Why Visit New Zealand: See the World in a Country
Unique places in New Zealand offer European-style holiday experiences
Breath-taking scenery along the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park. Image credit: Adobe Stock
If you want a European-style holiday without the lengthy travel and extra costs, think New Zealand! This ‘world in one country' packs a lot of varied landscapes, vegetation, wildlife, deep cultural history and breath-taking natural beauty into a small space. Explore majestic alpine ranges that resemble the Swiss Alps, cruise through fjords that mirror Scandinavia's best and relax in geothermal pools similar to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Even better - be there in under 6.5 hours, direct from Perth, with affordable flights.
Here’s why visiting New Zealand can feel like a holiday to some of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations:
Mountain vistas and ski slopes abound in Queenstown, New Zealand. Image credit: iStock
Alpine experiences
Most of New Zealand's top ski resorts are on the South Island—head for Queenstown, Wanaka, Cardrona or Mt Hutt.
The Southern Alps
Travel up a mountain, breathe in the crisp, clear air and admire the snow-capped peaks before hitting the slopes. New Zealand’s breathtaking Southern Alps stretch over 500 kilometres and are home to world-class skiing.
Indulge in luxury lodges, après-ski dining, glacier hiking and snowshoeing, or go local at ski club fields, such as Temple Basin. Seeking an extreme thrill? Try heli-skiing near Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s tallest peak!
The Remarkables Range
The picturesque Remarkables Range forms part of the Southern Alps and is known for its sharp peaks that soar over 2000 metres above the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Like Italy’s Dolomites, the Remarkables also offers a host of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing, with varied terrain suitable for all athletic abilities.
For an unforgettable alpine escape, holiday deals like Wanaka or Queenstown ski packages simplify all the planning so you can spend all your time on the slopes.
Views out over Lake Marian's turquoise-green waters in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Image credit: Adobe Stock
Fjord adventures
A fjord getaway ticks all the boxes for a peaceful escape surrounded by dramatic scenery. Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO site, is home to New Zealand’s fjords, with Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound among the most famous.
Milford Sound
Known in Māori as Piopiotahi, Milford Sound’s striking landscapes include Mitre Peak, which resembles a bishop's headdress. Set sail on a cruise, kayak through the calm waters or enjoy a bird’s-eye view on a flightseeing tour. The scenic drive to Milford Sound is also a highlight—explore en route with a short hike at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn Nature Walk or Monkey Creek.
Doubtful Sound
Often called the ‘Sound of Silence’, Doubtful Sound is more secluded and three times longer than Milford Sound. Get there by cruising across Lake Manapouri, taking a bus over Wilmot Pass, then cruising the sound to enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls and ancient rainforests. The unspoiled wilderness is also home to fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and rare Fiordland crested penguins.
Dusky Sound
Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland's largest and most complex fjords, is incredibly remote and accessible only by helicopter or boat overnight tour. Land amidst towering peaks and rainforests and come face to face with crested penguins, fur seals and playful bottlenose dolphins. Visit several secluded beaches and coves amid spectacular scenery.
Warm, colourful pools bubble in Rotorua‘s geothermal zone, New Zealand. Image credit: Adobe Stock
Geothermal wonders
Experience relaxation on another level by immersing yourself in any of New Zealand’s natural thermal pools. The healing properties of the pools are well known to the local Māori people.
Taupo Volcanic Zone
This North Island geothermal hotspot features steaming vents, colourful hot pools and volcanic landscapes. Highlights include the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park and the geysers, silica terraces and mud pools of Orakei Korako. Spa Park in Tauhara is where the hot river merges with the Waikato River—the higher you walk up the track beside the stream, the hotter the water gets!
Rotorua hot springs
Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools and geysers lie at the northern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, deeply significant in Māori culture. Soak in natural hot springs at the Polynesian Spa, Secret Spot Hot Tubs or Kerosene Creek for a similar experience to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Visit Mitai Māori Village, witness cultural performances and feast on a traditional hangi cooked in a pit dug in the ground.
Hot Water Beach
Nestled on the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach boasts mineral-rich hot springs hidden beneath its golden sands. During low tide, rent shovels and dig your own hot pool for a novel spa experience. Relax with family or friends on the beach which is also ideal for surfing.
Lush hiking trails wind through Fiordland National Park near Milford Sound. Image credit: Adobe Stock
Epic hikes
Spring is a great time to tackle the country’s hiking trails, with mild weather and fewer crowds.
