The most pleasant time for travelling throughout New Zealand is summer (December to February); however, this is also the busiest period, especially during school holidays (late December to late January).

Winter can get very cold with frequent snowfall - but this is the perfect time to travel if you’re looking to ski or snowboard, particularly in the South Island.

Read more about the best time to visit New Zealand

New Zealand has been home to the Maori for approximately 1000 years after they crossed the Pacific Ocean in canoes from Polynesia. In the 18th century, Europeans arrived at New Zealand which led to wide-scale disruption and land loss for the Maoris. However, in 1840 Treaty of Waitangi officially recognised Maori land ownership, of which the British and Maoris were signatories. This historic agreement is viewed as a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history

Modern New Zealand is home to a diverse blend of people from far and wide. Maori, Pacific Islander, European and Asian influences blend to create a vibrant culture. Known for being friendly, down-to-earth, laidback and open, most visitors will find New Zealanders to be helpful, approachable, generous and up for a laugh.

Maori culture has its origins in Polynesia, so some aspects of Maori language, customs and traditions are quite similar to those of neighbouring islands. With strong values based on respect for the family, ancestors and the land, Maori culture is hierarchical and steeped in centuries of tradition. Maori families typically come together for special occasions, celebrations and ceremonies filled with sacred dance, spiritual song and food.

Some of New Zealand’s most popular events include the New Zealand Festival of the Arts, International Hobbit Day and the Queenstown Winter Festival.

Learn more about Maori culture

Sitting in the South Pacific Ocean, this island nation is split in two – comprising two major landmasses surrounded by several smaller islands. And while there are many natural similarities between the two islands, they each have their own geographical and environmental character.

The mountainous South Island is larger, and its scenery unfolds on a grand scale. One of its crown jewels is Mt Cook, which is both the highest peak in the country and one of the most stunning sights. Fiords, glaciers, rugged bush and rocky coast are also major features of the South Island, and the differences between the likes of Franz Josef Glacier and the rugged Catlins Coast show the island’s great diversity.

The North Island, on the other hand, is more volcanic, though it has three times the population of the south. Typical features include bubbling lakes and mud pools, and geysers that erupt regularly (and spectacularly). The North Island is great for a hike or zip-line through untouched virgin native forests, with large national parks and reserves preserving the nation’s heritage bushland and the iconic Kiwi bird.

Being an island in the Pacific, New Zealand has a great love of seafood. Other popular ingredients in New Zealand cuisine include homegrown fresh produce, lamb and the local favourite dessert: pavlova. New Zealand is also home to many vineyards and breweries.

Must-try food and drink in New Zealand

1. Wine & craft beer

Producing a huge variety of top-quality wines (many more than just the famous Sauvignon Blancs), New Zealand is full of vineyards and cellar doors to visit. Microbreweries are well represented, too; the Kiwis more than pull their weight in the global small-batch craft beer movement, especially in Wellington.

2. Crayfish

There are plenty of places to try crayfish, but Kaikoura, near the top of the South Island, is the best. This sperm whale-watching capital of the world was, in fact, named after the crayfish (Kaikoura translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in Maori), and there’s a slew of places along the beach to sample the day’s fresh catch.

3. Lamb

With sheep playing a huge part in New Zealand’s agricultural economy, it’s no wonder succulent lamb can be found in most restaurants. If you’re a meat lover, don’t leave New Zealand without tasting the lamb (if you’re indulging in a hangi feast, chances are you will).

4. Kiwis, Feijoas & Tamarillos

Though none of them actually originated in New Zealand (Kiwis came from China; Feijoas and Tamarillos came from South America), these fruits have become synonymous with New Zealand and are all fairly major exports. While kiwi fruit is well known to most of us, it’s the feijoas and tamarillos you should take advantage of while in New Zealand. Abundant, versatile and an acquired taste, they pop up everywhere from roadside stalls to front-garden giveaways to gourmet cafe dishes.

5. Pavlova

Even though the creator of this desert is hotly contested by their trans-Tasman cousins, the pavlova – a dessert with a meringue-like base and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit - was the invention of a Wellington chef to honour Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova's tour of Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. It’s a must-try for the sweet tooths.

1. Conquer the Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro National Park is full of beautiful trails, but the epic Tongariro Crossing is unrivalled in New Zealand.

2. Marvel at majestic Mt Cook

New Zealand’s tallest mountain also happens to be one of the most spectacular peaks in the southern hemisphere.

3. Discover next-level hiking at Franz Josef Glacier

Welcome to the South Island’s otherworldly side – a World Heritage-listed slice of perfection begging to be explored on foot.

4. Live it up in Wellington

Move over Melbourne – Wellington has the liveable, laidback charm that other cities down under only dream of.

5. Dive into action-packed Queenstown

New Zealand’s stunning adventure capital has something for everyone, from high-octane thrills to top-notch food and wine.

6. Soak up the stark beauty of Wanaka

Lakes and mountains of another calibre unfold in this soothing South Island spot – a just short trip from action-packed Queenstown.

7. Come alive to Maoritanga in Rotorua

Geysers erupt on the hour in this hotbed of Maori culture, and the locals are only too eager to share their culture and traditional lands.

The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

Credit cards are widely accepted by shops, restaurants and cafes in New Zealand. Smaller establishments may only accept cash or require a minimum purchase for credit card use, so be sure to carry enough cash for smaller purchases.

ATMs are commonly found in large cities and regional towns in New Zealand. ATM access will be very limited in remote areas, so be aware of this before heading out of the city