Your full Wanderlust guide to
New Zealand
Remote, rugged and absolutely remarkable, New Zealand is top of many travellers’ wishlists. If it wowed you on the big screen in Lord of the Rings, New Zealand will knock you with the force of an All Blacks prop forward when you actually visit.
The two main islands – North and South – have different characters. North Island is warmer, with more rolling hills, beautiful beaches and some seriously sulphurous volcanic goings-on: visit Rotorua for the best thermal bath or Tongariro National Park to see still-active craters in an otherworldly landscape. Watch glowworms lighting up the underground Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Dramatic South Island has the highest peaks, and glacier-carved fiords – a trip to Fiordland will show Mother Nature at her most artistic. Southerly Stewart Island – the best place to spot kiwis, the country’s national symbol, and a few other outlying atolls make up this nation. While road trips certainty promise breathtaking sceneries, taking an alternative approach allows you to engage with the mesmerising landscape from the sky – bungee jumping and skydiving in southern Queenstown set against the backdrop of the majestic Ben Lomond mountain and the stunning Lake Wakatipu offer an exciting aerial view of the country.
New Zealand is home to the indigenous Polynesian people – the Maori. Watch their cultural performances to learn their deep connection with the sacred land and the spiritual power that permeates nature, before trying their traditional Hangi with fish and kumara – sweet potato.
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When to go to New Zealand
Southern hemisphere summer (December-February) is the warmest and driest time to visit New Zealand – and the most popular. Winter (June-August) is the wettest and coldest time in New Zealand, but great for skiing; some hikes are closed due to snow.
The shoulder seasons of spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are lovely – the weather is still reasonable, popular sites are less busy and airfares are lower.
International airports
Auckland Airport (AKL) is 25km south of the city; Wellington Airport (WLG) is 7km southeast of Wellington; Christchurch Airport (CHC) is 12km northwest of the city centre.
Getting around in New Zealand
Getting around New Zealand is pretty easy. Domestic airlines serve small airports across New Zealand – if you’re short on time, consider an airpass.
Bus travel is comfortable and efficient in New Zealand but can be time consuming; there are several backpacker-style hop-on, hop-off services you can use to access the main highlights. Train travel in New Zealand is a good sightseeing option.
The best way to get around is by hiring a car or campervan – roads are quiet, rates are reasonable and you have maximum flexibility, or book through a driver for guided coach tours.
Ferries and water taxis are convenient to connect the North and South Islands, and the outlying islands.
Health & safety
New Zealand is very much a safe country to visit. No specific vaccinations are required for New Zealand. The weather in general, and especially in the mountains, is highly unpredictable – it’s essential to be well prepared and properly equipped with warm, waterproof gear. The sun is exceptionally strong – make sure you apply high-factor sunscreen regularly. Sandflies can be a nuisance in summer.
Visit gov.uk for more advice.
