Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Why visit New Zealand?
New Zealand offers dramatic mountain ranges, clear lakes, and wild coastlines, paired with relaxed cities and warm hospitality. You find striking contrasts within short distances, from alpine towns to subtropical bays.
What to expect
Most journeys revolve around the North Island hubs of Auckland and Wellington, and the South Island gateways of Christchurch and Queenstown. You can mix city culture with geothermal wonders, vineyards, and legendary hiking and driving routes.
Plan your trip
New Zealand works well for both short city stays and longer road trips across islands. It is also a natural extension to a wider Asia Pacific itinerary when you connect through Singapore, with flexible routing options in either direction.

Top experiences in New Zealand

Explore Auckland and its harbours

Stroll the waterfront, take a harbour cruise, and ride up city viewpoints for sweeping vistas of the Hauraki Gulf.

Discover Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains

Wander riverside gardens, admire new architecture, and use the city as a base for day trips towards the Southern Alps.

Cruise through Milford or Doubtful Sound

Sail beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls in Fiordland, with good chances to see seals, dolphins, and birdlife.

Experience geothermal landscapes in Rotorua

Walk past bubbling mud pools and steaming vents, then unwind in naturally heated mineral pools nearby.

Drive classic scenic routes

Follow winding roads such as the West Coast route or the journey between Queenstown and Glenorchy for constant mountain and lake views.

Visit wineries in regions like Marlborough and Hawke Bay

Sample celebrated cool-climate wines at cellar doors surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills.

Head outdoors for hiking and cycling

Choose from short coastal walks, multi day Great Walks, or well marked cycling trails across both islands.

Relax on beaches in Northland and the Coromandel

Swim, kayak, or simply slow down on golden sands framed by native bush and sheltered bays.

Experience New Zealand s way of life

Getting around
Domestic flights link major centres like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown quickly, ideal for longer trips. Well maintained highways and scenic byways make self drive holidays, campervan journeys, and coach tours straightforward.
Local life & culture
Life moves at an easy pace, with an emphasis on time outdoors, community events, and sport. You notice strong creative scenes in cities, with galleries, live music, and waterfront promenades that fill up on sunny days.
Where to unwind
You can slow down by lakes, in alpine spa towns, or in coastal retreats tucked into sheltered bays. Nature is always close, from city parks and riverside paths to remote national parks with quiet viewpoints and night skies.

A taste of New Zealand

National dishes & specialties
New Zealand cuisine highlights fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and excellent lamb, often prepared simply to showcase quality. Coastal regions are known for fish and shellfish, while inland farming areas supply dairy and meat.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You find relaxed cafes, food trucks, and bistros across Auckland and Christchurch, as well as in smaller towns on popular routes. Menus often blend local ingredients with influences from Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, offering varied choices in one neighbourhood.
Signature & scenic dining
Vineyard restaurants pair regional wines with views of vines and mountains, creating long lunch settings. In harbour and lakefront cities, you can dine overlooking the water, sometimes combined with short cruises or sunset vantage points.

Retail therapy in New Zealand

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Auckland and Christchurch bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These hubs are convenient places to pick up clothing, outdoor gear, and everyday essentials in one visit.
Markets & local crafts
Weekend markets and small boutiques showcase handmade ceramics, textiles, and art, especially in cities like Auckland and Wellington. Regional towns on popular touring routes often feature studios selling woodwork, jewellery, and landscape photography.
Evening retail scene
Late opening shopping streets and waterfront precincts in larger cities stay lively after dark, with stores, bars, and eateries side by side. Some towns host evening markets in warmer months, combining stalls, live music, and food stands.

Best time to visit New Zealand

Summer (peak season): From December to February, expect average temperatures of about 20 25°C (68 77°F) in many regions. This is popular for beaches, hiking, and long daylight hours.
Spring and autumn (shoulder season): From September to November and March to May, temperatures usually range from 12 20°C (54 68°F). These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and good conditions for road trips.
Winter (low season): From June to August, averages sit around 5 12°C (41 54°F) in many areas, colder in alpine regions. It is ideal for snow sports in the mountains and quieter sightseeing elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions