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New Zealand Travel Wiki

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Easy travel guide
Find general travel information, guides and “good to know”. Find the cheapest flights and best hotels offers in one click multi search engine - just click a city and discover the best of the country.

Travel to New Zealand

New Zealand offers visitors one of the most unique opportunities to explore that can be found in the world today. It is a breathtaking nation that can offer you a quiet, rural holiday, a relaxing resort experience, or a rugged exploration adventure. You can divide your trip into a North Island trip, a South Island trip, or have an extended getaway and see both cultures.

For many, a visit to New Zealand begins with an exploration of the nation’s incredible coastline landscapes. You’ll find plenty of walking trails, cycling opportunities, and road trips to help you enjoy this wonder to its fullest extent. Along the way, you’ll also discover diving, sailing, and kayaking opportunities.

New Zealand is known for its volcanic mountainous landscapes. This lush green country is split in to two islands, the North and the South Islands, the North Island being more densely populated. For tranquil towns and small cities surrounded by picturesque mountains visit the South Island. Head to the North Island and experience thermal hot springs, adrenaline fuelled outdoor activities, white sand beaches and of course more magnificent mountain ranges. New Zealand holidays possesses the perfect balance of high-energy outdoors fun and pure indulgence.

If there is adventure in your veins, then bungee jumping is a common activity in New Zealand. There are zip lines, guided rafting tours, and sky diving opportunities throughout the country as well. You’ll find award-winning wineries, farmer’s markets, and plenty of community festivals to enjoy as well. It’s also not an exaggeration to say that the seafood and coastal restaurants in New Zealand is some of the best that you’ll find in the world today.

There are numerous attractions to visit throughout New Zealand to enjoy as well. Art galleries are everywhere, as are the incredible hot pools, and there are plenty of stargazing opportunities to enjoy. The dramatic scenery is going to tempt your eyes, while the promise of incredible cuisine is going to tempt your tastebuds.

Explore the wilderness in New Zealand’s South Island. The two biggest cities, Christchurch and Queenstown, provide the perfect comfortable base for day long adventures hiking through the mountains, extreme outdoors activities and are the place to be for snow skiing in the winter.

Visit the beautiful cities Auckland and Wellington on the North Island on your New Zealand holiday. Both cities are built on picturesque harbours, but Auckland is on a volcanic spine between two. Head in to the mountains and visit Rotorua and Taupo. These two mountainous towns are rivals for the title of adrenaline capital of the North Island. Spend time on the Coromandel peninsula, which juts in to the pacific ocean just east of Wellington. Serene beaches on the eastern edge are the perfect place to relax, while old gold mining towns and organic farmland in the west provides for a great road trip.

Due to its high volume of volcanic mountain ranges New Zealand can be enjoyed fully in summer and winter. Head over in summer and enjoy the beautiful mountain views, hike around rivers and lakes or spend time on the white sand beaches that dot the coast between spectacular rocky coastlines. Come to New Zealand in the winter and be blown away by some of the world’s best snow skiing slopes, full snow parks and a multitude of different runs for beginners to professionals.

Find the best skiing on the South Island around Queenstown. In the summer, visit Queenstown and get involved in outdoor activities, then have fun in the bustling bars at night with generally younger crowds. Experience the provincial charm of Christchurch. Characterised by its gothic architecture this city has an emerging energy. Modern bars and restaurants are becoming popular hangouts around Christchurch. This easy going city is the perfect place to chill out after a pumped up week on the slopes or big hike through the mountains.

A trip to New Zealand would be wasted if you missed out on Rotorua, the most dynamic thermal area. Hot springs are commonplace and geysers shoot hot water up to 30 metres out of the ground. Enjoy the fascinating Maori culture here and feast on the traditional meal that is cooked in a large underground oven, the hangi.

Best of New Zealand North Island

If you’re looking for a holiday that’s full of adventure but also relaxation, a holiday to North Island in New Zealand will give you just that. Choose to venture into mountainous forests, explore the cultural capital of Wellington or simply just relax in one of the natural hot springs in Rotorua. With a destination that has so much to offer, the opportunities for a holiday in North Island are endless.

