Flights from Japan to New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Why visit New Zealand?

New Zealand offers dramatic mountains, pristine lakes, and wild coastlines paired with relaxed cities and welcoming towns. You can enjoy cinematic scenery, outdoor adventure, and a thriving arts and café culture on the same trip.

What to expect

Most journeys centre on the North Island, home to Auckland and Wellington, and the South Island, known for alpine landscapes around Christchurch and Queenstown. You can expect well-organised infrastructure, friendly locals, and easy access to nature almost everywhere you go.

Plan your trip

New Zealand suits both first-time visitors and repeat travellers who want to explore more remote regions. It also acts as a natural starting point for wider South Pacific adventures, with domestic flights and ferries linking key cities, wine regions, and national parks.

Top experiences in New Zealand

Cruise the fiords of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound

Sail beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls in Fiordland National Park, spotting seals and dolphins against a backdrop of misty peaks.

Explore geothermal landscapes in Rotorua

Walk among steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vivid mineral terraces in Rotorua's geothermal parks.

Discover Auckland's harbour and islands

Take a harbour cruise or ferry to nearby islands for hiking, beaches, and vineyard visits with sweeping views of the city skyline.

Road-trip between Christchurch and Queenstown

Drive past turquoise lakes, snow-tipped mountains, and wide open plains, stopping for short walks and lakefront towns along the way.

Sample world-class wines

Visit cellar doors in regions such as Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Central Otago to taste renowned Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Stargaze under dark skies

Head to destinations like Lake Tekapo in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve to see strikingly clear night skies and the Milky Way.

Join outdoor adventures in Queenstown

Try activities such as jet boating, hiking, rafting, or scenic gondola rides surrounded by alpine scenery.

Experience New Zealand's way of life

Getting around

Domestic flights quickly link major centres such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, while scenic highways make self-drive trips popular. Intercity coaches, local buses, and seasonal tourist trains offer alternatives if you prefer not to drive.

Local life & culture

You will find a relaxed lifestyle, strong community spirit, and a deep connection to the natural environment. Contemporary New Zealand culture blends Māori heritage and Pacific influences with European and Asian traditions in daily life, design, arts, and sport.

Where to unwind

Soak in natural hot pools in Rotorua or Hanmer Springs, or relax beside lakes such as Wakatipu, Taupō, and Tekapo. Coastal walks, gentle forest trails, and quiet bays around both islands provide calm spaces to reset between busier days.

A taste of New Zealand

National dishes & specialties

Seafood, lamb, and seasonal produce sit at the heart of New Zealand cuisine, often cooked simply to highlight freshness. You can also try local treats such as pavlova-style desserts and artisan cheeses in regions known for farming and viticulture.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch feature waterfront eateries, neighbourhood cafés, and food halls with influences from across Asia, Europe, and the Pacific. Smaller towns often have relaxed bistros, bakeries, and food trucks that make easy stops on road trips.

Signature & scenic dining

Enjoy vineyard restaurants in Marlborough or Central Otago, where long lunches come with mountain or vineyard views. In harbour cities, you can pair fresh seafood with sunsets over the water from rooftop venues or waterfront terraces.

Retail therapy in New Zealand

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have modern malls and mixed-use precincts that combine international brands with local labels. You will also find boutique-lined streets in central areas, offering fashion, outdoor gear, and lifestyle products.

Markets & local crafts

Weekend markets in cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin showcase handmade jewellery, textiles, art, and gourmet produce. Regional towns often feature small craft markets where you can find woodwork, ceramics, and locally made skincare.

Evening retail scene

City centres like Auckland's waterfront districts and Wellington's inner-city streets stay lively into the evening with late-opening boutiques, design stores, and galleries. In popular holiday towns, compact high streets offer relaxed browsing after dinner.

Best time to visit New Zealand

Summer (December to February, peak season) brings warm temperatures of around 20–25°C (68–77°F) in many regions, with long daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities and coastal trips. Shoulder seasons in spring (September to November, shoulder season) and autumn (March to May, shoulder season) offer mild conditions of roughly 13–20°C (55–68°F), fewer crowds, and vivid seasonal colours in both countryside and cities. Winter (June to August, low season) is cooler at approximately 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many areas, colder in alpine regions, and is the best time for snow sports while lower-altitude regions remain suitable for sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions