Discover New Zealand – the places, the seasons, the stories.
From glacier-carved fiords to bubbling geothermal valleys, here is everything you need to dream, plan and fall in love with Aotearoa before you even land.
Places to go
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Queenstown
Adventure capital on Lake Wakatipu – bungy, jet boats, gondola and world-class dining.
Best: Dec–Mar, Jun–Aug (ski) AdventureMilford Sound / Piopiotahi
Fiord of sheer cliffs and waterfalls in Fiordland National Park. Cruise or scenic flight.
Best: Year-round (rain makes waterfalls!) NatureAoraki / Mount Cook
NZ’s highest peak, glacier lakes, the Hooker Valley Track and a dark-sky reserve.
Best: Nov–Apr NatureLake Tekapo / Takapō
Turquoise lake, Church of the Good Shepherd, lupins in Nov–Dec and stargazing.
Best: Nov–Mar NatureKaikōura
Whale watching, dolphins and seals with mountains meeting the sea.
Best: Year-round NatureWānaka
Relaxed lakeside town, famous lone tree, hikes and Treble Cone skiing.
Best: Year-round RelaxAbel Tasman
Golden beaches, kayaking and the Coast Track in sunny Nelson Tasman.
Best: Nov–Apr NatureRotorua
Geothermal wonderland and heartland of Māori culture – hāngī, kapa haka, mud pools.
Best: Year-round CultureHobbiton, Matamata
The real Shire movie set – guided tours and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Best: Year-round CultureWaitomo Caves
Glowworm grotto boat rides and black-water rafting underground.
Best: Year-round AdventureBay of Islands
144 subtropical islands, Hole in the Rock and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Best: Nov–Apr RelaxTongariro
Dual World Heritage area – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike.
Best: Nov–Apr AdventureAuckland / Tāmaki Makaurau
City of Sails – Sky Tower, Waiheke Island wineries, volcanic cones.
Best: Year-round FoodWellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Compact capital with Te Papa museum, coffee culture and craft beer.
Best: Nov–Apr FoodThe seasons of Aotearoa
Christmas is in summer here! Pick a season to see what to expect.
Dec – Feb
20–30°C
Beaches, hiking, lakes, festivals and long daylight to 9.30pm.
Pack: Sunscreen (NZ UV is strong), light layers, swimwear
Mar – May
10–22°C
Golden colours in Arrowtown and Central Otago, harvest and wine season, fewer crowds.
Pack: Layers, light rain jacket
Jun – Aug
0–15°C
Skiing in Queenstown and Wānaka, snow-capped peaks, Matariki (Māori New Year) celebrations.
Pack: Warm jacket, thermals, waterproof boots
Sep – Nov
8–19°C
Lambs, blossom, waterfalls at their best, lupins from November.
Pack: Layers – four seasons in a day!
Things to do
Thrill-seeker, foodie, family or slow traveller – NZ delivers.
Adventure
Bungy, skydiving, jet boating, white-water rafting, ziplines
Nature & walks
Great Walks, glaciers, fiords, glowworm caves, wildlife
Food & wine
Marlborough sauvignon blanc, Central Otago pinot, green-lipped mussels, Indian & vegetarian options everywhere
Culture & heritage
Māori experiences, Waitangi, Te Papa, film locations
Relax & wellness
Hot pools in Rotorua, Hanmer Springs and Tekapo, scenic trains
Family fun
Kiwi spotting, farm shows, Skyline luge, beaches
Māori culture – the heart of Aotearoa
Māori are the tangata whenua (people of the land) of New Zealand. Experiencing te ao Māori (the Māori world) respectfully is one of the most meaningful parts of any visit.
Customs worth knowing
- Pōwhiri – formal welcome ceremony onto a marae (meeting grounds). Follow your host’s lead.
- Hongi – pressing noses and foreheads to share the breath of life.
- Haka – a ceremonial dance expressing identity, challenge or respect.
- Hāngī – food slow-cooked in an earth oven.
- Do not sit on tables or pillows, and remove shoes before entering a wharenui (meeting house).
Where to experience it
- Te Puia and Whakarewarewa – the Living Māori Village, Rotorua
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Bay of Islands
- Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
- Tamaki Māori Village, Rotorua
Matariki, the Māori New Year (June/July), is a national public holiday celebrated with light, food and remembrance.
Ten words to start with
Tap a word to hear the pronunciation from Te Aka Māori Dictionary.
Essential travel tips
Visas & NZeTA
Many visa-waiver travellers need an NZeTA (electronic travel authority) plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Indian passport holders generally need a visitor visa. Always check the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Driving
We drive on the left. Distances look short but roads are winding – allow extra time. Prefer not to drive? Ask us about chauffeured and coach options.
Biosecurity
Declare all food, plant material and outdoor gear on arrival. Fines are instant – when in doubt, declare it.
Money & tipping
NZ dollar (NZD). Cards accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for great service.
Dietary needs
Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, halal and Indian cuisine are widely available in cities. Tell us your needs and we will plan meals around them, including in remote areas.
The Tiaki Promise
Care for land, sea and nature; travel safely; respect culture. Learn more.
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