New Zealand is surrounded by mountains, fast-flowing rivers, lakes, forests, and miles-long beaches. Travelers seeking peace, nature, and paradise book flights to New Zealand to gain tranquility from the general chaos of everyday life. Thanks to an excess in tourism, the country's economy continues to grow at a steady pace. Add tourism to New Zealand's main export business -- meat, wool, and dairy -- and the country continues to thrive and produce. 

Travelers booking flights to New Zealand will find there is plenty to taste. Dine on a dozen different varieties of fish and shellfish fresh from the New Zealand waters. The vast land mass and farming gives diners some of the best prime beef, lamb, venison, and ostrich. And what meal is complete without a glass of wine. New Zealand wines are revered around the world and continue to be praised by some of the best sommeliers in the world. 

Once your flight to New Zealand arrives, take in some hiking, rafting, swim with the dolphins, whale-watch, and, of course, take a turn at bungee-jumping. New Zealand is a country of adventures just waiting for travelers to set foot and explore.

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New Zealand Climate

The weather in New Zealand is changeable throughout the year. The North Island has mild winters and warm and humid summers, the South Island has lower temperatures with cold winters and extensive snowfields and glaciers. Snow falls on all the mountains in winter. The west coast receives the most rain. Summer months are from November to April.

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When to Fly to New Zealand

Peak season:
December, January and February (New Zealand’s summer months) are the best time to travel. Average temperatures are between 68 and 86 degrees (F). The autumn months of March through May are good times to book flights to New Zealand. The temperatures are slightly cooler than summer, but the weather can still be excellent and this is the time of year for beautiful autumn foliage.

Off season:
Traveling is cheaper during July and August and visitors can likely find cheap flights to New Zealand during this time. Average winter temperatures are 50-59 degrees (F).

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Getting Around New Zealand

Air New ZealandThe following chart gives approximate journey times from Wellington (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in New Zealand.
 AirRoadRail
Auckland1.009.0010.00
N. Plymouth1.008.30-
Christchurch0.457.20*5.20*
Dunedin1.2012.20*-
Note: *Plus ferry crossing of three hours.

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New Zealand Insider Information

  • Kapiti Island, north of Wellington on the North Island, is home to a nature reserve that protects some of the rarest birds in the world. These include Robin, Saddleback, Stitchbird, Kaka, Kakariki, Weka, Kereru, Bellbirds and the extremely rare flightless Takahe. The nocturnal Kiwi, the emblem of New Zealand, also lives here.
  • Rotorua in central North Island, is a geothermal area. There are several geysers including the spectacular 20-metre Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa (the thermal village) and hot mud pools. It is also the heartland of Maori culture. There are 16 lakes around Rotorua, 11 are fishable and stock trout (rainbow, brown, brook and tiger).Major fishing lakes are Rotorua, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoma. Ask your Rotorua hotel for sight-seeing recommendations, as you'll like get a couple discounts if you book in bulk.
  • Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle and Dunedin’s (South Island) top visitor attraction. The castle was built in 1871 by William Larnach for his first wife. It is owned by the Barker family, but it is open for tours and celebrations. The views over the Otago Peninsula are breathtaking. Dunedin is also home to the Cadbury Factory, which features a unique chocolate fall in a five-storey high silo.
  • Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungee-jumping. The city lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and is surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, the youngest ski area in the region. The Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival takes place in late June and July, so be sure to book your Queenstown hotels well in advance if you plan on attending the festival.
  • The Lord of the Rings trail: Mount Aspiring National Park, named for one of New Zealand’s highest peaks, is part of Te Wahipounamu, the South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area. The park, to the south of the Southern Alps, is popular for walking and mountaineering. Many locations around Glenorchy village (Lothlorien, Amon Hen, Orthanc, and Isengard) were used in the films.
  • Hotels in Auckland City are a great starting point for first-time New Zealand travelers, and available for all budgets and personalities.

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New Zealand Airports

Auckland International Airport (AKL). The airport is situated 14 miles south of Auckland.

Christchurch International Airport (CHC). The airport is situated eight miles from Christchurch.

Wellington International Airport (WLG). The airport is situated five miles east of Wellington.

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Passport/Visa

Visitors must be in possession of a return ticket, documents for onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. Visitors must hold per month of stay NZ$400, if holding evidence of pre-paid accommodation. In other cases, visitors must hold NZ$1,000 per month of stay.

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Entry Requirements

United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

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Cheap flights to New Zealand

Hartford (BDL) to Auckland, New Zealand (AKL)
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Hartford (BDL) to Auckland, New Zealand (AKL)
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In-flight Reading

Be My Valentine

Jane BeckenhamA swashbuckling time-travel romance set in the late 17th century.

The Bone People

Keri HulmeThis book traces the lives of Kerewin Holmes, who is, like Hulme herself, part-Maori, part-Pakeha (European), Joe, and Simon, who live in a remote part of New Zealand.

The Penguin History of New Zealand

Michael KingAn accessible and thought-provoking treatment of New Zealand history.

Travel Tips

Read expert tips on getting the most out of travel

Airline and Air Travel Information
Airport Security
Getting Bumped
Airline Upgrade Guide
Find the Best Airfare Deals
Fat-Finger Fares
Alternate Airports
Last-minute Airfares 101
Booking Flights by Phone
International Travel Tips
Embassies and Consulates Abroad
Trip Planning
Timing Your Trip
Airport Amusements

More travel tips

Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

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Wordtravels.com

Destination guides to countries and cities worldwide www.wordtravels.com

World Airport Guides

Guide to more than 200 airports around the world www.worldairportguide.com

Cheapflights.com

Cheap airline tickets to domestic and worldwide destinations www.cheapflights.com

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