From ancient fjords and volcanic plateaus to vibrant Māori traditions and world-class adventure — discover what makes New Zealand one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth.
Straddling the Pacific Ring of Fire and sculpted by millennia of glacial and volcanic forces, New Zealand packs an astonishing range of landscapes into a country smaller than Japan. In a single day, you can stand beneath ancient rainforest canopy, soak in natural hot springs, and gaze up at some of the clearest night skies on the planet.
For Australians, it's the perfect short-haul international escape — close enough for a long weekend, diverse enough for a month of discovery. Let us show you the icons that define Aotearoa.
The landmarks, wildlife, and cultural treasures that make New Zealand unforgettable
Rudyard Kipling called it the "eighth wonder of the world," and one glance at Mitre Peak rising 1,692 metres from the dark waters explains why. Cruise beneath Stirling Falls, spot fur seals on rocky outcrops, and watch dolphins arc through one of the wettest — and most spectacular — places on Earth.
Nestled among the lush, rolling farmland of Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set transports visitors straight into J.R.R. Tolkien's Shire. Wander past 44 hobbit holes, cross the double-arched bridge, and finish with a specially brewed ale at The Green Dragon Inn. Peter Jackson's vision has become one of New Zealand's most-visited attractions.
The smell of sulphur announces your arrival in Rotorua long before you see the first plume of steam. This geothermal hotspot sits on the Taupō Volcanic Zone, producing boiling mud pools, silica terraces in electric blues and oranges, and the mighty Pōhutu Geyser erupting up to 30 metres. It's also the heartland of Te Arawa Māori culture — attend a hāngī feast and kapahaka performance for an unforgettable evening.
The indigenous Māori people arrived in Aotearoa over 700 years ago in great ocean-going waka (canoes), bringing with them a rich oral tradition, intricate carving, and the resonant power of the haka. Today, Māori culture is woven into every facet of New Zealand life — from place names and parliamentary protocol to contemporary art and cuisine. A marae (meeting-ground) visit offers a genuine, respectful window into this living culture.
Framed by the Remarkables mountain range and perched on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is where adrenaline meets alpine beauty. Bungy jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge (birthplace of commercial bungy), jet boat through narrow canyons, or simply ride the Skyline Gondola for jaw-dropping panoramas. In winter, four nearby ski fields transform the town into a snow-sports paradise.
Shy, flightless, and fiercely protected, the kiwi is an evolutionary marvel — a nocturnal bird with whisker-like feathers, nostrils at the tip of its beak, and bones filled with marrow instead of air. Five species survive in the wild thanks to intensive predator control, and dedicated nocturnal kiwi houses in Rotorua, Wellington, and Queenstown let visitors observe these taonga (treasured) birds up close.
A sun-drenched archipelago of 144 islands scattered across turquoise waters, the Bay of Islands is where modern New Zealand began — the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840. Today it's a playground for sailing, diving at the Poor Knights Islands, dolphin swimming, and deep-sea fishing. The charming towns of Paihia and Russell serve as your gateway.
Widely regarded as one of the finest single-day hikes on the planet, the 19.4 km Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you through an otherworldly volcanic landscape of steaming vents, emerald crater lakes, and vast lava flows. The park holds dual UNESCO status — honoured for both its natural significance and its spiritual importance to Ngāti Tūwharetoa and other iwi.
Rugby union isn't just a sport in New Zealand — it's a binding thread of national identity. The All Blacks, with their fearsome pre-match haka and a winning record unmatched by any major international team, are a source of enormous pride. Visit the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North, catch a Super Rugby match, or simply join the locals at a pub on test-match night.
New Zealand is home to some of the world's rarest penguin species. The endangered hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), found only in the South Island and sub-Antarctic islands, is one of the most ancient penguin lineages. Meanwhile, the tiny kororā (little blue penguin) — the world's smallest penguin at just 25 cm — waddles ashore at dusk in colonies from Oamaru to Akaroa, delighting onlookers.
Few places on Earth offer glaciers that descend into temperate rainforest, but New Zealand's West Coast delivers exactly that. Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) and Fox Glacier are fed by heavy snowfall in the Southern Alps and carve dramatically through lush native bush. Heli-hike onto the ice for an experience that feels like stepping onto another planet.
New Zealand's largest wine region basks in more sunshine hours than almost anywhere in the country, producing the zesty, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc that put Kiwi wine on the global map. Cycle between cellar doors along the vine-lined roads, pair local drops with green-lipped mussels from the Marlborough Sounds, and discover why this corner of the South Island is a food-and-wine lover's paradise.
Two islands, two distinct personalities — here's what each brings to your journey
Home to three-quarters of the population, the North Island pulses with Māori heritage, volcanic energy, and cosmopolitan cities.
