A trip to New Zealand really is a trip to Middle Earth
Anyone who visits Aotearoa quite quickly understands just why they filmed Lord of The Rings here. It's a country that has landscapes that makes you pinch yourself to check you're not dreaming.
It may be small, but it packs a punch with epic mountains, glaciers, wild volcanoes and beautiful beaches that make you feel you're in on a secret.
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Planning your trip | North Island | South Island | The Great Walks | Best Day Walks
Wildlife Experiences
Quick Summary
Top Tip: If you're looking to do any of the Great Walks, book on the day they go on sale. Tracks like the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler can sell out for a whole year, very quickly.
Currency: New Zealand Dollars
Visa: New Zealand's visa can be granted on arrival, but requires proof of an outbound ticket. Visas are granted for three to six months.
Safety: New Zealand is as safe as it gets.
When to go: New Zealand can be visited all year round, but things like the Great Walks in Fiordland are almost impossible in the winter.
Peak Season: November - January
Off Season: June - August
Walk My World Cost Index: $$$$ - New Zealand isn't cheap, with the average cost of even cheap accommodation exceeding $100 per night.
Our Top Picks
Planning your trip
We love a good hot spring, especially after a long hike. Here's our guide to the best hot springs in the South Island of New Zealand.
New Zealand is an outdoor lovers Mecca. There are so many incredible things to do it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve got you covered with this perfect two week New Zealand South Island itinerary for outdoor lovers.
New Zealand in winter is magical. The scenery is even more beautiful and you’ll get many of those famous landscapes to yourself. It truly is a dream winter destination and you definitely don’t have to be into snow sports! We’re covering all the pros of a winter visit as well as the cons, so you can make an informed decision about whether visiting New Zealand in winter is right for you.
No spoilers here, everyone knows that New Zealand is an expensive destination, but luckily it’s worth every dollar though. So how much does it really cost to travel to New Zealand?
New Zealand has to be one of the most photogenic countries in the world, it's an instagrammers dream. Here is our guide to the most instgrammable spots in New Zealand.
When people first arrived to New Zealand, they described the sound of birdsong as deafening. Now the landscape is silent. Air New Zealand has stepped in to try and New Zealand's native animals from extinction.
Aoteroa / New Zealand by Area
The North Island
New Plymouth & Taranaki / Egmont National Park
Tongariro & Whanganui
Kerikeri & Whangarei
The South Island
Christchurch, Kaikoura & Mount Cook
Abel Tasman, Nelson & Golden Bay
Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
The Great Walks
Everything you need to know to hike the Milford Track: how to book the hike, difficulty, what to expect, what the huts are like and a comprehensive guide to the finest walk in the world.
The Kepler Track truly is one of the Great Walks in New Zealand and is one of our favourites. The ridge lines and views all the way through are stunning! We’ll tell you all about the elevation, difficulty, how to book onto the trail, description of each hut and everything you need to know about this epic hike.
Everything you need to know about the stunning Routeburn Track: what to expect, transport, distance, elevation, difficulty, information on the huts and how to make the most of this amazing hike.
If you are looking for one of the quietest Great Walks in pristine wilderness then Stewart Island's Rakiura Track should be high on your list. The trail at the very South of New Zealand is an easy track that can be walked by anyone of average fitness.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit may be one of the best hikes we've ever done! Here's everything you need to know know for this hike including the difficulty, how to book, how you can hike the whole thing in 2 days and what to expect from this stunning hike.
The fourth of our 9 Great Walks was the Rakiura Track, Stewart Island's Great Walk. If you're looking for a Great Walk that's really off the beaten track with the potential for seeing kiwi, then this is the trail for you.
Everything you need to know about the Abel Tasman Coast Track - one of the best in New Zealand: how difficult it is, how to book, water taxis and pack transport, what the huts are like and why you should hike this incredible track.
The Heaphy Track is the one of the longest of the Great Walks of New Zealand, so a little planning can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy this track. Here's our guide to everything you need to know before hiking the Heaphy Track.
