1 - 5 days in New Zealand
You'll have time for a brief loop trip, starting and ending in one of these cities:

• Auckland
• Wellington
• Christchurch
• Queenstown

 6 - 10 days in New Zealand
For this duration, it's best to focus on exploring one island.

• Choose the North Island for volcanoes and beautiful beaches.
• Choose the South Island for mountains and mighty glaciers.

 11 - 15 days in New Zealand
With this time, you can explore both the North and South Islands. Start on one island and finish on the other. A quick and affordable domestic flight will get you back to your starting point.

 16 - 21 days in New Zealand
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a more extensive trip with multiple 2-night stays along the way. You can also visit must-see spots like Milford Sound, Kaikoura, the Coromandel, and the Bay of Islands, which may be challenging with a shorter stay.

 21+ days in New Zealand
With over 21 days, you can truly tailor your itinerary to match your interests, rather than being limited by time. This opens up endless possibilities for your adventure.

 Autumn/Fall (March/April/May)
Autumn/Fall brings some of New Zealand’s most stable weather. Enjoy long, sunny days and golden leaves with activities like hiking, cycling, or kayaking.
Temperatures range from 7 - 21°C (45 - 70°F).

 Winter (June/July/August)
Winter transforms New Zealand with snow-capped mountains and crisp, clear days. Perfect for skiing, exploring wineries, or attending winter festivals.
Temperatures range from 1.5 - 15.5°C (35 - 60°F).

 Spring (September/October/November)
Spring is a time of renewal, with vibrant blooms, baby wildlife, and spectacular waterfalls. It’s a great season for outdoor adventures and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Temperatures range from 4.5 - 18°C (40 - 65°F).

 Summer (December/Januaray/February)
Summer is ideal for beachgoers and lake enthusiasts. Make the most of the sun, sea, and sand with various outdoor activities.
Temperatures range from 21 - 32°C (70 - 90°F).

For Our Australian Visitors
Many Australians are surprised by New Zealand’s size once they arrive. To make the most of your trip, aim for a maximum of 4 hours of travel each day. Check out this website for a true size comparison with Australia.

For Our Canadian Visitors

Many Canadians are surprised by New Zealand’s size once they arrive. To fully enjoy your trip, we recommend limiting travel time to 3-4 hours each day. Check out this website for a true size comparison with Canada.

For Our Visitors from the British Isles
Many from the British Isles are surprised by New Zealand’s size upon arrival. To make the most of your trip, aim for a maximum of 3-4 hours of travel each day. Check out this website for a true size comparison with the British Isles.

For Our U.S. Visitors
Many from the United States are surprised by New Zealand’s size once they arrive. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend limiting travel to 3-4 hours each day. Check out this website for a true size comparison with the U.S.A.

For Our International Visitors
Many people are surprised by New Zealand’s size once they arrive. To make the most of your trip, we recommend limiting travel time to 3-4 hours each day. Check out this website for a true size comparison with your country.
  

You can fly directly to Auckland, New Zealand from the following cities in the USA:

• Chicago (ORD): 16 hours (services currently paused)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): 14 hours (seasonal service)
• Honolulu (HNL): 9 hours
• Houston (IAH): 14.5 hours
• Los Angeles (LAX): 12 hours
• New York (JFK): 16 hours
• San Francisco (SFO): 13 hours

You can fly directly to Christchurch, New Zealand from San Francisco (seasonal service).

If you’re in Washington State, you might also consider flying from Vancouver, Canada (YVR) directly to Auckland.

For flights from other locations in North America, you will need to connect through one of these cities before continuing to New Zealand.

Direct Flights to Auckland from Canada

You can fly directly to Auckland, New Zealand from:

• Vancouver (YVR): 14 hours

If you’re flying from anywhere else in Canada, you will need to connect through one of the following points before continuing on to New Zealand:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas-Forth Worth (DFW)
• Honolulu (HNL)
• Houston (IAH)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York (JFK)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Vancouver (YVR)

A common route is from Toronto (YYZ) via Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL), which takes approximately 19 hours each way.

