TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND
The land of adrenaline and overwhelming nature
If you are looking for adventure, New Zealand is the ultimate destination for you: bungee jumping, skydiving, rafting, and hiking in stunning nature.
Featured trips to New Zealand
Handpicked experiences worth checking out
The Vulcanic North
Experience the best of New Zealand's North Island: from Auckland's skyline to the hot springs of Rotorua.
New Zealand is the ultimate destination for active travelers. With roughly 14,000 kilometers of coastline, it offers stunning beaches where you can easily rent a surfboard. Paihia and the Bay of Islands are a true paradise for sailing enthusiasts, scuba divers, and fans of any other water sport. Prefer to stay on dry land? No problem! The country features countless incredible hiking trails in and around its many national parks, ranging from a few hours to several days.
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, head to Auckland to leap off the Sky Tower in the dark. In Taupō, you can go bungee jumping against a breathtaking backdrop. You can choose to stay dry, but as the azure river rushes toward you, you will definitely want to touch the water before rebounding. Ready to level up your adventure? Go rafting on the Kaituna River, home to the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall! Brace yourself for an epic 7-meter drop. Dare to take the plunge?
Throughout your road trip, you will encounter rich remnants of Māori culture. Rotorua is the perfect place to learn about the original Polynesian settlers. You can visit the cultural center, which hosts evening shows featuring traditional dance, food, and warrior history.
Tongariro National Park
What to do in New Zealand?
Sailing, wildife spotting & hiking through untouched nature
Need help planning your trip to Asia?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
Fjords and Glaciers of the South
Experience the untouched nature on the South Island and spot penguins!
Beyond stunning fjords and glaciers, the South Island offers endless opportunities for winter and extreme sports. In winter, the mountains surrounding Queenstown become a snowy paradise for skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, it transforms into a hub for bungee jumping, jet-boating, and scenic boat tours—making this city an absolute must-visit on your journey.
For a unique travel experience, the rail journey between Christchurch and Greymouth is considered one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. It serves as an excellent connection between the east and west coasts, showcasing breathtaking, rolling landscapes along the way.
Along the way, you'll encounter many vineyards, so this region is great for wine! Marlborough is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, while you'll mostly find Pinot Noir in Central Otago. Wine lovers will definitely not be disappointed here!
Milford Sound
New Zealand consists of two islands
Discover a mix of amazing nature and rich culture
Why choose KILROY for your next trip
30+ years of expertise
For more than three decades, we’ve helped travellers discover the world. Our specialist knowledge and trusted global partners help you explore with confidence.
Personal travel advice
One dedicated travel expert who understands your plans, preferences, and goals. From first idea to journey home, they’ll guide you every step of the way.
24/7 support, wherever you are
If the unexpected happens, emergency support is always within reach. Wherever you are and whenever you need us, a KILROY expert is ready to help you.
The KILROY effect
The best trips don’t end when you get home. We create journeys filled with experiences, stories, and memories that stay with you long after the adventure ends.
Explore New Zealand by Campervan
Want to experience New Zealand to the fullest? Hit the road in a campervan!
The absolute best way to discover New Zealand on your own terms is by campervan. It gives you the ultimate freedom to travel at your own pace and explore the most breathtaking spots. From the awe-inspiring fjords of the South Island to the volcanic landscapes of the North Island, every route promises a unique adventure.
Stop whenever and wherever you like—whether it’s by a hidden waterfall or in a vibrant local town. With a campervan, you can spend the night surrounded by nature and fall asleep under a spectacular starry sky.
Top Tip: It pays off to secure your campervan early. The sooner we book, the better the price.
View from campervan
Frequently asked questions
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Driving in New Zealand means staying on the left side of the road. Because many roads are winding, narrow, and unpaved, always add 20-30% more time to Google Maps estimates.
Key rules:
The Basics: Always wear seatbelts (front and back) and never use a handheld phone while driving.
Speed Limits: The open road limit is generally 100 km/h, while urban areas are strictly 50 km/h. Speed limit changes are sudden.
One-Lane Bridges: Watch for signs indicating one-lane bridges. A red arrow means you must give way to oncoming traffic.
Roundabouts: Give way to any traffic coming from the right and turn clockwise.
Overtaking: Do not overtake on yellow lines, and use passing lanes when they appear. If you are holding up faster traffic, use designated slow vehicle bays or pull over when it is safe.
When winter sets here, it is just starting to be summer in New Zealand. From November to March, the weather there is wonderful. Winters in New Zealand can be quite cold. Especially at night, temperatures can drop to minus 10 degrees (Celsius), while daytime temperatures can rise to around 8 degrees. December to February is peak season in New Zealand, and it gets quite busy then.
New Zealand is considered an expensive destination. High expenses stem from its remote location, reliance on imported goods, and premium adventure activities. However, careful planning and utilizing free natural attractions can keep costs manageable.
Don't feel like driving yourself? Then we highly recommend getting a bus pass, which is ideal for backpackers on a budget. You can hop on and hop off whenever you like, making it easy to travel all over the island. You'll stop at incredible sights like glaciers, volcanoes, and beaches, visit Maori cultural sites, and even reach the most remote locations.
There is a guide on board who can tell you all about the area. They can also often arrange great, budget-friendly accommodation for you, even during the peak season.
Public transport in New Zealand isn't ideal for a backpacking trip. That’s why we always recommend a hop-on, hop-off bus pass if you want to travel around the country.
