Is New Zealand Worth Visiting? My Honest Take After Living, Leaving, and Coming Back Again

I moved to New Zealand after university without knowing much about it beyond “it looks nice in photos” and “Australia sounded too hot”.

At the time, I genuinely wasn’t sure whether moving halfway across the world would be worth the cost, the long flights, or leaving everyone I knew behind for a country I’d barely researched (I was incredibly oblivious to the realities of the move!).

It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and more than 15 years later I still rave about it any chance I get!

I lived in Auckland for a year, travelled around both islands, and have since gone back several times for road trips around the country. I’ve skydived in Queenstown twice, driven through mountain passes in terrible weather, and learned that New Zealand distances are much bigger than they look on a map.

So if you’re wondering whether New Zealand is actually worth visiting, my short answer is yes – but probably not for the reasons most people think.

After living there and road-tripping around the country several times, I’ve got a much clearer idea of what makes New Zealand genuinely worth the effort – and what catches first-time visitors off guard.

Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook, a bright blue lake and snow-capped mountain in the background.

Top Recommendations

Visit Milford Sound
Attend a Māori cultural performance and meal
Visit the Waitomo glow worm caves

15 Best Reasons To Visit New Zealand

A group of Maori women performing a traditional dance with poi.

1. Māori Culture

Before moving to New Zealand, I honestly knew very little about Māori culture beyond the haka.

One of the most powerful things about visiting New Zealand is how present Māori culture is – not just in museums or performances, but in everyday life.

Te reo Māori (the Māori language) is used by New Zealanders of all backgrounds. You’ll hear it in greetings like kia ora, see it on road signs, and notice it integrated into everything from school curriculums to public ceremonies.

During my time living in New Zealand, I had the chance to engage with Māori culture beyond the surface. I visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the nation’s founding agreement was signed, and attended traditional hāngī meals in Rotorua, where food is slow-cooked in the earth.

These experiences didn’t feel overly staged; they were welcoming, heartfelt, and grounded in a deep respect for land, ancestors, and community.

Māori culture isn’t just something to observe – it’s something you feel throughout your time in Aotearoa. Taking the time to connect with it adds a layer of meaning to your trip that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.

➡️ Check out Mitai for the best Māori experience in Rotorua!

Tandem skydive, exiting the plane above a bright blue lake below and dark blue sky above. — My Queenstown skydive!

2. Adventure

Before visiting New Zealand, I’d never tried an adventure activity – no skydiving, no jet boats, nothing even close. But something about being in New Zealand changed that.

I ended up skydiving in Queenstown not once, but twice. And I’d never imagined myself as the kind of person who jumps out of planes. I’ve been paragliding over mountain ridges, flown down rivers in jet boats (which were actually invented in New Zealand), and felt my heart race in ways I didn’t think I’d ever enjoy.

Queenstown, often called the adventure capital of the world, is where New Zealand’s first commercial bungy jump business started, and it’s been famous for adrenaline-spiking adventures ever since. Whether it’s canyoning, white-water rafting, or ziplining through ancient forests, there’s something for every level of bravery.

One thing I appreciate about New Zealand is that you don’t need to be an ultra-adventurous campervan person to enjoy it. I first travelled around the country before I could even drive.

That said, New Zealand also has a way of pushing you slightly outside your comfort zone. New Zealand made me much more adventurous than I was before I moved there.

Towering, rugged cliffs rise sharply from the edge of a deep blue fjord in Doubtful Sound, their steep faces covered in dense green forest and patches of exposed rock under a bright, partly cloudy sky. — Doubtful Sound

3. Landscapes

If there’s one thing that makes New Zealand instantly worth visiting, it’s the sheer range and drama of its natural scenery. You can find black sand beaches, temperate rainforests, stunning lakes, and snow-capped mountains.

I’ve travelled quite a bit since first moving there, and New Zealand is still the most visually impressive country I’ve visited.

