December to March is considered to be the best time to visit New Zealand. If madding crowds don't confuse you, summer season with its mellow weather will be perfect for grasping the beaches, enjoying clams, exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and stargazing. You could also opt for mild and uncrowded autumn and spring. October and November are all about baby lambs in green pastures and Lupin blooming, while April and May will show you terrific Aurora Australis, Milky Way, and stunning autumn foliage. The North Island gets lots of rains, while South Island often sees massive snowfalls and temperatures below zero between June and September. Winter season rejoices passionate skiers, hot pools lovers, and whale watchers.
A fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit? Picturesque Hobbiton movie set will transfer you to the Middle-Earth
No, these lights overhead in the caves are neither stars, nor electric lamps, but actually bioluminescent worms!
There is no better stargazing place in the world than South Island, New Zealand, with its perfect views on other galaxies
When you look at this amazingly clear water with blue and violet hues, it seems to be fake, but it is real indeed
The thermal wonderland amuses with bright-coloured pools, daily geyser eruptions, steaming grounds, and boiling muds
White foaming waterfalls cascading down the mountains' peaks are particularly spectacular after heavy rains
Dunedin Beach with the tunnel, sandstone cliffs, rocks and caves create a nice territory to be explored
The scenic landscape of New Zealand’s South Island astonishes with varied colors
Amazing trails winding across New Zealand scenic mountainous landscapes seem to be made especially for cyclists
One of the newest and most beautiful trails in New Zealand, Te Araroa will become your adventure of a lifetime!
Cute flightless baby kiwis are safer and closer to humans at Rainbow Springs, kiwi wildlife park in Rotorua
When you reach the summit of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, you will feel like a conqueror of the world
It's like snowboarding, surfing and sledging, yet without snow, water or sledges, just sand dunes and a dose of adrenaline
Tawaki is the only penguin in the world that lives in the rainforest and not in the icebergs' surroundings
Gannet couples demonstrate a strong sense of paternal responsibility fighting for the right to hatch their single egg
The inquisitive great white shark's eyes staring at you will remain in your memory for a long time
The forest fascinates with its huge ancient kauri trees, colourful ferns, and exotic birds
The stunning beauty of Tongariro volcanic landscapes spotted with emerald-like crater lakes
Jet boating in New Zealand's quick and shallow rivers flowing through steep canyons evokes an immeasurable thrill
ATTENTION! On December 9, 2019 the volcano eruption occurred. Active marine volcano amazes with bubbling mud pits, multicolored mountains, green lakes, and hot steams
Better not to intrude into the huge mammals' pre-breeding fights and stay away until they settle territorial disputes
Alpine beauty elates the hikers of the Arthur's Pass
Comfortable gondolas, fast and twisted luge tracks, and beautiful sceneries make luging compete with traditional sledding
When Huhu beetle larvae are eaten with closed eyes, they may be easily confused with buttery chicken
You will see rugged rocky slopes, ancient lava flows, glacial valleys and the largest Ruapehu Crater Lake
New Zealand surf spot map boasts 28 marks on the North Island and 10 locations on the South Island
Only 25 cm tall, lovely blue penguins waddle 1,5 km, swim 70 km and climb 300 m to lay eggs and feed their offsprings
Pohutukawa tree is known as New Zealand Christmas tree as its crimson blossoms appear during Christmas time
The bus full of bizarre mechanisms bursts into tinkling, ringing, buzzing and gurgling sounds as soon as you touch any gadget
Curious kea parrots develop taste for everything new to diversify their regular diet of plants and berries. It does not matter that they already have wings, they would still sip from your can of Red Bull
Could you cross 10,000 km without food and rest? Seems unreal, but not for bar-tailed godwits
New Zealand's turbulent rivers invite for a breathtaking white water rafting, just hold tight to keep inside your raft
Get the ultimate "Lord of the Rings" experience while cruising along New Zealand
You will raft the cave rivers, climb up the rocks of Ruakuri Cave, go black water tubing and view blue glow worms
Unique appearance of a yellow-eyed penguin hoiho cannot be confused with any other species, even during moulting
Lobster meat is destinguished by sweet flavour that makes your mouth water
Piha Beach in Auckland dazzles with black sands as well as great surfing opportunities and large rocks towering from the water
The highest major road in New Zealand boasts scenic views
The soft inner texture of the cake is covered with crispy crust topped with fresh fruits and whipped cream
New Zealand clams cooked in white wine, sweet Thai chilli sauce and coconut milk is a culinary masterpiece
Find delight in peaceful, silent and scenic gliding on water
Most people would like to omit spots like this, unless you are a true adventurer
Elegant White Herons impress with their snow-white plumage and particularly graceful walk
The highest road on the South Island of New Zealand
New Zealand rodeo is a thrilling, but also cruel sport that continues despite the protests of animal protection groups
Enjoy your favorite wind sports surrounded by stunning landscapes
Green and pink aurora australis hues poured over the dark sky resemble a giant witch's pot with a magic potion
Matariki traditional New Year is associated with a miraculous constellation referring to Māori genealogy
Millions distant stars of the famous Milky Way paint starry rainbows over New Zealand's sky during winter nights
Hundreds of restless fur seal pups play in water streams while their moms go hunting in the ocean
It means hundreds of fluffy sheep running along the street of Te Kuiti, the world's shearing capital
Where else on Earth could you take a hot natural bath outside surrounded by snowy winter sceneries if not in New Zealand?
