New Zealand is one of the most amazing countries in the world, attracting millions of tourists from all corners of the globe every year. This island nation, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is a true paradise for travelers: from the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the tropical beaches of the North Island, from the bubbling geysers of Rotorua to the fjords of Milford Sound. New Zealand offers an unparalleled experience for anyone seeking adventure, cultural enrichment, or simply a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
According to the latest data from Tourism New Zealand, the country welcomes over 3.5 million international visitors each year. Since the reopening of borders in 2022, the tourism industry has been actively recovering, and today New Zealand once again ranks among the top 10 most desirable travel destinations in the world. Natural beauty, safety, a well-developed tourism infrastructure, and the hospitality of the local people—the Māori and Pāngā—make this country an ideal travel destination.
Queenstown — The Adventure Capital of the World
Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island, is rightly considered New Zealand’s most popular tourist destination. The city is surrounded by the picturesque Remarkables mountains and offers an endless array of outdoor activities. It was here that bungee jumping was invented—and today, tourists can jump off the Kawarau Bridge, where it all began back in 1988.
Active recreation in Queenstown isn’t limited to bungee jumping. Popular activities include rafting on the Shotover River, paragliding over the lake, skiing in the Remarkables and Caroni, as well as hiking trails of varying difficulty. One of the most spectacular is the Remarkables Track, which offers panoramic views of the lake and all of Queenstown. In winter (June–August), the city transforms into a world-class ski resort, and in summer (December–February), it becomes a hub for hiking and water sports.
Queenstown is also known for its wineries in the Central Otago region—the southernmost wine-growing region in the world. The Pinot Noir wines from here have gained international recognition. Stop for a tasting in Gibbston Valley or Amisfield, and you’ll discover a completely different, more peaceful and refined side of this dynamic city.
Auckland — the gateway to New Zealand
Auckland is the country’s largest city, with a population of over 1.7 million, situated on a narrow isthmus between two harbors. The city is a major transportation hub and the point of entry for most tourists. But Auckland is much more than just a transit city. Its unique location on 53 extinct volcanoes creates a one-of-a-kind landscape with panoramic viewpoints.
Must-see spots in Auckland: the 328-meter-tall Sky Tower with a restaurant, observation deck, and even the chance to go bungee jumping; Viaduct Harbour with its restaurants and yachts; the Ponsonby district with its boutiques, cafes, and street art; and the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Zoo. It’s also worth visiting Mount Eden (Maungawhau)—the city’s highest volcanic cone, offering a 360-degree panoramic view.
Near Auckland lie the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf—the closest of which, Waiheke Island, is known for its wineries and secluded beaches. A ferry departs for the island every 30 minutes. Rengitoto Island, with its volcanic cone, is also popular among tourists—the climb to the summit takes about an hour.
Wellington — A Cultural and Culinary Capital
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a compact yet incredibly vibrant city nestled around a picturesque harbor. In recent years, Wellington has earned a reputation as one of the best cities for culinary tourism in the region. The number of cafes and restaurants per capita here is among the highest in the world—the city is rightly considered the “coffee capital” of New Zealand.
The city’s main cultural attraction is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, one of the largest and most modern museums in the Pacific region. It houses the world’s largest collection of Māori artifacts, and its permanent and temporary exhibitions explore the country’s nature, culture, and history. Admission to the museum is free. Equally interesting is the Wellington Museum, located in the old customs house on the waterfront.
Movie fans shouldn’t miss Wellington—this is where the Weta Workshop and Weta Digital studios are located, the teams behind the special effects for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, and many other Hollywood blockbusters. The Weta Cave museum is open to visitors and offers fascinating tours featuring studio costumes and props.
Rotorua — the geothermal heart of the country
Rotorua is a city on the North Island, surrounded by volcanic lakes, geysers, and mud pools. It is one of the most geologically active places on the planet: here, the earth literally boils. The distinctive smell of sulfur that permeates the city has long been its trademark. The region’s geothermal activity is used to heat homes and generate electricity.
The region’s main geothermal parks are Wai-O-Tapu, home to the famous Lady Knox geyser, which erupts daily at 10:15 a.m.; Te Puia, home to the Pohutu Geyser—the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere; and Waimangu—the youngest volcanic valley in the world. Bathing in the thermal mineral waters of the Polynesian Spa is a true delight after a long day of walking.
Rotorua is also a center of Māori culture. Here you can visit an authentic Māori village, take part in a welcoming ceremony—the “pōwhiri”—watch traditional dances—the “haka”—and taste meat and vegetables cooked in a “hāngi”—a traditional earth oven. This is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the authentic culture of New Zealand’s indigenous peoples.
