New Zealand Travel Guide

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New Zealand is a vast country with so much to see and do. It can be overwhelming to plan your travels here as there is so much to pack into one trip. As someone who has lived and explored this beautiful country for over 20 years, I’m excited to share with you all of my insider tips and favourite spots that only locals know. New Zealand ‘Aotearoa’ is a country of stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and unique cultural experiences, and I’m here to help you make the most of your time here. Whether you’re looking to hike in the mountains, relax on the beach, or see some incredible nature, I’ve got you covered. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of what New Zealand has to offer!

In this guide you will find a detailed itinerary of what to do in each region, a list of the best road trips, where the best beaches are in New Zealand, how to get around, top hikes on offer, best time to visit, and must try foods.

Getting There

Chances are high that you will be taking a flight into Auckland International Airport, as it’s the cheapest and most frequently used port for international travellers. You will typically  arrive after a long haul flight with a hefty amount of jet lag combined with a feeling of excitement and anticipation.

You have a few different options when it comes to getting into the city from Auckland Airport. The fastest way is to order a rideshare which could be with Uber, Didi, or Ola. I have found that Didi is the cheapest option with an average ride costing around NZ$40- 60, taking around 30 minutes in good traffic. 

If, however, you are a budget traveller and looking to take the cheapest option then you will need to take public transport. In order to get on any of the public transport options in Auckland you will first need to buy a transport card or AT HOP Card. To purchase an AT HOP Card you will need to find the Take Home shop, which is inside the International terminal. Once you have purchased your card and have sufficient credit ($10 should be enough) then you will need to go to the bus stop outside of the terminal. You should have free Wi-Fi to load your Google Maps to figure out your journey into the city. Normally you will take a bus to Puhinui Train Station and transfer onto a train that will take you into the centre of Auckland.

If you are arriving in Auckland and heading to another destination with New Zealand, you should know that the Domestic Terminal is about a 10-15 minute walk from the International Terminal. However, you can catch a free shuttle between the two terminals outside the front of the airport.

New Zealand Travel Itinerary

An itinerary for New Zealand depends hugely on how long you will be in the country. Ideally, you want to give yourself a couple of months if not more. This guide explains what to see in each region or area worth visiting, so you can pick and choose what you want to see depending on how much time you have.

Best Things to do in Auckland

Most people by default start their travels in Auckland knowing that the best parts of New Zealand are further afield. Nevertheless, you should spend a night or two here and check out what the city has to offer.

• Viaduct: The Viaduct area is great for a sunset drink at one of the many rooftop bars or get a gelato from Wynyard Quarter as you walk along the promenade.
• Restaurants and Bars: You will find amazing restaurants all around the city, but in particular on Ponsonby Road. There are some fun bars and good nightlife on Karangahape Road (known as K’ Road). Take your pick of Asian Cuisine eateries on Dominion Road.
• Waiheke: Daily ferry services take passengers out to the islands that are scattered around the Hauraki Gulf with the most popular being Waiheke Island. You can easily spend a whole day here wine tasting your way through the many vineyards!
• Sky Tower: Going to the top of the Sky Tower will provide you with some exceptional views of the city and harbour. If you’re feeling brave you can even do a SkyWalk or SkyJump.
• Piha: Take a trip out west to Piha Beach and do a coastal walk and swim at the black sand beaches.
• Mt Eden: Climb to the summit of the dormant volcano of Mt Eden for a great view across the city (and a great spot for sunset).
• Pink Path: Walk or cycle along Auckland’s Te Ara I Whiti or ‘Pink Path’.
• Devonport: Drink a coffee in Devonport after a short ferry from the city centre, and go for a walk up to the summit of Maungauika and climb into the bunkers scattered around the hills.

If you are wondering where it is best to stay in Auckland then I would suggest staying at Lylo Auckland if you are looking for a modern/popular hostel.

Exploring the Far North

Northland is an exceptionally beautiful part of New Zealand and provides travellers with some iconic kiwi landmarks and landscapes. There is plenty to see and do during your trip up north:

• Cape Reinga: Visit the northernmost point of New Zealand and see the stunning views where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
• Ninety Mile Beach: Take a drive along this stunning beach that seems to stretch further than the eye can see.
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Learn about the history of the Treaty of Waitangi and explore the beautiful grounds.
• Bay of Islands: Explore this stunning region on a boat trip, do a coastal walk, go fishing, or visit the historic towns of Russell and Paihia. A great hike to do here is the Cape Brett Lighthouse walk.
• Te Paki Sand Dunes: Experience the thrill of sandboarding down the giant sand dunes at great speed. You can hire boards for $15 at the dunes, but remember to have cash with you for this activity.
• Rainbow/Waianiwaniwa Falls: Take a short work to each of the three viewing platforms to see the beauty of the waterfall up close .
• Russell: Take a ferry from Paihia to Russell and find a nice restaurant for lunch or dinner on the waterfront.

