Travelogues New Zealand
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Vacation in New Zealand : Highlights & Travel Tips
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.
Popular travel destinations New Zealand
Best time to travel New Zealand
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.
All travel reports from New Zealand
27/03/2018 - Already dripping into the car?
First, things don't always go as planned. Should we stay or keep going? Hope for better weather or give up? Visit an AirBnb? - We would have loved to stay longer at the...
Northland: A few days together in the far north of New Zealand
20.3. - 23.3. Back in New Zealand again! The journey was exhausting and complicated. But in the end, everything worked out. The Asians in Shanghai absolutely had to print a...
25/02/2018 - Fiordland has been reached
Arrived in "Te Anau". In the last few days we have always been heading towards "Fiordland". We made only short stops in different cities, villages or whatever you want to call...
10. New Zealand - Camping Start
There was a lot to prepare for the entry into New Zealand. We were repeatedly warned not to bring any food (in fact, only fresh items and fruit are a problem) and outdoor...
Russel - a charming holiday town
Feb 28 to March 3: With a heavy heart, we leave the idyllic boathouse and drive to the town of Russel, located 40km away. To avoid a big detour around the fjords, we take the...
Kerikeri - 'la vie est belle dans une maison flottante'
23rd to 27th Feb: After just one day in Auckland, we head north to Kerikeri. Before we start, however, we meet with a German family that we originally wanted to meet in Germany...
22.02.2018 - Hokitika - Franz Josef - Hokitika Gorge
Hokitika war meine Erste Station im Westen war die Küstenstadt Hokitika mit seinem rauen, schwarzen Sandstrand. Hokitika Hokitika Hokitika Hokitika Hokitika Ich...
New Zealand - South Island No.2
New Zealand
Wellington the Capital City
Kia Ora (in Maori - Hello) capital of New Zealand! The first stop on the North Island was also the capital of New Zealand. Why was it the first stop? It's quite simple, it's the...
Milford Sound
We have booked a boat tour for Milford Sound. This is the only way to explore Milford Sound. Waiting for the start The 'bay' was beautiful. Totally calm water surrounded by...
Queenstown - Kleines Städtchen, große Preise
Nach dem schönen Apartment in Te Anau ziehen wir beide nun wieder mal in ein Hostel, denn die Preise in Queenstown sind der absolute Wahnsinn. Wir erinnern uns mal wieder an das...
Wanaka - Isthmus Peak - Rob Roy Glacier
Mountains, mountains, mountains as far as the eye can see and we're right in the middle of it all! We did two beautiful tracks on our way further north - in the Wanaka area! One...
Day 3 -5 Russel & Paihia
After a long drive in the rain, we finally arrived at the Bay of Islands and headed to the small town of Russel. Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain, we couldn't fully enjoy...
Lake Taupo and its (volcanic) region
First stop on the North Island was directly the largest lake in the same: Lake Taupo. Just the way there.. along the wonderful calm clear lake to the town of Taupo, a delight!...
23.1.2018: French Pass - off the beaten path
It's not exactly comfortable. Especially for my knee, spending the night in the car is not ideal. I woke up often, changed positions, killed 3 mosquitoes, and by sunrise, when...
Rotorua - Day 1, Hobbiton and Spa visit
Unfortunately, it was raining when we woke up. Luckily, it stopped relatively quickly and the cloudy weather is good for our sunburnt skin. At 12:05, our tour of Hobbiton...
Middle-earth, kiwis, and Maori
Hard to believe: our 4 months in Central and South America are supposedly already over? Too bad. However, we have to admit that despite all the incredible, wonderful, beautiful,...
Waitomo - Karangahake, Glowworm Caves
After our first night in a dormitory, which was surprisingly quiet and restful, we continued at 7:30 am. On our way to Waitomo, we stopped in Karangahake, an old gold mining...
5.1.2018: An underground photographic beauty
On the way to Maori Sea Cave
28.12.2017: Cave Stream - Our biggest adventure in New Zealand
Today we're heading back to Arthur's Pass. Eric is especially excited about the first stop. Not only does the entrance sign of Springfield tempt dedicated Simpson fans to stop,...
Kidds Bush Campsite
We stayed at Kidds Bush Campsite for two nights. During that time, we didn't do much. We arrived at the campsite in the evening and just did laundry and cooked together....
56.-61.Tag - NewS EALand
With a touch of nostalgia, we look back on our short 'gardener life', but already have our next adventure in mind: The target is Lake Tekapo, only about 300 km from Waipara....
13/12/2017 - Looking for Gold
The day before, we drove to Waihi. On the way, we passed 'Paku Hill' in Tairua, visited the library, and took a beach walk to 'Octopus Bay' in Onemana. This beach is a little...
Forgotten World Highway - Welcome to the Republic of Whangamomona!
It was time for another motorcycle ride and a change of scenery. We continued on the north and west sides above Lake Taupo through a beautiful green volcanic landscape dotted...
Lake Taupo - Relaxing by the lake!
From Napier we turned inland. The destination was the town of Taupo, located on the beautiful and largest lake in New Zealand. We initially drove on a small road towards the...
<p>21.12.2017: Adorable kiwi chicks</p>
There aren't many options on a rainy day in Franz Josef Village. Most hiking trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the glacier, which are not really worth it on days like today,...
01/12/2017 - 'At the end of the world.'
After 15 days of road trip, we reached the first destination of our New Zealand journey - Cape Reinga! The alarm rang at 6:00 a.m. We wanted to reach the northwesternmost point...
29/11/2017 - Waterfall, Parrot, and Co.
Today was another travel day - we had to drive to the campsite in Hihi. Since the supermarkets in the far north have only a limited selection of food and sell it at a very high...
28/11/2017 - Waitangi Treaty Ground
New Zealand's first flag of united tribes
24/11/2017 - A Feeling of Freedom
Our morning started like any other - with homemade muffins from our host. At the breakfast table, we had a casual small talk with her husband. He works in shifts and had the...