Known as the gateway to New Zealand, the North Island is an oasis of natural beauty. There are ragged mountains to climb, deep rainforests to explore and endless stretches of sandy beach to relax on. Stylish cities including Auckland and Wellington are also found here, where travellers can experience top city attractions including Karori Wildlife Sanctuary and the 328 metre high Sky Tower.

Being such a diverse destination, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city is compact but by no means quiet- stay here if you want to enjoy city amenities, including unique bars, great restaurants and top shopping spots. Further north, Rotorua is a popular town that is home to therapeutic hot springs and mud pools, making it the perfect place to relax. Adrenaline junkies will love the city of Taupo where there are plenty of opportunities to skydive, bungee jump and jetboat along rough rapids.

It’s not surprising that the North Island in New Zealand was the top location choice for the filming of Peter Jackson’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films. Home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, the North Island is full of forest topped mountains, steaming volcanoes and deep tropical rainforests. With such a wealth of natural wonders around you, it’s easy to see that a holiday to the North Island will be full of exploration, adventure and amazement.

Known among locals as the thermal capital of North Island, the city of Rotorua is a brilliant place to explore volcanic valleys, stand in touching distance of active geysers and ride along tranquil lakes. If hiking and trekking is more your thing, Ruapehu and Taranaki have some of the most breath-taking mountain ranges.

The cosmopolitan city of Wellington is great place to experience a slice of city life. Wander through the streets and discover the array of quirky bars, restaurants and boutiques before getting to know the island’s Polynesian heritage in one of the many downtown museums. Make sure you take a trip in the cable car to the top of Mount Victoria – the views are phenomenal!

If you’re travelling with small children, North Island has a great range of family activities for every budget. Spend a day face to face with the vibrant wild life that inhabits one of the untouched national parks or spend a thrilling day at Rainbow’s End, a theme park that caters to every age. Also, kids will love a boat ride through the Waitomo Caves that are covered in millions of glow worms.

When you fancy a break from all the action, take up a spot on one of the glorious beaches along the coast. The Bay of Plenty is the perfect place to kick back and relax, where you can also enjoy great seafood dishes and top quality wine made in the local vineyards. For the ultimate relaxation treat, travel to the Bay of Islands and take a dip in some of the best volcanic mud pools and hot natural springs.

Best of New Zealand South Island

As New Zealand’s biggest island, North Island is a great holiday destination for anyone looking for adventure filled days followed by low-key nights. With its diverse landscape, cosmopolitan cities and friendly locals there’s so much to see, explore and experience, you can choose to do as much or as little as you want!

The island is renowned for its scenic highlights and boasts a range of amazing landscapes. From the glacial valleys of Franz Josef to the Southern Alps and the tranquil lakes of Queenstown, there’s a natural wonder waiting around every corner, ready for you to explore.

Whether you want to have an action packed holiday full of discovery and exploration or prefer to take things a little easier, South Island has something to offer everyone. Take your pick from relaxed city life in Christchurch to the secluded lake town of Wanaka where you can stay among the alpine lakes and majestic mountains.

Being the largest island of New Zealand, South Island is a holiday destination that has something for everyone. Sitting on two tectonic plates the island boasts some of the most spectacular geological activity in the world. There are dramatic mountain ranges, glacial valleys and tranquil lakes, just waiting to be discovered.

Queenstown is one the island’s most popular destinations and it’s easy to see why. Set on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by spectacular mountains, it’s picture perfect whatever time of year you visit. The city is a paradise for thrill seekers who can enjoy thrilling ski slopes in the winter and canyon swinging, river rafting and skydiving the rest of the year. However, if adrenaline sports aren’t your thing you can always spend the day in town, shopping in quirky boutiques or indulging in some spa therapy.

