Between the natural beauty and tourist friendly activities, New Zealand has gained steam in recent years with just about every kind of traveler. Families find fun in the never-ending activities that cater to visitors, adventure junkies scramble for the highs in the “Adventure Capital of the World”, while outdoor lovers could spend a lifetime traversing all of the trails, rivers, and coasts on offer. In addition, the cities are attracting a young working population to boost the economy and great chefs to feed them. Overall, it may be one of the most well rounded places in the world in which to travel, and a New Zealand itinerary can include something for everyone.
By the way, I am Alicia Raeburn, of Miles Less Traveled. My partner and I took an amazing trip to New Zealand, and visited every place I recommend in this article.
Best Lengths for a New Zealand Vacation
If traveling from the western world, the minimum amount of time I would recommend for a New Zealand vacation is 1 week. The flight to get there is at least 12-20 hours from the U.S., and can be even longer from other destinations. In fact, even the closest neighbors in Fiji or Australia are still at least 3 hours away. Once there, spend some time. This is not a country to add on to another short term travel excursion, New Zealand deserves to be the single destination for most vacations.
New Zealand Basics
- Language: Most people speak English or Maori, though there are many other languages spoken in New Zealand.
- Currency: The local currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. There are ATMs and banks throughout the cities, though they can be sparse in the more remote areas. It is best to get all necessary cash out before leaving a town or city, especially on the South Island. It can be hours before there is another one.
- Visas: Visitor visas to New Zealand vary depending on your passport. The website is very user friendly and helpful in deterring requirements and needs to obtain one.
- Safety: New Zealand is mostly thought of as safe for tourists. The biggest concerns are weather and natural disaster related. Be sure to check news and government websites for the most up to date information before traveling.
- Cell Service: New Zealand has spotty cell service outside of the cities. It is best not to rely solely on your phone here.
Traveling Around New Zealand
For such a small country, traveling around New Zealand often takes longer than expected and can present challenges. However, with a bit of research and preparations beforehand, the country can be navigated with ease.
- Flying – Most international flights into New Zealand come through Auckland, however Queenstown, Christchurch, and Wellington all offer domestic flights within the country. These tend to be the cheapest airports to travel between, however, they are not the only ones. Air New Zealand and Jetstar both offer quite a few flights daily between these major hubs.
- Ferry – The ferry between the north and south island is easy and a beautiful view. However, the ferry ticket cost is around the same as a flight. This is more a matter of preference.
- Bus – There are bus systems within the major cities that are great for getting around locally. In addition, several private companies run bus routes around the country between the major tourist hubs.
- Driving – This is my personal pick for exploring New Zealand. The majority of what you will want to see in New Zealand is in remote and rugged areas. Outside of a private tour company, driving is the only way to access them. Renting a campervan is a fun, cost effective way to see the country while always having a place to sleep. It comes with it’s own culture and community, a fun way to meet other travelers as well. Regular cars are also available for rent if you prefer. While driving in New Zealand is slightly different than other parts of the world, a bit of preparation and planning for the drive will have you sorted out in no time.
Essential Places to Visit in New Zealand
There are so many beautiful spots in New Zealand that it can be overwhelming to choose where to stop. These were some of the absolute favorite places I visited during my time in the country.
Places to visit in New Zealand- North Island
Auckland
Auckland, and the cities in general of New Zealand, often get overlooked due to the incredible natural surroundings outside of them. However, Auckland is a vibrant metropolis, filled with interesting people and all the amenities that come with a large city. As the largest population center of New Zealand, this is where to get a feel for real New Zealand life for the city dwellers. The restaurants are great, the nightlife fun, and there are countless museums, parks, and activities to fill the time. There is even a bungee jumping tower in the middle of the downtown, this is still New Zealand after all.
Piha Beach
The coast on the North Island is different from that of the south. Piha beach was the most beautiful beach we saw of any we visited in the country. Towering rock faces and cliffs create a stunning backdrop against the dark sand and deep blue ocean water. Extra tip: as someone who is not used to black sand beaches, I did not realize how hot the sand gets! Wear shoes to keep your feet safe from burns.
Coromandel Peninsula –
Lush forest meets the coast on the Coromandel Peninsula. Whether to soak up the often moody weather or explore the nearly empty trails, this area makes for a lovely stop off.
Mt. Ngauruhoe
Mt. Nagauruhoe has been an active volcano for 2,500 years, although it has not erupted since 1975. It has long been a part of Maori legends, and more recently it played the role of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies. The peak lies in the Tongariro National Park, which has a plethora of exploration options, including treks to explore the volcanic lakes.
Places to Visit in New Zealand- South Island
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is touristy but for very good reason. Not actually a sound, the fjord is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in person. The water, a deep, clear blue, rides right up to the sheer vertical cliffs that surround it. When it rains, which it almost always does, thousands of waterfalls cascade down the rocks into the water below. Try the Milford Track, New Zealand’s most famous Great Walk, for five days of hiking ending at the sound. Or take it all in from the water with a kayaking trip or from one of the many boat tours. There is a chance for dolphin, seal, and penguin sightings on any trip.
