervan ?
• How to freedom camp in New Zealand

We’ve also put together the perfect five-week South Island Itinerary !

Buses are a great way to get around most cities and towns. Intercity buses are also available. You can check the Intercity website for timetables and ticket information.

Unfortunately, New Zealand has no intercity trains for general transport purposes, although they have some incredible scenic journey trains, The Coastal Pacific, the Northern Explorer and the Tranzalpine. These are an attractive option if you have a few days and want to relax.

Inter-Island Ferries

Inter-Island Ferries run regularly between Wellington in the South of the North Island and Picton on the South Island. The ferries are comfortable, and there are drinks and food on board. The ferry will also carry your car or motorhome if you have one. Tickets start at about $55 NZD for a person.

Where to stay in New Zealand

New Zealand has an unlimited number of boutique hotels, hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, holiday parks and campgrounds. There is something for every budget and every taste.

We always use Booking.com when we book accommodation because I like how I can sort by price and review score, so I get the best-reviewed room at a great price. In addition, I’ve just found it to be the easiest to navigate.

Best foods to eat in New Zealand

A trip to any country is impossible without trying some local delicacies. So make sure you try these local treats.

• Traditional Maori Hangi dinner – cooked below ground in a dug-out oven. read this New Zealand travel guide to choosing the best Maori experience for our recommendations
• Seafood – Surrounded by coastline New Zealand has beautiful fresh seafood
• Lamb – New Zealand produces some incredible lamb
• Pavlova – Now, as an Australian, I always thought we owned ‘The Pav’ like many other things we claim; I think it’s from New Zealand. But, if you haven’t tried it, you really should!

Weather and climate in New Zealand

Generally, the North Island is warmer than the South Island no matter what time of year.

Summer is great for spending time on the beach or enjoying one of New Zealand’s great hikes. The New Zealand summer is from December until the end of February. The North Island is warmer than the South, with an average temperature of between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Autumn, from March through until the end of May, is a mix of cooler temperatures and changing colours. Trees will begin to turn auburn, and whole areas look spectacular. Nevertheless, the weather can be pretty good, and if you travel in the early months, many summer activities such as swimming are still possible. Rainfall increases, however, so be prepared for wetter weather.

Winter in New Zealand is an excellent time for skiing and other cold-weather activities, with an average temperature of 12-16 degrees Celsius.

The whole country comes alive with colour in the spring as the plants and flowers flourish. Waterfalls are at their peak after the winter rains, and temperatures begin to increase to around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

The best time to travel to New Zealand

When is the best time to visit New Zealand? Of course, that depends on what you want! While summer is the most popular time, there are advantages to travelling to New Zealand at other times of the year.

The summers in New Zealand are often busy with lots of tourists. One disadvantage of this is that the prices for everything are also higher. Campervan fees are at a premium in the lead-up to summer, and many companies will be booked out. The same can be said for tour companies. It’s a good idea to book well in advance if you intend to travel in the summer.

Spring and Autumn, however, are a little quieter. There are fewer tourists, and prices are generally lower. The temperatures are not as warm, and it may be a little wetter, but this shouldn’t deter you. Spring and Autumn are great seasons to travel to New Zealand.

The winter can also be an excellent time to travel if you’re after winter activities. Prices during winter are at their lowest, and plenty of good deals can be had. However, some tours will not operate during the winter, and roads can be more challenging to drive on, especially around the mountains. If you’re campervanning during the winter, we have a guide to help prepare you.

Our advice would be to travel near the end of summer, or in spring or Autumn for the best all-around experience.

How long to spend in New Zealand?

I would recommend at least one week in New Zealand. That would include visiting one or two areas on one Island. Our travel guide to New Zealand recommendation would be that if you plan on travelling around and visiting both Islands, 2-3 weeks would be a minimum. Of course, the more time you have, the more you can explore.

What to pack for New Zealand

You can subscribe to our mailing list for a free New Zealand packing list that will cover all seasons. Aside from clothes, the most important things to take are

• Insect repellent – those bugs can get quite annoying
• Sunscreen – for when you’re exploring the outdoors,
• a wind and waterproof jacket – New Zealand is famous for having all seasons in one day. You’ll b glad you have this with you.
• Good walking shoes – You’ll thank us for this one!
• A refillable water bottle – New Zealand’s water is safe to drink. You can just refill your bottle from a tap rather than buy plastic.

Responsible travel tips in New Zealand

• Use a refillable water bottle as mentioned above – it helps reduce waste
• Make sure you take your rubbish with you. The New Zealand government and Department of Conservation make a considerable effort to keep their pristine environment, well, just that. Pristine. Don’t little or leave your plastic products lying around.

FAQ’s

As of July 31st 2022, the borders will be completely open. Check the latest information from the New Zealand government for up-to-date information.

A New Zealand trip can cost anywhere from $1000 NZD and up, depending on the length of stay and the activities you do while you’re there.

Useful new Zealand posts

Things to do in new zealand.

• A complete New Zealand bucket list
• North Island Highlights
• The best things to do in Auckland in one day
• Things to do in Rotorua
• The best walks in Rotorua
• Which geothermal attraction in Rotorua is best?
• Where should I try Hangi in Rotorua?
• How to walk the Tongariro Crossing
• A complete travel guide to Milford Sound
• Which is better? Doubtful or Milford Sound?
• The Fox Glacier Heli Hike

How to Campervan around New Zealand

• The ultimate travel guide to travelling New Zealand by campervan
• Campervan tips
• Choosing your camper for New Zealand travel
• Do you need a self-contained campervan?
• What is freedom camping in New Zealand?
• How to find and hire the right campervan
• How to find a budget camper
• Tips for campervanning New Zealand in winter
• Where can you stay with your campervan?
• The best New Zealand road trips and itineraries
• Auckland to Cape Reinga – the best of Northland
• Explore the Coromandel Peninsula
• An extended 5 week South Island Itinerary
• The best small towns to see on the North Island
• Small towns of the South Island worth visiting

General New Zealand articles

• Things that surprised us about New Zealand

About Christine

Christine and her partner Ben have spent the last few years traveling through New Zealand and then Europe by campervan. They travel with their dog Alisa, who they adopted in Croatia. You'll find them exploring old cities, hiking through National Parks, and taking unforgettable road trips.

If You Seek

Across our incredible country, you can find everything from untamed wilderness to rich culture. There's more to find in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Must do New Zealand experiences

Explore more things to do in New Zealand >

Find things to do

Start planning your new zealand holiday, travel advice and safety, visas and entry requirements long-arrow-right.

Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into New Zealand.

COVID-19 travel safety information long-arrow-right

Find out more about New Zealand's COVID-19 travel safety and information.

Flights to New Zealand long-arrow-right

Find more information on finding flights to New Zealand.

Travelling around New Zealand

Driving long-arrow-right.

Get familiar with driving in New Zealand.

Public transport long-arrow-right

Find out how to get around without hiring a vehicle.

Accommodation long-arrow-right

Explore different accommodation options.

Domestic flights long-arrow-right

Flights are easy to catch and are no longer than two hours.

