Flying south, you’ll discover New Zealand amidst the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Here, snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and pristine beaches coexist, and Māori tradition dances alongside modern urban life.
Best Time to Travel
Spring (September to November): A time of blossoming flowers, especially cherry blossoms and lupins.
Summer (December to February): The peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, boating, fishing, and hiking. 
Autumn (March to May): The best time for enjoying golden autumn foliage and wine tasting. The South Island is particularly stunning for photography with its vibrant fall colors.
Winter (June to August): Ideal for skiing, soaking in hot springs, and viewing the Aurora Australis.
Shopping
Grocery stores: PAK’n SAVE, New World, and Countdown
Useful Apps
Accommodation: Airbnb (homestays), Booking (hotels)
Maps: Google Maps
Weather: Met Service NZ Weather
Food: TripAdvisor, YELP
Transportation: Uber, Google Maps, Google Translate
Must-See New Zealand Destinations
Queenstown
This town sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains. Ride a cable car to the summit for stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Milford Sound
Known as one of the world’s most beautiful fjords, Milford Sound is located in the southwestern part of the South Island. Take a cruise to experience its spectacular scenery, including towering mountains, clear waters, and waterfalls.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, this national park features breathtaking mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Enjoy hiking, skiing, and camping activities here.
Christchurch
The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch offers many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Canterbury Museum and the International Antarctic Centre.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Near Matamata, this movie set was the filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series. Visit Hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, boasts stunning cityscapes and many cultural activities. Ascend the Sky Tower for panoramic views.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
This attraction is famous for its underground caves and unique glowworm ecosystem. Take a boat ride into the caves and admire this remarkable natural spectacle.
Rotorua
This city is known for its rich geothermal activity and Māori culture. Visit geothermal hot springs, mud pools, and the Rainbow Springs Nature Park.
Culinary Delights
New Zealand Roast: Enjoy authentic New Zealand roast with fresh vegetables and delicious sauces.
New Zealand Seafood: New Zealand has abundant seafood resources. Enjoy fresh lobster, mussels, salmon, and other delicious seafood dishes.
New Zealand Honey: Especially Manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand’s pure, unpolluted forests, is a natural health food known for its high nutritional value and delicious flavor.
New Zealand Wine: New Zealand’s wines are renowned for their distinctive flavors. Although the capital and major cities are on the North Island, New Zealand’s finest red wines often come from the South Island.
