New Zealand

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Key Facts

Flight Time : 24 to 25 hours

Annual Visitors : 3,884,700

Capital : Wellington

Land Area : 267,710sqkm | 103,363sqm

Population : 5.123 million

Languages : English, Māori

Currency : New Zealand Dollar

About

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island—and over 700 smaller islands. New Zealand is about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the islands of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.

The country is known for its stunning scenery, including mountains, glaciers, lakes, and beaches. New Zealand is also home to a variety of unique wildlife, including kiwis, kea, and tuataras.

Why Go

• Visit attractions, museums, art galleries, and parks in Auckland or Christchurch.
• Fish, sail, or swim in the Bay of Islands. A beautiful and historic region home to over 140 islands.
• Explore geysers, hot springs, and mud pools in Rotorua, home to many Maori cultural attractions.
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which takes you past three active volcanoes.
• Cruise from Wellington to Picton (North to South Island) on the Interislander ferry for breathtaking views.
• Get onboard the TranzAlpine or Coastal Pacific trains for stunning views of the countryside, mountains, and coastline.
• Visit the majestic Franz Josef Glacier or take a helicopter ride over it.
• Uncover stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, and glaciers, in Queenstown a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and bungy jumping.
• Explore Milford Sound by boat, a fjord surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rainforest.
• Drive along “The Catlins.”. The region is known for its beautifully rugged coastline.

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Travel Guides

NORTH ISLAND

The North Island is a land of volcanoes, lakes, and beaches and includes Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, and Wellington.

SOUTH ISLAND

The South Island is a land of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, fjords, and rainforests and includes Christchurch and Queenstown. 

STEWART ISLAND

Home to a variety of unique plants and animals, including the kiwi. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

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If you want to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities, the summer months (December to February) are the best time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as hiking, swimming, and surfing. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so prices are higher and crowds are larger.

If you're looking for a more affordable and less crowded time to visit, the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) are a good option. The weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.

If you're interested in winter sports, the best time to visit New Zealand is during the winter months (June to August). The South Island is home to several ski resorts, and the weather is cold and snowy.

When to go