The Whanganui River Journey is a fun alternative "Great Walk" and can be done by anyone (even novices like us). As it's not as straight forward as the other Great Walks, it requires a little planning to ensure you've got everything covered.
With nine to choose from you want to make sure you pick the right Great Walk of New Zealand for you. Having recently walked all nine, we have you covered and have broken them down into categories to help you decide which one is for you.
Lake Waikaremoana is the quietest of all the Great Walks and is perfect for those who love a back country style walk. Here's everything you need to know before embarking on this Great Walk.
Our final Great Walk of New Zealand was Lake Waikaremoana, one of the quietest. It also had a few surprises in store for us.
We loved hiking the Tongariro Northern Circuit. But it's one of those hikes where only the photos do it justice. Here's our favourite 38 to show you just how great this hike is.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit has to be one of the best walks we’ve ever done. Hiking around this volcanic landscape was like walking through Mordor to Mount Doom.
Our 7th Great Walk didn't involve walking, but canoeing for 5 days on the beautiful Whanganui River on the North Island of New Zealand.
Want to hike a Great Walk that few people do? Then the Heaphy Track is calling. Four day, 80km and barely anyone else in sight.
When people first arrived to New Zealand, they described the sound of birdsong as deafening. Now the landscape is silent. Air New Zealand has stepped in to try and New Zealand's native animals from extinction.
The Heaphy Track is the longest of all the Great Walks in New Zealand, coming in at nearly 80km across four days. It's often overlooked for its more glamorous neighbour - Abel Tasman - but we loved the quietness and diversity of this Great Walk.
The Abel Tasman Track is one of the most popular of the Great Walks and New Zealand and having hiked it, we can see why. Stunning beaches, beautiful forests and endless sunshine made this one of the best hikes we've ever done.If that hasn't persuaded you to go, then check out our photos from the hike below.
The Abel Tasman Track is pure bliss for someone wanting to do a multi-day hike that's not too steep, not too long, has paradise views all the way and a water taxi service to take all the hassle out of bags and transport. At points it didn't feel like a hike, but a holiday stroll from beach to beach.
We're only three trails into our 9 Great Walks in 9 Weeks and we're already wondering if the Kepler Track is going to be the best, it's that good. Situated in the stunning Fiordland National Park, the trail goes through forests into a ridgeline that gives million dollar views. But don't just take our word for it, see our photos below.
It's a controversial statement, but the Kepler Track is our favourite of the three Great Walks of New Zealand we've done so far (edging out the Routeburn and Milford). Want to know why we loved it so much? Well here's our account of the trail.
Of all the Great Walks in New Zealand, the Milford Track is the most popular and the most famous. However, just in case you didn't know about the aptly described "finest walk in the world", then check out our 53 photos for some inspiration!
The second of our 9 Great Walks was The Milford Track, something we'd been wanting to do for a decade now. Before starting the 9 Great Walks in 9 Weeks challenge, it was probably the hike we were looking forward to the most. It's an iconic track and we've heard about so many others doing it. However, we weren't quite so sure how much we were going to enjoy it when we saw the forecast...
The Routeburn Track was the first of the Great 9 Walks we were hiking in 9 weeks and it's a pretty special track to start with. Even in bad weather, it's a stunning track that weaves through electric blue rivers, mountains, glaciers and ridges, offering spectacular views when the clouds part.
Finally, after all the planning and waiting, the first of our 9 Great Walks was here, and we were beyond excited to be starting with the World famous Routeburn Track. It’s a hike we’ve both wanted to do for years and we couldn’t think of a better way to start our big challenge.
We've been working on this one for a while, but starting February 1st, we'll be embarking on our biggest hiking challenge yet: the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand in 9 weeks! How on earth do you co-ordinate something like this? Can we even do this? It'll be fun finding out!
The best day walks in Aotearoa
The Mahinepua Walk is one of the best easy coastal walks in Northland. It’s not all flat, but the short climbs are rewarded by jaw-dropping views over golden and black sand beaches, distant islands and rugged headlands. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk including track conditions.
The Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s best day walks, but few know the secret side trail or the best way to avoid the crowds. Our step-by-step guide will tell you all the top tips to enjoy this incredible walk like a pro.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about exactly what the trail up to Roys Peak is like, including whether it’s worth pushing on past that famous viewpoint to the summit. We’re also sharing photography tips to help you get that classic shot.
Pouakai Tarns offers the most magical view of Mount Taranaki, but it’s definitely something you have to plan as it is not always visible. We’re sharing exact conditions required for both wind speed and cloud cover, as well as full details on the trail to get there to make sure you have the perfect trip.
The Dukes Nose (Kairara Rock) Track has one of, if not, the best view in all of Northland. It has all the wow factor, with endless spectacular bays and headlands. It does involve a near vertical scramble but you’re assisted with a sturdy metal pole. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail, including track conditions and how hard that scramble really is.
Walking in the ancient Whirinaki Forest feels like stepping back in time and it’s often described as New Zealand’s ‘dinosaur forest’. We’re sharing all the details on an easy walk encompassing sublime forest, waterfalls and even a moss covered canyon.
The Sealy Tarns Track offers some of the most incredible views in the Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park. To say it has the wow factor is an understatement. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the hike including difficulty, track conditions and a great turn around viewpoint if you don’t want to walk the whole trail, but still want to see one of the best views in the park.
The Tarawera Trail is one of Rotorua’s best walks. Although it is predominantly through forest, the stops along the way are fantastic, with a crystal clear lake and several different hot springs. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including how to find the hot springs which are not signposted.
Mt Fyffe is one of the best day hikes on the South Island, with incredible mountain views in one direction and coastal views in the other. If you want to extend the adventure you can even stay in the picturesque hut two thirds of the way up. It’s a great spot for sunset and stargazing! We’re sharing everything you need to know about the hike including difficulty and trail conditions.
The Key Summit Track is a great day hike along the iconic Routeburn Track. It’s a relatively easy climb through beautiful mossy forest to panoramic mountain views. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including track conditions and difficulty.
Rotorua’s Hot Water Beach is truly spectacular. The steaming spring water feeds into the crystal clear lake and creates a unique bathing experience. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting, including the various ways of getting there and what to expect from the spring itself.
Tarawera Falls is spectacular and the walk to get there is both easy and stunning in its own right. You’ll follow the turquoise river which is one of the most beautiful on the North Island. We’re sharing the safe places to swim, as well as details on the longer walk to the Tarawera Outlet.
The Blue Pools are utterly spectacular and worthy of their increasing fame and popularity. However, there are a lot of things worth knowing beforehand in order to make sure you have the perfect trip. We’re sharing how weather conditions and time of day affect the water colour, photography tips, how to beat the crowds, and what it’s really like to swim in the glacial water!
We’re sharing how to plan the perfect trip to Hokitika Gorge, including what to watch out for if you want to see the blue water, how to photograph it and everything you need to know about the newly extended walking track.
The Mount Robert Circuit is one of the best day walks in the Nelson Lakes National Park. The views of both Lake Rotoiti and the St Arnaud range are spectacular. Although it does require a bit of a climb, it’s not too difficult and makes for an excellent few hours in the park. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail including, track conditions and difficulty.
That’s right, there’s a lesser known gorge close to Hokitika which offers the most incredible blue water, an exciting vertigo inducing swing bridge and a safe swimming hole. Best of all you won’t have to share it with the crowds! We’re detailing exactly how to get there, including everything you need to know about the trail conditions.
Lake Mangamahoe offers some of the best views on the whole North Island. Mount Taranaki sits behind the gorgeous clear lake and even creates a reflection in the water on a calm day. We’re sharing the very best viewpoints, the conditions you need in order to see the mountain and details on the full lake circuit track.
The Roberts Point Track is one of the best hikes on the West Coast. The view of Franz Josef Glacier is phenomenal and there are several amazing swing bridges, and even a floating staircase. It does involve some scrambling and we detail that as well as everything else you need to know about difficulty and the terrain in this guide.
