New Zealand Travel Guide

The land of the long white cloud offers a plethora of activities for the adventure seekers determined to appreciate New Zealand’s natural beauty. Tramp through the South Island, attend a theatre performance in the capital or admire Mother Nature’s glory at Rotorua.

Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Languages: English
Airport: Auckland Airport
Population: 1,400,000
Time Zone: UTC +12

Where to Stay

New Zealand offers a complete range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes including everything from five-star luxury hotels to humble hostels for the backpacker. Along the tramping routes, there’s a well managed series of huts that provide shelter whilst exploring the impressive terrain. Browse through our range of New Zealand accommodation.

Transport

New Zealand has an extensive bus network that covers both North and South, with a ferry linking the two islands. There are also internal domestic flights if you’re short on time. For greater flexibility, consider hiring a car and driving yourself wherever your heart desires.

Flights

Airlines that fly between Australia and New Zealand include Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, Emirates Airlines and Virgin Australia.

Climate

By strict definition, the North Island enjoys a sub-tropical climate and the South Island has a temperate. Temperatures in general are warmer on the North Island with summers reaching an average of 23 degrees and winters climbing to 14 degrees. On the South Island, the average temperature in summer is 22 degrees and in winter its 11 degrees.

Food

Throughout the country, there are cuisine options from around the world. Select from Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai or Mexican. There is also modern European-inspired fare and fine-dining restaurants should your taste buds demand.

Insider Tips

Overlooking a beautiful harbour, Auckland is the country’s largest city. Three hours drive south of Auckland, the township of Rotorua makes an ideal base to explore the geothermal hot spots in the area. Adrenaline-central would have to be Taupo and the nearby water systems. Situated majestically in the south of the North Island, Wellington, as well as being the political capital, is also widely regarded as the cultural capital of the country with world-class theatrical presentations. The true beauty of the South Island is the spectacular scenery that can be admired along the popular Milford Track, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, the Routeburn Track and the Queen Charlotte Track. Also consider taking a boat trip on the serene Milford Sound, trekking the Franz Josef Glacier and skiing the slopes outside Queenstown.