New Zealand The Land Of The Long White Cloud

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand - the home of lush green landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and snowy mountain ranges as well as beautiful sandy beaches, a rich Polynesian culture, and world-famous surf. Kiwi-land is famous among adventurists for its abundance of thrilling activities: from rugged hikes to skydiving to bungee-jumping there is never a lack of adrenaline in this two-island country. For those who love culture, the Māori people of New Zealand have recently been met with worldwide attention for the distinct Haka dance.

Good to know

At a glance

Flag

Georegion

Australia and New Zealand

Population

5.1M

Capital

Wellington

Largest city

Auckland

Official languages

English

Māori

NZ Sign Language

Time zone

UTC+13:00

(local time)

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

1 USD = 1
1 EUR = 1.1

Daily budget

$100 or more

(category: luxury )

Driving side

Left

Solo female travellers

LGBTIQ+ friendly

Where to stop

Tours

No tours available yet for this destination.

What to do

Experiences

Grid view

Map view

When to go

Best time to visit

Depending on the activities you hope to do and the areas you want to explore, the time of year you decide to visit the lush country of New Zealand is imperative.

One vital nugget of knowledge to keep close at hand is that the seasons are switched in the southern hemisphere. For us northerners our winter months are from November to March and summer months are from May to September. In southern places like New Zealand however, the ‘summer months are November to March, while ‘winter’ is from May to September.

Generally, the best time of year to make a trip to Kiwi land is in the summer months between November and March. You’ll find mild, temperate days and warm nights – perfect for stargazing. Many of the outdoor activities are more available such as hiking, white water rafting, and surfing. You’ll also find an abundance of festivals in and around the towns and cities as they reign in the warm days.

However, that being said, the wintertime still has its features. Avid skiers and those who hate crowds will enjoy the winter months (June, July, August) more than the summer. Snow is known to coat the South Island and North Island mountain peaks during these times.

No matter when you decide to go, the rugged beauty and natural wonders of New Zealand won’t cease to take your breath away and inspire some great memories.

From A to B

Getting around

Flying

The national airline of New Zealand is Air New Zealand, which connects 25 different places on the two islands. An often cheaper alternative is the low-cost carrier JetStar, which however offers fewer connections. Generally, there can be cheaper deals if you book early, but unless you have a tight schedule we would avoid domestic flights as there are plenty of alternatives.

Trains

While not the most efficient way to get around, trains in New Zealand are quite popular with travelers and a scenic way to see the country. There are 3 long distance routes operated by the national operator Kiwirail: The Northern Explorer travels through Tongariro National Park and connects the two cities of Auckland and Wellington, the Coastal Pacific track travels partially along the coast between Christchurch and Picton, and the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth is known for its breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. Train tickets are usually a bit more expensive than comparable bus tickets, it may be worth booking early.

Rental Car or Bike

Self-drive is undoubtedly the preferred option among travelers to experience the country's beautiful landscape. After all, New Zealand is a perfect route trip destination! Whether you opt for a car or a campervan, driving offers maximum flexibility and takes you to places that are off the usual tourist trail. Given the high accommodation prices in the country, it can also be a cost-effective option (but keep in mind that "free camping" is not allowed everywhere).

Buses

If you don't want to rent a car, buses are a great choice to get around. The major operators (e.g. Intercity, KiwiExperience) connect all major cities and towns and run several times a day, while smaller shuttles buses also serve the less common routes. The most flexible option is hop-on/hop-off buses, which allow you to make multiple stops along the purchased route (or within your hourly budget). Prices are usually affordable compared to other modes of transportation.

Taxi & Last Mile

Taxis and ride-sharing options like Uber or Ola are available in all major cities.

Boats & Ferries

If you want to travel between the North and South Island without flying, crossing the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton by ferry is your best option. The journey takes 3.5 hours and is operated by Bluebridge or InterIslander. Prices (without a vehicle, one-way) start at about 60 NZD.

Know before you go

Essentials ^{Partner links}

Travel and safety information

Make sure to check your home country's latest travel advisory for New Zealand before you book (DE | US).

Visa information

Not sure if you need a visa to enter New Zealand? You can usually find your visa requirements and the links to apply for your visa on the website of your foreign office (DE | US ). Or you can ditch the stress of handling the visa process yourself and instead

use iVisa's fast and easy application process

Travel confidently

Unfortunately, bad things can happen even on vacation. To make sure you're covered for all eventualities, it is therefore advisable to have a good travel insurance in place before you go. Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers. They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel confidently.

Visit World Nomads

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads . This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Stay connected

Are you one of those who desperately search for free WiFi when traveling? Look no further, it has never been easier to stay connected even when abroad. If your mobile device supports eSIM, check out Airalo. They offer digital SIM cards for 190+ countries at a fair price.

Get your eSIM now

Explore the details

It's always handy to have a travel guide that covers the details for each of your stops. We've had good experience with Lonely Planet and Rough Guide guidebooks when traveling and can recommend both. When in doubt, go for the most up-to-date one.

Lonely Planet New Zealand (Oct 2023) The Rough Guide to New Zealand (Dec 2018)

New Zealand Tour Planner

Ready to plan your tour to New Zealand? Get your customized and free itinerary within minutes, we'll guide you through each step!