There are so many things to do in New Zealand (Aotearoa in Maori), and witnessing the country’s natural beauty up-close should be at the top of any NZ itinerary. Expect stunning fjords, active volcanoes, dramatic beaches, vividly coloured glacial lakes, lush valleys, snowcapped mountains and more. It all makes for a brilliant driving holiday, in particular, whether you’re going solo or with family in tow. Before you go, take a look at our mini guide, with all the details you need to plan your visit.
#1 Fact File
New Zealand is home to over five million people, with approximately 1.7 million living in the biggest city, Auckland. While the capital used to be Auckland in the mid-19th century, since 1865 it has been Wellington (population 400,000). Travel was difficult at the time, and Wellington was seen as being more centrally placed in the country, and with a good harbour.
Christianity is the most popular religion (around 37 percent), though almost half of New Zealanders say they have no religion.
#2 Trivia
- New Zealand has a great track record when it comes to advancing women’s rights. In 1893, it became the first nation to award all women the right to vote. In 2005, the five highest offices of power in the country were all held by women, a feat achieved nowhere else in the world.
- New Zealand is one of only two countries (with Denmark) to have two different national anthems: God Save The King and God Defend New Zealand.
- Among the most famous New Zealanders is Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb to the top of Mount Everest (with climbing partner Tenzing Norgay). He appears on the five dollar note.
- No other capital city in the world is as far south as Wellington. It’s also the world’s windiest city.
#3 Key Dates
New Zealand’s national day, Waitangi Day, falls on 6 February and celebrates the signing of the country’s founding document, the Treaty at Waitangi, in 1840.
A few days later sees the start of the annual Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, the oldest festival of its kind in NZ. It’s held in a striking vineyard setting.
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance that was first observed in 1916. It commemorates Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations.
#4 Where to Go
The most basic way to choose a New Zealand is to choose the North Island or South Island to explore. Both have extraordinary highlights, so it might need two trips!
A New Zealand itinerary for the North Island
In the North Island, start in Auckland before heading to the Bay of Islands, to Rotorua with its famous geothermal activity, then to Lake Taupo, and the capital Wellington at the southern tip of the island.
A New Zealand itinerary for the South Island
If you’ll be travelling in the South Island, places you should see see include Picton, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Kaikoura, Christchurch and Dunedin. You can end your trip in the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, which has so many things to do for all interests, and the spectacular Milford Sound.
#5 Top Things to Do in New Zealand
To help you with a decision about your itinerary, here are some more specific highlights from different parts of New Zealand based on the personal experience of Expat Living editors.
Things to do in New Zealand’s North Island
- Scenery and culture. Fly over the geothermal lakes at Rotorua, and you’ll not only enjoy amazing views but also avoid those sulphur smells! Don’t miss the nearby Maori village with traditional carving and weaving schools.
- History. At the top end, Bay of Islands and the first settlement of Russell are worth checking out, and further up near Kerikeri there’s some impressive countryside, and a couple of first-class golf courses.
- Cities and towns. Along with the NZ capital Wellington and its biggest city Auckland, there are loads of small towns worth visiting, including Cambridge (near Hobbiton for film buffs) and the Art Deco centre of Napier.
- Beaches. Mount Maunganui is a favourite at New Year especially, with long stretches of beach and boat trips, plus climbing the namesake hill that overlooks the ocean.
Things to do in New Zealand’s South Island
- Skiing. The small town of Wanaka has the impressive Treble Cone and the gentler Cardrona. Nearby Queenstown has the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Both areas also have vineyards for wine enthusiasts, and adventure sports like jet boating.
- Hiking. There are so many great areas! Milford Sound is justifiably famous, then there’s the rugged West Coast from Haast Pass up to Fox Glacier, with many walks and hikes.
- Beaches. Up in the north, Golden Bay has great wide beaches that are pretty quiet even in summer. Not too far from here is Picton, where the ferry goes to Wellington in the North Island.
- Cities and towns. Christchurch is the South Island’s biggest settlement, and it’s a picturesque place of parks, gardens and the pretty Avon River. Kaikoura on the northeast coast is the spot to go for whale watching.
#6 Health & Safety
New Zealand doesn’t have all the dangerous creepy crawlies of neighbouring Australia, but small insects like sandflies can be a nuisance. Anyone who has hiked the Milford Track in the South Island will know this all too well… Repellent and adequate clothing are your friends here.
A more serious danger when you’re out and about is the weather – especially if you’re hiking in remote areas or on mountains. Conditions can change quickly and become dangerous if you’re not prepared. Be sure to let people know where you intend to be exploring, or let the Department of Conservation know.
#7 Culture
To bone up on New Zealand people and culture, read The Bone People. This 1984 book by Keri Hulme mixes Maori myths with tales of European heritage. For a glimpse into the nation’s love for the sport of rugby union, read How to Watch a Game of Rugby (2004) by journalist Spiro Zavos.
For an idea of the kind of nature scenes you can expect in NZ, Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy showcases the countryside in spectacular fashion. And Whale Rider is a critically acclaimed drama about a 12-year-old Maori girl who aims to become a tribal chief.
#8 Notable Quotes
“Get the whanau together, stay in a bach, crack open the chilly box and slap on your jandals.” – former Prime Minister John Key, joking about reasons to visit NZ
“I’m from Canada, and New Zealand feels like you took all the best bits of Canada and squished them onto a tiny island like Hawaii. I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the South Island.” – author Evangeline Lilly
#9 Visas, Time & Money
Citizens from most countries don’t require a visa to enter New Zealand and stay for up to three months, but you will need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, NZ$17) before you travel. Visit immigration.govt.nz for details and to download the app to start the easy application process.
New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT. When it’s midday in NZ, it’s 10am in Sydney and 6am in Singapore. Daylight saving time kicks in from September to April, when the country is an extra hour ahead of GMT.
When it comes to money, the national currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted and there are plenty of ATMs for withdrawing cash.
#10 Weather & Seasons
The weather in New Zealand varies from region to region, from the subtropical north to the temperate south. Some may be surprised to hear it, but the record high temperature in NZ is close to 43 degrees Celsius! It can also be extremely wet in places – Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on the planet, with an average of 182 days of rain each year. Do some research into the climate of your particular destinations before you go. For the ski season, whose epicentre is Queenstown, the best months are June to September.
#11 Language
English is the official language, while approximately 4 percent of the population speaking Maori. To greet someone in the traditional Maori way, you rub or touch noses – this is known as the hongi. “Kia ora” means “hello”, and “Kei te pehea koe?” is “How are you?” There are different expressions for saying goodbye, depending on whether you’re the person leaving (“E noho ra”) or the person staying (“E haere ra”).
Once you’ve had some practice speaking Maori, you can have a crack at pronouncing Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaunga-horonukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. This is the Maori name for a hill in Hawke’s Bay.
#12 Food
While debate continues to rage over its country of origin (Australia vs New Zealand), there’s no argument about how it tastes. Pavlova is a sweet meringue-like crust filled with whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit, and a truly delicious dessert.
New Zealand is a largely agricultural society, and the produce is unsurprisingly excellent. Don’t miss the wine, lamb, stone fruit, honey and seafood, for example.
#13 Souvenirs
A kiwi soft toy is a nice memento – New Zealanders are nicknamed kiwis after the flightless bird that is endemic to the country. Other good options include an All Blacks rugby jersey or some of the aforementioned food items.
Liked this article on things to do in New Zealand and the best itinerary for the North and South Islands? Check out our visa advice for other countries in the region.