Milford Track
Milford Track is one of the finest South Island hiking trails. The 50-kilometre route passes through rainforests, crossing crystal-clear rivers before heading up the monumental Mackinnon Pass with panoramic valley views. Admire Sutherland Falls, one of the country’s tallest, before ending at Milford Sound. The paths are well-maintained and provide a balance of challenge and accessibility.
Te Araroa Trail
Similar to Spain’s Camino de Santiago, the Te Araroa Trail is one of the longest continuous routes in the world, taking between 4 to 5 months to complete! Featuring rugged mountains, farm tracks, beaches and volcanic terrain, Te Araroa Trail spans 3000 kilometres, from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, and involves cycling and canoeing. Meet charming communities and explore varied ecosystems along the way.
Routeburn Track
Experience the wilderness on the Routeburn Track, reminiscent of Scotland's West Highland Way. Starting in Fiordland National Park and ending in Mount Aspiring National Park, it features meadows, mountains and lakes. Its flora and fauna are not easily found anywhere else, including the rare blue duck, bush robin, parakeets, alpine herbs, golden speargrass and large fuchsias along its 32-kilometre route.
Abel Tasman Coast Track
The 60-kilometre-long Abel Tasman Coast Track follows sun-kissed shores with blue-green waters framed by native bush. Like Italy’s Cinque Terre Trail, the terrain suits hikers of various fitness levels, while the pleasant climate ensures the track is safely accessible throughout the year. Admire the scenery and kayak or dip in the natural moss-lined Cleopatra’s Pools.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Located in the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park is Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand’s famed hiking trail rich in Māori heritage. Explore 19 kilometres of ever-changing landscapes, including glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, steep ascents and descents and vivid-coloured crater lakes with spectacular views of Lake Taupo and Mount Taranaki.
Combine your hiking adventures with other activities. Our guide, Luxe New Zealand in Spring, will inspire you to add more to your itinerary.
Return to Narnia at Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula. Image credit: Adobe Stock
Movie magic
New Zealand’s vistas have captured the hearts of filmmakers and moviegoers for decades, and you can visit many of them in real life!
Hobbiton Movie Set, Waikato
Join a guided tour of the 12-acre Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata in the Waikato region, which you may recognise from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Wander the Shire to find Bilbo and Frodo’s home at Bag End, stop by Samwise Gamgee’s house and visit the mill and double-arched bridge. Take fun and quirky photos in the numerous hobbit holes! After the tour, relax at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary beverage or enjoy a full Middle-earth-style meal.
Glenorchy, Otago
Along the shores of Lake Wakatipu lies Glenorchy, another Lord of the Rings location for scenes based in Isengard and Lothlórien. Glenorchy’s mountains and rivers form the perfect backdrop for these legendary scenes from Middle-earth. Glenorchy is also featured in films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Mount Taranaki, Egmont National Park
On New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Taranaki’s near-perfect cone shape served as the stand-in for Japan’s Mount Fuji in The Last Samurai. Whether you're into hiking, photography or visiting Hollywood film locations, Mount Taranaki will impress.
Flock Hill, Canterbury
The climactic Battle of Beruna from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where Aslan’s forces fought against the White Witch’s army, was filmed among Flock Hill’s limestone landscapes. Other activities include abseiling, rock climbing and canyoning.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
Cathedral Cove was the backdrop for the Pevensie siblings' return to Narnia in Prince Caspian. The iconic rock arch is like a portal to another world—set against turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and pristine sands. Experience a piece of Narnian wonder in the real world by standing where key scenes were filmed. Walking the scenic coastal trail to the cove makes the journey as magical as the destination.
Auckland’s city skyline ablaze at sunset from Mt Eden, New Zealand. Image credit: Adobe Stock
Perth to New Zealand - it’s easy with direct flights
With so many compelling reasons to visit New Zealand, plan your holiday today! Fly direct to Auckland with Air New Zealand for premier destinations and activities to match Europe's greatest.
Whether or not you’ve visited New Zealand before, enjoy stress-free travel from Perth Airport with our practical tips for international travellers, travelling with kids, maximising your free time at the airport and breezing through security. Plus, book your airport parking early for the best rates and indulge in shopping duty free online or in-store for essentials, gifts and other goods.
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