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    New Zealand

    New Zealand

    In New Zealand, you'll experience a breathtaking variety of landscapes that will captivate you from snow-capped peaks to turquoise coasts – an…

    • Highlights
    • Explore regions
    • Round trips
    • Best time to visit
    • Good to know

    Why Go To New Zealand?

    When you visit New Zealand, you won't just immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, but also in the soul…

    New Zealand offers an unparalleled wealth of breathtaking natural beauty, from majestic fjords and glaciers to volcanic landscapes and subtropical forests. You'll encounter rich Maori culture, experience thrilling outdoor activities, and discover unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. It's a destination that not only impresses with its beauty but also enables sustainable and authentic encounters.
    • Highlights
    • Explore regions
    • Round trips
    • Best time to visit
    • Good to know

    Highlights in New Zealand

    Unique experiences that make New Zealand unforgettable.

    Akaroa

    Akaroa

    Recommendation
    A charming, French-influenced coastal village on the Banks Peninsula, known for its picturesque harbour setting and rich marine life.
    Awatere Valley

    Awatere Valley

    Recommendation
    The Awatere Valley is known for its unique terroirs, which produce wines with a distinct minerality, and offers a spectacular backdrop for those seeking something special.
    Bay of Islands

    Bay of Islands

    Recommendation
    Die historische Bay of Islands ist berühmt für ihre atemberaubende maritime Landschaft, ihre tiefgreifende historische Bedeutung als Gründungsort Neuseelands und die Fülle an Wassersportaktivitäten.
    Blenheim

    Blenheim

    Recommendation
    As the region's largest town, Blenheim is Marlborough's vibrant heart and an ideal base to explore its surrounding vineyards or enjoy local cafes and boutiques.
    Kerikeri

    Kerikeri

    Recommendation
    Umgib dich in Kerikeri mit üppigen Obstgärten, einer lebendigen Kunstszene und einigen der ältesten europäischen Gebäude des Landes.
    Paihia

    Paihia

    Recommendation
    Paihia ist das lebhafte Herzstück der Bay of Islands und der ideale Ausgangspunkt für deine Erkundungen zu Wasser und zu Land.
    Rotorua

    Rotorua

    Recommendation
    Rotorua ist das Herz der Māori-Kultur und ein Zentrum geothermischer Aktivität, wo heiße Quellen, Geysire und Schlammtümpel das Stadtbild prägen.
    Russell

    Russell

    Recommendation
    Als Neuseelands erste Hauptstadt verzaubert Russell mit seinem historischen Charme, eleganten Gebäuden und einer entspannten Küstenatmosphäre.

    How to plan your trip to New Zealand

    Three paths to the same goal. Pick the one that fits your style.

    Pick a ready-made route

    Choose a prepared itinerary and tailor it to your interests.

    Browse routes

    Save places, then start

    Bookmark places you like and turn them into a trip with one click on My Trips.

    Go to My Trips

    Plan with guidance

    Answer a few quick questions and we'll suggest an itinerary for you.

    Recommended Itineraries

    Discover the best routes through New Zealand.

    New Zealand Classics North & South

    Balanced North & South Island first trip

    12 Days
    November–März
    Stops at a glance
    1. 1.Auckland
    2. 2.Rotorua
    3. 3.Wellington
    4. 4.Picton
    5. 5.Lake Tekapo
    View Route Details →

    New Zealand South Island Road Trip In-depth

    Dedicated South Island Road Trip with Alps and Fjords

    12 Days
    4 Stopps
    November–März

    Leisurely New Zealand by Camper

    Leisurely route with great freedom and low driving stress

    11 Days
    4 Stopps
    November–März

    New Zealand: Comfy without a camper

    New Zealand: No campervan, just fixed bases

    11 Days
    3 Stopps
    November–März

    New Zealand Beach Nature Mix

    Combination of beaches, volcanoes, and Alps

    10 Days
    3 Stopps
    Dezember–März

    New Zealand Family-Friendly Roadtrip

    Relaxed pace route with short distances

    17 Days
    5 Stopps
    November–März
    5 Stopps

    Regions to Discover

    Explore the diverse regions of von New Zealand.

