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Kia Ora!
Kia Ora!
Welcome to New Zealand
Welcome to New Zealand
Adventure, Nature & Unmatched Beauty, Pacific's Triple Star
Adventure, Nature & Unmatched Beauty, Pacific's Triple Star
New Zealand, a stunning trio of islands cradled in the South Pacific, is a destination that redefines “breathtaking” with every jagged peak and shimmering shore. Home to just 5.1 million residents across its North, South, and Stewart Islands, this land unfurls a spectacle of nature’s extremes, snow-capped Southern Alps soaring over Milford Sound’s glassy fjords, hobbit-like hills of the Waikato rolling emerald-green into misty horizons, and pristine beaches like Cathedral Cove stretching under skies so vast they swallow your breath.
Picture hiking Tongariro’s volcanic trails, where steam curls from crimson craters and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing unfurls Lord of the Rings-worthy vistas, rugged, raw, and alive. Or kayaking Milford Sound, paddles slicing through waters flanked by cliffs where waterfalls plunge from dizzying heights, seals basking on rocks as dolphins arc nearby. Maybe it’s sipping a crisp sauvignon blanc in Marlborough’s sun-dappled vineyards, the grape-scented breeze mingling with the clink of glasses, or wandering Rotorua’s geothermal pools, mud bubbling and geysers hissing in earthy defiance.
From Stewart Island’s kiwi calls to the North’s Bay of Islands, where sails dot turquoise bays, New Zealand weaves a timeless escape—wild as its peaks, welcoming as its people, ready to etch its beauty into your soul.
Best Flights to New Zealand this year
Best Flights to New Zealand this year
New Zealand’s main gateways are Auckland (AKL) on the North Island and Christchurch (CHC) on the South, 20 km and 12 km from their city centers, respectively. Here’s how to fly in:
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. We recommend their direct services to Auckland, New Zealand, or a stop-over flight in either Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, Australia. Their New Zealand-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From the U.S: Round-trip flights from L.A. or San Francisco range $800–$1,500 (13–15 hours) with Air New Zealand, United, or Qantas—direct options available.
From Europe: London flights cost £600–£1,200 ($780–$1,560 USD, 24–27 hours) via Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or Air New Zealand—always a stop.
From Asia: Singapore or Tokyo to Auckland runs $400–$900 (10–12 hours) with Air New Zealand, ANA, or Jetstar—some direct.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne flights are $150–$400 (3–4 hours) with Jetstar, Qantas, or Air New Zealand—frequent and fast.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Dec–Feb) peaks with warm weather—book 3–4 months early. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can save $100–$200. Shoulder seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) blend mild temps and better fares—watch for autumn sales!New Zealand Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From AKL, the SkyBus to central Auckland is $18 NZD/$11 USD (40 minutes). CHC’s Metro bus to town costs $8 NZD/$5 USD (30 minutes). Taxis run $40–$70 NZD ($25–$43 USD)—pre-book via Expedia for ease.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and EU citizens get 90 days visa-free with an NZeTA ($12 NZD/$7 USD, apply at immigration.govt.nz); others need a visitor visa ($211 NZD/$130 USD).
Searching for Flights is easy
Add where your leaving from
Add Auckland, New Zealand in the Going to field
Add your Departure and Return dates
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Don't leave your travel arrangements to chance. Put them in hands you can trust with Expedia.
Top Places to Stay in New Zealand
Top Places to Stay in New Zealand
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, New Zealand offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Harbourside apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Auckland now!
Use Agoda to help ensure you're getting the best deals available. Perhaps you'll even find a hidden gem of a property that might not be available elsewhere. Book Now!
See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in New Zealand
New Zealand’s compact size means adventure’s always close.
Budget travelers can crash at Haka Lodge Auckland ($40–$80/night) or YHA Christchurch ($30–$70/night).
Mid-range gems like The George in Christchurch ($150–$250/night) offer boutique vibes.
Luxury shines at Blanket Bay in Glenorchy ($800–$1,500/night) or Huka Lodge in Taupo ($600–$1,200/night) with nature-front seats.
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia.
With everything from Luxury Resorts & 5-star Hotels to local Boutique Backpackers.
All conveniently displayed on a easy to use map. Helping you quickly find exactly where you want to stay.
Enter where your going
Add your check-in and check-out dates
Hit search to find the perfect place to stay.