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Australasia
• New Zealand
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice

Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Robert Digney

The trip was fantastic. Unparalleled Journeys was on point the whole way. The AXUS app was very useful for itinerary updates and communications with your t...

AUCKLAND ’s urban sprawl smothers the North Island’s wasp waist, a narrow isthmus where the island is all but severed by river estuaries probing inland from the city’s two harbours. To the west, the shallow and silted Manukau Harbour opens out onto the Tasman Sea at a rare break in the long string of black-sand beaches continually pounded by heavy surf. Maori named the eastern anchorage the Waitemata Harbour for its “sparkling waters”, which constitute Auckland’s deep-water port and a focus for the heart of the city. Every summer weekend the harbour and adjoining Hauraki Gulf explode into a riot of brightly coloured sails.

Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland harbour activities, cruises and sailing, dolphin and whale watching, kayaking and kayak fishing, auckland bridge climb and bungy, auckland museum, auckland’s volcanic cones, auckland zoo, guided and self-guided walks in auckland, self-guided walks, guided walks, les harvey: parnell’s saviour, otara market, pah homestead and monte cecilia park, ponsonby and herne bay, one tree hill.

Auckland is increasingly focusing on its waterfront , with former docks and fishing wharves now dotted with bobbing yachts and the rejuvenated surrounds converted to flashy restaurants and swanky apartments. This is very much the place to hang out, sucking life from downtown Auckland , which is fighting back with the superbly renovated Auckland Art Gallery.

At the top of Queen Street lies Karangahape Road , an altogether groovier strip of cheaper shops, ethnic restaurants and more down-and-dirty clubs. To the east lies The Domain , an extensive swathe of semi-formal parkland centred on the city’s most-visited attraction, the Auckland Museum , exhibiting stunning Maori and Pacific Island artefacts.

Neighbouring Parnell forms the ecclesiastical heart of the city, with one of Auckland’s oldest churches and a couple of historical houses. At the foot of the hill, Tamaki Drive follows the eastern waterfront past the watery attractions of Kelly Tarlton’s to the city beaches of Mission Bay and St Heliers.

West of the centre, the cafés, shops and bars of Ponsonby Road and up-and-coming Kingsland give way to Western Springs, home of the MOTAT transport museum and the excellent zoo .

Across the Waitemata Harbour the seemingly endless suburbs of the North Shore stretch into the distance, though you’re only likely to want to spend much time in the old waterside suburb of Devonport and perhaps the long golden beach at Takapuna .

Immediately south of the centre, two of Auckland’s highest points, Mount Eden and One Tree Hill with its encircling Cornwall Park , provide wonderful vantage points for views of the city. Pah Homestead presents more great art, but the main reason for heading further south is to visit Saturday’s Otara Market .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for New Zealand, created by local experts

17 days  / from 5400 USD

From North to South - Auckland to Christchurch Self Drive

Explore both the North and the South Island in this compact itinerary. Your own rental car allows you the freedom to go at your own pace and scenic rail journeys break up the driving times. Explore glaciers and cities, thermal springs and panoramic hiking trails.

14 days  / from 3600 USD

Discover the South Island: a self drive trip from Christchurch and back

The larger of the two major island in New Zealand, South Island is best to be explored at your own pace in a rental car. From massive mountains to beaches, panoramic waterfalls to challenging hiking trails, this itinerary shows you the best of South Island.

9 days  / from 2900 USD

North Island: A self drive trip from Auckland

Discover the beauty of North Island on a roundtrip from Auckland in your own vehicle. Visit thermal springs, enjoy delicious wine tastings, and explore remote beaches and hiking trails. North Island has plenty to offer travelers and a rental car makes for the perfect discovery.

Tailor-made trips for   New Zealand

With several efficient door-to-door shuttle services into central Auckland there’s hardly any reason to stay in any of the hotels at, or near, the airport , though Auckland is a place where you might choose to stay outside the city centre . Most sightseeing can be done as easily from the suburbs, particularly Ponsonby, less than 2km west of the centre, Mount Eden, 2km south of the centre, Devonport, a short ferry journey across the harbour, and Parnell, 2km east of the centre. All are generally more peaceful than the city centre but still well supplied with places to eat and drink, and access is good on the Inner Link and Outer Link buses. Note that airport shuttle buses will drop you in these suburbs for a similar price to downtown, and Devonport only costs a few dollars extra. Predictably, camping involves staying further out and it’s not really worth the hassle unless you’ve rented a campervan.

A recent $120 million expansion of the Auckland Art Gallery has made the country’s best art gallery a whole lot better. The elaborate old mock-chateau galleries have been gutted and, though elegantly integrated, now play second fiddle to a superb new glass-cube atrium supported by kauri-wood columns that fan out to form an organic, forest-like canopy. The gallery feels open to the street and integrated with Albert Park behind, allowing everyone to see the atrium’s keynote sculpture, which changes annually.

There is a significant international collection, but the emphasis is on the world’s finest collection of New Zealand art . Works on display are frequently changed, but might include anything from original drawings by artists on Cook’s expeditions and overwrought oils depicting Maori migrations through to site-specific installations.

Europeans depicting Maori

Romantic and idealized images of Maori life seen through European explorers’ eyes frequently show composite scenes that could never have happened, contributing to a mythical view that persisted for decades. Two works show contrasting but equally misleading views: Kennett Watkins’ 1912 The Legend of the Voyage to New Zealand , with its plump, happy natives on a still lagoon; and Charles Goldie’s 1898 The Arrival of the Maoris in New Zealand , modelled on Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa and showing starving, frightened voyagers battling tempestuous seas.

Much of the early collection is devoted to works by two of the country’s most loved artists – both highly respected by Maori as among the few to accurately portray their ancestors. Gottfried Lindauer emigrated to New Zealand in 1873 and spent his later years painting lifelike, almost documentary, portraits of rangatira (chiefs) and high-born Maori men and women, in the mistaken belief that the Maori people were about to become extinct. In the early part of the twentieth century, Charles F. Goldie became New Zealand’s resident “old master” and earned international recognition for his more emotional portraits of elderly Maori regally showing off their traditional tattoos, or moko , though they were in fact often painted from photographs (sometimes after the subject’s death).

Pakeha depicting New Zealand

It took half a century for European artists to grasp how to paint the harsh Kiwi light, an evolutionary process that continued into the 1960s and 1970s, when many works betrayed an almost cartoon-like quality, with heavily delineated spaces daubed in shocking colours.

Look out for oils by Rita Angus , renowned for her landscapes of Canterbury and Otago in the 1940s; Colin McCahon , whose fascination with the power and beauty of New Zealand landscape informs much late twentieth-century Kiwi art; and Gordon Walters , who drew inspiration from Maori iconography, controversially appropriating vibrant, graphic representations of traditional Maori symbols.

You may well see one of the gallery’s most expensive works, Tony Fomison ’s 1973 painting Study of Holbein’s “Dead Christ” . It’s typical of his later, more obsessive, period, combining the artist’s passion for art history and his preoccupation with mortality.

