What is the best way to travel to New Zealand?

The best way to travel to New Zealand is obviously by air (unless you want to spend a lot of time on a boat). Most major airlines offer direct flights to New Zealand. It's easy to get here on a non-stop flight from America, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.



In 2026, the best way to reach New Zealand remains long-haul air travel, primarily through Auckland Airport (AKL), the country's main international gateway. From North America, non-stop flights depart from major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, and Vancouver, typically taking 12 to 14 hours. Air New Zealand is often cited as the "best" carrier due to its unique Skycouch product and high service standards, though United, Delta, and American Airlines also offer competitive direct routes. For those coming from Australia, the 3-hour flight across the Tasman Sea is serviced by numerous carriers daily. In 2026, travelers must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) digitally before arrival. Once in the country, the "best" way to explore is by renting a campervan or car, as public transit between rural scenic spots like Milford Sound or Lake Tekapo is limited. This "self-drive" approach offers the flexibility needed to navigate the winding, picturesque roads of the North and South Islands at your own pace.

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Outside the cities, there are vast expanses of rolling countryside, tall mountains and acres of almost impenetrable native bush. In some regions, it can be a long way to the next town. As a result, most New Zealanders tend to travel by car.

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5-10 days will mean you can take a tour with more time to explore and more 2 nights stops on one island 10-14 days will allow you to visit both the North and South Island starting on one and finishing on the other.

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Catch the bus The InterCity bus network is the cheapest way to travel around New Zealand. The buses are reasonably comfortable with big windows, charging ports and regular stops.

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Generally speaking, if you want to engage with city culture or explore Maori history, the North Island is for you. If you want to deep-dive into nature, the South Island has plenty of lakes, mountains, fjords, and glaciers to discover.

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For a 10-day trip, we recommend visiting up to four or five different destinations. Our 10-day itinerary locations are some of the most popular: Auckland the City of Sails, Wellington the cultural, art and food capital, and Queenstown the home of world-class adrenaline activities.

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Most travellers need either an NZeTA or a visa to travel to New Zealand. This depends on the passport you are travelling on, and if you will be a visitor or a transit passenger.

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The cost of living in New Zealand, for one person in a major city, is between NZ$3,000-NZ$4,000 per month. A family of four can expect to need NZ$5,000-NZ$6,000 per month to live.

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So if you're planning on traveling New Zealand without a car, don't worry! I know most people recommend renting/buying a car, but it is definitely not necessary. I enjoyed traveling New Zealand by bus and I don't feel like it made it any more difficult to see the country the way I wanted to.

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