New Zealand travel guide

About New Zealand

New Zealand is in Australia and New Zealand. Its capital is Wellington, the main languages are English and Māori and the currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Our guides cover 4 destinations across New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. The most comfortable time to visit is generally February.

Cheap flights to New Zealand

The lowest fares Destina Holidays travellers found to destinations in New Zealand in the last 30 days.

• AKL Honolulu to Auckland1 Dec – 8 Dec · Round trip from$740
• CHC Honolulu to Christchurch13 May – 22 May · Round trip from$741
• WLG Honolulu to Wellington11 Feb – 25 Feb · Round trip from$799
• ZQN Los Angeles to Queenstown20 Feb – 8 Mar · Round trip from$1,007

Prices are per adult in US dollars, last checked 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

Must-see sights in New Zealand

1. 

   Sky Tower

   Landmark · Auckland

   The tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, with observation decks and a revolving restaurant. Go on a clear day for views across the harbor and volcanic cones, or try the SkyWalk for a thrill.

2. 

   Te Papa

   Museum · Wellington

   New Zealand's national museum, with exhibits on Māori culture, nature, and history. Entry to the main exhibitions is free, so allow time for a long visit.

3. 

   Lake Wakatipu

   Nature · Queenstown

   A long, deep lake shaped like a lightning bolt, surrounded by mountains, with Queenstown on its northern shore. Take a boat trip or walk the lakeside paths to enjoy the scenery from different angles.

4. 

   Christchurch Botanic Gardens

   Park · Christchurch

   Spacious gardens along the Avon River with rose beds, glasshouses and huge exotic trees planted in the 1800s. Rent a punt or kayak on the river nearby for a relaxed way to see the area.

Things to do in New Zealand

67 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across New Zealand. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

• Day Trips & Excursions17 experiences
  • Auckland 11
  • Christchurch 4
  • Queenstown 2
• City tours15 experiences
  • Wellington 12
  • Auckland 3
• Cruise & Water Tours10 experiences
  • Auckland 4
  • Queenstown 4
  • Christchurch 2
• Gastronomy & nightlife8 experiences
  • Auckland 5
  • Christchurch 1
  • Queenstown 1
  • Wellington 1
• Outdoor activities & Adventure7 experiences
  • Christchurch 4
  • Queenstown 3
• Zoo, Aquarium & Nature6 experiences
  • Christchurch 3
  • Auckland 2
  • Queenstown 1
• Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours6 experiences
  • Queenstown 6
• Tickets & Attraction Passes5 experiences
  • Auckland 5

Best time to visit New Zealand

Based on recent weather records across 4 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in New Zealand are February. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Know before you go

Currency

New Zealand dollar (NZD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.77

Languages

English, Māori

Capital

Wellington

Calling code

+64

Driving

On the left

Time zone

Pacific/AucklandUTC+13

Upcoming public holidays in New Zealand

• Mon 26 OctLabour Day
• Fri 25 DecChristmas Day
• Mon 28 DecBoxing Day
• Fri 1 JanNew Year's Day
• Mon 4 JanDay after New Year's Day
• Mon 8 FebWaitangi Day

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to New Zealand

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in New Zealand.

• AKL Auckland Airport11 mi from Auckland
• WLG Wellington Airport3 mi from Wellington
• ZQN Queenstown Airport4 mi from Queenstown
• CHC Christchurch International Airport6 mi from Christchurch

New Zealand travel FAQ

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