New Zealand vacations

Pack your spirit of adventure on a trip to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover or culture enthusiast, Auckland promises an unforgettable journey.

Christchurch is rebuilding itself into a bustling metropolis filled with world-class museums, street art and an exploding restaurant scene. See what’s cooking in this South Island getaway.

Backdropped by the razor-sharp peaks of the Remarkables, Queenstown dazzles year-round. From spring lupin blooms to winter skiing and summer hiking, each season has its magic.

To get the most out of your visit to this bicultural nation, seek out its Māori heritage sites. At Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn about the nation’s founding document, signed in 1840. Take a Māori-led tour of Te Puia to see the southern hemisphere’s largest natural geyser. Admire Māori art, cultural objects and historical exhibits at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, the nation’s capital.

As the birthplace of the world’s first commercial bungee jump, New Zealand has adrenaline in its DNA. Experience this heart-pounding activity where it all began at AJ Hackett Bungy near Queenstown. There’s also skydiving above Lake Taupō and skiing on the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. For awesome views of the country’s tallest building, harness up and walk on the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower.

From snowy mountains to steaming geothermal landscapes, this is a place of immense contrasts. Watch active geysers and bathe in natural hot springs at Rotorua, or trek among volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. Heli-hiking to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers is one of the coolest things to do in New Zealand. And don’t miss the country’s largest glaciers and highest peak, at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The beaches in New Zealand are as diverse as its landscapes. They range from the volcanic black sands of Piha Beach to the stunningly remote beaches of the South Island’s West Coast. Northland’s Ninety Mile Beach (which isn’t actually 90 miles long) is a seemingly endless stretch of sand with epic sunsets and surf. Pack some high SPF — the New Zealand sun is strong.

You’ll discover natural beauty everywhere you look in New Zealand. Cruise or kayak through Milford Sound’s glacier-carved fjords with cascading waterfalls. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, where you can gaze at some of the world’s clearest night skies. Into hiking? Explore pristine wildernesses on multiday ‘Great Walks,’ from Stewart Island’s ancient forests to Fiordland’s misty valleys and Abel Tasman’s stunning beaches.

You’ll eat some of the world’s freshest seafood in the restaurants in New Zealand. Local delicacies include meaty Bluff oysters, Northland scallops and ‘pāua’ (sea snails). For a classic Kiwi snack, pick up a savory pie from a roadside cafe or local bakery. And don’t miss sampling the country’s internationally renowned wines — try a glass of Central Otago pinot noir or Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

One of the best museums in New Zealand happens to be the country’s national museum, Wellington’s Te Papa Tongarewa. You’ll learn about everything from native plants and wildlife to disasters and Māori culture. ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans shouldn’t miss Hobbiton, home to the iconic Middle-earth movie sets. To hear the stories of survivors of the 2010 Canterbury Earthquake, visit the Quake City special exhibition at the Canterbury Museum.

Summer (December to February) offers the best weather for hiking and outdoor activities. But it’s also the busiest season. Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) are the best times to visit New Zealand for fewer crowds. If you’re keen on winter sports, ski season typically runs from mid-June to early October.

Although the country has a reputation for being expensive, a cheap trip to New Zealand is possible. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs 25 New Zealand dollars ($), a local beer is around $10 and a cup of coffee costs about $6. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, save money by buying groceries and preparing your own meals.