Lonely Planet New Zealand (Travel Guide)

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New Zealand may be known for its adventure activities — it is, after all, the birthplace of the commercial bungee jump — but there’s a lot more to this extraordinary country than the adrenaline in its veins. Covers The North Island: Auckland, Northland, The Central North Island, Wellington and the South; The South Island: Marlborough and Nelson, Canterbury; and the West Coast, Otago and Southland. Lonely Planet's Australiais your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.

Glide through turquoise waters past pods of orcas in Bay of Islands; try black-water rafting in astonishing Waitomo Caves; and sample craft beer and check out the arts scene in cool little Wellington. Allow at least an extra fortnight on top of that if you’re a rugby fan; this is one topic your average Kiwi will never tire of discussing. Head there to enjoy wonderful local wines and views over vine-ribbed hills that slope down to the gleaming waters of the Marlborough Sound. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. We like to hike, so in addition to our hiking boots, we also take a winter hat and a pair of gloves.Along the way, Zoë encounters colourful people from all walks of life, including artists and musicians, sheep farmers, Maori fishermen, a healer, stargazers, fellow travellers and even motorcycle gangs who’ll all open her eyes and introduce her to the raw underbelly of the country. New Zealand has accommodation options for any budget, from free camping and low-cost hostels to some of the most scenic luxury stays in the world. Here are natural wonders—the dazzling glowworm caves in New Zealand, or a baobob tree in South Africa that’s so large it has a pub inside where 15 people can drink comfortably.

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for wildlife spotting, hiking and diving. Whether visiting the capital city of Wellington, the panoramic views of Auckland, or the smaller enclaves on the North and South Island, there is plenty to see when traveling to this rich and vibrant landscape. New Zealand is renowned for its adventurous spirit, and plenty of travellers – both locals and visitors alike – have had something to say about their experiences. Twenty-four themed drives, each lasting one to five days, reveal breathtaking views, hidden gems, and authentic local experiences that can only be discovered by road.Here, you can simply enjoy the golden beaches, or go sea kayaking to explore the islands, keeping an eye out for the curious dolphin residents of the bay. There are incredible feats of engineering, trains that snake their way through mountain peaks, and even those which have achieved Unesco World Heritage status. We've seldom needed the hats and gloves, but they don't take up much space and they easily fit into the backpack. Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need.