New Zealand holidays: Queenstown, Fiordland, Rotorua and the road trip
Fjords, volcanoes and hot springs, vineyards and beaches, on two islands you can drive through in three weeks. New Zealand is made for a road trip.
Milford Sound
Photo: Sébastien Goldberg / Unsplash
New Zealand at a glance
The boat glides into Milford Sound and the rock walls drop straight into the fjord. Penguins sit on the rocks and rainforest clings to the slopes. New Zealand is on the other side of the world, with two main islands and around five million people.
The currency is the New Zealand dollar. All visitors must apply for an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) before travelling. For the rest of the region, see our Oceania guide.
How to plan your trip
The North Island: Auckland, Rotorua and the Bay of Islands
Auckland is the gateway. Rotorua has geysers, hot springs and Māori culture, Taupō has the Huka Falls, and the Bay of Islands has sailing and beaches in the north.
The South Island: Queenstown and Fiordland
Queenstown is the adventure capital, with bungee jumping, jet boats and Central Otago vineyards. From here you drive to Milford Sound in Fiordland.
The West Coast and Mount Cook
The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, and Aoraki Mount Cook, the country's highest mountain, with trails for every level.
Christchurch and Kaikōura
Christchurch is a natural start or end to the South Island. In Kaikōura you can see sperm whales and dolphins almost all year.
Queenstown
Photo: Peter Luo / Unsplash
When to go
December to February: summer, long days and peak season.
March to May: autumn, settled weather and fewer visitors. One of the best times for a road trip.
June to August: winter and skiing in Queenstown.
September to November: spring, green and cheaper.
Good to know
They drive on the left, and roads are narrow and winding. Allow more time than the map suggests.
Campervans are popular, but campsites need booking in high season.
There are strict biosecurity rules. Clean your hiking boots before you travel.
It combines well with Australia, see our Australia guide.
Where to stay
Huka Lodge near Taupō is on the World's 50 Best Hotels extended list. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers each sit beside a golf course, and Matakauri Lodge looks over the lake near Queenstown. A dedicated New Zealand hotel guide is on the way.
Frequently asked questions about New Zealand
How long should I spend in New Zealand?
At least three weeks for both islands. With two weeks, choose the South Island.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
March to May and November to December bring good weather and fewer visitors.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
UK citizens must apply for an NZeTA online before travel.
How long is the flight to New Zealand?
Around 24 to 28 hours with one or two stops.