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3 Vibrant New Zealand Cities You Should Add to Your 2025 Travel List

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Christine Krzyszton
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Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

342 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 100U.S. States Visited: 45

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-dep...
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Michael Y. Park

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Despite the initially long journey, New Zealand is easy to explore once you’ve arrived. In such an easily navigated location, visitors should find it easy to visit worthy parts of this amazing and diverse country.

While Auckland is an obvious city to explore, 3 additional New Zealand cities are worthy of a visit. Each has its character, unique activities, and reasons for adding them to your travel list. Dozens of airlines fly into the northernmost city of Auckland, and from there, it’s easy to reach other parts of the north and south islands.

In today’s article, I’ll share my take on the cities I’ve spent the most time in during my visits to New Zealand to inspire you to visit Queenstown, Wellington, and Christchurch. I’ll also detail how to maximize your points and miles on airfare and lodging.

Getting There

I mentioned earlier that New Zealand consists primarily of North Island and South Island, but most tourists arrive on the North Island. According to Wikipedia, over 2 dozen airlines from 45 destinations fly in and out of Auckland International Airport (AKL), the country’s largest.

It’s easy to navigate between the 2 islands by renting a car, taking a ferry, flying short flights between cities, or traveling by train and public transport.

Because many airlines fly to New Zealand, getting there with points or miles is entirely possible. My Upgraded Points colleague Ehsan Haque has great suggestions for booking flights to New Zealand from the U.S. using points and miles.

Here are a few of his ideas:

  • Use All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club miles to book United or Air New Zealand flights for 75,000 to 225,000 miles one-way, depending on the class of service.
  • Use Air Canada Aeroplan miles to book economy flights between Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) and Auckland (AKL) for 75,000 Aeroplan points each way.
  • Use United Airlines Mileage Plus miles to book San Francisco (SFO) to Auckland (AKL) from 100,000 miles one-way in Polaris business class.
Hot Tip:

Domestic intra-New Zealand flights can be inexpensive. Of the 6 flights I purchased on Air New Zealand for travel to and from Queenstown, Wellington, and Christchurch, none were more than $100.

Queenstown

Queenstown is the perfect destination for a traveler who loves outdoor activities and nature. The town is popular for its adventure sports but can also be a place to relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

Queenstown NZ Gondola
Queenstown is surrounded by nature.

Queenstown is on the South Island of New Zealand, less than a 2-hour flight from Auckland. The town is smaller, with around 33,000 residents.

I found lodging and food affordable but higher than in Wellington or Christchurch. Activities were expensive. Of course, everything depends on one’s budget.

Lodging

There are few hotels in Queenstown where you can use loyalty points, but all are good choices.

IHG

There are 4 IHG properties in and around Queenstown, but the Crowne Plaza Queenstown is arguably the best with its amenities and central location. You can easily walk from the hotel to everything the city offers. Nights range from 30,000 to 70,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Queenstown New Zealand Crowne Plaza Hotel View
My stay at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown was delightful.

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Queenstown, also in the town center, can be booked from 25,000 to 70,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Hilton

Further from town but just a short water taxi ride away, the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is a great waterfront resort. The property was perfect for me to use a $200 resort credit and free night certificates found and earned on my Hilton co-branded cards. Standard rooms at the resort can be booked from 50,000 Hilton Honors points.

Next door is the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Queenstown, which you can book from 25,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Finally, there is the in-town Eichardt’s Private Hotel, an SLH Hotel, where you can book a room starting at 130,000 Hilton Honors points per night (higher during peak times).

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a solid choice for earning Hilton Honors points. Plus, you can earn a free night certificate by spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year. The card also comes with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

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An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
130,000 points
Up to $650
$150
19.99%-28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
  • 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
  • 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
  • Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Activities

Queenstown is a sportsperson’s paradise. Activities available include hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, winter sports, bungee jumping, diving, biking, and more.

Queenstown NZ Bungee Jump
For a minute, I considered bungee jumping.
  • If bungee jumping has been on your bucket list, you can do it where it all began. The Kawarau Bridge, where bungee jumping originated, is right outside Queenstown.
  • Milford Sound should be at the top of your list for “its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and jaw-dropping views,” according to Tourism New Zealand. Experience the fjords by helicopter, bus, boat, kayak, or diving.
  • Queenstown Gardens is an incredible park with walking trails that follow the water’s edge. The gardens are a sanctuary with old-growth forests, ponds, and greenery. There’s also a disc golf course, tennis court, and outdoor bowling.
  • Take the Queenstown Gondola to the top for an incredible view. Have lunch, luge down the mountain, hike, or bike.
  • Sail on the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. The coal-fired steamship is one of the last in the Southern Hemisphere and will soon be converted from coal. The unique vessel takes you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can have barbecue, a farm tour, and an ecological experience.

There are too many activities in Queenstown and the surrounding area to mention here. If there’s an outdoor sport you enjoy, you can do it here. The Queenstown website has all the information you need.

Dining

People from all over the world flock to Queenstown. As a result, you can find every international cuisine available. The town is foodie heaven.