Stopovers on the Way to New Zealand

If you have the luxury of time, adding a stopover in another country can make your journey even more exciting.

Here are some natural stopovers en route from North America to New Zealand:

• Fiji (NAN): Flights from Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.
• Tahiti (PPT): Flights from Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle
• Honolulu (HNL): Flights from various cities in the USA and Canada

What About Australia?

Australia is often considered a natural stopover on the way to New Zealand. However, if you fly to Australia from North America, you’ll actually be traveling around 3 hours past New Zealand and then another 3 hours back.

Unless you plan to visit both New Zealand and Australia on the same trip, this route might not be the most efficient. It’s only worth considering if you enjoy long flights, are using frequent flyer miles, or find an exceptional deal.

What About Asia?

Airlines based in Asia, especially those from China and even the Middle East, often offer attractive prices. While these options might seem appealing, keep in mind the longer distance you’ll be traveling.

Consider checking a globe or Google Maps to get a sense of the travel times. Is saving $100 worth the extra travel distance and potential jet lag? Personally, we prefer to avoid extended flights and focus on enjoying my time in New Zealand rather than spending it in transit.

Such routes might make sense if you’re on a Round the World ticket or if you plan to explore Asia before or after your visit to New Zealand.

Travelling from Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, or Sunshine Coast?

There are regular direct flights from your city to Auckland (AKL). Opting for a direct flight, even if it costs a bit more, can enhance your travel experience by providing a smoother start or end to your trip. Note that some services may be seasonal.

Use comparison websites like JetAbroad to explore all your options. These sites can give you an idea of schedules and prices. It’s also worth checking the airline’s website directly for potentially better deals.

Before finalising your flight bookings, consult with us. We might suggest flying into one city and out of another based on your personal interests and the activities you want to enjoy in New Zealand.

Travelling from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, or Sydney?

ou have a range of direct flight options to New Zealand:

• Auckland (AKL): Located in the northern part of the North Island, Auckland offers world-class shopping, vibrant waterfront areas, a thriving arts scene, and exciting harbour adventures.
• Wellington (WLG): New Zealand’s capital city on the southern part of the North Island, Wellington is renowned for its heritage buildings, museums, galleries, fine dining, and live entertainment opportunities.
• Christchurch (CHC): Situated in the middle of the South Island, Christchurch is known for its vibrant creativity, innovative projects, and the picturesque Ōtākaro/Avon River.
• Queenstown (ZQN): Located in the southwest part of the South Island, Queenstown is famed for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, majestic mountains, and a range of adventure and relaxation options.

Before finalising your flight bookings, consult with us. We may suggest flying into one city and out of another based on your interests and the experiences you want to have in New Zealand.

Use comparison websites like JetAbroad to explore your options. These sites provide an overview of schedules and prices, and it’s also a good idea to check the airline’s website directly for potentially better deals.

Travelling from Cairns?

You have the option of direct flights to either:

• Auckland (AKL): Located in the northern part of the North Island, Auckland offers world-class shopping, vibrant waterfront areas, a thriving arts scene, and exciting harbour adventures.
• Christchurch (CHC): Situated in the middle of the South Island, Christchurch is known for its vibrant creativity, innovative projects, and the picturesque Ōtākaro/Avon River.

Before finalising your flight bookings, consult with us. We may suggest flying into one city and out of another based on your interests and the experiences you want to have in New Zealand.

Use comparison websites like JetAbroad to explore your options. These sites provide an overview of schedules and prices, and it’s also a good idea to check the airline’s website directly for potentially better deals.

