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The Top 7 New Zealand Travel Bloggers To Follow Right Now!

Last Updated on September 2, 2023

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One thing we Kiwis enjoy is to explore, so it’s only natural that there are a healthy number of New Zealand travel bloggers in the world. And they’re doing really well!

New Zealand is such a teeny tiny country, so when someone from our nation is making it big in the world it makes us all so proud that we want to shout it from the rooftops.

We may be a small country, but do not lack support for our fellow Kiwis!

To show my support, and hopefully introduce you to some new popular travel blogs to read, I’ve compiled this list of New Zealand blogs that all feature amazing content made by great people.

Here are the top 7 New Zealand Travel Bloggers that are taking over the world as we know it and that you need to follow right now!

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Table of Contents

The Top 7 New Zealand Travel Bloggers You Need to Follow!

1. Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi

I got the pleasure of meeting Jub in April on a family trip to Indonesia. He’s a kind vegan Kiwi bloke with a long beard and has travelled to over 45 countries.

He’s explored some pretty amazing parts of the world including Mongolia, Russia and Belarus, and he has a great Kiwi blog covering places both popular and off the beaten path!

Jub is a man with no plan and taking each day as it comes. Be sure to check him out on Snapchat (jubunator), he’s quite a laugh!

You can follow his adventures on Facebook and Instagram too.

2. Kyle from Bare Kiwi

Kyle is a New Zealand Instagram king with a travel blog and YouTube channel . With over 64,000 followers, he is a Kiwi travel influencer to follow closely.

He takes some of the most beautiful pictures of New Zealand which he features on his Instagram account ! He’s passionate about showing travellers the beauty of NZ.

Taking the road less travelled Bare Kiwi is a guy you should follow if you want to see the true Aotearoa (New Zealand).

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3. Sonja from Migrating Miss

Sonja is an inspiration!

She’s lived in a lot of corners around the world such as the United States, Australia, Canada and Spain, where she is currently.

She loves to promote the expat lifestyle as a Kiwi living her dream and sharing her passion of travelling the world.

Sonja left her cosy house at the tender age of 16 to move to the United States for a year, and has claimed it was her first best decision.

Follow her adventures on her blog , Instagram and Facebook – she has one of the best travel blogs in New Zealand, and her photos are beautiful!

4. Phil from Broken Limitz

Phil was bored of the 9-5 work life as a carpenter so he decided to chase the big money in the Australian mines like a lot of Kiwis do.

It took 4 months for him to realise that money cannot buy you happiness so he booked a one way ticket to Europe via Thailand to pursue his dream of travelling the world.

Now you can see him on his laptop writing about his adventures on his website Broken Limitz.

He’s travelled to over 40 countries and has had some amazing experiences you must read about! Phil also takes some epic pictures that are featured on his Instagram .

As one of the most popular New Zealand Instagram influencers, he has over 30,000 people following him on there and his Facebook too!

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5. Katie from The World on my Necklace

Katie has been travelling the world and living abroad for over 18 years now visiting beautiful places such as Belize, Fiji and Peru.

She has a quite impressive list of destinations she has visited so far.

Katie decided to start a blog so she could document a 13 month trip she was doing through the Americas so she could keep her family and friends in the loop.

These days she blogs with an audience from around the world and is considered one of New Zealand’s top travel bloggers!

Make sure you follow her adventures on Instagram and Facebook too, it will make you want to book a one way ticket!

6. Jon from Jon is Travelling

Jon didn’t want to get a ‘real’ job so he left New Zealand after he finished university in 2010 which is why he pursued teaching in Taiwan and later in Singapore to save some money.

Since 2014, he took the leap of a lifetime as a nomad living out of his suitcase as a full-time traveller.

He has a wicked Kiwi sense of humour so be sure to read his stories that he publishes on his New Zealand blog.

Make sure to check out his epic trip around India and read about his other adventures on Instagram and Facebook – he’s one of the best bloggers to follow!

7. Anita from Anita Hendrieka

I can’t make this list and not promote myself in any way shape or form because I would love to connect with you!

I am a Kiwi travel blogger who’s passionate about exploring the world and inspiring others to get off their couch and go see something new.

Leaving home at 19 I bought a one-way ticket to London not knowing a single soul or what I was going to do but I knew I was doing the right thing.

It was a crazy 2 years living and working in the UK as I fell in love with the world and in love with a man.

Nowadays you can find me in New Zealand, London or anywhere in between! You can follow my adventures on my blog , Instagram or Facebook .

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Frequently Asked Questions

People from New Zealand are commonly referred to as Kiwis. We’re named after the Kiwi – the national bird of New Zealand. So if you’re traveling to New Zealand for a visit, you can call us Kiwis!

Yes we are! Kiwis are friendly, welcoming and outgoing, whether in our native land or when we’re out exploring, and New Zealand travel bloggers are no different!

Let me know which travel blogger you love to follow! If you know somebody that should be nominated then comment below!

Other articles you might love:

• Amazing Hidden Gems Of New Zealand
• Visit the Most Beautiful New Zealand Beaches
• Travelling New Zealand: Your Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide

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The Comments

A great list of Kiwi bloggers, some of which I already follow, and a few more that I will need to check out. And thanks for the shout out!

Anita Hendrieka

Thanks Katie! Keep being awesome 🙂

Great list – I’ve worked for a Kiwi/Aussie business before and have encountered some of these bloggers. The pictures they take and the stories they tell really inspires me to travel.

Yay! I’m glad you already follow a few of them already 🙂

Work Hard and Travel Harder

Didnt make the list goddammit!

PhiL Wilson

Woo made the cut! Thanks for the feature Anita, you’re a legend! Keep up the amazing travels

No problem! 🙂

Martin & Debs

We’ve been following you on Instagram for some time as well as @Barekiwi. Some of our other favourite follows include @backpackingmatt, @thekiwifrog and @youngadventuress.

Arvinder Singh

Great List, thanks for sharing.

thanks for sharing this list

Great work. These blogs inspired me

Marta Kulesza

Maybe in 2018 I’ll make the cut 😉 There’s some truly inspirational people on this list.

Stacey Kuyf

Great list! I’m enjoying visiting home right now and travel bloggers covering NZ make me realise how much I’ve missed it!

I know, I miss NZ every day!

Great list!

Ryan Biddulph

Jub and Sonja rock! As do you Anita 😉 Kiwis rock. I love your country after a 3 month visit from earlier this year. Magical land it is.

Woohoo! Glad my country has left a good impression 🙂

Fantastic work is done.Thanks for the list.

Ooooh there’s some new ones on there for me to check on

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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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New Zealand Itinerary Part 1 — 10-Day South Island Road Trip Under S$2.2k

This is part one of a two-part New Zealand itinerary covering both the North and South Islands. Read part 2 ( 5 days North Island New Zealand Itinerary )

Snowcapped mountains, and endless roads flanked by rolling green hills are just some of my favourite things about a road trip on the South Island.

Not to forget, New Zealand is also one of the best places to check off bucket list experiences. Imagine: bungy jumping over a bridge, heli-hiking along glaciers or jumping out of a plane at 10,000ft high. While your brain is scrambling to process the drop-dead gorgeous views, you’ll have the best photos and videos to return home with.

Hitting as many hikes and scenic drives as we could, here’s our South Island route. For the North Island, check out our 5-day North Island New Zealand itinerary exploring glow worm caves and geothermal terrains.

Read more:  2 Weeks New Zealand Itinerary Under S$2,500 — North & South Island Trip Planning Guide

Pre-Trip Essentials

– Pre-departure Supervised ART test — taken no more than 24 hours before departure ( Pre-departure PCR test is accepted too) – On arrival self ART on day 0/1 and on day 5/6 — COVID Antigen Test kits given out at the airport – New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) — applied at least 72 hours before departure

Staying Connected: Pre-book a local SIM card and collect it at Queenstown International Airport upon arrival.

Car rental: Pre-book via Klook

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klo ok to get 5% off car rentals and activities with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code upon checkout. One-time use only!

South Island New Zealand Itinerary Route

Most South Island New Zealand itineraries begin from Christchurch but we flew into Queenstown for three reasons: (1) Flights from Singapore to Queenstown (stopover in Sydney or Melbourne) were much cheaper (2) Queenstown is the hub for all the adrenaline experiences that New Zealand is famous for (3) From Tekapo, we saved an hour driving straight to Castle Hill instead of making a stop at Christchurch.

This circuit route covers famous tourist stops like Milford Sound, Mount Cook and the Franz Joseph/Fox Glacier townships.

But because we’re such suckers for great views, we designed this route to cover scenic hikes like Lake Marian (on the way to Milford Sound), Hooker Valley (Mount Cook), Cave Stream (Castle Hill), Lake Metheson (Fox Glacier) and even a glacier hike that’s only accessible by a helicopter!

New Zealand Itinerary Budget Breakdown

Accommodation: S$457.66 Transport: S$372.01 Activities: S$1,088.99 Miscellaneous: S$253.62

TOTAL: S$2,172.29 ( excl. flights )

(detailed New Zealand Itinerary breakdown for one pax here)

Day 1-2: Queenstown

Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, Queenstown is THE adventure capital of New Zealand. Stay at least two nights or even four to get your fill of adrenaline, drool-inducing burgers and gorgeous views from just about any corner. It’s also a great base for day trips to Cardrona (for snowboarding in winter), Glenorchy (gorgeous landscape featured on LOTR), and Milford Sound (although we recommend spending a night here).

Transport in Queenstown:  Everything you need is within walking distance so there’s no need for a car on the nights you’ll be staying in Queenstown. From the airport, book the Super Shuttle which will bring you to the doorstep of your accommodation in Queenstown CBD for less than NZ$10/pax.

Bungy, Canyon Swing, Catapult or All?!