Queenstown
Not many cities can boast being the “Adventure Capital of the World”. The birthplace of bungee jumping, the original site can still be found covered with jumpers on any given day. There is also skydiving, rock climbing, and adventure sports I’d never even heard of–something with an electronic shark shaped boat that dove in and out of the water, for example. However, there is much more to the city than adrenaline boosts. Simply being here, on a lake surrounded by towering peaks, is a joy. The food is also great and wineries surround the area.
Kaikoura
The small town is still recovering from a massive earthquake that devastated it in 2016 but is gaining accessibility at a rapid rate. For wildlife lovers, Kaikoura is a must stop. Whale watching tours guarantee sightings of the massive giants that frequent the waterways and pass by ocean rocks covered in seals and dotted with penguins. For the more adventurous, there is also the opportunity to swim in the open water with many of these animals.
Franz Josef
Franz Josef is a popular attraction for visitors to its area on the south island. Part of the South West New Zealand Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, which includes the Franz Josef glacier, deep temperate rain forest, and wild coastline. There are several viewing points where you can see the glacier first hand, or schedule a glacier guide, for a first hand experience. Afterwards, the name sake town offers places for refreshment and some charming sights.
Mt. Cook
New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki, commonly called Mt. Cook, attracts climbers from around the world. Even if mountain climbing is not in your future, there are stunning views around the area, and a number of walkways to get out and explore. Mt. Cook is also known to be one of the best places in the country for star gazing, as there are no interfering city lights for many miles.
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman is a water lovers paradise, with gorgeous coastal beaches and coves. There are all sorts of ways to get out on the water, or see the water, from kayaking, to a New Zealand Great Walk along the shore. Head inland just a bit for river passes, and sparkling waterfalls.
Christchurch
The biggest city on the south island, Christchurch, suffered major damage from the massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the city has been on the long path to recovery. The city’s main attraction, Christchurch Cathedral is currently being rebuilt, but there is still a lot of great things to do in the city. It is home to New Zealand’s finest botanical gardens, and a wildlife park that lets you get up close and personal. For a bit of relaxation with a view, try punting, which is a man-powered ride along the Avon River through the heart of the city.
How Long Should Your New Zealand Vacation Be?
- Minimum 1-2 weeks, optimal, 3-4 weeks.
*Note: Traveling between cities and towns in New Zealand can take a lot of time. These itineraries have been adjusted to reflect travel time as much as possible.
Suggested New Zealand Itinerary – 1 week
We recommend sticking solely to the main sites of the South Island if visiting for a limited time frame. If flying, the first stop will likely be Christchurch. Spend a night here exploring the city, which is still recovering from a recent earthquake, and then head down to Queenstown. Stay in Queenstown for at least 2 nights. There are campsites and hotels of all budget ranges available here. Next, head out to Franz Josef, a glacier easily viewed by a short hike from the cute town of the same name. Stop off at the hotsprings for an after hike soak or check out the glowworms lighting up the night time forest. Spend 2 nights here before heading back to Christchurch to leave New Zealand.
Suggested New Zealand Itinerary – 2 weeks
Two weeks gives enough time to hit all of the major hot spots. Start in Auckland and make your way to the Coromandel peninsula. After, head to the south island for stop offs in Christchurch, Kaikoura, Queenstown, and Milford Sound.
Suggested New Zealand Itinerary – 3 weeks
Essentially an extended version of the above, allowing for more time on the North Island and in spots of the South Island. Note the addition of Mt. Doom here, the Lord of the Rings name for the actual New Zealand mountain of Mt. Ngauruhoe on the north island as well as Mt. Cook on the South Island.
Suggested New Zealand Itinerary – 4 weeks
Extending again on the above itinerary, including all of the best stops. This is the ideal amount of time for a New Zealand trip.
Over 4 weeks on a New Zealand vacation??
If you get the chance to spend over a month in New Zealand, take your sweet time. Stop off at every side trail, every little roadside restaurant. Do a Great Walk. Do all the Great Walks. Bike from one end to the other. Camp out in one of the awesome cities or beach towns. There are so many experiences to have that there is simply no wrong one. We recommend combining one of the above itineraries, or quite literally starting at the tip of one island and slowly making your way to the tip of the other.
Ready for your New Zealand Vacation?
New Zealand is a long way for many travelers, but I assure you it is every bit worth it. There are so many amazing places to visit in New Zealand, and you will never run out of things to do in New Zealand. It is no wonder that the country is on so many travel bucket lists. Once you visit, you may never want to leave!
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Alicia Raeburn is is one half of the Miles Less Traveled duo, a blog focused on local eats and adventures around the world. Her writing focuses mostly on food, fitness, and general travel. When she’s not working, Alicia chases her passions for running, hiking, and all outdoor activities while traveling around the world. You can aso find her on the Miles Less Traveled Facebook page, and on Instagram.
