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WHY BOOK A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND
You might have to spend an ungodly amount of time on a plane to get here, but the magic that awaits on the islands of New Zealand makes for a more-than-fair trade.
This place is Middle Earth spectacle but with pure Shire vibes – no orcs, we promise. From the giant snow-capped mountains and sweeping fiords of the South Island, to the sandy beaches and cosmopolitan cities of the North Island, the full NZ experience requires adventures on both.
Head south to marvel at the majesty of Mount Cook and explore the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Get the adrenaline pumping with extreme sports in Queenstown, get inspired by the surreal Hokitika Gorge and sip New Zealand’s finest wines at the vineyards of Marlborough.
The North Island is smaller but more densely populated, so Auckland and Wellington bring the cultural and culinary strengths of New Zealand to the fore, but there’s still plenty of magic on the doorstep. Discover the bubbling hot springs of Rotorua and embrace its rich Māori culture, explore the enchanting Glowworm Cave by night and, of course, channel your inner Baggins with a visit to Hobbiton.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best time of year to visit?
Without doubt the best time to explore New Zealand is during its summer months of December to February, when the weather allows you to make the most of the country’s endless natural splendor. Shoulder seasons remain mild and generally pleasant too, but temperatures do drop in winter (June-August), especially on the South Island, when ski-season kicks in.
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What’s the climate like in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a generally temperate maritime climate but, as a long country, there is quite a variance from north to south. Generally the northernmost reaches have subtropical summers and mild winters, while the southernmost points are much chillier with a fair smattering of rain all year round.
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What’s the currency in New Zealand?
New Zealand dollar
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What language is spoken in New Zealand?
The dominant language in New Zealand is English, spoken by pretty much everybody, but the best surviving indigenous language is Māori, spoken by well over 150,000 people and legally recognised as an official language since 1987.
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What is the time difference in New Zealand?
The main islands use New Zealand Standard Time (UTC+12), which means the time here is 13 hours ahead of London, 18 hours ahead of New York and a whopping 21 hours ahead of Los Angeles. The Chatham Islands have their own time zone a further 45 minutes ahead. From late September to early April New Zealand observes daylight saving, making the time zone UTC+13.
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Major Airports in New Zealand:
- Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Christchurch Airport (CHC)
- Wellington Airport (WLG)
- Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
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What are the top places to visit in New Zealand?
- Fiordland National Park – for totally jaw-dropping feats of Mother Nature’s creation
- Wellington – the capital has a super vibrant arts, culture and culinary scene
- Rotorua – where enriching cultural experiences meet otherworldly geological wonders
- Bay of Islands – arguably the country’s most beautiful stretch of coastline
- Weta Workshop & Hobbiton – for the film fans to release their inner-nerd
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Can you fly directly from the US to New Zealand?
You can! But only if you’re coming from the west. There are lots of direct flights between Los Angeles and New Zealand (they’re around 13 hours long), but you can also fly from San Francisco and Houston, as well as Hawaii. If you’re travelling from the East Coast you’ll likely have to take a connecting flight somewhere in Asia.
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Is New Zealand expensive or not?
New Zealand is broadly considered to be an expensive country both to live in and travel around, especially when it comes to accommodation, transport and food. If you’re coming from a major city in the US or Europe, prices will most likely feel pretty familiar, but if you’re visiting from somewhere where the cost of living is low, be prepared to see your wallet dented.