Maori artists

More recent acquisitions are strong on art by Maori artists. You’ll usually find some of the excellent contemporary work by painter Shane Cotton , dark pieces by New Zealand’s most lauded living artist, Ralph Hotere , and sculptor Michael Parekowhai , whose bull-on-a-grand-piano entry for the 2011 Venice Biennale turned more than a few heads.

Though most visitors head out into the “real” New Zealand for a little adventure, Auckland has plenty on its doorstep. The city is so water-focused that it would be a shame not to get out on the harbour at some point, either on a ferry to one of the outlying islands, a cruise , a dolphin and whale safari or a sea-kayaking trip. You can also do a bridge climb and a bungy jump off the Harbour Bridge.

America’s Cup Sailing t 0800 724 569, w explorenz.co.nz . Head around to Viaduct Harbour to crew on America’s Cup racing yachts NZL41 (raced by Japan in the 1995 cup) and NZL68 (used as a trial boat by New Zealand in 2007). There’s a chance to grind the winches or take the helm as you get a real sense of power and speed.

Auckland Harbour Cruise t 09 367 9111, w fullers.co.nz . Fullers offer a two-hour cruise that leaves the Ferry Building, briefly visiting the Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto Island. You can stay on Rangitoto and return on a later cruise, and the ticket gives you a free return ferry ride to Devonport.

Pride of Auckland t 0800 724 569, w explorenz.co.nz . Leisurely sailing trips, a lunch cruise, a dinner cruise and a sail to Waiheke Island with a ferry trip back.

Whale & Dolphin Safari Viaduct Harbour t 0800 397 567, w explorenz.co.nz . There are stacks of common and bottlenose dolphins out in the Hauraki Gulf year-round, often forming huge pods in winter and spring when Bryde’s whale and orca sightings increase. Educational and entertaining trips head out on a fast, 20m ctamaran which also undertakes marine mammal reserach. Dolphins (which are seen on ninety percent of trips) are often located by the cluster of gannets spectacularly dive-bombing schools of fish. If you don’t see any marine mammals you can go again, free, either here on in the Bay of Islands.

Auckland Sea Kayaks t 0800 999 089, w aucklandseakayaks.co.nz . Great guided kayak tours including an easy paddle over to Browns Island, a longer trip to Rangitoto with a summit hike, a Rangitoto evening/night trip with sunset from the summit and excellent food along the way, and a range of overnight trips including camping on Motuihe Island, where there are Little Spotted kiwi.

Fergs Kayaks 12 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay t 09 529 2230, w fergskayaks.co.nz . Offers guided trips 7km across the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto Island, hiking to the summit, then paddling back. Alternatively, opt for their 3km paddle to Devonport with a hike up North Head. In both cases, the later departure gives you a chance to paddle by moon or torchlight. Single sea kayaks, doubles, or slightly cheaper sit-on-tops are also available to rent; trips to Rangitoto and Devonport are not generally allowed for rentals.

TIME Unlimited t 0800 868 463, newzealandtours.travel . Gorgeous bays and islands are the focus of these trips. Groups are generally limited to six and (unusually for kayak operators) single kayaks are available. They even run an overnight trip with lots of fishing and camping out. Fishing takes precedence with full-day kayak-fishing tours on which you might expect to catch snapper, kingfish and John Dory, and swim after lunch on a gorgeous beach.

Auckland Bridge Climb t 0800 462 5462, w aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz . Take in the excellent city views from the highest point on the city’s harbour, crossing some 65m above the Waitemata Harbour. There’s no actual climbing involved, just 90min strolling along steel walkways while harnessed to a cable as guides relate detail on the bridge’s fulcrums, pivots and cantilevers. Reservations are essential and anyone over seven can go. Cameras are not allowed but there’ll be someone on hand to take a snap and sell it to you later. Free transport from Viaduct Harbour.

Auckland Bridge Bungy t 0800 462 5462, w bungy.co.nz. The place to go for an adrenaline rush, a 40m leap and a water touch. There’s free transport from Viaduct Harbour and you get the free bragging T-shirt.

The imposing Greco-Roman-style Auckland Museum sits at the highest point of the Auckland Domain, and contains the world’s finest collections of Maori and Pacific art and craft. Traditional in its approach yet contemporary in its execution, the museum was built as a World War I memorial in 1929 and has been progressively expanded, most recently in 2006 with the capping of a courtyard with an undulating copper dome. Below the dome, a striking slatted Fijian kauri structure hanging from the ceiling like some upturned beehive dominates the new Auckland Atrium entrance.

At the opposite end of the building, the original colonnaded Grand Foyer entrance is the place to head for the thirty-minute Maori Cultural Performance of frightening eye-rolling challenges, gentle songs and a downright scary haka , all heralded by a conch-blast that echoes through the building.

Maori Court

As traditional Maori villages started to disappear towards the end of the nineteenth century, some of the best examples of carved panels, meeting houses and food stores were rescued and brought here. The central Maori Court is dominated by Hotunui , a large and wonderfully carved meeting house built in 1878, late enough to have a corrugated-iron rather than rush roof. The craftsmanship is superb; the house’s exterior bristles with grotesque faces, lolling tongues and glistening paua-shell eyes, while the interior is lined with wonderful geometric tukutuku panels. Outside is the intricately carved prow and stern-piece of Te Toki a Tapiri , a 25m-long waka taua (war canoe) designed to seat a hundred warriors, the only surviving specimen from the pre-European era.

The transition from purely Polynesian motifs to an identifiably Maori style is exemplified by the fourteenth- or fifteenth-century Kaitaia Carving , a 2.5m-wide totara carving thought to have been designed for a ceremonial gateway, guarded by the central goblin-like figure with sweeping arms that stretch out to become lizard forms: Polynesian in style but Maori in concept.

Pacific Masterpieces

The Pacific Masterpieces room is filled with exquisite Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian works. Look out for the shell-inlaid ceremonial food bowl from the Solomon Islands, ceremonial clubs and a wonderfully resonant slit-drum from Vanuatu. The textiles are fabulous too, with designs far more varied than you’d expect considering the limited raw materials: the Hawaiian red feather cloak is especially fine.

Pacific Lifeways

Daily life of Maori and the wider Pacific peoples is covered in the Pacific Lifeways room, which is dominated by a simple yet majestic breadfruit-wood statue from the Caroline Islands depicting Kave , Polynesia’s malevolent and highest-ranked female deity, whose menace is barely hinted at in this serene form.

Middle floor

The middle floor of the museum comprises the natural history galleries , an unusual combination of modern thematic displays and stuffed birds in cases. Displays such as the 3m-high giant moa (an ostrich-like bird) and an 800kg ammonite shouldn’t be missed, but there’s also material on dinosaurs, volcanoes and a Maori Natural History display, which attempts to explain the unique Maori perspective unencumbered by Western scientific thinking. The middle floor is also where you’ll find hands-on and “discovery” areas for kids .

