Arrival & Transport

There are no direct flights from Germany to New Zealand. The journey takes at least 24 hours with one (often two) stopovers. Three main routes:

The Best Connections

• Via Asia (recommended): Singapore Airlines (Singapore), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), Emirates (Dubai → Singapore/Bangkok) offer the most pleasant route. Total travel time 22–28 hours depending on transfer time. Singapore Airlines flies Singapore–Auckland nonstop (10.5 h). From 900–1,400 € return.
• Via the Middle East: Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha) with onward flight via Australia (Sydney/Melbourne) to Auckland or Christchurch. Total travel time 26–30 hours. Often the cheapest tickets.
• Via the USA: United, American Airlines via Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland. Total travel time 26–32 hours. Advantage: stopover in LA or San Francisco. Disadvantage: double jet lag and ESTA required for the USA.

Prices & Booking Tips

• Economy Return: 900–1,600 € (depending on season and airline)
• Premium Economy: from 2,200 € (worth it for 24+ hours)
• Business Class: from 4,500 € (Singapore Airlines, Emirates excellent)
• Early Bird: Book 4–6 months in advance for the best prices
• High Season: December–February (NZ summer) and German summer holidays

Airports in New Zealand

• Auckland (AKL): Largest international airport, main hub. Almost all long-haul flights land here.
• Christchurch (CHC): Second largest, some international flights (especially from Australia, Singapore). Ideal starting point for the South Island.
• Wellington (WLG): Only domestic flights and connections to Australia. Notorious for windy landings.
• Queenstown (ZQN): Spectacular landing approach between mountains. Connections to Australia and domestic flights.

New Zealand and campervans go together like sheep and green hills. Over 60% of all international visitors explore the country by campervan or rental car — it is by far the most popular and flexible way to travel.

Why Campervan?

New Zealand is perfectly built for campervans: short distances (rarely more than 5 hours drive between highlights), over 250 holiday parks with hot showers and kitchens, hundreds of DOC campsites in national parks, and a "dump station" infrastructure every 50–100 kilometers.

Campervan Providers

• Budget: Jucy (from 50 NZD/day, small green vans, popular with backpackers), Wicked Campers, Escape Rentals
• Mid-range: Britz, Mighty, Apollo — fully equipped with kitchen, bed, sometimes shower/WC. From 100 NZD/day.
• Premium: Maui, Wilderness — motorhomes with all comforts. From 180 NZD/day.
• Used Purchase: Backpackers often buy used vans in Auckland and sell them in Christchurch (or vice versa). Backpacker boards in hostels, Facebook groups, and Trade Me (NZ-eBay). From 3,000–6,000 NZD for a roadworthy van with self-contained certificate.

Accommodation Options

• Holiday Parks: 40–60 NZD/night. Electricity, kitchen, hot shower, washing machine, often pool or spa. Top 10 Holiday Parks is the largest chain.
• DOC Campsites: 8–15 NZD/person/night. Basic (pit toilet, cold water), but beautifully located — right by the lake, beach, or rainforest.
• Freedom Camping: Allowed at designated spots, BUT only with "self-contained" vehicle (own toilet, wastewater tank). Without self-contained, fines of 200 NZD apply. The CamperMate app shows all legal spots.

If you don't want a campervan, the best way to explore New Zealand is by rental car — or by Intercity bus as a budget alternative.

Rental Cars

• Providers: Hertz, Avis, Budget at all airports. Local providers like Apex, GO Rentals, and Snap Rentals are often 20–40% cheaper.
• Prices: From 35 NZD/day for small cars, from 70 NZD/day for SUVs. Much more expensive in high season.
• Age: Minimum age 21 years, often surcharge under 25.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance highly recommended. Gravel roads are common — check if your insurance covers them!
• One-way Rentals: Auckland → Christchurch or vice versa is standard, but with a one-way fee (50–200 NZD). The Interislander ferry takes rental cars.

Intercity Buses

• InterCity: New Zealand's largest bus network, connecting all major places. Auckland–Rotorua from 25 NZD, Christchurch–Queenstown from 35 NZD. FlexiPass: Buy hours (from 15 hours for 155 NZD) and book flexibly.
• GreatSights: Tourist bus tours with commentary, e.g., Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.
• Naked Bus: Budget alternative, tickets from 1 NZD (if booked early).
• Kiwi Experience / Stray: Hop-on/hop-off buses for backpackers. Fixed routes but flexible stops. Social travel with like-minded people. Whole-NZ pass from 1,200 NZD.

Ferry Between the Islands

The Interislander Ferry and Bluebridge connect Wellington (North Island) with Picton (South Island) in 3.5 hours through the spectacular Marlborough Sound — one of the most beautiful ferry crossings in the world. Foot passenger from 55 NZD, with car from 220 NZD. Early bird discounts up to 50%.