If you are a lover of the great outdoors, a trip over to Stewart Island is a must. Over 85% of the island is declared a national park, so it’s popular with hikers who enjoy the gorgeous coastlines and rugged mountains the island has to offer. There’s also a chance to visit Ulva Island, located just a short boat ride away. It’s home to an enormous Bird Sanctuary, the only place in New Zealand where you can catch a glimpse of the native Kiwi bird in its natural habitat.

When it comes to relaxation, a trip to one of the many glorious coastlines should do the trick. The north-western town of Nelson is the sunniest region of the island and is perfect for kicking back and relaxing. Try Golden bay for powdery sand and crystal blue water or Takaka for New Zealand’s largest fresh water springs. Nelson is also well known for its creative flair and home to more than 350 well-known artists and crafts people. Visit their studios for the chance to take home some of their handmade pieces and learn about the town’s Maori heritage.

Wild Foods festival – A taste of New Zealand

One festival not to be missed is the legendary Wild Foods festival held annually in a small town on the West Coast of the South Island called Hokitika.

Due to the isolated location of the West Coast the ‘Coasters’ have always done things their own way, paying little attention to how the rest of the world lives. The festival is a prime example of this, as it show cases the rather random delicacies of the coast and the local characters that live there. You name it, it’s on offer and both locals and tourists come from afar to challenge themselves to eat the huge selection of wild foods.

Some of the more memorable dishes at this years festival included Mountain Oysters (goat testicles); huhu grubs that were very much alive; eel spine, marinated duck tongue; semen sauce; cow tit; seagull turd; rotten fish eyes and possum pie. The atmosphere is awesome as everywhere you look people are egging their friends on encouraging them to try the most vulgar of the vulgar wild foods on offer.

A few of the more tame – or should we say edible foods – included “Bambi” burgers, white bait fritters, homemade fudge, pickled punga (native fern), mussels and wild pork.

Hokitika has a population of about 6,000 and with more than 10,000 people attending the Wild Foods Festival accommodation options get rather interesting. So where does everyone sleep? The local fire brigade set up a couple of large camp sites right by the beach which over flows with tents and campervans.

City Guides

Click on a city for more information about the city, maps, tourist information, tours and what to see and do in the city.

Akaroa

Akaroa Travel Wiki Travel to Akaroa Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Akaroa The South Island of New Zealand is known for its spectacular beauty, the village of Akaroa is a perfect example of this. A historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano on Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is located in the Canterbury region situated within a harbour. Akaroa is only 84km by road...

Arrowtown

Arrowtown Travel Wiki Travel to Arrowtown Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Arrowtown Picture-perfect Arrowtown in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island has been wonderfully preserved since a goldmining rush in the area led to a massive influx of people seeking their fortune by panning in the Arrow River. Today, it's a popular tourist destination – some trying their own luck at panning – and has some excellent...

Arthur’s Pass

Arthur's Pass Travel Wiki Travel to Arthur's Pass Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Arthur's Pass Arthur's Pass is the highest and most spectacular pass across New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Travelling from Canterbury to the West Coast, this is the road to take. A piece of extreme engineering involving viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and waterfalls redirected into chutes, Arthur’s Pass National Park itself is a landscape of two halves....

Ashburton

Ashburton Travel Wiki Travel to Ashburton Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Ashburton Sitting amongst picturesque farming country sandwiched between two lively rivers. The town of Ashburton located in Mid-Canterbury on New Zealand’s South Island offers families a safe, adventure filled holiday. With a decorated agricultural history the town is littered with interesting museums. Sparkling clear lakes sprinkled over land strangled by the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers adds to...

Auckland

Auckland Travel Wiki Travel to Auckland Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Auckland You won’t find a larger urban area in New Zealand than Auckland. Many come to this island nation for an outdoor adventure, but there is a diverse city that offers unique opportunities to explore that makes this city the perfect holiday destination. Auckland was founded in 1350 by the local Maori population and has always been prized...
new zealand bay of islands

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands Travel Wiki Travel to Bay of Islands Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands on the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island is well named: altogether, there are 144 tiny islands in the bay. This popular tourist destination is in the Northland region of North Island and enjoys a sub-tropical oceanic climate that gives it hot summers of up...
new zealand bay of plenty

Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty Travel Wiki Travel to Bay of Plenty Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Bay of Plenty Hidden in the south western Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is an island paradise just waiting to be discovered. It plays host to some of the most wonderful and unique sights in the world, and you would be mad to pass up an opportunity to explore this lovely country. New Zealand...

