Top 5 Summer Travel Tips for New Zealand

Planning a summer trip to New Zealand? Whether you’re dreaming of jet boating in Queenstown, stargazing in Tekapo, or soaking up Maori culture in Rotorua, New Zealand is the ultimate summer destination between November and March. With so much to see and do, it can be tricky to know where to start - that’s where we come in!

At Everything New Zealand, we’re a team of locally-based activity experts passionate about sharing the best of Aotearoa. Based right here in New Zealand, we’ve helped thousands of travellers plan their perfect itineraries and experience what this beautiful country is all about. In this guide, we’ll share our Top 5 Summer Travel Tips, from when to start booking your New Zealand summer activities, to which destinations and experiences will make your visit unforgettable (and a few other titbits in between!).

Whether you’re a family, couple or solo adventurer, our insider knowledge will help you get the most out of your time in New Zealand. Let’s dive into our must-know New Zealand travel tips for your next summer adventure!

1. Book Your Bucket-List Activities in Advance

New Zealand’s summer is peak travel season, and for popular activities like Milford Sound tours, stargazing in Tekapo and day trips to Waitomo or Hobbiton, availability runs out FAST. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these iconic experiences. Because let's be honest, we want this to be the trip of a lifetime!

In general, we recommend locking in your must-do experiences at least one month prior to your arrival in New Zealand. However there are a few exceptions to this rule. If your dream is to do an overnight cruise in Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, it's best to book your space 2-3 months in advance. The same applies to popular activities like Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set tours. If you’re unsure where to start, our local team can help you plan and book your must-do adventures.

Explore our top bucket-list activities and secure your bookings by clicking here.

2. Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is well-known for its spectacular scenery, ranging from the South Island's snow-capped mountains to the North Island's geothermal valleys. While it's easy to want to visit everywhere, here's our top picks for summer destinations in New Zealand to get a taste for what Aotearoa has to offer: 

• Queenstown: The adventure capital of New Zealand! Queenstown offers stunning lake and mountain scenery, plus an eclectic mix of thrill-seeking and relaxing activities to choose from.
  
  
• Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook: Stargaze under the world-renowned dark sky reserve in Lake Tekapo, or explore glaciers and alpine trails in Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. In summer, Lake Tekapo is also famous for impressive display of blooming lupins.
  
  
• Kaikoura: A hub for marine wildlife, Kaikoura offers the chance to see whales, dolphins, albatross and seals with a variety of boat tours and water activities.
  
  
• Auckland: Use this vibrant city as a base to explore Waiheke Island, or take day trips to visit Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton or the Bay of Islands.
  
  
• Rotorua: New Zealand's cultural hub, Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal wonderlands and Maori cultural experiences.
  
  
• Taupo: With the largest lake in New Zealand, Taupo is a hub for water-based fun, as well as natural attractions such as Huka Falls. It's also a gateway to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
  
  

3. Top Summer Experiences in Each Destination

Every corner of New Zealand offers unique activities perfect for summer. Here are some must-dos:

Queenstown

• Ride the iconic Shotover Jet boat
• Take a wine tasting tour in the Gibbston region
• Visit Milford Sound on a day trip
• Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship
• Get your thrills on a bungy jump, skydive or rafting trip

*Insider tip* - Many visitors combine a Shotover Jet ride with a helicopter flight and Skyline tickets. This "High Five" package makes for the ultimate Queenstown adventure!

Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

• Stargazing tours in Lake Tekapo 
• Heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier, NZ's longest glacier
• Helicopter flights over Mt Cook National Park

Kaikoura

• Whale watching boat tour
• Swim with wild Dusky dolphins 
• Go sea kayaking with seals and dolphins
• Encounter majestic albatross and other birdlife

Auckland

• Visit Waiheke Island for wine and lunch
• Take a day trip to the Bay of Islands for a Hole in the Rock cruise
• Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set on a day tour

Rotorua

• Go ziplining through ancient forests
• Visit geothermal parks with bubbling mud and geysers
• Enjoy Maori cultural experiences, like a traditional hangi feast
• Soak in a relaxing hot pool, with a variety to choose from

Taupo

• Catch a boat tour to see the Maori carvings
• Get up close to the Huka Falls on a jet boat
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand's best day walks
  
  

4. Packing for NZ Summer

New Zealand’s summer weather can vary, so pack smart! Here are the essentials:

• Clothing: Lightweight warm layers, a waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothing for water activities and sturdy walking shoes
• Sun Protection: The sun is STRONG in New Zealand! Make sure you pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat/cap
• Extras: A reusable water bottle, insect repellent (for those pesky sandflies), swimwear and a daypack for your adventures
• Travel Documents & Essentials: Passport (for travelling & ID), visa (check requirements on the official government website)
  
  

5. Getting Around

Once you've decided which destinations and activities will feature in your New Zealand itinerary, you'll likely be wondering how to get to each place. In New Zealand, hiring a car is often the easiest and most flexible way to get around. With long, winding roads and spectacular scenery around every turn, self-driving allows you to stop and explore at your own pace. For the best choice of car rentals, we recommend hiring in Auckland, Christchurch or Queenstown. In Queenstown, there is even an option to have a rental car delivered to you with Evolve Rentals.

If you're planning to drive, always remember:

• Drive on the left-hand side of the road
• Pull in to allow other drivers to pass if you're unfamiliar with the roads
• Leave extra time for scenic stops along the way

Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? InterCity provides a reliable and comprehensive coach network, making it easy to travel between destinations without the hassle of driving yourself. Our local expert team can help you book coach transfers, please contact us to discuss your plans.

Once you have arrived in each destination, most activity providers provide transfers from a central meeting point to start your tour. But if not, alternatives like public buses, local taxis or rideshare services like Uber are easy to arrange.

Travelling between the North and South Islands? To minimise travel time, we always recommend flying between islands. There are plenty of direct flights available between Auckland and Christchurch/Queenstown.

Plan Your Perfect Summer Adventure

New Zealand in summer offers endless opportunities for exploring, adrenaline, wine tasting and relaxation. Whether you’re chasing thrills in Queenstown or soaking in a Rotorua hot pool, our amazing country won't disappoint! For help with planning the perfect New Zealand summer itinerary, get in touch with us today via LiveChat, phone or email. Find our details here: Contact Us.