New Zealand

What can travellers expect in New Zealand?

The two islands differ markedly: the North Island is warmer, more densely populated, and shaped by volcanic cones, geothermal areas and the millions-strong city of Auckland; the South Island is cooler, more sparsely populated and dominated by the Southern Alps, with glaciers, fjords and vineyards. A ferry connects the two across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton.

This page brings together the four most-visited cities — Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch — along with the best time to visit, entry requirements including the IVL amount, health information, and guidance from Switzerland's FDFA, Germany's Federal Foreign Office and Austria's BMEIA (as of September 2026).

Sources: Immigration New Zealand · Wikipedia

What kind of destination is New Zealand?

The country is officially bilingual: alongside English, Te Reo Māori is an official language, together with New Zealand Sign Language. Māori culture is present in everyday life, from bilingual place names (Auckland is officially Tāmaki Makaurau) to welcome ceremonies on a marae; the Treaty of Waitangi, signed on 6 February 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, remains the constitutional foundation of the country to this day.

Distances are larger than the compact shape of the map suggests: Auckland and Wellington are separated by roughly 640 km of driving, Christchurch and Queenstown by around 482 km. Anyone combining several regions should plan either domestic flights or multi-day drives, not a single day trip.

The country also became internationally famous through the «Lord of the Rings» and «Hobbit» films, shot at numerous locations across both islands and turning fantasy tourism into a travel category of its own. Traffic drives on the left; a valid driving licence is required for a rental car, and an international driving permit is recommended for non-English licences.

Which cities and regions of New Zealand are worth visiting?

Auckland

Auckland (Māori: Tāmaki Makaurau) is New Zealand's largest city, with around 1.7 million residents, sitting on a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour to the east and the Manukau Harbour to the west. The city is built across roughly 50 extinct volcanic cones, including Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) and Mount Eden, which serve as lookout points over the skyline with its 328-metre Sky Tower.

As the «City of Sails», Auckland is the gateway to the Hauraki Gulf and its islands: Waiheke Island, about 40 minutes away by ferry, is known for its vineyards and olive groves, while Great Barrier Island is more remote and unspoiled. Central neighbourhoods such as Ponsonby and Parnell shape the restaurant and gallery scene, and the waterfront along Tāmaki Drive invites a stroll.

Wellington

At 41°17' south, Wellington is the southernmost capital of any sovereign state in the world, and with an average wind speed of 27 km/h it is considered the windiest city on the planet. Squeezed onto a narrow strip around a natural harbour between the Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range, the city is compact and walkable.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with free admission, is the essential stop, covering the country's history, natural history and Māori culture. The red cable car links downtown to the Botanic Garden and a lookout over the city in five minutes. Wellington is also the centre of the New Zealand film industry, home to the Weta Workshop, whose studios — used for «Lord of the Rings» and other productions — can be toured; the nickname «Wellywood» plays on this.

Queenstown

Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu in front of The Remarkables mountain range and is considered the birthplace of commercial adventure tourism: on 12 November 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch opened the world's first year-round commercial bungy jumping site at the historic Kawarau Bridge, 43 m above the river.

Alongside bungy jumping, jet-boating, canyoning and mountain biking shape the summer season; in winter, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are the nearby ski fields. From Queenstown, about four hours' drive (291 km) brings you to Milford Sound in Fiordland, a 15-km-long fjord with cliffs up to 1,200 m high and the 1,692-m Mitre Peak, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.

Nearby Arrowtown, with its preserved gold-rush-era buildings, recalls the 1860s gold rush, while the Central Otago region is at the same time the world's southernmost wine-growing area and known for its Pinot Noir.

Christchurch

Christchurch, the «Garden City», is the largest city on the South Island and the gateway to the Southern Alps. On 22 February 2011, the city was struck by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake with a shallow focal depth of just 5 km; 185 people died, and around 45% of the roughly 3,000 buildings inspected in the central city were given red or yellow condemnation placards.

Since then, much of the city centre has been rebuilt, with the Cardboard Cathedral, opened in 2013 as a transitional church for the destroyed Christ Church Cathedral, street art and the botanic gardens standing as visible signs of the recovery. Christchurch is the starting point for the TranzAlpine rail journey across the Southern Alps to Greymouth and for day trips to the volcanic Banks Peninsula and the harbour town of Akaroa.

Sources: Wikipedia · Wikipedia · Wikipedia · AJ Hackett Bungy NZ · Wikipedia

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

Auckland and Wellington throughout the year

Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station AUCKLAND AERO AWS (17 km, 7 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station WELLINGTON INTL (3 km, 7 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.

