12Go’s Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide 2025
What is it like to travel to New Zealand? New Zealand is a stunning but remote place, so getting there takes time. The landscapes are as incredible as people say—mountains, beaches, and everything in between.
It’s great for road trips, hiking, and adventure sports, but distances can be long, and the weather changes fast. Read this travel guide to know more about New Zealand.
How to get to New Zealand?
The best way to travel to New Zealand is by plane. The leading international airports are in Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), and Christchurch (CHC), with Auckland being the busiest and most connected. Direct flights operate from major cities in Australia, Asia, North America, and the Pacific.
If traveling from Europe, Africa, or South America, you’ll likely need a layover in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, or Sydney.
Airlines like Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and American Airlines serve routes to New Zealand.
Best Time to Visit New Zealand
New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, with summer in December and winter in July. The best time to visit depends on your travel style—whether you prefer warm beaches, snowy mountains, festivals, or just nature walks, there’s something special year-round.
New Zealand has a varied climate with mild temperatures but sudden weather changes. Summers peak in January and February, while July is the coldest month.
Rainfall can be year-round, and snow falls in the mountains from June to October. UV levels are high during summer, so wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is good.
The North and South Islands have distinct climates—summer is dry in some areas but wet on the West Coast, while winter brings rain to the North and crisp, clear days to the South. Summer and autumn are the best times to hike.
Winter (June to August) is the best season for snow enthusiasts, with prime conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The average temperature is 12 - 15˚C. Winter is the best for snow sports and cozy escapes.
Queenstown & Wanaka – Skiing, snowboarding, and adventure sports.
Mt. Ruapehu – Best North Island skiing and volcanic landscapes.
Tekapo & Aoraki/Mt. Cook – Stunning snow-covered scenery and stargazing.
Spring (September to November) brings fresh blooms and mild temperatures, marking a smooth transition into summer. The average temperature: 16 - 19˚C
Spring season is the best for wildflowers & outdoor exploration.
Christchurch & Canterbury – blooming gardens, lambing season, and outdoor activities.
Fiordland National Park has amazing waterfalls and fewer crowds before summer.
Rotorua – mild weather for geothermal pools and Māori cultural experiences.
Summer (December to February) is the peak season in New Zealand, perfect for sunny beach days and breathtaking landscapes. However it also means more people and higher prices. The average temperature: 20 - 28˚C.
Bay of Islands – Pristine beaches, dolphin cruises, and island hopping.
Coromandel Peninsula – Golden beaches, Hot Water Beach, and Cathedral Cove.
Abel Tasman National Park – Kayaking, hiking, and scenic coastal walks.
Autumn (March to May) offers warm, sunlit days with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for a more relaxed experience. The average temperature: 17 - 20˚C. Autumn is great for scenic foliage & wine regions.
Arrowtown – Stunning autumn colors and charming historic streets.
Hawke’s Bay – Wine tasting, art deco architecture, and mild weather.
Lake Tekapo – Beautiful seasonal colors and stargazing.
How to Get Around New Zealand
Getting around New Zealand is easy, whether driving, taking a bus, or flying. Renting a car or campervan gives you the most freedom, while intercity buses are a budget-friendly way to travel between significant spots. Scenic trains are worth it for the views, and ferries connect the North and South Islands. Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances.
Buses in New Zealand
Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel around New Zealand, especially for those without a car. Intercity and regional bus services connect major cities and smaller towns, with operators like InterCity, ManaBus, and regional public transport systems offering various routes.
Train travel in New Zealand
New Zealand has three scenic long-distance train routes operated by Great Journeys New Zealand:
- Northern Explorer (Auckland–Wellington) – enjoy a journey through the North Island, passing Tongariro National Park.
- Coastal Pacific (Christchurch–Picton) – a scenic ride along the east coast of the South Island with views of the Pacific Ocean.
- TranzAlpine (Christchurch–Greymouth) – one of the world's most scenic train rides, crossing the Southern Alps.