Central North Island

The Central North Island of New Zealand is a stunning region that’s filled with natural beauty and adventure. Here are some of the best things to see and do in this area:

• Tongariro National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site features three active volcanoes and stunning hiking trails, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best day hikes in New Zealand.
• Waitomo Caves: Explore the underground caves and see the magical glow worms that light up the dark caverns, or take on black water rafting through the caves for an adrenaline filled glow worm viewing.
• Blue Spring Putaruru: See the beautiful colours of this natural spring opening.
• Lake Taupo: This lake is the largest in New Zealand. You can visit Huka Falls, go stand up paddle boarding to the Māori Carvings on the lake, go white water rafting in Turangi, and swim in the hot water areas of the lake and nearby rivers.
• Rotorua: This city is known for its strong Māori culture and geothermal activity, including mud pools and geysers at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland or Hells Gate. You can visit the Blue and Green Lakes to camp, swim, or go for a nice day walk around the lake itself.

Top Things to Do in Wellington

New Zealand’s capital city Wellington is known for its artsy vibe and stunning natural beauty. It is also home to some of the best food in the country. It is situated in a harbour with the surrounding hills creating a natural basin in which the city sits, making for some great viewpoints and interesting landscapes.

• Te Papa: The city is home to some of New Zealand’s best museums such as Te Papa Tongarewa, which offers impressive exhibits that highlight New Zealand’s unique history and culture.
• Botanic Gardens: You can also visit the Wellington Botanic Garden, which is a serene oasis that offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding hills.
• Mount Victoria: Climb or drive to the top of Mount Victoria for a fantastic view over the city.
• Waterfront: Cycle along Wellington’s Waterfront admiring the art sculptures or stop for a meal at a restaurant, maybe treat yourself to a cocktail, or even get a gelato to enjoy in the sun.
• Restaurants: Eat at one of Wellington’s best food stops. Yes, there are many and you will be struggling to choose where to eat because there are so many great options.
• Lyall Bay: Have a coffee at one of the waterfront cafes in Lyall Bay and afterwards stroll along the promenade. If you have your own mode of transport, you could start a drive around the rugged coastline southeast of the city.
• Eastbourne: Take a ferry trip from the CBD across to Eastbourne and have lunch by the water.
• Visit a Brewery: Drink one of the famous craft beers in Aro Valley from the Garage Projects Taproom.
• Martinborough Wine Region: Do a day trip up to Martinborough to cycle around the vineyards doing a full day of wine tastings of New Zealand made wine.

Tasman Treasures

Exploring the Tasman Region in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the top things to see and do in this region:

• Marlborough Sounds: Take your time as your explore the hundreds of bays that make up the sounds. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Track or stay at a campground and hire kayaks to see the sounds from the water. 
• Abel Tasman National Park: Take on the multi-day scenic hike, kayak, or do a boat tour through this stunning national park and its crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and lush green native forests.
• Golden Bay: Relax on the beautiful golden sand beaches, visit the local markets in Tākaka, or take a scenic drive along the stunning coastline all the way up to the northernmost point of the South Island called Cape Farewell. Here, you can admire the interesting rock formations of the headland. 
• Lake Rotoiti: Explore this peaceful lake area filled with extremely clear water and plenty of great hiking options that take explorers deep into the wilderness.
• Wharariki Beach: Funnily enough, chances are you’ve already seen this beach before if you have ever used any Windows computer and have seen the default screen of the woman running along the beach. Take a hike along the stunning coastal trails to see the unique rock formations and swim at this famous beach.

The Wild West Coast

The West Coast of the South Island offers a unique and exciting adventure. Below are some of the top attractions and activities to experience in this region:

• Franz Josef Glacier: Another must-visit destination in New Zealand is the Franz Josef Glacier. You can pay to helicopter to the top of the glacier or take the free option of hiking to the viewing platform. Both ways of seeing the glacier will leave you awestruck.
• Fox Glacier: Another stunning glacier that you can enjoy from a viewing platform below or experience through guided hikes, scenic flights, or heli-hikes.
• Lake Matheson: Take a walk around this beautiful reflective lake to see stunning views of the Southern Alps.
• Arthur’s Pass National Park: Hike one of the many tracks in this stunning national park and see waterfalls, alpine flowers, and stunning views of the mountains.
• Buller Gorge Swing Bridge: Take a walk across New Zealand’s longest swing bridge and zip-line back across over the stunning Buller River.
• Hokitika Gorge: Take a short walk through a beautiful native forest to see this stunning turquoise river and gorge.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: Visit these unique rock formations that look like stacked pancakes and see this natural wonder for yourself. From here you can explore the Paparoa National Park.