Direct from Dublin

You can fly from Dublin to Auckland (AKL) with just one stopover via:

• Chicago / ORD 
• Dallas-Fort Worth / DFW
• Doha (Qatar) / DOH 
• Dubai / DXB  
• Los Angeles / LAX 
  
• New York / JFK
• San Francisco / SFO 
• Vancouver / YVR 

Direct from Scotland

You can fly from Edinburgh to Auckland (AKL) with just one stopover via:

• Chicago / ORD
• Doha (Qatar) / DOH
• Dubai / DXB
• New York / JFK

Or, if you’re flying from Glasgow to Auckland (AKL), you can do so with one stopover via:

• Dubai / DXB

If you choose to stopover at any of these points, remember that additional airport taxes may apply. Factor these extra costs into your travel budget.

Manchester

Those who prefer the North can fly from Manchester to Auckland (AKL) in New Zealand with just one stopover via:

• Doha (Qatar) / DOH 
• Dubai / DXB 
• Hong Kong / HKG 
• Houston / IAH
• New York / NYC
• Shanghai / PVG
• Singapore / SIN 

You can also choose to fly via Singapore and land directly in Christchurch (CHC) if you prefer. 

Newcastle

Geordies can fly from Newcastle to Auckland (AKL) in New Zealand with just one stopover via:

• Dubai / DXB

Birmingham

You can fly from Birmingham to Auckland (AKL) in New Zealand with just one stopover via:

• Doha (Qatar) / DOH 

• Dubai / DXB 

London

You can fly from London to Auckland (AKL) in New Zealand with just one stopover via:

• Beijing (China) / PEK - from Heathrow
• Chengdu (China) / CTU - from Heathrow
• Chicago / ORD - from Heathrow + Gatwick
• Dallas-Fort Worth / DFW - from Heathrow
• Doha (Qatar) / DOH - from Heathrow + Gatwick
• Dubai / DXB - from Heathrow, Gatwick + Stansted
• Guangzhou (China) / CAN - from Heathrow
• Hong Kong / HKG - from Heathrow + Gatwick
• Houston / IAH - from Heathrow
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) / KUL - from Heathrow
• Los Angeles / LAX - from Heathrow + Gatwick
• San Francisco / SFO - from Heathrow + Gatwick
• Santiago (Chile) / SCL - from Heathrow
• Seoul (Korea) / ICN - from Heathrow
• Shanghai (China) / PVG - from Heathrow + Gatwick
• Shenzhen (China) / SZX - from Heathrow
• Singapore / SIN - from Heathrow
• Taipei / TPE - from Heathrow + Gatwick
• Tokyo / NRT/HND - from Heathrow
• Vancouver / YVR  from Heathrow + Gatwick

You can also choose to fly directly via Dubai, Guangzhou (Seasonal), Hong Kong (Seasonal), San Francisco (Seasonal), and Singapore, landing in Christchurch (CHC).

Auckland (AKL)

You’ll want to search for flights from your closest airport to:

Auckland / AKL – Northern part of the North Island

During a visit to New Zealand’s largest city, you'll experience world-class shopping, bustling waterfront precincts lined with restaurants, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and harbour adventures right on your doorstep.

Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s largest and busiest, with separate terminals for international and domestic flights, and a free shuttle connecting the two.

All major airlines serving New Zealand fly into Auckland Airport.

We recommend using comparison websites like Momondo to explore the best flight options, or consult with a local travel agent who might have access to deals not listed online.

Wellington (WLG)

You’ll want to search for flights from your closest airport to:

Wellington / WLG – Southern part of the North Island

New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, is known as the arts and culture capital. With its rich blend of heritage buildings, museums, galleries, fine dining, and live entertainment, it offers a vibrant experience year-round.

International flights operate to and from Wellington from four Australian destinations – Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne – as well as from Fiji. You'll need to transit through one of these locations before continuing on to Wellington.

If you prefer a more direct route, consider flying into Auckland Airport and taking a domestic flight to Wellington. We can help arrange affordable domestic flights within New Zealand if needed.