The train runs through the mountains on a route that is more than 8 kilometers long. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature that looks like a fairy tale on both sides of the road, including snowy mountains, green fields, waterfalls, animal farms along the way and colorful trees. You will definitely have an unforgettable experience.
Car rent in New Zealand
Renting a car is a popular option for exploring New Zealand, especially for visiting remote locations. Drivers should note that:
Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Many roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved, particularly in rural areas.
Car rental companies often restrict access to certain remote roads.
Some areas, like Auckland and Wellington, have toll roads and congestion during peak hours.
Air travel in New Zealand
Domestic flights are a fast and convenient way to travel between cities, especially for longer distances. Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Sounds Air operate frequent services between major hubs and smaller regional airports. Flights between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown are particularly busy, and regional flights can be essential for reaching remote areas like Stewart Island.
Where to go in New Zealand?
North Island destinations
The North Island of New Zealand, known in the Maori language as Te Ika-a-Maui, is home to several interesting cities, including the capital, Wellington, and the hottest tourist city of New Zealand, Auckland. The island is beautiful and developed, making it a great place to visit.
Wellington
The capital of New Zealand, known as the Windy City, is a mountainous port city. Its architecture blends the ancient and the modern, and it is the third largest in the country.
Pinnacles Nature Trail(Pinnacles Track or Kauaeranga Kauri Trail)
This 14-kilometer-long geological trail is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy the challenge of hiking and climbing. It is also a popular place for camping. If you want fun activities and beautiful nature views, this is the place for you.
Te Kopahou Reserve A well-known spot and reserve covering a total area of 6 square kilometers, it features a range of walking trails and famous coastal ranges such as Te Kopahou and Hawkins Hill.
Taputeranga Marine Reserve This marine reserve is home to various aquatic animals. It has many rare fish that have left scientists astonished. In addition, dolphins, killer whales, and many other whale species can be found here. It is very rich in life.
Where to go from Wellington
Wellington to Auckland
Wellington to Christchurch
Wellington to Napier
Auckland
Auckland has a mix of city life and nature. Explore neighborhoods, check out the Sky Tower, and take a ferry to Waiheke or Rangitoto. There are beaches, hiking trails, and easy trips to places like Waitomo or Hobbiton. The weather is mild year-round, so it’s always a good time to visit.
Sky Tower
The highest observation deck in the city that you definitely can't miss. Located in the heart of Auckland, the building has a revolving restaurant on top that offers a 360-degree view. Tourists often go up there to watch the sunset. However, you must book in advance to go up the Sky Tower.
Mount Eden
This extinct volcano has become the city's highest natural landmark. At 196 meters above sea level, it offers sweeping views of Auckland. It is also a natural tourist attraction with abundant and fresh air.
Where to go from Auckland
Auckland to Wellington
Auckland to Christchurch
Auckland to Rotorua
Hamilton
Hamilton is located on the North Island of New Zealand. It's south of Auckland, known for the Waikato River, Hamilton Gardens, and its university. Hamilton is often overlooked. Beneath the city lies a hidden network of lava caves, remnants of ancient volcanic activity, though most remain unexplored.
The Waikato River, which cuts through the city, isn’t just picturesque – it’s the longest river in New Zealand, and in some places you can still find traces of old steamboat moorings. The city’s underground music scene is one of the most underrated, with live gigs taking place in unexpected places like converted warehouses.
Where to go from Hamilton?
Hamilton to Auckland
Hamilton to Wellington NZ
Hamilton to Rotorua
Hamilton to Tauranga
South Island destinations
The South Island of New Zealand, known in Maori as Te Waipounamu, is more populated than the North Island. The population is so large that the South Island is nicknamed the mainland of the country. When in New Zealand, don't miss the South Island. It's a must-see.
Queenstown
New Zealand's most famous resort town is bustling and full of tourists. There are many extreme activities to do, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, river cruises, etc. The views are also stunning, and nature is at its best. Queenstown has it all in one place for you.