Queenstown and Fiordland Must-Dos

One of the most popular spots in the whole country is Queenstown and the Fiordland area. The beauty and unmissable natural features that these areas boast is what keeps tourists coming back time and time again.

• Queenstown is often referred to as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. This picturesque destination is surrounded by mountains and has an array of adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and white water rafting. Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding mountains, enjoy a cocktail at one of the waterfront bars, or rug up to drink at the Ice Bars. You can visit the quaint village of Arrowtown, or even head up into the mountains to go skiing.
• Milford Sound: One of the highlights of your trip will likely be visiting the stunning Milford Sound, which is located in the heart of the Fiordland National Park. This picturesque destination is famous for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters.
• Wanaka: Wanaka is known for its stunning scenery across the lake and beyond. Popular activities include hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, as well as water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Blue Pools: Just a short walk from the carpark over a swing bridge are the Blue Pools. As the name suggests, these natural pools have the most vibrant blue colours that make it look artificial. If the weather is nice you can swim in the river below.
• Cardrona Hotel: The Cardrona Hotel is a historic hotel located in the Cardrona Valley, between Wanaka and Queenstown. The hotel was established in 1863 and has been beautifully restored to its former glory. It’s a popular spot for visitors to stop for a meal or a drink and to take in the historic ambiance.
• Roys Peak: Roys Peak is a popular hiking trail located near Wanaka. The trail is about 16 km round trip and takes about 5-6 hours to complete. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. Many start the hike very early in the morning in order to see the view at sunrise.
• Mt Cook/Aoraki: Mt Cook, also known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand, located in the Southern Alps. The area is known for its stunning scenery including glaciers, lakes, and mountains. Hooker Valley or Mueller Hut Tracks are the most popular and visitors should also check out Tasman Lake and Glacier.

Getting around New Zealand

Transport throughout New Zealand can be limited in some places. If you are looking to maximise your time and have ultimate freedom and control of where you go, then you should look at getting a rental car or camper van. Although this will not be a super cheap option (perhaps better if you can travel with someone else to split the cost) undoubtedly it will make your trip miles more enjoyable. I know from experience that the best parts of New Zealand are found at the end of a long gravel road in a remote area. If you do choose to hire a camper van you can book one through Jucy Rentals or Happy Camper. 

If hiring a vehicle is not your preferred option, you can of course travel by regional bus. The main company to use is Intercity which will get you from A to B for a decent price. If you are wanting to join other backpackers and have a more tailored journey around the country then you should book with Kiwi Experience. 

Flying is a quick way to get from one city to another. Air New Zealand is the main airline with Jetstar flying some routes across the country. Flights can be expensive, especially if you book last minute, so if you plan to fly then book well in advance. 

If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive way to get around then hitchhiking could be for you. This is relatively safe and easy, however you should always have your guard up and make sensible decisions to keep yourself safe.

Another option you might want to look into if you are willing to be flexible is Transfer Car, which is a hire car return service where you can get a free or super cheap hire vehicle that you must return from one hire base to another. Sometimes there are great deals where you can transfer a car from Auckland Airport to Queenstown!

Hiking in New Zealand

To know what the best hikes are for anywhere in New Zealand then your best resource will be the Department of Conservation website. DOC created a list of the greatest hikes in the country and named it New Zealand’s Great Walks, which showcases the best of the best when it comes to multi-day and single-day hikes and even one river journey!

The list of Great Walks are as follows:

• Tongariro Northern Circuit – Central North Island
• Lake Waikaremoana Track – East Coast
• Whanganui Journey – Manawatu
• Abel Tasman Coast Track – Nelson/Tasman
• Heaphy Track – Tasman/West Coast
• Paparoa Track – West Coast
• Milford Track – Fiordland
• Kepler Track – Fiordland
• Routeburn Track – Otago/Fiordland
• Rakiura Track – Southland

If you wish to take on the challenge of the Great Walks of New Zealand then it’s a good idea to plan ahead as the huts tend to book out fast over the busy months. Always ensure you take the right gear, and check the weather forecast before doing any of these incredible outdoor excursions.