New Zealand's glaciers are a great wonder of nature and should be included into your must-see list
A ten-day winter fun is made of mountain races, street performances, foods and music, and above all – famous Dog Derby
New Zealand rugby players keep spectators electrified during the entire match starting with vigorous haka cries
You're going to be truly WOWed by this explosion of extravagance
Kayaking in New Zealand will take you to secret and ancient nooks
Go for a ride with a team of huskies in a picturesque backcountry
Oyster lovers will appreciate particularly succulent, fishy and almost metallic-flavored Bluff Oyster
Jacuzzi is nothing comparing to caressing underground springs gushing out of the dug up sand pools
Māori cuisine has many specialties. Try sweet potato and meat cooked in underground ovens and served in flax baskets
Festivities introduce to Māori culture highlighting traditional underground oven cooking and tribal customs
New Zealand's slopes are excellent for a ski holiday
Barking and cheering sounds hover over the snowy slopes while dogs and their owners race headlong down
Beetles larvaes, baby fish with guts and lambs' testicles assure unforgettable experience for adventurous foodies
In comparison to sky diving, paragliding allows the pilot to control their flight, making them midair masters
If you like water extreme sports, try Shotover river and canyon and you'll remember it for the rest of your life
The whole country is considered a birdwatching spot and its coastline is labeled as a seabird capital
Classic New Zealand wine trail embraces 80% of local wineries
Whitebaiters spend long hours to fish precious whitebait with the nets
No matter whether you are a novice in this sports or a keen rider, New Zealand boasts slopes and steeps for all levels
New Zealand's underwater kingdom lacks only little mermaids. Otherwise, the abundance of marine species is amazing
Electronic-centric music festival in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth
One of the largest hot air balloon festivals in New Zealand
Have you ever dreamt about swimming together with joyful dolphins? Dreams come true in Kaikoura
New Zealand's snowy sceneries look even more amazing from the height of 12,000 feet above the earth
The sweet taste and soft buttery surface of macadamia nuts make your palate water
This is your chance to drive prestigious European cars on the most challenging ice and snow surface
The danger of Craigieburn caves is not to be underestimated: challenging oneself is not bad, yet caution is vital
Whitebaits fritters made of transparent worm-like baby fish fried with eggs and flour is a prime New Zealand's delicacy
Sweet and tart, exotic passion fruit will refresh you during New Zealand's summer and autumn
Golden kiwifruit is a special New Zealand's yellow and sweeter kiwi variety
The fruit consistency varies from soft like jelly to crispy like apples
People's favorite marine inhabitants come closer to the shores in winter
White and pink colours prevail in spring floral parades throughout the South Island
Similar to coming down the water slides in aquapark, only better, because this time you slide on snow instead of water
Rusty red Cypress trees are the main autumnal decoration of McLaren Falls Park
A world famous mountain biking competition
New Zealand is the second country in the world to welcome the New Year
Biscuits with the history behind them remind of soldiers' mothers and wives who used to send the pastry overseas
The juicy seeds-filled feijoa flesh is excellent when raw, but also good in puddings, pies and jams
On the Anzac Day, New Zealanders watch parades and eat legendary Anzac biscuits
Colorful ballooons over the beautiful Wairarapa Valley
A nice way to combine diving with hunting
Sweet-scented yellow kowhai flowers allure numerous birds
Cut tamarillos 'bleed' with red gel and are served with a pinch of sugar or salt
A unique race combines running, kayaking and mountain biking
An action-packed family-friendly weekend
If you miss winter tubes, summer has prepared another seasonal tubing trail for you