There are three bungy jump zones in Queenstown: Kawarau Bridge (the first bungy jump in the world), The Ledge (probably the most scenic because of the view of Queenstown in the background — temporarily closed!) and   Nevis Bungy (the highest one in New Zealand at 134m over the Nevis River)! So it really depends on whether you love the classic, views or thrills.

Update (6 May 2022): The Ledge bungy jump is still temporarily closed.

If you’re headed for the Nevis Bungy , there’s also the Nevis Swing and the Nevis Catapult (newest to the AJ Hackett fam) in the same area. The Nevis River is gorgeous and one of the best ways to experience this is perhaps swinging upside down or getting shot across the canyon at over 100kph.

Onsen Hot Pools 

Photo credit: Onsen

Overlooking New Zealand’s signature alpine scenery, the  Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools is perfect for calming your nerves amidst scenic views. Each of the 14 cedar-lined hot pools is heated to around 38.5°C and refreshed daily with pure water from the surrounding mountains.

Cost:  ~S$78 (incl. complimentary drink and snack) Opening Hours:  9AM – 10PM Address:  160 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand

Fergburger, Fergbaker & Mrs Ferg

Every burger we had here was  epic . It’s not hard to understand why they’ve earned the reputation of serving the best burgers in New Zealand (and some claim, the world!). We’re talking perfectly grilled patties, generous layers of cheese, the freshest vegetables and fragrant toasted buns. There are even two vegetarian burgers on the menu. ‘Nuff said, everyone, just try Fergburger for yourself.

For breakfast, Fergbaker (right next to Fergburger) bakes some mean bread and pastries. They’re famous for their meat pies but my personal favourite is the Pesto Tomato Focaccia (NZ$3.90, comes in a giant version too at NZ$5.90) which just about sent us to bread heaven.

And if you thought that was over, there’s also gelato next door at Mrs Ferg  — Hokey Pokey was a unanimous favourite.

*Pro-tip:  Save your receipt from Fergburger for a 10% discount at Mrs Ferg.

Cost: Burgers from NZ$12.50 Opening Hours: 8AM – 5AM (Great for supper!) Address:  42 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Best View Of Queenstown

For the best vantage point of Queenstown, take a 40-minute hike to Bobs Peak or take a scenic gondola ride to Skyline Queenstown (NZ$64 with 2 luge rides). Head up early and have a go at the luge rides (closes at 5PM).

There are two lanes — scenic and advanced — but the latter is only for repeat riders so you’ll have to get a package with more than one Luge ride to attempt it.

If you’re planning to splurge on a meal this trip, the dinner at the Stratosfare Skyline Restaurant (NZ$85) is it. Not only do you get a gorgeous view, the spread consists of fresh seafood (including sashimi) and a good mix of Kiwi and international favourites. Plenty of vegetarian options too.

*Pro-tip: Book the  Gondola + Lunch/Dinner + Luge rides package together for bundled savings.

Accommodation in Queenstown: Melbourne Lodge — From S$61.82/night in a 4-star bed and breakfast. The location is great — only a fifteen-minute walk to Lake Wakatipu and Skyline Gondola. We then took an Uber back to Queenstown Airport to collect our rental car.

Day 3: Queenstown – Milford Sound

After an early morning skydiving session  (~S$266), we took an Uber back to Queenstown Airport to collect our rental car and headed for Milford Sound. From Queenstown, it’s a four-hour drive (Google Maps says three but trust us, it’s closer to four) to Milford Sound. If you’re a passenger, you might want to stay awake because the view on this drive is spectacular.

This is the last town before Milford Sound so stock up on groceries and petrol. This is also probably the last point before your Instagram stories stop uploading. Update the world about your temporary disappearance before leaving Te Anau.

After Te Anau , look out for scenic stops at Mirror Lake, Knobs Flat and Monkey Creek.

Lake Marian Hike

Lake Marian is an alpine lake with a clear reflection of the surrounding mountains. For a three-hour round trip hike, the views were definitely worth it.

The first 10 minutes of the path up to the waterfall involves a swing bridge and a sturdy wooden walkway (also wheelchair accessible). Beyond that, the ascent is steep and on an uneven rocky path which can get quite slippery when it rains. Plan for sufficient daylight and follow the orange arrows, especially on the return — we ended up going the wrong way as the track has a couple of splits when heading back to the carpark.

If the weather on this day isn’t ideal (the view will probably be covered by fog or the reflection will be disturbed by rain), head to Milford Sound early and save this hike for day four instead.

Hike Time: 3-hour roundtrip (but allocate 4 as the fog might take a while to clear up) Parking:  From Te Anau, look out for the Marian Corner Turn on the right to get on the Hollyford Track. From Milford Sound, the sign is a lot more obvious.

Accommodation:  Milford Sound Lodge — NZ$40/pax in a six-bed dorm. The toilets and common area are separate from the backpackers’ dorms so bring along a raincoat in case it rains (which apparently does 200 days a year around here).

Day 4: Milford Sound – Queenstown

Get up early and explore the area around the pier. Take the easy 400m loop on the Milford Foreshore Walk for views of Mitre Peak.

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

The Milford Sound Scenic Cruise is probably the main reason why people travel on eight-hour return trips from Queenstown to get here — it’s arguably the most beautiful place on earth! It’s pretty touristy but for good reason.

The two-and-a-half-hour scenic cruise explores the 16km long fjord flanked by sheer rock faces and waterfalls. It rains most of the year, so many of the waterfalls appear and disappear every day. Three permanent residents to look out for: Bowen Falls (visible from the pier), Fairy Falls and Stirling Falls (the famous fall where boats take turns to get up close).

Cost: From S$66.85  (varies depending on departure time) Meeting Point:  Milford Sound Visitor Centre (Free parking is available a 10-min walk away)

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klo ok to get 5% off all activities with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code upon checkout. One-time use only!

Accommodation: The Flaming Kiwi Backpacker — NZ$62.35/night in a Budget Twin. A walking distance to attractions around town, it’s a simple room with free wifi, free parking and a gorgeous view of the town.

Day 5: Queenstown – Aoraki Mount Cook

The drive between Queenstown up to Aoraki Mount Cook was one of my favourites in the entire South Island of New Zealand! The three-and-a-half-hour drive passes quickly with many scenic roads like Lindis Pass and Mount Cook Road which rides on the edge of Lake Pukaki.

Lindis Pass

This isn’t exactly a stop but the roads are so beautiful I thought it deserved a header of its own.

*Pro-tip: Along the way, you’ll drive by a small town named Twizel — if you’re running low on petrol or groceries, stock up here before driving down Mount Cook Road towards Mount Cook.

Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki has two great lookout points. The first is a slight detour, but it’s where you’ll find a small salmon store on the southern edge of Lake Pukaki —  Mount Cook Alpine Salmon . They sell the freshest catch of the day at reasonable prices, but of course the sashimi is what most people come for.

There was a one-for-one sale when we were there (but we heard they’re always selling at one-for-one) so 500g+500g of sashimi only cost NZ$38! It even comes with Japanese soy sauce and wasabi so you can enjoy them at the tables beside the lake. If the weather’s bad, you can request for an ice pack and enjoy it back at your accommodation.

A 12-minute drive along the lake is Peter’s Lookout  which is actually the more scenic of the two. Here you’ll have the perfect view of the windy roads leading right up to Mount Cook with the glistening blue lake of Lake Pukaki.

Tasman Glacier Hike

After being on the road for three and a half hours, the Tasman Glacier Track is a simple and relatively short hike you can squeeze in before the sun sets.

There are three short routes here you can cover under an hour but if you’re short on time, head straight for the Tasman Glacier View Point. It’s only a 15-minute hike up to the top and you’ll have a clear view of the Tasman Glacier Lake, the Blue Pools (now green) and the surrounding mountains.

Hike Time:  30mins – 1hr depending on the track Parking:  Free parking available at the end of Tasman Valley Road

Photo credit: Klook

Accommodation:  Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge — S$167.53/pax for a double/ twin room. The view around here is AMAZING! The rooms are homely, with a fireplace to keep you warm and cosy at night.

Day 6: Mount Cook – Castle Hill

Exiting Mount Cook road, you’ll probably take a couple more stops to admire the unique grey-blue waters of Lake Pukaki before heading north towards Castle Hill. The last supermarket and major petrol kiosk (Mobil) is at Methven — an hour and a half before Castle Hill. But we recommend getting everything stocked up in Tekapo before the three-hour drive to Castle Hill.

Hooker Valley Track

Hooker Valley Track is the most popular track in the area around Mount Cook, thanks to the spectacular views throughout the track! It’s quite a long and open track but with very little incline, and flat gravel paths or paved boardwalks. It’s one of the easiest tracks with snowcapped mountains around you. The sun can be harsh though, so bring along sunblock!

Hike Time:  4 – 6 hours round trip (10km) Parking: Plenty of free parking available at the end of Hooker Valley Road

Accommodation: Porters Lodge (Castle Hill) — NZ$119/2 pax for a private room for 4-6pax (extra guests pay NZ$35/pax). Getting there requires a bit of a drive on gravel roads that wind up the sides of a mountain. Try to arrive before it gets too dark. There isn’t a shared kitchen so you’ll have to order from the in-house cafe or have dinner before arriving. The generator is also turned off at night so arrive before 8PM if you’re planning to have a hot shower. Bonus if you love dogs — there are three of them, all named after characters from the Wizard of Oz!

Day 7: Castle Hill – Arthurs Pass – Hokitika

The drive between Castle Hill and Hokitika passes through many beautiful tramping tracks and accessible lookout points. Pick a few and enjoy the scenic drive from the east to west end of the South Island, before arriving at the beachfront town of Hokitika.

