Flights from Switzerland to New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Why visit New Zealand?

New Zealand offers dramatic mountains, wild coastlines, and emerald lakes, paired with friendly cities and a relaxed pace. You find outdoor adventure, film-famous landscapes, and a strong connection to nature almost everywhere you go.

What to expect

From the cosmopolitan harbours of Auckland and Wellington to the alpine playgrounds of Queenstown and the wide Canterbury plains, New Zealand is varied yet easy to explore. You can mix vineyard visits, coastal drives, and hiking with culture, galleries, and urban waterfronts.

Plan your trip

New Zealand works well for both road trips and multi-city itineraries linking the North and South Islands. It is also a welcoming gateway to the wider South Pacific, with good onward connections to nearby island nations.

Top experiences in New Zealand

Explore Auckland’s harbours and islands

Cruise between Auckland’s sparkling Waitematā Harbour and nearby islands such as Waiheke, where you can enjoy coastal walks, vineyards, and sweeping city views.

Discover geothermal Rotorua

Walk among geysers, bubbling mud pools, and colourful mineral terraces in Rotorua, then wander lakeside paths through towering forests.

Cruise Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound

Sail beneath sheer fiord cliffs and waterfalls in Fiordland National Park, often accompanied by dolphins, seals, and swirling mist.

Stay in Queenstown, the adventure hub

Base yourself in Queenstown for jet boating, hiking, cycling, and lake cruises backed by the dramatic Remarkables mountain range.

Tour vineyards in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay

Sip cool-climate wines among sunlit vines in Marlborough or cycle between art deco streets and cellar doors in Hawke’s Bay.

Ride the TranzAlpine railway

Travel between Christchurch and Greymouth on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, crossing river plains and the Southern Alps.

Visit glacier country on the West Coast

See Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from walking trails or scenic flights, framed by rainforest, mountains, and wild beaches.

Stargaze in Aoraki Mackenzie

Look up from the Mackenzie Basin’s dark sky reserves to see brilliant stars, the Milky Way, and, in season, the Southern Cross shining clearly.

Experience New Zealand’s way of life

Getting around

Domestic flights link main centres such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, keeping travel times short. Scenic drives and long-distance buses connect smaller towns, while ferries between Wellington and Picton make it simple to combine the North and South Islands.

Local life & culture

You find a laid-back, outdoor-focused lifestyle, with weekends often spent at beaches, on trails, or at local sports events. Contemporary culture blends Māori heritage, Pacific influences, and European traditions, creating a distinctive arts, design, and storytelling scene.

Where to unwind

Relax in hot pools in Rotorua, Hanmer Springs, or near Lake Tekapo, or slow down on quiet bays in Northland and the Coromandel. In the South Island, lakeside towns and national parks offer calm walking tracks, picnic spots, and peaceful lookouts over mountains and water.

A taste of New Zealand

National dishes & specialties

You can try dishes featuring lamb, fresh seafood, and local produce, alongside classics such as pavlova and meat pies. Coastal regions from Northland to the South Island’s southern harbours are known for seafood, while rural areas showcase farm-to-table flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch you find relaxed eateries, food halls, and cafés serving everything from Pacific-inspired plates to global street food. Smaller centres often revolve around local cafés, bakeries, and bistros that reflect regional tastes.

Signature & scenic dining

Harbourside restaurants in Auckland and Wellington, vineyard dining in regions such as Marlborough and Central Otago, and lakefront venues in Queenstown combine local ingredients with memorable views. Many spots pair seasonal menus with New Zealand wines and craft beers.

Retail therapy in New Zealand

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton feature modern malls and lifestyle centres with international labels, local designers, and everyday essentials. Many include dining precincts and entertainment options so you can easily combine shopping with a relaxed outing.

Markets & local crafts

Weekend and farmers’ markets in cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin often showcase artisan products, handmade goods, and design pieces. Smaller towns across both islands are known for galleries and studios selling textiles, woodwork, and jewellery inspired by local landscapes.

Evening retail scene

Central districts in Auckland and Wellington stay lively into the evening, with late-opening shops near waterfronts and entertainment areas. In resort towns such as Queenstown, compact pedestrian streets make it easy to browse boutiques after dinner.

Best time to visit New Zealand

Summer (December to February) is peak season, with average temperatures around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in many regions, long daylight hours, and busy coastal and lake areas. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are shoulder season, bringing mild temperatures of roughly 12–20 °C (54–68 °F), fewer crowds, and good conditions for hiking and road trips. Winter (June to August) is low season for most of the country, with typical temperatures of 5–12 °C (41–54 °F) in lowland areas, cooler nights, and snow in alpine regions that supports a strong ski season.

Frequently Asked Questions