Upper floor

Scars on the Heart occupies the entire upper floor and explores how New Zealanders’ involvement in war has helped shape national identity. The New Zealand Wars of the 1860s are interpreted from both Maori and Pakeha perspectives and World War I gets extensive coverage, particularly the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey, when botched leadership led to a massacre of ANZAC – Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – troops in the trenches. Powerful visuals and rousing martial music accompany newsreel footage of the Pacific campaigns of World War II and Vietnam, with personal accounts of the troops’ experiences and the responses of those back home.

Within 20km of the centre of Auckland there are fifty small volcanoes , but on the whole the city hasn’t been very respectful of its geological heritage. Even the exact number is hard to pin down, not least because several cones have disappeared over the last 150 years, mostly chewed away by scoria and basalt quarrying.

That might sound a Herculean feat, but Auckland’s largest volcano, Rangitoto Island out in the Hauraki Gulf, is only 260m tall, and in the city itself none is taller than Mount Eden, just under 200m. Many are pimples barely 100m high that only just poke above the surrounding housing. Early on, Maori recognized the fertility of the volcanic soils, and set up kumara gardens on the lower slopes, usually protected by fortified pa sites around the summit. Europeans valued the elevated positions for water storage – most of the main volcanoes have reservoirs in the craters.

It is only in the last few decades that volcanic features have been protected from development, often by turning their environs into parks – all or part of 37 of them have some form of protection. City ordnances dictate that some summits can’t be obscured from certain angles, and yet recently the edge of one volcano was only just saved from removal for a motorway extension. Some see UNESCO World Heritage Site status as the best means of protection, but it is unlikely anything will happen soon.

In the meantime, the volcanoes make wonderful viewpoints dotted all over the city, notably from Mount Eden, One Tree Hill, Devonport’s North Head and the top of Rangitoto Island where you can also explore lava caves.

The oldest volcanoes erupted 250,000 years ago, though it is only 600 years since the last eruption, and the volcanic field remains active. No one knows when the next eruption will be, but it is unlikely to be through one of the existing volcanoes – meaning one day a new peak will emerge.

The Auckland Zoo is the best in the country. There are still a few tigers in cages but the zoo is strong on spacious, naturalistic habitats and captive breeding programmes. The “rainforest walk” threads its way among artificial islands inhabited by colonies of monkeys, you can walk through the wallaby and emu enclosure unhindered, and the trailblazing Pridelands development has lions, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and gazelles all roaming across mock savannah behind enclosing moats.

The zoo’s New Zealand environments are grouped as the brand-new Te Wao Nui , a major development divided into six environments – coast, islands, wetlands, forest, high country and a nocturnal section. It’s beautifully designed with loads of sculptures, water features and clever deceits such as entering a free-flight aviary through what appears to be a high-country hut. It is great to see the animals in something approaching their natural setting – kiwi are kept with ruru (native owls) and nocturnal flax snails; reptilian tuatara share island space with skinks, geckos and luminous green kakariki (parakeets); and penguins are found next to the fur seals.

There’s plenty on the desperate attempt to save various species from extinction, and you can even watch animals being operated on in the treatment room at the nearby Conservation Medicine Centre .

Devonport is one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs, founded in 1840 and still linked to the city by a ten-minute ferry journey. The naval station was an early tenant, soon followed by wealthy merchants, who built fine kauri villas. Some of these are graced with little turrets (“widows’ watches”) that served as lookouts where the traders could scan the seas for their precious cargoes and wives watch hopefully (or warily) for their returning husbands. Wandering along the peaceful streets and the tree-fringed waterfront past grand houses is the essence of Devonport’s appeal and there’s no shortage of tempting bookshops, small galleries, cafés and even an aged cinema along the main street to punctuate your amblings. Walkers should consider the North Shore Coastal Walk .

Aucklanders take their eating seriously and, as befits a city of this size, there’s a huge range of places – and standards are generally very high. Daytime cafés often morph into full-blown restaurants, with alcohol consumption becoming an increasingly significant activity as the night wears on. A couple of culinary highlights reside in the shopping district of Newmarket, nearby suburban Mount Eden and up-and-coming Kingsland. If you find yourself peckish while visiting Kelly Tarlton’s or swimming at Mission Bay, try one of the selection of places along Tamaki Drive. Sadly, Devonport doesn’t have the culinary heft you’d expect of a wealthy suburb with several pricey B&Bs.

As befits a city of its size, Auckland has numerous festivals and annual events. These are some of the best.

Anniversary Day Massive sailing regatta on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. Last Monday in January.

International Buskers Festival aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz . Buskers from around the world take over the city streets. Free. Late January.

Big Gay Out endinghiv.org.nz/big-gay-out . An extravaganza of comedy, music, drag and community events that takes place in Coyle Park, Point Chevalier, just west of the zoo. Usually held the second Sunday in February.

Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival discovertasmania.com.au . Windsor Reserve is the venue for top chefs, local musicians and plenty of wine. It’s a great occasion, particularly if the weather’s good. Tickets $40. Third weekend in February.

Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Streetfest jazzandbluesstreetfest.com . Beachside evening bash with a stack of bands and food stalls. Tickets $20. Last Saturday in February.

Auckland Festival aucklandfestival.co.nz . Major international arts and culture festival at venues all over the city with everything from street performances to ballet. Held during two middle weeks in March, every odd-numbered year.

Pasifika Twenty thousand people enjoy this free, all-day celebration of Polynesian and Pacific Island culture – music, culture, food and crafts – at Western Springs Park. Free. Second Saturday in March.

Round the Bays Fun Run roundthebays.co.nz . Up to 70,000 people jog 9km along the Tamaki Drive waterfront. Second or third Sunday in March.

Royal Easter Show royaleastershow.co.nz. Family entertainment, Kiwi-style, with equestrian events, lumberjack show, wine tasting and arts and crafts, all held at the ASB showgrounds along Greenlane. $20. Easter weekend (moveable feast; check website for dates).

International Comedy Festival comedyfestival.co.nz . Three weeks of performances by the best from New Zealand and around the world; recent acts have included Danny Bhoy and Arj Barker. Early May.

Auckland International Film Festival nzff.co.nz . The nationwide film tour usually kicks off in the city where it all started back in 1969. Tickets $16. Mid- to late July.

The most ambitious walking normally attempted by visitors to Auckland is a stroll through The Domain or a short hike up to one of the volcano-top viewpoints. More ambitious hikers can head to Rangitoto Island or pick off sections of the Hillary Trail out west in the hills of the Waitakere Ranges. Most of the West Coast tours also include some gentle walking.

Coast to Coast Walkway (16km one-way; 4hr) The best of the city’s sights are threaded together on this fine walk which straddles the isthmus. All is revealed in the free Beyond your Backyard – Discovering Auckland City by Foot or Bike leaflet available from the tourist offices, and a route map can be found at

w www.aucklandcity.govt.nz. The northern section is the most interesting: stop after One Tree Hill (12km; 3hr) and get the #328, #334 or #348 bus back to the city from Manukau Road.

