Image: PHOTO: Aerial view of Queenstown, New Zealand. (filipefrazao / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Aerial view of Queenstown, New Zealand. (filipefrazao / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
New Zealand Today: November 27, 3:45 PM 59°F Broken Clouds

New Zealand Travel Guide 

If you’re looking for your next big vacation spot, we highly recommend visiting New Zealand! 

No matter the time of year, New Zealand has much to offer. From journeying through Middle Earth to snowboarding, a great holiday is guaranteed. 

New Zealand comprises several islands. So, you’ll need several modes of transport if you want to see it all!

New Zealand’s domestic flights are ideal for long-distance travel across the islands. Unless you’re traveling for work (or research), you probably won’t have to make use of the major airports on your journey. However, we did appreciate that most major airlines offer affordable, short-notice domestic flights.

When traveling through New Zealand, there are many transport options in addition to flights. You can make use of buses and railways for efficient traveling. These modes of transport are sure to come with some unbeatable views! 

To tour some of the islands in New Zealand, which we highly recommend doing, hop on board a ferry. This is a great, fun way to explore the beautiful nearby islands.

Important Things To Know

Currency

New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar as its currency.

National Languages

While English is the primary language used among all citizens of New Zealand, Māori is the country’s official language.

New Zealand, Doubtful Sound, Tourism New Zealand

A rainbow hovers over Doubtful Sound in New Zealand. (photo via William Patino) (Photo Credit: (photo via William Patino))

Time Zone

New Zealand practices Daylight Savings Time (DST), where residents set their clocks forward by one hour. New Zealand’s DST occurs from late September to early April.

Climate And Weather

Temperatures in New Zealand can change rapidly. On our first visit to Auckland, locals warned us that you could experience four seasons in one day. It’s a popular saying there and became a prediction of our experience! Don’t worry though, as long as you keep track of predictions and have the necessary layers, you’ll be fine.

New Zealand’s summer season offers plenty of reasons to get outdoors and onto the beach. With highs of 86ºF (30ºC) and a dry atmosphere, you’ll want to keep water (and water-based activities) nearby. The summer months are from December to February

New Zealand’s winter runs from June to August with lows of 14ºF (-10ºC).

Rain occurs throughout the year in New Zealand. Northern and Central New Zealand experience winter rainfall while the rest of the country has drier winters. 

Latest News

When To Visit New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand, mountains in New Zealand, Mount Aspiring, Mt. Aspiring, Tititea
Mount Aspiring, also known as Tititea, in New Zealand's Mount Aspiring National Park. (photo via Glenorchy Air) (Photo Credit: (photo via Glenorchy Air))

Many choose to visit New Zealand in the summer. The warm weather brings in a lot of tourism from December through to February. Interestingly, summer is also the best time to spot kiwis

If you don’t do crowds, we recommend planning your visit around March and May to arrive during autumn. During these months, the weather is still warm around the North Island, but the crowds have moved on.

If you aren’t interested in warm weather, New Zealand’s winter starts in July and lasts until August. Winter brings with it a variety of snow sports from snowboarding to skiing!

Best Places To Stay In New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Westhaven Marina
Westhaven Marina in Auckland, New Zealand. (photo via Chris McLennan) (Photo Credit: (photo via Chris McLennan))

  • Auckland: New Zealand’s largest city acts as the gateway to the rest of the country. No matter how you arrive, chances are you’ll arrive in Auckland. For those seeking a vibrant nightlife or a romantic night out, the many bars and entertainment venues have you covered!
  • Wellington: Visiting the capital of New Zealand on your trip is a must! With beautiful beaches and ice cream on a hot day, there’s tons of fun to experience. As New Zealand’s cultural hub, Wellington is the place to learn about the history and culture of this amazing destination.
  • Nelson: Nelson is New Zealand’s sunniest city, which makes it one of our favorite spots. On top of that, accommodation in Nelson is cheaper than almost anywhere else in New Zealand. If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for warmer climates, Nelson is the city for you!

 

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Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me