Lake Matheson is one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand. Time it right and you will be treated to a mirror image of Aoraki Mount Cook and the surrounding snow-capped peaks in the water. However, not all viewpoints are created equal and the reflection doesn’t always look like the pictures. We’re sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Lake Matheson.
The Alex Knob Track offers one of the best views of Franz Josef Glacier in the whole area, not to mention the incredible mountain range surrounding it. You have to earn the view though with a relatively long hike up to the viewpoint. We’re sharing everything you need to know, including difficulty and track conditions, as well as shorter options which still have great views.
Callery Gorge is spectacular, with electric blue water that has to be seen to be believed. It’s an easy walk to reach, yet it still remains relatively unknown. It’s one walk in Franz Josef you do not want to miss! We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including un-signposted viewpoints.
Isthmus Peak offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Wanaka. And not just from the peak, but along much of the trail. It’s a very steep hike, but your efforts are greatly rewarded. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk including difficulty and what it’s like to walk down in the dark!
There's not enough superlatives to describe the Rob Roy Glacier Track, especially on a stunning sunny day like we had. If you're in Wanaka and are looking for a trail that is spectacular, but achievable, then head here.
Up close wildlife experiences
If you’ve been weighing up whether to go to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony or whether to try and see them for free then this is the guide for you. We did both and can give you the full lowdown on what to expect.
Waipu Caves are one of the most extraordinary glow worm caves in New Zealand, and can be visited for free without a guide. We’re sharing everything you need to know about accessing the caves, chamber by chamber, and where you’ll find the best glow worm displays.
If you’re looking for a glow worm filled cave adventure without a guide, then Abbey Caves is the place to head. You won’t find walkways or lighting in these three undeveloped caves and that only adds to the fun. Come prepared to get wet and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible glow worm experience. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the caves including difficulty and conditions.
The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a fantastic walk which showcases the gorgeous coastline and visits Kaikoura’s best seal colony. However the main trail also spends a lot of time alongside the road. We’re sharing a better route which never follows the road and takes you along various bays and up to the cliff tops for the most beautiful views in the area.
Oamaru is undoubtedly one of the best places in New Zealand to spot penguins in the wild. You can see both little blue penguins (Kororā) and yellow-eyed penguins (Hoiho) in the one area. We’re sharing everything you need to know about Oamaru’s penguins including which viewing area is best, whether the paid viewing is worth it, and where to see penguins without a tour.
Whale watching is a must-do in Kaikoura, but what’s the best way to see these incredible animals? We chose to go with Wings Over Whales, and in this guide we will tell you all about our experience - what we saw, how the flight was and most importantly, was it worth it?
There are lots of amazing tours you can take to see glow worms in Rotorua, but there are also many spots to see them for free and without a guide. We’re sharing three amazing, easy access places to find them with exact instructions for how to get there and what to expect.
Monro Beach is spectacular and is reached via a short easy walk through beautiful dense rainforest. When you arrive you’ll find a glorious beach with picturesque sea stacks and hopefully some rare tawaki penguins too. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk and all our tips for spotting the adorable Fiordland crested penguins.
The Hokitika glow worm dell is magical and the best glow worm display we’ve seen outside of a cave environment. However, there are a few drawbacks which we’ll help you mitigate with out tips. We’re also sharing two secret dells nearby if you prefer hidden spots.
If you’re looking for the most magical glow worm cave in Waitomo then I can tell you with absolutely certainty that you’ve found it. We’re sharing exactly why that’s the case in this unsponsored review of Spellbound Cave.
The Mangapohue Natural Bridge is spectacular by day and simply magical at night. By day you’ll walk through a towering limestone gorge to a huge natural arch. By night the area is transformed into a true glow worm wonderland. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the experience by day and by night.
One of the most magical experiences you can have in New Zealand is to visit one of its incredible glow worm dells. There are so many to choose from on both islands and you can take a tour, or visit independently. We’re sharing some amazing spots which are both free and paid for, and all from our firsthand experience.