New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand Tourism | New Zealand Guide

You're Going to Love New Zealand

A country with national parks and breathtaking beaches, New Zealand is a popular destination among travelers that enjoy exciting activities like surfing, skiing, and relaxing by the beach. Between the rich Māori Culture and unique gastronomy, there are always things to do in this country.

1. See the Wildlife

To see some of the wildlife and plants that can be found in New Zealand, pay a visit to Abel Tasman National Park, an area that is home to seals, bottlenose dolphins, and blue penguins.

2. Go Wine Tasting

For visitors that would like to go wine tasting, head to Waiheke Island, where you will find a selection of wineries as well as fun adventures, such as ziplining.

3. Experience the Country's Culture

Go fishing and discover more about the Māori Culture by stopping by the Bay of Islands, a region that has pristine beaches and historical artifacts that you will not be able to find anywhere else in New Zealand.

4. Enjoy a Hike

To stay active and spend some time in nature, you can go to Mount Tongariro, a park that features a variety of hiking trails, as well as a lake that offers swimming and boating.

5. Relax on a Beach

Relax and unwind during your trip to New Zealand by going to Hot Water Beach, a popular attraction where you can go swimming and surfing, as well as sit in a natural hot spring.

1. See the Wildlife

To see some of the wildlife and plants that can be found in New Zealand, pay a visit to Abel Tasman National Park, an area that is home to seals, bottlenose dolphins, and blue penguins.

2. Go Wine Tasting

For visitors that would like to go wine tasting, head to Waiheke Island, where you will find a selection of wineries as well as fun adventures, such as ziplining.

3. Experience the Country's Culture

4. Enjoy a Hike

To stay active and spend some time in nature, you can go to Mount Tongariro, a park that features a variety of hiking trails, as well as a lake that offers swimming and boating.

5. Relax on a Beach

Relax and unwind during your trip to New Zealand by going to Hot Water Beach, a popular attraction where you can go swimming and surfing, as well as sit in a natural hot spring.

New Zealand in February

Estimated hotel price

AED 170

1 night at 3-star hotel

AED 170

1 night at 3-star hotel

In order to benefit from the nicest weather throughout the year, it is recommended that you visit New Zealand between December and February, as these are the country's summer months.

Entry Requirements

Visitors from most countries are able to enter New Zealand with a valid passport. If you are from the United States, you can stay in the country for up to three months without a visa.

Plane

As New Zealand is a relatively isolated country, the most common way for travelers to visit is by flying. When you take a plane, you can land in many different cities, with some examples being Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown.

Boat

Although there are no official ferries that bring visitors into New Zealand, if you are traveling on your own private vessel, you may enter through certain marinas.

Entry Requirements

Visitors from most countries are able to enter New Zealand with a valid passport. If you are from the United States, you can stay in the country for up to three months without a visa.

Plane

Boat

Although there are no official ferries that bring visitors into New Zealand, if you are traveling on your own private vessel, you may enter through certain marinas.

Popular airports in New Zealand

TIUTimaru

AKLAuckland Intl

NPENapier Hawkes Bay

KKEKerikeri

NSNNelson

TRGTauranga

NPLNew Plymouth

WREWhangarei

TUOTaupo

GISGisborne

DUDDunedin

WLGWellington

PMRPalmerston North

ZQNQueenstown Intl

ROTRotorua

HLZHamilton

IVCInvercargill

WAGWanganui

BHEBlenheim

CHCChristchurch

Popular airlines serving New Zealand

Good (7,032 reviews)

Good (1,334 reviews)

Good (6,820 reviews)

Good (1,584 reviews)

Excellent (7,920 reviews)

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Good (8,688 reviews)

Excellent (3,211 reviews)

Qatar Airways

Good (3,560 reviews)

Air Canada

Good (9,210 reviews)

Scandinavian Airlines

Good (1,345 reviews)

Finnair

Good (1,272 reviews)

Alaska Airlines

Excellent (9,935 reviews)

Etihad Airways

Good (1,203 reviews)

Singapore Airlines

Excellent (1,290 reviews)

Good (851 reviews)

Good (769 reviews)

Good (2,922 reviews)

Good (254 reviews)

Find flights to New Zealand

Where to stay in New Zealand

New Zealand is known for offering unique luxury lodges, which are privately owned and contain between 3 to 10 rooms.

Where to stay in popular areas of New Zealand

Most booked hotels in New Zealand

See all

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 stars

Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)

AED 385+

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Novotel Auckland Airport

4 stars

Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)

AED 562+

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Skycity Hotel Auckland

4 stars

Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)

AED 401+

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Grand Millennium Auckland

4 stars

Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)

AED 406+

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Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

5 stars

Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)

AED 426+

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Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

4 stars

Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)

AED 531+

View

Public Transportation

If you will be visiting Auckland or Wellington, you can plan on taking the local commuter train, which will bring you to many stations throughout each city. In most cities, the bus is the most common form of transportation, with a ticket costing around 1-3 NZD (0.65-2 USD).

Trains

For those that would like to go by train throughout the country, there are four primary lines for you to choose from, which will connect cities such as Christchurch, Picton, Auckland, and Wellington.

Bus

When traveling by bus, you can use InterCity, which is New Zealand's national bus company that offers trips to over 600 domestic destinations.

Car

It is very common for guests to rent a car when visiting New Zealand - you simply need to be aged 20 or older. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that in this country, vehicles drive on the left side of the road.

Plane

Flying between cities in New Zealand is very common, as it is both quick and affordable. There are several domestic airlines that you can choose from, including Air New Zealand and Sounds Air.

Public Transportation

Trains

For those that would like to go by train throughout the country, there are four primary lines for you to choose from, which will connect cities such as Christchurch, Picton, Auckland, and Wellington.

Bus

When traveling by bus, you can use InterCity, which is New Zealand's national bus company that offers trips to over 600 domestic destinations.

Car

Plane

Flying between cities in New Zealand is very common, as it is both quick and affordable. There are several domestic airlines that you can choose from, including Air New Zealand and Sounds Air.

Best car hire deals in New Zealand

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

AED 56/day

Find car hire in New Zealand

The official currency of this country is the New Zealand Dollar, and almost all stores, restaurants, and hotels will accept credit and debit cards. Carry cash for small transactions, though. If you will be purchasing a simple meal of fish and chips, you can expect to pay around 5-7 NZD (3-4.50 USD). In the grocery store, a loaf of bread can be purchased for 3-4 NZD (2-2.50 USD), and a dozen eggs will cost you 6-8 NZD (3.85-5 USD).