best new zealand tour

New Zealand Tour & Vacation Packages

People love to throw around the phrase ‘natural beauty’. Then they go to New Zealand.

The ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ – it’s a classic Kiwi understatement if there ever was one. And while most travelers are drawn to New Zealand for those epic experiences out in nature – the open spaces, the dusted peaks, the lakes that pop with blue and make a mockery of Instagram filters – that stuff is just the tip of the glacier. From the feather-clad harbingers of Maoritanga to the happening backstreets of Wellington and Dunedin, to the natural beauty of Milford Sound , this country jumps with vitality in more ways than simply geological. Come for the epic trails and bubbling geysers, stay for the friendliest folk in the southern hemisphere.

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Queenstown Southern Loop

Premium New Zealand North Island

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Active New Zealand: Wanaka

The 7 best places to go on a hot air balloon ride  

Australia or New Zealand? Where to go on your next trip

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9 ways to get to know a place through multi-active adventures in 2023 

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New Zealand departures by month

Popular local destinations, tours by region, new zealand at a glance, capital city.

Wellington (population 212,700)

5.13 million

English, Maori

(GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about New Zealand

Best time to visit new zealand.

The most pleasant time for traveling throughout New Zealand is summer (December to February); however, this is also the busiest period, especially during school holidays (late December to late January). Winter can get very cold with frequent snowfall - but this is the perfect time to travel if you’re looking to ski or snowboard, particularly in the South Island. Read more about the best time to visit New Zealand

Culture and customs

Modern New Zealand is home to a diverse blend of people from far and wide. Maori, Pacific Islander, European and Asian influences blend peacefully to create a vibrant culture. Known for being friendly, down-to-earth, laidback and open, most visitors will find New Zealanders from all ethnicities to be helpful, approachable, generous and up for a laugh. 

Maori culture has its origins in Polynesia so some aspects of Maori language, customs and traditions are quite similar to those of neighboring islands. With strong traditional values based on respect for the family, ancestors and the land, Maori culture is hierarchical and steeped in centuries of tradition. Maori families typically come together for special occasions, celebrations and ceremonies filled with sacred dance, spiritual song and traditional food.

Visitors will see traditional Maori art and carving almost everywhere they go in New Zealand, from elaborate tattooing to carved necklaces. Although Maori culture experienced a decline after the arrival of European settlers, it experienced a renaissance of sorts in the 1960s, which continues to grow today.

Eating and drinking

With award-winning wineries, quality craft-beer bars, a world-class restaurant scene and a multitude of farmers' markets, eating in New Zealand is a real treat. Its Pacific location gives it an interesting mix of flavors, as European influences mesh with Asian and Polynesian.

When it comes to food – or kai , in the Maori language – there’s nothing quite like tucking into a traditional hangi dinner. It’s a hearty repast, fit for a warrior, cooked underground on heated rocks. Today’s hangi feast most often comprises slow-roasted meats, potatoes and stuffing, though there are many variations.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the seafood. The locals are spoiled for choice on this front – being an island nation definitely has its advantages. Fresh prawns, lobster, mussels and oysters are in abundance all year round, but fish and chips on the beach can be just as satisfying, especially for those on a budget.

Must-try food and drink in New Zealand

1. Wine & craft beer

Producing a huge variety of top-quality wines (many more than just the famous Sauvignon Blancs), New Zealand is full of vineyards and cellar doors to visit. Microbreweries are well represented too; the Kiwis more than pull their weight in the global small-batch craft beer movement, especially in Wellington.

2. Crayfish

There are plenty of places to try crayfish, but Kaikoura, near the top of the South Island, is the best. This sperm whale-watching capital of the world was in fact named after the crayfish (Kaikoura translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in Maori), and there’s a slew of places along the beach to sample the day’s fresh catch.

With sheep playing a huge part in New Zealand’s agricultural economy, it’s no wonder succulent lamb can be found in most restaurants. If you’re a meat lover, don’t leave New Zealand without tasting the lamb (if you’re indulging in a hangi feast, chances are you will).

4. Kiwis, Feijoas & Tamarillos

Though none of them actually originated in New Zealand (Kiwis came from China; Feijoas and Tamarillos came from South America), these fruits have become synonymous with New Zealand and are all fairly major exports. While kiwi fruit is well known to most of us, it’s the feijoas and tamarillos you should take advantage of while in New Zealand. Abundant, versatile and an acquired taste, they pop up everywhere from roadside stalls to front-garden giveaways to gourmet cafe dishes.

Even though the creator of this desert is hotly contested by their trans-Tasman cousins, the pavlova – a dessert with a meringue-like base and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit - was the invention of a Wellington chef to honor Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova's tour of Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. It’s a must-try for sweet tooths.

Top 10 wine regions of New Zealand

1. marlborough.

New Zealand’s wine capital produces top quality chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris but it’s the sauvignon blanc that has achieved cult status around the world. Also producing first-class seafood and olive oil, Marlborough is a fave with foodies and wine lovers.

2. Canterbury

With the ideal climate for grape growing, Canterbury produces many internationally acclaimed wine varieties, including pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay and Riesling. Pegasus Bay Winery is one of the most popular in this area, and with a restaurant attached to the winery visitors can indulge in the complete culinary experience.

3. Bay of Plenty

This picturesque area may be well known for its pristine beaches, but it’s also got a few small wineries well worth visiting. Surrounding berry farms, orchards and lavender fields add to the charm.

4. Auckland

There are many boutique wineries creating note-worthy drops in and around Auckland. Kumeu, Henderson and Waiheke Island are hotspots for wine tourism – with awarded wines coming from many small, up-and-coming estates.

5. Central Otago

Spectacular mountain ranges, azure lakes and rolling rivers combine to create one of the world's most scenic wine regions. The vineyards of Central Otago produce a wide range of grapes, but the pinot noir is considered the best.

6. Northland

Way up north, the vineyards populating the historic Northland area produce a wide range of reds and whites. From iconic chardonnay to the more complex chambourcin and exotic syrah, there are loads of cellar doors waiting to welcome you.

7. Hawke’s Bay

New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region also produces most of New Zealand’s most sustainable wines. This commitment to sustainability in the industry has garnered worldwide attention, as has its bold, full-bodied reds. The Art Deco town of Napier is well worth a visit too.

8. Gisborne

If you like your wines a little fruity then the Gisborne region will impress. Merlot, gewurztraminer, syrah and chardonnay are among the best on offer in this region, which is on the same parallel as Malaga and Melbourne.

Winemaking is considered an art form in cultured Nelson. With many unique producers in the region, it won’t be hard to find some smooth wines to savor. Local delis, cafes, providores and galleries add to the artistic, gastronomic mix.

10. Wairarapa

This relatively small winemaking region is made up of three sub-regions: Martinborough, Masterton and Gladstone. Although only a small amount of New Zealand's wine is produced here, the quality is superb with a great track record in pumping out world-class pinot noir.

Top experiences in New Zealand

1. conquer the tongariro crossing.

Tongariro National Park is full of beautiful trails, but the epic Tongariro Crossing is unrivaled in New Zealand.

Set out on one of the 'world's best walks' on our  21 day Legendary New Zealand tour.

2. Marvel at majestic Mt Cook

New Zealand’s tallest mountain also happens to be one of the most spectacular peaks in the southern hemisphere.

3. Discover next-level hiking at Franz Josef Glacier

Welcome to the South Island’s otherworldly side – a World Heritage-listed slice of perfection begging to be explored on foot.

Get up close and personal with this famous glacier on our  10 day Premium New Zealand South Island trip,  our  17 day Premium New Zealand Encompassed tour  or the  10 day New Zealand Southern Pioneer  adventure.

4. Live it up in Wellington

Move over Melbourne – Wellington has the liveable, laidback charm that other cities down under only dream of.

Get to know New Zealand's quirky capital on our 10 day  New Zealand Northern Trail tour.

5. Dive into action-packed Queenstown

New Zealand’s stunning adventure capital has something for everyone, from high-octane thrills to top-notch food and wine.

Adrenaline junkies unite on our  6 day Queenstown Southern Loop.

6. Soak up the stark beauty of Wanaka

Lakes and mountains of another caliber unfold in this soothing South Island spot – a just short trip from action-packed Queenstown.

Hike, bike and kayak your way through Wanaka on our  4 day Active New Zealand: Wanaka trip.

7. Come alive to Maoritanga in Rotorua

Geysers erupt on the hour in this hotbed of Maori culture, and the locals are only too eager to share their culture and traditional lands.

Learn more about Maori culture

With a nice little mix of malls, boutiques, galleries, fresh produce markets, cellar doors and providores, New Zealand has enough variety to keep most keen shoppers happy. Look beyond the tourist shops selling stuffed toys and flags and dig a little deeper to find unique art, locally-made crafts and gourmet goods.

It’s a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in New Zealand

1. Tasty treats

New Zealand is home to many producers of fine food. Home-grown wine, olive oil, honey, jam and avocado oil are among the best picks.

With a huge sheep population, the quality and variety of wool is superb in New Zealand. As well as the classic Merino option, consider buying some gloves or socks made from possum wool – it’s durable, warm and a good environmental choice (the possum population poses a major threat to the endangered Kiwi bird).

3. Art and handicrafts

From ceramic bowls to metal sculptures, woodcarvings to greenstone jewelry, you'll find traditional Maori techniques and influences in many of New Zealand’s art and crafts. Try to find authentic, locally made items rather than imported (and inferior!) goods.

Geography and environment

Sitting in the South Pacific Ocean, this island nation is split in two – comprising two major landmasses surrounded by several smaller islands. And while there are many natural similarities between the two islands, they each have their own geographical and environmental character.

The mountainous South Island is larger, and its scenery unfolds on a grand scale. One of its crown jewels is Mt Cook, which is both the highest peak in the country and one of the most stunning sights. Fiords, glaciers, rugged bush and rocky coast are also major features of the South Island, and the differences between the likes of Franz Josef Glacier and the rugged Catlins Coast show the island’s great diversity.

The North Island, on the other hand, is more volcanic, though it has three times the population of the south. Typical features include bubbling lakes and mud pools, and geysers that erupt regularly (and spectacularly). The North Island is great for a hike or zip-line through untouched virgin native forests, with large national parks and reserves preserving the nation’s heritage bushland and the iconic Kiwi bird.

History and government

Early history.

Maori tribes, descended from Polynesia, lived in New Zealand for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in the 18th century. Relying on fishing, hunting and foraging, these people were able to live off the land and develop a deep connection with the earth as a result of this.

European settlers caused wide-scale disruption and land loss for the Maoris, which resulted in conflict and displacement in the early days of colonization. The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi officially recognized Maori land ownership, of which the British and Maoris were signatories. This historic agreement is viewed as a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history and the first important step towards reconciliation between the original inhabitants and settlers.

Recent history

In 1852, New Zealand was granted the right to self-govern and in 1907, independence was granted (although the British monarchy remain as head of state). More recently, New Zealand voted in its first female prime minister in 1997. Jenny Shipley held office for two years, before handing over to another female leader - Helen Clarke, who continued to lead until 2008.  In the last ten years, New Zealand has enjoyed a surge in tourism, partly due to the wealth of wineries, ski fields and nature reserves. The film industry has also been a great champion of New Zealand, with filmmakers enjoying the rugged terrain and relatively cheap costs associated with filming in New Zealand. The Lord of the Rings franchise is probably the most well-known film to be shot in New Zealand and has been largely responsible for putting New Zealand in the international spotlight.  A devastating earthquake hit Christchurch in 2011, resulting in widespread loss of life and infrastructure. Although Christchurch is still rebuilding, visitors are encouraged to visit this spirited city.

Festivals and events

With such an interesting cultural landscape – a fiery combo of Maori culture, Pacific rhythms and the European traditions – New Zealand is a place to celebrate. It’s a country that not only excels at celebrating its indigenous cultures, but embraces the contemporary with a playful zest.

New Zealand Festival

Running each February and March, this is the premier Kiwi art and culture event. From theatre to opera, sculpture to painting, cinema to dance, it’s the best overall window to New Zealand’s broad creative palette. And a strong sense of its roots as a nation, with Maori and Pacific cultures well represented.

International Hobbit Day

Whether you’re a die-hard fan is almost beside the point – this up-and-coming festival is worth it for the backdrop alone. Sample local cheese and wine in the rolling hills of Waikato, which takes on an especially magical atmosphere in the lamplight. A tour of The Hobbit movie set will impress the most cynical of disbelievers.

Queenstown Winter Festival

Bringing in each powdery winter since 1975, the Queenstown Winter Festival usually takes place over a weekend in June. With comedy, food, music and – would you believe it in Queenstown? – adventure sports aplenty, it’s well worth planning your South Island visit around this one. The Monteith’s Dog Derby and Dog Barking Competition is something of an institution.

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips, and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B.

We have tours departing from all major cities in New Zealand. The options below may be of interest: Should I visit Australia or New Zealand?

Further reading

New zealand travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand?

If you are from a visa waiver country or territory and are coming to   New Zealand   for less than 3 months (or 6 months if you are a British citizen), you do not need a visa. Instead, if you are eligible, you will need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This does not apply if you are an Australian citizen traveling with an Australian passport.

This information is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 30 May 2023

Is tipping customary in New Zealand?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in New Zealand, however rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is common practice. Restaurant staff, taxi drivers and other service workers welcome tips for good service.

What is the internet access like in New Zealand?

Internet access is widely available in most parts of New Zealand, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots commonly found in urban areas. Access to Wi-Fi and mobile phone data may be limited or patchy when you're out on the hiking trails in more remote areas, but it should work whenever you reach a town or village. 

Can I use my cell phone while in New Zealand?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in most parts of New Zealand, especially in large cities and urban areas. Remote, rural and mountainous places may have limited to no coverage, so be aware of this before venturing away from the city. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving your home country if you want to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in New Zealand?

You'll find western-style flushable toilet in most parts of New Zealand.

What will it cost for a…?

New Zealand's currency is New Zealand Dollar. Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Cup of coffee = NZD $6-8.00
• Jug of beer = NZD $15-18.00
• Lunch at a cafe = NZD $15–20.00
• Dinner at a restaurant = NZD $20–40.00

Can I drink the water in New Zealand?

Drinking water from taps in New Zealand is considered safe, unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in New Zealand?

Credit cards are widely accepted by shops, restaurants and cafes in New Zealand. Smaller establishments may only accept cash or require a minimum purchase for credit card use, so be sure to carry enough cash for smaller purchases.

What is ATM access like in New Zealand?

ATMs are commonly found in large cities and regional towns in New Zealand. ATM access will be very limited in remote areas so be aware of this before heading out of the city.

Who are the First Nations people of New Zealand?

The Maori people are the Indigenous people of New Zealand. Originally from eastern Polynesia, they settled in what is now known as New Zealand (or Aotearoa, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’) over 1000 years ago. The Maori are a tribal people with many different facets to their culture, including a strong sense of kinship, warrior roots, sacred spaces (such as the marae, or meeting place), facial tattooing, and the concept of manaakitanga (showing respect). 