Fiordland and Milford Sound — a natural wonder of the world
Fiordland National Park is one of the largest and most remote nature reserves in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heart of the park is Milford Sound, a narrow fjord 16 kilometers long, surrounded by vertical cliffs, waterfalls, and evergreen forests. Despite its name, Milford Sound is actually a glacier-carved fjord, not a sound.
The best way to enjoy Milford Sound is on a boat tour, which lasts from one to three hours. The area is home to seals, Philip’s penguins, and dolphins. Mitre Peak, standing at 1,692 meters and reflected in the mirror-like waters of the fjord, is one of the country’s most photographed landscapes. In winter and fall, when precipitation falls, the waterfalls become particularly powerful and numerous.
For hiking enthusiasts, Fiordland offers one of the world’s most famous trails—the Milford Track. This four-day, 53-kilometer route winds through pristine forests, over mountain passes, and along lakes. The Routeburn and Kepler tracks are also among New Zealand’s nine “Great Walks”—officially recognized as the country’s best hiking routes.
Christchurch and the Canterbury Region — A Reborn City on the Plains
Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, survived the devastating earthquakes of 2010–2011 and has been rebuilding ever since, transforming it into one of New Zealand’s most innovative cities. Today, Christchurch is a city of contrasts: restored Victorian buildings stand side by side with modern architectural masterpieces, and the temporary container shops in the Re:START district have become a tourist attraction in their own right.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens is one of the best in New Zealand and a great place to stroll among ancient trees and flower beds. The Christchurch Art Gallery and the Canterbury Museum house magnificent collections of art and artifacts from Antarctic expeditions—it was from here that Amundsen and Scott set out. Near the city lies Akaroa Bay, home to the rare Hector’s dolphins, and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers on the western side of the island.
Hobbiton and the Waikato Region — for Tolkien Fans
Fans of Tolkien’s works and Peter Jackson’s film trilogy shouldn’t miss Hobbiton—the film sets for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, preserved on a farm near the town of Matamata in the Waikato region. Shire has been fully recreated here: 44 hobbit holes, a mill, Bag End, and the famous Green Dragon Inn. The tour takes about two hours and is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions—tickets often sell out months in advance.
In the Waikato region, you should also visit the Waitomo Caves—a system of limestone caves whose ceilings are covered with millions of “starlight” glows—the larvae of the New Zealand glowworm (Arachnocampa luminosa). Paddling through the caves in a rubber boat, illuminated by these natural “lights,” is an incredible and unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Practical Information for Travelers
Best Time to Visit
New Zealand is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on your plans. Summer (December–February) is ideal for beach vacations, hiking, and water sports. Fall (March–May) is perfect for wine tastings and walking tours in mild weather. Winter (June–August) is the ski season in Queenstown and Wanaka. Spring (September–November) is a wonderful time for whale watching in Kaikoura and the blooming gardens of Christchurch.
Visa Requirements and Entry
Most tourists from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada can enter New Zealand without a visa for up to 90 days. Since 2019, a mandatory NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) fee of 23 NZD plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of 35 NZD has been in effect. Ukrainian citizens currently require a tourist visa, which can be obtained online or at a consulate. It is recommended to check the current requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Transportation and Getting Around the Country
The most convenient way to travel around New Zealand is to rent a car or a campervan. The roads are excellent, traffic is light, and the scenery changes constantly along any route. Remember that they drive on the right! InterCity buses run between cities and islands, and there is a ferry between Wellington and Picton. Air New Zealand and Jetstar operate flights between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
Budget and Prices
New Zealand is a relatively expensive country for tourism. An approximate budget for an independent traveler is 80–120 NZD (40–60 USD) per day when staying in a hostel and eating at food courts. Staying at a mid-range hotel will cost from 150 NZD per night. Renting a campervan or motorhome is a popular and economical option that combines transportation and accommodation. Most national parks and many museums (including Te Papa) offer free admission.
Conclusion
New Zealand is a country capable of impressing even the most discerning traveler. Incredible nature that changes at every turn, the millennia-old Māori culture, modern urban infrastructure, and exceptionally friendly people—all of this makes it one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline and adventure in Queenstown, cultural enrichment in Wellington, geothermal wonders in Rotorua, or tranquility among the fjords—New Zealand will give you unforgettable experiences and leave you wanting to return again.
Plan your trip in advance, especially if you want to visit Hobbiton or go on the Great Walks—popular routes and attractions sell out months in advance.