Auckland stays subtropically mild: daytime highs in January and February sit around 24 to 25 °C, and around 15 °C in July, with rainfall spread across the year and a peak between May and July. Wellington is somewhat cooler and noticeably windier; lows drop to around 8 °C in July, while rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year.

Queenstown and Christchurch throughout the year

Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station QUEENSTOWN AERODROME (6 km, 358 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station CHRISTCHURCH INTL (10 km, 38 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.

The seasonal swing is sharper on the South Island: Queenstown reaches highs of around 22 °C in January, while overnight lows in July and August drop to around −1 °C, which explains the ski season. Christchurch sits in between, with highs around 23 °C in January and around 12 °C in July; the region is overall drier than Auckland.

The shoulder seasons of October/November and March/April bring mild weather with fewer crowds than the December/January peak, when New Zealand families themselves take their holidays and accommodation in coastal towns can book out.

Sources: Destination Queenstown

What do you need for entry into New Zealand?

• NZeTA: apply online or via the app at least 72 hours before departure; valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
• IVL: a one-off 100 NZ dollars per person, paid together with the NZeTA, non-refundable even if the application is declined; the revenue funds tourism infrastructure and conservation.
• Passport: according to Austria's BMEIA, Austrian citizens need at least 3 months' validity beyond the planned departure date; Germany's Federal Foreign Office requires at least 1 month for German citizens; a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds are also required.
• Other nationalities: different rules apply; the authoritative source is Immigration New Zealand's visa list, and New Zealand embassies and consulates can advise further.

The IVL is 100 NZ dollars per person. Exemptions include, among others, holders of Australian or New Zealand passports, most citizens of Pacific island states, and travellers in transit.

The current guidance from Switzerland's FDFA, Germany's Federal Foreign Office, Austria's BMEIA and Immigration New Zealand at the time of travel always takes precedence.

Sources: Immigration New Zealand · Immigration New Zealand · Federal Foreign Office (Germany) · BMEIA – Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (Austria)

What vaccinations and health precautions does New Zealand require?

The more practical risks are not vaccine-preventable: leptospirosis, according to the CDC, is transmitted through contaminated freshwater or soil, so caution is advised after contact with river water or with open wounds. Hantavirus is linked to rodent contact and is more relevant for long-term stays.

The intensity of the sun is often underestimated: according to Earth Sciences New Zealand (NIWA), the summer UV index typically reaches around 12 and can exceed 13 in the north of the country; sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses belong in every day bag, even under cloud cover.

There is no social security agreement between Switzerland, Germany or Austria and New Zealand; according to Austria's BMEIA, medical treatment must be paid for privately and can be considerably expensive. Travel and repatriation insurance is therefore strongly recommended, especially for hiking and mountain sports activities in remote areas.

Sources: healthytravel.ch (Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine) · CDC Travelers' Health · NIWA – Earth Sciences New Zealand · BMEIA – Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (Austria)

How safe is New Zealand for travellers?

Several active volcanoes lie on the North Island; White Island (Whakaari) has remained closed to visitors since the 2019 eruption. From November to April, tropical cyclones and their remnants can bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides, which can disrupt travel routes at short notice.

Break-ins and theft of valuables from unattended rental cars are the most common crime against tourists; valuables should never be left visible inside a car. Switzerland's FDFA, Germany's Federal Foreign Office and Austria's BMEIA all recommend taking weather warnings and official instructions, such as volcano exclusion zones, seriously.

Sources: BMEIA – Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (Austria) · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Switzerland · Federal Foreign Office (Germany)

How do you get to New Zealand and travel around the country?

From Asia, Air New Zealand and its partners fly nonstop to Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo Narita, and Emirates flies nonstop to Dubai; from North America, Air New Zealand, United and Delta fly nonstop from Los Angeles and San Francisco, with Air New Zealand and Qantas also flying nonstop from New York JFK. Connections from Australia are very dense, especially to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with a flight time of around 3 to 3.5 hours from Sydney.

Within the country, the rental car or campervan is king: rail connections are limited to a few tourist routes such as the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth, and while long-distance buses exist, they are considerably slower and less frequent than driving yourself. For the link between the North and South Islands, the Interislander car ferry runs several times daily between Wellington and Picton.

For journeys between more distant cities, such as Auckland–Christchurch or Auckland–Queenstown, domestic flights with Air New Zealand or Jetstar are usually faster than a single day of driving; those with more time combine the ferry crossing with road travel into a continuous round trip across both islands.

Sources: Wikipedia · Interislander / KiwiRail

What money do you need in New Zealand and how do you pay?

ATMs are available in all four cities covered here and in most tourist towns. When withdrawing cash or paying by card, it's worth always choosing to be charged in NZ dollars rather than accepting the offered conversion into your home currency (dynamic currency conversion), since that conversion usually carries a worse exchange rate.