The Maori language (Te Reo Maori) is unique to New Zealand, spoken only in this part of the Pacific. Though most Maori people today live a modern European-style life, a small number of Maori still live a traditional life.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in New Zealand?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 6 Feb: Waitangi Day
• Apr: Good Friday
• Apr: Easter Monday
• 25 Apr: ANZAC Day
• First Monday in June: King's Birthday
• 28 Jun: Matariki
• Fourth Monday in Oct: Labor Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day
• 26 Dec: Boxing Day

Please note: New Zealand public holidays may vary.

Is New Zealand a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, and is by and large welcoming of gay and gender-fluid communities. While the big cities such as Auckland and Wellington are accommodating towards LGBTQIA+ travelers, caution should be used in rural areas where conservative views are more prevalent (as in any developed country). For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit Equaldex or Smartraveller before you travel.

What's the accommodation like in New Zealand?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in New Zealand you may find yourself staying in an overnight boat

One of the most relaxing ways to experience New Zealand’s natural world is aboard an overnight boat.

Spot wildlife and admire the scenery during the day, and drift off to sleep at night.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

Does my trip to New Zealand support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to New Zealand directly support our foundation partner, Forest & Bird 

Forest & Bird

Forest & Bird is a leading conservation organization who are giving nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa, New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Donations help them conserve New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity by supporting their legal campaigns for change, land restoration and tree planting efforts.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Discover New Zealand Tours

Over 270 nz self drive, coach & bus tours.

Browse our unrivalled selection of New Zealand tours, vacations and holidays. Our expert team will create your perfect New Zealand tour experience.

14 Day New Zealand Grand

Southern Highlights 9 Day Tour

Grand Pacific Tours 19 Day Ultimate Showcase

Bay of Islands 3 Day Tour

The Southern Circuit Self Drive Tour

Ultimate New Zealand Self Drive Tour

21 day Classic New Zealand Tour

South Island Coastal Self Drive tour

We have self-drive road trips, guided coach tours, small group exclusive tours and daily departure independent coach tours across the North and South Island. Our team of NZ based travel experts can quickly create the perfect New Zealand holiday for you. Get in touch with them today to start planning your trip.

Available from July to September (inclusive) we can add a day or two skiing or snowboarding into your holiday package. Needing lessons? Equipment hire? Want to discover the Remarkables ski field or ski with the family at Cardrona Alpine Resort? Our Wanaka based travel consultants live between the mountains and are here to answer any of your questions.

Our team of travel experts at Inside Australia Travel are dedicated to helping you plan and customise your dream Australian tour. We consider your personal preferences, budget, and timeline to create a one-of-a-kind itinerary. We can easily combine any Australian itinerary you see with a Discover New Zealand tour. Let us create the perfect holiday for you!

We have plenty of answers to your frequently asked questions. Read our FAQs and blogs for an insight into what you might need when you come to New Zealand, when is the best to travel and for lots of inspiration. Read all our blogs here.

We have all the answers you need to plan your perfect trip and holiday around New Zealand. Check out all our frequent questions here or get in touch with the team .

See what our guests have to say! We're proud to have shown thousands of people from all over the world around New Zealand. Read what they have to say about their Discover New Zealand Experience.

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Multi-day tours and packages

Methven Hot air balloon, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Matt Crawford

New Zealand has so much to offer, so why not book a multi-day tour or package holiday. It’s a great, no-hassle way to travel.

Find a tour

Sightseeing.

There’s also New Zealand tour operators that you can work with to create a New Zealand tour based on your interests. Receive advice on where to go, things to see and places to stay. They’ll also make the bookings for you.

When you're here, there are tours you can arrange on the day and isite visitor centres are on-hand for advice and bookings too.

Find more multi-day tours and packages

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"New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the world's most stunning countries, from Milford Sound and Middle Earth to the golden islands of Marlborough Sounds"

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View the Southern Alps from the TranzAlpine train

Take the journey of a lifetime on the TranzAlpine train, where you'll see the most unforgettable views of the alps. You can expect spectacular views and world-class service onboard, as well as a viewing deck for taking all-important holiday snaps.

Learn about the traditions of the Maori

Maōri traditions are a vital part of New Zealand's culture and heritage. Pay a visit to Tongariro National Park, which holds a significant spiritual value for the Maōri people, and indulge in a traditional Hāngī meal cooked under the earth.

Cruise on Milford Sound

Surrounded by waterfalls and rainforests, the Milford Sound fjord is New Zealand's most picturesque attraction, often described as the "eighth wonder of the world". Sit back, relax and absorb the magnificent scenery aboard one of the many boats that operate daily.

Visit the Tamaki Māori Village in Rotorua

Set it the ancient Tawa forest, the unique experience at Tamaki recreates a traditional working Maōri village. It offers Maōri dance and music shows, as well as cultural crafts like carving and weaving and. With all activities, there's ample opportunity to get involved and learn about the Maōri culture first-hand.

Take the Auckland city tour

Discover Auckland's golden beaches, picturesque parks and historical buildings on our comprehensive city tour. You'll not only learn about the history of the city, but you'll also discover the best places to eat, drink and relax in Auckland. Complete with a visit to Mount Eden, which has views right across the city.

Our top 5 things to do in New Zealand

From the tip of the North Island to the tail of the South Island, there is no shortage of things to do in New Zealand to keep you occupied. These are just a few of the remarkable moments we'll share with you during our time in NZ.

Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland

The iconic exterior only hints at the unique and extensive collection within. The museum houses a large selection of historical artefacts that showcase the rich and brutal history of New Zealand and the Pacific, as well as over 1.5 million natural history specimens.

The Great War Exhibition, Wellington

Constructed as a passion project by director Sir Peter Jackson, the Great War Exhibition tells the story of New Zealanders who fought and lived through the First World War. Although the exhibition includes many original artefacts, the life-sized sets and colorized black and white photos are standouts.

Christchurch

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu, Christchurch

Housing a substantial art collection, The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū also runs a rotating programme of local and international exhibitions. Don't miss their late-night tours, which are not only free but one of the best ways to visit the gallery.

Best museums in New Zealand

By exploring New Zealand's museums and art galleries, you can get a unique perspective on the origins of this dynamic, proud country. These are just of the museums we'll share with you to peel back layers of the country.

Mince and cheese pie

Gaining popularity in the 1970s, this unique pie has layers of melted cheese just under the crispy outer crust that take the typical pastry to new heights. Find these hand-sized pastries at cafés, bakeries, and supermarkets, and local bakeries where they're baked fresh every day.

Kiwi burger

Dreamt up in 1976, the Kiwi burger contains all the usual fixings; a fresh beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions and tomato sauce with some unique extras like beetroot, crispy egg and mustard. Although tasty burgers are available at most burger chains in New Zealand, there are cult stores that plate them up to five-star standards.

Lemon & Paeroa (L&P)

With carbonated water from Paeroa and fresh local lemon juice, New Zealand's L&P drink is a refreshing and popular way to cool down and energize. For an extra kick, the infamous Lemon & Paeroa drink is a popular cocktail base in many parts of New Zealand.

Best food in New Zealand

New Zealand easily tempts the tastebuds with its fresh, local and tasty cuisine. From savoury treats to sparkling citrusy drinks, our New Zealand trips will ensure you leave with a full and satisfied stomach.

What to pack for New Zealand

A camera and a memory card

With so many unforgettable views, make sure you pack a camera (and a spare memory card) to ensure you get the best shots. New Zealand's endlessly photographic surrounds are worth printing and framing.

Ample bag space

With woollen jumpers and fresh Manuka honey on offer, spare bag space is a must when you travel New Zealand. Just make sure you check your local customs restrictions before you go.

Comfortable walking shoes

With everything New Zealand offers to explore, make sure you take care of your feet by packing comfortable shoes. That way, you avoid missing a day of activity due to blisters and aches.

Seasonal essentials

Whether you're heading to New Zealand's mountains to ski or the beaches for a swim, you may need seasonal essentials. Consider warm clothes and swimwear to make the most of your New Zealand trips.

Small portable charger

With so much to see and do in New Zealand, your devices are likely to wear down quite quickly. Keep a portable charger on hand to make sure your devices are ready when you are.

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

North and Central America

South America

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Total Aotearoa (23 days)

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New Zealand's Top Rated Adventure Tour

AWARD WINNING & UNIQUE NEW ZEALAND TOURS - ENJOY MORE TIME OUTDOORS

✅  Top-rated by National Geographic

✅ You stay in  remote locations other tours can't access

✅  Small groups of like-minded travellers, 

Flying Kiwi  adventure tours are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoor beauty and excitement of New Zealand. Every trip combines optional hiking , cycling and adventure activities with accommodation in stunning locations beside lakes, oceans, mountains and rivers. We get you further off the beaten track and explore New Zealand's best national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

If you love the outdoors, love adventure and want to travel "beyond the tourist trail" these tours are for you.  You will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Unbeatable value - our tours include more meals, flexibility, hikes, adventure & time in the best places.

Flying Kiwi featured New Zealand tours

Tour Length 16 days

Starts From Auckland

Starting your tour in Auckland? This 2 week adventure experience is the perfect way to fill your time. Try NZ's best great walks, experience cultural highlights and mix mountains with beaches as you head to NZ's adventure capital - Queenstown.

Tour Length 7 days

For those short on time but big on adventure this tour is ideal. Heading from top to bottom you'll experience kiwi culture, golden beaches, outstanding walks and Lord of the rings landscapes.

Tour Length 13 days

Starts From Christchurch

The south island offers the most diverse landscapes and activities. Explore & enjoy the 4 corners of the south with numerous national parks, towering mountains, golden bays, glowworm caves and the best adrenaline experiences in the country.

Tour Length 23 days

The Total Aotearoa tour covers almost all of NZ. You'll see stunning beaches, amazing National parks & the best hikes, bike rides and accommodation NZ has to offer.

Explore New Zealand on a Flying Kiwi tour

I feel really bad as I went on this trip a few years ago however, since the pandemic, I've seen images of NZ and it reminded me of my amazing experience. I really can't praise Flying Kiwi highly enough. Everyone from the staff who helped me with my online booking to everyone throughout the 3 week trip. You really feel like a family, everyone is so nice and welcoming. I have too many highlights to mention. NZ is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever visited. When we are past the Covid-19 pandemic please book a place and go. You won't regret it.

Matthew Gray, Summer Blast South Island Tour, 2018

Tara and Aaron were excellent and worked hard to ensure everyone had a great trip. Nothing was too much for Tara and I appreciated her consistently upbeat attitude while she helped with everyone's needs. A really spectacular trip - thanks Flying Kiwi.

Nina, Grand Traverse - Auckland to Queenstown tour, 2019

Achieved what I wanted to see, highlights of New Zealand and to do some hiking outside.

Navapreet, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

One of my best trips filled with lots of activities and beautiful hikes. So happy with the Flying Kiwi staff that provided useful information and made my holiday free of stress, and making sure I got to experience everything New Zealand has to offer without planning anything myself!

Benedicte, Grand Traverse - Auckland to Queenstown tour, 2019

New Zealand is huge and with this trip I saw the best spots

Jan, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

Amazing experience and amazing people,it felt like family. I will never forget my awesome experience in New Zealand, wonderful country!

Romina, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

I think it was the best trip I've ever been on

Mats, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

Had the most amazing time it was a great way to see New Zealand. Thank you!

Erin, Wild West South Island Tour, 2019

It was exactly what I was looking for and the driver & guide were amazing.

Bert, Total Aotearoa - 23 day New Zealand Tour, 2019

Traveling on my own this has meant, I have not been overwhelmed by the amount of activities there is to do, having a guide to help navigate has been a well needed part of my trip, both Nick and Chrissie have been amazing. I will definitely be joining you again.

Alison, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2019

I had great 5 days! Sad to leave...

Johanna, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2019

Brooke and Aaron were very patient, enthusiastic and helpful throughout the trip. I would travel with Flying Kiwi again. More than a hop-on hop-off experience. :) fun!!!

Jenna, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2020

Had a brilliant time, enjoyed it immensely, meet great people and of course the first days with only 4 people were such a luxury!

Larissa, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2020

The friendly environment makes New Zealand landscape better, with a shared experience that is really awesome and has not equal (for what is my experience) in he rest of the world.

Riccardo, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2018

Flying Kiwi was one of the best travel experiences of my life! I am already planning to book another trip with you guys and will be recommending you to all my friends :)

Anna, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2019

THE 10 BEST New Zealand Tours & Excursions

Tours in new zealand.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Film & TV Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

2. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

3. Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland

4. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown

5. Small Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience

6. Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

7. Hobbiton & Waitomo Small Group Tour - EX Auckland

8. 2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

9. Akaroa Fox 2 Sailing and Wildlife Tour

10. Wine on Waiheke PREMIUM WINE full days scenic and wine tasting

11. Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

12. Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

13. Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins

14. Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

15. Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

16. Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

17. Milford Sound Tour by Plane from Queenstown including Cruise

18. Half Day Sights and Tastes Tour in Napier

19. Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers

20. Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

21. Milford Sound Cruise Including Underwater Observatory

22. Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

23. Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour

24. Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

25. Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau

26. Milford Sound Cruise

27. Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest

28. TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

29. Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

30. Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau

What travellers are saying.

• Gillian A 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles A trip of a lifetime! Truly remarkable experience run by a excellent team. The weather didn’t play ball at first but the team stayed in touch and got us on the next available flight. Thank you! Read more Review of: Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins Written 25 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

New Zealand Adventure Tours

New Zealand's #1 Rated Tours

Small-Group New Zealand Tours

Explore New Zealand in style with an expert local guide and a small group of like-minded travellers, discovering the best on and off-the-beaten-track spots in Aotearoa.

Adventure Tours

Flash-pack around New Zealand with a small group of 18 to 30-somethings, and local guides who’ll show you all of the best on and off-the-beaten-track places.

Premium Tours

Experience a premium guided tour of New Zealand relaxing in exceptional 3-4 Star accommodations in the most beautiful parts of the country.

Why Wild Kiwi?

NZ's #1 Rated Tours

Travel with the best as you discover Aotearoa in style with New Zealand's #1 Rated Tours.

Small Groups

Our trips have a maximum group size of 18, so you are bound to bond with your travel family.

Luxury Vehicles

Travel in style with our fleet of luxury Mercedes vehicles, complete with USB chargers, WIFI, and comfy seats.

Local Guides

Explore local spots with our guides who are passionate about showing you their backyard.

Our Adventure Tours

Milford Sound

The Coromandel

Queenstown Bungy Jumping

Franz Josef Glacier

Lake Tekapo

Kaikoura whale watching

Tongariro Crossing

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Abel Tasman National Park

Wharariki Beach

New Zealand

Get ready for magnificent landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, inspiring Māori culture, and world-famous walks. New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, but it's always incredible.

How It Works

Everything you need to know about our New Zealand small group tours

Popular Tours

Southern Voyager

Departs Christchurch

From $1,999 NZD

South Island Escape

From $3,590 NZD

Northern Voyager

Departs Auckland

From $1,895 NZD

North Island Escape

From $3,450 NZD

Southern Loop

Ski Voyager

From $2,379 NZD

New Zealand Highlights

Departs Auckland & Christchurch

From $7,355 NZD

NZ Explorer

From $3,999 NZD

NZ Adventurer

From $3,895 NZD

From $3,849 NZD

NZ Discovery

From $5,887 NZD

• All Adventure Tours
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• Southern Voyager • 7 days
• Northern Voyager • 7 days
• Southern Loop • 7 days
• Ski Voyager • 7 days
• NZ Explorer • 14 days
• NZ Adventurer • 14 days
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• NZ Discovery • 21 days
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• South Island Escape • 7 days
• New Zealand Highlights • 14 days
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Welcome to New Zealand Vacations

A unique and engaging way to plan your New Zealand vacation.

Explore New Zealand through the eyes of a local, with dozens of activity filled vacation packages spanning the North & South Island. Each trip includes car hire, accommodation and day tour options, all tailor-made to your needs. Start searching here.

Get in touch.

Make the most of New Zealand and start searching for a package that inspires you

10 days - customer favorite., north & south island road trip..

A self drive vacation; Includes Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Fiordland Rainforests, Queenstown Adventures, Milford Sound.

View itinerary

North & South Island Scenery and Vineyards Self Drive Tour

13 day self drive. Includes Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Central Otago wine regions, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Fiordland

North & South Island - Self drive tour including Alpine Wonders

15 day self drive itinerary. Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Hawkes Bay Vineyards, Wellington, Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook, Hooker Valley Walk, Christchurch.

Amazing Contrasts of New Zealand.

A 17 day self drive itinerary. Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay Vineyards, Wellington, Dunedin, Yellow Eyed Penguins, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, Christchurch

Off The Beaten Path Self Drive Tour

25 day self drive. Includes Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Otago, Catlins, Stewart Is, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Queen Charlotte Drive, Abel Tasman Park

Get trusted local insight and build a trip to remember

The team at New Zealand Vacations would love to work with you in planning your New Zealand vacation. We will listen with great care to your ideas for New Zealand and help you transform these into the experience of a lifetime.

All it takes are these 3 simple steps.

Browse our New Zealand itineraries and select the one that interests you.

Fill in the form so our team knows about your special vacation needs and interests.

We will take your selected itinerary and from it, craft a New Zealand vacation for you to consider, one that is unique to you and your dreams for New Zealand.

Customer Reviews

Marline & Subha - March 2023 - New York, NY

Why New Zealand Vacations?

Full members of ASTA - The American Society of Travel Agents. Virtuoso , The luxury travel network . YTC - 'Your Travel Center'. MVT - Montecito Village Travel.

We have special discounted accommodation rates and deals with local tourism operators throughout New Zealand, so you’ll have the most competitive prices and the best advice that money can buy.

We are New Zealanders, genuine New Zealand travel experts, with years of experience to guide you to those special locations where you'll experience the true essence of our beautiful country.

Meet Some Of The Team

Work with real New Zealanders to create your vacation of a lifetime

Lindsay Barron

Santa Barbara CA, USA

In 2015,  Tourism New Zealand  recognized Lindsay's experience and passion for New Zealand when he was granted a lifetime "Gold Status" New Zealand specialist award ...

Jane Cousens

Christchurch, New Zealand

Another highly experienced Kiwi specialist with a background in retail travel, Jane has been described as “the ultimate travellers advocate” sharing as she does Lindsay’s passion for...

Jerry Bridge

Wellington, New Zealand

After travelling to all corners of the world, in 1989 Jerry founded his first travel business in London, UK called ‘Bridge the World’ selling worldwide flights and holidays. With an annual...

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9 of the best places to visit in New Zealand

Oct 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Experience the best of New Zealand with these top places to visit © Blue Planet Studio / Getty Images

New Zealand is famed for its natural beauty.

As you make your way around the country, you’ll see dramatic black-sand beaches, thermal springs, sandy coves, towering mountains and aquamarine lakes. City breaks include cosmopolitan Auckland , the cool capital of Wellington and ever-evolving Christchurch . However, many of the best places to visit in New Zealand involve leaving the city limits behind and immersing yourself in the great outdoors. 

As you build your itinerary for Aotearoa (as New Zealand is known in the Māori language), here are nine spots that should top your list. 

1. Queenstown

Best for adventure activities

New Zealand’s adventure capital is a favorite with visitors and for good reason. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Queenstown ’s location makes it one of the country’s most sought-after places to work and play. There are three good ski hills (called “ski fields”) and an equally enviable après-ski scene.

Queenstown's reputation for adventure is justified: from bungy jumping and zip lines, to paragliding and jet boating, there are plenty of ways to satisfy a taste for adrenaline. Rounding out its experiences, the summer months offer excellent hiking, cycling and water sports on the lake.

Detour: Make time to explore the valleys and settlements around Queenstown. Visit nearby Lake Hayes, the lakeside village of Glenorchy and historic Arrowtown . Then spend a day (or more) in Wānaka , known for its low-key vibes and Instagram-famous tree. The nearby  Gibbston Valley has some of the best wineries in the country.

2. Coromandel

Best for beautiful beaches

If you’re after a beach holiday, head to the Coromandel Peninsula , on the east coast of the North Island. While the iconic Cathedral Cove area is currently more difficult to access due to damage from 2023’s storms (you’ll need to take a boat or kayak tour to get there), there are countless other stunning beaches in the region.

For example, you could swim in the calm waters of Cooks Beach or take a 30-minute walk through native bush to find the more remote (but still popular) New Chums Beach. Other fun activities in the region include cycling through Karangahake Gorge, hiking the Pinnacles Trail and kayaking to Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary (Donut Island); a pristine, natural environment you can only explore from the water.

Planning tip: Rent a bach (holiday house) in one of the seaside towns of Hahei, Pauanui or Whangamatā, and make that your base for exploring the region.

3. Abel Tasman National Park

Best for hiking and kayaking

The South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park is an unspoiled natural environment replete with native bush, crystal-clear bays and white sandy beaches. You can access it on a day trip from Nelson , but this is a destination that demands more time if you can afford it. 

The Abel Tasman Coast Track , one of New Zealand's Great Walks, is a 60km (37-mile) walk along the coastline with lovely views of the beach. It usually takes three to five days to complete the full walk; otherwise, take on just a section as a day or afternoon hike using water taxis to return to your starting point. Alternatively, go kayaking to the national park’s seal colony, dive into the waters, or simply relax in tiny hidden coves and bays.

Planning tip: Cars are only able to drive as far as Tōtaranui on the north edge of the national park and Mārahau at the southern entrance, so visitors need to either walk to their preferred destination or take a water taxi.

4. Fiordland National Park

Best for epic landscapes

On the edge of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, the majestic Milford Sound/Piopiotahi , where visitors can see plunging waterfalls along the fiord and rare marine wildlife, including Fiordland crested penguins and Hector’s dolphins. There are also several hiking trails in the national park (including the country’s most famous multiday walk,  the Milford Track ), which takes visitors past snow-capped mountains and ice-forged fiords, with even more views of lakes, valleys and waterfalls.

Planning tip: Nearby Doubtful Sound/Patea is also spectacular but less accessible – travelers need to visit with a guide and by boat.

5. West Coast

Best for glaciers

The rugged western coastline of the South Island is a raw juxtaposition of dense rainforests, craggy rocks and ancient glaciers. The major drawcards of this wild and remote region are the majestic Fox and Franz Josef glaciers , offering visitors a unique chance to witness rivers of ice that flow almost to sea level. 

Take guided glacier hikes, heli-hikes or scenic flights to admire the glaciers for themselves. Other attractions of note include Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks , the turquoise Hokitika Gorge and the serene, mirror-like waters of Lake Matheson .

Planning tip: The West Coast receives a high amount of rainfall annually. Unfortunately, helicopter tours are weather-dependent. If you have your heart set on landing on a glacier, ensure your itinerary is flexible enough to allow for a bad weather day.  

6. Mackenzie Region

Best for stargazing

Around two hours’ drive from Christchurch is the Mackenzie Region, a peaceful place with some of the country’s loveliest scenery. The region is an International Dark Sky Reserve with minimal light pollution, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast. When you have a clear night, head to the observatory to see the stars through a telescope, or simply look up.

The Mackenzie is also the home of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd , a stone building that’s one of the country’s most photographed spots. Nearby, the small town of Twizel makes a convenient base to explore the region. From there, you can easily access the lakes and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park , which has a range of walks from short trails to full-day hikes.

Planning tip: Book a Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) tour at the  Dark Sky Project to learn about the significance of the night sky to Māori. This isn’t weather dependent so it’s a great option for wet weather days.

Best for geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences

At the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal action, Rotorua is the place to go to see bubbling mud pools, geysers and steaming rivers. Then, finish the day by taking a relaxing soak in a thermal mud bath. 

Rotorua is just as renowned for its geological wonders as it is for its immersive cultural experiences. You can learn more about Māori culture and language with a visit to a traditional Māori marae (meeting grounds). At  Te Puia  geothermal park, for example, you'll see local Māori carvers at work at the New Zealand Māori Art and Crafts Institute. This attraction is also home to the southern hemisphere’s largest geyser. The nearby Whakarewarewa Forest (also known as the Redwoods) boasts some great cycling and hiking trails, and a treetop walk that is lit up beautifully at night.

Best for architecture

After a devastating earthquake in 1931,  Napier  was rebuilt almost completely, embracing the art deco style that was popular at the time. Today, it has one of the most extensive collections of art deco buildings in the southern hemisphere. Visitors who want to get their Great Gatsby on can immerse themselves in Napier’s history through guided walks, vintage car tours and the  Art Deco Festival , which takes place each February.

Detour: Spend a day or two visiting the charming village of Havelock North and the Hawke’s Bay wineries, which produce award-winning syrahs, chardonnays and reds.

9. Bay of Islands

Best for Māori history

The Bay of Islands , with its shimmering waters and myriad islets, is as pretty as it is important to the culture and history of the country. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds mark the place where a foundational document was signed between Māori chiefs and British representatives, forming modern-day New Zealand.

If you visit between November and March, you can also experience traditional performances at the treaty grounds, as well as a hāngī feast, where food is cooked in the earth. Beyond Waitangi, you can get out on the water with a waka (traditional canoe) tour, where local Māori guides share stories about their seafaring ancestors and the sacred spots within the bay. In nearby Paihia, download the Ātea Nuku app to experience an augmented reality walking tour showing the history of the town.

Planning tip: On Waitangi Day (February 6), all the Treaty Ground buildings are closed for the public holiday. Instead, a massive festival takes place. You can take part in a dawn ceremony, eat from food stalls and watch cultural performances.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated October 2023

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How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Itinerary

Home » Blog » New Zealand » 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.

New Zealand is truly one of our favorite countries to explore. And if you know me, you know how hard it is for me to choose favorites.

The relatively small island nation is home to an astounding variety of scenery: lush forests, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, ancient glaciers, stunning coastlines, rugged fjords, and rolling farmland.

There are tons of activities to get your adrenaline pumping in the “Adventure Capital of the World”. You can go caving, hiking, skydiving, skiing, climbing, bungee jumping, jet boating, swimming with dolphins, camping… just to name a few.

But there are also plenty of opportunities to slow down. On our trip, we soaked in hot springs, sipped wine, sampled the local cuisine , slept in mountain huts, and relaxed on the beach.

We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, and we’ve been lucky enough to explore a lot of what this country has to offer!

In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to plan the perfect New Zealand itinerary, from how much time you’ll need to where to go and how to spend your days.

New Zealand itinerary contents

• Where to go
• Type of travel
• Where to start/end 
• How many days
• Typical Budget
• Accommodation
• Perfect New Zealand itinerary
• Booking your trip
• Itinerary planning resources

Want to save time and energy on planning?

If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our  ultimate done-for-you New Zealand Itinerary . This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article,  plus so much more!

We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days (because so many people wanted a 1-month route) that hits the top destinations on both the North and South Islands in one epic road trip. 

We’ll send you our complete 1 month itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary today!

Where to go on your New Zealand itinerary

From the vibrant cities and geothermal wonders of the North Island to the wild fjords and towering mountains of the South Island, below is a list of places to consider visiting on your New Zealand itinerary. We’ve included the country’s main highlights as well as some underrated gems not to be missed.

(Are you skipping the North Island all together? Jump down to the South Island .)

North Island

With thermal hot springs, white sand beaches and enough volcanoes to make your head spin, New Zealand’s North Island is not to be overlooked. Though it is often outshined by its more mountainous neighbor to the south, we found the North Island to be quite enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, we created a perfect New Zealand North Island itinerary that brings you to all the major highlights, as well as hidden gems off the typical tourist path.

We’re even sharing where to stay and what to eat in the North Island, so you have all the information you need right at your fingertips!

Below we’ve listed all of the top places to consider visiting on the North Island of New Zealand.

Due to its large international airport, Auckland is the entry point for most visitors to New Zealand. It’s also the country’s largest city, with more than a third of the national population residing here.

This “City of Sails” is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis with a buzzing waterfront, lots of green space, and a diverse dining scene. In addition to all the fun things to do in Auckland , it also makes a great base for some of the North Island’s best day trips.

Waiheke Island

Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a captivating gem known for its world-class wines, which visitors can sip while taking in the picturesque vineyards and olive groves that dot the landscape.

Nature lovers can explore pristine beaches, lush forests, and rugged coastal cliffs , while cultural connoisseurs browse art galleries, boutique shops, and fine dining establishments.

This geothermal wonderland of Rotorua boasts bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and colorful mineral-rich hot springs alongside lush forests and serene lakes. It is also home to the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village and offers cultural experiences, including traditional Maori performances and cuisine.

Coromandel Peninsula

A coastal region with a laid-back vibe , the Coromandel Peninsula is home to some seriously bucket list-worthy experiences. Trek or kayak to the marine reserve at Cathedral Cove, dig your own personal hot tub at Hot Water Beach, or kick back in the charming seaside towns of Whitianga and Coromandel Town.

Mount Maunganui

Located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, Mount Maunganui is a dreamy destination for hikers, surfers, and beach bums alike. Summit the iconic Mauao, an extinct volcanic cone , for panoramic views of the surrounding land and seascapes.

Bay of Islands

The 144 islands that make up this subtropical region are full of cute seaside towns and marine wildlife . The Bay of Islands is also historically significant, as this is where the Treaty of Waitangi (New Zealand’s founding document) was signed in 1840.

Cape Reinga

The Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean at the northern tip of the North Island. The mesmerizing collision of currents makes it easy to see why Cape Reinga is a site of deep spiritual significance in the Maori tradition. 