There are vivid geothermal parks with neon-coloured pools (and that unmistakable sulphur smell), jagged peaks in Mount Cook National Park, and glacier-fed lakes like the impossibly blue Lake Pukaki. The South Island in particular is like a highlight reel of the planet’s most spectacular terrain.

It’s impossible to pick a favourite – Doubtful Sound in Fiordland, mountains and lakes in Otago, vineyards in Marlborough? The list is almost endless.

One of my personal favorite experiences was a helicopter ride over the glaciers and mountain ranges from Franz Josef. It was definitely a splurge, but I got to sit in the front seat – and seeing those vast snowfields from the sky was something I’ll never forget.

Whether you’re hiking, road-tripping, or just looking out your window, the landscapes here don’t just impress—they stop you in your tracks. It’s not hyperbole to say you’ll pull over on the highway a lot just to soak it in.

A wide gravel path cuts through a neatly arranged vineyard, leading toward distant blue mountains beneath a gray, overcast sky. The lush green vines contrast with the dry, brown grass in the foreground.

4. The Wine Is World-Class – And Often Impossible to Find Elsewhere

I didn’t expect New Zealand to become one of my favourite wine destinations, but Central Otago pinot noir has become slightly dangerous for my bank account. While Marlborough is the country’s largest and most famous wine region, there are incredible lesser-known areas producing standout wines you’ll rarely see outside NZ.

Central Otago is known for its bold Pinot Noirs, while Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne offer full-bodied reds and aromatic whites. Even the Auckland region has some hidden gems, and these local bottles often don’t make it beyond the country’s borders.

On my travels, I’ve taken wine tours across several of these regions – including tasting in the atmospheric Gibbston Valley wine cave near Queenstown and relaxing in the rustic tasting room at Church Road winery near Napier.

I even brought a few bottles back to the UK from my last trip (though I regretted not bringing more).

An inviting winery interior with exposed wooden beams, rows of stacked wine barrels, and several tasting tables; a few visitors sample wines near a long bar,

If you enjoy wine even a little, New Zealand offers experiences—and flavors—you won’t find anywhere else. Check out my guide to the best wine regions in New Zealand to plan your own tasting route.

5. Lord Of The Rings

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies put New Zealand on the map for millions of movie fans—and the country has fully embraced its role as Middle-earth. The film industry plays a significant role in the local economy, especially around Wellington, where much of the production work was done.

There are Lord of the Rings-themed tours all over the country, but the highlight for many is visiting Hobbiton. I’ve done day trips to Hobbiton from Auckland, and it’s well worth the journey—even if you’re not a die-hard fan.

When I first visited, you could only stand next to the iconic round doors. Now, they’ve built an entire hobbit hole interior you can actually walk through, and the level of detail is astonishing.

Cozy, Hobbit-style interior with rustic wooden beams, warm lighting, and a lit fireplace surrounded by armchairs, woven rugs, and handcrafted decor. The room features curved doorways, vintage furniture, and an inviting, earthy color palette straight out of a fantasy setting like Hobbiton.

If you’re considering a visit, I’ve rounded up the best Hobbiton tours from Auckland to help you plan it easily.

For more behind-the-scenes magic, you can stop by the Wētā Cave in Wellington or the Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience in Auckland. I’ve visited both of their shops—the creativity is incredible.

Giant sculpted dragon head bursting from a rocky wall inside Weta Workshop, surrounded by collectible figurines and dramatic lighting in a fantasy-themed exhibit. — Smaug at the Auckland Weta Workshop

I haven’t done the full interactive tours (the Auckland one uses flashing lights, which I can’t be around), but if you’re a movie buff, they’re definitely worth checking out.

Book a full day Lord of The Rings film tour from Wellington here!

6. Wellington

View over Wellington city centre, with the harbour in the distance on the left, and trees in the foreground next to cable car tracks.

Wellington may be compact, but it packs a creative, cultural punch. It has a cooler, more alternative vibe than bigger cities like Auckland or Christchurch, with street art, independent boutiques, and a strong coffee culture woven into daily life.

