New Zealand holidays

The more populous of New Zealand’s two isles, the North Island is made up of lovely beaches, picturesque countryside and vibrant cities. You can sip crisp white wine in Hawke’s Bay, eat your way around Auckland, and explore the country’s artsy capital, Wellington. But the natural attractions here will prove to be the real talking point of your New Zealand holiday.

Thanks to its volcanic make-up, the North Island has all kinds of geothermal wonders. You can discover Rotorua’s hot springs and steaming geysers, and marvel at the biggest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo. Spend some time in Tongariro National Park, which boasts some of the country’s best hikes. You might recognise some of the scenery from The Lord of the Rings films – and, needless to say, Hobbiton™ is a must-visit for Tolkien fans.

Alternatively, if you head north of Auckland, you’ll reach subtropical Northland. You can stroll through ancient kaui forests, unwind on powdery beaches and go dolphin-watching. Make sure you tick off the Bay of Islands, too, where you can visit lush isles, pretty bays and the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds – the site where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in 1840.

If you’re planning a holiday to New Zealand, you’re probably envisaging snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and rare wildlife – and that’s exactly what you’ll find on the South Island. Staggeringly scenic, this place is home to many of New Zealand’s top attractions, including Mount Cook, Milford Sound and Franz Josef Glacier. So if you want to spend your trip admiring never-ending views, this is the island for you.

Nature-lovers will be amazed by the South Island’s wildlife, from the whales and seals in Kaikoura, to the rare penguins and albatross in Dunedin. And don’t forget Stewart Island, where you can see kiwi birds and the magical Southern Lights, Aurora Australis. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies will find all sorts of exciting things to do in Queenstown, including bungee-jumping, sky-diving and zip-lining. Or you could go on an epic heli-hike in Glacier Country, just a stone’s throw away.

Prefer to take it easy? Cruise across crystal-clear waters in Fiordland National Park, stroll through lush forests in Abel Tasman National Park, and enjoy a leisurely wine-tasting session in Marlborough’s world-class vineyards.

There’s no right or wrong way to do your New Zealand holiday. You could focus your efforts on one island and immerse yourself in some lesser-known places, or tick off all the major attractions across both the North and South Island. There are so many things to do in New Zealand that we’d recommend spending at least 10 days here. And, if you’re planning to visit both islands, we’d suggest going for three weeks if you can.  

Whatever you decide, our experts can help you create the perfect New Zealand itinerary. Perhaps you’re craving a road trip? We’ll help you choose a route to suit your timings and interests, so you’ll have total freedom to explore at your own pace. You can go on a New Zealand self-drive tour in either a car or campervan – whichever you prefer.

Alternatively, if you’d rather relax and let someone else do the driving, a New Zealand tour is just the ticket. You’ll be able to meet other like-minded travellers as you take in the country’s most popular attractions. We have a variety of tours available, ranging from two-week itineraries to three-week adventures.

The climate in New Zealand varies greatly across the four seasons, which are at opposite times to the UK. The weather’s usually best in summer months between December and February, while the winter season – June to August – is best avoided. It’s also worth knowing that the North Island is typically drier and warmer than the South island.

Summer is the most popular time to visit New Zealand, but it’s not your only option. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, consider booking your New Zealand holiday for spring, which runs from September to November. The weather will be warm enough for outdoor activities and, in the South Island, the mountains will still be blanketed in winter’s snow. The autumn season from March to May is also a lovely time to go to New Zealand, as the days are generally mild and you’ll be able to admire the fiery autumnal leaves.

Whenever you decide to go to New Zealand, just bear in mind that the temperatures will be cooler the further south you go. And, as in the UK, rain is always a possibility – so it’s best to pack lots of layers and a waterproof.

• Visas: British passport holders don’t need a visa, but you will to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel.
• Language: English
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar ($)
• Time difference: New Zealand is GMT +12 hours between April and September. The rest of the year, New Zealand uses ‘daylight saving time’ and is 13 hours ahead of GMT.  
• Flight duration from London: There are no direct flights to New Zealand. Your journey will take 24-28 hours and involve a stopover – usually in Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong or Singapore.
• Capital city: Wellington