If you haven’t heard of Hobbiton, you may be living under a rock (or a hill!)… The Lord of the Rings film set is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions, complete with life-sized hobbit holes , magical gardens, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn.

Nestled in the heart of the North Island’s volcanic plateau, the deep blue waters of New Zealand’s largest lake provide a scenic backdrop for swimming and boating. On the north shore of the lake, the town of Taupo serves as a gateway for Tongariro National Park, home to New Zealand’s best day hike .

Hawke’s Bay

Hugging the North Island’s east coast, the region of Hawke’s Bay is known as “New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country” for good reason. With 200+ vineyards and 70+ wineries, Hawke’s Bay is one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World.

Not a fan of vino? You won’t be left wanting for other choices – craft beer, distilleries, fresh juices, cafes, and some of the country’s best restaurants – you’ll find it all in Hawke’s Bay.

New Zealand’s capital is a compact but thriving harbor city at the southern tip of the North Island. Caffeine fiends (like us!) will enjoy the city’s famous coffee culture , while foodies (also us!) can indulge in an eclectic dining scene . 

There are plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion in the urban hub with museums, galleries, theaters, and live music venues, as well as chances to explore the city’s natural surroundings.

Read more in our Wellington Travel Guide .

South Island

With picturesque fjords, snow-capped mountains, temperate rainforests, and black sand beaches, New Zealand’s South Island is a nature-lover’s paradise.

We’ve created an action-packed 2-week South Island New Zealand itinerary that hits the major highlights and gets off the beaten path. 

We even included tips for altering it to fit a shorter trip, and recommendations for what to see if you have more than two weeks to explore!

Below are some of the places we’d recommend including in your travels on New Zealand’s South Island.

Christchurch

Known as the “Garden City” for its parks, green spaces, and famous Botanic Gardens , Christchurch is a lively city with a buzzy vibe.

Rebuilding efforts following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 focused heavily on environmental initiatives and Christchurch has since become a shining example of innovative urban planning and sustainability . 

Lake Tekapo

Situated in a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve and surrounded by the rugged Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo offers a tranquil escape on the South Island. With turquoise glacial waters by day and dazzling star-filled skies by night, the scenery at Lake Tekapo is nothing short of breathtaking.

Lake Pukaki

Another stunning alpine lake, the vivid turquoise color of Lake Pukaki is caused by “rock flour” suspended in the meltwater from the Tasman and Hooker glaciers. Its postcard-worthy surroundings and proximity to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park make Lake Pukaki a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

At 3,724 meters (12,218 feet), Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak and the crown jewel of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It’s a haven for hiking and mountaineering; in fact, the majestic peak famously aided Sir Edmund Hillary in preparing to summit Everest. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a legendary mountain climber (or even a hiker) to enjoy the park’s breathtaking glacial vistas and alpine scenery.

Not only is Queenstown credited as the birthplace of bungee jumping , it also offers a plethora of other heart-pumping activities, earning itself a reputation as the “Adventure Capital of the World”. Not an adrenaline junkie? No problem! From cultural activities to culinary adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Queenstown for all ages and interests.

Nestled on the shore of its namesake lake, Wanaka is a charming resort town with a proud craft beer culture. In the evenings, you can find outdoor enthusiasts enjoying a pint in one of the local breweries after a day of hiking, mountain biking, skiing (winter), or water sports (summer).

This idyllic lakeside town is the perfect base for exploring some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions, such as Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, and 3 of the country’s 10 Great Walks. Meanwhile, Te Anau itself offers both relaxing and adventurous activities, including l ake cruises, glowworm caves, and a bird sanctuary .

Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area known for its untamed wilderness and biodiversity , and Milford Sound is the star of the show. With towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and verdant rainforests, Milford Sound is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the world.

Read more in our Milford Sound series:

• Milford Sound Cruise Guide
• Milford Sound Travel Guide
• Queenstown to Milford Sound Road Trip Guide

First thing’s first: “West Coast New Zealand” is a specific region, stretching from Haast to Kahurangi National Park on the South Island’s – well – west coast.

Okay, now that that’s cleared up… 

The West Coast was one of our favorite regions in the country, a wild and untamed wilderness ranging from glaciers and snow-capped alps in the south to palm trees and white sand beaches in the north.

Read more in our West Coast Travel Guide .

Lake Rotoroa

Enveloped by soaring mountain peaks and thick beech forests , Lake Rotoroa offers a remote escape 40 minutes from the nearest village of St. Arnaud. The surrounding Nelson Lakes National Park is threaded with trails ranging from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching!

Abel Tasman

New Zealand’s smallest national park packs a big punch with golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush native forests. This coastal paradise holds secluded coves and hiking trails that are perfect for kayaking and spotting wildlife, such as dolphins and fur seals .

Situated on the shores of the South Island’s Tasman Bay, New Zealand’s sunniest city is a hub for artists and craftspeople of traditional, Maori, and contemporary persuasion. Visit the weekend markets for a chance to taste artisanal products and find a handcrafted souvenir to take home.

Marlborough

As New Zealand’s largest wine region, Marlborough is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc and fresh seafood (a match made in heaven!), as well as its diverse and stunning scenery. Rolling vineyards give way to the Marlborough Sounds, an intricate network of sheltered waterways and island sanctuaries that are home to dolphins, whales, seals, and the iconic kiwi bird.

The coastal town of Kaikoura is renowned as one of the best places in the world for marine wildlife encounters, including whale watching and swimming with dolphins (ethically!). The abundant marine life coupled with its striking position between the dramatic Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean make this a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

Dunedin and Otago Peninsula

Dunedin rests at the head of a sheltered harbor, cradled by the Otago Peninsula on the South Island’s eastern shore. The city is steeped in Scottish heritage and historic architecture, including New Zealand’s only castle.

On the Otago Peninsula, scenic drives and hikes offer opportunities to view penguins, seals, sea lions, and albatross in their natural habitats. 

Stewart Island

Located 30 kilometers south of New Zealand’s South Island, Stewart Island is a perfect place to get away from civilization. This remote island is known for excellent bird spotting, hiking, stargazing , and the peace that comes with being on an island with just 400 permanent residents.

Great Barrier Island

For picture-perfect beaches, untouched forests, and secluded bays, Great Barrier Island is a place to get away from it all. This tropical-feeling island is completely off-grid and has a population of 1,000 people. Getting here requires a 4.5-hour ferry ride from Auckland or a 30-minute flight.

When to go to New Zealand

Spring (December – February) in New Zealand means temperatures are warming up and the days are getting longer. This is also lupin season, which is a big draw for photographers.  

Summer (January – March) brings long and sunny days with warmer temperatures — great for hiking and long days at the beach. 

Fall (March – May) is a great time to avoid high season crowds (and prices!) while still having enough daylight and comfortable temps to enjoy an array of outdoor activities.

Winter (June – August) in New Zealand is great for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Or if you are on a tight budget, this season brings the most discounted rates and the fewest crowds of the year. 

Our personal pick would be to plan your New Zealand itinerary during the shoulder season between spring and summer (November/December).  

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns, and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit New Zealand . 

Car vs. Campervan: How to get around on your New Zealand itinerary

Though public transportation in New Zealand is pretty good, having your own set of wheels is hands-down the best way to explore the country for a few reasons:

• You can see hidden gems and get off the beaten path.
• You’ll be able to travel on your own schedule, and getting from point A to point B is faster.
• Driving in New Zealand is easy and parking is plentiful.

Now that we’ve established you’re renting a vehicle, you might be wondering, car or campervan?

Renting a car in New Zealand is fairly straightforward, but it has a few little quirks that might surprise you, even if you’re a pro at car rentals. We put together a huge guide to New Zealand car rentals to share all our insider information with you, including things we wish we’d known before our trip.

The main advantage of renting a car (as opposed to a campervan) is that a smaller vehicle is generally easier to drive and park. And unless you’re really into campervans (like us!), you’re probably more used to driving a car and might be more comfortable with this option.

Be sure to book your rental car and any rental gear before your trip begins. And don’t forget travel insurance ! Picking a policy that covers your rental car is often cheaper than buying a separate policy through the rental company.

We personally traveled by campervan for 5 weeks in New Zealand and loved every minute of it! We think it’s the best way to explore this glorious country. Here are a few reasons why we love it:

• It’s easy. There are few countries in the world as well set up to accommodate campervans as New Zealand, and there are tons of places to camp (some of which are free!).
• You can save money. When you see the price tag attached to a campervan rental, you’ll probably think “Whaaat?! That ain’t cheap!” But what you have to remember is that this is your rental vehicle and your accommodations all in one!
• You can save money (again). Is there an echo in here? You can also save money in a campervan by cooking your own meals , so I think it’s worth repeating!
• It’s the adventure of a lifetime! Campervan travel adds a level of freedom even beyond driving a car, as well as experiences you won’t get at a hotel. It’s magic. Trust me.

If this got your attention, we have a guide to the best campervan rentals in New Zealand that walks you through your rental options and what to look out for. We’ve even included an exclusive discount for our readers! 

We also put together a HUGE guide to planning your New Zealand campervan trip with tons of insider tips and advice. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!

Where to start and end your New Zealand itinerary

Deciding where to start and end your travels is another factor you’ll want to consider when planning the perfect New Zealand itinerary.

New Zealand has quite a few international airports – there’s one in just about every major city. So you’ll have a lot of options to choose from.

We’ve done the research, and we personally recommend starting your itinerary in Auckland .

For starters, you’ll likely fly into Auckland, since it has the biggest international airport. And as New Zealand’s largest city, you’ll find a wide selection of rental cars and campervans you can pick up in Auckland.

However, if you want to start your road trip somewhere else, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown also have plenty of options for campervan pickups.

We’ve designed our 1-month New Zealand itinerary to begin in Auckland and end in Christchurch. Some rental companies will allow you to pick up and return your vehicle in different locations (sometimes for a fee). If not, you can always hightail it back to Auckland to return your rental.

Cook Strait Ferry

The Cook Strait Ferry operates between the North and South Islands in New Zealand, connecting the cities of Wellington and Picton. The ferry service provides both passenger and vehicle transportation, making it a vital link for travelers exploring both islands.

Not only is it an efficient way to get from one island to the other (especially if you are traveling by campervan or car), the ferry is an iconic journey across the Cook Strait with incredible views. Many people believe it’s the most scenic ferry crossing in the world! 

How many days is enough for New Zealand?

This is a tough one to answer because even a lifetime wouldn’t be enough. Seriously.

We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, and we’ve been lucky enough to experience a lot of what this country has to offer. Even so, we still left with a loooong list of things to do “ next time ”. 

That said, we do have some suggestions based on the amount of time you have to explore New Zealand:

1 Week New Zealand

If you have just one week, we recommend focusing on a specific area. Base yourself in a city like Queenstown or Auckland and plan for a couple of day trips.

2 Weeks New Zealand

Choose one island to explore. We have perfect 2-week itineraries ready-to-go for both the North Island and South Island . All the hard work is done for you!

1 Month New Zealand

We think a month is ideal for your first trip to New Zealand . With our 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary , you’ll experience a good chunk of the country’s must-sees and hidden gems (we have lots!).

5+ Weeks New Zealand

Extra time? Even better! Our 1-month New Zealand itinerary is packed with insider tips to customize your trip , including what to add if you have more time.

What is a typical travel budget for New Zealand?

I’ll give it to you straight: New Zealand ain’t cheap. But don’t let that stop you – it is still totally possible to explore New Zealand on a budget . 

If you are on a tight budget and watch your spending closely, you could get by with a daily budget of $60 – $90 per person.

If you want a few splurges and to stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150.

On the other hand, you could easily blow through upwards of $200 per person per day if you book luxury hotels, eat out, and pack your itinerary with tours like bungee jumping and scenic helicopter flights.

For a more detailed breakdown, see our New Zealand travel guide .

Where to stay around New Zealand

New Zealand is a developed country with lots of accommodation options. As with any destination, lodging will be more plentiful (but generally more expensive) in the city centers, and prices will be higher during peak tourist season (December to February in NZ).

Our New Zealand itinerary has options for hotel/Airbnb stays as well as campsites, so you can tailor it for your personal travel style.

From chains like Holiday Inn to boutique hotels and resorts, you can find it all in New Zealand. Hotels are usually concentrated around metropolitan centers and may not be available in some remote areas. We recommend using Booking.com to search for hotels and compare prices.

Insider Tip: Traveling on a tight budget? Use Booking.com to search and compare prices for hostels. With the exception of certain campsites, hostel dorms are usually the cheapest accommodations out there.

Renting an Airbnb is one of our favorite ways to get to know a place. Plus, they offer experiences you won’t get in a hotel:

• Get off the typical tourist track and experience the country from a local’s point of view.
• Stay in the suburbs or the countryside, outside of the major hotel areas.
• Enjoy perks like having your own kitchen and laundry – especially for a long-term stay.
• Psst! Read about why we prefer Airbnbs over hotels when traveling with a baby.
• Save money!
• Find unique stays, like this rainforest retreat near Auckland .

Never booked an Airbnb before, or worried about getting a dud? No sweat – we have Airbnb basically down to a science. We even created a whole guide to booking Airbnbs where we share all our tried and true secrets to ensure a great experience.

There are all types of campgrounds in New Zealand, from totally free to pretty pricey (like $70 NZD per night), from unmaintained sites to holiday parks with hot showers, BBQs, and all the frills. And then there’s everything in between.

New Zealand campsites are also quite different from those in North America. Most of the camping in New Zealand is more or less a field where campervans have space to park.

We know how overwhelming it can be to sift through tons of campsites while trying to decipher unfamiliar jargon (what exactly is a “holiday park?!”). So we created a New Zealand camping guide , complete with a rundown of the rules and a map of the best campsites in the country.

Our perfect New Zealand itinerary

Countless hours were spent researching our route for New Zealand. We pored over article after article. We talked to Kiwis and asked for their local advice. And we finally came up with a plan.

All our research paid off: We had an incredible road trip! So, we’ve taken our road trip route and made it even better for you. 

We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days (because so many people wanted a 1-month route) that hits the top destinations on both the North and South Islands . We added some things we wish we would have made it to and we altered a couple things here and there that we wish we would’ve done differently.

This New Zealand itinerary is set up to be done as a campervan road trip . However, you can also follow this route if you’re traveling with a rental car and staying at hotels or Airbnbs along the way. 

Important Note: One thing to know about traveling in New Zealand is you’ll need to be flexible. The weather in this country can be highly unpredictable (especially on the South Island), and a day of heavy rain or a surprise snowfall might derail your plans of hiking or bungy jumping. We would highly recommend having some “flex days” so you can alter your plans if you encounter weather that is not ideal. Trust us on this one.

Highlights of our New Zealand itinerary

Below are some of the can’t-miss things to do in New Zealand that we’ve included in our epic one month itinerary. 

