Aotearoa New Zealand is a bucket list destination for so many reasons. I’ve been lucky enough to go twice in under 10 years, and it’s no secret that I love it in the Land of the Long White Cloud. However, if you’re visiting New Zealand as a first-timer, it can be overwhelming. There’s a lot you want to fit in, usually in a short amount of time.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best cities, sights, places to stay, and tips for visiting New Zealand as a first-timer. It’s important to know from the outset that unless you’re going for months on end, you probably won’t hit all of these on the first trip. This is less a suggested itinerary, and more a guide of why these places are great for first-timers and what kind of travelers will like them in specific cities or regions.

Let’s dive in and find out more.

The best cities to visit in New Zealand as a first-timer

First things first, let’s start with New Zealand’s best-loved cities. Whether you’re a solo traveler hopping around on buses or hiring vans with a loved one, chances are you’re going to be stopping off in at least a handful of these major cities.

Auckland

Pretty much everyone heading to New Zealand will land in Auckland. While it’s not the capital, this northern city is the biggest in the country and has the largest international airport. Chances are, you’ll stop here as either your first or last port of call.

Auckland has an amazing food scene, especially out in Ponsonby (hit up San Ray), with incredible seafood, fresh flavours, and seasonal fare. Of course, being New Zealand, the wine lists are pretty great too

Given that around a quarter of the population lives in Auckland, this is by far the busiest city on the list. It’s where you’ll find great shopping, attractions like the SkyTower, the home of New Zealand rugby, Eden Park, and a ton of major public transport connections.

From Auckland, you can also get ferries for day trips to Waiheke Island, filled with galleries and vineyards, or Tiritiri Matangi Island, which is an incredible bird reserve and conservation area. If you’re spending a few days in Auckland to get your bearings, a day trip to one or both of these islands is a great idea.

Best Auckland hotels and hostels

Mount Maunganui

I didn’t get across to this coastal North Island gem on my first trip to New Zealand, but fell in love with it on my second trip. Located next to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui is a quintessential beach town. There are stunning beaches, great surf, the titular Mount Maunganui to climb up, and plenty of chilled-out vibes.

Walking through the town itself, you can find great boutiques and delicious restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you need a relaxing spot on a packed New Zealand itinerary, I’d definitely recommend adding in a few days here after a big city section!

Don’t forget to grab some ice cream from Sea People, and if you’re staying further down the coast in Papamoa, check out the delicious Gather cafe. The breakfasts there are some of the best I’ve had!

While many people head up to the Bay of Islands for their beach fix on the North Island, I think heading to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui makes more sense if you’re heading on a route that starts in Auckland going south.

Best Mount Maunganui hotels and hostels

Wellington

So, Wellington gets a bad rap compared to Auckland, but the Kiwi capital should definitely be on your list. It’s got a ton of cool galleries and museums, a fantastic craft beer and cocktail scene, and definitely has a more artsy vibe.

I went on my first time to New Zealand and didn’t stay long enough, due to having to get the Picton Ferry and explore the South Island, but I loved it when I was there. It’s not super touristy, compared to Auckland or Queenstown, which I love, so it feels more like a local, walkable city.

Best Wellington hotels and hostels

Rotorua

If you want to learn more about Indigenous Māori culture – and you absolutely must while you’re here – head to Rotorua. The main attraction here is Te Puia, which is home to a geyser and geothermal park, but it’s also the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

So, while you’re here, you can learn more about Māori history, culture, art, performance, and more. Usually when people visit Rotorua, they visit a Māori community to see the haka, eat delicious hangi, and participate in local traditions. Some of these are definitely more touristy than others. For an authentic experience, check out Kohutapu Lodge, which is a little distance outside of Rotorua but 100% worth the visit and stay if you have a car or van.

Best Rotorua hotels and hostels

Christchurch

As the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is well worth a visit. If you’re short on time, or you’re just visiting the South Island, you might even fly directly into Christchurch. Of course, this city has been rebuilt since the massive earthquake in 2011, so there are a lot of new buildings, attractions, and spaces.

Despite this, Christchurch still feels historic compared to Auckland or Wellington, and that’s because it has a large UK influence, from the botanical gardens to the river to the architecture. It feels a lot more laidback, and the pace is definitely slower with a more cultural and artsy edge.

