New Zealand
Fiords, glaciers and the adventure capital of the world

About New Zealand

Overview

New Zealand delivers jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, fiords, glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal springs and turquoise lakes packed into two spectacular islands. It is the adventure capital of the world, from bungy jumping in Queenstown to hiking the Southern Alps, and a bucket-list stop for Lord of the Rings fans. Warm Maori culture and easy self-drive touring complete the appeal.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through New Zealand, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Milford SoundA breathtaking fiord of sheer cliffs and waterfalls in Fiordland, best seen by boat cruise.
  • 2
    Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata)The preserved Shire film set from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, set among rolling Waikato farmland.
  • 3
    Sky Tower, AucklandAuckland's 328-metre observation tower with sweeping city and harbour views and a SkyWalk.
  • 4
    RotoruaA geothermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs, and a hub of Maori culture.
  • 5
    Franz Josef GlacierA dramatic West Coast glacier flowing from the Southern Alps toward temperate rainforest.
  • 6
    QueenstownThe lakeside adventure capital, famed for bungy jumping, skiing, jet-boating and alpine scenery.
  • 7
    Aoraki / Mount CookNew Zealand's highest peak, at the heart of an alpine national park and dark-sky reserve.
  • 8
    Waitomo Glowworm CavesLimestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms, explored by boat along an underground river.
Best time to travel

December to February (summer)

New Zealand's summer runs December to February with warm, sunny days, Auckland ranges about 17 to 24 degrees Celsius and Queenstown 9 to 23 degrees Celsius. Autumn, from March to May, still serves up some of the best weather of the year with peaceful, sunny days. Winter, from June to August, brings mild lowland weather plus world-class skiing and the southern lights, with Queenstown dipping to around -1 to 8 degrees Celsius. Spring, from September to November, offers blooming nature, fewer crowds and off-peak deals.

Dec-FebWarm, sunny summer, peak season for beaches, hiking and outdoor adventure.
Mar-MayAutumn with some of the year's best weather and golden colour.
Jun-AugMild winter, ski season, alpine hikes and southern-lights viewing.
Sep-NovSpring bloom with fewer crowds and off-peak deals.
Good to know

New Zealand at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelDecember to February (summer), with autumn (March to May) a strong alternative
CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language
CurrencyNew Zealand dollar (NZD)
Entry / visaVisa-waiver visitors need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), costing from NZD 17, valid for 2 years, allowing visits of up to 3 months at a time, with a limit of 6 months in any 12-month period. Allow 72 hours for processing.
Getting aroundMost visitors self-drive or campervan between the two islands, linked by the Cook Strait ferry, with domestic flights between Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown for longer hops.
What to book

Best tours in New Zealand

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Classic & Cultural

North & South Island Highlights

Auckland, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Queenstown and Milford Sound in one grand tour.

Adventure & Nature

Southern Alps Adventure

Glacier hikes, bungy and jet-boating around Queenstown, Franz Josef and Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Honeymoon & Romance

Lakes & Fiords Romance

Lakeside lodges in Queenstown paired with a Milford Sound cruise.

Family

New Zealand for Families

Glowworm caves, easy alpine walks and Rotorua's geothermal park make for an unforgettable family trip.

See all New Zealand programs
Why New Zealand

The specials

Scenery overload

Fiords, glaciers, volcanoes and beaches all within a compact two-island road trip.

Adventure capital

Bungy, skydiving, jet-boats and world-class hiking, especially around Queenstown.

Middle-earth and Maori culture

Iconic film locations meet warm, living indigenous traditions.

Questions about New Zealand?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Read the FAQ Plan a Trip

Travel facts verified from Tourism New Zealand, Wikipedia, New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand, NZeTA, Wikipedia, Milford Sound. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.