Flights from London (LON) to New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Why visit New Zealand?

New Zealand offers dramatic mountains, tranquil beaches, and friendly cities, all within easy reach. You can explore vibrant urban life, sweeping coastlines, and some of the world’s most pristine wilderness in a single trip.

What to expect

Expect a relaxed, outdoors-focused lifestyle, compact and walkable cities such as Auckland and Christchurch, and regions that range from subtropical bays to snow-capped alpine landscapes. Driving routes, wine regions, and adventure hubs make every day feel different.

Plan your trip

New Zealand is ideal for road trips, nature holidays, and city breaks, and also a natural gateway to exploring the wider South Pacific. Plan a journey that links both islands, using domestic flights or scenic drives to connect key regions.

Top experiences in New Zealand

Explore Auckland’s harbours and islands

Cruise across the Waitematā Harbour, wander the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, or take a ferry to nearby islands for walking trails and sweeping city views.

Discover Christchurch and the Canterbury plains

Stroll along the Ōtākaro Avon River, explore the city’s evolving arts and gardens, then head into the Canterbury countryside for wide skies and mountain backdrops.

Visit geothermal and cultural hubs

Add a side trip to geothermal areas and lakes, where steaming valleys, hot pools, and lakeside walks sit close to lively local town centres.

Journey through alpine landscapes

Travel into the Southern Alps for glacier views, high-country hikes, and clear night skies ideal for stargazing.

Relax on beaches and coastal walks

Spend time on golden-sand beaches, sheltered bays, and coastal trails that reveal cliffs, coves, and views across the Pacific and Tasman seas.

Sample vineyards and cellar doors

Visit wine regions to taste local varietals, enjoy long lunches among the vines, and meet winemakers in relaxed cellar doors.

Seek out film and fantasy landscapes

Explore dramatic hills, valleys, and river gorges that have featured in film and television, and discover how the scenery shapes local storytelling.

Experience New Zealand’s way of life

Getting around

New Zealand is well suited to self-drive trips, with well-maintained highways connecting major cities and regions. Domestic flights link hubs such as Auckland and Christchurch with smaller centres, making it easy to cover longer distances between the North and South Islands.

Local life & culture

Daily life in New Zealand moves at an easy pace, with a strong connection to the outdoors, community sport, and creative arts. You will find a thoughtful blend of contemporary culture, local heritage, and diverse influences in galleries, festivals, and neighbourhoods across both islands.

Where to unwind

Relax in city parks and botanic gardens, soak in natural or developed hot pools, or escape to lakes, beaches, and forest trails. From gentle coastal walks to quiet countryside retreats, there are many places to pause and reconnect with nature.

A taste of New Zealand

National dishes & specialties

New Zealand is known for fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and locally raised meats, often prepared simply to highlight their flavour. Coastal cities and rural regions alike showcase ingredients sourced from nearby waters, farms, orchards, and gardens.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In Auckland and Christchurch you will find relaxed cafés, food halls, and neighbourhood eateries serving everything from local favourites to international flavours. Smaller towns offer cosy bistros, bakeries, and local spots that are ideal for breaks on a road trip.

Signature & scenic dining

Across New Zealand, restaurants and lodges make the most of ocean, harbour, or mountain views, pairing them with carefully crafted menus. Winery restaurants and countryside retreats often offer long, lingering meals that celebrate the surrounding landscape.

Retail therapy in New Zealand

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Auckland and Christchurch feature modern shopping centres with international brands, local designers, and convenient dining. Lifestyle precincts combine boutiques, cinemas, and cafés, making them easy places to spend an afternoon.

Markets & local crafts

Weekend markets and artisan fairs across cities and regional towns showcase crafts, textiles, skincare, and design pieces made in New Zealand. Look for small makers in Auckland, Christchurch, and nearby regions for unique keepsakes.

Evening retail scene

In larger cities, late-opening malls, dining precincts, and illuminated main streets create a relaxed evening atmosphere. You can combine shopping with a leisurely dinner, riverside stroll, or harbour walk after dark.

Best time to visit New Zealand

Summer (December to February) is peak season, with long days and temperatures typically around 20–25°C (68–77°F), ideal for beaches, hiking, and outdoor dining. Spring and autumn (September to November, March to May) are shoulder season, with mild temperatures of about 13–20°C (55–68°F) and fewer visitors, making cities and scenic routes easy to explore. Winter (June to August) is low season for many coastal areas but popular in alpine regions, with cooler temperatures from 5–12°C (41–54°F), bringing snow to higher elevations and crisp, clear days.

Frequently Asked Questions