New Zealand

New Zealand is two long islands of glaciers, fiords, volcanic plateau and coastline, built around self-drive travel and a well-run network of walking tracks and huts. Distances feel short on the map and take longer than expected on winding roads. Seasons are reversed: the summer peak runs from December to February.

Cities

Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the country, on a lake below the Remarkables, where bungy jumping was commercialised. It is also the base for Milford Sound, the Routeburn track and the Central Otago wine region. It is expensive and busy in both summer and ski season.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on an active geothermal field, with geysers, mud pools and sulphur steam rising through the town itself. It is also the centre of Māori cultural tourism, with marae visits and hāngī meals run by local iwi. Mountain biking in the Redwoods forest is world class.

Wanaka

Wanaka is the quieter lake town an hour over the Crown Range from Queenstown, with the same mountain access and a slower feel. Roys Peak is the best-known day hike in the country, and Mount Aspiring National Park starts at the edge of town. It has become busy in summer but remains calmer than its neighbour.

When to go

See all seasons

• Autumn: Stable weather, colour in Central Otago, fewer visitors.
• Winter: Ski season around Queenstown and Ruapehu; alpine tracks closed.
• Spring: Changeable, waterfalls high in Fiordland, lambing season.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.