Auckland
Population:1.7 million
New Zealand's largest city, known as the City of Sails for its maritime culture.
Top attractions
- Sky Tower
- Waitemata Harbour
- Auckland Domain
- Kelly Tarlton's
- One Tree Hill
Country guide
New Zealand
A country of breathtaking natural beauty and adventure tourism. New Zealand captivates with its dramatic landscapes, from fjords to glaciers, and rich Maori culture.
- Capital
- Wellington
- Language
- English, Māori
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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Visa information
Visa waiver for visitors from many countries for up to 3 months. Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) required.
View full visa requirementsTravel guide
Visa details
Visa waiver for visitors from many countries for up to 3 months. Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) required.
Cost of travel
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Accommodation
- NZD 100-250 per night for mid-range hotels, NZD 25-50 for hostels
- Food
- NZD 15-45 per meal at restaurants, NZD 8-15 for casual dining
- Transportation
- NZD 2-4 for public transit, NZD 100-400 for domestic flights
- Activities
- NZD 20-80 for attractions, NZD 100-500 for adventure tours
- Overall daily budget
- NZD 120-350 per day depending on travel style and activities
Best time to visit
December to February for summer, March to May for autumn, June to August for skiing.
Weather
Temperate oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round. Weather can change quickly.
Top cities to visit
Capital city
Wellington
Population:420,000
The capital city, known for its arts scene, coffee culture, and harbor setting.
Top attractions
- Te Papa Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Oriental Bay
- Zealandia
- Mount Victoria
Christchurch
Population:390,000
The Garden City, rebuilt after earthquakes with innovative architecture and green spaces.
Top attractions
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- Canterbury Museum
- Quake City
- Hagley Park
- Avon River
Queenstown
Population:53,000
The adventure capital of the world, surrounded by mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
Top attractions
- Shotover River
- The Remarkables
- Skyline Gondola
- AJ Hackett Bungy
- Arrowtown
Rotorua
Population:58,000
A geothermal city known for Maori culture, hot springs, and adventure activities.
Top attractions
- Te Puia
- Wai-O-Tapu
- Rainbow Springs
- Redwoods Treewalk
- Government Gardens
Top attractions
Milford Sound
A stunning fjord in Fiordland National Park, known for dramatic waterfalls and mountain reflections.
Location: South Island
Bay of Islands
A subtropical region with 144 islands, rich in Maori and European history.
Location: North Island
Franz Josef Glacier
One of the most accessible glaciers in the world, descending from the Southern Alps to near sea level.
Location: South Island
Rotorua
A geothermal wonderland with hot springs, geysers, and rich Maori culture.
Location: North Island
Hobbiton Movie Set
The preserved movie set from The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films in rolling green hills.
Location: North Island
Other destinations in Oceania
View all countries in this regionTravel tips
- Always check for updated visa requirements before your trip.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Research local customs and etiquette before your visit.
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.
New Zealand travel cost calculator
Cost breakdown
- Accommodation (3 nights, 1 room)
- NZD 300–750
- Food (2 × 3 days, 2 meals a day)
- NZD 180–540
- Transport (2 × 3 days, 2 rides a day)
- NZD 24–48
- Activities (2 × 3 days, 1 a day)
- NZD 120–480
- Total estimated cost
- NZD 624–1,818
- Per person
- NZD 312–909
Note: These estimates use this guide’s own prices and may vary with season, location and personal preferences. Consider adding a 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses.