Oceania

New Zealand

Fjords, volcanoes and road trips that end at the edge of the world.

New Zealand squeezes glaciers, fjords, volcanic plateaus and golden beaches into two islands, all connected by some of the most scenic roads anywhere. It's built for road trips and outdoor days, with an adventure-sport capital thrown in.

Māori culture is woven through the country, especially around Rotorua. Summer, December to March, is peak season; spring and autumn are quieter and still beautiful.

Best time to visit New Zealand

January, February, March, November, December.

Places to visit in New Zealand

Queenstown: Lakeside adventure capital: bungy, jet boats, ski fields and wineries.
Milford Sound: A fjord of sheer cliffs and waterfalls, reached by one of the world's great drives.
Rotorua: Geysers, mud pools and a living centre of Māori culture.
Auckland: A harbour city of volcanic cones, island ferries and a great food scene.
Tongariro: Volcanic landscapes and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike.
Wellington: New Zealand's small, creative capital on a windy harbour, with Te Papa museum, a cable car and a strong café culture.
Christchurch: The South Island's largest city, rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake, with gardens, punting on the Avon and new architecture.
Bay of Islands: A subtropical bay of nearly 150 islands in Northland, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
Abel Tasman National Park: New Zealand's smallest national park, with golden-sand coves, turquoise water and a famous coastal walking track.
Aoraki / Mount Cook: New Zealand's highest mountain, rising above glaciers, turquoise lakes and one of the world's darkest night skies.

Essentials

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Language: English and Māori
Plugs: Type I, 230 V
Driving: Left side
Time zone: UTC+12 (UTC+13 in summer)
Tipping: Not expected
Getting around: A rental car or campervan is the classic way to see it
Entry: Many visitors need an electronic travel authority; check the official rules

Plan a trip to New Zealand