Two islands, endless scenery
From the sailing city of Auckland and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to Queenstown's lakes and the fiords of Milford Sound, New Zealand is made for exploring at your own pace. Self-drive tours, campervans, scenic rail and a stopover in Asia, the Gulf or Australia make the long journey part of the adventure.
Where to go
Lakes, mountains and adventure, with day trips to the fiords of Milford Sound.
Bubbling geysers, hot pools and a chance to experience Māori culture.
A harbour city of volcanic cones, island ferries and great food — the usual gateway.
Sailing, dolphins and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the subtropical north.
Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, rainforest and wild beaches on one of the world's great drives.
Culture and customs
New Zealanders are friendly and down to earth, and Māori culture is a proud part of national life.
Kia ora. “Kia ora” is used everywhere as a greeting. If you visit a marae (a Māori meeting ground), follow your hosts' lead.
Declare it at the border. Importing most food is illegal, and items such as tents, fishing equipment, golf clubs and wood or leather products must be declared. Breaking biosecurity rules can mean a fine of up to NZD 100,000 or prison.
Drive with care. Traffic drives on the left, and highways can be narrow, winding and hilly — allow more time than the map suggests. A UK photocard licence is valid for up to 18 months.
Respect the outdoors. Weather can turn quickly in exposed and coastal areas. Leave your plans with someone, check the forecast and use established operators for adventure sports.
Drugs. Importing illegal drugs can lead to a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
How far is New Zealand from you?
Distances are great-circle estimates and flying times are typical, not timetabled. Message us for live fares and routes.
New Zealand, month by month
Hover overTap a month for average day and night temperatures, sunshine and rainy days.
Long-term averages from national weather services (Queenstown). Actual weather varies year to year.
Ready-made holidays, coming soon
We’re adding New Zealand packages you can browse and filter by trip type, length and budget. Until then, tell us what you’d like and we’ll send ideas and prices — usually the same day.
Tell us about your New Zealand trip
Holiday, flights only or just a hotel — send us the details and our team will come back with options and prices, usually the same day during opening hours.
- Flights issued by our own IATA-accredited team
- Internal flights, transfers and tours arranged
- Visa and passport help from our documents team
- One team to message before, during and after
Read the full official entry requirements
See the official GOV.UK entry requirements for New Zealand.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Updated automatically from GOV.UK travel advice.
Travelling to New Zealand — quick answers
Can’t see your question? Send us a message or WhatsApp us.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand with a British passport?
No visa is needed for a visit of up to 6 months, but you must get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when you apply. Allow up to 72 hours; an NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years. You must also complete the free New Zealand Traveller Declaration, from 24 hours before your flight. At the border you may be asked for a return or onward ticket and proof of funds, and your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave.
How long is the flight from the UK to New Zealand?
There are no nonstop flights from the UK. Most journeys take about 24 to 26 hours with one stop — for example via Dubai on Emirates' nonstop flight to Auckland, or via Singapore or an Australian city. Many travellers break the journey with a stopover on the way.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
December to April brings long, warm days and is ideal for touring both islands, with March and April quieter and settled. June to September is winter, the season for skiing around Queenstown and Wanaka.
What should I know about staying safe in New Zealand?
New Zealand is in a major earthquake zone, and there are several active volcanoes on the North Island, so note local advice and the 'Drop, Cover, Hold' guidance. Mountain and coastal weather can change fast — check forecasts and leave your plans with someone before heading out.
Can Travel Style book my whole New Zealand trip?
Yes. We're IATA accredited, so we issue flights ourselves and can add stopovers, internal flights, car or campervan hire, hotels and tours in one booking — with one team to message before, during and after your trip.
Please note: the information on this page is a general guide, checked when it was published. Entry rules, health advice, weather, seasons, flight routes and local conditions can change at any time and vary from person to person, so we can’t accept responsibility for changes or for decisions based on this page alone. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and official travel health advice before you travel. It is your responsibility to check the entry, health and travel requirements that apply to you before you travel. See our terms and conditions.