Best Road Trips in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtaking road trips in the world with stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable nature. Here are some of the best road trips in New Zealand:

• East Cape – From Gisborne to Ohope
• West Coast – From Karamea to Queenstown
• Arthurs Pass – From Christchurch to Greymouth
• Aoraki/Mt Cook – From Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook
• Tasman – From Picton to Collingwood
• Coromandel Peninsula – From Thames to Whangamata

Best Beaches in New Zealand

With over 15,000 kilometres of coastline to explore, you will never have to venture too far until you find an incredible beach. New Zealand is blessed with many white sand beaches and even some black sand beaches normally found along the West Coast. Here are some of the best beaches in New Zealand:

• New Chums Beach, Coromandel
• Wainui Beach, Gisborne
• Kaiteriteri, Tasman
• Mount Maunganui Beach, Bay of Plenty
• Wharariki Beach, Tasman
• Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

The Sun and UV Levels

New Zealand is known for its incredibly harsh UV and sun, so it’s super important to take precautions to protect yourself from the sun. Here are some recommendations to help you stay safe and avoid getting a nasty burn from those brutal sun rays:

• Wear sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 every day, even on cloudy days. Make sure to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Cover up: Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, to shield your skin from the sun. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help keep you cool when it’s hot out.
• Find some shade: If you can, stay in the shade as much as possible during peak sun hours, typically between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Hidden Gems

New Zealand is full of hidden gems with plenty of unique places to see and ample adventures to experience. Here are some of the lesser-known but worthwhile destinations to explore in New Zealand:

• Te Waikoropupu Springs, Tasman
• Mangatutu Hot Springs, Hawke’s Bay
• Pelorus Bridge, Malborough
• Rere Rockslide and Falls, Gisborne
• Bell Rock, Hawke’s Bay
• Orakei Korako Geothermal Park, Waikato
• Whirinaki Forest Park, Bay of Plenty
• Lottin Point, East Cape
• Tunnel Beach, Dunedin
• Nugget Point, Otago
• Gisborne Railbikes
• Upper Copland Valley Track, West Coast
• Tolaga Bay Wharf, East Cape
• Lake Marian, Southland

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and the days are long. It is also interesting for those who grew up in the Northern Hemisphere to have a hot Christmas and attend the New Years Eve summer festivals. However, if you’re a winter sports enthusiast, then you may want to plan your visit during the winter months (June to August).

If you are wanting to travel during the shoulder seasons, then March and November are the nicest months to experience autumn and spring.

Must Try Foods

Before you go on your trip you should get to know what is best to eat or drink in New Zealand. The cuisine is influenced by Māori and European cultures, as well as having Asian cuisines on offer in most places across the country. You are never too far away from a top quality flat white, so this country is a coffee lover’s heaven. Here are some must-try foods when visiting New Zealand:

• Feijoa: New Zealand is known for having loads of freshly grown produce, and one unique fruit that you must try when you come to New Zealand is a Feijoa. If you are travelling out of season then you can instead try a Feijoa juice, available in most supermarkets.
• Pies: A Kiwi favourite, savoury pies come in a variety of flavours, such as steak and mushroom, and mince and cheese. They are typically eaten as a snack or a quick meal on the go.
• Hāngi: A traditional Māori method of cooking, hāngi involves cooking food in an earth oven. Meats, such as chicken and pork, are cooked with vegetables in baskets that are placed into a pit in the ground with hot rocks and then covered with soil that will cook for many hours.
• L&P: Short for Lemon and Paeroa, L&P is a popular New Zealand soft drink that has a unique lemony taste.
• Kumara Fries: Sweet potato fries, known as Kumara fries in New Zealand, can be found in many cafes or restaurants and make for a tasty side dish to accompany your lunch or dinner.
• Whittakers Chocolate: New Zealand made and definitely the best chocolate you will find in the country.

Supermarkets

Eating out can get expensive so if you are planning to budget travel your way through New Zealand you are going to need to do a lot of cooking for yourself. Here is how the supermarkets in New Zealand compare price-wise, because there is a significant difference in total costs depending on where you do your grocery shopping. Your cheapest option will be PAK’nSAVE, which is great for big shops and buying staple items. Countdown is the next cheapest and usually has a great range of products. New World will likely be your most expensive option, however, you can get basic fruit and vegetables at a normal price. Lastly, Four Square will be the highest price wise as it’s a smaller store and usually found in more remote locations.

Language and Currency

The national languages are English and Māori. You will see and hear a bit of Māori as you travel your way through New Zealand, likely in place names and basic greetings. But you will use English day to day. The currency used is the New Zealand Dollar, with $1 NZD equating to about €0.56 or $0.62USD. You will be able to pay by card almost everywhere, but you may want to carry a little cash just in case.

You can get your very own New Zealand Trip-Pin Map below with 350+ pins of what to do and where to go, downloaded directly into your personal Google Maps App. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, New Zealand has something to offer everyone. 

Enjoy your time exploring this little slice of paradise!