New Zealand Tours & Vacations

The Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer, from October to April, are the best times to visit New Zealand.

These spring and summer months offer great temperatures, making New Zealand an excellent place for summer lovers to visit in the Northern Hemisphere's winter. During these times, you can visit beaches on the North Island or explore fiords on the South Island. The Southern Hemisphere’s winter months from June to August are also a great time to discover New Zealand. Hot springs, snow sports, and shimmering glaciers offer exciting excursions you can enjoy in the colder weather.

The Northern Hemisphere’s summer is New Zealand’s winter, making it a great time for snow lovers but less ideal for travelers wanting a more all-around experience.

Spring and summer may be the best time to visit, but New Zealand is a year-round destination, with dramatic scenery, Maori traditions and history, and adventure activities like hiking and skiing possible on your trip.

Our guide on the best time to visit New Zealand can give you more information to help you find the right time of year for your trip.

If you are more interested in learning about Maori heritage and visiting vibrant cities, you would prefer the North Island. If you are eager to spend time in nature and explore the lakes, mountain trails, and fiords, consider the South Island.

Both islands share many characteristics, including impressive wine regions, beaches, and mesmerizing landscapes. The north has a geothermal park and the Hobbiton; the south has Milford Sound and Mount Cook National Park. The North Island has Auckland; the South Island has Christchurch.

When considering which island to visit, it depends on the type of experience you want to have. Both islands offer adventure, discovery, and culture but depending on your interests and the number of days you have set aside for your trip, one island may be better than the other, and your travel specialist can help you decide.

Whether planning to visit the beaches on the Bay of Islands, interested in touring the Otago Wine Region, or ready for the thrill of ice trekking on Tasman Glacier, the best places to visit in New Zealand include:

• Queenstown
• Auckland
• Rotorua
• Abel Tasman National Park
• West Coast
• Fiordland National Park
• Napier
• Kaikoura
• Bay of Islands
• Lake Taupo

New Zealand’s North Island is known for its cultural activities and cities, but it has a diverse range of exciting things to do:

• Explore the Waitomo Cave to find the famous glowworms
• Lounge in the healing and refreshing geothermal waters in Rotorua
• Visit Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet
• Get an introduction to Maori culture and history
• Tour Middle Earth at the Hobbiton
• Snorkel around the caves, arches, and marine tunnels at Knights Islands Marine Reserve, where whales and dolphins often pass
• Enjoy premium wine and food experiences on Waiheke Island

New Zealand’s South Island is famous for its adventurous excursions and dramatic landscapes, but the variety of activities to enjoy will surprise you:

• Enjoy the romantic ambiance of the unfettered starlight viewed in Mount Cook’s International Dark Sky Reserve
• Look for native birds, including penguins and albatross
• Cruise the glassy and reflective waters of Milford and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland National Park
• Sample the flavorful varietals in the Otago Wine Region
• Ski, snowboard, or embrace the winter sports around Queenstown

Whether looking to blend adventure with a romantic getaway or eager to find thrilling activities for children of all ages, New Zealand has adventures for all types of travelers. From stepping onto a trail beneath the snow-capped Southern Alps to taking a ride on a jet boat, bungee jumping, or surfing, New Zealand can fill your adventurous spirit with countless things to do.

New Zealand is a paradise for hikers of all skill levels.

Whether embarking on one of the country’s celebrated Great Walks or enjoying a day hike around Rangitōtō Island’s summit, New Zealand’s combination of accessible, traditional, and unconventional routes offers diversity in the ways you can experience nature.

The hikes around New Zealand are also a great way to experience local culture and its connection to wildlife, marine life, and the marvelous scenery.

Find more information for your vacation with our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to New Zealand and inspiration in our New Zealand travel guide.