Travel New Zealand

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When people are going

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Planning guide

At a glance

Best time: December to March for summer hiking; March to April for autumn colour; June to August for skiing
How long: 2 to 3 weeks to see both islands without rushing
Fitness: easy to hard, depending on how many hikes you do

Planning the route

Many travellers fly into Auckland (AKL) and out of Queenstown (ZQN), or the reverse, to avoid backtracking. Highlights include:

North Island: Bay of Islands, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and Rotorua's geothermal parks and Māori culture.
South Island: Abel Tasman, the glaciers on the West Coast, Queenstown and Wānaka, and Milford Sound.

A campervan is a popular and social way to travel. Book well ahead for December to February.

Great Walks

The Department of Conservation's Great Walks, such as Milford, Routeburn and Kepler, need hut or campsite bookings, which open months in advance and sell out within hours for peak dates. Day hikes like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing need shuttle bookings in summer.

Entry rules

Most visitors need an NZeTA (electronic travel authority) before flying, and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) with it. The levy rose to NZ$100 in October 2024. Apply only through the official Immigration New Zealand app or website. New Zealand also has strict biosecurity rules: declare food, hiking boots and camping gear.

Rough costs per person (excluding flights)

$ to $$: hostels or a shared campervan, self-catering: about NZ$100 to $180 a day
$$$: motels, a hire car and some tours: about NZ$250 to $400 a day
$$$$ to $$$$$: lodges, scenic flights and guided walks: NZ$600+ a day

Sources

Researched 16 October 2026. Prices are rough estimates and fees change, so check official sources before you book. This guide is not medical, legal or visa advice.

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Partner booking links are coming soon. We don’t sell or organise trips ourselves.