Discover
New Zealand
New Zealand packs an extraordinary amount into two islands. In a single week you can cruise a fiord, soak in a geothermal pool, taste world-class pinot noir and ski under clear alpine skies.
All of it is a three-hour flight from the east coast, with no visa and no jet lag!.
The North Island brings vibrant Auckland, the beaches of the Bay of Islands and Rotorua's steaming Māori heartland. The South Island is the postcard: Queenstown, Milford Sound, glaciers, lakes and the Southern Alps.
It's a destination that works in every season, for honeymooners, families, foodies and adrenaline junkies alike.
As an Exclusive Holiday Getaways member, you could win a New Zealand adventure in our weekly holiday giveaways, while enjoying member rewards at home and supporting our charity partners.
How to Get There from Australia
Direct flights run from all Australian capitals and several regional airports with Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
Auckland (AKL): about 3 hours from Sydney and Brisbane, 3.5 to 4 hours from Melbourne
Queenstown (ZQN): about 3 to 3.5 hours from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with extra services in ski season
Christchurch (CHC) and Wellington (WLG): direct from the major east coast cities
New Zealand is two hours ahead of Australian eastern time for most of the year.
Getting Around NZ
Self-drive: the best way to see the country. Kiwis drive on the left, and your Australian licence is valid. Allow extra time, as winding roads make distances longer than they look.
Campervan: a classic way to tour the South Island, with well-equipped holiday parks everywhere.
Domestic flights: Air New Zealand and Jetstar link the main cities, which saves days on a short trip.
Scenic trains and ferries: the TranzAlpine train crosses the Southern Alps, and the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries cross Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (December to February): long, warm days for hiking, beaches, lakes and wineries. Peak season, so book early.
Autumn (March to May): golden vineyards around Central Otago and settled weather. A favourite with couples.
Winter (June to August): ski season in Queenstown, Wānaka and Mount Ruapehu, usually running from late June into October. Cosy lodges and snowy landscapes.
Spring (September to November): blossom, lambs and waterfalls in full flow. Good value before summer prices kick in.
Things To Do
Queenstown and the Southern Lakes
Adventure capital: bungy jumping, jet boating on the Shotover River, skydiving and paragliding.
Skiing and snowboarding: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona are all close to town.
Skyline Gondola: ride up Bob's Peak for the classic view over Lake Wakatipu, then take the luge down.
Central Otago wine: cycle or tour the cellar doors of Gibbston Valley, famous for pinot noir.
Wānaka: a quieter lakeside town an hour away. Don't miss the Roys Peak walk if you're fit.
Fiordland and the West Coast
Milford Sound: cruise past waterfalls, seals and sheer cliffs, or take a scenic flight over the top from Queenstown.
Doubtful Sound: bigger, quieter and wilder, with overnight cruises available.
Franz Josef and Fox glaciers: heli-hike onto the ice for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Auckland and The North
Auckland: harbourside dining, the Sky Tower and day trips to Waiheke Island for wineries and beaches.
Bay of Islands: sail, swim with dolphins and visit Waitangi, where New Zealand's founding treaty was signed.
Hobbiton: tour the real Shire movie set near Matamata.
Waitomo Caves: float beneath thousands of glow-worms on a black-water rafting trip.
Rotorua and the Central North Island
Geothermal wonders: geysers, bubbling mud pools and colourful terraces at Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu.
Māori culture: an evening hāngī feast and cultural performance.
Hot pools: soak at the Polynesian Spa overlooking Lake Rotorua.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: one of the world's great day walks, past volcanic craters and emerald lakes.
Where to Stay
Queenstown: lakefront hotels in town for dining and nightlife, or luxury lodges in the hills for views and seclusion. Book well ahead for ski season and summer.
Wānaka: boutique stays and holiday homes by the lake, a calmer alternative to Queenstown.
Auckland: waterfront hotels around the Viaduct and Britomart, or a vineyard stay on Waiheke Island.
Rotorua: lakeside hotels and lodges, many with private geothermal hot tubs.
Bay of Islands: beachfront resorts and boutique B&Bs in Paihia and Russell.
Budget Guide
New Zealand prices are similar to Australia's. As a rough guide per person, per day, excluding flights:
Budget: around A$120–180 for holiday parks or hostels, self-catering and self-drive
Mid-range: around A$250–400 for hotels, restaurant meals, a hire car and an activity or two
Luxury: A$600+ for lodges, fine dining, scenic flights and heli-skiing
The big-ticket items are activities and ski passes, so budget for those separately.
Past Giveaways
Ready for the Southern Alps? See our latest holiday giveaways for your chance to win.
Past Giveaways
FAQ's
No. Australian citizens can visit, live and work in New Zealand without a visa, and don't need an NZeTA (travel authority). Just bring a valid passport.
New Zealand has very strict biosecurity rules. Declare all food, plants, animal products and outdoor gear like hiking boots and camping equipment on your arrival card. Undeclared items can mean an instant fine.
Usually from late June to early October, depending on snowfall. July and August are the most reliable months and the busiest, especially during Australian school holidays.
The New Zealand dollar (NZD). Cards and tap-and-go are accepted almost everywhere, so you'll need very little cash.
Yes. A current Australian licence lets you drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. Roads are often narrow and winding, so allow extra time and take care on gravel and in winter conditions.
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