Auckland & the Bay of Islands
Auckland’s harbor and the vineyards of Waiheke Island, then north to the Bay of Islands for sailing, dolphins and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Best for Sailing, wine, an easy start
Why New Zealand
New Zealand is made for exploring by road: Milford Sound's fjords, glaciers on the West Coast, adventure in Queenstown and wine in Marlborough and Hawke's Bay.
Highlights
- Milford Sound
- Queenstown
- Rotorua and Maori culture
- Marlborough wine country
Where to go in New Zealand
The places our travelers love most, and what each one does best.
Getting around the classic route
- Sydney to QueenstownAbout 3 hours by air
- Queenstown to Milford SoundAbout 4 hours by road, or a short scenic flight
- Auckland to RotoruaAbout 3 hours by road
Rotorua
Geysers, bubbling mud and hot pools, with Māori culture at its heart. Hobbiton and the Waitomo glowworm caves are both within easy reach.
Best for Families, culture, geothermal wonders
Queenstown & Fiordland
Mountains, lakes and Central Otago pinot noir, with jet boats and skiing for the adventurous and Milford Sound a scenic flight away.
Best for Scenery, adventure, wine
When to go
November to April is summer. March and April are settled and beautiful.
The seasons are reversed, so their spring and fall line up with our fall and spring. There’s no wrong time to go, just different trips depending on the month.
- JanSummer holidays, beaches
- FebWarm, settled weather in NZ
- MarAutumn begins, wine harvest
- AprFall color in Queenstown
- MayCool, quiet, good for Uluru
- JunReef dry season, ski season
- JulOutback and reef at their best
- AugWhales along the east coast
- SepSpring blossoms, wildflowers
- OctJacarandas, lambs, long days
- NovLate spring, Melbourne Cup
- DecSummer, holidays, New Year’s
Peak season Shoulder season Low season
Average temperatures and rainfall
Jan2.8″
Feb2.0″
Mar1.9″
Apr2.3″
May3.0″
Jun2.4″
Jul2.2″
Aug2.1″
Sep2.5″
Oct2.5″
Nov2.4″
Dec2.4″
Average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches.
Spring
September to November. Sydney’s jacarandas bloom purple, New Zealand’s hillsides fill with lambs, and the days grow long and mild. It’s our favorite time for a combined trip, and the reef is warm and calm.
Summer
December to February. Beach weather in Sydney, long golden evenings in Queenstown and New Year’s fireworks over the harbor. Summer school holidays run from late December through January, so we book early.
Fall
March to May. Warm seas, harvest season in the wine regions and gold poplars around Queenstown and Arrowtown in April. Easter is a busy holiday week in both countries; we plan around it.
Winter
June to August. Mild and sunny in the tropical north, with the reef and the Outback at their most comfortable. Queenstown becomes a ski town, and humpback whales travel up Australia’s east coast.
Ideas by month:
Trip ideas
Starting points only. Every New Zealand trip we plan is built around you.
North to South
Auckland to Queenstown by road and rail.
Luxury Lodges of New Zealand
Three or four of the country's great lodges.
Where you'll stay
Luxury lodges, vineyard cottages and boutique hotels. We choose every hotel ourselves and know which rooms have the view.
Good to know
The small things that make a big difference once you land.
Two approvals, one trip
Australia’s ETA and New Zealand’s NZeTA are separate, and both are applied for online or by app before you fly. We’ll remind you when it’s time and make sure every name matches your passport.
Ease into the time change
Overnight flights from Los Angeles land in the morning, and you lose a calendar day on the way out. We plan a gentle first day, with an early room if possible, so you’re ready to go by day two.
Declare your snacks
Both countries take biosecurity seriously. Declare any food, and make sure hiking boots and outdoor gear are clean before you pack. When in doubt, declare it.
Driving on the left
Both countries drive on the left. For scenic routes like the Great Ocean Road or the Milford Road, a private driver-guide lets you enjoy the view.
Sun and sea
The sun is strong, even on cool days, so pack a hat and good sunscreen. Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, and wear a stinger suit in the tropics from about November to May.
Tipping and paying
Tipping isn’t expected in either country, though a little extra for great service is always appreciated. Contactless cards work almost everywhere, and you’ll rarely need cash.
New Zealand questions
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
November to April is summer. March and April are settled and beautiful.
How long should I spend in New Zealand?
Most of our travelers spend 14 to 18 days in New Zealand. We'll shape the length around what you want to see and how you like to travel.
Can Global Escapes plan a private trip to New Zealand?
Yes. Every trip we plan to New Zealand is designed around you, with hand-picked hotels, private guides where they make a difference and support while you travel. Call 706.549.1164 or tell us about your trip below.
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Tell us about your New Zealand dream.
Share as much or as little as you like. A member of our team will reach out personally to start shaping your trip.
Rather talk it through? Call 706.549.1164