Fiordland & Milford Sound
Spectacular fjords lined with towering waterfalls and steep cliffs, reachable by boat, kayak or via one of the country's most famous and photographed Great Walks.
New Zealand
Between majestic fjords, smoking volcanoes and wild beaches, New Zealand offers landscapes of rare diversity. Home to Māori culture, this island nation captivates with its open spaces, legendary hiking trails and a way of life built around adventure and nature.
Why visit New Zealand?
New Zealand packs fjords, volcanoes, glaciers and rainforests into a relatively small territory. The country is known for its well-preserved national parks, outdoor activities and the richness of Māori culture, present in the language, art and local traditions.
What to discover in New Zealand?
New Zealand is made up of two main islands with strikingly contrasting landscapes. The North Island is home to active volcanic areas, geothermal springs and the Rotorua region, a long-standing hub of Māori culture and ancestral tradition. The South Island captivates with its dramatic fjords, glaciers and mountain ranges, particularly around Fiordland and Mount Cook, the country's highest peak, as well as the turquoise glacial lakes scattered across the Canterbury region.
Beyond its scenery, New Zealand offers a wide range of outdoor activities: hiking the Great Walks, water sports, wildlife watching including kiwis and fur seals, and adventure sports around Queenstown, often nicknamed the adrenaline capital of the world. Cities like Auckland and Wellington combine urban life, a dynamic food scene and quick access to the surrounding nature. Māori culture, with its traditions, crafts and historic sites, rounds out a travel experience that feels both far away and genuinely easy to access for curious travellers.
Cities to visit in New Zealand
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
New Zealand in pictures
New Zealand highlights
From spectacular scenery to Māori culture, here are the experiences that define a trip to New Zealand.
Māori culture in Rotorua
Geothermal springs, impressive geysers and traditional cultural villages where you can discover Māori legends, songs, dance and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Tongariro National Park
A unique volcanic landscape with strikingly coloured lakes and steaming craters, crossed by one of the country's most renowned and scenic one-day hikes.
Adventure in Queenstown
The world capital of extreme sports, offering bungee jumping, skiing, paragliding and hiking amid spectacular mountains overlooking a deep blue glacial lake.
Bay of Islands
An archipelago of over a hundred islands, ideal for sailing, dolphin and whale watching, and exploring the country's rich maritime and colonial history.
Abel Tasman National Park
Golden beaches and sheltered coves backed by dense forest, perfect for sea kayaking, swimming and coastal hiking on the South Island.
Practical information
- Capital
- Wellington
- Area
- About 268,000 km²
- Population
- About 5.1 million
- Language(s)
- English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Time zone
- UTC+12 (UTC+13 in summer)
- Climate
- Temperate oceanic, varies by region
- Best season
- November to March (austral summer)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit New Zealand?
The austral summer, from November to March, offers the best conditions for hiking, camping and outdoor activities across the whole country. Winter, from June to August, suits skiers and snowboarders heading to the South Island, particularly around Queenstown.
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Many nationalities must apply for an electronic travel authority, known as the NZeTA, before departure, often alongside a tourist and conservation levy. It's best to check the exact entry requirements with New Zealand authorities before booking your trip.
How much time should I plan for a trip to New Zealand?
Two to three weeks allow for a comfortable exploration of both islands, leaving enough time to enjoy the scenery and local activities at a relaxed pace. A shorter trip can focus on either the North Island or the South Island alone.
How do you travel between the North and South Islands?
The inter-island ferry connects Wellington and Picton in a few hours across the Cook Strait, offering scenic coastal views along the way. Domestic flights also provide quick connections between the country's main cities on both islands.
Is New Zealand suitable for families?
The country offers many family-friendly activities, from calm beaches to accessible hiking trails and opportunities to observe local wildlife such as penguins and seals. Tourist infrastructure is generally well organised to welcome travellers with children.
What local dishes should I try?
Hangi, a traditional Māori cooking method using heated stones buried underground, along with fresh seafood and New Zealand lamb, are among the local specialties well worth trying during your stay.
Plan your trip to New Zealand
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