Best Local Food in New Zealand
Best Local Food in New Zealand
New Zealand’s cuisine is a fresh, hearty love letter to land and sea, with Māori and settler roots shining through.
Hangi: Earth-oven feast—meaty, smoky goodness. Try it at Tamaki Māori Village in Rotorua ($150 NZD/$92 USD, full meal and a full Māori Cultural experience).
Fish and Chips: Crispy hoki with golden fries. The Chippery in Wellington ($15 NZD/$9 USD).
Pavlova: A true Kiwi favourite similar to a meringue with cream and kiwi fruit—sweet perfection. Floriditas in Wellington ($12 NZD/$7 USD).
Traditional Kiwi Dishes to Try
Traditional Kiwi Dishes to Try
Lamb Roast: Succulent, grass-fed lamb with rosemary. Served with roast potatoes, peas and carrots. The Grill by Sean Connolly in Auckland ($40 NZD/$25 USD).
Whitebait Fritters: Tiny little smelt fish in an egg based batter—delicate delight. A seasonal kiwi delicacy. Head to Curly Tree in Greymouth ($20 NZD/$12 USD).
Mānuka Honey: Sweet, earthy spread––with amazing medicinal properties. Found everywhere with the best deals at Local markets ($10 NZD/$6 USD/jar).
L&P: Lemon & Paeroa soda—fizzy Kiwi classic. Available everywhere but cheapest at local Supermarkets ($2 NZD/$1.20 USD).
Best Restaurants in New Zealand
Best Restaurants in New Zealand
The French Cafe (Auckland): Refined Kiwi dining ($80+ NZD/$49+ USD mains).
Fleur’s Place (Moeraki): Coastal seafood ($30 NZD/$18 USD mains).
Rātā (Queenstown): Native-inspired eats ($40 NZD/$25 USD mains).
Ortega Fish Shack (Wellington): Quirky fish dishes ($35 NZD/$22 USD mains).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Little Bird Kitchen (Auckland): Plant-based Kiwi flair ($20 NZD/$12 USD).
The Unbakery (Christchurch): Raw vegan treats ($15 NZD/$9 USD).
Staying Connected in New Zealand
Staying Connected in New Zealand
Best eSIM Providers for New Zealand
Stay online with an eSIM—Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees blanket NZ with 4G/5G, though rural spots can fade. Airalo’s “New Zealand” plan (5GB for $16, 10 days) suits short trips; Ubigi’s packs (500MB for $2, 10GB for $29) flex for longer stays. Wi-Fi’s sparse outside cities—don’t rely on it!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to New Zealand, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in New Zealand
Best Attractions in New Zealand
Must-Do in New Zealand: Unmissable Experiences
New Zealand’s a playground of natural wonders and adrenaline—here’s your lineup, bursting with all the not-to-be-missed specifics.
Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Why: Volcanic moonscapes and emerald lakes—Middle-earth IRL.
Details: Free, 19.4 km, 6–8 hours. Shuttles from National Park Village ($40 NZD/$25 USD return).
Tip: Early starts beat the midday rush—stunning pics await.
Cruise Milford Sound
Why: Fjords, waterfalls, and seals—nature’s masterpiece.
Details: Boat tours from $70 NZD/$43 USD (1.5–2 hours, book via RealNZ).
Tip: Kayak add-ons ($100 NZD/$62 USD) get you closer.
Explore Hobbiton
Why: Step into the Shire—Lord of the Rings magic.
Details: Tours from Matamata, $89 NZD/$55 USD (2 hours, includes a Green Dragon pint).
Tip: Book ahead—it’s a hot ticket.
Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Why: Birthplace of bungy—pure Kiwi adrenaline.
Details: AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge jump, $205 NZD/$126 USD (43m drop).
Tip: Tandem jumps add a thrill buddy.
Wine Taste in Marlborough
Why: World-class sauvignon blanc in rolling vineyards.
Details: Tours from Blenheim, $50–$100 NZD/$31–$62 USD (half-day, tastings included).
Tip: Bike rentals ($20 NZD/$12 USD) make it scenic.
Visit Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders
Why: Bubbling mud, geysers, and Māori culture.
Details: Te Puia entry $70 NZD/$43 USD (geysers, cultural show). Open 8 AM–5 PM.
