travel to nz
Thank you
We feel so blessed that so many of our friends and family are able to make the long trip to New Zealand. While this page should serve as a foundation for vacation planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more personalized suggestions! We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures when we catch up at the wedding.
current flight deals
United is the carrier that has the most flights between the US and NZ/Aus. Air NZ, American Airlines, Hawaiian, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways, and Air Tahiti will also get you to NZ from the US. Read this blog for updated tips on airlines that fly to NZ!
We recommend keeping an eye out for Air New Zealand sales from Houston, LAX, and SFO. Air NZ sends sales out via email (you can sign up for the sales emails on their website) and sometimes you can score great multi-city deals across NZ and Aus!
American & Quantas
Dates: June 2024-May 2025
Route: LAX<—>Auckland
Eligible transfers:
American Express Membership Rewards: 1 American Express point = 1 Qantas mile
Capital One Rewards: 1 Capital One point = 1 Qantas mile
Citi ThankYou: 1 Citi point = 1 Qantas mile
If you’re planning to explore both islands, you should fly into Auckland on the North Island. Queenstown is the closest international airport to Wānaka (1 hour drive) and makes sense to fly into if you’re flying in from elsewhere in NZ or Aus. Christchurch is the largest airport on the South Island and is another option to fly into if you’re just planning a South Island trip. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this!
Please read entry requirements for US citizens to NZ here. NZ requires a NZeTA for entry and passport validity 3 months beyond the planned date of departure.
Quantas: How to book
There is great nonstop award space to New Zealand throughout the summer hemisphere summer on Qantas. For a lot of the dates, you will get to choose between an AA or Qantas operated carrier, though the best option for booking will be through Qantas either way.
Changes and cancelations: 5,000 miles to change, 6,000 miles to cancel
The best way to see New Zealand is by car. Because it’s such a small country, everywhere is just a short drive away (by US standards), and the drives will be some of the prettiest you ever experience!
If you’re planning on exploring both the North and the South island, you can bring your car on a 3 hour ferry between the islands easily.
Your US drivers license is valid to rent a car and drive in NZ.
travel through nz
If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a camper van or RV will give you the most flexibility to explore the country! There are many camper van companies that rent to tourists and you’ll find many camper van sites to sleep, shower, and refuel throughout NZ. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of beautiful Airbnbs and hotels to stay at and explore from (just remember to ask about their parking options!).
Check out this New Zealand Travel Guide and feel free to download this Google Maps List we created to use while trip planning or while in-country.
South Island
sites of interest
Queenstown
The adventure capital of NZ! Check out the gondola ride overlooking the city, Fergburger, Vudu Cafe, Queenstown Hill hike, Cookie Time cookies! QT is a great place to wander around, shop, and eat. If you want to bungee jump, sky dive, or shot-over jet, this is likely where you’ll book those activities from.
AORAKI / MT. cook
This is the highest mountain in New Zealand. If you’re an outdoorsy type, we recommend you hike and camp here. The Mt. Cook area offers some of the most stellar hiking anywhere in the world! If you're lucky, you'll bump into a few Kea (cheeky alpine parrots).
Te Anau/Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a beautiful secluded area you can book a boat or boat/plane tour of. Lake Marian is probably Amanda’s favorite hike in the whole world and is in this area! You’ll also find glow worm caves in this region. The 2 hour drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound can only be described as epic. If you’re driving it yourself, fill up on gas in Te Anau and download all maps you can because you won’t have cell service. Give yourself more time than you think you'll need because you'll probably stop every 10 minutes for a picture or to explore!
Franz Josef Glacier
Helicopter tours are very popular here and will take you to the top of the glacier. In the town of Franz Josef, go to Snakebite Brewery - really good SE Asian street food and drinks!
Doubtful Sound
An alternative to Milford Sound in an absolutely stunning part of Fjordland! The jumping off point is Manapouri. You can get a really affordable overnight boat ride to explore all the nooks and crannies of the Fjords (we booked with Real Journeys).
lake tekapo
Lake Tekapo is stunningly blue and is located in a dark sky reserve (highly recommend a stargazing tour). There are a number of fun things to do in this area (we liked Omarama Hot Tubs nearby!), but the primary draw is the beautiful nature.
Abel Tasman
Great kayaking and hiking. Check out the house-boat/floating hotels to stay in!
west coast
The West Coast has beautiful hiking and coastline. It’s common to drive down the coast on your way between other highlights. Consider stopping at Pancake Rocks (just a cool rock formation), Lake Matheson, Blue Pools, or taking a surf lesson in Westport.
the catlins / stuart island
The Catlins are quite out of the way, but are really remote and interesting! There are beautiful waterfalls and you can see the rarest penguin in the world. Stuart Island is New Zealand’s third primary island (did you know it’s not just the North and South?), where kiwis outnumber humans. Both destinations (at the Southern end of the South Island) are all about the wildlife.
north island
sites of interest
bay of islands / Northland
A region made up by a cluster of islands with beautiful quiet beaches, great hiking, and fascinating Maori history. This is a great place for water sports, beach relaxing, or exploring coastal habitats like tidepools!
rotorua
Rotorua is a pretty touristy area known for its geothermal hot springs and Maori history. It’s a good place to see a Maori cultural show, visit a traditional Maori village, or learn about Maori wood carving and weaving.
coromandel peninsula
Coromandel is a pretty isolated region with stunning beaches, coastal hiking, and a laid back vibe. Driving around this area is beautiful! The beach from the movie Narnia is in Whitianga. This area is good for beach relaxing and water sports.
tongariro
Tongariro National Park is home to 3 active volcanic mountains. Read this blog to learn about the hiking here. This is where Mt. Doom (Mt. Ngāuruhoe) from Lord of the Rings is located!
wellington
Wellington is the capital of NZ! You can find a super cute waterfront area and great food across the city. Wellington is also home to the Te Papa museum, where you can learn a lot about NZ history and culture.
hobbiton
Hobbiton is located in Matamata, which is in between Auckland and Rotorua. They just opened up the hobbit homes so now visitors can explore inside!
auckland / waiheke
Auckland is a great city to live in, but I wouldn’t recommend spending much time exploring unless there’s something specific you want to do in the city. Waiheke is a small island you can get to by 40 min ferry from Auckland that is chock-full of wineries! It’s a great day trip and you can get around the whole island on golf cart.
hawke’s bay
Hawke’s Bay is the primary wine region on the North Island. You can’t go wrong visiting any of the beautiful wineries here! The city of Napier was rebuilt in the 1920s after an earthquake devastated the area so exploring Napier is like walking through an art deco film set.
taranaki
Mt. Taranaki (another volcano!) is halfway between Auckland and Wellington and has lots of beautiful hiking opportunities.