New Zealand is an island country in the Pacific Ocean off the east coast of Australia, well known for its breathtaking beauty, rich culture, history, and biodiversity of both animal and plant life. New Zealand travel is ideal for any adventure-seeking traveler as it’s a destination famous for sporting and outdoors activities. Discover why this island has been called names like "the Paradise of the Pacific" and "God’s own country." With jagged mountains, gorges, beautiful beaches, Earth's richest flora zones and a blend of cultures, New Zealand is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun-filled holiday.
Best time to take a vacation to New Zealand
Best Time to Go
Book your New Zealand vacations any time of the year, as New Zealand weather amazing all year round. September to April is the warm season, with December, January, and February being the warmest. This period is probably best for outdoor activities. March to May is autumn, when the beauty of New Zealand can really be seen, while spring occurs from September to November and is ideal for white water rafting and also the time for the spring festival and the cold season. Winter is from June to August, ideal for skiing and visiting glaciers. Temperatures vary from 5 – 30 degrees Celsius and the weather remains relatively moderate.
Popular New Zealand experiences
Bay of Islands
Visit the Bay of Islands, rated the finest maritime park in New Zealand, with superb beaches and private bays.
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site with stunning scenery, deep fiords, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and steep mountains.
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is 90km north of Auckland and is ridiculously beautiful with excellent surfing facilities.
Kaikoura
Go whale watching in Kaikoura, where you’ll also get a chance to see dolphins and orca while enjoying a glass of the famous New Zealand wine.
Queenstown
Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier adventure destination, offering bungee jumping, jet boating, parapenting, white water rafting, hiking, and much more.
Stewart Island
Visit Stewart Island for your best chance to spot the extremely rare kiwi bird in its natural habitat.
TranzAlpine
Ride the TranzAlpine Train, which is rated one of the finest rail journeys in the world.
Volcano Hopping
Go Volcano Hopping in Tauranga by helicopter and prepare to be frightened, humbled, and enthralled.
Insider tips for New Zealand travel
Amisfield
No visit to New Zealand would be complete without a trip to Amisfield Winery in Central Otago for a wine tasting session and dinner.
Coronet Peak
Book into Coronet Peak for a magnificent skiing adventure, where you are flown to the peak and deposited on top.
Matamata
Experience adventure on New Zealand vacations and go gliding in Matamata. For the ultimate thrill, jump out of a plane and go skydiving.
Top rated hotels for your New Zealand vacation
Naumi Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
153 Kirkbride Road, Auckland, Auckland
Free Cancellation
Reserve now, pay when you stay
298.13 mi from city center
The price is $92 per night
$92
per night
Jun 16 - Jun 17
With a stay at Naumi Auckland Airport in Auckland (Mangere), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Villa Maria Auckland Winery and JKs Driving Range.
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
14 Airpark Drive, Auckland
Free Cancellation
Reserve now, pay when you stay
297.24 mi from city center
The price is $114 per night
$114
per night
Jun 10 - Jun 11
With a stay at Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport in Auckland (Mangere), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Villa Maria Auckland Winery and Butterfly Creek.
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Free Cancellation
306.57 mi from city center
The price is $142 per night
$142
per night
Jun 18 - Jun 19
With a stay at The Grand by SkyCity, you'll be centrally located in Auckland, steps from Sky Tower and SkyCity Casino.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
^Savings based on all package bookings with Flight + Hotel made on CheapTickets.com from as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.
