New Zealand
Auckland is the largest city and the main hub for international flights, while Wellington has a charming, capital-city feel. Getting between the North and South Islands requires a ferry or domestic flight, so travel planning matters.
- Currency
- NZD
New Zealand currency guide — today's rate & payment tips
Visa and entry rules change often. Check your government's travel advisory or the local embassy before you go.
Average temperature by month
Based on Wellington · 5-year average
Choose a city
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Wellington
Wellington is New Zealand's capital and, after Auckland, its second-largest city, serving as the center of politics and culture. The city buzzes with both government activity and a vibrant arts scene.
41 sights 9 guides Wellington Airport (WLG)
Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, built on a narrow isthmus at the northern tip of the North Island. Its land has long been so coveted that various tribes vied for it.
45 sights 9 guides Auckland Airport (AKL)
Christchurch
Christchurch is the main city of the Canterbury region on New Zealand's South Island, nicknamed the "Garden City" for its many beautiful parks. A leisurely stroll along the Avon River is a great way to take in the scenery.
37 sights 9 guides Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
Dunedin
Dunedin lies in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island and is known as the "Edinburgh of the South" for its strong Scottish heritage. Home to New Zealand's oldest university, it also has a young, lively atmosphere.
35 sights 9 guides Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
Hamilton
Hamilton is the main city of the Waikato region on New Zealand's North Island. It ranks among New Zealand's largest cities and is known as the hometown of former Prime Minister Helen Clark.
9 sights 9 guides Auckland Airport (AKL)
Top sights in New Zealand
Museums & galleries
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the country's national museum, located on Cable Street in Wellington. It brings New Zealand's history and culture together under one roof.
Nature
Rangitoto Island
A volcanic island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, regarded as the largest and youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. A trail to the summit offers sweeping views of the gulf and the city.
Temples & religious sites
Al Noor Mosque
Al Noor Mosque is a Sunni mosque in Riccarton, Christchurch, built in the 1980s by the Muslim Association of Canterbury. It was the site of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, and many visitors come to pay their respects.
Museums & galleries
Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum is a leading museum in Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island. It's a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the region's history and culture.
Museums & galleries
Auckland Art Gallery
New Zealand's leading public art gallery, home to an extensive collection of domestic and international works. It also regularly hosts touring exhibitions from abroad, offering a diverse range of art to see.
Nature
Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
A 182-meter volcanic peak in Auckland, New Zealand, and a culturally significant site for Māori. From the summit, you can take in views of downtown Auckland and both harbors at once.
Museums & galleries
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
This museum sits in the Auckland Domain, a large park southeast of the city center. It houses exhibits covering the natural history, history, and military heritage of New Zealand and the Auckland region.
Zoos & aquariums
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
A botanic garden in central Christchurch, ideal for a leisurely stroll among a wide variety of plants. Recommended for travelers looking to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace in the city.
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Local data
Get an eSIM for New Zealand before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
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