You can easily explore most of the city on foot, which makes it perfect for wandering without an itinerary. Take the iconic red cable car up to the Botanic Gardens and stroll back down through native bush, rose gardens, and panoramic views over the harbour.

Of course, no visit is complete without spending time at Te Papa—New Zealand’s national museum (more on that later!). And if you’re into food and people-watching, Cuba Street is the place to be. With its vintage stores, quirky cafes, and buskers on every corner, it captures the laid-back, arty spirit that makes Wellington feel so different—and, for many, more charming—than the country’s larger cities.

Geothermal pools with yellow, brown pools of water and trees on a hill in the background.

7. Geothermal Activity

New Zealand’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire leads to some beautiful geothermal attractions. Check out Hot Water Beach in Coromandel to dig yourself a little pool and sit next to the Pacific ocean in the hot water.

One particular highlight is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua with it’s brightly coloured pools, and bubbling mud.

One of the strangest things about the city of Rotorua is the occasional waft of rotten egg smell. This comes from the hydrogen sulphide produced by various areas of geothermal activity in the city.

It’s not the best-smelling place on the planet, but it’s worth overlooking that to focus on what’s in front of your eyes rather than your nose.

Three Little Blue Penguins, with dark blue feathers on their backs and wings, and white bellies. — Little Blue Penguins

8. Wildlife

The distance of New Zealand from other parts of the world has led to the existence of a few species that are not found anywhere else – most notably the Kiwi, a nocturnal flightless bird.

The kiwi is a symbol of New Zealand and also the nickname for New Zealanders. Visit the Kiwi Park in Queenstown to get a glimpse of these New Zealand icons, along with other native species.

Another favourite wildlife stop is in Oamaru, a small town on the east coast of the South Island. Oamaru is home to a colony of Little Blue Penguins, and every evening you can go to watch them return from the ocean. I’m kind of obsessed with the penguins – if there is a chance of seeing them, I’ll take it and I go into more detail in the guide to the best things to do in Oamaru.

The numbers vary according to season, but in New Zealand’s summer, you can watch up to 200 of these little birds waddling back to their homes.

The Milky Way, visible at night in Tekapo. The Dark Sky Reserve in Tekapo. — Tekapo and the Milky Way

9. Stargazing

New Zealand is a great place to experience the night sky, and this is especially true of the area around Lake Tekapo. It’s in one of about 20 dark sky reserves worldwide, most of which are in the Northern Hemisphere, so Tekapo is an ideal place to watch the southern night sky.

Unfortunately on my most recent visit I had booked a stargazing tour on what turned out to be a very cloudy night so it was cancelled. But I’ll try again next time!

You can see a lot simply by stepping outside at night, but the best views can be had through a tour at the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory.

10. Gateway To Antarctica

New Zealand is one of the locations where expeditions to Antarctica start from, and so the International Antarctic Centre near Christchurch gives visitors a chance to explore some of the history and experiences of Antarctica.

Try out the storm room to experience a -18c Antarctic storm each hour. Be taken for a ride on a Hagglund – an all-terrain vehicle around a track set up like some of the landscapes that Antarctic explorers will encounter.

Until my most recent visit I had no idea that they did talks about the huskies who were part of Antarctic exploration. I walked into a lecture area just as the dogs appeared for a talk about them and how they were used.

A group of five huskies lounge on a deep blue carpet in front of a large projection showing a close-up of a dog's face. One husky rests on a covered platform while the others lie on the ground around a wooden sled display, which includes a sign reading "Huskies Only: Thank you."

It’s also another place where you can see the Little Blue Penguins – a small number of these penguins that are too injured to survive in the wild are cared for by specialist veterinarians.

11. World’s Best Train Journeys

There are three excellent train journeys in New Zealand which are sightseeing experiences more than a commuting mode of transport.

The Northern Explorer takes you from Auckland to Wellington. The full journey is about 11 hours, travelling most of the length of the North Island.