• Discover Auckland and Waiheke Island
• Hike to Pinnacles Hut and witness the sunrise over the Pinnacles
• Explore the beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula
• Sea kayaking to Donut Island and camping on the beach
• Take the Hobbiton movie set tour
• Hiking in and around Rotorua and Lake Taupo
• Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Eat and drink your way through Wellington
• Swim with dolphins (ethically!) in Kaikoura
• Wine tasting in Marlborough
• Explore Abel Tasman National Park
• Go rafting through a glowworm cave
• See Pancake Rocks
• Get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier
• Drive the beautiful Haast Pass
• Hiking around Wanaka
• Adventure activities in Queenstown
• Cruise Milford Sound
• Enjoy the laid back but incredibly scenic Key Summit hike

We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you!

In full transparency, this is a paid itinerary since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create. 

However, we keep all of our paid itineraries affordable – just $15 for an entire 1-month itinerary. We think this is an extraordinary value considering almost all your planning will be done for you!

If you don’t have enough time to do both islands, we broke down our full itinerary into separate itineraries in the following articles:

• North Island Itinerary
• South Island Itinerary

Booking your New Zealand trip

We have a handful of go-to resources that we use when planning nearly all our trips. Here are the platforms we use to book our most basic travel needs:

• Flights: Skyscanner
• Campervan rentals: Motorhome Republic
• Rental cars: Discover Cars
• Hotels: Booking
• Unique accommodations: Airbnb

Don’t forget about travel insurance!

Hold up – don’t even think about getting on a plane without this! Travel insurance is just as important as your passport and, contrary to popular belief, it is not expensive.

We know a lot of people will forego this step simply because they get too overwhelmed by all the options. 

Please don’t do that!  

We made a comprehensive guide to travel insurance to help you out. We share which companies we use and what policy details to look for when you go over your travel insurance comparison.

Our recommendation: 

Our personal pick for travel insurance is SafetyWing . Their policies are geared toward frequent travelers and digital nomads, and they’re one of the few providers who have coverage for Covid-19.

What sets SafetyWing apart is their emphasis on flexibility and adaptability . Unlike traditional insurance policies with fixed durations, SafetyWing’s coverage is designed to be subscription-based, allowing travelers to pay on a monthly basis and enjoy continuous protection while on the move.

New Zealand itinerary planning resources

We have TONS of resources for planning your trip in our New Zealand travel guide . Below are some of our top recommended articles for New Zealand itinerary planning…

• Things to Know Before Traveling in New Zealand
• Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit
• New Zealand Travel on a Budget + Money-Saving Tips
• Best Time to Visit New Zealand: When to Go & When to Avoid!
• Ultimate Guide to Planning Your New Zealand Campervan Trip
• Best Campervan Rentals in New Zealand
• Best New Zealand Campsites: Ultimate Guide + Map
• Car Rental in New Zealand: Essential Guide + Tips
• Incredible New Zealand Hikes + Local Tips
• Best New Zealand Foods to Try (& what to skip!)

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for New Zealand !  It’s full of good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your campervan trip in New Zealand. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

Want your itinerary planned for you?

• Perfect 1 Month New Zealand Itinerary
• South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Road Trip
• North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Road Trip Itinerary

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning your own perfect New Zealand itinerary and still have questions? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (1) on “ How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Itinerary ”

Great article! I am thinking of a two month New Zealand trip next year, in October, November, and December. Will probably fly into Auckland and spend about three weeks to a month road tripping the North Island. Then will go down to the South Island and spend about a month to five weeks road tripping before going back up to Auckland and flying home. How is the weather in the North island during mid October to mid November? Will I be able to hit up beaches? Also, is mid November to mid December a good time to see lupins on the South Island? What would be the ideal (female) packing list during this time? Thanks in advance!

P.S Hope you enjoyed your Arizona hike! Can’t wait to hear about it!

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North Island vs. South Island

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Getting Around New Zealand

Best Auckland Hotels

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Visiting New Zealand With Kids

One Week in New Zealand

North Island Road Trip

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Skiing in New Zealand

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Top Places to Visit

The 15 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is only 1,000 miles long, 280 miles across at its widest, and home to just under five million people, but this long, narrow country contains many things to see and do. Travelers can ski on snow-capped mountains and bask on subtropical beaches, learn about Maori culture and discover its British heritage, sip on some of the world’s finest wines and hike through the uninhabited wilderness. Whatever travel experiences you enjoy, you can probably find them in New Zealand .

The country comprises two main islands—imaginatively named the North and South Islands in English, and Te Ika a Maui and Te Wai Pounamu, respectively, in Maori. Although the South Island is larger, more than three-quarters of New Zealand’s population lives in the North. Ideally, visitors should spend time on both islands, although picking one isn’t a bad approach. Here are the 15 best places to visit in New Zealand.

On the central North Island, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal features and Maori culture. Travelers short on time can visit on a day trip from Auckland, but it’s a convenient stop when traveling through the North Island. Hell’s Gate, Wai-O-Tapu, or Orakei Korako (on the way to Taupo) are good options for bubbling mud pools, boiling geysers, colorful rock formations, and many resorts and holiday parks in the area have hot spring bathing facilities. You can also learn more about Maori culture at tourist villages like Mitai, Whakarewarewa, and Tamaki with their cultural shows of traditional music and dancing and a hangi meal cooked in an underground pit.

Time commitment: One full day in Rotorua is ideal.

Waitangi is one of the most significant places in New Zealand's modern history. In 1840, Maori chiefs signed a treaty with representatives of the British Crown, the Treaty of Waitangi, a founding document that gave the sovereignty of New Zealand to British rule. Visit for a crash course in the country's history in this beautiful coastal location. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds include an indoor museum, the Treaty House, an ornately carved marae (Maori meeting house), and a ceremonial waka (canoe) spread over a large area. There are beautiful views of the Bay of Islands.

Time commitment: The Waitangi Treaty grounds deserve at least half a day.

Hokianga Harbour

The Hokianga Harbour is an alternative to the Bay of Islands, often overlooked by travelers and perfect for camping or RV adventures. The area is sparsely populated and predominantly Maori. Dune boarding, hiking, horse trekking, and dolphin watching are popular activities in the Hokianga. Base yourself in one of the nearby villages of Omapere, Opononi, and Rawene. To expand your exploration, the Waipoua Forest, just south of the Hokianga, is home to two of the largest living native kauri trees.

Time commitment: Aim to spend two days to a week in the Hokianga area.

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula reaches 50 miles into the Hauraki Gulf, across the Firth of Thames from Auckland. It’s a microcosm of all that’s good in northern New Zealand—stunning beaches, hiking trails, and arty, laid-back towns. During low tide at Hot Water Beach, dig a few inches beneath the sand to create your own natural hot spring bath, spend the day at Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches (which is saying something), and hike the Pinnacles Walk or Coromandel Coastal Walkway.

Time commitment: To explore the whole Coromandel Peninsula, you’d need at least a week, but it’s possible to make a quick overnight trip from Auckland or Tauranga.

Tongariro National Park

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

On the high central plateau of central North Island, Tongariro National Park is a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed both for its natural and cultural significance. Most sights and activities revolve around three volcanic peaks: Mounts Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a moderately challenging day hike that is spectacular. In winter, ski at the Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields. 

Time commitment: You need a day to hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing (where you can spot the gorgeous emerald lake). With other hikes, biking trails, and skiing options in the winter, it’d be possible to spend several days in and around the park.

Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine-producing regions and the oldest—there are more than 200 vineyards. The area is popular for its sunny climate, Art Deco allure, and the world’s largest gannet colony. The city of Napier, in particular, is famous for its Art Deco architecture because, after a massive earthquake in 1931, much of the town was rebuilt in this style. Keen bird watchers should visit the gannet colony at the Cape Kidnappers Reserve.

Time commitment: Hawke’s Bay is quite a long drive from other North Island centers (or a short flight to Hawke’s Bay Airport), so spend at least a couple of days here to make it worth the trip.

At the bottom of the North Island, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Equal parts bureaucratic formality and bohemian arts hub, Wellington is a perfect small city to explore. The New Zealand Parliament building, known as the ‘Beehive’ (you’ll understand why when you see it), and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (known simply as Te Papa) shouldn’t be missed. The Weta Workshop is a film special effects company founded by Peter Jackson, director of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," so fans of the film should consider a tour.

Time commitment: Budget at least two days for the central city and another few to visit outlying areas like the Kapiti Coast or Cape Palliser.

Abel Tasman National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Many travelers take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, at the top of the South Island, and drive west to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park. Abel Tasman is all about the golden beaches, turquoise seas, and forested hiking trails. For longer hikes, enter the park from the tiny town of Marahau. You can also enter the park by kayaking from Kaiteriteri.

Time commitment: If staying in nearby Nelson or Motueka, it’s easy to visit the park on a day trip. To complete the popular Coast Track walk, you’ll need three to five days.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

On the eastern coast of the upper South Island, Kaikoura is famous for its whale and dolphin watching. It’s a marine-life hotspot because of the unique currents and deep trench just offshore. Whale-watching cruises operate all year, and while sperm whale sightings are never guaranteed, there’s a very high chance you’ll see them and dolphins, seals, and albatross.

Time commitment: Many travelers pass through Kaikoura while traveling between Picton and Christchurch. You only need a day for a whale-watching cruise, but extra days in Kaikoura can be spent hiking or enjoying the beaches.

Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula

Jutting southeast from Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula is a volcanic landmass comprising several volcanos. There are many harbors and bays, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and the French settlement of Akaroa, the oldest town in the Canterbury province. There are many 19th-century buildings there and cute French cafes. The Hector’s dolphin—the world’s smallest and rarest—live in the waters off the Banks Peninsula. (Sea kayaking is an excellent way to see them.) There are also many biking and hiking trails on the peninsula.

Time commitment: Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula are an easy day trip from Christchurch, but staying a couple of days will allow you to drive to more remote spots.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world. In the central South Island, far from any major settlements, it’s almost entirely free of light pollution, making it an incredible destination for stargazing. Stargazing tours are informative, or you can find a quiet, dark spot on your own. You might also see the Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights, similar to the Northern Lights) if you're lucky. Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain (12,220 feet), is also in this area.

Time commitment: The tiny towns within the reserve—Lake Tekapo Village, Twizel, and Mount Cook Village—are a long way from anywhere, so these are not a quick getaway. Cloud-free skies are essential for stargazing, so you may need to spend a few days here.

Queenstown is not a typical Kiwi town—its real estate is among the most expensive in the country, and the style is more designer than farmer. But there’s no denying that Queenstown is blessed with beautiful geography as it's set on Lake Wakatipu with views of the Remarkables mountain range. Take the cable car to the top of the hill behind the city for spectacular views. Popular activities in the area include mountain biking, bungee jumping, speedboat rides, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoning, skiing in winter, or hiking the many trails.

Time commitment: Queenstown city only needs a day to look around, but it’s an ideal base for exploring the Central Otago wineries, trying adventure sports, and making day trips to Glenorchy, Wanaka, Arrowtown, or Fiordland.

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Dunedin is a university town on the South Island’s east coast. Dunedin is the Scots Gaelic name for Edinburgh, and the Scottish influence is strong. The neo-gothic architecture of the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and some churches lend an Old World aesthetic to Dunedin. The world’s second steepest street (as of August 2019), Baldwin Street, is also a quirky sight. (The first is in Harlech, Wales.)

A short drive from Dunedin is the hilly, windswept Otago Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s finest eco-tourism and bird-watching destinations. Drive (or take a tour) out to see the penguin, albatross, and seal colonies of the Otago Peninsula, stopping at Larnach’s Castle en route. 

Time commitment: Two or three days are needed here, divided between the city and the peninsula.

Fiordland National Park

In the southwest of the South Island, the Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest, and it’s part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. A vast area of forests, mountains, and glacial fiords, visitors can be as active or relaxed as they like here, on sightseeing cruises, scenic flights, or multi-day treks. The small town of Te Anau is a good base and has caves with glow worms. 

Milford Sound is perhaps the most famous sight, with pointy Mitre Peak rising from the water, offering perfect reflections on a clear day. Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri are beautiful places to cruise or kayak.

Time commitment: Some travelers visit the Fiordland National Park on a quick day trip from Queenstown or Wanaka, while others stay for longer to explore. The famous Milford Track trek between Te Anau and Milford Sound takes four days.

Stewart Island /Rakiura

Off the southern coast of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is New Zealand’s third-largest island. Around 85 percent of the island is a national park reserved for penguins, kiwis, and seals. While the temperatures are generally quite cold this far south, the beaches are empty and worth the trip across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff.

Birdwatching and hiking are popular activities, especially within the park's boundaries. The Rakiura Track is a 20-mile (32-kilometer) hiking trail that circles the Rakiura National Park, and it takes two to four days to hike the entire length. The small capital, Oban, is a welcoming town that serves up seriously fresh seafood.

Time commitment: As it’s necessary to get a ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura (or take a short flight from Invercargill to Oban), it’s worth spending a few days here. Camping is a good option.

The Top 20 Things to Do in New Zealand

Where to See Penguins in New Zealand

How to Spend One Week in New Zealand

The Top 10 Cities in New Zealand

The Top 15 Things to Do on New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand’s Top 6 National Parks

Top 15 Things to Do in New Zealand's North Island

The Complete Guide to New Zealand's Great Walks

Your Trip to New Zealand: The Complete Guide

The 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in New Zealand

The 10 Most Important Historic Sites in New Zealand

Take a Road Trip on New Zealand's North Island

The 15 Best Small Towns in New Zealand

How to Go Backpacking in New Zealand

Fiordland National Park: The Complete Guide

Learn about New Zealand's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand 🌏 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the complete travellers’ guide to new zealand.

Welcome to Aotearoa – or you more likely know it as New Zealand! You probably also already know that New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most stunning mountains, glaciers, fiords and more scenery, scenery, scenery. But how do you go about planning a trip to New Zealand? While we don’t want to toot our own horn, here at NZ Pocket Guide , we believe we are the best travel guide to New Zealand and you’ll probably agree once you’ve read this complete travellers’ guide to New Zealand, which will springboard you to NZPocketGuide.com’s thousands of tips and advice.

An Intro About New Zealand

Location : New Zealand is a country in the Oceania continent. It’s located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,500km (930 miles) east of Australia and around 1,000km (620 miles) south of the South Pacific Islands . See  Where is New Zealand? for more information.

Size : 268,021km 2 (103483 mi 2 ) in total. It is approximately 1,600km (990mi) long and around 400km (250mi) at its widest point.

Climate : New Zealand has a diverse climate determined by the ocean, mountains and prevailing winds. The mean average temperatures are 10°C (50°F) on the South Island to 16°C (61°F) on the North Island. See The Guide to The New Zealand Climate or check out the “ When to Visit ” section below.

Population :  5 million. Learn more about New Zealand’s population here .