    Auckland

    Auckland

    Welcome to Auckland, the "City of Sails" and New Zealand's largest metropolis, where urban flair meets breathtaking nature. Discover a vibrant port city, surrounded by countless volcanoes and two impressive harbors that seamlessly blend sea and city life. Immerse yourself in a cosmopolitan atmosphere with first-class gastronomy, culture, and outdoor adventures right on your doorstep.
    Bay of Islands

    Bay of Islands

    Willkommen in der atemberaubenden Bay of Islands, einem maritimen Paradies im Norden Neuseelands, wo azurblaues Wasser auf üppig grüne Inseln trifft. Entdecke eine Region voller Geschichte, Abenteuer und unberührter Natur, die dich mit ihrer Schönheit und Vielfalt sofort in ihren Bann ziehen wird. Ob du historische Stätten erkunden, auf dem Wasser Abenteuer erleben oder einfach nur die entspannte Atmosphäre genießen möchtest – hier findest du dein ganz persönliches Stück Paradies.
    Canterbury

    Canterbury

    Welcome to Canterbury, the heart of New Zealand's South Island, where urban rebirth and breathtaking natural landscapes uniquely combine. Here you'll discover a region renowned for its spectacular alpine panoramas, fertile plains, and a vibrant culture reflected in its largest city, Christchurch. Canterbury invites you to enjoy a blend of adventure, relaxation, and culinary experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.
    Central North Island

    Central North Island

    Willkommen in der Zentralen Nordinsel Neuseelands, einem pulsierenden Herzen voller geothermischer Wunder, tief verwurzelter Māori-Kultur und atemberaubender Naturlandschaften. Hier tauchst du in eine Welt ein, die gleichermaßen Abenteuer und Entspannung verspricht, umgeben von Vulkanen, Seen und üppigen Wäldern.Diese Region lädt dich ein, Neuseelands einzigartigen Charakter hautnah zu erleben – von den sprudelnden Schlammtümpeln und Geysiren bis hin zu den epischen Wanderwegen und gastfreundlichen Gemeinden, die dich mit offenen Armen empfangen werden.
    Coromandel Peninsula

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Die Coromandel Peninsula lädt dich ein, eine Welt voller natürlicher Schönheit, entspannter Atmosphäre und unvergesslicher Erlebnisse zu entdecken. Hier findest du goldene Strände, üppigen Regenwald und eine Fülle von Aktivitäten, die deinen Neuseeland-Aufenthalt bereichern werden.Tauche ein in das entspannte Inselgefühl, grabe dein eigenes Spa am Hot Water Beach oder erkunde die atemberaubende Kathedrale Cove – die Coromandel Peninsula ist ein wahres Paradies für Naturliebhaber und Abenteurer gleichermaßen.
    Fiordland National Park

    Fiordland National Park

    The Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of pristine beauty, welcomes you with a breathtaking wilderness of deep fjords, impenetrable rainforests, and majestic mountains.Here, you'll experience New Zealand's pristine nature in its most spectacular form, whether hiking epic trails, on an unforgettable fjord cruise, or observing rare animal species that inhabit this magnificent landscape.

    Good to Know

    Essential info for your trip planning.

    Land & People

    When you visit New Zealand, you won't just immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, but also in the soul of a…

    History & Society

    Welcome to New Zealand, a land whose soul is as diverse and dynamic as its landscapes.

    Food & Drink

    When you're travelling in New Zealand, you'll quickly realise that the culinary scene here has its own charming rules.

    Practical Info

    New Zealand is a relatively straightforward travel destination, but there are a few things you should know before you…

    Getting Around

    New Zealand is a country best explored independently to truly experience its hidden bays, breathtaking mountain passes,…

    RV Travel

    Neuseeland bietet sich hervorragend für eine Erkundung per Wohnmobil an, da die Vielfalt der Landschaften und die gut…

    Traveling with Kids

    New Zealand is an excellent travel destination for families with children, offering a wide array of experiences for…

    Best Time to Visit

    When is the best time for your trip?

