Compare New Zealand holidays

As one of the last places on Earth settled by humans, New Zealand is the rare holiday destination that still feels seamlessly connected with its natural surroundings, providing an Eden-like paradise for visitors. This is, after all, the place where Lord of the Rings was famously filmed, due to its innate, sprawling natural beauty.

Home to New Zealand’s two major cities, Auckland and Wellington, and two thirds of its population, the North Island offers dynamic urban centres along its coasts as well as bubbling volcanoes in the Central Plateau.

The Bay of Islands is a popular holiday destination for sailing, diving, snorkelling, and even swimming with dolphins. Further south, the Coromandel Peninsular, reaching into the sea between Auckland and the Bay of Plenty, offers many scenic hiking trails.

Simply magnificent, the South Island is littered with empty beaches, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, fjords, and remote farming communities. A holiday here is likely to involve climbing, white-water rafting and bungee jumping.

While the South Island’s west coast skews more sub-tropical with its abundance of rainwater and trees, the weather gets arid and desert-like in places like Central Otago. This is the rare place where visitors can essentially travel to a rainforest and a desert on the same trip.

For millions of years, New Zealand remained an un-marred preserve for animal life, and while humans now inhabit the islands, this is still animal land; after all, sheep outnumber the people here by about 36 million.

This country is still largely a haven for birds, including the national icon, the flightless kiwi, as well as indigenous species like geckos, wrens, penguin, and nearly half of the world’s whales can be found off the shores.

Sunny days, cool nights, and low rainfalls in the autumn months make Marlborough the premier wine growing region in New Zealand. If you want to sample some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, plan at least a two-day trip here.

A bulk of New Zealand’s visitors travel during the country’s summer season, between December and February. That means prices are at their highest during this period, but you can still find affordable all-inclusive deals if you plan early. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the most ideal holiday periods due to moderate weather, lower hotel fares and ample opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking and foliage-spotting. Winter is from June to August, a great time for quiet, solitary hiking, or a dip in a hot pool and skiing.

New Zealanders show their love for craft beer in Beervana, a two-day festival held in August in Wellington.

The largest cycling event in New Zealand, the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge in November attracts thousands of riders from around the world.

From time to time, New Zealand plays host to popular rugby events such as Rugby League World Cup, Rugby Championship and the Lion Series. As the host country may change, check online or with the tourist board when planning your trip.

Fact box

Currency: New Zealand Dollar ($)

Capital city: Wellington

Language: English and Māori

Key phrase to learn: Fush and chups please (Fish and chips please)

Time difference: New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of the UK

Average flight time: 24 hours

International phone code: +64

Emergency services number: 111

Public holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Waitangi Day (February 6), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter Monday (Monday after Easter), ANZAC Day (April 25), Queen’s Birthday (June 5), Labour Day (4th Monday of October), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26)

Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand