New Zealand

Aotearoa, or “Land of the Long White Cloud” as it’s otherwise known, is like nowhere else on Earth. It truly is as mystical as the name suggests.

What’s not to like about New Zealand? Beautiful cities, good food and drink, and friendly people all come together with a uniquely Kiwi twist. And the nature, oh the nature: that’s absolutely something else. The Kiwis don’t just enjoy nature, they spice things up with extreme adventures. All of this in one of the safest and easiest countries to travel in the world.

Explore the cities of New Zealand

Auckland

According to its Māori heritage, Auckland is a place with many lovers. Spend a little time here and you’ll fall head over heels.

Wellington

As the New Zealand capital, Wellington has all the cool museums, gardens and heritage buildings, but its arty vibe is what makes this windy city über cool.

Queenstown

Dubbed the Adventure Capital of the World, there is no place more thrilling than Queenstown.

Christchurch

Christchurch, or “ChCh” to those in the know, is a creative, cultural university city that is both blessed and cursed by Mother Nature.

Rotorua

A whole lot of heaven and a little bit of hell, Rotorua does nature like nowhere else on Earth.

Taupo

Set in a geothermal landscape, overlooking New Zealand’s largest lake, it’s only logical that Taupo is a hot item on the North Island’s tourist trail.

Dunedin

Dunedin can wear many hats — old and modern, natural and cultural, fun and serious — and each hat is worn with pride.

Hamilton

In a country full of adventure and action, this river city plates up a slower, yet sweet, slice of life.

Napier

New Zealand’s art deco capital in the coastal Hawke’s Bay wine region is like no other destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tauranga

The biggest city in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty – Tauranga has a bit to live up to and it does it easily.

Wanaka

Crisp mountain air and wide open spaces, the magnetic pull and cool vibe of Wanaka are hard to resist.

Te Anau

As the stepping stone to some of New Zealand’s best Great Walks, Te Anau is there for you. At your service, anytime.

New Plymouth

When it comes to unbeatable surf and cultural kudos, the seaside city of New Plymouth takes the cake.

Lake Tekapo

Impossibly blue waters in a mountainous setting, an über-cute church and some of the clearest night skies in the world… is Lake Tekapo even real?

Picton

Near the tip of New Zealand's South Island lies a small town that is your gateway to many awesome adventures.

Whangarei

From sandy beaches to sacred mountains, there aren't many places that can hold a candle to Whangarei's natural beauty.

Whitianga

Once upon a time, Māori explorers took one look at the breathtaking Whitianga Harbour and knew this was the perfect spot to settle down.

Oamaru

Its gold rush days may be long gone, but the Waitaki District still shines and Oamaru is the jewel in its crown.

Turangi

Turangi is all about hiking, rafting, skiing, and fishing. If you love the outdoors, you’ll be right at home here.

Greymouth

Although the biggest town on the West Coast of the South Island, remote Greymouth still has the small-town feel of the mining hub it once was.

Geraldine

When it comes to nature, history and creativity, Geraldine's got it down to a fine art.

Mount Hutt

Rising over 2,000m from the Canterbury Plains, Mount Hutt demands your respect. Welcome to the Capital of Speed.

Hastings

It's all about fork and cork in sunny Hastings, a city full of flavour and art deco charm.

Westport

For a humble fishing and mining town, Westport does a great job of standing out, although its biggest attractions actually hide under the surface.

Akaroa

A slice of paradise nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, Akaroa is a treasure trove of attractions.

Cardrona

Cardrona is an awesome alpine playground in the South Island’s Crown Range. Adrenalin junkies, step this way!

Tutukaka

Secluded beaches, coastal walkways, great fishing spots and wineries: the Tutukaka Coast has serious bragging rights.

Glenorchy

Sitting beside Lake Wakatipu with the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps in the background, Glenorchy is a haven for lovers of the great outdoors.

Thames

From an old gold-mining town, Thames has turned into a quaint little oasis. All is not as mellow as it seems though…

Wairakei

While an unlikely holiday destination at first sight, Wairakei’s powerful natural features can sooth the soul.