A view from the TranzAlpine train of a river with a pebble shore surrounded by trees. — TranzAlpine train views

The most spectacular train journey however is the TranzAlpine, often considered one of the world’s best train journeys. It’s a 5-hour journey through the Southern Alps mountains between Christchurch and Greymouth in the South Island.

See the plains of Canterbury, the famous Arthur’s Pass in the mountains, and end on New Zealand’s west coast – a part of the country that is often overlooked.

There is also the Coastal Pacific train which runs from Picton at the northern tip of the South Island, down to Christchurch.

The Cardboard Cathedral with geometric stained glass panels in Christchurch.

12. Christchurch

Christchurch has undergone a massive transformation in the years since the devastating 2011 earthquake. While there are still a few buildings bearing the scars of that day, the city has done an incredible job of rebuilding—not just restoring what was lost, but reimagining itself in the process.

A bold mural of three oversized red lips is painted on a bright blue wall in a parking lot. Each mouth is filled with stylized white and yellow letters, forming unique patterns across the teeth, while parked cars line the foreground.

Today, Christchurch feels fresh and creative. Street art now covers many walls throughout the city centre, with vibrant murals turning once-empty spaces into open-air galleries.

The Botanic Gardens are a standout spot for a peaceful walk, especially on a sunny afternoon. And the Avon River makes parts of Christchurch feel more like an English city than other New Zealand locations.

The Cardboard Cathedral—a striking temporary structure made from cardboard tubes—is one of the most unique architectural responses to the quake. But it’s just one part of a wider story: Christchurch is a city moving forward with resilience, innovation, and a surprising amount of charm.

I’ve visited the city before the earthquake, a few years after when it felt deserted and heartbreaking, and again more recently. Although it’s not the same, it’s much more upbeat and busy now that a huge amount of rebuilding has been done.

Boats moored at Viaduct Harbour in Auckland — Viaduct Harbour in Auckland

13. Auckland

When you’re flying into New Zealand, chances are you’ll land in Auckland – it’s the country’s largest city and main international gateway. I lived in Auckland for a year, so I know it better than any other part of New Zealand. It’s a city with a lot to offer, especially if you know where to look.

You can take in panoramic views (or even jump off!) from the top of the Sky Tower, explore the volcanic cones scattered across the city, or spend a day wine tasting and beach hopping on Waiheke Island. The Auckland Museum offers an excellent introduction to Māori and Pacific history, and Queen Street is great for a leisurely browse.

That said, while Auckland is definitely worth exploring, I recommend limiting your time here to around three days, unless you’ve got at least three weeks to spend in the country. There’s just so much more to see elsewhere, and Auckland can’t compete with the jaw-dropping natural experiences the rest of New Zealand delivers.

Check out my guide to the best things to do in Auckland to make the most of your time there.

14. Coffee

Kiwis take coffee very seriously, especially the flat white.

Flat whites have made their way into other parts of the world, however, I have found very few places in other countries to get an authentic version.

If you order one from Starbucks or any other chain in another part of the world, it won’t be anything like the original.

New Zealand and Australia both claim the invention of the flat white, but there is no shortage of places in either country to get very good coffee.

Tip: If you normally drink an Americano, the New Zealand equivalent is often called a Long Black

15. Rugby

The New Zealand All Blacks have often been considered the most successful team across any sport in history. I’m not generally a sports fan, but I do occasionally watch rugby, especially if the All Blacks play, and they are amazing to watch.

Given that the population of New Zealand is significantly lower than other major rugby countries, they manage to produce some incredible players.

One of the only things I regret about my time living in New Zealand is that I didn’t see them play at their home in Eden Park.

6 Best Things To Do In New Zealand

📍Milford Sound

One of the most beautiful places in the South Island, Milford Sound is one of those natural wonders that makes New Zealand worth visiting.

Take a tour from Queenstown to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Island and then a cruise through the Sound itself. Alternatively, spend a night in Te Anau and drive a rental car to Milford Sound yourself.

If you are visiting New Zealand then this is an unmissable activity. Milford Sound is in Fiordland and the landscapes in that area are just stunning.

Book your Milford Sound day tour from Queenstown here!

