New Zealand
Travelling in New Zealand is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. With some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, it's made for hiking, road trips, wild swimming and pretty much anything that gets you outside. From snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes to rugged coastlines and lush forests, New Zealand welcomes the adventurous, the brave, the broke and everyone in between.
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Quick Facts
Handpicked Things to See and Do
13 Best Things To Do in New Zealand (ATTRACTION GUIDE) 
17 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand 
Diving in New Zealand: The 10 Best Scuba Sites! 
Hiking in New Zealand: 8 Bucketlist Trails to Check Out 
North Island New Zealand Road Trip Planner 
South Island New Zealand Road Trip Planner • EPIC ITINERARIES 
Campervanning in New Zealand: Must Read Guide for Backpackers 
10 TOP Things to Do in Mount Maunganui – The ULTIMATE GUIDE New Zealand Accommodation Guides
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in New Zealand (Best Places)
Quick Answers: Where is the Best Place to Stay in New Zealand Map of Where to Stay in New Zealand Where is…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Auckland (COOLEST Areas!)
Where to Stay in Auckland Looking for a specific place to stay? I’ve covered where to stay in Auckland by neighborhood in…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Christchurch (COOLEST Areas!)
Christchurch Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Christchurch Christchurch is a lively and vibrant city that keeps a relatively low profile. Despite…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Wanaka (COOLEST Areas!)
Where to Stay in Wanaka Not worried about where you’ll be and just looking for a fit for you? Check out our…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Tauranga: The BEST Areas
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tauranga? Tauranga is not one to miss on your New Zealand bucket list. But finding…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Wellington (Best Places)
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Wellington? So, you’re travelling to Wellington. You lucky ol’ thing. Wellington is jam-packed with…
Editor's PickThe 10 Best Hostels in New Zealand
My favourite hostels in New Zealand at a glance Let’s take a closer look at each hostel Need help deciding where to stay…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Taupo (Best Places)
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Taupo? Planning a relaxing stay in Taupo? Or maybe you’re just passing by as…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Rotorua (COOLEST Areas!)
Rotorua Neighbourhood Guide – Places to Stay in Rotorua If you’re backpacking New Zealand, take a few days to stop over in Rotorua.…
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New Zealand Travel FAQs
North Island or South Island: which is better?
Both, but they offer very different experiences. The South Island is the place for dramatic mountains, glaciers, fjords and epic hiking, while the North Island has volcanic landscapes, Māori culture, beaches and geothermal wonders. If you've got the time, visit both rather than choosing between them.
What are New Zealand's Great Walks?
The Great Walks are a collection of New Zealand's best-known multi-day hiking trails, taking you through some seriously spectacular landscapes. Routes include the Milford, Routeburn, Abel Tasman Coast and Tongariro Northern Circuit, but you'll need to book huts or campsites in advance for many of them, particularly during peak season.
Do you need a car to travel around New Zealand?
Not necessarily, but having your own wheels makes a big difference. Buses connect many of the main destinations, while trains and ferries can help with longer journeys. If you want to get off the beaten track, explore national parks or take on a classic road trip, renting a car or campervan is your best bet.
Is New Zealand good for solo backpackers?
Absolutely. New Zealand has a huge backpacker scene, particularly around the popular road-trip routes, and hostels, group tours and adventure activities make it easy to meet people. It's also one of those places where travelling solo gives you plenty of freedom to change your plans as you go.