    November
    February
    March
    April
    14–19°C·70–95 mm(moderate rain)
    When is actually the best time to travel to New Zealand? Well, that's one of those questions without a single, perfect answer, as New Zealand is a country that offers its own unique charm in every season. What you should know, however, is that since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are exactly opposite to those in Europe. When it's winter for us, New Zealand enjoys summer, and vice-versa.Let's go through the different seasons so you can decide for yourself when the perfect time for your adventure is:Summer (December to February): This is peak travel season. Days are long and warm, ideal if you enjoy hiking, relaxing on the beach, or water sports. Nature is lush green, and the atmosphere is lively. Keep in mind, however: Many New Zealanders also take their holidays then, so popular spots can be crowded, and prices for accommodation and tours may be higher. Early booking is a must here!Autumn (March to May): For many, a hidden gem! Temperatures are still pleasantly mild, tourist crowds thin out, and the landscape, especially on the South Island, transforms into a beautiful display of gold and red hues. It's a fantastic time for hikes and road trips, as trails are often less busy and the weather usually remains stable.Winter (June to August): If you're a fan of winter sports, the New Zealand winter on the South Island is exactly right for you. Here you'll find excellent ski resorts. The North Island is milder in winter but rainier. Away from the ski slopes, it's significantly quieter, prices are lower, and you'll experience a completely different, often mystical side of the country. Keep in mind that some hiking trails or roads in higher altitudes might be closed.Spring (September to November): Spring is a time of awakening. Lambs are frolicking everywhere, nature blossoms, and the days get longer. Temperatures are moderate, but the weather can still be quite changeable with occasional showers and wind. It's a good time if you want to experience nature in its full glory and avoid the biggest tourist rush.Ultimately, it all depends on what you hope to get out of your trip to New Zealand. If you want sun and beaches, choose summer. If you love golden landscapes and quieter hikes, then autumn is ideal. If you're looking for adventure on the ski slopes or solitude, winter might be just right. And if you prefer blossoming nature and want to avoid the mid-summer hustle and bustle, then spring is your time. New Zealand will enchant you no matter what.
    Das Klima in Neuseeland ist aufgrund seiner geografischen Lage und Topografie sehr vielfältig. Da es auf der Südhalbkugel liegt, sind die Jahreszeiten im Vergleich zur Nordhalbkugel vertauscht. Nordinsel: Die nördlichen Regionen der Nordinsel (z.B. Northland, Auckland) haben ein subtropisches Klima mit warmen, feuchten Sommern und milden Wintern. Die Niederschläge sind über das ganze Jahr verteilt, können aber im Winter tendenziell höher sein. Südinsel: Die Südinsel hat ein eher gemäßigtes Klima. Die Westküste (z.B. Fiordland, West Coast) ist extrem regenreich, mit üppigen Regenwäldern. Die Ostküste (z.B. Canterbury, Otago) ist deutlich trockener und sonniger, mit größeren Temperaturunterschieden zwischen Sommer und Winter. Im Landesinneren der Südinsel prägen die Südlichen Alpen ein alpines Klima mit viel Schnee und niedrigen Temperaturen im Winter. Wetterphänomene: Neuseeland ist bekannt für seine schnellen Wetterwechsel. Es ist nicht ungewöhnlich, innerhalb eines Tages alle vier Jahreszeiten zu erleben, besonders in den Bergregionen. Starke Winde können ebenfalls häufig vorkommen. UV-Index: Besonders in den Sommermonaten ist der UV-Index in Neuseeland extrem hoch. Reisende sollten auf ausreichenden Sonnenschutz achten. Wassertemperaturen: Die Wassertemperaturen variieren stark zwischen Nord- und Südinsel. Im Norden können sie im Sommer bis zu 22-23°C erreichen, während sie im Süden selten über 18°C steigen und im Winter deutlich kühler sind.

    Seasons

    Jan
    Feb
    Mär
    Apr
    Mai
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Okt
    Nov
    Dez
    Sommer (Hauptsaison)
    Herbst (Übergangssaison)
    Winter (Nebensaison / Skisaison)
    Frühling (Übergangssaison)
    Best Time to Visit
    ▶Show detailed monthly data
    MonthTemp (°C)Rain (mm)Sun (h)
    January19.0757.5
    February19.0707.0
    March17.0856.5
    April14.0955.5
    May11.01104.5
    June9.01203.5
    July8.01153.5
    August9.01054.0
    September11.0905.0
    October13.0806.0
    November16.0707.0
    December18.0657.5
    Felix at Kuirau Park in Rotorua, New Zealand

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    I love to travel, and I love planning even more. Fernweh.guide is my attempt at building a really good online travel guide.

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