North Shore Coastal Walk (23km one-way) Free leaflet from visitor centres. The Devonport ferry wharf marks the southern end of the North Shore Coastal Walk (part of the tip-to-toe Te Araroa) which follows the waterfront past the Navy Museum, close to North Head then up the coast past several pretty beaches with views of Rangitoto. If you’ve come over by ferry, consider following the walk as far as Takapuna (10km; 2–3hr) then getting the bus back to the city from there.

Auckland Walks t 0800 300 100, w aucklandwalks.co.nz . Learn more about the city centre on these informative guided walks (daily 10am; 2hr; $30; booking essential) leaving the Harbour information Centre at the Ferry Building, 99 Quay St.

Tamaki Hikoi t 6421 146 9593 w tamakihikoi.co.nz . Maori-led walks giving a Ngati Whatua perspective on Tamaki Makaurau. Choose from a tour of Pukekawa (Auckland Domain; 1hr 30min; $40), and interpretation of the Maori galleries at the Auckland Museum complete with the cultural performance (3hr; $95), and a guided walk around Maungawhau (Mount Eden; 3hr; $95). All come with lots of stories and give a completely different perspective on Auckland and colonization.

TIME Unlimited t 0800 868 463, newzealandtours.travel . Maori-led city tour explaining the significance to Maori of locations around the city (full day; $245). Their “Extra” package ($295) includes a visit to a marae that’s far more intimate and authentic than the mass-market extravaganzas around Rotorua, and they’ll even organize marae stays and host Maori dinners on request.

There’s not a great deal to go-ahead Kingsland , with no real sights unless you count Eden Park , where the All Blacks finally lifted the Rugby World Cup in 2011, after a 24-year drought. But it’s a fun place to hang out for a few hours, with some lively cafés, a couple of good bars and a handful of funky shops. Check out the industrial furniture at The Boiler Room, at no. 486, and the beautiful, contemporary jewellery at Royal, at no. 486.

In the mid-1960s, Parnell narrowly escaped a high-rise-concrete fate when eccentric dreamer Les Harvey raised enough money to whisk the quaint but dilapidated shops and wooden villas from under the developers’ noses. He then campaigned against New Zealand’s strict trading laws, with the result that during the 1970s and much of the 1980s Parnell was the only place in Auckland where you could shop on a Saturday. Parnell Road soon established a reputation for chic clothes shops, swanky restaurants and dealer art galleries that it retains today.

The Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT) offers an entertaining trawl through New Zealand’s vehicular and industrial past, nicely balancing preserving the nation’s machinery while keeping the kids entertained. The jumble of sheds and halls is centred on the restored Western Springs’ pumphouse where the massive 1877 beam engine and associated boiler room mostly sit grandly immobile, except when fired up (generally Thurs noon–1pm & 2–3pm).

Appropriately for an agricultural nation there’s an impressive array of tractors through the ages, with pride of place given to the one Edmund Hillary used to reach the South Pole in 1958, the first overland party there since Scott and Amundsen 46 years earlier.

Elsewhere there’s an entertaining, science-oriented, hands-on section, a Victorian village built around the original pumphouse engineer’s cottage, and a shed full of trams that plied the city’s streets from 1902–56.

An ancient, rattling Melbourne tram (every 10–30min; included in admission price) takes you 1km to MOTAT’s Meola Road site, with its impressive new Aviation Display Hall , a hangar eco-designed with vast laminated wood beams. Star attractions are one of the few surviving World War II Lancaster bombers, early crop-dusting planes a805 Great North Rd, Western Springsnd fragile-looking things that took early tourists to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers in the days before decent roads. Imminent completion of restoration should see centre stage occupied by a double-decker Solent flying boat, decked out for dining in a more gracious age and used on Air New Zealand’s South Pacific “Coral Route” until the early 1960s.

At just 196m, Mount Eden (Maungawhau) is Auckland city’s highest volcano. It is only a few metres higher then several other cones, and doesn’t poke far above the surrounding suburban housing, but the summit car park affords extensive views all around. Unfortunately it is on just about every tour bus itinerary, so once at the summit take a walk around the cone rim for a more peaceful viewpoint. Alternatively, walk here on the Coast to Coast Walkway.

On Saturday morning, Otara Market sprawls across the car park of the Otara Town Centre. Though often promoted as the largest Maori and Polynesian market in the world, these days it is far more diverse than that, reflecting the racial makeup of modern South Auckland. Certainly there is still a strong Polynesian influence. Reggae beats and Pasifika rhythms ring out across the market, and the adjacent Community Hall is full of kete (woven baskets), tapa cloth and island-style floral print fabrics. Reasonably priced Maori greenstone carvings and Maori sovereignty shirts (look for tees emblazoned with the words “ Tino Rangatiratanga” ) can be found next to Sikhs flogging gold bracelets, Koreans selling Korean-language DVDs and Chinese (lots of Chinese) selling truckloads of cheap fruit and veg.

There’s plenty of low-cost eating from coffee and pastries to wieners, goat curry, pork buns, whitebait fritters and even a classic Maori boil-up of pork bones, watercress, pumpkin and fry bread. The market is liveliest from 8–11am.

One of the best reasons to stray south from the city centre is to visit Pah Homestead , an Italianate residence perched on top of a small volcanic cone. When completed in 1879, it was the largest house in the Auckland region and an ideal place for its owner, businessman James Williamson, to throw lavish parties. Much of its wood panelling and elaborate ceiling bosses are original, despite spending much of its life as a novitiate home for the Sisters of Mercy, a boarding house and emergency housing.

The homestead overlooks the graceful, mature cedars and Moreton Bay fig trees of the surrounding Monte Cecilia Park and has great views of One Tree Hill.

Wallace Arts Centre

Though impressive by New Zealand standards, and extensively restored in 2010, Pah Homestead alone wouldn’t warrant a special trip. What does is what’s within: an array of pieces from the five thousand-work Wallace Arts Trust collection , created by Kiwi meat-processing magnate, James Wallace. In the mid-1960s Wallace began collecting works by emerging New Zealand artists and has continued to buy their best stuff (and commission more) as they’ve risen to become some of the country’s most eminent. The result is a wide-ranging collection particularly strong on artists such as Toss Woollaston, Philip Trusttum and Michael Parakowhai. What’s on show is constantly changing but always superb. The equally excellent on-site Pah Café spills out onto the veranda, overlooking the sculpture garden.

The once fashionable suburb of Ponsonby had fallen on hard times by the 1960s when large numbers of immigrant Pacific Islanders made the area their home. Ponsonby took a bohemian turn in the 1970s and before long young professionals were moving in, restoring old houses and spending fistfuls of dollars.

For the last twenty-odd years Ponsonby Road has been a byword for designer clothing, cafés and see-and-be-seen lunching for long-term residents and the overspill from the adjacent media suburb of Grey Lynn. The street itself may not be beautiful, but the people sure are; musicians, actors and media folk congregate to lunch, schmooze and be seen in the latest fashionable haunt here. The cutting edge is now fragmented around the central city, but Ponsonby retains a great vibe and is a prime target for some of the city’s classiest clothes shopping, a good meal and some people-watching. While in the area you might want to check out The Women’s Bookshop at 105 Ponsonby Rd, which has plenty for men too, and knowledgeable staff.