Kura Tāwhiti

Kura Tāwhiti used to be under the sea until it retracted, leaving behind these interesting limestones scattered across the hilly area. The name also translates to Castle Hill because some say they resemble the ruins of a castle. Today, it’s mostly popular amongst rock climbers.

You can even rent boulder pads and shoes from Springfield (~30-minute drive from Kura Tāwhiti). But even for non-climbers, you can walk through the 1.4km access track.

Cave Stream Scenic Reserve

There are two entrances to the 594m cave where you can explore through knee-deep waters from one end to another. If you’re going through the cave, enter from the downstream entrance and walk against the flow of the river. If you’re not planning to get too wet, it’s also worth taking the short 15-minute walk down to the entrance of the cave.

Hike Time:  15 minutes to the downstream cave entrance, 1 hour round trip from the carpark to the other cave entrance Parking:  The parking area is quite small but should be sufficient as there aren’t many people visiting.

Devils Punchbowl Waterfall

There are many hikes between Castle Hill and Arthurs Pass but the most popular is probably the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall . It’s not too far (2km) from the carpark and features a 131m waterfall (best seen when the weather is clear and sunny).

Hike Time:  1 hour round trip Parking:  Plenty of free parking available at the carpark on Punchbowl road

Accommodation: 252 Beachside Motels & Holiday Park — S$61.10/night for a standard cabin. A clean and simple room with a prime location by the beach, extremely value for money!

Day 8: Hokitika – Franz Joseph/Fox Glacier

Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier are small townships so stock up on petrol and groceries at the New World Supermarket in Hokitika.

Hokitika Gorge

This vivd turquoise blue gorge is a must-see when you’re in Hokitika. But if it has been raining, it’s probably going to be more grey. Despite that, it’s worth taking the short 15-minute trail on flat gravel path through luscious trees and ferns.

Hike Time:  30 minutes round trip Parking:  Ample free parking available

Scenic Lake Lookouts between Hokitika & Franz Joseph

From Hokitika, the drive to Franz Joseph is slightly under two hours with quick stops at popular lakes like Lake Mahinapua, Lake Ianthe and Lake Mapourika (closest to Franz Joseph). Each lake is a quick walk from the car park so if the weather’s clear, you’ll catch a nice reflection view from the edge of the lake.

Accommodation:  Fox Glacier Lodge — S$97.46/night in a one-bedroom studio. Fox Glacier is a lot more quiet than Franz Joseph but we picked this because it was just a five-minute walk to our heli hike experience the next day. Common kitchens are available but central heating isn’t that great so the common areas can feel quite cold.

Day 9: Fox Glacier – Wanaka (Via Haast)

Wake up early for the heli hike experience and drive three and a half hours to Wanaka. You’ll want to leave early for sufficient sunlight on your drive. The drive through Haast Pass is another gorgeous drive and if you make it before sunset, stop by Lake Wanaka for the best views.

Heli Hike in Fox Glacier

Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier are the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can in fact take a walk up to the terminal face of the glacier. But the best way to really experience this is via a helicopter ride and guided glacier walk exploring the nooks and crannies (or rather crevices) of the glacier. This turned out to be a huge highlight in our South Island New Zealand itinerary!

Cost: ~S$444.30 Meeting Point:  Fox Glacier Guiding Centre

*Pro-tip:  Pick the first flight of the day. The activity is highly weather dependent, so your flight might get bumped up to a later session.

Lake Wanaka

If there’s enough sunlight, catch the sunset with #thatwanakatree in your foreground (yes, that’s what it’s named on Google Maps)!

Accommodation: Clearbrook Motels Wanaka — ~S$147.28/night for a studio apartment. It’s right outside Wanaka, a five-minute drive to Lake Wanaka, and a 8-minute drive to Roys Peak Carpark.

Day 10: Wanaka – Queenstown

Hike roy’s peak or isthmus peak.

The views on this hike are VERY photogenic. In fact, it’s probably the MOST popular one in the South Island. Roys Peak is a steep ridge line hike that spans up to six hours (round trip) but promises an amazing view of Lake Wanaka and Glendhu Bay. Unfortunately we didn’t make it for the hike but do tell us about it in the comments section below if you have!

Hike Time:  4 – 6 hours round trip (16km) Parking:  Ample free parking available at the carpark off Mount Aspiring Road Annual Closure :   1 October – 10 November

*Pro-tip:  This hike is usually very crowded. For a less crowded hike with similar views, check out Isthmus Peak instead.

Red Star Burger Bar

We only got here because a local challenged that this was better than Fergburger. We beg to differ but to be fair, Red Star does make really great burgers too. The burgers aren’t as extravagant but the ingredients and fresh buns are delicious! I also highly recommend the adding the Kumara (sweet potato) fries (NZ$8) with Aioli dip and malted milkshakes (NZ$6.50).

Cost: Burgers from NZ$12 Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 9PM Address:  26 Ardmore St, Queenstown-Lakes 9305, New Zealand

And that concludes our 10 (very short) days South Island New Zealand Itinerary! More than just beautiful sights, New Zealand was also where we met some of the nicest locals, faced our fears and learnt how to dance in the rain while the storms pass. From Queenstown, we took an hour-and-a-half flight to Auckland where we continued to explore the North Island.

Read more:  5-Day North Island New Zealand Itinerary in a Campervan Under S$600

New Zealand Itinerary Planning Essentials

Skydiving, bungy jumping and even the Milford Sound cruise are essential experiences in New Zealand but also highly popular. Favourable time slots run out pretty fast even on non-peak travel periods so advanced bookings are essential.

From utility products like the Supershuttle Airport Transfer to outdoor activities like skydiving and our heli-hike experience in Fox Glacier , we managed to find everything we needed in our South Island New Zealand itinerary on the Klook App .

Not only is it ultra convenient (all tickets were stored on the app), I also noticed on the ground that many activities were cheaper (even if it’s just a dollar) on Klook than the retail price!

There are over 300 activities for New Zealand on Klook, so trip planning on the app helped ease off a lot of the research on things to do in each city.

Driving in New Zealand

New Zealand is left-hand drive. Just take note of single-lane bridge crossings — if you see a red sign, you’ll need to give way to vehicles coming from the opposite end. If it’s blue, you have the right of way.

The car rental from Klook brought us through the many scenic roads from day three in Queenstown up till the morning of day eleven before we caught our flight to the North Island.

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klo ok to get 5% off car rental and activities with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code upon checkout. One-time use only!

There’s a saying that sometimes, the most scenic views come by on the detours you didn’t mean to make, and that couldn’t have been more true for a place like New Zealand!

Road trippin’ New Zealand? Check out the more exciting activities beyond our New Zealand Itinerary that’s available on Klook !

Updated by:  Alexis Ang

This South Island New Zealand Itinerary was brought to you by Klook .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  YouTube ,  Facebook  and  Instagram .

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Apr 14, 2019 at 5:23am PDT

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25 comments.

Hi, may I know when you guys went to New Zealand South Island?

We were there in the first two weeks of May!

Hi sweet, do you recommend this timing after the experience?

Hi Rina, wanted to check what do you mean!

Enjoying reading your blog! Would June time be too cold for travelling and doing the activities? I’ll be travelling with a 9yo 😉

June would definitely be colder but I’m sure it’ll still be gorgeous! Need to check with the official websites for opening periods though. The AJ Hackett and Skydiving are very weather dependent so even during Summer they could close for a few hours or an entire day if the weather isn’t suitable.

Hi there! Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful article full of tips. As a fellow blogger, I know the effort that goes into a post like this. We’re planning a trip to NZ in a few months and this was very helpful! -Brooke

Aww, thanks for the kind words Brooke <3 All the best on your own trip!!

Hi! May I know how long do you recommend to travel around NZ? 🙂

As long as you have time for! 😉 If you love hiking and adrenaline activities there’s really so much to enjoy and really soak in. But if you’re short on time, I would personally spend at least 10 days on ONE island — South is my favourite 🙂

Hi we are a family of 5 in NZ and due to covid are having our family holiday in NZ this year – we are heading to the South Island in a few days for 11 nights in a camper van and are stealing your itinerary albeit with a few tweaks as we fly into Christchurch – thanks for all your effort!!

That’s great! Glad it’s still useful at a time of international travel restrictions and thanks for letting us know! 🙂

Hi Cherie, I am planning to visit with my parents too in May 2023 next year. May I know how is the weather, temperature, and overall season experiences over NZ in May period? Seen some reviews mentioned it could be quite rainy days and wet over there, is it true?

Thanks for this! Can I ask if you’d flown in SG > Queenstown and return from Christchurch>SG?

Actually this is part of a longer trip which included the North Island! The team recently did a New Zealand South island trip which involves flying into Queenstown and returning from Christchurch so do look out for that soon!

Hi, can I know which airline did you take for flying into Queenstown and how much was it? Thanks!

Hello WJ! Don’t remember which airline we took in 2019 when this trip was done but in my recent trip, I took Qantas for about $500 one-way (via Melbourne). Booked it about 1.5months before my trip in late Aug but the prices went up pretty quick after that week.

Hi! Would you recommed this itinerary for a solo traveller? Thanks 🙂

In terms of safety, absolutely! You’ll also meet a lot of solo travellers if you stay at hostels like the YHA. But the cost of travelling would definitely be more since you’re no longer splitting the cost of the car rental. Perks of staying at hostels also means you can sign up for their organised tours which are usually at pretty fair rates!

Noted. Thanks 🙂

Hi Cherie, was it easy to drive to milford sound? Heard that its quite windy. Pls share your experience

Extremely hard. We kept stopping to take photos along the way hahah. Jokes aside, make sure to download the offline maps before leaving Te Anu as that’s the last point before you’re out of data connection! The road conditions were fairly easy to navigate

I see, going on 7 oct so wasnt sure if snow chains are needed

Would this road trip be doable in mid-September? I’ve never been to NZ before so wasn’t sure what road conditions would be like. Looks amazing 🙂

Hey Nat! Mid September is Spring so I don’t foresee any issues. Can we check what concerns do you have?