Languages : English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. Learn more about the New Zealand language in our guide .

Time zone : UTC/GMT+12.

How to Get to New Zealand

First things first, you’ll need to see if you are actually able to travel to New Zealand due to restrictions put in place at the borders after the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit covid19.govt.nz for the latest travel information.

Next, what is the best way to get to New Zealand? New Zealand can be accessed by flight or cruise ship. Considering you are probably here to plan a trip for more than just a day in New Zealand, let’s skip right to the most popular way to get to New Zealand; flights.

Direct flights to New Zealand can be found from the US , Canada , South America , Asia , Australia and the South Pacific Islands . Coming further afield from destinations such as in Europe and you’ll need to catch at least one connecting flight.

If you don’t have time to read through our Beginner’s Guide to Getting to New Zealand , here’s a quick rundown.

Flight Times to New Zealand

Argentina – 12h30min, Brazil – 15h30min, Canada – 16h30min, China – 13h30min, Denmark – 22h, Finland – 20h, France – 23h30min, Germany – 22h30min, Hong Kong – 11h, Israel – 32h, Italy – 22h30min, Japan – 11h, Korea – 12h, Malaysia – 11h, Netherlands – 22h30min, Philippines – 10h30min, Singapore – 10h30min, Sweden – 21h, Taiwan – 11h, United Kingdom – 22h30min, USA – 12h, Vietnam – 12h30min

Tips for Cheaper Airfares

Airfares for New Zealand depend on different factors: what time of year you choose to fly, how long in advance you book, where you’re flying from, what type of ticket you get, and the route you take.

The cheapest time to fly to New Zealand is during New Zealand’s spring, winter and autumn months (between July and November). Summer and particularly around Christmas is the most expensive time to fly to New Zealand.

It is also usually cheaper to fly at “inconvenient times” of the day such as late at night or during the early hours of the morning, as well as mid-week rather than on weekends. Having a flexible travel plan allows you to choose the cheapest flights. Check out How to Book a Cheap Flight to New Zealand and 5 Money-Saving Tips for Flying to New Zealand with Kids for more advice.

A Note on Customs Declarations

New Zealand has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in New Zealand has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Failing to declare a risk item may incur an instant NZ$400 fine! Be sure to read up on Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process  so you are prepared.

When to Visit New Zealand

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning that seasons are at the opposite times of year compared to the Northern Hemisphere. The weather in New Zealand is temperate but changeable due to prevailing winds, the ocean and its mountains. In fact, the weather is so notoriously changeable that New Zealanders have a saying to describe their weather: “four seasons in a day”. In other words, you can experience sunshine, heat, rain, temperature drop and snow even in summer (well, snow is unlikely in summer – but you get the picture).

For all of the reasons above, we do not recommend planning your trip too much around the weather. Nevertheless, below is what you can typically expect in each season.

Summer (December to February)

Summer is the warmest time of year reaching highs of 25°C (77°F) . Expect finer days than during the rest of the year.

Autumn (March to May)

Autumn has milder temperatures between 6°C (43°F) and 20°C (68°F) . Weather patterns start to become more interchangeable with a few more rainy days than summer.

Winter (June to August)

Temperatures can be anywhere between -3°C (27°F) and 15°C (59°F) depending on which parts of the country you are in. Snow falls in alpine regions and rainfall is more frequent.

Spring (September to November)

Temperatures rise again during this shoulder season, where lows are 2°C (36°F) and highs are 17°C (63°F) . Expect a balance of fine and rainy days.

For more information on the climate, check out What is the Weather Like in New Zealand?

The Best Time to Visit New Zealand

Summer ( December to February ) is the most popular time to travel New Zealand for both international travellers and locals. While you can do most activities in summer under milder weather, things are more expensive, such as flights, tours and vehicle rentals. Attractions are busy while accommodations and transport book up quickly for the summer months.

The low season, i.e. winter ( June to August ) is the cheapest but coldest time to travel. Attractions are far less busy, but some tours like canyoning and white water rafting may be closed during winter. The exception to the low season rule is the ski resort towns, such as Queenstown , Wanaka and Ohakune .

Visiting in any of the shoulder seasons , i.e. from March to May and from September to November , brings warmer weather than winter along with more affordable travel deals than summer. These months tend to be the best time to visit New Zealand .

What to Pack for New Zealand

Don’t overpack! Just a large backpack or suitcase with a day pack per person (or per adult for families) is all you need for New Zealand. Bring versatile outfits that are good for exploring the outdoors and bring no more than a week’s worth of clothes, as laundry facilities are everywhere. New Zealand is a developed country so has plenty of shops and services should you need to buy anything while you’re travelling.

A Quick Packing List

The below packing list is an overview of our full New Zealand Packing List . Note that it’s just for one person.

• 1 Leggings/sweatpants/hiking pants
• 1 Shorts (summer)
• 1 Sweater/hoody/mid-layer
• 1 Hiking shoes
• 1 Flip-flops
• 1 Swimwear (suitable for watersports)
• 1 Thermal underlayer (top and/or bottoms)
• 1 Waterproof and windproof jacket
• 6 Socks (a mix of woollen and cotton)
• 1 Warm jacket (winter/spring/autumn)
• 6 Tops/T-shirts
• 6 Underwear
• Toiletries including a mini first aid kit , sunscreen and insect repellent
• New Zealand travel adapter
• Camera/phone
• Electronic device chargers  (extra batteries are a good idea)
• Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)
• If you plan on camping , pack a lightweight tent and sleeping mat, and/or for staying in huts, a 4-season sleeping bag and a torch/flashlight – see our  Camping Essentials Checklist for New Zealand .

You might also be interested in our seasonal packing lists: winter , summer , autumn and spring .

New Zealand Visas, NZeTA and IVL

A tourist/visitor visa for New Zealand activates automatically upon entry to New Zealand for most countries, usually allowing visitors to stay for up to three months. Visitors also need to pay for an NZeTA and IVL before arrival in New Zealand . Other popular visa options to stay in New Zealand longer are the  Working Holiday Visa  and  Student Visas .

Travel Insurance

Although the ACC in New Zealand partly covers accidental injury medical bills, many travellers opt for travel insurance for extra peace of mind. Our recommended insurance is Orbit Protect , which is based in New Zealand.

ID and Driving License

Your passport is obviously coming to New Zealand with you, which is ideal because it’s one of the only accepted forms of ID for proof of age , for example, to buy alcohol. For driving, bring your driving license – if your driving license is not written in English then it will need to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit .

New Zealand Currency

The  currency of New Zealand is New Zealand Dollars (NZD) . There are ATMs in towns and cities where you’ll be able to withdraw cash. Credit cards are also widely accepted, however, there is a percentage payable with each non-New Zealand credit card transaction. Oh yeah, and New Zealanders call paying with a card paying with “ EFTPOS “. Get advice on how to pay for things in a way to save money using our guide, The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand .

If you are staying in New Zealand for a few months, perhaps for a working holiday , you will save a lot more money by opening a New Zealand bank account .

How Many Weeks Do You Need to Travel New Zealand?

New Zealand is a destination worth saving until you have as much time to explore the country as possible. Not only is this due to the fact that it takes much time and money (not to mention CO2 emissions) to get there, but moving between destinations within New Zealand is also very time-consuming. Roads are long and winding with so many photo-stops and activities along the way that a two-hour drive can easily turn into a full-day mission!

One or Two Weeks in New Zealand

Within this time, you should explore just one of the main islands. Take a look at the 7-day itineraries: North Island in One Week: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary and  South Island in One Week: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary . And the 14-day itineraries:  North Island in Two Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary and  South Island in Two Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary .

If you’re willing to miss out on some highlights, it’s just possible to explore both islands in 14 days, as outlined in our New Zealand in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary .

Three or Four Weeks in New Zealand

Want to explore both the North Island and South Island at a comfortable pace? Visit for three or, better yet, four weeks. Get an idea of what you will have time to see in our  New Zealand in Three Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary and  New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary .

Three Months to One Year

Now you can see a great deal of the country! Most visitor visas allow people to travel for up to three months. A popular way to stay longer among backpackers is the working holiday visa , which typically allows stays of up to a year. Check out our 30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand for advice on an extended trip to New Zealand.

Where to Go in New Zealand

For many travellers, you’ll need to make the heartbreaking decision between the North Island and the South Island . If we had to sum up their differences, the North Island is best for culture and volcanoes while the South Island is best for wilderness, wildlife and, well, more scenery. Take a look at our North Islands Vs. South Island comparison for details.

Once you’ve picked an island, or you’re lucky enough to travel both, you need to start adding dots onto the map. New Zealand has a vast number of destinations all with their own landscapes, experiences and charm. You’ll find each of the below destinations linked to our complete travel guides so you can plan further.

North Island

• Bay of Islands Travel Guide – islands and beaches
• Auckland Travel Guide – volcanoes and city life
• Rotorua Travel Guide – geothermal and culture
• Taupo Travel Guide – volcanic landscapes
• Napier Travel Guide – wine and architecture
• Wellington Travel Guide – capital city vibes

South Island

• Picton Travel Guide – coast and wine
• Kaikoura Travel Guide – marine wildlife
• Franz Josef Glacier Travel Guide – glaciers
• Queenstown Travel Guide – adrenaline
• Aoraki Mt Cook Travel Guide – mountains
• Stewart Island Travel Guide – subantarctic adventure

And that’s just the hotspots! We encourage you to explore other destinations in our New Zealand Destinations guides . Plus, for more ideas, see the 10 Awesome New Zealand Travel Ideas .

How to Get Around New Zealand

Perhaps the most important decision you’ll make when planning your trip to New Zealand is the transport you’ll use. After all, a holiday in New Zealand is mostly about the journey. While everyone has a strong opinion on the “best” way to get around, we feel that it’s a very personal choice. It depends on your taste, budget and what experience you want to get out of travelling.

Campervan Rental

Travel, sleep, repeat by renting a campervan or motorhome. This is an extremely popular way to explore New Zealand. However, with camping restrictions and necessary maintenance, there are extra costs and hassles to take into consideration. See our Travel by Campervan in New Zealand Guide for more advice. Plus, choose from recommended rental companies in The Best Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand .

While not as “sexy” as a campervan, renting a car is a smart way to travel if you want something easier to drive and cheaper with a bit more freedom. See The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand for recommended companies. Plus, our  Travel By Car in New Zealand Guide offers plenty of tips.

Buy Your Own Vehicle

Secondhand cars and campervans are easy to buy and sell in New Zealand, working out to be very cost-effective if you plan to stay in New Zealand for more than a month. Check out Should You Rent or Buy a Vehicle to Travel New Zealand  to see if it’s right for you.

National Coaches

The cheapest way of getting from A to B, InterCity forms the most extensive public transport network in the country. Find out more about planning a trip by bus in our guide to the InterCity bus passes and  How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

These are flexible bus tours on a set route with the option to get off and on the bus at any point for as long as you wish. Activities and accommodation are optional and pay-as-you-go. Learn more in our New Zealand Hop-on Hop-off Bus Guide .

Escorted Bus Tours

Take a more structured guided tour around New Zealand with some food, some activities and all accommodation included. It’s a stress-free way to travel the country with other people. Get started with your research using The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand .

Domestic Flights

While not as popular as other countries,  domestic flights in New Zealand are only a good idea for travelling long distances or between the North and South Islands.

While there are ferries to get from the main islands to some of the off-shore islands, the most common ferry that travellers find themselves is the ferry between the North Island and South Island; the Cook Strait ferry. Find out more in our guide to The Cook Strait Ferry .

Still don’t know where to start with travelling around? Take a look at the  10 Best Ways to Travel Around New Zealand .

Things to Do in New Zealand

Spoiled, you are! Spoiled! New Zealand has so much to do that we could hardly fit it all in our 101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List .

With the landscapes being the reason many travellers flock to New Zealand, active outdoor adventures are extremely popular. These include:

• Mountain biking
• Jet boating
• Bungy jumping
• White water rafting
• Whale and dolphin watching/swimming

And more! It’s not all go-go-go though, as New Zealand also offers culture, food and scenic experiences. Such activities include:

• Maori cultural tours and shows
• Wine tastings
• Brewery tours
• Scenic flights
• The Lord of the Rings filming locations
• Scenic cruises

And more, again. While many of the above activities are pretty costly, rest assured there are tons of free activities and attractions in New Zealand. In fact, all it often takes is a short walk to reach New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions. Check out our 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand to save money.

And don’t forget to browse our New Zealand Activities category listing everything Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) has to offer.

Accommodation in New Zealand

New Zealand offers many forms of accommodation. Because New Zealand has a few big-ticket items, such as activities – not to mention the flight to get there – you can save a lot of money by choosing one of the affordable accommodation options. Nevertheless, if you want to treat yourself, then you’re spoiled for choice with lavish hotels and lodges available.

Holiday Parks

One of the most comprehensive styles of accommodation in New Zealand, holiday parks consist of self-contained units, private cabins, backpacker dorm cabins, tent sites or powered sites for campervans. Get tips in our Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand and check out listings in our New Zealand Holiday Parks category .

In this budget accommodation, stay in shared dorms or private rooms where you’ll share facilities, such as a kitchen, laundry and bathrooms. See our Beginner’s Guide to Backpacker Hostels . Plus, Check out listings for every town in New Zealand in our New Zealand Hostel category .

Hotels are found in New Zealand’s larger cities and top tourist destinations, following the usual international standard with star ratings. Some small towns have historic hotels, which are typically budget-friendly but have less modern facilities. See hotel listings in our New Zealand Hotels category .

More common than hotels, motels offer a more compact home-away-from-home usually with a kitchen, a bathroom and at least one separate bedroom, all within one unit. Compare motels across the country using our New Zealand Motels category .

Boutique Lodges

New Zealand has a number of boutique and luxury lodges scattered across the country in both towns and pristine wilderness. Discover our recommendations in our New Zealand boutique lodges category .

Campsites are where you can pitch a tent or park a campervan overnight. Find out more in our guide to Camping in New Zealand and check out listings in our New Zealand Camping category .

Holiday Homes

Enjoy entire holiday homes, locally known as “baches”, all to yourself with plenty listed on booking websites like Booking.com , Expedia and Airbnb . See our guide on Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb in New Zealand , as well as listings in our New Zealand Holiday Homes  category .

Stay with a local in a spare room listed on booking websites like Booking.com , Expedia  and Airbnb . See listings in our New Zealand Homestays category .

Do you seriously need more information than that?! Head over to our New Zealand Accommodation category and browse until your heart is content.

Food and Eating Out in New Zealand

Everyone’s gotta eat! Travellers have a choice of dining out or self-catering in New Zealand.

Cafes and Restaurants

New Zealand is a melting pot so most menus have a diverse range of international dishes, from Westernised food, such as fish and chips, burgers and pizzas to Asian cuisines like curries and sushi. Gluten-free and vegetarian meals are readily available. For other dietary requirements, it’s best to discuss with restaurant staff first.

