Country guide
Your Complete Guide to Exploring New Zealand: Discover the best ways to travel through this beautiful country, from motorhome trips to guided tours.
A Guide to New Zealand's Top Destinations
Auckland captivates with its vibrant cultural scene and stunning harbours. Explore urban parks, volcanic cones, and nearby islands, making it a perfect blend of city life and natural beauty.
Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, thrills visitors with its stunning alpine scenery and endless outdoor activities, from bungee jumping to skiing, set against the backdrop of majestic Lake Wakatipu.
Discover Christchurch, where urban innovation meets natural beauty. Stroll through the stunning Botanic Gardens, enjoy vibrant street art, or explore nearby alpine and coastal landscapes. With year-round activities, Christchurch offers an unforgettable blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Discover Rotorua, where vibrant Maori culture and stunning geothermal landscapes merge. Experience soothing hot springs, thrilling adventure sports, and the authentic warmth of local traditions in New Zealand’s dynamic heartland.
Explore Dunedin, a city where history, wildlife, and vibrant culture collide. Visit Larnach Castle, hike the stunning Tunnel Beach, and encounter rare penguins and albatrosses on the Otago Peninsula. Dunedin offers an unforgettable mix of heritage, nature, and adventure.
Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. From its world-class museums and thriving arts scene to stunning harbor views and nearby hiking trails, Wellington is a dynamic city full of culture, adventure, and warm hospitality.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest and most remote wilderness area, is home to stunning fjords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. With its breathtaking landscapes and endless adventure opportunities, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and explorers.
Milford Sound, a stunning fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, offers breathtaking scenery, dramatic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Whether by cruise, kayak, or scenic flight, it’s a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Discover the Bay of Islands, a subtropical paradise in New Zealand’s Northland region. Known for its turquoise waters, marine wildlife, and rich history, this breathtaking destination offers everything from sailing and snorkeling to exploring the birthplace of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Te Anau serves as the serene gateway to Fiordland National Park, offering access to the breathtaking Milford and Doubtful Sounds. It’s a haven for hiking, kayaking, and soaking in spectacular lake views.
Discover Wanaka, a stunning lakefront town on New Zealand’s South Island. Enjoy hiking Roy’s Peak, skiing at Cardrona, or relaxing by Lake Wanaka. With year-round outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery, Wanaka is the perfect blend of excitement and tranquility.
Escape to Hanmer Springs, a serene alpine village known for its thermal pools, outdoor adventures, and stunning scenery. Enjoy hot springs, hiking, skiing, and local charm in this peaceful yet exciting New Zealand destination.
Explore Kaikoura, New Zealand’s marine wildlife paradise, where whale watching, dolphin swimming, and scenic coastal hikes await. Enjoy fresh seafood, stunning ocean views, and up-close encounters with whales, seals, and dolphins in this unique coastal town.
Waiheke Island offers a perfect blend of golden beaches, world-class vineyards, and outdoor adventures. Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke is the ultimate escape for wine lovers, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts.
Getting Around Australia
New Zealand offers a variety of travel options to suit every type of explorer. For those seeking adventure and flexibility, motorhome journeys and self-drive holidays are ideal for discovering the country’s scenic roads and hidden gems at your own pace. From coastal routes to mountain passes, these options provide endless opportunities to explore New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.
For a more leisurely experience, New Zealand’s scenic rail journeys, such as the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific, offer breathtaking views of the country’s iconic natural beauty. Guided tours, on the other hand, provide the convenience of planned itineraries with expert local guides, making them perfect for travellers looking for a stress-free holiday.
If you prefer to travel by sea, cruising options, including the Interislander ferry and luxury coastal cruises, allow you to experience New Zealand’s stunning coastline. For quick and efficient travel, domestic flights connect major cities and remote regions, ensuring easy access to all corners of the country. No matter your travel style, New Zealand has something for everyone.
Motorhome
Travelling by motorhome is a fantastic way to explore New Zealand’s diverse landscapes with flexibility and freedom. Ideal for adventurous travellers, families, and couples, motorhome travel allows you to journey at your own pace, stopping wherever the scenery demands your attention. New Zealand offers some of the best motorhome routes in the world, each packed with breathtaking sights and experiences.
One of the most popular motorhome routes is the Auckland to Bay of Islands trip, where you can explore pristine beaches and vibrant coastal towns. Another scenic option is the Southern Scenic Route, which stretches from Dunedin to Fiordland, showcasing New Zealand’s rugged southern coastline and wildlife. The Christchurch to Queenstown route offers stunning views of the Southern Alps, making it a must for mountain lovers.