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New Zealand Travel Blog

This page gives you basic information to help you plan your trip to New Zealand and stories from my New Zealand travel blog plus practical information on New Zealand itineraries and New Zealand road trips. If you’d like to go straight to the stories, click on ‘Latest New Zealand Posts’ below.

Blessed with a landscape that does not even begin to be described by the grossly inadequate word ‘beautiful’, New Zealand is possibly the most fascinating country I’ve traveled to. I’ve often said that my heart is in the mountains and on the trail and New Zealand has plenty of those places.

Traversing the length of the country from the North Island to the South Island, you get to experience everything that makes for an unforgettable New Zealand road trip; vibrant culture, friendly people, delicious food, and a never ending treasure of natural wonders unlike anywhere else. And it’s THE most tourist-friendly country I’ve been to- everything is easy in New Zealand even if you’re not from around.

Whether it’s looking up in stupefied astonishment at the starlit ceiling of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves , watching seals sunbathe as you kayak through the Abel Tasman National Park , jumping off a cliff to paraglide in Queenstown or learning how to dance with the indigenous Maori , the country does not run out of experiences that truly amaze you, regardless of how well-traveled you may be. It is a great country to hire a campervan, take a long road trip, and chance upon gorgeous unknown spots that you may well have all to yourself. The local greeting ‘Kia Ora’ translates to ‘Be well’ and by the time you get to the end of your NZ trip, you’ll be so much more.

What To Pack

For the outdoors: In New Zealand, you will be spending most of your time outdoors, how can you not? You’ll hike, kayak, swim, ski, paraglide, zipline, bungee… you get the idea. So good adventure wear, waterproof hiking shoes and other gear is a must. If you plan to camp a few nights, then carry camping gear or buy it in the country (where it can be expensive).

If you’re visiting in winter, thick warm jackets, beanies, thermals, layers, scarves, gloves, socks etc need to be carried. Don’t count on ‘getting it there if you need it’ because stores shut early during winter in most towns, and this stuff is expensive in the country.

Other than the obvious things like clothes and shoes for the city (stress on comfort over style), here are a few things to pack for NZ.

Must Haves for New Zealand

• Hiking shoes
• Activewear t-shirts
• Hiking pants or activewear tights
• Swimwear to wear to hot springs and thermal pools
• CamelBak Water Bottle to carry on hiking trips or day tours
• Dry bag to put your valuables in for when you go kayaking
• Fast-drying Microfiber Travel towel
• A good camera

Winter Essentials

• Good, warm hiking shoes
• Warm jacket if you’re visiting in winter
• Warm hiking pant
• Warm buff or scarf
• Thermal underwear- bottoms and tops
• Merino wool socks

For the cities: People are dressed simply and casually- it’s all very laid-back and I did not see an excessive or any obsession with big brands or such.

Languages Spoken

The official languages in New Zealand are English, Māori, and NZ Sign Language. Everyone speaks English and it’s a breeze to communicate everywhere in the country.

Need To Know

The best way to travel across the country is to rent your own vehicle and do a New Zealand road trip, whether it’s a car or a campervan you decide to get, shop around there are plenty of options across a range of budgets.

On road trips allow plenty of time for delays and unexpected stops- you will find spots that are so beautiful that you’ll want to stay longer, take photos etc. To truly enjoy everything NZ has to offer, do not rush. In NZ especially, it’s all about the journey.

If you’re traveling in NZ during or around winter and on a tight schedule, be prepared for some disappointment- adventure activities like skydiving, rafting or glacier walks are often cancelled due to unfavourable weather.

If you really have to do everything you planned, allow extra days to reschedule activities.

Travel Insurance

Your travels in New Zealand will take you to many exciting adventures and you need to ensure that you’re properly insured. Trust me, sound travel insurance saves your ass when you least expect it and can salvage a travel situation gone bad.

You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home.

Where To Stay in New Zealand

I’ve picked out some cool accommodations to stay around the country, very similar to the ones I stayed at and some that are the same. While I chose budget and mid-range accommodations for the most part, the odd splurge for luxury hotels did happen in bigger cities. You can check prices for these hotels below:

Book your hotel in Auckland or consider one of these options:

Luxury Stays

Mid-range Stays

Budget Stays

Book your hotel in Rotorua or choose one of these:

Book your hotel in Nelson or consider one of these options I picked out:

Christchurch

Book your hotel in Christchurch or consider one of these options:

Book your hotel in Greymouth or consider one of these:

Hostel Stays

Fox glacier.

Book your hotel or B&B in Fox Glacier village or consider one of these options:

Book your hotel or B&B in Queenstown or consider one of these options:

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

Tours in New Zealand

Why might you be interested in a tour? The fact is that New Zealand isn’t a small country, driving times are long, and if you don’t travel across the country and instead choose to base yourself in one part, you don’t see everything that’s worth seeing.

If you’re short on time, don’t want to drive everywhere yourself, or want to skip the pains of organization, a tour might actually be more practical.

Alternatively, you could drive between bases, like we did, and then take day trips to see some places that are hard to get to or need an entire day of driving.

Either way, I’ve listed both day tours and trips in New Zealand, similar to the ones we took, all departing from major cities, and also ten to three week organized tours that take you to the best spots on the North and South Island. Whatever your style, I’ve done the groundwork, so I hope this helps you.

Day Trips and Tours from Major Cities

Auckland City Hop on Hop off Bus

Half Day City Tour with a visit to the Sky Tower

Auckland Zipline Adventure

Skydiving in Auckland

Whale and Dolphin Ecotour

Hobbiton Tour

Wine and Picnic Tour

Tour of Wineries including Lunch and a visit to a Volcanic Black Sand Beach

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Black Water Rafting Tour

Cave and Kiwi House Tour

Tour of Maori Village, Cultural Performance and Traditional Meal

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Trekking tour

One Hour Double Decker Bus Tour

Christchurch Gondola Ride

Four-Course Dinner on a Tramway Restaurant

Jet Boating and Underwater Observatory in Queenstown

Scenic Heli-Flight over Queenstown

Half-day Wine Tour from Queenstown

Visit Middle Earth from Queenstown

Milford Sound

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Walk from Te Anau

Guided Half-day Hike on Milford Track

Milford Sound Cruise and Kayak tour

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Explore NZ Travel Blog

19 of the best travel bloggers in new zealand to follow in 2019.

Date Modefied: November 5, 2018

Here at GO Rentals, we’re passionate about travel. That’s why we set up our amazing GO Explore travel blog which has gone on to include our trip planner tool, city guides, hidden gems and Spotify playlists.

We try to share as many amazing tips as we can about travelling in New Zealand. We are super-passionate about all things New Zealand and want to make sure that people who are visiting our shores, or even those who have lived here all their lives, get the best possible information when it comes to places to go, things to see and do and how to get there.

We’re not the only ones who are passionate about New Zealand though. There are so many amazing bloggers out there who are exploring this beautiful country and beyond. We follow as many of them as we can so we can keep on discovering new and amazing places to visit and recommend and we wanted to share with you some of our favourites.

Here is our list of the top 19 bloggers from right here in New Zealand that you really need to be following as we move into 2019:

1.      Flashpacker Family

The Flashpacker Family are one of the coolest families we have ever read about! These guys are living the dream. Travelling the world together as a family and trying to visit 100 countries before they turn 40 (should be pretty easy for their 5 year old and 16 month old!).  They describe ‘Flashpacking’ as a style of travel, ‘Think of it as the evolution of a backpacker. More money, more comfort but same adventurous spirit.’

All we know is that they write some pretty awesome blogs with some amazing travel tips.

2.      Blogger at Large

Megan Singleton is all about ‘travel inspiration made easy’…something we definitely agree with! She has been travelling the world since 2000 and blogging about it since 2006 and during that time has written over 900 blog posts on Blogger at Large – pretty epic! Megan travels far and wide in search of travel inspiration, however if you’re looking for the best travel tips for New Zealand, she has a whole section of her blog dedicated to her beautiful home country.

Megan has won countless awards for her blog and we love to follow her adventures. Make sure you check out her top New Zealand travel posts and keep tabs on her travels through Facebook and Instagram.

3.      Four Jandals

One of the most Kiwi sounding blogs on our list, Four Jandals was started by Cole and his then girlfriend (now wife) Adela back in 2009. Like many Kiwis, he packed up his bags and headed off for his big OE, starting in Canada. After 10 months and a stint in hospital, Cole and Adela were not ready to give up on their travels and managed to squeeze in 45 countries in the next four years. After returning to New Zealand, they didn’t want their travel blog to stop so instead, they started providing awesome travel tips and advice for adventurous couples, helped by Moss and Rebecca who have taken over the blogging exploits.

For top travel tips, some thought-provoking posts and a fair amount of wit and humour, follow Four Jandals and step outside of your comfort zone.

4.      Migrating Miss

Sonja is a full time travel blogger and author of the amazing Migrating Miss travel blog. She started travelling the world when she was 16 and has not stopped since. Sonja is, by her own admission, someone who can’t sit still. Having lived in several countries including New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Canada, she finally settled in Scotland – about as far away from her native New Zealand as you get!

So far Sonja has ticked off over 40 countries on her travels and as well as being an awesome travel blogger, is also a qualified lawyer right here in New Zealand. Be sure to follow her travels and keep up to date on social media.