Note that tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. For many restaurants and cafes, expect to order and pay at the counter.

For advice on where to eat, see our New Zealand Foodie Guides for each town and city across New Zealand, as well as  Where to Try Traditional New Zealand Food .

Self-Catering

Because eating out is much more expensive than in other parts of the world, self-catering while on holiday in New Zealand is extremely popular. Most accommodations have some sort of cooking facilities.

Groceries can be picked up from supermarkets in towns and cities. Smaller towns and villages usually only have a convenience store, locally called a “dairy” but tend to have higher prices. Farmers’ markets are a fun option on weekend mornings to buy local produce. Note that New Zealand shops don’t give plastic shopping bags so bring your own bags or purchase bags in-store.

For more advice, head over to our guide on  Food Shopping in New Zealand .

Typical Costs and Budget for a Trip to New Zealand

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for everyone is an impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in our articles, How Expensive is New Zealand? and How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?

NZ Transport Budget

• Car hire / day: NZ$30-$150
• 2-person campervan hire / day: NZ$60-$260
• Petrol / litre (0.3 gallons): NZ$1.90-$2.50  (Check out weekly fuel price data on the  MBIE website )
• Hop-on hop-off bus national pass/ year: NZ$1,000-NZ$2,000
• National coach bus / 4-hour trip: NZ$30-$80
• Used car (15+ years old): NZ$2,000-$5,000
• Used 2-person campervan (15+ years old): NZ$3,500-$15,000
• Domestic flights / one way: NZ$50-$240
• Train / one way: NZ$100-$260

NZ Accommodation Budget

• Hostel dorm bed / night: NZ$27-$35
• Double room in a hostel , motel or holiday park / night: NZ$80-$120
• Campervan powered site / two people per night: NZ$22-$40
• Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite / person per night: NZ$15 (see DOC campsite passes here )
• Motel self-contained unit / two people per night: NZ$140
• Hotel double room / night: NZ$160
• Freedom camping  with a self-contained vehicle : Free

NZ Activities Budget per Person

• Skydive from 15,000ft: NZ$339-$439
• Bungy Jump : NZ$150-$290
• White Water Rafting : NZ$100-$140
• Jetboat : NZ$80-$130
• Dolphin swimming : NZ$110-$160
• Whale watching : NZ$120-$150
• Glacier Hiking : NZ$390-$470
• Cruise in Milford Sound : NZ$60-$100
• Rotorua geothermal park : NZ$30-$70
• Horse Trekking : NZ$50-$150
• Canyoning : NZ$150-$300
• Hobbiton : NZ$80-$100
• Glowworm caving : NZ$125-$280
• Great Walk hut /night: NZ$32-$110

NZ Food Budget

• Main meal : NZ$30
• Pint of beer : NZ$8
• Small coffee : NZ$4.50
• Fastfood pizza : NZ$5
• Big Mac : NZ$5.20
• 1 litre (35fl oz) of milk : NZ$2.40
• A dozen eggs : NZ$5.40
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of rice : NZ$2
• 500g (1.1lbs) pasta : NZ$1.20
• A loaf of sliced bread : NZ$1.20
• 1kg (2.2lbs) cheese : NZ$11
• 100g (3.5oz) dry freeze coffee : NZ$7
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of apples : NZ$5
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of bananas : NZ$3
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of tomatoes : NZ$10
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of onions : NZ$2
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of chicken : NZ$13
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of beef mince : NZ$13.

Example Budget for New Zealand for One Week, Two Weeks, Three Weeks and One Month

We can’t stress enough how everyone’s budget will be different for travelling in New Zealand. Nevertheless, because we know that many of you like the average cost for a trip to New Zealand, here is an example of a New Zealand travel budget.

Car rental (inc fuel): NZ$90 per day + Private room: NZ$90 per day + Food (self-catering and restaurants): NZ$50 + Activities (paid and free): NZ$100 =  NZ$330 per day

How much does it cost to go to New Zealand for one week?  NZ$2,310

How much does it cost to go to New Zealand for two weeks?  NZ$4,620

How much does it cost to go to New Zealand for three weeks?  NZ$6,930

How much does it cost to go to New Zealand for one month?  NZ$9,900

Plan a New Zealand Trip According to Your Travel Style

Finally, this wouldn’t be the best travel guide to New Zealand without taking into account that everyone likes to holiday differently. Here at NZ Pocket Guide , we have travel guides for all styles of travel, including budget travellers, luxury travellers, honeymooners, families and foodies. If one of these fits your style, then jump ahead to the appropriate travel guide:

• The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget
• The Travel Guide to New Zealand for Families
• The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to New Zealand
• The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand
• The Foodie Guide to New Zealand

That’s all from the best travel guide to New Zealand. Well done for making it all the way to the end! If you found this FREE New Zealand travel guide useful, how about supporting what we do on Patreon ? We’ll leave you with some final travel wisdom, our  31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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Welcome to MoaTrek

New zealand small group tours, the best of new zealand in a small friendly group.

Hi, we’re MoaTrek and since the 1970s, we’ve been sharing our favourite holiday spots with visitors to New Zealand on our small group tours. We grew up here and have been exploring the country since we were kids – and now we’ve bottled a lifetime of Kiwi holiday memories into our tours. From North to South, you won’t miss a thing – Milford Sound, Queenstown, the Bay of Islands, Abel Tasman, Rotorua, Tongariro, the West Coast Glaciers and Aoraki/Mt Cook – plus a few of our secret spots you may not know so well, but many of our guests tell us were their absolute favourites.

MoaTrek is a family owned company, started in 1971 and run with a few more “extended” family around these days including of course our great “Kiwi Guides”. We’ll look after you every step of the way.

MoaTrek Tour Highlights

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Our most popular New Zealand Tours

See our new zealand small group tours, 21 day north & south island tour, 17 day north & south island tour.

Auckland > Christchurch | 12 included activities

The best of both islands, all the spots we loved to visit as kids. From Rotorua and Tongariro National Park in the North and Abel Tasman, Milford Sound and Mt Cook in the South. All the comforts of home and unforgettable experiences every day.

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Christchurch > Christchurch | 3 included activities

Enjoy our amazing South Island highlights. Discover Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, stay in Queenstown, cruise and fly Milford Sound, visit Haast’s lush rain forests, experience Franz Josef Glacier, and Punakaiki’s rugged coastline.

What does your MoaTrek tour look like?

Get outside and walk, small group travel, wildlife & nature, bucket list experiences, food & wine, discover māori culture, our latest new zealand travel news, videos and pictures..

Five reasons to travel on a New Zealand Group Tour

Are you dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to New Zealand but don’t know where to start? There’s so much to consider – independent travel versus a group tour, transport, the itinerary.

Meet our Kiwi Guide Team

When you travel on one of our small group tours, your MoaTrek Kiwi Guide will be your best friend in New Zealand. From morning till night, this is the person who is at your side helping make your trip one that you will remember for a very long time.

New Zealand Tours for Seniors

Looking for the absolute best New Zealand Tours for Seniors? Here’s the best tours and everything you need to know about New Zealand travel for those in their 50s, 60s and beyond.

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2 Week New Zealand Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 2 week New Zealand tour with TourRadar. Choose from 61 trips with 1,345 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days.

61 New Zealand 14 Days tour packages with 1,345 reviews

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

New Zealand Explorer

Great tour and amazing guides!

New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour

The staff were so helpful - nothing was a problem. They organised extra small tours and booked spas etc.

Best of New Zealand

• Kayak & Canoe
• Hiking & Trekking
• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

New Zealand Winter Adventure

New Zealand South to North Drive, Cruise & Rail

• Coach / Bus

New Zealand Vista (14 Days)

Good schedule, good accommodation, good tour conductor, good driver

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

Best New Zealand Tour

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Wine tasting

Ultimate South Island Adventure

Well organized trip with great guides that hit many of the highlights of the South Island, which deserves its reputation for awesome scenery. Active but not overly strenuous hiking.

A Self-Drive Odyssey Across New Zealand

• In-depth Cultural

Definitely a good value for money, the itinerary is quite well done to cover the highlights of the South Island. A bit of a pity that we lose two days going in/out of Christchurch at the end of the first week to pick up the other tour group. Would be much nicer to just have a full circle with the two week tour people and cover an additional city or two. The van/bus is decently comfortable, though for those with slightly long legs, an aisle seat is needed. The quality of accommodation does vary quite a bit from being excellent to very basic. The other travelers were quite a good bunch. The range of activities on offer are quite good and the guides make an effort to make all activities that a person wants to do possible. A special shout out to the tour guides we had, Mark in particular was excellent, one of the best guides I have ever had on a trip.

Sport New Zealand

South Island Wilderness Encounter - 14 Day

Milford Track Adventure

New Zealand Adventurer

Ben is funny, caring and goes out of his way to be a great tour guide and take you places he knows you’ll love! Would 100% recommend him to anyone.

Southern Spirit (2024/2025, 14 Days)

What people love about 2 week new zealand tours.

This tour was amazing!! It was my first time out of the country in 10+ years (not to mention my first solo trip) & I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. My tour guide was Dee and she was absolutely phenomenal. As a native Kiwi herself, she was extremely well informed about the sights and activities in New Zealand and always made sure we had the best time. She made the experience even better because it felt like she was one of us. She took the time to get to know all 10/15 of us (a difficult feat at least for me haha) and she seamlessly integrated herself into our group. I appreciated the fact that she gave her honest opinion on activities we could do while staying objective and supportive with the everything the group wanted to do. I personally have a bit of a hard time talking in bigger groups so I was grateful when I got the chance to talk to her one on one on the bus. I was so lucky to have her during both weeks of my tour, and I would 1000% recommend this tour (and hopefully you get Dee as your guide hahaha) to anyone who’s even considering it. I came back to the stated with a completely new perspective. Life changing experience!!!

Jaw dropping scenery, amazing food, friendly people. This is hands down, the best family vacation we have ever had!

New Zealand is a land with many places to see. It is a place rich in sites and in history, owing to the fact that two separate cultures have occupied the space. Fortunately our tour director and guide Chantavee was excellent at explaining both the history and providing context to the sites. I did not lower my reading due to the fact that the bus ride just sucked; it was a necessary part of the overall experience.

Regions in New Zealand

• New Zealand South Island (38)
• New Zealand North Island (15)
• Milford Sound (5)

Other Regions in New Zealand

• New Zealand South Island 7 day Tours (41)
• New Zealand South Island 2 week Tours (38)
• New Zealand South Island 10 day Tours (34)
• New Zealand South Island 3 week Tours (21)
• New Zealand North Island 7 day Tours (19)
• New Zealand North Island 10 day Tours (18)
• New Zealand North Island 2 week Tours (15)
• New Zealand Central North Island 10 day Tours (15)
• New Zealand Central North Island 7 day Tours (11)
• New Zealand North Island 3 week Tours (9)
• Otago 7 day Tours (8)
• Milford Sound 10 day Tours (8)
• New Zealand South Island 3 day Tours (7)
• New Zealand North Island 3 day Tours (7)
• Milford Sound 7 day Tours (7)
• Southland New Zealand 7 day Tours (7)
• 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)

More From Forbes

American sportsmen discover new zealand’s hunting and fishing paradise.

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The world's largest red deer stags are the prized attraction for international hunters visiting New ... [+] Zealand.

Long before Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy put New Zealand on everyone’s travel list, hunters and anglers long coveted the island nation’s riches of fish and game. It is a sportsman’s Jurassic Park, where beasts grow to near-mythic dimensions and the stunning landscape inspired the fictitious land of Middle-earth.

New Zealand’s temperate climate, rich volcanic soils, lack of apex predators, and lush pasturelands proved the perfect habitat on which to introduce all manner of the Old World’s famous game—especially red deer.

New Zealand's many mountain-framed lakes provide stunning backdrops for many adventures.

In the early 1900s, the red deer, chamois from the Alps, fallow deer, the large-bodied sambar deer, reclusive rusa stags, Himalayan tahr (a mountain goat-like animal), elk from North America, and wild boar were all brought to New Zealand, a country that originally had but one species of mammal—a bat.

Essentially, game keepers and biologists saw New Zealand as a blank canvas on which to create a wild game masterpiece, so they did. Without natural predators nor severe winters to slow the population growth of the country’s new cast of horned and antlered creatures populations of many of the introduced species exploded. So prolific were the red deer, for instance, that a few decades ago game managers were forced to conduct extensive culling operations to bring the deer numbers back to levels the habitat could support.

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Sixers justified in fury toward officiating after game 2 meltdown vs. knicks, litter robot 4 review the best self cleaning litter box on the market.

John Scurr poses with a pair of pukeko or swamphens, one of several indigenous game birds found in ... [+] New Zealand.

Today, these same red deer have become a popular draw for hunters from across the world—especially Americans. Thousands of U.S. hunters travel to New Zealand annually to partake in big game hunting.

“Most hunters know of New Zealand as the home of the world’s biggest stags,” says John Scurr , a Kiwi native and veteran hunting operator who specializes in arranging custom hunting and fishing experiences for all manner of the nation’s fish and game. “But we have many game species that are thriving here on both the North and South islands.”

Wine tours are just one of many diversions available to visiting sportsmen.

For Scurr, however, it’s about customizing diverse New Zealand tour packages that allow visiting hunters and anglers to immerse themselves in a wide range of attractions and activities that complement rod and gun adventures.

“New Zealand is a his and her (and family) destination, so if a hunter wants to bring a non-hunting spouse or friend here,” says Scurr, “we can arrange a wide assortment of activities from helicopter junkets to volcanos and glaciers, lake excursions, wine tours, glacier climbing, jet boating, hiking and biking, bungy jumping, parasailing, or drives through the countryside to explore any number of our inviting communities.”

New Zealand's wealth of breathtaking scenery is reason enough to visit.

Sportsmen’s dollars, then, are helping support the entire tourism economy, the nation’s second largest industry behind agriculture. In addition, hunting provides the financial incentive to keep lands wild, supporting myriad non-game species that depend on the same cover as deer and other game.

“Rather than sitting in a lodge for a week and then returning home,” says Scurr, “many of our sporting clients want to experience more of New Zealand before they go. And most of our hunting areas are conveniently located near other great attractions.”

The bustling and beautiful town of Wanaka with a population of some 12,000 is located on the shores of stunning Lake Wanaka, a 74-square-mile body of water, and is home base for Scurr’s South Island adventures.

Scurr poses with accomplished Oklahoma hunter Suzie Brewster and her giant stag.

“We put some of our hunters up in well-appointed lakeside condos,” he says, “and we dine in restaurants that are all within easy walking distance. And our hunting areas are located just a ten-minute drive from town. This has been a very popular package for us as non-hunting spouses can enjoy a wide range of amenities offered in Wanaka (spas, shops, restaurants, tours, art, and cultural opportunities) and then come together with their husbands after the hunt to share an evening on the town.”