Lake Wakatipu One of the largest and most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, this Queenstown city center lake's name comes from a Maori legend that tells of the lake's serpentine shape and the fact that its water level fluctuates every five minutes due to a monster living beneath it.
Glenorchy Wharf. The old pier is a famous scenic spot on Lake Wakatipu's shores. Enjoy the view of the blue lake and the surrounding mountains. This is one of the most beautiful sunset spots in the city. The photos are very beautiful without filters. You can sit and enjoy the view without getting bored.
Where to go from Queenstown
Queenstown to Milford Sound
Queenstown to Auckland
Queenstown to Christchurch
Christchurch
The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand and the third most populous, Christchurch is a popular base for South Island tours as it is the gateway to other cities on the island and is also home to many natural attractions.
Where to go from Christchurch
Christchurch to Queenstown
Christchurch to Auckland
Christchurch to Dunedin
Christchurch to Wellington
Christchurch to Greymouth
Picton
Picton isn’t just a ferry stop. The Marlborough Sounds are filled with remote spots only accessible by boat or kayak, and Picton is a great entry point for exploring them. Dolphin encounters in the Sounds are less commercialized than in other parts of New Zealand. As for wine country, while most tourists head straight to Blenheim, there are excellent wineries accessible from Picton with far fewer crowds.
Where to go from Picton
Picton to Wellington
Picton to Christchurch
Picton to Nelson
Picton to Kaikoura
Dunedin
New Zealand's wildlife capital has a stunning architectural heritage, stunning scenery and unique biodiversity, Dunedin is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where to go from Dunedin
Dunedin to Christchurch
Dunedin to Queenstown
Dunedin to Auckland
Dunedin to Invercargill
Rotorua
Rotorua is known for its beautiful volcanic activity. Situated in the centre of an active geothermal zone, it features huge crater lakes, dormant volcanic cones, geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming silica terraces.
Where to go from Rotorua?
Rotorua to Auckland
Rotorua to Taupo
Kaikoura
Kaikōura is famous for whale watching and seafood (especially crayfish). But Kaikoura is more than just whale watching.
What to eat in New Zealand?
Fish and chips
Fish and chips is a hot dish of battered fried fish served with chips. It originated in England in the 19th century and is often considered the national dish of Great Britain. This dish is a must-try because of the country’s fresh, high-quality seafood, often sourced locally. Many coastal towns serve this dish with a Kiwi twist, such as blue cod or hoki, which is best enjoyed on the beach with a side of tomato sauce.
Hāngī is a traditional Māori cooking method in which meat and root vegetables are wrapped, placed in baskets, and buried in a pit of hot stones. Left to steam for several hours, it creates a rich, smoky flavour you won’t get anywhere else. While it’s still common at Māori gatherings, some places offer an authentic experience if you know where to look.
Bluff oysters are New Zealand’s most prized shellfish, harvested from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Foveaux Strait. Renowned for their intense, briny flavour and creamy texture, they’re best eaten fresh when in season (March–August). You’ll find them raw, battered or in hearty seafood chowders.
Hokey pokey is a type of ice cream from New Zealand consisting of plain vanilla ice cream with small, hard pieces of honeycomb toffee. Hokey pokey is the New Zealand term for honeycomb toffee.
How much does it cost to travel to New Zealand?
When calculating the amount of money to prepare for a trip to New Zealand, you should take into account various expenses such as visa fees, airfare, accommodation, travel expenses within New Zealand, food, souvenirs and gifts, personal shopping, entrance fees to various places such as tourist attractions, etc.
This is because each person's needs are different. Therefore, the budget for traveling to New Zealand will be different for each person.
FAQ
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Is New Zealand safe?
Yes, it’s one of the safest countries. Just take usual precautions, especially in nature. -
Are there dangerous animals?
No dangerous snakes or spiders. Sandflies can be annoying—bring insect repellent. -
Can I drink tap water?
Yes, tap water is safe almost everywhere.