Researched
New Zealand
New Zealand (Aotearoa) is a compact two-island country in the South Pacific, known for dramatic scenery, Māori culture and an outdoor-adventure scene. Highlights include the fiords and glaciers of the South Island, the geothermal landscapes and volcanic peaks of the North Island, and the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Wine regions such as Waiheke Island, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and Central Otago have helped build a strong food scene. Most visitors combine a few regions by road or domestic flight, with about two weeks enough to cover the main highlights of both islands.
Best time to visit
December to April
Summer, from December to March, brings the warmest weather and the longest days, which suits hiking, beaches and road trips, although it is also the busiest and priciest season. February to April is a good shoulder period for wine regions and settled weather with fewer crowds. Winter, from June to August, suits skiers heading to Queenstown and Wānaka.
History and culture
Māori were the first people to settle Aotearoa, and tradition credits the navigator Kupe with guiding the early arrivals. Europeans came later, and the Treaty of Waitangi remains a foundation of the modern nation. Today the country blends Māori and European heritage, along with growing Pacific and Asian influences. Māori culture is part of everyday life: te reo Māori appears on street signs, 'kia ora' is a common greeting, and carving, weaving, haka and Matariki are all visible. Rotorua, including the living village of Whakarewarewa, is a popular place to learn about Māori traditions. The national museum, Te Papa in Wellington, covers the country's cultural story. The country also has a strong film industry. Several areas are UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Te Wāhipounamu in the south-west and Tongariro National Park, which has deep significance for Māori. Tourism New Zealand dates back to 1901 and is considered the world's first government tourism department.
Start here · Sights
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
4.7 out of 526,485 Google reviews
55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
The national museum, with exhibits on Māori culture, art and the natural environment. It is a good way to understand the country's heritage in the capital.
- museum
- culture
- family-friendly
- free-entry
Sights
Places to see. 7 places besides the lead pick.
Te Puia, Rotorua
4.6 out of 59,492 Google reviews
A geothermal attraction in Rotorua with geysers and bubbling mud pools, alongside Māori cultural experiences. It is a good introduction to the area's geothermal and cultural side.
- geothermal
- cultural
- family-friendly
- iconic
Food and drink
Places to eat and drink. 7 places.
Eat Street, Rotorua
4.4 out of 54,175 Google reviews
A lane in the heart of Rotorua lined with restaurants and bars. It is an easy place to find an evening meal within walking distance of the centre.
- nightlife
- casual
- walkable
- variety
Stays
Places to sleep. 8 places.
Art Deco Masonic Hotel, Napier
4.6 out of 5696 Google reviews
A hotel in Napier's famous Art Deco style, with two bars, two restaurants and ocean-facing balconies in many rooms. It is a popular summer choice.
- art-deco
- central
- seaside
- historic
Articles it was based on
The pages the research read. Each opens on its own site.
- Where to Eat and Stay: Hotels With Exceptional Dining Across New Zealandmy-new-zealand-stay.com(opens in a new tab)
- New Zealand Itineraries | 100% Pure New Zealandnewzealand.com(opens in a new tab)
- Top 9 Best Restaurants in New Zealand | New Zealand Restaurantsadequatetravel.com(opens in a new tab)
- 13 Days in New Zealand: Unique New Zealand 13-day Itinerary Ideas | Bookmundibookmundi.com(opens in a new tab)