Travelogues New Zealand
4.0K Travel reports · 265 travel bloggers · 62.7K photos · Best time to travel: January & February · Create a travel blog · About Vakantio
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
Day 25 - Toyota runs over Hamilton!
12/08/16 We are on the 8/12/16. Time unknown. It is dark. It's raining - clearly heard from the noise coming from the Jucy roof. An unmistakable noise emerges from under the...
Lake Waikaremoana
After the "hustle and bustle" in Gisborne, we were drawn back into solitude. We went inland to the secluded Lake Waikaremoana National Park. Since the last 30 km (or 80 km...
East Cape - heading to the easternmost point of New Zealand
From Rotorua, we drove east towards the sea and spent 2 beach days in Ohope Beach due to the now finally very sunny weather. It was a bit windy and not so warm, but plenty of...
Rotorua - here it's steaming and bubbling everywhere
The arrival in Rotorua is already unique: it stinks of sulfur, and steam rises in many places. Even from drains, curbstones, walls of houses and gardens, it steams. Somehow...
Day 24 - Black Water Rafting
07.12.16 Wake up at 06:45 to be ready for the glowworm visit. Unfortunately, our fridge contents are still locked in the restaurant fridge, as our car fridge does not cool...
Day 21 - Today we take it easy
04.12.16 08:00 Wake-up call and breakfast (Weather: sunny and warm) 09:30 Swim in the Pacific (sunny, windy and warm) 11:00 Drive to Napier (transition to clouds) ...
Day 19 - 14km for a burger
Breakfast
Day 18 - Wet and Lazy
Sunset
Day 13 - The Toast
26.11.16 Today is another day of travel. We want to reach the Coromandel Peninsula. After a shower, we have a leisurely breakfast with scrambled eggs. The journey goes along the...
Taupo - Turangi
On Wednesday 23.11, we made a stop at Rainbow Mountain on our way to Taupo. The track up was marked as 'Advanced', so it wasn't really suitable for me, but oh well. The...
Day 12 - 1,000 Curves, Rain, and a Tane Mohuta
25.11.16 Rain is forecasted for today and it's going to be a long day in the car for us. That's why we got up at 06:45 and had a small breakfast. Then we start our journey back...
Day 11 - At the end of the world
24.11.16 For the first time, it is foggy when we wake up and there is nothing to entice us outside. Nevertheless, we get ready, which means showering and having breakfast...
Day 10 - Yves 3.0
11/23/16 Sorry for our friends from the north, but I have to write in Swiss German:-) Woke up at 07:15, it's already getting light at half past six. Today is a special day, the...
Day 9 - Up's and Down's
22/11/16 Today we are already getting up at 07:15 AM because we have a lot to do (Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and the trip to North Land). Unfortunately, we experience our first...
Auckland - Welcome to New Zealand
Finally! After a 4-hour flight from Fiji, we have arrived in our main travel destination. The immigration process was completely problem-free, even the notorious bio-security...
Raglan - Beach, Waterfalls and Surfing
Since Sunday evening, I have been in Raglan, unfortunately the weather here is extremely changeable and there was even an earthquake from Monday to Tuesday - at least that's...
Swimming with seals
For a whole three nights I am in Kaikoura and I am very excited. The lodge is really well located, 5 minutes from the sea or the center. It has a wonderful garden and breakfast...
A happy encounter
Thanks to the insider tip from a local woman, we get to see a true natural beauty.
The first flat tire! And a dreamy sunset...
After some car-related strain, we treat ourselves to a luxurious campsite today.
Coastwalk Opua-Okiato-Russel
Today Lena, Sabrina, Cynthia and I started in Paihia and took the Coastwalk to Opua (about 2 hours hiking). The weather was fantastic (21 degrees and sunny - felt like 25...
Hillary Trail (08.10.2016)
Anya had the idea to go hiking, so our alarm clock rang at six o'clock on Saturday morning. Jana took a shower, Jasmin skyped with her grandma and mom. Promptly at seven, Anya...
Great accommodation in NP Tongariro
On the drive to NP Tongariro, the weather was quite okay. I stopped at a trout farm, took a short walk, and had a tea. At Chateau Tongariro, I ordered another tea with...
Auckland what a rush
The flight was great, with Air New Zealand. But what a culture shock! At customs, I had to declare my hiking shoes with a special treatment and a separate entrance. It must have...
Travel summary part 3 ....
.... gathers photos from our time in New Zealand, more specifically our time on New Zealand's North Island. Perhaps we will return in 2028 to explore the South Island.
Chilling today ....
.... at the Ocean Beach of Whangārei Heads and at Urquharts Bay. Also .... the nine-year anniversary of our first date ❤️
At the End of the World: My Extraordinary Day in Doubtful Sound 🇳🇿🧡
A remote fjord, roaring waterfalls, the wild breath of the Tasman Sea – and a moment that changes everything. This day was so intense, so fantastic, and emotionally charged that...
15_PICTON
Picton is a typical port town where people soon set off for the North Island, just like we will tomorrow! The backpacker lodge we are staying in isn’t too bad, it's quite busy...
11. MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
Unfortunately, I have a bit of a cold, but we still want to go hiking. However, we have to find out that the Blue Pool Track is closed, which is a shame. So we take another...
Lindis Part 2 🍒
The last week at camp was characterized by many off days, as the cherry season is coming to an end. We did a lot, celebrated, and enjoyed the spectacular weather. Together in a...