The best dish I had in Queenstown was at Blue Kanu. The seafood curry paired with a green papaya salad was the perfect meal. Reservations are recommended.

Queenstown Blue Kanu Curry
The seafood curry at Blue Kanu, Queenstown.

The Cow, the oldest restaurant in the city, offers a comfy atmosphere. Once an old stone barn, the popular pizza place is complete with the warmth of a fireplace, local beer, and brick-oven pizza you won’t forget.

Don’t leave Queenstown without grabbing a takeaway order of fish and chips and heading to the waterfront to watch the sunset. Erik’s Fish and Chips food truck is near the water and a good choice for several local fish varieties and seafood.

Bottom Line:

Queenstown is a great pick if you like the outdoors or want to relax and enjoy nature. IHG and Hilton have several properties where you can use loyalty program rewards points for lodging. The food scene is internationally diverse, with plenty of local seafood.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, located on the southernmost edge of the North Island. It’s a livable city with a chill atmosphere during the day and a vibrant nightlife.

The city has its share of high-rises, but its waterfront location makes it comfortable to visit. Since I didn’t participate much in the nightlife, I found it a quiet city with a slower vibe than Queenstown or Christchurch. It’s also a very walkable city.

Wellington NZ Waterfront
There’s always something happening on the waterfront in Wellington.

Wellington’s architecture combines British Georgian, classical, art deco, the unique local vernacular style, and recent buildings using more sustainable materials. This contrast adds visual interest to the city.

Hot Tip:

During your New Zealand travels, seek out Māori cultural experiences. The Māori tribes are New Zealand’s Polynesian settlers and the second-largest ethnic group in the country. Learn best about the Māori customs, beliefs, and connections to the land while on the North Island.

Lodging

There are several properties in Wellington where you can use hotel loyalty points. Let’s go over a few.

IHG

The InterContinental Wellington is by Wellington Harbor. An upscale choice, the hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, and an executive lounge. You can book the hotel from just 30,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, or higher during peak periods.

Hilton

I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington and used 120,000 Hilton Honors points for 5 nights (award stays get a fifth night free). Built in the 1920s and since updated, the hotel combines a retro vibe with modern surroundings. And the hotel is in the heart of everything going on in Wellington. During my visit there, it was the perfect choice for exploring the city.

Doubletree Hotel Bar Wellington
The DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington was art deco style with a modern twist.

Wyndham

TRYP by Wyndham Wellington Tory Street, Microtel by Wyndham Wellington, and Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street are near and around the central business district in Wellington. You can book rooms from 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points.

Activities

You can see most of Wellington in a few days. Add a few more to explore the area outside the city, including wine country, the nearby beaches and harbors, and the mountains.

Picton New Zealand Harbor Park
Picton is a scenic town across the sound from Wellington.
  • Take the 3.5-hour ferry ride across Cook Strait to the town of Picton. Upgrade to the premium lounge on board for comfortable seating, delicious food, beer, and wine, all included.
  • The Wellington Cable Car, pictured at the beginning of our article, is a must-do activity. At the top of the mountain is a botanical garden, an observatory, a cable car museum, and plenty of walking trails.
  • If you’re a “Lord of the Rings” fan, you will enjoy seeing where the movies were filmed, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the Wētā Workshop tours in Wellington.
  • Martinborough wine country is a must-visit while in Wellington. Poppies and Moy Hall were a couple of my favorite vineyards. Don’t miss lunch at Moy Hall, a culinary delight!
  • Don’t miss the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The Te Papa, as it’s generally known, is a center of art, science, and learning about the natural history of New Zealand. (“Te Papa means “treasure box” in Māori.)

Dining

New Zealand is known for its aromatic white wines that pair nicely with the local foods. Be sure to have fresh seafood when dining in Wellington, as it’s a great value.

The Ortega Fish Shack is not a shack but a delightful casual restaurant featuring a creative seafood menu. A complete fish dinner was about $23, but the French toast fish sandwich was highly recommended and was only around $7.

Grazie, a funky Italian restaurant in the Doubletree Hotel Wellington, was packed every night I stayed there. I decided to have a light meal to see what the fuss was about. It was the best Caesar salad I have ever had, and the calamari melted in my mouth. And the service was superb. My neighbors raved about their fish dishes, as well.

Gratzie Restaurant Meal Wellington NZ
Caesar salad, calamari, and a nice sauvignon blanc at Grazie in Wellington.

I didn’t make it to Graze Wine Bar, but it was recommended to me more than once and gets great reviews. Its food is sourced locally and the menu changes daily. Think of sharing-size dishes in a casual atmosphere.

No matter where I dine abroad, I frequently pay with my American Express® Gold Card to earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x points.

BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
60,000 points
Up to $1,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Bottom Line:

Wellington is a vibrant waterfront city with plenty of culture. Known for its farm-to-table, sustainable food scene and its scenic beauty, the city is also a good base for exploring the surrounding wine country and mountains. Wellington is also the gateway for crossing Cooks Sound to reach the South Island.

Christchurch

Christchurch, devastated by a massive earthquake over a decade ago, saw nearly 100,000 buildings damaged and 10,000 destroyed. Although the city is still rebuilding, there’s a new urban vibe, and the city is buzzing with activity.