Waihi

Waihi and gold mining go way back and today the town and its mine are inseparable, both still going for gold.

Coromandel

This slow-paced town on the Coromandel Harbour is a great place to base yourself while exploring the Coromandel Peninsula.

Omarama

Combine sky-high thrills with hot tubs and chill in Omarama, a secluded township surrounded by lakes and mountains.

Paeroa

As the locals joke: “Lemon & Paeroa is world famous in New Zealand”, but they’ve got more to brag about than inventing this soft drink.

Omapere

In remote Omapere nature gangs up on you a bit, to completely blow your mind with some seriously stunning views.

Tairua

Go with the flow in Tairua and discover its volcanic peaks, island dive spots and surf beaches at your own leisure.

Mangawhai Heads

For an action-packed seaside holiday near Auckland, look no further than Mangawhai Heads.

Kaka Point

Sleepy little Kaka Point in a far corner of New Zealand’s South Island is where penguins, seals and sea lions come to rest.

Cape Foulwind

It was a wary Captain Cook that gave this unfortunate name to a beautiful place, one he couldn’t quite reach due to offshore winds.

Havelock

The “Green-lipped Mussel Capital of the World” in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds makes the most of nature’s gifts.

Little River

There’s more than one way to roll into this tiny-but-mighty town that’s the end point for one of New Zealand’s great hiking and biking tracks.

Cable Bay

Life really is a beach in the seaside haven of Cable Bay.

Opononi

Switch to beach bum mode in Opononi where a classic seaside retreat is waiting for you.

Pukaki

You’ll be gobsmacked by the shocking blue of beautiful Lake Pukaki.

Owaka

Discover the peaceful little settlement of Owaka at the heart of The Catlins’ rugged coastline, temperate rainforest and farmlands.

Okere Falls

Only 20 minutes from Rotorua CBD, there’s a little pocket of nature with water to wow at.

Urenui

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Tarakani region, the Urenui locals go to great lengths to stay on the tourist radar.

Waiotapu

We’re putting the challenge out there: visit Wai-O-Tapu and see how quickly your photos of this Thermal Wonderland become your desktop wallpaper.

Mount Aspiring National Park

So you want it all: glaciers, rugged peaks, river valleys, snowfields and forests? Well, you can have all of these, and more if you head to Mount Aspiring.

Rawene

Rawene, New Zealand’s third-oldest European settlement, is plonked right on the edge of Hokianga Harbour.

Tongaporutu

The limestone cliffs and natural archways of Tongaporutu are very cool, but also a bit spooky. Rocks keep changing shape and even disappear…

Mahau Sound

A campsite or “bach” with views of stunning blue waters and emerald hills. Sounds great? Think Mahau Sound for your next NZ holiday.

Waipoua Forest

Size doesn’t matter, you say? Wait until you’ve seen Waipoua Forest because there are trees, and then there are the massive kauri trees…

Regions of New Zealand

North Island

Explore the Māori legends, Middle-earth scenery, cool cities, perfect beaches and volcanic scenery of New Zealand’s top island.

South Island

Incredibly diverse, crazily adventurous and breathtakingly beautiful: you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the many highs of New Zealand’s pristine South Island.

Otago

The Otago region packs a punch and there are not many places in the world that can match its energy.

Canterbury

From whales rising from the depths of the ocean to snow-capped peaks reaching for the skies, Canterbury goes to great lengths to impress you.

Bay of Plenty

Of all the flavours of New Zealand, the Bay of Plenty is one of the most delicious; an addictive cocktail of outdoor fun with a sprinkling of urban flair.

Waikato

After the must-see attractions of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, make it your quest to discover the other gems of the Waikato region.

Nelson Region

As one of the sunniest corners of the South Island, Nelson Tasman is where you go to have a good time in the outdoors.

Manawatu - Wanganui

The nature lovers’ mecca of Manawatu-Wanganui is packed with attractions of epic proportions.

Mackenzie Country

To see some of the most idyllic lakes and dramatic alpine wilderness our planet has to offer, all you have to do is travel to the heart of New Zealand’s South Island.