Blenheim

Blenheim Travel Wiki Travel to Blenheim Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Blenheim Located on the South Island, Blenheim is an outdoor adventurer’s dream destination. You’ll find kayaking, boat tours, fishing, and water skiing available in great abundance. The shoreline around Blenheim is some of New Zealand’s best, with its rugged nature the perfect destination for those who love a good challenge. As part of the Marlborough Region, you’ll find...

Cambridge (NZ)

Cambridge Travel Wiki Travel to Cambridge Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Cambridge Cambridge, known to the locals as Kemureti, is a majestic tree-lined town in the Waikato Region of the North Island of New Zealand. 24 kilometres southeast of Hamilton, Cambridge is known as ‘The Town of Trees and Champions’. This delightful country town is located in the heart of the Waikato horse breeding district. The streets of...

Christchurch

Christchurch Travel Wiki Travel to Christchurch Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Christchurch If your travels take you to the South Island of New Zealand, then Christchurch must be on your itinerary. The Avon River flows through the city with a beautiful urban park situated along its shores. With the mountains in the background and the canopy overhead, it is one of the most peaceful experiences the world currently...
new zealand coromandel cave

Coromandel

Coromandel Travel Wiki Travel to Coromandel Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Coromandel Set on the north eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Coromandel is a wonderfully diverse destination. From rugged beaches and lush forests to golden sands and interesting rock formations, there’s a lot to be discovered. Head out there in the summer for glorious sunshine and days on the beach, or in winter for incredible adventures....

Dunedin

Dunedin Travel Wiki Travel to Dunedin Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Dunedin Dunedin is the place to go if you want to enjoy an authentic New Zealand experience. It has been designated as a creative city of literature and you’ll find that traditions and culture are highly emphasized in almost every activity and opportunity the city offers. In many cities, you might go tour a religious site or natural...
new zealand fox glacier

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier Travel Wiki Travel to Fox Glacier Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Fox Glacier Fox Glacier in the south island of New Zealand is an attractive little township tucked into the pristine rainforest at the base of the Southern Alps. Located in one of the most dramatically beautifully areas of New Zealand, Fox Glacier has a population of just 400 people and will enchant you upon arrival....
new zealand franz josef

Franz Josef

Franz Josef Travel Wiki Travel to Franz Josef Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Franz Josef The South Islands west coast of New Zealand is slightly cooler than the rest and it is home to two extravagant glaciers known as the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. People come from all over the world to either hike around or fly over these majestic natural wonders that have formed from frozen...

Gisbourne

Gisbourne Travel Wiki Travel to Gisbourne Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Gisbourne Gisbourne is located along the eastern shores of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a place where art and culture are heavily emphasized in daily life, with nearly half of the population of the city identifying as Maori. The regional haka competition is held here every year, as is the 3-day music festival called Rhythm and...
new zealand greymouth

Greymouth

Greymouth Travel Wiki Travel to Greymouth Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Greymouth New Zealand’s Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island’s west coast—famous for its rich mining and brewing history. The small, rural town offers a wide range of outdoor activities, as well as great eating. The town is both the geographical and commercial heart of the west coast, so holidays here will be a time...

Haast

Haast Travel Wiki Travel to Haast Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Haast New Zealand is located in a small pocket of the Pacific Ocean’s south west, and is often overlooked as a holiday destination. The truth of the matter is that this country compensates for its size by being home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and experiences. Haast, on the South Island of New Zealand,...

Hamilton

Hamilton Travel Wiki Travel to Hamilton Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Hamilton Found on the North Island, the original name for this area in the Maori language roughly translates to “a large patch of gravel.” Over the years, as the city developed its infrastructure, Hamilton turned into a community that has a thriving nightlife, excellent eateries to enjoy, and several attractions to tour. Make your way to Casabella Lane...

Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs Travel Wiki Travel to Hanmer Springs Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Hanmer Springs The picturesque resort town of Hanmer Springs on the east coast of the south island of New Zealand is a popular year-round holiday destination for outdoor adventures and relaxation in one of the world’s last unspoiled landscapes. Best known for its geothermal pools, Hanmer Springs is surrounded by lime-green mountains, pristine rivers, forests...

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke's Bay Travel Wiki Travel to Hawke's Bay Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Hawke's Bay A stunning region of New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is located on the eastern coast of North Island. A diverse area that includes the celebrated cities of Napier and Hastings, it’s also home to some beautiful beaches, plenty of breath-taking countryside and some of the most respected wineries in the whole of the Southern...

Travel resources

Below you can find usefull travel resources for your visit to the country

Weather Online

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Biggest City New Zealand

Facts about New Zealand, Biggest city What are the name of the biggest city New Zealand, and how big are city by population. Easy overview of the informations in the sortable table below. Please note that the informations comes from various sources,if you are using the informations professional you should get confirmation that the figures are actual. Last update august 2017
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Geography and facts, New Zealand

New Zealand, geography and facts explained Geography, facts, local customs and foodie guide. All explained in videos 8 to 15 minutes, very good, informative and funny videos that will ensure you see the videos to the end. The videos are produced by Geography now, thanks for the videos and keep up the good work.

Money New Zealand, Local Currency, Dollar

Money in New Zealand (notes and coins) Norways legal tender is called Dollar (NZD). 1 Dollar = 100 cent. Coins in circulation: 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 coins Notes in circulation: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 Dollar notes. New Zealand National Bank

New Zealand Holidays

New Zealand Public Holidays See the calendars for national New Zealand holidays year by year. Find and just click on the year you for which you need more information about New Zealand holidays, and the calendar for the year will open. When is the non working days for the year. Public / national days, see the calendar for the country here.
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VR from Queenstown, Dart River

What to see in Queenstown, New Zealand ? Take a trip with Dart River Funyak. An amazing escape deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park and an opportunity to get close to nature. Mount Aspiring National Park is on the South Island, north of Fiordland National Park. The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Mount Aspiring National Park was established in 1964 as New Zealand's tenth National Park. The park covers 3,562 square kilometres,...
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Why you should visit New Zealand

Why Visit New Zealand ? Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched New Zealand big time onto the world's cinema screens with epic block busters such as Lord of The Rings, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wants to visit. In fact, New Zealand is one of the most popular travel search destinations, with almost two million online searches for information each year, even beating out firm favorites such as Hong Kong and London. New Zealand consists of two...

Official holidays

When are holidays and no working days in the country ?

DateEnglishRemarks
1 JanuaryNew Year's DayFollowing Monday if Saturday or Sunday
2 JanuaryDay after New Year's DayFollowing Monday if Saturday / Following Tuesday if Sunday
22 JanuaryAnniversary DayWellington Province only
29 JanuaryAnniversary DayAuckland Province and Northland only
1 FebruaryAnniversary DayNelson, Tasman, Buller and parts of North Canterbury
6 FebruaryWaitangi DayFollowing Monday if Saturday or Sunday
23 MarchAnniversary DayOtago Province
25 MarchAnniversary DaySouthland
31 MarchAnniversary DayTaranaki (New Plymouth)
variableGood Friday
variableEaster Monday
25 AprilAnzac Day
variableQueen's Birthday1st Monday in June
25 SeptemberAnniversary DaySouth Canterbury
variableLabour Day4th Monday in October
1 NovemberAnniversary DayHawke's Bay and Marlborough
11 NovemberAnniversary DayCanterbury
30 NovemberAnniversary DayChatham Islands
1 DecemberAnniversary DayWestland
25 DecemberChristmas Day
26 DecemberBoxing Day
New Zealand