Known as the Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand enchants visitors with its cinematic landscapes, mouth-watering local cuisine and a rich indigenous culture. Discover vibrant cities such as Auckland and Christchurch or get your heart racing with iconic hiking trails, sparkling glaciers and world-class ski slopes.
Things to do in New Zealand
Hiking through lush rainforests, paddling on alpine lakes and cruising through stunning fjords are just some of the exhilarating experiences on offer in New Zealand. If you’re feeling adventurous, try helicopter hiking on Franz Josef Glacier, mountain biking in Rotorua or bungee jumping over the Nevis River in Queenstown.
Learning about the rich Maori cultures and traditions of New Zealand is a highlight for many travellers. In addition to visiting cultural attractions such as the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington and the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua, you can attend a “hangi” feast, visit an indigenous art gallery and attend a cultural dance performance complete with a “haka” war chant.
In winter, New Zealand transforms into a snow-dusted paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Whakapapa is the country’s signature resort, with more than 550 hectares of terrain to explore and a dynamic apres-ski scene to match. Other ski meccas include Coronet Peak and Cardrona on the South Island, and Turoa and Manganui on the South Island.
If you love food, be sure to save your appetite for New Zealand’s vibrant gastronomy scene. You’ll find plenty of chef-driven restaurants in urban destinations such as Auckland and Wellington, with menus featuring locally sourced seafood, grass-fed lamb and other specialties. Wash down your meal with a glass of cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc or a bottle of craft beer.
Getting around New Zealand
Auckland Airport is the largest travel hub in New Zealand, while other major airports include Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and Dunedin. Renting a car or campervan gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace while excellent public transport networks service all major cities in New Zealand.