Beyond the IVL, the entry fee, and the 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is already included in quoted prices, there are no further government charges for tourists. National parks themselves are free to enter, though individual Great Walks huts and campsites charge a nightly fee that must be booked in advance.

Tipping is not customary in New Zealand and is not expected on the bill; upscale restaurants occasionally round up voluntarily, but it is never obligatory.

Sources: Immigration New Zealand

What kind of accommodation is available in New Zealand?

In Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, the range is international: from design and five-star hotels to backpacker hostels close to the centre. Outside the cities, smaller lake-view lodges and farm-stay accommodation set the tone, particularly around Queenstown and in the Central Otago wine region.

Freedom camping is only permitted in explicitly designated spots and is generally restricted to self-contained vehicles with their own toilet; many local councils now enforce this strictly and issue fines for violations.

What do people eat in New Zealand?

The traditional Māori cooking method hāngi cooks meat and vegetables in an earth pit lined with heated stones and is demonstrated for visitors mainly in Rotorua, but can also be experienced at cultural events in Auckland. Pavlova, a meringue cake topped with whipped cream and fruit, is considered a national dessert in both New Zealand and Australia — the two countries still dispute its origin to this day.

Wine regions are concentrated mainly on the South Island: Central Otago near Queenstown is known for Pinot Noir, and Marlborough in the north of the South Island for Sauvignon Blanc. In the cities, craft breweries and food markets, such as weekend markets in Wellington and Auckland, round out the offering.

What should you know about New Zealand's culture?

According to the 2023 census, around 19.6% of the population identifies as having Māori ancestry; alongside this, Pacific communities, especially from Samoa and Tonga, shape cities such as Auckland with their own culture and cuisine. 6 February, Waitangi Day, commemorates the signing of the founding treaty of 1840 and is observed nationwide as a public holiday, often accompanied by ongoing debate about how the treaty is honoured.

Rugby is the national sport; the All Blacks and their haka before international matches are known worldwide. Everyday conversation tends to be informal and direct, with fewer of the polite formalities common in Central Europe, which is occasionally mistaken for bluntness but is simply part of the relaxed local culture.

What experiences stand out in New Zealand?

Water-based activities range from sailing trips on the Hauraki Gulf out of Auckland to kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds and boat cruises on Milford Sound in Fiordland. Waiheke Island off Auckland combines wine tasting with beaches and is a popular day trip from the city.

Winter sports are concentrated on the South Island: Coronet Peak and The Remarkables near Queenstown, along with Mount Hutt in the hinterland of Christchurch, are the best-known ski fields, operating from June to October. For anyone interested in culture, Te Papa in Wellington offers the most comprehensive overview of the country's natural history and Māori culture.

Those with more time can add Rotorua and its geothermal fields on the North Island, or the Franz Josef and Fox glacier region on the South Island's west coast — both outside the four cities covered in depth here, but reachable via good road connections.

Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Destination Queenstown

How can you travel sustainably in New Zealand?

According to the Department of Conservation, these introduced predators kill around 25 million native birds every year and threaten more than 4,000 species found only in New Zealand. Travellers can help by using the cleaning stations at track entrances (cleaning shoes and gear to avoid spreading plant diseases such as kauri dieback) and staying on marked trails within protected areas.

The tourism industry promotes respect for nature, safety and culture under the Māori concept of «Tiaki» (to care for); in practice, this means observing fire bans during dry periods, leaving no rubbish behind, and asking permission before photographing people in small Māori communities.

Sources: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai · Immigration New Zealand

What can New Zealand be combined with?

For a New Zealand–only trip, it's worth combining both islands: North Island cities such as Auckland and Wellington pair well with the South Island's natural landscapes around Christchurch and Queenstown, linked by the Cook Strait ferry or a domestic flight.

Those already in the region often combine New Zealand with one of the Pacific island states, such as Tonga or Samoa, for a pure beach and relaxation leg after the more active New Zealand stretch.

Who is New Zealand suited to, and who is it less suited to?

The country works well for travellers who appreciate road trips through changing landscapes, for hiking and mountain-sport enthusiasts, and for anyone interested in Māori culture and conservation. A self-drive road trip also works well for families with older children, provided enough time is built in for the distances involved.

New Zealand is less suited to short breaks: given the long journey via Asia, the Middle East or North America and the large distances within the country itself, the effort really pays off only from around two to three weeks of travel time. Anyone who can't or doesn't want to drive is left relying on more expensive organised tours or the thinner bus network.

Worth combining

• Australia
• Fiji
• Cook Islands