Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

Why visit New Zealand?
New Zealand offers dramatic mountains, wild coastlines, and green countryside, all within easy reach of vibrant cities. You can explore Māori heritage, film-famous landscapes, and outdoorsy towns that feel relaxed yet full of energy.
What to expect
Most visitors start in Auckland on the North Island or Christchurch on the South Island, then branch out to bays, wine regions, geothermal areas, and alpine national parks. Each region has its own feel, from harbourfront city life to quiet lakeside villages.
Plan your trip
You can combine city breaks, road trips, and short domestic flights to see more in one journey. New Zealand also works well as part of a wider Asia-Pacific itinerary when you connect via Singapore, opening up travel across the region in a single trip.

Top experiences in New Zealand

Explore Auckland's harbours and neighbourhoods

Stroll waterfront promenades, take a harbour cruise, and discover characterful districts filled with galleries and cafés.

Discover Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains

Wander riverside paths and gardens, then head into the surrounding plains and foothills for expansive rural views.

Cruise the fjords of the South Island

Join a scenic cruise through glacier-carved sounds where sheer cliffs and waterfalls meet calm, reflective water.

Visit geothermal landscapes in the North Island

See steaming valleys, colourful mineral terraces, and bubbling pools in one of the country's geothermal regions.

Walk among mountains and lakes on day hikes

Choose from well-marked trails that lead to lookouts over turquoise lakes, alpine passes, and forested valleys.

Sample cool-climate wines in coastal vineyards

Spend an afternoon at vineyards known for crisp whites and elegant reds, often paired with local produce.

Get out on the water for sailing or kayaking

Join boat trips or paddling excursions that reveal sheltered bays, island-dotted harbours, and marine wildlife.

Enjoy starry skies in dark-sky regions

Travel to recognised dark-sky areas where clear nights reveal bright constellations and a vivid Milky Way.

Experience New Zealand's way of life

Getting around
You can link major centres such as Auckland and Christchurch with frequent domestic flights, then continue by car to smaller towns and natural attractions. Well-maintained highways, scenic routes, and coach services make road travel straightforward.
Local life & culture
Everyday life in New Zealand moves at an easy pace, with a strong connection to the outdoors and community events. Māori culture is woven into language, art, and public spaces, while coastal cities blend creative industries with relaxed, sporty lifestyles.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in lakeside retreats, coastal villages, or countryside lodges surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. Many regions offer hot pools, spa hideaways, and easy walking tracks, so you always have somewhere peaceful to restore your energy.

A taste of New Zealand

National dishes & specialties
You can look out for fresh seafood, pasture-raised meats, and produce-driven dishes that change with the seasons. Different regions, from coastal areas near Auckland to rural districts around Christchurch, each highlight their own specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Auckland and Christchurch, you will find harbourside eateries, relaxed cafés, and modern bistros serving influences from across the Pacific and beyond. Smaller towns also offer welcoming spots where you can try local flavours after a day of exploring.
Signature & scenic dining
You can book restaurants with views of city skylines, hilltop lookouts, or working vineyards for memorable evenings. In both islands, scenic lodges and destination restaurants pair thoughtful menus with wide-open landscapes and clear night skies.

Retail therapy in New Zealand

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Auckland and Christchurch feature modern shopping centres that bring together international labels, local brands, and practical everyday stores. You can combine errands with dining, cinemas, and services in one convenient stop.
Markets & local crafts
Weekend markets and boutique districts in cities and regional towns offer handmade jewellery, textiles, and homeware. Areas around Auckland, Christchurch, and nearby creative communities are good places to seek out artisan pieces.
Evening retail scene
In the main cities, central streets and waterfront promenades stay lively into the evening with late-opening shops, bars, and eateries. You can enjoy a stroll past lit-up storefronts and pop into smaller boutiques that open later on select nights.

Best time to visit New Zealand

Peak season: December to February is summer, with average temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F) in many regions. This is the warmest time for beaches, hiking, and outdoor events, and also the busiest travel period.
Shoulder season: March to May and September to November bring mild conditions around 13–20°C (55–68°F). These months offer settled weather for road trips and sightseeing, with fewer crowds and changing seasonal colours.
Low season: June to August is winter, with averages from 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many areas, cooler in alpine regions. It is quieter overall, though mountain areas can be busy with snow activities.

Frequently Asked Questions