We recommend using comparison websites like Momondo to explore the best route, or consult with a local travel agent who might access deals that are not listed online.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. If you prefer less time in transit, flights that minimize layovers are ideal. However, the choice is entirely up to you.

Christchurch (CHC)

You’ll want to search for flights from your closest airport to:

Christchurch / CHC – Middle of the South Island

Christchurch is a vibrant city where creativity and innovation thrive. The serene Ōtākaro/Avon River flows through a landscape of innovative inner-city projects, striking street art, and cutting-edge architecture.

Christchurch International Airport welcomes flights from Australia, China, Singapore, the UAE, Fiji, and even San Francisco on a seasonal basis. Major international hubs like Dubai and Singapore offer direct routes to the South Island's largest city.

If you prefer not to fly via these hubs, you might consider a more direct route by flying into Auckland Airport. We can assist with arranging affordable domestic flights within New Zealand if needed.

We recommend using comparison websites like Momondo to find the best route, or consulting with a local travel agent who may access exclusive deals.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Less time in transit is often preferable, but the final decision is up to you.

Queenstown (ZQN)

You’ll want to search for flights from your closest airport to:

Queenstown / ZQN – Southwest part of the South Island

Nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown offers a stunning backdrop for a trip full of adventure, exploration, or relaxation.

International flights operate between Queenstown and four Australian destinations: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. If you prefer a more direct route to New Zealand, you might consider flying into Auckland Airport. We can help arrange affordable domestic flights within New Zealand if needed.

We recommend using comparison websites like Momondo to explore the best routes, or consulting with a local travel agent who may have access to exclusive deals.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Less time in transit is often preferable, but the choice is ultimately yours.

 Self-Drive

You can legally drive in New Zealand with your Australian driver’s license.

New Zealand’s roads are well-maintained and clearly signposted, offering stunning scenery around every bend. Even if you're accustomed to driving elsewhere, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local road rules, weather conditions, and the unique challenges of New Zealand’s narrow, winding roads.

Helpful Hint: The roads can be quite winding and curvy, which is a lot of fun to drive, but might be a bit nauseating for passengers in the back. Aim to drive smoothly to keep everyone comfortable.
😄🚗💨

 Watch: What you need to know before getting behind the wheel

  Self-Drive

In New Zealand, driving is on the left side of the road.

The roads are well-maintained and clearly signposted, with breathtaking scenery around every corner. However, if you’re used to driving on the right side of the road, it’s crucial to be aware of New Zealand’s weather extremes, narrow, winding roads, and different road rules before you start your journey.

Ensure you are well-rested before beginning your drive—consider getting a full night’s sleep after arriving from Canada or the USA before getting behind the wheel.

Helpful Hints from Clients:

• "The roads are super winding and curvy, which is fun to drive, but can be a bit nausea-inducing for passengers in the back. Try to drive smoothly to keep everyone comfortable. 😄🚗💨"
• "The blinkers and windshield wipers are kind of swapped on the car, so every time we go to signal, we end up turning on the windshield wipers. 😂"
  
  Watch: What you need to know before getting behind the wheel

 Self-Drive

You can legally drive in New Zealand using your UK or Irish Driver Licence.

The roads are well-maintained and signposted, and you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery around every corner. Even though driving here might feel familiar, be prepared for different weather conditions, narrow and winding roads, and varying road rules.

Make sure you are well-rested before starting your journey—it's a good idea to get a full night’s sleep after arriving from the British Isles before hitting the road.

Watch: What you need to know before getting behind the wheel

Helpful Hints from Clients:

• "The roads are super winding and curvy, which makes for an enjoyable drive! 😄 However, it can be a bit nauseating for passengers in the back, so try to drive smoothly to keep everyone comfortable. 🤢🚗"
• "The first time a local passed me in the left lane on a dual carriageway, I thought I was in a road rage moment. Then I discovered that in New Zealand, it's actually common and legal to undertake! 😂"

  In New Zealand, everyone drives on the left side of the road.