The Canterbury Museum is well worth an afternoon, and it’s free to visit. You’ll also find the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch as well, so if you’re into expeditions and ice exploration, check it out.

Best Christchurch hotels and hostels

Queenstown

Honestly, Queenstown is one of my favourite places in the world. The highly walkable adventure capital of New Zealand lives up to its name, being surrounded by mountains, ski resorts, bungees, cycle trails, vineyards, and more.

When you’re walking around, it definitely feels more like a mountain town than a city. You can wander the whole city centre in around 20-30 minutes. Of course, you have the stunning lakefront with a ton of bars and restaurants all around it, and it’s also the city in New Zealand with the most Michelin-starred restaurants, so if you’re feeling fancy, this is the place. I’ve dined at two: Rata and Sherwood, and they’re both incredible.

Queenstown is also an incredible gateway to the Central Otago wine region, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Glenorchy, and more. The city also has a decent-sized airport with plenty of internal flights and a handful of Aussie routes as well.

Best Queenstown hotels and hostels

The best sights to see in New Zealand as a first-timer

If you’re heading to New Zealand as a first-timer, there are a few sights and things to do that you’re going to want to do. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some crowd favourites that are worth it, in my opinion.

Hobbiton

I am a huge Lord of the Rings nerd, so visiting Hobbiton was top of my first-timer list. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s busy. No, the ale in the Green Dragon isn’t the best. But it’s so fun and makes you feel like a kid. Make sure you prebook with plenty of time and figure out either a tour or bus schedule to get there, as it is definitely out of the way.

It’s a little out of the way, so the best option is to jump on a tour from Auckland. There are plenty of one-day options that include tickets and transport.

Milford Sound

While I ran out of time on my first trip to visit Milford Sound, I made up for lost time on my second trip. This place is otherworldly. It doesn’t feel real. Whether you do a cruise, a small plane flyover, or wander around the harbour trails, it’s a must-do. There are so many tour options, depending on your vibe and budget.

I did the one-day cruise and flew back to Queenstown option through work, and it was incredible, if slightly terrifying with every little bit of breeze in a tiny plane. The coach is pretty long and takes around five hours each way with a few stops for food, toilets, and scenic photos along the way.

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

One of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been is Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park. It’s a short drive from Twizel, near Lake Tekapo on the South Island, and home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand. If you’re not looking to do hardcore mountaineering, carve out time to do the Hooker Valley Track. It’s 10km out-and-back, fairly flat, and has unbelievable views of Aoraki and the surrounding glaciers.

If you have a healthier budget, you can also take a boat trip on the Tasman Glacier. This is the largest glacier in New Zealand; however, it’s shrinking at an alarming rate. You can see the different levels that the glacier used to be at just a few years ago, and it’s definitely eye-opening.

Lake Tekapo

If you want to see one of the best stargazing views around, head to Lake Tekapo. This stunning alpine lake is known for its iconic view with the Church of Good Hope and being surrounded by lupines in the springtime. I’ve been here twice, and both times it’s been beautiful in completely different ways.

Lake Tekapo is super small, and realistically has two roads of shops and great restaurants. It’s a jumping-off point for Aoraki, and a ton of tours stop here. The observatory is one of the must-visit spots, and they even have a soak and stars session where you can sit in geothermal hot springs as experts point out constellations and tell you the traditional Māori stories behind them.

Any of the wine regions

Of course, this couldn’t be a Wandering and Wine guide without mentioning New Zealand’s incredible wine regions. The most famous NZ wine region is probably Marlborough for its sauvignon blancs. However, I’d recommend taking a day trip from Auckland to Waiheke for the vineyards on this tropical island, or waiting until you get to the Central Otago region.

The Central Otago region is the home of New Zealand pinot noir, and it’s multi-award-winning. Close to Queenstown, you can hire bikes from Around the Basin and take a cycle tour along the valley between different vineyards and get picked up, bike and all, at the end. There are also some great oenotourism stays here, including at Kinross, where I stayed!

