From the air, the sight of the two islands that make up New Zealand is breathtaking; close up, the landscape verges on the surreal. With towering mountain ranges, simmering volcanoes, glacial lakes, sweeping sandy beaches, majestic fjords (in aptly named Fiordland) and lush rainforests, it is easy to see why the fairytale landscape made the perfect location for the blockbuster films Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.
New Zealand is a natural paradise with a population of only four million. Many travellers book flights to New Zealand for its natural beauty. More than a third of the country is designated national park or reserve and New Zealand has 15,000km of coastline and more than 25 marine reserves. The stunning mountain ranges of the south island are a haven for skiers and ski boarders.
New Zealand's main cities - Auckland and Wellington in the north and Christchurch and Dunedin in the south - are bustling, but not crowded.
The unique and fascinating culture of the indigenous Maori people has influenced the broader community and is a key part of New Zealand's identity. New Zealanders are generally friendly, laidback people, known for their characteristic outdoorsy Kiwi ruggedness.
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The North Island enjoys mild winters and warm and humid summers, while the South Island is colder, with extensive snowfields and glaciers. Average winter temperatures are 10-15 degrees Celsius and all the mountains receive snowfall . The west coast gets the most rain. Average summer temperatures are between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
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Peak Season:
Summer is the peak tourist season, especially around the school holidays from Christmas to end of January. Easter, May Labour Day weekend and school holidays during the year are also busy. Flights to New Zealand will be most expensive during these times. The winter ski and snowboard season runs from June to October.
Off Season:
November and April are much quieter and it is easier to find accommodation and cheap flights to Auckland.
Shoulder season:
March to May can still have decent weather and the autumn foliage in Central Otago and Hawke's Bay is particularly picturesque.
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Air New Zealand is the main domestic carrier. On the North Island, there are scheduled services run by Air Chathams and charter flights with Air National and Skylink. South island operators include Stewart Island Flights, Air Canterbury and Air Milford.
A good public transport system (bus and coach) connects major cities to popular tourist destinations. Most travellers rent a car and many choose to get around in campervans and motor homes.
Tranz Scenic runs rail routes on the South Island, with the TranzAlpine linking Christchurch and Greymouth and the TranzCoastal operating between Picton and Christchurch.
There are plenty of cheap flights to New Zealand from Australia.
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- The protected nature reserve on Kapiti Island, north of Wellington, is home to some of the world's most rare birds, including the extremely rare flightless Takahe. It is also home to the nocturnal Kiwi, New Zealand's emblem.
- In central North Island, Rotorua - the heartland of Maori culture - is a geothermal area with hot mud pools and several gushing hot springs or geysers, including the spectacular 20m Pohutu geyser at the thermal village of Whakarewarewa. Most of the 16 lakes around Rotorua are fishable, including Rotorua, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoma, and stock various species of trout.
- Follow the Lord of the Rings trail: Named after one of New Zealand’s highest peaks, Mount Aspiring National Park, south of the Southern Alps, is part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. The park is a popular spot for walking and mountaineering. Many scenes from the movie were shot in locations around Glenorchy village (Lothlorien, Amon Hen, Orthanc and Isengard).
- Queenstown is where commercial bungee jumping started. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkable mountain range, Queenstown has become the New Zealand's newest ski region. In late June and July, the place livens up with the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival.
- Larnach Castle in Dunedin (South Island) is New Zealand’s only castle and the area's most popular attraction, breathtaking views over the Otago Peninsula. Erected in 1871 by William Larnach for his first wife, the castle is today privately-owned .
- Dunedin is also home to Cadbury World, a veritable chocolate theme park attached to the chocolate factory. Chocaholics will be drooling over the unique chocolate fall in a five-storey high silo.
- While city-hopping around New Zealand, head to the hills for stunning views: from Mount Eden and One Tree Hill in Auckland, from Mount Victoria in Wellington, from the Port Hills in Christchurch and atop Flagstaff Hill in Dunedin.
- While Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city, the capital Wellington is the country's political centre and arts and cultural capital, hosting an array of festivals. It is also home to the country's thriving movie industry.
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There are a number of airports across the country:
Auckland Airport (AKL) is 22.5km (14 miles) south of the city.
Christchurch (CHC) is 10km (6 miles) northwest of the city.
Wellington (WLG) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city.
Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) is located in Frankton, Otago, a short drive from Queenstown.
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