Roads are well-maintained and signposted, and you'll find spectacular scenery around every bend. Even if you're used to driving in other countries, it's important to be aware of New Zealand's unique road conditions, such as weather extremes, narrow, winding roads, and different road rules.

Be sure to get plenty of rest before starting your journey; it’s a good idea to have a full night’s sleep after arriving from the USA before getting behind the wheel.

Watch: What you need to know before getting behind the wheel

Helpful hints from clients:

• "... all of the roads are super swervy and curvy - it's fun! 😄 But for passengers in the back it can be a little bit sick inducing 🤢 so try and stay nice and smooth."
• "The blinkers and the windshield wipers are kind of swapped on the car, so every time we go to put a blinker on, we turn the windshield wipers on 😂."

 In New Zealand, everyone drives on the left side of the road.

Roads are well-maintained and signposted, with spectacular scenery around every corner. Even if you're used to driving in other countries, it's important to be aware of New Zealand’s unique driving conditions, such as weather extremes, narrow, winding roads, and different road rules.

Be sure to get plenty of rest before starting your journey; it’s a good idea to have a full night’s sleep after arriving from a long-haul flight before getting behind the wheel.

Watch: What you need to know before getting behind the wheel 

Helpful hints from clients:

• "... all of the roads are super swervy and curvy - it's fun! 😄 But for passengers in the back it can be a little bit sick inducing 🤢 so try and stay nice and smooth."
• "The blinkers and the windshield wipers are kind of swapped on the car, so every time we go to put a blinker on, we turn the windshield wipers on 😂."

Important Note: Freedom Camping Can Be More Expensive Than Expected!

The idea of exploring New Zealand in a campervan or motorhome, discovering scenic spots to park and enjoy a picnic, sounds amazing. However, many places around New Zealand require payment for overnight parking at holiday parks, campgrounds, or designated camping spots.

At peak times, you might pay as much as NZ$120 for a single night in popular spots like Queenstown. Consider whether this expense is better spent on a more affordable rental car and comfortable accommodation, especially when factoring in the cost of renting the vehicle itself.

Planning is crucial, as you can't always find a spot to park spontaneously. Many locations require pre-booking. Additionally, a family of four in close quarters with unfavorable weather can be less enjoyable than expected after extended periods.

If you're still excited about the idea, go for it! Just make sure to plan and prepare thoroughly for the trip.

What is Freedom Camping?

How Long Does It Take to Drive Around New Zealand?

New Zealand might look small on a map, but it's larger than you might think. Unlike some island nations where you can circumnavigate the entire island in just a short time, driving around New Zealand takes longer.

To give you some perspective, here are some useful maps to help you understand the scale of New Zealand. Remember, while you might be tempted to stick to the coast, there’s a lot to explore inland as well. Plan your journey to include both scenic coastal routes and the diverse attractions found off the beaten path.

• North Island / Te Ika-a-Māui - 3,103km / 1,928 miles - 44 hours of constant driving (view map)
• South Island / Te Waipounamu - 3,204km / 1,882 miles - 44 hours of constant driving (view map)

Explore New Zealand: A Mix of Transport Options

To make the most of your trip, we recommend using a combination of different transport modes to add variety and interest to your journey through New Zealand.

By Rail
New Zealand’s rail network may not be extensive, but it offers some truly remarkable journeys. Experience breathtaking landscapes including remote national parks, volcanic terrains, braided river valleys, and rugged coastlines with our great train trips.

By Coach/Bus
With over 100 daily services connecting more than 600 towns, cities, and communities, traveling by coach or bus is a comfortable and convenient option. Modern, air-conditioned buses provide scheduled departures across both the North and South Islands.

By Ferry
The ferry route between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) is renowned for its scenic beauty, including the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and fur seals during the journey.

By Flight
Flights are a surprisingly pleasant and affordable way to travel around New Zealand. With easy organization and cost-effective options, flying can be a great choice for covering longer distances quickly.