Nearly as famous as its stag hunting, New Zealand is a celebrated fly-fishing destination for outsized rainbow and brown trout. The plethora of gin-clear rivers and lakes along with a handful of famous lodges, put the country high on most trout anglers’ must-visit list.

The inviting and bustling community of Wanaka is home base for Scurr's South Island offerings.

Adding some bird hunting to the menu is a simple proposition as well, for New Zealand has a mix of endemic and introduced game bird species including the highly prized (and striking) paradise duck.

For hunters who don’t want the hassle of flying with their own firearms, Scurr has a wide assortment of rifles and shotguns for rent. “We find that most hunters choose to use our guns because it saves a lot of headaches dealing with gun licensing and customs. But if a hunter would rather bring his favorite rifle, we’ll assist with the permit process as well.”

For Scurr, sharing the best of New Zealand is his life's passion.

For Scurr, it’s about sharing the wealth of sporting and recreational opportunities that his native New Zealand has to offer. “We have a unique landscape and with that comes special opportunities for visiting sportsmen and others,” he says. “And when someone books with us we want them to go home and share the experience with their friends as they plan their next adventure to New Zealand.”

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10 Best Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand

Are you looking for the best things to do in Auckland? Look no further!

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, serves as the gateway to this stunning country, as Auckland Airport is the only international airport in NZ. 

In Auckland, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including thrilling adventures like skywalks and bungee jumps, a serene hike up an inactive volcano, and exploring the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Auckland, as well as embarking on unforgettable day trips to Hobbiton or nearby islands. Auckland offers it all.

Best Things to Do in Auckland

1. experience the sky tower .

The Auckland Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in the city’s skyline. With a height of 328 meters, it’s not just the tallest building in Auckland, it’s the second tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. According to TripAdvisor, the Sky Tower is also the number one attraction in Auckland.

This architectural marvel is more than just a tower, it’s a hub of excitement and entertainment. It houses an observation deck, a revolving restaurant and bar, a gift shop and a thrilling SkySlide, SkyWalk and SkyJump experience.

The observation deck on the top of the Sky Tower is located at 220 meters. It provides a bird’s eye view of the city’s landmarks, while the revolving restaurant, Orbit 360°, offers a unique dining experience with a rotating view. 

For adrenaline junkies, the SkyJump, SkyWalk and SkySlide present heart-stopping experiences far above the city. The minimum age for those adventurous activities is 10 years old. There are also minimum weight restrictions depending on the wind conditions, so make sure to check those before heading to the Sky Tower with your kids. 

2. Do a Day Trip to Hobbiton

Hobbiton isn’t directly in Auckland, but strolling through the Shire is such a unique experience in the North Island of New Zealand that it shouldn’t be missed. It’s an absolute must-visit for fans of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies.

As you wander around the idyllic Shire, you’ll get to explore the original Hobbit Holes and Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Then, you can enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, where hobbits would go for drinks in the movies. 

Visiting Hobbiton is a remarkable opportunity to step into a piece of cinematic history and immerse yourself in J.R.R. Tolkein’s Middle-Earth, brought to life on screen by Peter Jackson.

Getting to Hobbiton from Auckland is easy. You can either drive there on your own or opt for a guided tour. There are excellent day tours from Auckland to Hobbiton . The advantage of taking a tour is that you can combine your visit with exploring the famous glowworm caves, or a relaxing stop in some hot springs, without having the hassle of driving yourself.

3. Hike Up Mount Eden

Another must-do activity while in Auckland is hiking up Mount Eden. Mount Eden, called Maungawhau in the Māori language, is an inactive volcano near Auckland city center. The crater is called Te Upu Kai a Mataaho (‘the bowl of Mataaho’) and is of spiritual and cultural significance to the Māori people.

It’s a short walk from the base of Mount Eden to the top, around 20 minutes. At the top there’s a boardwalk surrounding the crater and a viewing platform. The summit is the highest natural point in Auckland, and from the viewing point you get the best views of the city.

4. Stroll Down Ponsonby Road

Ponsonby Road is a vibrant street famed for its eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries. It’s the perfect place for some shopping away from the city center. 

The great thing about Ponsonby Road is that there are more small, local shops compared to the city center. You can find a range of high-end fashion stores, vintage shops, and local designers showcasing their work.

After shopping, you can enjoy a meal or coffee at one of the many cafes, bistros, or gourmet restaurants that line the street. 

5. Visit The Auckland War Memorial Museum

The Auckland War Memorial Museum, also called Auckland Museum, is another must-visit. It’s one of the most important museums in New Zealand. But it’s not just a war museum, it’s also a museum of New Zealand’s history and a shrine to those who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars. 

The museum offers a deep dive into New Zealand’s history, both natural and cultural. It houses an impressive collection of Maori and Pacific Islander artifacts, including a full-size meeting house. 

The museum’s top floor is dedicated to remembering New Zealand’s involvement in major global conflicts. 

You can even book a ticket for a special Māori Cultural Performance inside the museum. ​​It’s the best way to experience the traditional music, dance, and weaponry of the Māori. After seeing the thrilling haka dance, you get to meet the performers for a deeper cultural experience.

6. Relax At Albert Park

Albert Park is a delightful slice of tranquility in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Auckland. This Victorian-era park is known for its beautifully manicured gardens, impressive trees, and beautiful Victorian fountain. 

As you stroll along the park’s paths, you’ll encounter a diverse range of plants, a radiant flower clock, and several historic statues. 

Whether you want to go for a walk or you’re looking for a great place for a picnic in nature, Albert Park is your best bet.

The park is very popular amongst locals for its serene environment, especially amongst students of the nearby University of Auckland. 

7. Explore Downtown Auckland

Downtown Auckland is often referred to as the “heart of the city”. It’s a vibrant and bustling area that perfectly captures the essence of Auckland’s urban lifestyle. 

This area is filled with a wide array of attractions and activities that cater to different tastes and preferences. From the beautiful waterfront to the high-end shopping district of Queen Street, there’s something for everyone. 

Art enthusiasts can visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki , home to one of the most extensive collections of national and international art in New Zealand. 

For history enthusiasts, the historic Ferry Building showcases the city’s rich architectural heritage. Even if you’re not a big architecture fan, the building makes for a great photo spot.

Whether you’re exploring the quaint alleys, going on a shopping spree, or simply admiring the modern and historic architecture, Downtown Auckland offers a unique blend of experiences.

8. Stroll Along The Waterfront

The Auckland Waterfront offers a great mix of stunning harbor views, delicious dining, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. This scenic area is a fantastic place to take a leisurely stroll, soak in the scenic views of the Waitematā Harbour, and watch the boats glide by. 

The Viaduct Harbour, located within the waterfront, is brimming with upscale restaurants and bustling bars, making it a popular spot for both daytime and evening entertainment. Right next to the Viaduct Harbour you can find the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the perfect place to learn about the country’s seafaring history. 

The Wynyard Quarter used to be very industrial, but it got transformed to a modern urban landscape marked by innovative architecture and public spaces. The highlight of Wynyard Quarter is the Silo Park, known for its converted cement silo that now serves as an event venue. In the summer months you can catch a movie at the open-air cinema in the Silo Park, a great way to spend an evening in Auckland.

With its outdoor markets, live performances, and a host of festivals throughout the year, the Auckland Waterfront is a lively area that truly reflects the city’s maritime heritage and dynamic atmosphere.

9. Visit The Auckland Harbour Bridge

The iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge isn’t just a significant landmark, but also an integral part of the city’s identity. Towering majestically over the Waitematā Harbour, the bridge connects central Auckland with the North Shore, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the gulf. 

It’s also home to the Auckland Bridge Climb, an exhilarating experience that allows you to ascend the bridge’s arch for a thrilling, bird’s-eye view of the city. 

For adrenaline junkies, the Auckland Bridge Bungy offers an unforgettable bungee jump from the bridge. 

Whether you’re admiring it from afar, driving across it, or taking part in one of these unique experiences, the Auckland Harbour Bridge should be on every Auckland itinerary.

10. Do A Waiheke Island Day Trip

Just a short ferry ride from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island provides a refreshing escape from the city. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, olive groves, and vineyards. 

Waiheke Island is also referred to as the “Island of Wine” due to its numerous award-winning wineries that offer wine tastings and spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf. 

Visitors can explore the island by foot, bike, or on a guided tour, discovering the charming local art scene, exquisite cuisine, and scenic walking trails. 

The best way to end a trip to Waiheke Island is to enjoy an amazing sunset over the water. It’s easy to understand why a Waiheke Island Day Trip is considered one of the most unforgettable things to do in Auckland.

Guest Author: Tina Riegelnegg from Veganderlust.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary with 10 Essential Stops

10 Top Things to do in Newcastle

Get Travel Insuranc e

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flight s

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner ! My second favorite site to find flights is Momondo , another great site for finding cheap flights.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO .

Rent Clothes

Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator . If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar . They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations .

Rent a Car or Take a Lyft

More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit ! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Discover Cars .

The post 10 Best Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand appeared first on Mommy Travels .

Announcing the Hot List winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best new hotels in the world: 2024 Hot List

Our editors pick the best new hotel openings across the world over the past 12 months – from London to New York via Bali, Dubai, Tokyo, Riyadh and beyond.

The best new hotels in Europe: 2024 Hot List

Our European edit features a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office and a much-anticipated slick addition to the buzzing Athens Riviera.

The best new hotels in Asia: 2024 Hot List

Asia’s hotel scene welcomed an array of notable openings in the last year, drawing our editor's attention to Sumba, Punakha, Jeju and more.

The best new hotels in North America and Mexico

Featuring a diverse mix of properties, from an intimate address on Fifth Avenue in New York, to a notable new addition for SHA Wellness.

The best new hotels in the Middle East and Africa: 2024 Hot List

Our editors discovered incredible new addresses in Saudi Arabia, Botswana, Morocco and more.

The best new hotels in Central and South America and The Caribbean

Beachside resorts and tented camps in Peru, Chile, Argentina and more.

The best new hotels in Australia and New Zealand

Our top picks from the year's openings in Australia and New Zealand.

The best new restaurants in the world: 2024 Hot List

It's not just the most charming new hotels our editors name in the annual Hot List – we also compile a list of the very best new restaurants, too. This year, the tables to book include a West African hotspot in London, a plant-focussed, women-led restaurant in Paris and a neighbourhood hangout in Lisbon.

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Olivia Morelli

The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

From superyachts to the world’s largest cruise ship.

See last year's winners in the Hot List 2023

• Announcing the 2023 Hot List winners
• The best new hotels in the world: 2023 Hot List
• The best new restaurants in the world: 2023 Hot List
• Best new cruises in the world: 2023 Hot List

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The weeknd cancels australia and new zealand tour.

The Weeknd has cancelled the Australia and New Zealand leg of his After Hours Til Dawn tour.

Ticketek emailed concert ticket holders on Tuesday stating that full refunds would be made while the company tries to “work through the rescheduling process with the artist.”

The tour was first postponed in November last year due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The Australian leg of the star’s tour was set to include a concert at Sydney’s Accor Stadium and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, with other dates to follow.

But now all dates have been cancelled, with Ticketek recommending fans to sign up to a waitlist in case the dates do get rescheduled down the track.

“The Weeknd ‘After Hours Til Dawn Tour’ for Australia & New Zealand is still in the process of being rescheduled. While we continue to work through the rescheduling process with the artist, tickets for the existing 2023 tour will be cancelled,” Ticketek stated on its website.

“All purchased tickets will receive a full refund.

“Ticket holders of the shows who previously held on to their tickets will be able to access a priority purchase window for the new tour in Australia and New Zealand when announced.

“In order to gain access to the priority pre-sale, please make sure you opt in and join the waitlist here.

“Tickets will be automatically refunded in full (including refundable ticket purchases, if applicable) to the original payment method used for purchase and patrons do not need to take any action.

“Patrons should allow approximately 30 business days for the refund to appear in their account.”

The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, has yet to post about the Australia and New Zealand cancellation on social media.

His most recent Instagram post was made on April 13, hinting that a new album was dropping soon.

But plenty of Australian fans were also dropping into the comments, hoping for some more information about when he would appear Down Under.

“Bro completely forgot about his Australia tour,” one fan wrote.

“Did you forget Australia?” wondered another.

“Ok cool, release Australia dates?” begged another.

On Tuesday, some fans headed back to that April 13 post to express their frustration at the tour being cancelled.

“So f***ing mad ... just got the email,” one wrote.

“WHAT NO PLEASE NO,” wrote another.

“RIP the aus/nz tour got cancelled 💀💀,” added a third.

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Breaking news, tiger woods’ pga tour loyalty was worth $100 million as confidential paydays revealed.

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It’s a good day to be a PGA Tour player — and a really good day to be Tiger Woods.

The Telegraph is reporting that players are receiving the money they earned by not bolting for LIV Golf and accepting the huge offers that were being made by the rival league.

Woods received the biggest payday at $100 million, with Rory McIlroy coming in at around $50 million.

The funds were made available after a group of investors led by Fenway Sports, which also included Mets owner Steve Cohen, infused $1.5 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises in January.

In total, approximately $1 billion will be split — unevenly — between 193 golfers, according to The Telegraph.

How much a player gets is determined by career-long achievements, which is why Woods is getting paid so handsomely.

The Telegraph noted that the PGA Tour and commissioner Jay Monahan “have been at pains” to try to keep the financial breakdown under wraps, as it naturally could cause frustration from players receiving far less than the top group.

The top 36 players on the list are splitting up approximately $750 million, the 64 players who round out the top 100 are dividing $75 million, with $30 million going to the next 57 players.

The remaining $75 million is divvied up between 36 retired players who are considered living legends, per the report.

The other specific figures cited in the report were Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, who will each rake in around $30 million.

The influx of cash comes as the PGA Tour, including Woods, has been in talks with PIF — the financial arm of the Saudi government that funds LIV.

While the specifics on the talks have been kept tight, a framework agreement that would like merge LIV and the PGA Tour in some form has been agreed to since June.

Aside from Woods, the significant cash the players are receiving still pales in comparison to what the top stars got for going to LIV Golf.

The likes of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau reportedly were in the nine-figure range — or very close to it — to defect to LIV.

Jon Rahm reportedly got a whopping $450 million to make the LIV leap in December in what many viewed as a tipping point that would push the PGA Tour closer to a merger.

However, five months later the two sides remain in a vague negotiating phase.

Rumors surfaced last week that McIlroy was possibly headed to LIV Golf for $850 million, but he shot down that possibility in an interview with Golf Channel.

“I honestly don’t know how these things get started, I’ve never been offered a number [potential deal] from LIV and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV,” said McIlroy, who is returning to the PGA Tour Players Advisory Council after stepping down last year. “I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me.

“That doesn’t mean I judge people who have gone and played [LIV Golf]. One of the things I’ve realized over the past two years is people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves and who are we to judge them for that? For me, my future is here on the PGA Tour.”

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