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New Zealand

The ultimate soft-adventure playground: glaciers, fjords and volcanoes on two islands, wrapped in warm Maori culture and easy self-drive travel.

  • Currency $ New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
  • Language English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
  • Visa
  • Plug Type I · 230V
  • Best time
  • Safety Check FCDO FCDO →

The ultimate soft-adventure playground: glaciers, fjords and volcanoes on two islands, wrapped in warm Maori culture and easy self-drive travel.

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New Zealand packs an entire continent's worth of scenery into two compact islands. Snow-capped Southern Alps, mirror-still fjords, steaming geysers and endless coastline sit within a few hours' drive of one another, making it the ultimate self-drive adventure.

It is a natural home for soft adventure and family travel: hike the Great Walks, kayak Milford Sound, spot dolphins and whales, or thrill-seek in Queenstown, all with world-class safety and infrastructure.

Underpinning it all is Maori culture and a deep conservation ethic. From marae welcomes to predator-free islands and regenerating forests, this is a country that wears its guardianship of the land, kaitiakitanga, with real pride.

When to go

Weather & timing in New Zealand RIGHT NOW 13° mostly clear

Best Jan–Mar · Shoulder Apr, Nov–Dec

  1. Jan / -4°
  2. Feb / -2°
  3. Mar 12° /
  4. Apr 18° /
  5. May 24° / 14°
  6. Jun 28° / 18°
  7. Jul 30° / 20°
  8. Aug 28° / 18°
  9. Sep 24° / 14°
  10. Oct 18° /
  11. Nov 12° /
  12. Dec / -2°
Best for
  • Lord of the Rings Landscapes
  • Fjords
  • Adventure Sports
  • Wine
At a glance
Sunshine 7 hr/day (est.)
Rain days 8 days/mo (est.)
Wettest December · 60mm
Driest June · 10mm
Part of Australia & NZ →
New Zealand monthly temperature & rainfall charts
Things to do

Nature, culture & hidden gems

Editorial content coming soon

We're hand-picking the standout places, hidden gems and can't-miss activities in New Zealand. Meanwhile, the cities above are a great starting point.

Plan your trip

Curated New Zealand itineraries

Browse all New Zealand trips →