Less populated but spectacularly dramatic, the South Island serves up New Zealand's most awe-inspiring alpine and coastal landscapes.
A year-round destination — each season offers something special
Peak season with long warm days (20–30 °C), ideal for beaches, Great Walks, and outdoor festivals. Book accommodation well in advance.
Stunning foliage in Central Otago and Hawke's Bay, harvest festivals, wine season, and fewer crowds. Mild temperatures (12–20 °C).
Ski and snowboard at Cardrona, Treble Cone, or Mt Ruapehu. Hot pools feel even better in the cold. Great value on flights and lodging.
Blooming gardens, baby lambs, and whale migration season in Kaikoura. Shoulder-season pricing with increasingly pleasant weather.
Everything Brisbane travellers need to know before crossing the Tasman
Direct flights from Brisbane to Auckland take around 3.5 hours. Christchurch and Queenstown are also served by direct or one-stop routes.
Australian citizens receive a visa on arrival and can stay up to 6 months. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
Your Australian licence is valid for 12 months. Left-hand driving, as in Australia. Roads can be narrower and windier — allow extra time and enjoy the scenery.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Contactless payments are ubiquitous; carry some cash for remote spots and small vendors.
Same plug type as Australia (Type I), so no adaptor needed. Standard voltage is 230V/50Hz — identical to home.
"Four seasons in one day" is a genuine Kiwi saying. Bring a waterproof jacket, sunscreen (UV is strong), and layers regardless of season.
Bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and heli-skiing in jaw-dropping natural settings
13 national parks, 3 World Heritage Areas, and a fierce national commitment to conservation
Legendary Kiwi hospitality and genuine, respectful cultural experiences with Māori and local communities
World-class Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, farm-to-table cuisine, and fresh seafood straight from the ocean
Quick answers to help you plan your New Zealand adventure
It depends on your priorities. Summer (December–February) delivers warm weather for beaches, hiking, and outdoor festivals — it's peak season, so book early. Autumn (March–May) brings gorgeous foliage, wine harvests, and fewer crowds. Winter (June–August) is perfect for skiing and hot-pool soaking. Spring (September–November) offers blooming gardens and whale migration season. The honest answer: every season has a reason to visit.
No. Australian citizens receive a visa on arrival and can stay for up to 6 months for tourism. You don't need to apply in advance — just travel on a valid Australian passport that's valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand.
We recommend 10–14 days as a minimum to see both islands without rushing. A single island can fill a rewarding week. If you can stretch to 2–3 weeks, you'll have the luxury of slower-paced exploring, side trips, and spontaneous detours — which is really where New Zealand shines.
The North Island is warmer, more populated, and rich in Māori culture and geothermal activity — think Rotorua, Hobbiton, the Bay of Islands, and vibrant Auckland and Wellington. The South Island is wilder and more sparsely populated, with dramatic alpine scenery — Milford Sound, Queenstown, glaciers, whale watching, and world-class wine country. Most travellers want to see both.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payments (Visa payWave, Apple Pay, etc.) are the norm. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Carrying a small amount of cash is wise for remote areas, market stalls, and smaller businesses.
Costs are broadly similar to Australia. Accommodation and popular activities can be pricey in peak season and tourist hotspots. Budget options exist — DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites, holiday parks, and hostels bring costs down. Cooking your own meals using supermarket ingredients is easy and affordable. Booking a Cooee Tours package can simplify logistics and often provides better value than piecing everything together independently.
Yes. Your valid Australian driver's licence is accepted for up to 12 months. New Zealand drives on the left — same as home. The main differences: roads tend to be narrower and more winding, single-lane bridges are common in rural areas, and speed limits are generally 100 km/h on the open road. Allow more time than Google Maps suggests and enjoy the drive.
Layers are your best friend — the weather shifts rapidly. Must-haves include a waterproof shell jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (the UV index in NZ is notably high), sunglasses, and a hat. Pack warm layers even in summer, especially if you're heading to the South Island or doing any altitude. Good news: NZ uses the same power plugs as Australia, so you won't need an adaptor.
Very. New Zealand consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Kiwis are friendly and helpful. Standard travel precautions apply — secure valuables, don't leave bags visible in parked cars at trailheads, and always check weather conditions with local information centres before heading into the backcountry. Emergency services are on 111.
Coverage in cities and towns is excellent. However, many rural, mountainous, and national park areas have limited or no mobile reception. Free Wi-Fi is available at most accommodation, cafés, and libraries. Consider downloading offline maps before road trips, and let someone know your plans if hiking in remote areas.
From Northland's subtropical bays to Fiordland's ancient peaks, Cooee Tours designs journeys that turn bucket-list dreams into lasting memories. Let us handle the details — you just bring the sense of wonder.
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