To the north of Ponsonby, the waterside suburb of Herne Bay also has a cluster of excellent spots to eat, mostly along Jervois Road.

Sir John Logan Campbell is buried at the summit where a single totara tree originally gave One Tree Hill its name. Settlers cut it down in 1852, and Campbell planted several pines as a windbreak, a single specimen surviving until the millennium. Already ailing from a 1994 chainsaw attack by a Maori activist avenging the loss of the totara, the pine’s fate was sealed by a similar attack in 1999 and the tree was removed the next year. Immediate demands for a replacement have gone quiet in recent years though it seems likely that in mid-2012 a grove of six pohutukawa and three totara will be planted in the hope that a single dominant tree will flourish. Then again, many people seem happy enough with, as it were, None Tree Hill.

Discover more places in New Zealand

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to New Zealand and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 05.05.2021

Ready to travel and discover New Zealand?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

A Week in the South Island: New Zealand Itinerary from Queenstown

Elise Cocozzo

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/TN6UX3/a-week-in-the-south-island-new-zealand-itinerary-from-queenstown-elise-cocozzo

Adventure Travel

Food & Wine

Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

Nature Escapes

Couples Travel

New Zealand

Curator’s statement

Among many things, New Zealand is an expert at humbling you, making you feel small and making the world feel big. From the waterfalls misting on your face in Milford Sound to the wind in your hair at the Ben Lochmond summit, the south island is exactly all it's cracked up to be and more. If you want to give your heart a snack, book your airfare stat to Queenstown, New Zealand.

I proceeded this leg of the trip with a week in Australia (think Phillip Island penguin parade, wild kangaroo sightings and seriously good Sancerre on the Sydney harbor), but a week in the North Island for hot springs and Māori culture would also do the trick! Sit back and take in my perfect 1-week itinerary, including things to do and places to eat on the southern island of New Zealand.

The Fora Difference

Book with Elise to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Matakauri lodge.

Matakauri Lodge offers luxury lodge accommodation in Queenstown and overlooks a mesmerizing panorama.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

$100 food / beverage or spa credit.

Eichardt's Private Hotel

Absolutely stunning premium lakefront hotel in the heart of Queenstown — perfect for a wedding.

The Carlin Boutique Hotel

Immerse yourself in boutique luxury at The Carlin, where timeless elegance and personalized service redefine your hotel experience.

$50-100 hotel / resort credit.

Unlock perks by contacting Elise to book your trip.

Get in touch with Elise

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Elise within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Your message has been sent to Elise !

Learn more about what to expect when working with an advisor.

Day 1: Arrive to Queenstown, Transfer to Te Anau

After flying into Queenstown, pick up your rental car and start your scenic drive to Te Anau. This drive is absolutely gorgeous, with plenty of pull-off spots to take in the beauty of the region. You’ll pass sheep stations, lakes, mountains and communities where everyone knows their neighbors. Stop for lunch at the Kingston Flyer, set in the small town of Kingston before arriving in Te Anau. Once you’re checked into your hotel in Te Anau, take a leisurely walk around the lake or a champagne sunset cruise! Round out the evening with a dinner reservation at Fat Duck and a bottle of wine on your balcony overlooking the lake.

Day 2: Milford Sound

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a hotel pick-up for your day out at Milford Sound! It’s an absolute must-see in the region. Starting a tour from Te Anau ensures you aren’t spending the entire day in transit. Many attempt to do the day from Queenstown, which is around 4.5 hours one way. It also gives you more flexibility to wait out the rain and go on a later cruise if the weather isn’t cooperating! This day was a highlight of our trip, led by incredible guides with professional insight into the geology of the region. Finish the evening with a cozy dinner reservation at the Redcliff and ask for a table in the front bar.

Day 3: Cave Tour, Kepler Track, Transfer to Queenstown

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel overlooking the lake. From there, head to the center of town for your cave tour. You’ll take a scenic boat ride around the lake and then follow your guides deep into the caves on the other side. You’ll see waterfalls within the caves and take a small boat deep into the darkness to see glow worms up close. Be sure to bundle up for this visit!

After the morning tour, head over to the local golf course and casually play the back nine for absolutely stunning views and true Te Anau hospitality. Top it off with a short (or long) hike along the beautiful Kepler Track to round out your time in Te Anau. When you’re ready to bid adieu to this lovely community, pack up the car and head to buzzy Queenstown for your dinner reservation, sunset cruise or bottle of wine on your hotel patio.

Day 4: Ben Lochmond Hike

Today, knock off one of the tougher trails in the region, the Ben Lochmond Trail! Head into town to Arthur’s Gourmet Sandwiches to pack for your scenic, well deserved picnic in a few hours’ time. You can do the entire hike by starting in town, or you can take the gondola to give yourself a headstart. Be sure to pack water for this intense hike! The views are absolutely worth the effort and be sure to listen closely for the bleating of mountain goats on this epic trail. After making your way back to town, stop by Atlas for your brew of choice. Regroup at the hotel and end the day with a reservation at Public for dinner on the water.

Day 5: Winery Tour

Enjoy a pick-up from your hotel and head into the Central Otago/Gibbston wine region! Explore several top wineries in the area, learning along the way with your sommelier guide and onsite vineyard experts. Enjoy a multi-course lunch from a boutique winery restaurant with sweeping views of the region. After your return to Queenstown, head to The Winery in town to continue a self-led wine tasting! There, you’ll get a punch card at the front, and you can pour small tastes (or large pours) of dozens available onsite. Tonight, have a dinner reservation queued at Fenz on the water.

Day 6: Queenstown Walkway, TSS Earlslaw

For your last day, take a more leisurely hike along Queenstown Walkway for a beautiful view of Queenstown. Afterwards, head into town for a well deserved brunch. We liked OddSaint for a true sit-down brunch and Bespoke for a more casual, order at the counter brunch. Head back to your hotel to regroup, pack up (meh!) and if you’re lucky, hit the daily free wine hour at the hotel (our charming hotel did this by the roaring fire each night). For your last night, head out to the TSS Earlslaw for a beautiful turn around the lake and be sure to take a pop downstairs to experience the inner workings of this historic ship. Cap off the week with a reservation at Botswana Butcher and be certain to request a table on the first floor. Floor two is great if you have a large group for a private room. Floor three should be avoided.

Day 7: Depart

Head home with plans to return!

Travel Advisor

Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on Travel to New Zealand . For more travel tips, check out my Itinerary, 1 Week Itinerary from Queenstown, New Zealand: Hiking, Wine, Milford Sound .

• Atlases & Maps

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Buy new: $21.76 $21.76 FREE delivery: Monday, April 22 on orders over $35.00 shipped by Amazon. Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

Buy used: $13.57

Other sellers on amazon.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

DK Eyewitness New Zealand (Travel Guide) Paperback – September 26, 2023

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 304 pages
• Language English
• Publisher DK Eyewitness Travel
• Publication date September 26, 2023
• Dimensions 5 x 0.71 x 8.56 inches
• ISBN-10 0241619319
• ISBN-13 978-0241619315
• See all details

Frequently bought together

More items to explore

From the brand

Shop Travel Inspiration

Visit the Store

Shop Eyewitness Guides

Shop Top 10 Guides

Shop Like a Local Guides

From the publisher.

