Holidays in New Zealand

If you’re looking for adrenaline, then a holiday to New Zealand is the right place to find it. Often called the adventure capital of the world, the country’s mix of epic landscapes and high-octane activities mean you can set your pulse into overdrive. Go bungee jumping in Queenstown and take the leap of faith off the legendary Kawarau Bridge, or skydive above Lake Wanaka for an incredible view over Central Otago’s high country and snow-dusted mountains. Go jet-boating and speed along waterways in Rotorua, stopping off at geothermal pools along the way, or zip-line over stunning panoramas of Auckland on Waiheke Island. That’s just scratching the surface – canyoning, climbing, caving and rafting are just a few of the other activities you can enjoy right across the country. On a New Zealand holiday, adventure is everywhere.

Maori culture is an integral part of New Zealand’s DNA and it still burns bright today, especially on the North Island. As well as the geothermal wonders and spurting geysers Rotorua is famous for, it’s home to Te Puia, a fascinating Maori cultural experience. It’s the best place to get an all-encompassing glimpse of Maori culture, from wandering a recreated precolonial village and authentic wharenui (carved meeting house) to enjoying a traditional hangi (earth oven) feast, a centuries-old method where cloth-wrapped food is buried with heated rocks to be slow-cooked underground. It’s also home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, a fine showcase of traditional art forms like wood carving, weaving and moko, which you can observe while you’re there. Head further north to the momentous Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. An intricately carved wharenui remains, as does the historic Treaty House, while the landscaped grounds are a joy to stroll.

New Zealand’s mesmerising mix of mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and beaches makes it a place that’s perfect for exploring outside. Doing it on foot is one of the most satisfying ways of seeing its natural wonders, and the country has plenty of epic trails weaving through the incredible landscapes.

The country boasts a brilliant network of ten multi-day Great Walks, each of which is completely different to the next. Embark on the Abel Tasman Coast Track for white sandy beaches and hidden crystal-clear bays; take on the Tongariro Northern Circuit for raw volcanic scenery and glacial-carved valleys; or hike the Milford Track for rugged peaks and valleys, and lush rainforest that ends in the spectacular Milford Sound.

You can hike in style, trekking with a guide and staying in luxury lodges along the way, or head out at your own pace with pitstops in simple huts en route.

For a smaller dose of New Zealand’s great outdoors, there are plenty of half-day and full-day walks to give you a wonderful snapshot of the country’s wild canvas during your holiday.

Cycling is one of the best ways of exploring New Zealand’s wild vistas. Pedal through historic mining towns, emerald forests, sun-drenched vineyards and around shimmering sapphire lakes for a thrilling taste of the country’s epic scenery on two wheels. Like the country’s series of Great Walks, New Zealand has 22 multi-day Great Rides where you can either tackle their entirety over a few days, or pedal a segment in just a few hours or a whole day. The Alps 2 Ocean trail is one of the most iconic, where you’ll take in tussock-covered highlands, glacier-carved valleys and gorgeous wine regions. A network of trails criss-cross through Hawke’s Bay, putting you in touch with tranquil woodland, rolling hills and orchards, and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail showcases the fascinating gold-mining history and rocky natural drama of Central Otago.

One of the rawest ways to see New Zealand is to hire a campervan and make the country your oyster. You can travel at your own pace, stopping off at as many or as little camping grounds along the way as you like. More often than not, these campsites are located in some of the most beautiful and remote locations to be found anywhere in the country, whether it’s on the banks of an azure lake being overlooked by snow-capped mountains or nestled within sheltered bays or wonderful vineyards. Get your motor running…

No vaccinations are currently recommended for New Zealand. For any current travel health advice, you should seek guidance from your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel.

The time difference is GMT +12 hours.

There are no direct flights from the UK to New Zealand, but the most common route is via Los Angeles or Hong Kong – the journey time is around 25 hours in total. There are other options available.

The currency is the New Zealand dollar.

British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit New Zealand, but you must have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This can be applied for online (NZ$23pp) or via the app (NZ$17pp) - visit nzeta.immigration.govt.nz for more information. A mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is also payable when you apply for your ETA (the IVL cost is NZ$100pp from 1st October 2024).  This funds tourism infrastructure and helps protect New Zealand's very special natural environment.

All visitors must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration which collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information to improve the safety and security of New Zealand.  This can be completed online no more than 24-hours prior to starting your journey to New Zealand: https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/  Alternatively, a paper version can be completed on arrival.

IMPORTANT - Some third party websites offer visitors an ETA service and charge more for this. Be warned that these sites are unauthorised and do not operate on behalf of the New Zealand government, so please only use the link shown above, or download the super quick and easy app.