New Zealand – Destination Guide

New Zealand is a compact but wildly diverse island nation where glacier carved fjords, volcanic plateaus and golden beaches exist within a few hours of each other. Known locally as Aotearoa, the “Land of the Long White Cloud,” it combines raw natural beauty with deep Māori heritage and an easygoing outdoor lifestyle.

This is a destination built for movement. Whether you are hiking alpine trails, kayaking along turquoise coastline, tasting world class wines or exploring geothermal valleys, New Zealand rewards travellers who want to be immersed in landscape rather than just observe it.

🌏 Regions To Explore

🏔️ South Island

Fiordland

Remote wilderness of towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

• Cruise Milford Sound at Sunrise
• Explore Doubtful Sound by Kayak
• Take a Scenic Flight over the Fjords

Queenstown

Adventure capital set beside Lake Wakatipu.

• Ride the Skyline Gondola
• Go Bungee Jumping off Kawarau Bridge
• Jet Boat on the Shotover River
• Explore Wineries in Gibbston Valley

Abel Tasman National Park

Golden beaches and turquoise water.

• Walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track
• Sea Kayak along the Coastline
• Swim in Sheltered Bays

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Home to New Zealand’s highest peak.

• Hike the Hooker Valley Track
• Visit Tasman Glacier Lake
• Stargaze in a Dark Sky Reserve

🌋 North Island

The North Island is geothermally active, culturally rich and more urbanised, with vibrant cities and significant Māori heritage.

Auckland

Harbour city built across volcanic cones.

• Climb Mount Eden for City Views
• Visit Waiheke Island for Wine Tasting
• Sail across the Waitemata Harbour

Rotorua

Geothermal heartland and Māori cultural centre.

• Visit Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Experience a Traditional Hangi Feast
• See Pohutu Geyser Erupt

Tongariro National Park

UNESCO listed volcanic landscape.

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• See the Emerald Lakes
• Explore Mount Ngauruhoe

Bay of Islands

Subtropical coastline of 140 islands.

• Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise
• Explore Historic Russell
• Snorkel between Offshore Islands

⭐ Scenic Highlights

• Glacier Carved Fjords in Fiordland
• Snow Capped Peaks of the Southern Alps
• Emerald Volcanic Craters in Tongariro
• Golden Beaches in Abel Tasman
• Glowworm Caves in Waitomo
• Rolling Vineyards in Marlborough

🎒 Things to Do

• Road Trip across Both Islands
• Hike New Zealand’s Great Walks
• Whale Watch in Kaikoura
• Ski in Queenstown or Wanaka
• Visit Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata
• Skydive over Lake Taupo
• Soak in Natural Hot Springs
• Cycle the Otago Rail Trail
• Jet Boating the Shotover River in Queenstown

🍽️ Food and Drink

New Zealand cuisine is seasonal, coastal and produce driven.

• Taste Green Lipped Mussels
• Try Bluff Oysters in Season
• Enjoy Grass Fed Lamb
• Sample Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
• Discover Central Otago Pinot Noir
• Experience Flat White Coffee Culture

Farm to table dining and vineyard lunches are standout experiences.

🏨 Accommodation

Accommodation styles range from luxury lodges to scenic campervan sites.

• Stay in a Luxury Wilderness Lodge
• Book a Boutique Vineyard Retreat
• Choose a Lakeside Hotel in Queenstown
• Hire a Campervan for a Self Drive Adventure
• Stay in a Coastal Holiday Park

Peak summer requires advance bookings.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Summer – December to February

• Warm weather and long daylight hours, ideal for hiking and beaches.

Autumn – March to May

• Fewer crowds and beautiful vineyard colours.

Winter – June to August

• Snow sports season with dramatic alpine scenery.

Spring – September to November

• Wildflowers bloom and waterfalls surge from snowmelt.

✈️ Airports

Main international gateways:

• Auckland Airport AKL
• Christchurch Airport CHC
• Queenstown Airport ZQN
• Wellington Airport WLG

🚗 Getting Around

Self drive is the most flexible way to explore.

• Rent a Car for Full Flexibility
• Hire a Campervan for Scenic Routes
• Take Domestic Flights between Major Cities
• Travel by Ferry between Wellington and Picton

Driving is on the left.

💰 Money

• Currency is the New Zealand Dollar NZD.
• Cards are widely accepted including contactless payments. Cash is rarely required outside remote areas.
• Tipping is not mandatory but 5 to 10 percent is appreciated for exceptional service.

🛂 Visas and Entry Requirements

• Many nationalities can enter visa free for short stays.
• Most visitors must apply for an NZeTA before travel.
• Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond departure.
• Official information https://www.immigration.govt.nz

🌤️ Climate

• New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate.
• Weather can change rapidly, particularly in alpine regions. Layered clothing is recommended year round and UV levels are strong in summer.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+ Travellers

• New Zealand is one of the most progressive countries in the region. Marriage equality has been legal since 2013.
• Auckland and Wellington host vibrant Pride festivals and the country is widely considered safe and welcoming for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

🛡️ Traveller Safety

• New Zealand has low crime rates and is considered very safe.
• Outdoor conditions are the main risk factor. Always check weather forecasts and official track updates before hiking.
• Emergency number is 111.

🧳 Practical Info

• Language – English and Te Reo Māori are official languages
• Time Zone – NZST UTC +12, daylight saving applies in summer
• Electricity – Type I plug, 230 to 240 volts
• Internet – Strong coverage in cities, limited in remote alpine areas
• Water – Tap water is safe to drink nationwide
• Health and Vaccinations – No specific vaccinations required for most travellers
• Travel Insurance – Essential for hiking, skiing and adventure activities, ensure evacuation cover is included
• Connectivity SIM and eSIM – SIM cards available at airports and retail stores, eSIM widely supported for short stays. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🌟 Why Visit New Zealand

New Zealand offers one of the highest scenery to distance ratios anywhere in the world. You can stand on a glacier in the morning and swim at a golden beach by afternoon.

It is safe, easy to navigate and packed with outdoor experiences that feel genuinely immersive rather than staged. Whether you want high adrenaline adventure, cinematic landscapes, cultural depth or a slow scenic road trip, New Zealand delivers consistent, world class experiences in a compact and accessible format.

Few destinations combine wilderness, comfort and accessibility this effortlessly.