A little more
New Zealand.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to New Zealand: what to know before you go

New Zealand, in the south-west Pacific, packs fiords, glaciers, volcanoes, beaches and rainforest into two main islands, with Māori culture woven through everyday life. Excellent walking tracks, adventure sports and a road-trip culture make it a favourite for active travellers, campervan trips and anyone who loves the outdoors.

Where to go

• Milford Sound and Fiordland. In Fiordland National Park, sheer cliffs rise from dark water and waterfalls pour down after rain.
• Queenstown. Set on Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables, Queenstown is known for bungee jumping, jet-boating, skiing in winter and wine regions nearby in Central Otago.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing. A day hike of about 19 kilometres through a volcanic landscape in Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing steaming vents and the vivid Emerald Lakes.
• Rotorua. A geothermal area of geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs, and a centre of Māori culture.

Best time to visit

December to February is summer, with the warmest weather, long days and the busiest season on beaches and tracks. March to May is autumn, often settled and quieter, with colourful trees in Central Otago.

Staying online in New Zealand

Mobile coverage is good in cities, towns and along main highways, with 4G and 5G in urban areas. Outside towns there are many gaps: Fiordland, including the road to Milford Sound, much of the West Coast, alpine passes, national park tracks and remote beaches often have little or no signal. Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, libraries and many campsites. Download offline maps before driving. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.