Oceania · Australia and New ZealandUsable guideIsland country in the Pacific Ocean
Photo: NASA/JPL/NIMA, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa) is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty: jagged mountains, rolling pasture land, steep fiords, pristine trout-filled lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones. These islands form a unique bioregion inhabited by flightless birds seen nowhere else, such as kākāpō and kiwi. New Zealanders have adopted the kiwi as a national symbol, and have even taken the word Kiwi as a name for themselves.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about New Zealand.
Cards and cash
Nearly all shops have Eftpos terminals for debit and credit cards, so most purchases can be made electronically.
Tipping
Tipping is not part of New Zealand culture and is often treated with suspicion or actively frowned upon, as many people view it as an Americanism that over-compensates certain workers while others are left out.
English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
English is the primary language of New Zealand, spoken by 96–98% of the population.
All networks provide 4G and 5G service only; 2G and 3G service will shut down by the end of March 2026.
Mobile networks
Tap water in New Zealand is regarded as some of the cleanest in the world; it is safe to drink in all cities.
New Zealand has very high levels of ultraviolet radiation, around 40% more intense than you will find in the Mediterranean during summer, and consequently has high rates of skin cancer.
Covered in the guide
New Zealanders are generally warm and sociable, but will hold strangers at a distance.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the national capital, with the Parliament and Beehive buildings, and the wonderful, free Te Papa museum
the City of Sails with east and west coast harbours, by far the biggest city with 1.4 million people and all a big city offers
the Garden City, the South Island's largest city, ever-evolving as it rebuilds from a devastating earthquake in February 2011
the Edinburgh of the South, proud of its Scottish heritage, Southern Albatross colony and its wonderful tramping tracks within a short drive from the central business district
leafy centre of the rich and fertile Waikato on the banks of the mighty Waikato River south of Auckland, home of the Mooloo rugby mascot
one of the best concentrations of Art Deco architecture in the world, famous as a wine region and close to Cape Kidnappers gannet breeding colony and wildlife sanctuary
thriving arts culture, varied cuisine emphasising local produce, craft brewing, with New Zealand's highest sunshine hours, and surrounded by marvellous coastal and mountain scenery, three stunning national parks, vineyards and orchards
adrenaline and adventure capital of the world, where you can ski, skydive, bungy jump, jet-boat and thrill yourself to your heart's content
golden sand beaches, kayaking and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track
lots of hiking opportunities and New Zealand's highest mountain
pretty spot in the North Island with historical significance
rugged coastline with plenty of beaches and hiking opportunities just 90 minutes from Auckland
the country's largest wine-growing region
Fiordland National Park's most prominent and accessible fiord
trout fishing and adventure activities in the central North Island
three volcanoes, two skifields and one of the most popular hikes in the country
Places in New Zealand on the World Heritage List.
Tongariro National Park
Listed 1990
Te Wahipounamu
Listed 1990
New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
Listed 1998
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Mild climate, with scenery ranging from sandy beaches, through rolling farmland and forests to active volcanic peaks with bubbling mud pools.
Spectacular mountains and fiords, large beech forests, beautiful beaches, large glaciers, motorcycle mecca.
Covered in native forest and abounding in birdlife, most of the island forms a national park.
Remote islands far in the east, traditional home of the Moriori people.
Expedition ships take visitors to these remote and uninhabited islands to view the subantarctic flora and fauna.
Public transport and paid services in New Zealand.
By train
Both Auckland and Wellington have commuter rail services.
By boat
There are two passenger and car ferry operators which cross Cook Strait between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island.5 hours and there are several sailings daily.
By plane
Domestic flights in New Zealand can be expensive; some domestic flights can cost as much as a flight to Australia.
By car
You can reach most of New Zealand's sights in a two-wheel-drive car, motorcycle or even a small camper van.
By taxi
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in New Zealand.
Finding apps for New Zealand…
Other ways to travel:By bicycleBy thumb
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Auckland · International · AKL
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Wellington
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 19° | 19° | 18° | 16° | 14° | 12° | 11° | 12° | 13° | 14° | 15° | 17° |
| Avg. low | 14° | 15° | 14° | 12° | 11° | 9° | 8° | 9° | 9° | 10° | 11° | 13° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 51 | 58 | 58 | 70 | 80 | 92 | 86 | 82 | 70 | 77 | 64 | 69 |
| Humidity | 79% | 79% | 81% | 83% | 84% | 84% | 84% | 85% | 83% | 83% | 81% | 81% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$80
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$230
Per person, per day
Luxury
$600
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $125 | $345 |
| Food and drink | $20 | $55 | $125 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $55 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $75 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin New Zealand. New Zealand is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for New Zealand to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
This travel advice page covers New Zealand. See separate travel advice for Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue. Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in New Zealand.
Travel tipsFive countries where women travelling alone find safe streets, easy transport and a warm welcome, with practical advice for each one.
7 min read
Culture & historyWhere to stand, what it costs and when to go for five of the most famous filming locations on screen, from King's Landing to Arrakis.
7 min read
Nature & adventureFive places to sleep close to nature, from Tuscan farmhouses to cloud-forest lodges and fjord cabins, with prices and booking tips.
6 min read
Nature & adventureTramping (known in other countries as hiking, trekking or bushwalking) is a popular way to see the New Zealand outdoors, especially the forests, mountains and other wilderness areas.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsNew Zealand by rail can be a great way to see both the North and South Islands. New Zealand's passenger rail lines include both the government-owned KiwiRail, as well as heritage and steam lines throughout the country.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsRenting a motorhome and travelling around New Zealand is a popular and relaxing way of seeing the country.
Wikivoyage
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