- CapitalWellington
- CurrencyNew Zealand dollar (NZD)
- LanguagesEnglish, te reo Māori, NZ Sign Language
- Main hubsAuckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC), Queenstown (ZQN)
- EntryNZeTA plus International Visitor Levy for visa-waiver visitors
- Drives onLeft
Aotearoa New Zealand packs glaciers, geothermal valleys, sub-tropical beaches and alpine lakes into two islands roughly the size of the UK. It is one of the world's great road-trip countries, with short drives between dramatically different landscapes.
North Island
Start in Auckland, then head north to the Bay of Islands, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. South of Auckland you'll find Hobbiton, the glowworms of Waitomo, the geysers and Māori cultural experiences of Rotorua, and the volcanic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Wellington, the compact capital, has the excellent Te Papa museum.
South Island
The South Island is wilder. Drive the Southern Alps to Aoraki/Mount Cook, base yourself in adventure-sport capital Queenstown, and take the spectacular road or a scenic flight to Milford Sound. The West Coast glaciers, Abel Tasman's golden beaches and Kaikōura's whales round out a classic loop.
Our South Island road trip and North Island itinerary have day-by-day plans.
When to go
December to March is summer, with long days and the busiest trails. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are quieter and often clear. Winter (June to August) brings skiing around Queenstown and Wānaka.
Where to stay in New Zealand
Compare hotels, resorts and guesthouses with free cancellation on many rooms. Via Booking.com.
Landmarks map
Top landmarks
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Fiordland's star attraction, with Mitre Peak rising straight out of the sea.
Queenstown
New Zealand's adventure capital on Lake Wakatipu, beneath The Remarkables.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
New Zealand's highest mountain and the easy Hooker Valley Track.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
A 19.4 km volcanic day hike past steaming vents and the Emerald Lakes.
Rotorua
Geysers, bubbling mud and Māori culture on the volcanic plateau.
Hobbiton Movie Set
The Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, on a working farm near Matamata.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Boat rides beneath thousands of glowing Arachnocampa luminosa larvae.
Bay of Islands
144 islands, dolphins and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland.
Tours & activities in New Zealand
Day trips, cruises and guided experiences, many with free cancellation. Via GetYourGuide.
Guides & articles
Australia vs New Zealand: Which Should You Visit?
Reef and outback or mountains and fiords? A side-by-side comparison of Australia and New Zealand to help you choose, or plan a trip that combines both.
The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Oceania
Overwater bungalows, private islands and alpine lodges: the best honeymoon spots in Oceania compared, with the best months to go and rough nightly costs.
What to Pack for Oceania: Packing Lists, Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Biosecurity Rules
Lagoons, alpine passes and outback heat in one trip. Here is what to pack for Oceania, which sunscreens to avoid, and how to stay on the right side of strict Australia and NZ biosecurity rules.
7 to 10 Days on New Zealand's North Island: The Complete Itinerary
From Auckland's harbors to Wellington's waterfront via Bay of Islands, glowworm caves, Hobbiton, Rotorua and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Combining Hawaii with Tahiti, Fiji or the Cook Islands
Honolulu is a natural gateway to the South Pacific. Here is how to pair Hawaii with Tahiti, Fiji or the Cook Islands, with direct routes and sample itineraries.
Getting Around Oceania: Island Flights, Ferries, Trains and Driving on the Left
Island flights that run once a week, ferries worth taking, scenic trains and tips for driving on the left: a practical guide to moving around Oceania.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.