Planning a holiday to New Zealand? This section has important and practical travel information we recommend you read before you depart.
If you’re from Britain or one of our visa waiver countries, you must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand.
New Zealand is fantastic to visit year-round. Find out about our weather and seasons.
What is the New Zealand dollar worth, and will things cost on your trip?
From wilderness campsites to luxury lodges, use our accommodation finder to find places to stay anywhere in New Zealand.
Self-drive is a popular way to explore New Zealand. Before renting a car or campervan, make sure you're familiar with driving in New Zealand.
New Zealand's public transport includes buses, trains and ferries. Find out how to get around without hiring a vehicle.
Flights are easy to catch from city to city, and no flight is longer than two hours.
If you'd like a pre-planned itinerary and someone to drive you, your local travel agent can help you find the perfect tour.
Calculate the driving distances between two places in New Zealand
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Whether you have a few days, a few weeks or a month, we have plenty of itinerary ideas. New Zealand looks small on the world map but it is full of diversity - you could spend months exploring.
CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS
Includes a return ferry to Waiheke Island
Auckland
Starting in Auckland
Total travel time: 2 h 45 min
CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS
Includes a return ferry crossing to Stewart Island
Auckland
starting from Christchurch
Including: Dunedin, Queenstown, & Nelson
Total travel time: 35 hours
Start your journey from Auckland
to Christchurch via Northland and Stewart Is.
Total trip distance: 3710 KM (2306 MI)
i-SITE is New Zealand's official visitor information network. They can help you plan and book activities, accommodation and transport once you're here in New Zealand
Find out how to stay connected to the internet and phone services during your trip.
New Zealand is a safe country for travelling. Here are some things you should know to stay safe on your holiday.
New Zealanders speak English (with a ‘kiwi’ accent). If English is not your first language, we’re a friendly country and most people will be patient communicating with you. You will need some basics to get around – like understanding times and prices, and being able to ask for help if you need it.
If you’re not confident making bookings in English, then consider joining a tour group, or booking your trip as a package in your home country. If you’re planning to drive, check with your rental vehicle company to ensure instructions and GPS navigational equipment are offered in your native language.
Apart from English, New Zealand has two other official languages: Māori and New Zealand sign language.
