- Get an NZeTA through the official app or Immigration NZ website before you fly; the tourism levy is paid at the same time
- Two to three weeks and a hire car or campervan is the classic way to see both islands
- November to April is warmest, but February and March are often the most settled
- Flying into Auckland and out of Queenstown or Christchurch saves backtracking
- Airports
- Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC), Queenstown (ZQN), Wellington (WLG)
- Flight time
- about 24-26h with one stop from London to Auckland
- Best time to go
- November-April for road trips and hiking; June-September for skiing
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZ$)
New Zealand fits an astonishing range of landscapes into a country only a little larger than the UK. In a single trip you can sail on a fiord, walk across a volcanic crater, soak in geothermal pools, drink Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough and stand beneath a glacier. Add friendly locals, a strong Māori culture and roads that seem built for road trips, and it is easy to see why so many UK visitors call it the trip of a lifetime.
It is also as far from the UK as you can go, so most people combine it with Australia or a stopover in Asia or the Middle East. This guide, part of our Oceania series, covers where to go, the best time to visit, getting there from the UK and what to budget in 2026.
Where to go in New Zealand
Auckland and the north
Auckland is where most long-haul flights land. Spend a day or two on the harbour, take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine and beaches, then head north to the Bay of Islands for sailing and the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi.
Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo
A two-hour drive south of Auckland, the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata is one of the country's most popular attractions. Combine it with Rotorua, known for geysers, bubbling mud and Māori cultural experiences, and the glow-worm caves at Waitomo.
Queenstown and Fiordland
Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu is the adventure capital of the South Island: bungy jumping, jet boats, skiing in winter and superb hiking. It is also the main base for Milford Sound, the dramatic fiord in Fiordland National Park.
Glaciers, lakes and the West Coast
The road from Queenstown over the Haast Pass leads to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, best seen on a heli-hike or scenic flight. Inland, Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offer some of the clearest night skies on earth.
Wellington, Marlborough and Abel Tasman
The compact capital, Wellington, has the excellent Te Papa museum and a lively food scene. Ferries cross Cook Strait to Picton, close to Marlborough's vineyards and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park.
Best time to visit New Zealand
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Summer (December-February) | Warmest and busiest, long daylight, peak prices over Christmas and January |
| Autumn (March-May) | Settled weather, autumn colour in Central Otago, fewer crowds |
| Winter (June-August) | Ski season around Queenstown and Wanaka; cold and wet elsewhere, some roads close |
| Spring (September-November) | Changeable weather, lambs and blossom, good value before peak season |
February and March are often the sweet spot: warm, more stable weather and fewer families once Kiwi schools go back. Whatever the month, pack layers and a waterproof, as weather can change quickly, especially in the south.
Getting to New Zealand from the UK
There are no nonstop flights from the UK. The most common routes connect through Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Dubai (Emirates, sometimes with a further stop in Australia), Doha (Qatar Airways), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) or via North America with Air New Zealand partners. Expect about 24-26 hours' total travel time to Auckland. Many travellers fly in via Australia, or book an open-jaw ticket into Auckland and out of Christchurch or Queenstown. A night or two in Singapore or Dubai (see our Dubai stopover guide) breaks the journey. New Zealand is 11-13 hours ahead of the UK.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit New Zealand without a visa for up to six months, but must hold a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling. The NZeTA is requested through the official app or Immigration New Zealand website, and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (around NZ$100 in 2026) is paid at the same time. Allow up to 72 hours for approval. Biosecurity checks on arrival are strict: declare food, and clean hiking boots and camping gear before you fly. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice and Immigration New Zealand before booking.
Getting around
Self-driving is the best way to see New Zealand, either in a hire car or a campervan. Roads are good but often narrow and winding, so journeys take longer than the map suggests. Air New Zealand and Jetstar link the main cities, which is useful for the long hop between the North and South Islands. InterCity coaches cover most towns. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries cross Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton in about three and a half hours.
Money and costs
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. Prices are broadly similar to the UK, though fuel, eating out and activities in tourist hotspots such as Queenstown can feel steep. Roughly, budget travellers spend about NZ$120-180 per person per day using hostels and self-catering, while a mid-range trip with hotels, a hire car and a few activities is more like NZ$300-400 per person per day. Book campervans and summer accommodation well ahead. Cards are accepted everywhere and tipping is not expected, though 10% for great restaurant service is welcome.
Top attractions in New Zealand
LandmarkHobbiton Movie Set
The Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, on a working farm near Matamata on New Zealand's North…
NatureMilford Sound
Fiordland's most famous fiord, with sheer cliffs, waterfalls and Mitre Peak rising straight from the sea.
New Zealand on the map
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need in New Zealand?
Two weeks covers either island well, or the highlights of both if you fly between them. Three weeks allows a relaxed road trip across both islands.
North Island or South Island?
If you have to choose, most first-timers pick the South Island for Queenstown, Fiordland, the glaciers and the mountains. The North Island is better for culture, geothermal sights, beaches and Hobbiton.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand from the UK?
Not for holidays of up to six months, but you need an NZeTA and must pay the tourism levy before travelling. Check current rules with GOV.UK and Immigration New Zealand.
Can I combine New Zealand with Australia?
Yes, and it is a popular plan. Flights across the Tasman Sea take about three to three and a half hours, for example from Sydney or Melbourne to Queenstown or Auckland.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
More from AnnaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