Rebuilding the city has also seen the emergence of painted murals adorning the sides of buildings, celebrating its new life.

Christchurch NZ Mural
Christchurch is a treat for street art lovers.

The city is compact and easy to navigate. A walking tour or ride on the city tram can be a good way to get a feel for the landscape. The city, an old English settlement, is known for its gardens and green spaces.

Lodging

There are several Christchurch properties where you can use hotel loyalty points for free hotel nights.

IHG

The Crowne Plaza Christchurch is the perfect base for access to museums, Victoria Square, the Avon River, restaurants, theater, shopping, and discovering the entire city on foot. The building is historic, but the rooms are modern and fresh. You can book the hotel from 25,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hilton

Chateau on the Park – Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton property, starts at just 30,000 Hilton Honors points per night. With the Hilton Honors fifth-night-free benefit, that’s 120,000 points for 5 nights!

Book The George Christchurch, an SLH Hotel, starting at 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hyatt

The Mayfair, an upscale Mr & Mrs Smith property, sits adjacent to the city center. You can book the hotel from 13,750 World of Hyatt points per night.

Speaking of Hyatt, loyalists should know that Ultimate Rewards points earned on select Chase credit cards transfer to the World of Hyatt loyalty program at a 1:1 ratio. Insiders frequently take advantage of this sweet spot.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® are 2 of our favorite Chase cards for earning Ultimate Rewards points, flexible redemption options, and excellent travel insurance benefits.

BEST BEGINNER CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 bonus points
$1,200
$95
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Activities

While the city center has its attributes, venturing outside the city is where to find stunning natural landscapes.

Christchurch Castle Hill Trail
Castle Hill provides a stunning landscape for a hike.

There’s an activity for every interest in Christchurch and the countryside. Here are a few ideas for things to do during your visit.

  • There’s something familiar about the scenery in Arthur’s Pass, just west of Christchurch. Castle Hill and the surrounding area were sites for filming “The Chronicles of Narnia.” You can book a day tour via Viator or Tripadvisor. The landscape will blow you away.
  • Dark skies outside Christchurch make for the best stargazing.
  • Taking the TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth on the west coast and spending a night or 2 is a grand and scenic diversion from the city.
  • Waipara Wine Country is a relaxing way to enjoy the countryside.
  • You can explore Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo during an incredible day trip from Christchurch.
  • You can take the historic tram tour for a quick overview of the city’s history and as a foundation for further exploration.

Dining

While I did not experience fine dining in Christchurch, there was no lack of incredible restaurants. The city’s rebuilding has resulted in a food culture featuring every imaginable cuisine.

Christchurch Tram
There are endless casual dining choices in Christchurch.

Dining seems to be a more casual event in Christchurch. It’s typical to have fish and chips or a burger at the pub, grab a sandwich on the go, or purchase takeaway sushi to eat at home. The city seems to support this style with several pedestrian-only areas and markets filled with endless food stalls and casual eateries.

My favorite on-the-go food places in Christchurch and the surrounding area were the small, personal savory pies and pocket pastries. It was common to see large display cases of these warm delights for just $3 or $4 (USD) each. I could grab a personal pie made with meat, chicken, lamb, cheese, or vegetables. My favorite was a spinach blend.

One dining tip is to get the on-site lunch if it’s offered on your wine tour. Some of the best meals I had in New Zealand were vineyard dining.

Bottom Line:

The rebuilding of Christchurch has created a vibrant destination filled with cultural activities, an international food scene, art, diverse architecture, and abundant green spaces. “Game of Thrones” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” fans will enjoy visiting several sites featured in the films. Christchurch is also a good base for exploring the natural beauty of the area surrounding the city.

Final Thoughts

While visiting Auckland is an obvious choice when in New Zealand, there is much more of the country to experience.

I’ve only been able to share a peek of what there is to see and do, based on my limited personal experience. My objective in sharing these experiences is to inspire you to create your own. Your collection of Queenstown, Wellington, and Christchurch stories will differ from mine, and could be potentially even better. You may decide to go bungee jumping (I didn’t).

If you plan to visit New Zealand, I highly recommend the New Zealand Travel Tips Facebook Group, which will answer any questions, provide ideas to make your trip memorable, and help solve issues you might encounter. There’s a wealth of helpful information and interaction in the group that you won’t find elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Zealand expensive?

I did not find lodging or food expensive. Booking experiences, however, I considered expensive.

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

The best time to visit New Zealand is during their summer months of December through February. The spring, September through November and fall, March through May, are also good months for mild weather and fewer crowds. The winter months of June, July, and August are perfect for winter sports.

Who are the Māori?

The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian settlers of New Zealand. As first inhabitants, they have their own culture that has been around for 1,000 years. A visit to New Zealand should include learning about their fascinating history and connection with the land. The Māori also make up about 15% of New Zealand’s population.

Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?

Though you do not need a formal visa as a U.S. citizen, you do need to complete a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). It is more of an authorization form and that you can apply for online. Approval should take less than 72 hours, and there is a modest fee (NZ$17 or NZ$23).

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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