Highlights
Milford Sound and Fiordland
In Fiordland National Park, sheer cliffs rise from dark water and waterfalls pour down after rain. Take a cruise or kayak on Milford Sound, walk the multi-day Milford Track, or visit quieter Doubtful Sound.
Queenstown
Set on Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables, Queenstown is known for bungee jumping, jet-boating, skiing in winter and wine regions nearby in Central Otago. The gondola gives views across the lake.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
A day hike of about 19 kilometres through a volcanic landscape in Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing steaming vents and the vivid Emerald Lakes. Check the weather, as conditions change fast.
Rotorua
A geothermal area of geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs, and a centre of Māori culture. Visit geothermal parks, experience a hāngī feast and a cultural performance, and walk among giant redwoods.
Bay of Islands and Waitangi
In Northland, a sheltered bay of around 150 islands for sailing, dolphin watching and beaches. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds mark where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs.
Abel Tasman National Park
At the top of the South Island, golden beaches and clear bays are linked by a coastal track. Kayak, walk sections of the track, or use water taxis to hop between beaches.
Aoraki/Mount Cook
New Zealand's highest mountain stands above glaciers and turquoise lakes. The Hooker Valley Track is an easy walk to a glacier lake, and the surrounding area is an International Dark Sky Reserve for stargazing.
Waitomo Caves
Limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms. Take a boat ride through the Glowworm Cave or go black-water rafting through underground rivers.
Interesting facts about New Zealand
- New Zealand was one of the last major landmasses to be settled by humans: Polynesian ancestors of Māori arrived around 700 to 800 years ago.
- In 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to give women the right to vote in national elections.
- Apart from bats and marine mammals, New Zealand has no native land mammals, which is why so many of its birds, such as the kiwi, evolved to be flightless.
- Wellington is the southernmost capital city of a sovereign state in the world.
- Te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are official languages, and Māori place names are used across the country.
Best time to visit
December to February is summer, with the warmest weather, long days and the busiest season on beaches and tracks. March to May is autumn, often settled and quieter, with colourful trees in Central Otago. Winter, June to August, brings snow to the Southern Alps and the ski season in Queenstown and Wanaka, while the north stays mild. Spring, September to November, is changeable but beautiful, with lambs and blossom. Weather can change quickly in any season, especially in the mountains.
Practical information
| Capital | Wellington |
|---|---|
| Currency | New Zealand dollar (NZD) |
| Languages | English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language |
| Plugs | Type I |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 111 (police, ambulance and fire) |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Not expected. Wages include service, but leaving a tip for exceptional service is appreciated. |
Getting around
Most visitors rent a car or campervan, as public transport between smaller towns is limited. Roads are good but often narrow and winding, with many one-lane bridges, so distances take longer than they look. Driving is on the left. Domestic flights connect cities and save time between islands, and ferries cross Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton. Scenic train routes include the TranzAlpine across the Southern Alps. Intercity coaches link most towns. In cities, ride-hailing and buses are widely available.
Staying connected in New Zealand
Mobile coverage is good in cities, towns and along main highways, with 4G and 5G in urban areas. Outside towns there are many gaps: Fiordland, including the road to Milford Sound, much of the West Coast, alpine passes, national park tracks and remote beaches often have little or no signal. Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, libraries and many campsites. Download offline maps before driving. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See New Zealand eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for New Zealand
- Google Maps: Navigation and offline maps for road trips through areas without coverage.
- CamperMate: Finds campsites, dump stations, public toilets and free Wi-Fi, widely used by campervan travellers.
- MetService: The national weather service's forecasts, including mountain and marine forecasts for tracks.
- Uber: Ride-hailing in the main cities, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.