Tip: If you do drive yourself from Te Anau make sure you fill up your car with fuel before you leave – there is a limited supply in Milford Sound.

Blue lights created by glow worms in a cave at Waitomo — Waitomo glow worm caves

📍 Waitomo Glow Worms Tour

Take a tour through the Waitomo Caves and see the caverns lit up like the night sky by thousands of glow worms. It’s an extremely popular attraction on the North Island so make sure you book early to grab one of the limited slots.

You won’t regret it and it’s one of those superb experiences that makes New Zealand worth visiting.

➡️ Book your glow worm tour tickets here!

📍 Wine Tour

Make the most of the wine region around Queenstown by joining a day tour. Let someone else take care of the driving and directions while you make friends with other visitors and sample some of the best wines in Central Otago.

I particularly recommend tours like this to solo travellers.

After your first few sips, it’s much easier to strike up a conversation with the other members of the tour, and a great way to spend a few hours being social if you are travelling alone.

➡️ I recommend this small group wine tour – book tickets here ⬅️

📍Franz Josef Glacier

You will find the World Heritage Site on the west coast of the South Island. Take a heli-hike tour of the Southern Alps and explore Franz Josef Glacier.

You do need a moderate level of fitness for this one, but it’s a great way to visit one of New Zealand’s famous natural wonders.

Alternatively there are scenic flight options without the hiking.

📍Te Papa Tongarewa

Te Papa is the national museum in Wellington and houses a collection spanning Māori cultural artefacts, natural wonders and the development of New Zealand from an untouched land to the modern country of today.

There are also story and activity sessions available for children.

Te Papa is in the centre of Wellington by the waterfront, and I spend a few hours exploring every time I visit the city.

The area dedicated to the stories of New Zealand soldiers in World War II is outstanding.

Dolphins jumping in the ocean at Kaikoura

📍Dolphin and Whale Watching

Enjoy a half-day tour from Auckland on a quest to find marine mammals. Whether it is spotting a whale from a distance or watching dolphins swim alongside the boat, jumping and playing, seeing these animals in the wild is something special.

This tour is run by the Maritime Museum and in the interest of animal welfare they do not lure animals to them by providing food.

This ensures that they don’t become dependent on the boats. Instead, the tour goes looking for the animals wherever they choose to be that day.

This does mean that there are no guarantees of sightings, but if you don’t see anything you will get a voucher to return another time. I would do this on your first day in Auckland to allow for a second chance if they don’t come out to play.

Kaikoura is also famous for whale and dolphin watching.

Book your Auckland dolphin and whale watching tour here!

📌 Looking for more New Zealand inspiration? Check out my full collection of NZ travel posts.

Where To Stay In New Zealand

I recommend using Booking.com when looking for accommodation, but here are a few suggestions.

Auckland

📍The Grand by SkyCity is part of the complex housing Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower. It’s in the centre of Auckland and is a great place to start your adventure, especially after a long flight.

📍LyLo Auckland is a budget-friendly hostel in central Auckland with both dorm and private room options.

Wellington

📍QT Hotel is directly by Te Papa Museum in the centre of Wellington. It has artwork throughout the hotel, a great restaurant and eclectic rooms.

Queenstown

📍Novotel Lakeside is one of the most convenient options in Queenstown. It’s directly by the lake and in the centre of the town.

For more Queenstown options, I have a dedicated Queenstown accommodation post.

Person paragliding with yellow parachute over the Queenstown and the lake with mountains in the background.

How Many Days Do You Need To See New Zealand?

I have a full guide to how many days you should spend in New Zealand, with itineraries for different visits.

For a quick answer, I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks. You’ll likely need a day or two to recover from jetlag, and given the distance you will have travelled it’s worth visiting New Zealand for at least 2 weeks to justify the travel.

Driving days in New Zealand are often slower than visitors expect because roads are winding and you’ll want to stop constantly, so it can take longer to get around than you expect.