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ DK Eyewitness Travel (September 26, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0241619319
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0241619315
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.71 x 8.56 inches
• #7 in New Zealand Travel Guides
• #18 in General Australia & South Pacific Travel
• #359 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

About the author

Dk eyewitness.

Explore the world with DK Eyewitness travel books. Our award-winning travel guides are compiled by real travellers and globe-trotting experts who provide trusted advice to over 200 global destinations. Brimming with stunning photography, detailed maps, sage advice and top tips; our highly visual guides contain everything needed for the trip of your dreams.

DK Eyewitness travel will help you live ‘Like a Local’ in new and exciting cities, or visit those ‘Top 10’ essentials, or plan that epic road trip. Whether it's a holiday of a lifetime, exploring a new continent or a city break, step into your next adventure with DK Eyewitness travel books.

Winner, Gold Award, Top Guidebook at the 2020 Wanderlust Magazine Reader Travel Awards.

Winner of the Travel Media Awards 2019 Guide of the Year for DK Eyewitness New York City.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Passing Thru Travel

Ready for Adventure? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Traveling in New Zealand

Posted: March 10, 2024 | Last updated: March 10, 2024

New Zealand, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, is a playground for adventure seekers. From majestic mountains to serene beaches, it offers a plethora of activities for those who yearn for excitement with a touch of luxury. Combining adventure with luxury isn’t just about comfort; it’s about experiencing the thrill of adventure with an added layer of exclusivity and personalized service.

Whether you’re heli-skiing over the Southern Alps, wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay, or exploring the fjords of Milford Sound, New Zealand provides an unparalleled backdrop for luxury adventure travel. In this listicle, we’ll explore 15 ways to indulge in adventure travel in New Zealand, ensuring that your experiences are as luxurious as they are thrilling.

Opt for Private Guided Tours

Experience New Zealand’s wonders with private guided tours that offer personalized experiences and insider knowledge.

Stay in Luxury Lodges

Choose from New Zealand’s array of luxury lodges that provide exceptional accommodation in stunning locations.

Indulge in Heli-Adventures

Take to the skies with helicopter adventures that give you access to remote locations like private beaches or mountaintops.

Try Luxury Cruising in Fiordland

Explore the fjords in style with a luxury cruise, offering an intimate view of the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland.

Experience Private Vineyard Tours

Visit renowned vineyards for private wine tastings and gourmet dining experiences in regions like Marlborough and Central Otago.

Enjoy High-End Spa Retreats

After a day of adventure, unwind in one of New Zealand’s high-end spa retreats, offering traditional Maori therapies and more.

Engage in Exclusive Golfing Experiences

Play on some of the world’s most picturesque and exclusive golf courses, such as Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers.

Embark on Luxury Fishing Expeditions

Fish in style in some of New Zealand’s pristine rivers and lakes, known for excellent trout and salmon fishing.

Explore the Wilderness with Private Guides

Hike, bike, or kayak with private guides who can take you to hidden gems away from the tourist trails.

Experience Maori Culture Privately

Engage with New Zealand’s rich Maori culture through private tours and exclusive experiences.

Savor Gourmet Outdoor Dining

Enjoy gourmet meals in breathtaking outdoor settings, from mountaintop picnics to beachfront feasts.

Take Scenic Flights Over Iconic Landscapes

See New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes from above with scenic flights over places like Mount Cook, the Bay of Islands, or the West Coast glaciers.

Try Luxury Eco-Tours

Participate in eco-friendly tours that offer luxury experiences while respecting the environment, like sustainable dolphin watching or conservation projects.

Go on Bespoke Adventure Excursions

Tailor your adventure activities to suit your preferences, whether it’s adrenaline-fueled bungee jumping, skydiving, or a more relaxed pace like horse trekking.

Utilize Concierge Services for Seamless Travel

Make use of concierge services to handle all your travel arrangements, bookings, and special requests for a hassle-free experience.

Known as the adventure capital, it offers everything from jet boating and bungee jumping to luxury wine tours.

Bay of Islands

Ideal for sailing, fishing, and exploring pristine beaches.

Offers unique geothermal landscapes, luxury spas, and Maori cultural experiences.

Abel Tasman National Park

Perfect for kayaking, hiking, and enjoying secluded beaches.

Provides a more relaxed alternative to Queenstown, with stunning scenery and luxury lodges.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Ideal for scenic flights, glacier explorations, and stargazing.

Waiheke Island

Offers luxury vineyard experiences, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.

Hawke’s Bay

Known for its Art Deco architecture, vineyards, and gourmet food scene.

Fiordland National Park

Offers breathtaking fjord cruises and luxury wilderness retreats.

The Coromandel

Perfect for private beach escapes and nature walks.

Adventure travel in New Zealand doesn’t have to mean roughing it. With the country’s wealth of natural beauty and luxury offerings, you can easily immerse yourself in thrilling activities while enjoying the pinnacle of comfort and exclusivity.

Each experience and destination in New Zealand presents an opportunity to create unforgettable memories, blending the adrenaline of adventure with the serenity of luxury. So pack your bags and prepare to embark on a journey that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, all in the lap of luxury.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Ready for Adventure? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Traveling in New Zealand republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nok Lek Travel Lifestyle.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

TikTok star Kyle Marisa Roth dies at 36

Nikki Haley announces new job after quitting 2024 presidential race

Scott Peterson defense drops motion to seal in bid for new trial after prosecutors note files mostly public

The passport rule that prevented Vicky Pattison from boarding her flight – and how to avoid the same mistake

This Is How Long You Can Leave Butter On the Counter, According to Land O'Lakes

I Lost White Friends When I Finally Spoke Out

Where is Jennifer Pan from ‘What Jennifer Did’ now?

The Vatican’s Bewildering New Declaration

29 Ridiculous Lies That Hollywood Has Managed to Mainstream

Melatonin makers urged to adopt new guidelines as ER visits rise

CBS issues statement over chaotic Billy Joel broadcast

McDonald's menu adds new takes on a fan-favorite sandwich

How to 'quiet quit,' from a former teacher who did it for 2 years so she could enjoy a better life while still getting a paycheck

8 Shoes to Wear with Leggings This Spring That Aren’t Sneakers

The Pool Noodle Hack That Makes Spray Painting Cabinet Doors A Breeze

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Happy? 12 Signs of a Happy Dog

Clarence Thomas Calls Veteran's Argument 'Especially Unconvincing'

Senior Democrat says party will save House speaker from ousting – on one condition

America’s ‘God of War’ is now many decades old. The US Army can’t replace it

People With Low Emotional Intelligence Are Known to Use These 4 Phrases

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Meet the four-legged guides who seek out the world’s rarest dolphins

In Akaroa, New Zealand, dogs are trained to seek out the world's smallest and rarest dolphins by listening for their clicks and whistles.