Motorhome travel is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and value the flexibility to stay in scenic spots, from beachfronts to national parks. There are numerous motorhome-friendly campsites and holiday parks across New Zealand, offering essential facilities such as power hookups, showers, and cooking areas. It’s a cost-effective option as you combine accommodation and transport into one. Whether you’re on a family holiday or a romantic getaway, motorhome travel gives you the freedom to explore New Zealand at your leisure.
Self Drive
A self-drive holiday is a fantastic way to experience New Zealand’s scenic roads, giving you the flexibility to create your own adventure. With a well-connected road network, you can easily explore New Zealand’s unique regions, from coastal routes to mountain passes. Self-drive trips are ideal for independent travellers, couples, or families who prefer a personalised, flexible itinerary.
One of the most popular self-drive routes is the Pacific Coast Highway, which takes you from Auckland to Gisborne, passing through stunning beaches, vineyards, and coastal towns. Another standout route is the Crown Range Road, which offers a winding, mountainous drive from Queenstown to Wanaka, providing breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. For a more relaxed journey, the Forgotten World Highway, a scenic drive through rolling hills and farmlands in the North Island, offers a step back in time.
Self-drive holidays give you the freedom to stop at lookouts, take detours to explore hidden gems, and spend as much time as you like at each location. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget motels, making it easy to tailor your journey. With the ability to explore at your own pace, self-drive holidays let you fully experience the variety and beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes.
Rail
Rail travel offers one of the most scenic and relaxed ways to explore New Zealand, allowing passengers to enjoy stunning views without the hassle of driving. KiwiRail operates several renowned rail journeys, making it easy to travel between key destinations while soaking in the country’s diverse landscapes.
The Northern Explorer runs between Auckland and Wellington, offering a journey through rolling farmland, volcanic peaks, and the striking Tongariro National Park. The Coastal Pacific travels along the eastern coastline of the South Island, from Christchurch to Picton, showcasing views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura mountain ranges. The TranzAlpine, one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, crosses the Southern Alps, connecting Christchurch and Greymouth, with spectacular views of alpine landscapes, gorges, and rivers.
Rail travel is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who prefers a more leisurely travel experience. The trains feature spacious seating, large panoramic windows, and commentary on the passing landscapes, ensuring a comfortable and informative journey. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious, relaxing way to travel or just enjoy the ride, rail journeys offer a memorable way to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are a stress-free and enriching way to explore New Zealand, offering travellers the convenience of pre-planned itineraries and expert local knowledge. Guided tours cater to a variety of interests, whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife, or cultural experiences, and range from small-group tours to larger, more structured coach trips.
Small-group tours are perfect for those who want a personalised experience, with access to less-visited destinations such as the geothermal areas of Rotorua or the fjords of Fiordland. Larger coach tours cover iconic attractions like Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the Bay of Islands, providing a comprehensive exploration of the country’s most famous spots.
Guided tours are ideal for first-time visitors, solo travellers, and those who want a hassle-free holiday. They allow you to focus on enjoying the sights while the logistics of transport, accommodation, and activities are taken care of. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, guided tours offer a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and experiences.
Cruising
Cruising offers a scenic and leisurely way to explore New Zealand’s coastline and islands, with a variety of options available for travellers. One of the most famous cruising experiences is the Interislander ferry, which connects Wellington in the North Island to Picton in the South Island, crossing the beautiful Cook Strait and passing through the Marlborough Sounds.
Luxury and expedition cruises are also popular, particularly in the Bay of Islands, where travellers can enjoy clear waters, marine life, and secluded beaches. In the South Island, cruises through Fiordland National Park, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, offer views of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife like dolphins and seals.
Cruising is ideal for travellers who want a relaxed way to explore New Zealand’s coastal beauty, whether as part of a longer journey or a short scenic trip. With various options catering to different travel styles, from adventure cruises to family-friendly tours, cruising allows you to enjoy New Zealand’s spectacular natural beauty from the water.
Flights
Domestic flights are the quickest and most efficient way to travel around New Zealand, especially for those who want to explore both islands within a limited timeframe. Air New Zealand is the primary domestic airline, connecting major cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, with frequent flights and excellent service.
In addition to Air New Zealand, regional airlines such as Jetstar, Sounds Air, and Air Chathams provide access to smaller destinations, including remote regions and islands like Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. For a more exclusive experience, private charters and helicopter services offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing travellers to reach remote lodges, glaciers, and scenic locations that are difficult to access by road.
Domestic flights in New Zealand are known for their safety, efficiency, and comfort, making air travel an ideal choice for travellers who want to maximise their time and explore a wider range of regions. Whether you’re hopping between major cities or heading to a secluded retreat, flying is a convenient and reliable way to see more of New Zealand.