5.      What’s Dave Doing?

We love people with an adventurous spirit. In 2011, Dave Dean quit his job, sold everything he owned and set off to live and work around the world – no return ticket. Dave is one of life’s true explorers and after deciding to pick travel over a career, he has been living the freelance lifestyle whilst traveling to all four corners of the globe. His awesome travel blog – What’s Dave Doing? – includes some awesome travel blogs, but also includes some pretty insightful musings including a recent post about rediscovering his love of travel.

Dave’s blog posts are a mix great destination posts and super-helpful travel tips. He has written some awesome posts all about travelling in New Zealand so make sure you check them out.

6.      Man Vs World

Simon Petersen is another of our best exports when it comes to travel blogging. Another one who started young, Simon set off with his then girlfriend (now wife and expecting their first child) back in 2008 headed for Europe. This was quite possibly one of the worst years to set off on an OE as the world went into a financial meltdown, however despite the obvious issues, Simon loved it and has been blogging on Man vs World ever since.

Simon travels pretty extensively and it’s the real mix of places and experience that make his blogs so compelling. From cruising in the Caribbean to exploring the delights of New Orleans, Simon is always off gallivanting. This doesn’t mean he forgets his native New Zealand.  There’s a whole section on his blog dedicated to Australia and New Zealand with some great travel tips and suggestions for places to eat out and things to do.

7.      Anita Hendrieka

If you are looking for a different take on the world, be sure to follow Anita. Anita’s mission is to change misconceptions about travelling to certain destinations around the world. Brought up in New Zealand, Anita headed on her big OE to the UK back when she was 19. Her one way ticket kept her in the UK for two years and during that time she ventured to some pretty amazing places. She currently calls Albania home but her blog covers so many destinations around the world including Oceania, Europe, South America, North America, Africa and Antarctica.

As well as great destinations tips, you can also pick up some awesome travel tips whether your luxury travelling, backpacking or somewhere in-between. New Zealand still holds a place close to her heart so make sure you check out her latest posts on travelling in New Zealand .

8.      Bren on the Road

It’s amazing how many of our top Kiwi bloggers started off in the 9-5 life. Brendan is no different. After graduating, Bren worked the office life, training to become a Chartered Accountant. 2 months after ‘graduating’, he quit his job and took up the travel life for good. We’re glad he did! Bren writes some really awesome blog posts. For Bren, however, it’s not just about travel tips and destinations. It’s about the stories that make those destinations so special. The people he meets, the adventures he undertakes and the memories he creates. His storytelling is like a good book that’s hard to put down. Add into the mix his self-improvement posts and tips specifically for Kiwi travellers and you have all the makings of a top New Zealand blogger.

Make sure you follow Bren on the Road to keep up to date with his latest adventures but be sure to bookmark his Kiwi Travellers section and New Zealand destination page for top tips on travelling in New Zealand.

9.      Jon is Travelling

If you hadn’t guessed it, this is a blog written by Jon…who is travelling . Right now, Jon is back travelling in the South Island so make sure you hop onto his blog if you are planning a trip down there as he has been posting some awesome new blogs recently. He is also pretty passionate about Southeast Asia after working there just after graduating from University. Jon doesn’t stop there however – he has travelled widely through Asia, Europe, North and Central America, South America and Africa, ticking off a fair few countries along his way.

Jon’s posts are insightful and humorous (be sure to check out his About page for a laugh) and he provides some awesome tips for those planning a trip to New Zealand .

10. The World on my Necklace

With a passport filled by over 60 countries already, Katie is one of the most well-travelled bloggers on our list. Her excellent blog, The World On My Necklace , takes you on a journey over the past 14 years as she has travelled throughout the world. Her love of travelling comes from her parents and after been born and raised in New Zealand, she is still very passionate about a place she still calls home. You will still find lots of recent posts about New Zealand and some really awesome tips. She is passionate about New Zealand and ensuring people she meets on her travels come across and experience New Zealand at its finest.

She is a huge walking and hiking enthusiast and has a whole section dedicated to hikes and walks as well as a section for those travelling on a budget. Make sure you bookmark the New Zealand page for her latest travel tips.

11. Tiki Touring Kiwi

If you love sport and you love travel, you need to start following Tiki Touring Kiwi . The blog is expertly written and curated by Jub – a self-confessed sports nut who truly believes that sport is the way to genuinely get to know the locals. Jub has used sport as a way of breaking down barriers all around the world and uses sport of a way of telling stories – both in words and in amazing photos.

Jub’s blog does more than just talk about sport though. Jub is a proud Kiwi and as well as travelling extensively throughout the world (52 countries and counting), he writes some really awesome posts about New Zealand including some recent crackers from his expedition to the Manawatu Gorge and a day out in Wellington!

12. The Global Couple

There’s something pretty cool about couples who travel together. The blogs always seem a bit more…balanced! Petra and Shaun are two of New Zealand’s most popular travel bloggers through their The Global Couple blog. Both haul from Auckland and after 8 years together, they finally tied the knot in April 2015. Both hold down full time jobs here in New Zealand but still travel as much as they can and are working through their extensive bucket list (107 items and counting!)

They are super-passionate about New Zealand travel and have a whole section of their site dedicated to it as well as great destination and city guides. They are also in the process of building a tiny house – a movement that sees house builders stripping back to the bare minimum requirements – there house will be a total of 8.6 square metres and we look forward to watching the progress!

13. Exploring Kiwis

Another travelling couple who have recently returned to New Zealand after two and a half years away travelling in the Middle East and South America are Sarah and Nathan.  Sarah is the main blogger in the couple but is ably supported by Nathan as they pull together to create Exploring Kiwis . These guys have travelled far and wide ticking off 20 countries in Europe, 15 in the Americas, 15 in Asia, 4 in Africa and 2 right here in Oceania. Not bad going at all!

Since returning to New Zealand, they have certainly not stopped their travel blogging and have been out exploring the beautiful country they call home including a recent trip to Rotorua and a trip to explore the wild West Coast. Their blogs are really well written and Sarah brings here obvious passion for travel into all her blogs. Be sure to bookmark their New Zealand section on the site and follow them on social media below.

14. Sarah Sees the World

You guessed it – this blog is expertly written and curated by Sarah as she explores the world. Sarah is based in Wellington and started Sarah Sees the World in 2011 as an outlet for her travel frustration, stuck behind a desk working 9 to 5. In 2012, she quit her job and went travelling through the USA, UK and Europe. Sarah is a bit different from some of the other bloggers on our list. Don’t get us wrong. She is a super-passionate traveller, but where many have opted to live the life of a traveller, Sarah loves her base in Wellington and uses her employment to fund her adventures around the world.

Sarah has managed to combine working right here in New Zealand with travel throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Her posts are refreshing and offer a different perspective to some of the other bloggers on our list as she allows herself a little bit of luxury here and there.

15. Travelgal Nicole

Nicole is an honorary Kiwi having lived here for the past 10 years. Originally from Wisconsin in the USA, Nicole has travelled extensively throughout the world and wants to visit every country (she is at 115 and counting). Over the past few years, she has used downtime from her consulting business in order to fuel her passion for travel and recent trips have included Africa, China and South America. This year she has a big trip planned to West Africa which will also include trips to Europe and South Africa – a busy year indeed! All of her travels are documented in her insightful Travelgal Nicole blog and it’s great to hear how Nicole has come to call New Zealand home.

As well as providing some awesome and inspirational posts about her travels all over the world, Nicole also has some super-handy posts for those who want to travel and gives some really great tips on using Instagram to showcase your stories.

16. Bare Kiwi

Perhaps best known for his exploits on Instagram, The Bare Kiwi (aka Kyle ‘te Kiwi’ Mulinder) also has a really awesome travel blog which we urge you all to bookmark immediately! Kyle has been inspiring people on Instagram since the very early days with his amazing photography. He has partnered with GoPro to produce some truly inspirational footage of our beautiful country and he is a man who is very passionate about New Zealand.

He uses his blog to expand on his amazing Instagram profile with amazing photo-led posts talking about his experience both here in New Zealand and across the world. He also has some super-handy posts on using GoPro equipment when you travel which is really great for the budding travel/photo journalist. Perhaps unsurprisingly, The Bare Kiwi is a brand ambassador for GoPro, Macpac, SunGod and more.

17. Broken Limitz

Phil is the founder of Broken Limitz and compared to some of the bloggers on our list, Phil was pretty late to travel. Born and raised in Gisborne, Phil worked 60 hours a week for 10 years as a carpenter. Desperate for a change, he was inspired to travel after reading the book ‘The 4 hour work week’ by Tim Ferriss. After finishing the book, he quit his job, packed his bags and set off with a one-way ticket in hand and nothing but adventures ahead. That was 3 years ago and he hasn’t stopped since!

Phil is another of the bloggers on our list who not only covers inspirational travel destinations, but also writes engaging and thought-provoking posts about starting online businesses and travelling on a budget. Phil has so far ticked off 11 countries in 3 short years so plenty left to explore. Make sure you check out his posts on New Zealand .

18. The Travel Natural

The Travel Natural is written and curated by Kiwi chef Emma. After years of dreaming of travel, it was actually reading blogs like the ones on this list that finally inspired Emma to get out and see the world. Despite a rocky start (homesickness is pretty common with most travellers) she soon grew to love life on the road. After 5 months solo travelling, she returned to New Zealand to save money and make sure her partner Jack was part of the next adventure. More travels followed but now Emma is back in New Zealand and falling in love with her home country all over again.

Emma has so far ticked off 15 countries on her travels and has aspirations for more! For now however she is very happy to be back in New Zealand and blogging about our beautiful country (which is great for all of us who get to read here awesome and inspiring posts!). Make sure you check out Emma’s latest posts and keep up to date with her exploits on social media.