Buster’s ears perk up as he paces the starboard, scanning the vast expanse of milky blue waters. He sees something, or rather hears something.

“Dogs have remarkable hearing,” explains George Waghorn, skipper and co-owner of nature cruise operator Akaroa Dolphins , "they tune into the clicks and whistles of dolphins communicating."

Attentive as ever, Buster angles his head towards the water as if eavesdropping on a conversation. His eyes fix on the glassy water, which breaks as two dolphins emerge from the depths. While passengers rush to the starboard side in excitement, Buster remains composed, his duty — to spot the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphins, the Hector’s dolphin — fulfilled.

The salt and pepper-coloured dolphins, with their svelte bodies and rounded dorsal fins, will only venture up to around 30 miles from Akaroa Harbour, explains George, rendering the waters I find myself bobbing in the sole destination to observe some of the 7,000 or so Hector’s dolphins left in the world.

On the microphone, George shares history about Akaroa, the place his family has called home for seven generations (and counting). Akaroa, derived from the Māori term for ‘long harbour’, owes its existence to the volcanic eruption that cleaved the earth, allowing the ocean to rush in and shape the Banks Peninsula. "If you were to push the mountains together, they would line up,” he says, pointing towards the escarpments crowning each peak encircling us as we exit the harbour.

Just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, Akaroa stands as a favoured weekend retreat for city dwellers, but the uniqueness lies in its history. In 1840, French settlers had plans to be the first colonisers to plant their flag. However, despite arriving later, the British were quick to sign the Treaty of Waitangi with Māori chiefs, resulting in the shared governance of the town. This revelation hastened the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, resulting in the shared governance of the town. This historical convergence is reflected in the town’s streets, with French-named thoroughfares like Rue Lavaud coexisting alongside British street names. It only takes 15 minutes to walk from one end of the town to the other.

The Waghorns, with a mix of French and British heritage, founded Akaroa Dolphins two decades ago after selling their farm. Acquiring the fishing charter mainly for its dolphin permits, Hugh and Pip Waghorn never anticipated its growth beyond a hobby. Today, their children, George and Julia, manage the day-to-day operations, along with their trusty roster of staff, including both humans and canines.

“Like us, the dogs follow a schedule,” says George. Albie, his faithful English springer spaniel, who joins us on the next cruise, has been sailing since he was barely out of puppyhood. “He’s well-tuned to the dolphin’s frequency,” explains George, as Albie, splayed out next to me, hangs his head over the edge as far as it can go to watch the dolphins coast below.

Dolphin dogs, unlike their airport security counterparts, undergo minimal formal training. “It’s more about nurturing their innate instincts,” says George. The primary focus is on teaching them not to bark. Barking could disturb the dolphins. Each dog has its mentor to show them the ropes.

The inaugural dolphin dog was Hector, Hugh and Pip’s beloved cairn terrier. They took him on board their sailing boat and soon discovered he could tune into the dolphins’ calls. “There was this moment when Hector and the dolphins were playfully chasing each other up and down the boat,” Pip recalls. “Animals have these superpowers that we lack — it’s magical to watch.”

Since then, dogs have joined the family through a stroke of serendipity — almost as if fate had a hand in it. Julia recounts how Albie came into their lives when a local proposed a trade: Albie for a private cruise. As for Jet, George’s companion, he originally resided in the Australian outback until Pip brought him back to Akaroa with George in tow, a move she describes as nothing short of a blessing.

While Hector’s dolphins are the top attraction in town, with numerous tourism operators offering cruises, Akaroa Dolphins is New Zealand’s first tourism activity to be B Corp certified. “Some places allow swimming with the dolphins; we prefer not to encourage it,” explains Julia. “We see our role as educators, providing guests with an experience while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.” A family trait, it seems

In 2014, Pip and Hugh helped establish the Akaroa Marine Reserve, aimed at safeguarding not only the dolphins but also other marine inhabitants like kororā — white-flippered penguins — and New Zealand fur seals. During our two-hour cruise, we’re fortunate to spot a significant resident population of these fascinating creatures, along with white-fronted terns flittering above the rough seas at the entrance to the ocean.

On the way back, Buster sashays between passengers, grabbing as many pets and ‘atta boys’ as possible. Despite the dolphins surrounding us, in that fleeting moment, all eyes are on Buster.

Related Topics

• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
• DOMESTIC DOGS
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

You May Also Like

11 of the best wildlife cruises for 2024 and beyond

Looking for a truly remote, off-the-grid adventure? Try Panama.

Free bonus issue.

Forget the name. Desolation Sound is Canada’s best-kept secret.

20 of the coolest travel adventures for 2024

In search of wildlife on a one-day cruise off the coast of Cornwall, UK

The essential guide to visiting Scotland

Affordable gorilla encounters in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Perpetual Planet
• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• Photography
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Gory Details
• 2023 in Review
• Best of the World
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

File under embargo

Reason: Pending on review for publication.

until file(s) become available

Theory Meets Terrain: Advancing the Alpine Fault Insights with Seismic Anisotropy Inversion

The Alpine Fault, located in the South Island, New Zealand, is a subject of intense geological study due to its potential to trigger large earthquakes. It encompasses a complex system with the interplay of mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid. Gaining insights into these systems not only enhances our understanding of the fault but also holds the potential to guide risk mitigation efforts.

The damage extent and fracture networks within the metamorphic rock mass adjacent to the fault can be effectively characterized by seismic anisotropy, an elastic property of rock, where seismic waves travel at different speeds with variation directions. This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of seismic anisotropy in the hanging wall immediately adjacent to the principal slip zone of the Alpine Fault in New Zealand. Leveraging the borehole seismic data from a unique scientific drilling project and advanced numerical modeling techniques, the ultimate goal is to invert and parameterize the bulk seismic anisotropy.

Motivated by these challenges, the thesis undertakes several key initiatives: The first effort focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of an innovative method for seismic measurement: Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) – examining its operational principles, factors influencing observed wavelets, and how it contrasts with traditional point sensors for accurate interpretation. Subsequently, the research introduces the implementation of an open-source seismic wave solver designed for modeling elastic wave propagation in complicated anisotropic media. This solver is further optimized for computational efficiency with its performance rigorously benchmarked.

With this preparedness, the inversion is further facilitated by high-performance computing (HPC) and a deep-learning algorithm specifically designed for automatically picking transit times. The inverted bulk elastic constants, compared to the intact rock, reveal 28% to 35% reductions in qP-wave velocity, characterizing the damage due to mesoscale fracture. Further analysis sheds light on the existence of orthogonal fracture sets and an intricate geometrical arrangement that agree with the previous borehole image log. This represents an advancement in our ability to characterize and understand the geologic processes with seismic anisotropy.

Degree Type

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

Campus location

• West Lafayette

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Additional committee member 2, additional committee member 3, additional committee member 4, usage metrics.

• Seismology and seismic exploration
• Applied geophysics