New Zealand holidays: Pocket-friendly packages for your holiday

New Zealand at a glance

• Flight duration (from London): 23 hours 30 minutes

• Main airport: Auckland International Airport

• Population: 2 million

• Language: English and Maori

• Currency: New Zealand dollar

• Time zone: New Zealand Standard Time (UTC +12) and Chatham Island Standard Time (UTC +12:45)

Planning holidays to New Zealand

Going to New Zealand on holiday? You can fly from London’s Gatwick or Heathrow Airport to Auckland Airport. Booking flights to New Zealand from Manchester or Birmingham is also possible. Auckland Airport is just 13 miles south of Auckland City Centre, so transport from the airport to the city is easy to find. You can save money with early-bird flight tickets, especially when travelling during peak seasons, like summer or Christmas holidays.

The best time for New Zealand trips depends on your interests. During the southern hemisphere summer, from December to February, the sunny weather makes it the best time to explore. However, remember that summers are the busiest, meaning you may have to dig deeper into your pockets for hotels and flights.

Winter is ideal for skiing, city breaks and the Abel Tasman Coast Track. If you are a fan of adrenaline-filled snow sports, you can visit Queenstown or Wanaka between June and August. The Te Waipounamu is perfect for ski holidays and experiencing South Island’s Mackenzie Country.

For a budget-friendly holiday, autumn is the best time to plan a holiday to New Zealand. Between March and May, there are fewer crowds, and you can get the best deals for flights and hotels. The weather is sunny and suited for outdoor exploration and photography. Be sure to experience local culture by attending the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival or Dunedin Fringe Festival.

Set sail in the Bay of Islands

Do secluded inlets, deserted islands and perfect beaches sound like your cup of tea? Bay of Islands offers beautiful beaches and a serene environment for a fun-filled beach holiday. Hire a kayak or boat and set sail to immerse yourself in the beautiful paradise. Go in search of New Zealand’s marine life. If you're lucky, you'll get to see dolphins, fur seals and whales. You can also paddle out to Piercy Island and stop by the ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Sample New Zealand’s wines in Waiheke Island

If you want a little break from Auckland City, take a day trip to Waiheke Island. It will only take 35 minutes via the passenger ferry from downtown Auckland. While the island boasts beautiful beaches, the award-winning wines put the island on the map. Take a wine tour in one of the 30 vineyards and sample some wines on Island Time.

Q: How many days in New Zealand is enough?

A: For a fulfilling holiday in New Zealand, spend a minimum of 10 to 14 days. New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and attractions deserve enough time to truly appreciate their beauty. Two weeks is enough to explore popular attractions in both the South and North Islands. For a deeper exploration of off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Stewart Island and the Coromandel Peninsula, you need three weeks.

Q: Do I need a visa for New Zealand?

A: UK visitors to New Zealand do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months. However, you must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before your holiday. The ETA is valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries. You may also need a valid passport and proof of travel, such as a return ticket.

Q: What is the hottest month in New Zealand?

A: The hottest month in New Zealand is usually January, which falls in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere summer. While the temperatures in the North Island and South Island typically range between 10°C to 24°C, it occasionally rises above 30°C in inland areas, such as Central Otago. The ocean breeze tends to make coastal areas cooler, even in summer.