Living in Sydney, I’m guilty of thinking of New Zealand as somewhere I can always go next month. It’s close enough for a skiing trip, which is usually my first excuse to book. I love Queenstown for that, but what I’ve particularly enjoyed discovering on my travels is how naturally New Zealand brings together its spectacular outdoors and a tradition of luxury hospitality, in every season.
Aotearoa is easy to admire from a car window, but I’ve found that the places I remember most are those where I’ve stopped and spent a little more time. Wellington is overdue for another visit, and Fiordland is somewhere I’d like to explore properly. Then there are the lodges, each with its own character and reasons to return: Huka Lodge for its history, Cabot Lodgefor its working-farm roots, and many others worth discovering.
Below are the five places I’d build a trip around, leaving enough room in the itinerary to linger a little longer wherever I find myself wanting to stay.
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Where should I go for the first time in New Zealand?
I’d start with Queenstown if you’re coming for the mountains, with time allotted for Arrowtown and a few days in Fiordland National Park. For the North Island, Auckland is a useful starting point before heading towards Rotorua for its geothermal landscapes and Māori culture, then Lake Taupō. If food is your priority, I’d make Wellington part of the trip. My main advice is to choose a few places you’re interested in and give each at least a few days.
Is New Zealand very expensive?
It can be, although a luxury lodge and a helicopter aren’t compulsory parts of an itinerary. I’d spend on a stay I really wanted, then balance it with somewhere simpler, ideally with a kitchen so you can cook some of your own meals. Skiing and guided activities can take a sizable bite out of the budget, so decide which matter most before booking everything else. If you’re considering a camper van, compare the total hire cost, including fuel and campsite fees, with a car and accommodation. I’d also leave room on the budget for eating out and wine tasting.
