New Zealand Travel & Tourism

Travelers flock to New Zealand, a small set of islands in the Pacific Ocean, for an experience unmatched by any other country. Guests seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure or a pampered retreat can find attractions to soothe their expectations in this island country. Known as Aotearoa by the indigenous Maori, New Zealand pays homage to its spectacular native culture while offering a personality of stalwart stubbornness that its settlers needed to survive on the isolated island. While the population of sheep vastly outnumbers the local population, New Zealanders offer nothing but kindness and hospitality to their curious visitors. The biggest choice that tourists must face is: which island to visit first? While New Zealand’s North Island boasts a mildly tropical climate and gems such as Wellington and Cathedral Cove, the South Island offers a stunningly wild and temperate climate punctuated by the rugged Southern Alps.

Those who would like to climb their way up the country can start off at Christchurch, located on the South Island. This spectacular cobble-stone town features architectural wonders such as the Arts Center, located in the old remains of the University of Canterbury, which hosts a variety of locally-made artisan stores. Guests can head downtown to enjoy the stunning expanses of Hagley Park, which ranks as one of the largest urban parks in the world. Travelers can enjoy a punting ride along the Avon River or a walk through the stunningly manicured botanical gardens. Visitors can stroll through the city’s downtown to admire the old architecture and view the haunting remains of the Christchurch Cathedral, devastated by the city’s 2011 earthquake. Those who would like to learn more about any New Zealander’s favorite critters can head over to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to view the fluffy kiwis and enjoy the entertainment of Maori dancing. Visitors who are interested in learning more about the area’s history can stop in at the Canterbury Museum while those who just want to get away from it all can retreat to nearby Littleton to trek along the Port Hills.

Visitors seeking adventure should head over to Queenstown for a memorable experience. Located in the Southern Alps, this adventure town offers a plethora of activities such as jet boating, bungee jumping, embarking on backcountry safaris, horseback riding and more. Those who are keen to carve up the slopes can hit the nearby lifts while hikers who would like to set off on an adventure into the New Zealand wilderness can find a number of nearby backpacking opportunities to quench their curiosity.

Travelers who are looking for a more moderate climate can escape the cool confines of the South Island and head up to the North Island. Capital city Wellington offers a number of shopping and dining experiences to please any palate. Those who would like to learn more about the Maori culture can head off to Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, while visitors keen to explore the capital can head over to the Parliament building. Travelers who are seeking more of an urban experience can head north to Auckland to tour its stunning sky tower, while those who are interested in exploring the country’s outdoor beauty can choose from a number of scenic destinations. Guests who would like to explore the country’s volcanic reaches can embark on the Tongariro Crossing, while those who would like to view the geothermal wonders from a safe distance can retreat to Craters of the Moon. Nearby Lake Taupo offers stunning sites such as Huka Falls and stunning Maori carvings at Mine Bay. Visitors who are interested in seeing a New Zealand legend up close can head over to the Coromandel Peninsula to glimpse the spectacular Cathedral Cove or enjoy a relaxing retreat at Hot Water Beach.

Worldwide Tourism Popularity Ranking: 21 of 230

Air Travel

Quality of Airports: Good (6.2 of 7)
Number of Airlines: 18
Number of Arriving Passengers: 2422000

Hotels & Lodging

Quality of Lodging: Good (4.2 of 5)
Number of Hotels: 2118
Average Room Rate: $90.54

Purpose of Visit

Business Trip: 10%
Family Vacation: 18%
Couples Getaway: 60%
Friends Trip: 7%
Solo Travel: 9%

Top Vacation Destinations in New Zealand

Most popular cities in New Zealand in terms of percentage of visitors and number of hotels:

Auckland Central
Popularity: 1 | 15.85% Visitors | 132 Hotels

Queenstown
Popularity: 2 | 9.7% Visitors | 62 Hotels

Christchurch
Popularity: 3 | 8.78% Visitors | 155 Hotels

Rotorua
Popularity: 4 | 7.46% Visitors | 105 Hotels

Wellington
Popularity: 5 | 7.2% Visitors | 67 Hotels

Taupo
Popularity: 6 | 3.22% Visitors | 74 Hotels

Dunedin
Popularity: 7 | 3.01% Visitors | 59 Hotels

Mangere
Popularity: 8 | 2.78% Visitors | 23 Hotels

Paihia
Popularity: 9 | 2.6% Visitors | 46 Hotels

Napier
Popularity: 10 | 2.05% Visitors | 45 Hotels

Nelson
Popularity: 11 | 1.91% Visitors | 48 Hotels

Te Anau
Popularity: 12 | 1.73% Visitors | 24 Hotels

Franz Josef
Popularity: 13 | 1.58% Visitors | 17 Hotels

Hamilton
Popularity: 14 | 1.57% Visitors | 58 Hotels

Wanaka
Popularity: 15 | 1.52% Visitors | 21 Hotels

Fox Glacier
Popularity: 16 | 1.39% Visitors | 18 Hotels

Kaikoura
Popularity: 17 | 1.27% Visitors | 24 Hotels

Lake Tekapo
Popularity: 18 | 1.21% Visitors | 16 Hotels

Picton
Popularity: 19 | 1.18% Visitors | 20 Hotels

Blenheim
Popularity: 20 | 1.09% Visitors | 31 Hotels

Hanmer Springs
Popularity: 21 | 1.03% Visitors | 17 Hotels

Tauranga
Popularity: 22 | 1.02% Visitors | 54 Hotels

Hokitika
Popularity: 23 | 0.82% Visitors | 20 Hotels

New Plymouth
Popularity: 24 | 0.8% Visitors | 29 Hotels

Invercargill
Popularity: 25 | 0.64% Visitors | 35 Hotels

Mt Cook Village
Popularity: 26 | 0.63% Visitors | 2 Hotels

Greymouth
Popularity: 27 | 0.61% Visitors | 18 Hotels

Westport
Popularity: 28 | 0.5% Visitors | 18 Hotels

Coromandel
Popularity: 29 | 0.49% Visitors | 17 Hotels

North Shore City
Popularity: 30 | 0.48% Visitors | 9 Hotels

Arrowtown
Popularity: 31 | 0.45% Visitors | 15 Hotels

Twizel
Popularity: 32 | 0.44% Visitors | 9 Hotels

Oamaru
Popularity: 33 | 0.43% Visitors | 18 Hotels

Tongariro National Park
Popularity: 34 | 0.42% Visitors | 4 Hotels

Russell
Popularity: 35 | 0.39% Visitors | 10 Hotels

Thames
Popularity: 36 | 0.39% Visitors | 19 Hotels

Gisborne
Popularity: 37 | 0.38% Visitors | 24 Hotels

Pauanui
Popularity: 38 | 0.37% Visitors | 3 Hotels

Wanganui
Popularity: 39 | 0.36% Visitors | 30 Hotels