To see the highlights of this amazing country check out my ultimate 14 day New Zealand itinerary

Alternatively if you would prefer to focus on the South Island, check out this Picton to Queenstown itinerary.

3 weeks or more will allow you to truly enjoy the highlights of this beautiful country at a more relaxed pace.

If, however, you only have a week to spare, I would recommend that you focus on the South Island to see some of the more spectacular landscapes.

Several small islands in bright blue ocean water, the Bay of Islands

What Is The Best Time To Visit New Zealand?

As New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of the home countries of many visitors.

The best time to visit New Zealand is the summer – December to February. Experience a warm Christmas, and make the most of sunny days hiking, biking, and enjoying their beaches.

If you visit in July – September you can enjoy winter activities such as skiing, but summer is a better bet overall.

A sweeping mountain view of Lindis Pass, with rugged peaks and golden grassy hills rolling under a dramatic sky. A winding road cuts through the terrain, leading toward distant mountains and a hidden lake valley.

FAQs: Visiting New Zealand

If you are still on the fence about visiting New Zealand (although surely the reasons above were enough to convince you!), here are some answers to common questions.

What is New Zealand famous for?

Wine, Lord Of The Rings and rugby. Kiwis make stellar wine, produce some of the best rugby players in the world, and New Zealand is the setting of the incredible landscapes of the Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit films.

Is New Zealand Dangerous?

New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world, and consistently ranks near the top of the Global Peace Index. There are some potential hazards in New Zealand such as earthquakes but generally it is not a dangerous place to visit.

What does a trip to New Zealand cost?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends so much on your chosen activities, accommodation and transport. Flights are generally expensive, simply because it is far away but by keeping an eye on websites such as Skyscanner you can find good deals.

You can save a lot on accommodation costs by hiring a camper van or staying in hostels. New Zealand has many excellent hostels that are very safe for solo travellers, so it’s not necessary to stay in a hotel if you are alone.

Activities such as skydiving and day tours can be expensive but aren’t necessary to enjoy your stay. It’s not a cheap place to visit but there are many ways to cut down on costs by choosing budget-friendly options.

Is New Zealand better than Australia to visit?

I believe New Zealand is the better choice, primarily because there is more variety in a smaller area and it is easier to get around to different areas.

The climate is much milder than Australia’s so you still get warm summers without sweltering heat.

I would also note that while Australia is infamous for its variety of dangerous and/or poisonous animals, there are very few dangerous animals in New Zealand. For more information I have a dedicated guide comparing Australia and New Zealand.

What are some reasons NOT to visit New Zealand?

There is genuinely only one reason I can think of why New Zealand shouldn’t be on top of your travel list. It’s very far away from pretty much everywhere. Even its closest neighbour, Australia, is a minimum 3 1/2 hour flight away.

I can promise you that New Zealand is worth visiting, but if the idea of a long flight fills you with dread, then I won’t blame you for reconsidering.

What is safer, Australia or New Zealand?

They are both very safe countries for travelling, but New Zealand has the advantage of fewer dangerous animals. New Zealand also has slightly lower crime rates, but Australia is still a safe country to visit.

Do I need a visa for New Zealand?

Many visitors to New Zealand will need either a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling, even for short tourist trips. The exact requirements depend on your nationality, how long you plan to stay, and the purpose of your visit.
I recommend checking the official New Zealand Immigration website before booking your trip so you can confirm the latest entry requirements for your specific country.

Why I Keep Going Back To New Zealand

Definitely! New Zealand is absolutely worth visiting.

More than 15 years after I first moved there, New Zealand is still one of the few places I consistently want to return to. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, made me more adventurous than I expected, and gave me some of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had.

To help continue your planning, have a look at the best places to visit on the North Island, and the best South Island locations. If you are considering visiting New Zealand on your own, take a look at my guide to solo travel in New Zealand.

I hope the information here has persuaded you that no matter what you are looking for when you travel, New Zealand can offer it to you. It’s one of my favourite places and somewhere I’ll keep returning to.

For more ideas as you build your New Zealand itinerary, check out my North Island and South Island travel hubs.