19. Sophocles

Sophocles is an awesome travel blog written and curated by Auckland-based freelancer Sophie. She lives for adventure and experiencing destinations off the beaten track (here here!) and works with some pretty huge brands including Trivago, Expedia and Air Asia. Her blog is more about the story than the destination and Sophie does an amazing job of using some awesome photography to help tell her amazing stories.

Sophocles is a highly polished blog which has a super-professional look and feel. Once you start to delve into the various posts however you will find stories that are warming and highlighted with beautiful photography. Being based in Auckland, Sophie writes some great posts about home and has a section dedicated to these posts.

So there you have it, 19 of our favourite Kiwi bloggers you should be following if you want some pretty amazing travel tips both for New Zealand and travelling around the world. Most of these guys have an option to sign up to regular newsletters so make sure you get their top tips straight to your inbox.

Related Posts

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GO Play activities in this area

Spirit of queenstown scenic cruise.

The longest cruise on the lake. Explore Bob's Cove and enjoy alpine views towards Glenorchy. Offer available on website and phone bookings. Must present GO Play card at check in. Book direct - www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz use the code GOPLAY15

Tel: 0800 264 536

America's Cup Sailing

Feel the thrill of sailing an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm to help steer on course or work hard on the grinders to hoist the mainsail during this hands on sailing adventure on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. Relax with the wind in your face as you sit back and chat to our professional crew about the techniques, tactics and principles of sailing these boats.

Viaduct Harbour. Tel : 0800 397 567

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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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GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND FOR KIDS

INSIDE: Everything you need to know about the best things to do in New Zealand for kids & families

You’ve arrived at the ultimate destination for SUPER DOOPER FUN ideas & activities for family travel in New Zealand with Kids, Roam the Gnome™ Family Travel Website.

Thanks for stopping by.

We love travelling New Zealand with kids.

• The people are friendly
• The scenery is spectacular
• The driving is cruise
• The food makes our tastebuds tingle, and we can’t resist lolly cake at any cafe! 

We have visited 5 times in the last few years to see family.

It’s our second home.

We’re here to help, and will try and answer the most popular questions , including these ones we’ve recently received:

• Whats your best advice for traveling in New Zealand?
• Where are good places to visit in New Zealand for a first time traveler
• What are the best places in New Zealand
• What are the most popular Tourist Attractions of New Zealand?
• What are the unmissable places in New Zealand?
• Which should I visit in New Zealand   North Island or South Island?
• What are some fun things to do with children in New Zealand?, and
• What are some things to do while visiting New Zealand that a tourist might not know about?

We’d love you to scoot around our New Zealand travel blog pages, and read about some of our favourite places to visit in NZ.

Find all the details and stories below. 

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links . If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

THE INSIDE SCOOP: BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND FOR KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome . Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in NZ dollars, unless otherwise stated

Roam the Gnome Family Travel Blog will help save you time, stress & money when planning to BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP to New Zealand !

We guarantee it.

Featured Cities: Visit New Zealand with Kids

Hobbiton is on the bucket list for most visitors to New Zealand, even though 30% of visitors have NEVER seen the movies!

There’s even a Hobbiton gift shop , so you can buy all the best Hobbiton souvenirs. 

But there’s also so much more to NZ with kids than Lord of the Rings , and the best bit is you can easily self-drive around both North and South Island and see lots of the NZ attractions in two weeks.

Here’s a few cities we’ve written about on our New Zealand blog about the North Island that you shouldn’t miss.

Image credit: DXR via Flickr CC BY SA 4.0

AUCKLAND TRAVEL BLOG

Planning family travel in New Zealand on the North Island, and need to fill your New Zealand itinerary with fun things to do in New Zealand?

Start here. 

Our first tip is to catch the SkyBus from the airport to the CBD because up to four kids can travel FREE with one adult on the Family 1 and 2 Skybus fares!

I love when kids TRAVEL FOR FREE on transport – it’s a HUGE saving for families who love exploring the world.

Destination: Auckland with Kids

Most people fly into Auckland  to start their NZ North Island adventure but don’t take the time to explore much of the city, despite it being one of the most family-friendly, safe destinations on the planet.

We love Auckland, even on a rainy day.

There’s so many activities in Auckland for kids. 

It’s cosmopolitan AND quaint, often at the same time.

Auckland is a small city, so you can pretty much walk anywhere from most central accommodation.

Head on up the Sky Tower for views of the whole city.

Or check out the city with a ride the Auckland Explorer Hop on Hop Off bus. 

Visit the Auckland Maritime Museum to see the America’s Cup Challenger Boat, and join in a heap of hands-on kids activities.

Don’t miss MOTAT – the museum of Transport and Technology. You can spend the whole day exploring here.

And did you know you can make your own lollipop to take home in Auckland?

Read our guide to the best lolly shops in Auckland here.

Take note: The city rises on a sharp incline from the harbour up the hill, so be prepared to puff the whole walk home.

This is one time we’d recommend catching a bus up the hill, or an UBER.

We guarantee the investment will pay off as there will be no grumpy children or husbands to contend with.

Click here for the ULTIMATE GUIDE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND WITH KIDS

Image credit: Anne and David CC BY 1.0

NAPIER TRAVEL BLOG

Find all kinds of stories about Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand , including:

• places to visit in Napier
• where to eat in Napier with kids
• fun stuff to do in Napier with kids, and
• our top tips for visiting Napier city.

At first Napier feels like a town better suited to adults, but Napier with kids can be top fun if you know where to look! 

Destination: Napier with Kids

Napier is one of the most beautiful spots on the North Island of New Zealand.

Part of the greater Hawkes’ Bay area, there is tonnes of stuff for families to do in Napier too.

There’s:

• wildlife to meet
• Art Deco architecture to gape at
• fabulous playgrounds
• an oceanside walking and cycle path
• the Napier Prison self guided tour
• hands-on museums for kids, and more.

The best thing to do in Napier though, is the one-of-a-kind Cape Kidnappers Gannet bird colony sightseeing tour .

It’s the world’s largest mainland gannet colony and it’s perched on the top of the magnificent Napier cliffs. You’ll learn about Maori legends too. 

Check out the 39 Best Things to do in Napier for Families

RELATED: MORE of the Best Napier Attractions

ROTORUA TRAVEL BLOG

The ultimate holiday destination on the North Island of New Zealand is definitely Rotorua .

Plus, it’s only an hour or so to Hobbiton in Matamata by car, so double points.

While it’s the best fun for kids and families (and anyone for that matter), it’s NOT cheap.

Destination: Rotorua New Zealand

Stuff your wallet, and then double it.

Rotorua attractions are expensive in the grand scheme of things, and you’ll want to do lots of them, including the astounding Tamaki Maori Village cultural evening and hangi dinner where you can learn about:

• Maori heritage
• Maori dance
• Maori stories and songs, and
• Maori cultural practices still in place today. 

Tamaki tours are SO much fun – a great immersive experience of storytelling, dance and song. 

Take a look at our Tamaki Maori Village review . 

Best Rotorua attractions for families

Rotorua is the adventure capital but there’s also lots to do on family holidays. 

You can also:

• ride a ZORB down the hill ( Get tickets with Klook here )
• ride the Skyline Gondola and LUGE!!!  ( Get tickets with Klook here )
• ride the Zipline Canopy through the native forest ( Get tickets with Get your Guide here )
• ride a whitewater raft down the Kaituna river and Tutea falls
• ride the Agrojet, Rotorua’s fastest jet boating tour
• visit the National Kiwi hatchery at Rainbow Springs
• see the Geothermal activity around town
• take a tour of the Hells Gate thermal park to see bubbling mud – try Maori carving there too
• watch the geyser blow at Te Puia Maori village  

The funniest thing to do is the Rotorua duck tour boat

(We did. It’s terrific AND hilarious! Read our review here ) 

Rotorua Mud Baths

Special mention. Book the Hells Gate Mud Baths and Sulphur Spa experience on your family holiday. 

DON’T MISS THIS!

Read our review here

But back to Hobbiton.

Visiting the former movie set of The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit , just outside the town of Matamata, is a consistent contender  in the top 5 things to do in New Zealand .

Seeing that dramatic unforgettable scenery in person, and wandering through the fields of Hobbit holes in real life, just can’t be beat. 

Take a sneak peek at ALL the fun things to do in Rotorua for families below . 

Click here for the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROTORUA WITH KIDS

TAUPO & WAITOMO TRAVEL BLOG

We’ve compiled a super fun list of the best New Zealand attractions in Taupo & Waitomo for kids on our Taupo travel blog, including the best playground in Taupo and nature adventures too.

Do these things:

• Visit the Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carving via a cruise on the lake
• Check out the natural hot water pools in the area
• Take the kids to the Taupo playground
• Ride the Huka Falls on a jet boat

Hot tip: Don’t miss the giant airplane at Taupo New Zealand McDonalds!

Click here for the ULTIMATE GUIDE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAUPO with kids

Hot tip: Read this list of 13 best things to do in Waitomo too. 

Pop back soon for a guide to the best things to do in Wellington with kids too.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

Is it difficult to travel in new zealand without a car.

Yes, but not impossible.

There are plenty of bus companies, and tour companies to help you make your way around, but driving New Zealand is SO much easier.

The roads are good, the traffic is low, and the scenery is spectacular.

You can get to places such as Hot Water beach, and the rugged west coast, that you might not be able to without a car. 

Drive if you can.

Take that New Zealand road trip with kids.

A New Zealand family vacation should be top of the list for anyone who loves natural beauty. 

What is the best hire car company in New Zealand?

I started looking for a car hire firm that would take a VISA debit card as security, as I don’t own a credit card (by choice.)

We stumbled upon AERODRIVE car hire , and it was the most affordable, least hassle car hire experience we’ve ever had.

Definitely worth comparing prices, before you go with the big guys.

What is the best travel insurance for New Zealand?

