4.0K Travel reports · 265 travel bloggers · 62.7K photos · Best time to travel: January & February · Create a travel blog · About Vakantio
New Zealand is a dream destination for travelers who want dramatic scenery, outdoor adventure, and a relaxed, welcoming culture all in one trip. From snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes to wild coastlines, geothermal valleys, and rolling green countryside, the country packs remarkable variety into two main islands. What makes it especially memorable is how accessible these landscapes feel: in a single itinerary, you can hike through alpine national parks, sip world-class wine, explore Māori cultural experiences, and unwind in small towns known for their friendliness and fresh local food.
Key highlights include Milford Sound and Fiordland for unforgettable fjord views, Queenstown for adventure sports, Rotorua for geothermal activity and cultural performances, and Auckland or Wellington for urban dining and arts. Many travelers also love driving the South Island for its cinematic scenery, including Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and the West Coast glaciers. For practical planning, renting a car or campervan offers the most flexibility, but distances can be longer than they appear on a map, so avoid overpacking your schedule. Weather can change quickly, especially in alpine areas, so layers and waterproof gear are essential year-round, and booking accommodations and transport well ahead is wise during the peak summer season.
The best time to visit New Zealand is during January and February, when travel popularity peaks and conditions are ideal for road trips, hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the country’s beaches, cities, and outdoor experiences. December and March are also excellent choices, offering warm weather with slightly fewer crowds than the height of summer.
AirBnb in Quadrant Hotel, Auckland CBD We set an alarm clock to bring the guys to the shuttle and say goodbye there. In retrospect, we realize how many coincidences there were...
AirBnb at Quadrant Hotel, Auckland CBD Today we have some exciting news, as Marvin, Christian, and Henrik have gotten flight tickets for the following day. In the afternoon, we...
AirBnb at Quadrant Hotel, Auckland CBD In the morning, we find out that two former classmates who are also in Auckland have received a return ticket for tomorrow and we are...
AirBnb at Quadrant Hotel, Auckland CBD After a long time, we finally have toasted bread for breakfast. We thoroughly enjoy this special breakfast. Afterward, we do a bigger...
After a long job search, we found a job on a dairy farm near Chrstchurch. From now on, the alarm clock goes off at 3 o'clock in the morning, then it's all about herding and...
It's that time of year again. Oh man, time flies. At this point, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy being together, as it really is the...
After overcoming some difficulties getting to the farm, we started a day later than planned. My first task was to clean up the cow dung from the feeding area - I felt like I had...
13.02-15.02 Nelson On 13.02 we went to Nelson, we were too early, so we went to the 'Riverside Pools' swimming pool (5$ p.p.). After 1.5 hours of swimming laps, we happily went...
On our way from Queenstown to Felton Road Winery, we stopped at a bungy bridge. This is the exact bridge where my parents jumped during their honeymoon in New Zealand about 25...
After visiting Dunedin, we drove to Nugget Point and walked to the lighthouse at the end of a large rock 🗻 We had an impressive view. It was very foggy but still warm, and the...
No day is like the other. The places are constantly changing, but the beauty remains and the tranquility, because how could hustle and bustle arise when hardly anyone lives in...
I was in the mood for a burger again. During my first exploration of Nelson, I discovered this burger joint. Very tasty, and especially delicious craft beer.
After Curio Bay, we visited the southernmost point of New Zealand. Very impressive when you think that only water and then lots of ice lies straight ahead. Equally impressive:...
Although we had to get up at 6:30, we were excited for the day. We took a bus tour to Milford Sound 🏔💦 Besides the majestic mountain scenery, the fiord is known for its...
Today morning we were woken up by the rain. Therefore, our first stop was the Hot Tubs. There, you have the opportunity to book a hot tub in the great outdoors. After the last...
In order to fully concentrate on selling our car and finding a job for the last 4 weeks, we are woofn at Katie and Angus's lodge for a week. This way we have no expenses and can...
One of the most beautifully located cafés I have seen so far. With the view, a hot chocolate tastes twice as good or as Mr. Hogh would say, super hyper intergalactic mega...
Today we visited the movie set of the famous Hobbiton Trilogy. As expected, it was crowded, but it was cool to see. You are required to book a tour and then you are hurried...
During a boat tour on the way to the famous Hole in the Rock, three lively orcas followed us. It was an impressive spectacle. However, it was slightly exaggerated how people on...
Now I'm staying with Linden and Richard for this week. They live in a small simple wooden house surrounded by a huge garden of several hectares - amazing. The landscape here has...