Hawke's Bay

Beaches and vineyards as far as the eye can see, scenic bird colonies and awesome headlands sum up this remote coastal region.

Northland

Picture rolling farmlands, gorgeous beaches, quaint fishing towns, island-studded bays and mighty kauri forests and you get a sense of the serenity of Northland.

Marlborough

With its fresh seafood, award-winning wines and picturesque coves, Marlborough reaches out to those who appreciate the good things in life.

Waitaki District

Meet the South Island’s quiet achiever, a district that’s been flying under the radar of the tourist trail, even though it’s got some of the most amazing sights…

West Coast

Sandy beaches. Tick. Awesome cliffs and blowholes. Tick. Lush rainforests, mighty mountains and cool glaciers. All a big tick. West Coast New Zealand has it all.

Southland

In a country that does nature incredibly well, the Southland region still manages to stand out as something special.

Taupo District

New Zealand’s largest lake, smack bang in the middle of the North Island, is the result of a massive volcanic eruption that shook the globe.

Taranaki

From ocean wide to mountain high, Taranaki has all the elements for an outdoor adventurer’s dream holiday.

Fox Glacier

In the foothills of the snowcapped Southern Alps rests a beautiful ice queen.

Hokianga

Rich in Māori heritage, natural wonders and relaxed vibes, Hokianga offers incredible scenery and simple pleasures.

Doubtless Bay

It's all about beaches at Doubtless Bay, and there's no doubt you'll have a new definition of paradise after visiting here.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is one of the most photographed scenes in New Zealand. It’s magical, it’s mystical and it’s memorable.

Queen Charlotte Sound

First impressions last and there’s no better introduction to the South Island’s pristine nature than through Queen Charlotte Sound.

Cape Reinga

Also known as Te Rerenga Wairua, this is a place of Māori legend, the gateway to the afterlife.

New Zealand Hotels

Flights to New Zealand

New Zealand Car Hire

New Zealand Holiday Packages

Things you gotta know before you fly

Not expected, but can leave extra tip

Tipping is usually not expected in New Zealand. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip.

Usual Tipping Rates

RESTAURANT:

TOUR GUIDE:

5% (EXCELLENT)

TAXI DRIVER:

SPA:

5% - 10% (EXCELLENT)

HOTEL PORTER:

3.00 NZD - 4.00 NZD (EXCELLENT)

HOTEL HOUSEKEEPER:

3.00 NZD - 4.00 NZD (EXCELLENT)

HOTEL CONCIERGE:

3.00 NZD - 4.00 NZD (EXCELLENT)

Source:

Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand

How do I travel between the North and South islands of New Zealand?

There are multiple airports on both the North and South islands of New Zealand, but if you're driving between the two, you'll be taking the ferry. This picturesque 3.5-hour boat ride crosses the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton. Numerous ferry companies run the route, but it certainly pays to book ahead.

What is the capital city of New Zealand?

Situated at the bottom of the North Island, Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. Also known as "the Windy City", this gorgeous harbour town is ringed by natural attractions and is the cultural heart of the country.

Where are the best skiing mountains in New Zealand?

When it comes to mountains - and nightlife for that matter - you can't go past Queenstown. Many skiers and snowboarders choose to base themselves in this party town as it offers easy access to some of the biggest and best resorts. For a variety of runs catering to beginners and experts alike, sling your skis over your shoulder and head up the winding road to Coronet Peak. And if fresh snow is forecast, there's no where better to make the most of it than up at The Remarkables. If you're looking for a quieter escape, the nearby town of Wanaka might be a better choice. From here, you'll be well placed to explore the thrilling snow parks of Cardrona and the backcountry runs of Treble Cone.

Where was The Lord of the Rings filmed in New Zealand?

The dramatic mountains and wild forests of New Zealand were the perfect backdrop for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Scenes were filmed in locations all over the country so a holiday in New Zealand can at times feel as though you're walking through a gigantic film set. True fans will want to take the pilgrimage to see The Shire and Hobbiton movie set in the small town of Matamata. You can also head to Wellington's Kaitoke Regional Park, the setting of the mystical Elven realm "Rivendell".