Tip: Hangi feast add-ons ($50 NZD/$31 USD) are a treat.
Beach Day at Cathedral Cove
Why: Arched rock and turquoise waves—North Island stunner.
Details: Free, 45-minute walk from Hahei. Kayak tours $105 NZD/$65 USD.
Tip: Low tide reveals more shore.
Check out our New Zealand collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to New Zealand
Protecting Your Trip to New Zealand
From rugged hikes to bungy jumps, risks lurk—medical care starts at $100 NZD/$62 USD without coverage. Insurance covering cancellations, health, and lost gear costs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 USD for a $1,000 journey. Check out the great options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for New Zealand
Practical Tips for New Zealand
Best Time to Visit: Summer (Dec–Feb) for warmth; spring (Sep–Nov) or autumn (Mar–May) for calm beauty.
Getting Around: Rental cars $30–$70 NZD/$18–$43 USD/day (drive left side of road); InterCity buses $20–$50 NZD/$12–$31 USD per leg.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD); $1 USD = ~$1.63 NZD. Cards everywhere, cash for rural spots.
Pack: Layers, hiking boots—weather shifts fast.
New Zealand Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
New Zealand Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Waiheke Island’s Vineyards: Ditch Auckland for this 40-minute ferry ride (NZD 50/$30 USD round-trip). Mudbrick Winery’s sauvignon blanc (NZD 12/$7.20 USD/glass) pairs with Hauraki Gulf views—locals bike between tastings. Half-day; book ferries via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
Day Trip to Coromandel Peninsula: A 2-hour drive from Auckland (rentals NZD 60/$36 USD/day) unveils Hot Water Beach—dig your own spa at low tide (free). Cathedral Cove’s arches stun—less packed than Tongariro. Full day; bring a shovel.
The River Kitchen Café, Nelson: Skip Queenstown’s bustle for this Tasman café by Maitai River. Locals devour flat whites (NZD 5/$3 USD) and lamingtons (NZD 4/$2.40 USD)—open till 4 PM. Pair with a walk to Nelson’s art galleries. Don't miss the Nelson Classic Car Museum - It's world class. While in the area consider hiking the Abel Tasman national park.
Why It’s Worth It: Waiheke’s sips, Coromandel’s shores, and Nelson’s cozy Café's trade NZ’s big tourist trails for more intimate Kiwi gems.
New Zealand Cultural Insights and Etiquette
New Zealand Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A handshake and “Kia ora” (Hello, Māori greeting) show respect—Kiwis are laid-back but warm. Smiles open conversations everywhere.
Dress: Casual rules—shorts and tees for hikes, light jackets for fjords. Māori cultural sites (marae) may require modest attire and may require shoes off to enter indoor areas—ask hosts.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Engage with Māori culture—learn “Whānau” (family) or join a haka if invited. Tip sparingly—NZ doesn’t expect it ($2–$5 NZD/$1.20–$3 USD max).
Don’t: Touch Māori carvings without permission—they’re sacred. Don’t litter—Kiwis cherish their land; bins are everywhere.
Respect: Keep noise low in nature—Milford Sound’s silence is golden. Ask before photographing Māori locals—protocol matters.
Festival Highlights
Waitangi Day (February 6): Māori and Pākehā unite—join waka (canoe) events at Bay of Islands for cultural pride.
Wellington Fringe (February–March): Quirky arts—chat performers at Cuba Street stalls to feel Kiwi creativity.
Blend In: Use “Cheers” or “Ta” for thanks—it’s Kiwi shorthand. Respect the land—take only photos on Tongariro trails to earn nods.
Let the Good Times Roll in New Zealand
Let the Good Times Roll in New Zealand
New Zealand is an exhilarating destination for travelers craving a thrilling mix of adventure, nature, and cultural depth. Whether you’re hiking volcanic trails, tasting Māori feasts, or marveling at fjord-framed vistas, New Zealand has something extraordinary for every explorer. By booking smart flights, choosing stellar accommodations, savoring local flavors, and diving into its iconic and hidden gems, you’ll craft memories to cherish in this island paradise.
Planning your Kiwi getaway is a cinch with the right tools. Whether you’re securing flights, picking the perfect stay, or staying connected with an eSIM, this guide’s got you sorted. Don’t forget travel insurance for peace of mind on your journey. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wild beauty and spirit of New Zealand this season!
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