How to get around New Zealand as a first-timer

If you’re heading out to New Zealand for the first time, you need to choose how you’re exploring. There are usually three main options: join a hop-on, hop-off tour, use the local buses, or rent a van. If you’re not travelling solo, I’d recommend hiring a van. I’ve done both the Kiwi Experience hop-on, hop-off and travelled around using the local buses.

Kiwi Experience and other tour companies

If you don’t want to deal with logistics, it’s your first solo trip, or you want a social experience, book onto the Kiwi Experience or one of the other hop-on, hop-off tour buses. Essentially, you buy a bus pass for specific routes and durations, and then within that period you can hop-on and hop-off, getting on the next bus coming through, as long as there is room. You can use the app to book your next bus as soon as you know and see availability.

I did a three-week route of both the North and South Island, which was ambitious. I basically stayed on the same bus throughout. The benefit is that as it’s a group, you get a better rate on popular excursions, like Hobbiton or the AJ Hackett Bungy, and you can get cheaper hostels through them, most of the time. It’s also simple; you just sit on the bus and get taken everywhere without much thought.

It is very social. Although the age range was pretty wide, there was definitely a party vibe on the bus, so it suits more outgoing travellers.

Intercity Buses

The second time I went to New Zealand, I opted for the Intercity buses. These are the public buses that also go long distances, similar to National Express or Flixbus. Again, you can buy multi-journey passes, or you can buy individual tickets. The tickets are pretty reasonable, and there are way more routes than you might think.

Of course, this means a little more planning and a lot less socialising. If you just want to get around the country for cheap, without hiring a car or van, this is the best way. You can find itinerary help on the main Intercity website. There are also bus-based day tours from Auckland to Hobbiton and other top attractions, so if you’re looking for day options, there are plenty here too.

Rent a van

If you’re travelling with loved ones or a friend, the most common and cost-effective way to travel is to hire a camper. You’ll see Jucy and other campervan hire brands all across New Zealand in brightly coloured branding. This way you can get accommodation and transport all in one neat package. Some also have decent kitchenettes, so you won’t have to eat out all the time too.

Of course, New Zealand has a lot of winding mountain roads, and the weather can change quickly, so you’ll want to be a semi-confident driver. You will also want to look up the overnight parking rules in certain areas. There are plenty of websites and apps with the places you can stay for free or cheap in New Zealand in a camper.

How long do you need in New Zealand as a first-timer?

How long you need in New Zealand as a first-timer depends on your itinerary. If you’re just doing the big-hitters across both the North and South Island, I’d say you need four weeks. I tried to do it in three weeks, and there were still places I didn’t see and certain spots that were very rushed.

You’re not going to see it all in one trip. If you’re doing either island on its own, you still need a minimum of two weeks and a decent itinerary.

Is New Zealand expensive?

Sadly, yes, New Zealand is expensive. As a remote island country, a lot of goods have to be imported, so the prices in the grocery stores can be insane. Sometimes it’s cheaper to eat out than cook in a hostel kitchen.

You also won’t find super cheap dorm rooms anymore. Cost of living has hit New Zealand as it did everywhere else, so you’ll probably find cheap dorms for £25 per night, but in popular spots like Queenstown, you’re easily paying over £40 per night.

Best routes to get to New Zealand from the UK

There are a couple of ways to get to New Zealand from the UK. Usually, it’s a choice between going through the Middle East or switching in China or Hong Kong. Personally, I preferred switching in Hong Kong as it breaks up the journey more equally in around 11-hour chunks. Flying through Dubai or Doha means a 7-hour short flight and then a 16-hour monster flight. Flying via China is also usually cheaper.

Should I visit the North Island or South Island?

The easy answer is that you should visit both the North and South Islands. Most people will say if you only have time to visit one, to go to the South, and I tend to agree. This is the outdoorsy wonderland that everyone thinks of when they think of New Zealand and has a better variety of scenery. You still have coastal surf towns, glaciers, mountains, wine regions, great cities, and foodie scenes.

That’s not to say the North Island isn’t worth it. I think it’s massively underrated, especially if you want to weave more culture into your trip and get off the beaten tourist trail a little more. Also, if you’re looking for more of a beach vibe, the Bay of Islands is hard to beat.

Published by Rebecca Crowe

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