Never travel without travel insurance.

Our motto is ‘if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel’.

We’ve written a Travel Insurance cost comparison to help our readers work out the best travel insurance for New Zealand for a family.

Take a look.

What visa do I need for New Zealand?

Click here for all the NZ visa information.

Can I go to New Zealand if I have an Australian visa?

If you need an Australian visa for your country, you’ll need a separate visa for New Zealand too.

(Some countries have visa waivers with both Australia and New Zealand that last three months.)

Image credit: Casey Horner via Unsplash 

What is the best time of year to visit New Zealand?

For skiing, visit in the New Zealand winter (July to mid September. August is the best.)

For all other holidays, go when it’s warmest.

New Zealand is bloody freezing at the best of times, and while cafes, restaurants, and some attractions provide heating in the cooler months, getting out and about in New Zealand with kids means layers and layers and LAYERS of clothing, AND big jackets to carry around too.

That makes life more difficult when you have kids in tow.

We love to visit between November and January.

The temperatures then are perfect for travelling around both the North and South islands of New Zealand.

What are the coolest things to do in New Zealand?

Followed closely by a trip on the downhill LUGE in Rotorua or Queenstown.

My boys would argue the Rotorua Luge is THE BEST THING TO DO in New Zealand.

My vote is the Mud Baths in Rotorua.

Hands down, it’s the number one thing to do for adults in NZ. 

Image credit: Henry McIntosh via Unsplash 

How long would I need to really see New Zealand?

You can do a pretty good roam around the North Island in 3 weeks.

Same for the South Island.

A solid month split between both islands, if you can’t manage more, would allow you time to see all the BIG sights, and a few smaller ones too.

(PS: We’re planning our next trip to visit the New Zealand South Island to explore Christchurch, Milford Sound, and Queenstown. Hit us with your best tips! )  

Where do I find a supermarket in New Zealand

Click here for our huge guide to New Zealand grocery stores, AND a big list of the NZ food you should buy there for gifts and souvenirs, and to try!

Best New Zealand food souvenirs 

• Best New Zealand Candy (and fun New Zealand sweets to try)
• Best New Zealand Snacks
• Best New Zealand chocolate bars
• Guide to New Zealand Grocery Stores (and what New Zealand food to buy there)

Image credit:  Hikosaemon via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Best New Zealand Shopping Guide

Wondering what to buy in New Zealand for family and friends?

First up, here’s a guide to the best New Zealand souvenirs – both unique, affordable and much loved by kiwis. 

No.1: Best Markets in New Zealand

Top spot to pick up made in New Zealand gifts. 

• Best Auckland Farmers Markets & Food Truck markets
• Round up of the Best New Zealand Farmers Markets
• Best Craft Markets in Auckland & throughout New Zealand for handmade goods

No.2: MORE of the Best Places to shop in New Zealand for Arty Crafty Design Loving Folk!

This is where to find unique things to buy in New Zealand, often made by the artists. 

• Best New Zealand Fabric Stores
• Best New Zealand Wool Shops for yarn for knitters, and wool fleece for felters
• Best New Zealand Crafts stops, Artist Cooperatives and Design stores

Toadstool Rating: Fun things to do in New Zealand for kids

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

We’d love to help. Click the links in blue below for more family friendly activities around the world. 

Big List of Things to Do in AUSTRALIA with Kids

Guide to fun things to do in tokyo with kids, awesome things to do in bali with kids, best things to do in hong kong with kids.

More blog categories

• City Experiences (8)
• Articles of Interest (6)
• The Best of New Zealand (7)
• Luxury New Zealand (2)
• South Island Touring (12)
• North Island Touring (8)
• Essential Info (9)
• LOTR, Middle Earth & Hobbits (4)
• Cultural Experiences (4)
• Scenic Trains, Flights & Tours (4)
• Adventure Travel (5)
• Walking, Hiking & Biking (10)
• Family Holidays (11)
• Things to Do (11)
• National Parks & Wildlife (10)
• Food & Wine Experiences (4)

Discover New Zealand with your whole family

New Zealand has so much to see and do, it can be tough deciding what to include on your family holiday! Read through our favourite destinations and activities that are sure to keep the whole brood happy and entertained.

Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can help. Just get in touch today for a free, no obligation chat about your plans. We will give you the best advice on when to visit, where to go, accommodation options, great activity suggestions and how to get the most out of your New Zealand tour.

Discover New Zealand is part of the New Zealand Fine Touring Group of companies. It specialises in self drive, seat in coach and guided coach touring holidays across New Zealand's North & South Islands. We have hundreds of tour ideas listed to inspire you or give you an indication of what is possible to achieve on your New Zealand adventure. Whether it is a luxury fully guided coach tour or a self driven off the beaten track adventure, we have something suitable for everyone. Our wide range of tour lengths and tour prices give you options and are tailor-made so we can build the itinerary to suit your interests and needs. Our team of consultants are all 100% Pure New Zealand Certified specialists and are passionate about designing your New Zealand holiday. Our consultation service is free and our quotes are provided with no obligation. Based in the heart of Wanaka you can be assured you will get the best local advice when planning your dream holiday to New Zealand. Contact one of our experienced team today. Discover New Zealand is also Qualmark Gold Certified. This is Tourism New Zealand's official measure of how our business impacts the environment and our team are proud to have achieved the highest level of quality.

© Copyright 2024 Discover New Zealand | [email protected]

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Combining New Zealand and Australia: Insider’s Guide to the Best Trip

The insider advice on this page is from one of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for New Zealand and Australia: Sarah Farag of Southern Crossings.

A native New Zealander based in Auckland, Sarah works her superb connections—from sheep farmers to helicopter pilots—to open doors for her travelers. She can set you up with a driving itinerary and rental car with stops for scenic hikes, wine tastings, and whatever else you might enjoy, but for those times when you’d prefer not to worry about driving on the left-hand side of the road and to be able to lose your eyes in the country’s countless glorious vistas and navigate to its most charming hidden corners without having to keep your eyes on the road, she has the savviest private drivers at her beck and call. Sarah has pull not just with the country’s top luxury lodges, but also with its guesthouses and even private homes with chefs. And, as a mom of two teenage sons, she is especially tuned in to what families enjoy most. For those wanting to see more of the region, Sarah can add beach stops in Fiji and other South Pacific islands, or coordinate with Sydney-based colleague and fellow WOW Lister Stuart Rigg to include time in Australia.

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Getting there and around

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Combining countries

The Great Barrier Reef, seen from above. Photo: Tourism Whitsundays

Always book your trans-Pacific flights into one country and out of the other, so you don’t have to backtrack. It usually makes sense to start with New Zealand: Since you make up time flying from there to Australia and arrive just two hours after you departed, you can still fit a lot into your travel day.

If you have two-and-a-half weeks, you can go wine tasting on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, explore Maori culture and geothermal features in Rotorua, scratch your adventure itch in Queenstown, enjoy Sydney’s harborside delights, take in Uluru and learn about Aboriginal culture in Australia’s Red Centre, and end your trip on a pristine Queensland beach near the Great Barrier Reef.

Wine lovers will need three weeks to cover the major regions in each country: Waiheke Island, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago in New Zealand, and the Barossa Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Hunter Valley in Australia. Cap it all off with a few nights to detox on an island in the Great Barrier Reef.

Wildlife lovers will need a bit more time to get to the most remote spots. The mountains and rainforests of New Zealand’s South Island hold the last remaining wild populations of most of the country’s bird species, not to mention the marine life hiding along its rocky coastline. Australia’s top nature destinations are spread across the country, from Kangaroo Island in the south to Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory and Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. Hone in on the creatures you most want to see, or expect to spend a good bit of time getting from place to place.

What to Do and See

The ultra-luxe Mt Isthmus private villa is near New Zealand’s Lake Hawea, an underrated lake most travelers skip. Photo: The Lindis Group

Most underrated places New Zealand’s Lake Hawea isn’t as well known as Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, or even neighboring Lake Wanaka. But it’s just as scenically impressive—if not more so—and you are likely to have the vast majority of it to yourself. It’s well worth stopping for a picnic when driving along the country’s west coast, but nowadays you can stay longer thanks to fabulous new options for an overnight, such as the ultra-luxe Mt Isthmus private villa or a cottage on Lake Hawea Station, a sheep and cattle farm focused on regenerative agriculture.

Australia’s Northern Territory can be tricky to work into a multi-country itinerary due to the time required to get there and get around (given the vast distances), but those who make it are treated to red-earth deserts, lush green watering holes, star-filled skies, uniquely Australian wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal experiences.

Most overrated place While Auckland is a thriving city in a beautiful location, New Zealand is all about getting out of the cities. Auckland is also a mini version of Sydney—so if that’s on your list, you can skip the former, or use it only as a base to explore the beautiful islands and beaches on its doorstep.

Hidden gems Both countries are known for their trekking routes, but they’re also a casual walker’s paradise, with countless shorter trails that you can easily enjoy on your own.

Blue Pools Track in New Zealand’s Mt. Aspiring National Park is an easy, three-kilometer track through beautiful beech forests and via an Instagram-worthy swing bridge suspended over the glacial Blue Pools and the Makarora River.

Sydney’s Bronte to Bondi coastal walk is one of the most scenic places to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and see Sydney locals going about their morning rituals (ocean swims, a before-work surf, beachside yoga, and flat white coffees in a trendy local café).

Don’t bother Hiring a campervan. They have become very overpriced, and now that many parts of both countries have banned “freedom camping”—the ability to park anywhere—they no longer offer the flexibility they once did. Campervans are also not particularly compatible with New Zealand’s winding roads, and many locals are quite opposed to the scenic obstructions when parked en masse in the height of summer.

Book one of the glass pods at The Lindis in the Ahuriri Valley and enjoy the twinkling skies from your outdoor hot tub. Photo: The Lindis Group

Cheap thrill There are countless places to enjoy star-studded Southern-Hemisphere skies —from New Zealand’s Southern Alps (the South Island’s Aoraki Mackenzie region is home to an International Dark Sky Reserve) to Australia’s vast outback. Time your stargazing right and you may even catch the spectacular Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).

If “cheap” isn’t a requirement for your stargazing, book one of the glass pods at The Lindis in the Ahuriri Valley and enjoy the twinkling skies from your outdoor hot tub with a flute of New Zealand sparkling wine in hand.

Bragging rights Sarah listens carefully to each traveler’s interests and employs her wide network of contacts to tailor special experiences that you won’t find online. She’s chartered a helicopter and hired a Department of Conservation ranger to take her travelers to parts of New Zealand where few others have ever set foot—including a natural hot springs with a secret location.

In Australia, she’s arranged a birthday party on Shark Island in Sydney Harbour with an Aboriginal welcome and smoking ceremony, didgeridoo players, dinner prepared by one of the city’s most acclaimed chefs, and a private fireworks display.

Prime Picnic Spot Take the ten-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland across the harbor to historic Devonport . Collect picnic provisions from any of the quaint local cafés before walking up the nearby extinct volcano of Mt. Victoria for panoramic views of the Auckland skyline, the sailboat-filled Waitemata Harbour, and across to volcanic Rangitoto Island.

Across the Tasman, Sydney’s waterfront Botanic Gardens are hard to beat for the picture-perfect picnic spot: a beautiful leafy setting with the harbor, opera house, and bridge as your backdrop.

Where to Stay and Eat

Best bang-for-your-buck hotels Auckland’s Hotel Britomart is the first in the country to earn five green stars from New Zealand’s Green Building Council; it gets another five stars for its service and elegance. All of the rooms are the same extremely compact size—but all exceptionally tasteful and considered—so you’re best off booking one from the least expensive Laneway category.

In Sydney, if your time is short, it’s possible to combine Sydney Harbour views, native Australian wildlife right outside your room, and dinner at one of the city’s hottest new restaurants in a single hotel stay, provided you book a room at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga , located within Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.

Qualia’s pavilions look out to the Whitsunday Islands, in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Photo: qalia

Best-value splurge lodges As accommodations go, New Zealand is best known for its small luxury lodges; one of the most charming is Pihopa Retreat in Nelson. Situated on the outskirts of Nelson, this wonderful boutique property offers six spacious and beautifully appointed suites among 5.5 acres of gardens; continental breakfast is included and dinners can be arranged by the delightful New Zealand owners, who live in the main house with their family.

Ten miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia, Qualia’s 60 ultra-luxe pavilions (what they call their standalone private villas) are nestled into the northern tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. You can fill your days here with snorkeling, scuba diving, flightseeing by helicopter or seaplane, spa treatments, or even a jaunt by private yacht to a secluded beach where you’ll be dropped off with Champagne and a gourmet picnic.

Restaurants the locals love Amisfield is a restaurant and winery on the outskirts of Queenstown, near Lake Hayes. Despite receiving a lot of press after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited in 2014, the bistro’s team have kept their heads down and continue to serve delicious dishes with a lovely local flair—nothing too fancy or fussy, but reliably tasty. The place is always full of locals, which tells you something about its consistency of service and culinary excellence. If you have time for a long and lazy lunch, ask for the “Trust the Chef” option: Simply let them know of any dietary requirements, then sit back, relax, and they’ll bring a selection of dishes to your table.

Fratelli Paradiso is a lively neighborhood trattoria in Sydney’s trendy Potts Point, and a favorite with both locals and in-the-know visiting celebrities; Elton John never fails to enjoy a casual meal here when in town. Friendly waiters translate the blackboard menus as the chefs prepare their signature dishes—Calamari Sant’Andrea and delicious lasagnes—best enjoyed with a glass of wine from the extensive list of Italian and Australian labels. As locals would expect, it’s open seven days a week for all-day dining.

Dish to try Spring is whitebait season in New Zealand, when these tiny freshwater fish become one of the country’s most sought-after delicacies. They aren’t bought in the supermarket; locals have a “whitebait guy” they buy from. The fish are most often cooked with eggs to create omelet-style whitebait fritters, which can be found everywhere from New Zealand’s top restaurants to small roadside takeaway stalls. Four of the six whitebait species are endangered, so ask if what’s being served has been sourced sustainably.

Take a private boat into Dusky Sound, where your pilot will dive into the icy-cold waters for fresh crayfish to barbecue. Photo: Southern Crossings

Meals worth the splurge On New Zealand’s South Island, in a region inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sarah can arrange for the ultimate indulgence in both fresh seafood and untouched scenery : A private helicopter takes you on a scenic flight—over rainforests, mountains, glaciers, and fjords—to a custom-built boat in Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland National Park’s most remote inlets. Here you can fish or hike the shoreline where explorer Captain Cook first came ashore in 1773, and where today dolphins, fur seals, and other wildlife abound. For lunch, your pilot will actually dive into the icy-cold waters, harvest a couple of crayfish from the sea floor, and barbecue them to be served with gourmet sides and New Zealand wine and beer.

In Australia’s dining capital of Melbourne, Attica serves innovative degustation menus that showcase local Australian produce such as salted red kangaroo and King George whiting in paperbark, as well as ingredients foraged by head chef Ben Shewry himself.

How to spend a lazy Sunday Farmers markets’ have made a big comeback in recent years and are held in most cities and towns across New Zealand on Sunday mornings. Head down for a delicious brunch freshly harvested by the farmers themselves, and ask the locals which coffee cart is the best. Don’t miss the markets in the waterside precincts of Wynyard Quarter (Auckland), Queens Wharf (Wellington), The Terrace (Christchurch), or Steamer Wharf (Queenstown). In Australia, there is Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, the very tasty South Melbourne Market, and Hobart’s lively Farm Gate market.

As for your Sunday afternoon, if you’re in Auckland, catch the ferry across the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island. Known affectionately as the Island of Wine and just 40 minutes from downtown, Waiheke is where locals go for a relaxed vibe, long lunches looking back across to the city, strolls past coastal sculpture, and beach walks.

For a lazy Sunday afternoon in Sydney, catch the ferry across the harbor to Manly , where you can enjoy a coastal stroll, a swim in the surf, and a sundowner with the locals by the water’s edge on Manly Wharf.

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Best Times to Go

September through May is the best time to combine New Zealand and Australia in a single trip. March and April bring T-shirt days and duvet nights, they’re less crowded than the peak Southern-Hemisphere summer months, and rates are a bit lower.

In October and November the gardens are lush, the countryside is vibrantly green in New Zealand’s North Island and still snow-capped in the South Island, and you get lovely spring weather in Australia.

Worst Times to Go

June, July, and August can get chilly in the region’s southern reaches, and many of New Zealand’s iconic hiking trails close over this period. That said, early August is ideal for heli-skiing and notching untracked runs on private ski fields after the local schools have returned from winter break; you can even combine a New Zealand alpine adventure with Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or a tropical stopover in Fiji.

Biggest Rookie Mistake

Trying to combine Australia and New Zealand in less than two weeks: Most of your time will be spent traveling rather than experiencing. If you can only get away for two weeks, don’t try to cover multiple regions in each country; instead, look at combining Sydney with New Zealand, for example, or Australia with Queenstown.

Can't-Miss Photo Ops

The views are grand at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay (pictured), where you can look out over the vines planted at the foot of Te Mata’s dramatic jagged peak; for beautiful light and vines bursting with grapes, get your shot in the late afternoon during the Southern-Hemisphere spring or summer.

The constantly changing hues of Uluru, or Ayers Rock, make it one of Australia’s most iconic photo-ops. Early morning and late afternoon best showcase the colors of this unique monolith—itself a sacred site of the local indigenous people—and the surrounding landscape.

The Souvenirs

Manuka honey, which New Zealand bees produce from the nectar of the native manuka plant. Maori traditionally used manuka for its healing properties, and some people use the honey today for medicinal purposes. In Australia, you can find honey made from eucalyptus, which is prized for is flavor, color, and high quality.

Pounamu, or greenstone, refers to several types of stone found in southern New Zealand that have long been used in carvings done by Maori artists. It is considered bad luck to buy pounamu for yourself, but it makes a wonderfully meaningful gift.

Must-have App

The MetService weather app for New Zealand is handy, with such a changeable climate and so many activities being weather-dependent (although Sarah monitors weather closely for her travelers).

Airport Intel

Auckland International Airport is not physically attached to Auckland Domestic Airport, which makes connecting flights a bit of a headache. While most airlines allow you to book flights with as little as one hour between them, this is almost impossible to make! Two hours is a realistic minimum connection time. For the smoothest logistics, Sarah can arrange for someone to meet you at the plane and for a private car to take you between terminals.

If your U.S.-Australia flights have you changing planes in Auckland, you’ll need to apply for an NZeTa (an Electronic Travel Authority) before you fly.

Do not bring honey or any fresh produce into New Zealand. The country’s unique ecosystem is fiercely protected by its border controllers, who will readily fine anyone bringing in such products.

Tipping Tip

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand or Australia, and is entirely discretionary as an appreciation of good service. All employees are paid full wages and therefore do not depend on gratuities for their income. However, a tip in the vicinity of 10% in recognition of excellent service has become the custom in cafés and restaurants.

Don’t Forget to Pack

Sunglasses and a hat. The sun is strong and the air particularly clear, so these two items are essential year-round.

Think in layers. The weather can change from sunny and hot to cool in a matter of hours, whether you are traveling in summer or winter.

They have exquisite taste...

Deep and rich micro-experiences..., not only memorable, but seamless....

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