Holidays To New Zealand 2028
New Zealand is on a lot of people’s holiday bucket lists in the UK. In fact, almost 200,000 people make the journey from the UK to New Zealand every year.
With a country this beautiful, that has so many activities, experiences and sights to see, its popularity is understandable. In 2028, it’s likely the number of holidaymakers will just grow even further.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of visiting New Zealand but haven’t made it yet, then 2028 is the perfect year to make the trip. With a tailor-made New Zealand holiday built with you in mind, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
With over 25 years’ experience planning dream holidays, our team can plan something that feels utterly unique, taking in the sights, sounds and experiences that matter most to you.
That could be an adrenaline-fueled adventure in Queenstown, learning about historic Māori culture in Rotorua, exploring one of the world’s most beloved food and wine regions in Marlborough, or hiking against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world across Milford Sound. It could even be a combination of them all.
If you’d like an unforgettable holiday in 2028, then talk to us today to find out more about all the wonders New Zealand offers.
When should I book my 2028 holiday to New Zealand?
The reality of any holiday is that the sooner you can book, the better. This helps you lock in the best prices for your travel and your stay, as well as give you time to make any logistical preparations necessary.
Even if you aren’t yet ready to book, talking to a New Zealand travel operator can help you get an idea of what your options are when you visit the country. Bring us the activities or sights you know you wish to see, and we can tell you the best time of year to visit.
Alternatively, if you haven’t yet worked out where or what you’d like to see, just tell us about your interests. From there, we can build a tailor-made New Zealand holiday that caters specifically to you. Whether your perfect day is conquering a snow-capped mountain, exploring a bustling cityscape, or visiting the iconic scenery of Middle Earth, we’ll help you plan a holiday that covers as many must-see sights as possible. All while leaving you enough time to enjoy each place sufficiently.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand in 2028?
We’re reluctant to name a ‘best time of year to visit’ because we know that every season has something special to offer in this beautiful country.
And while it’s still a bit early to set specific dates for many of the country’s events or celebrations in 2028, there is plenty to recommend in the country all year round.
Here are some of the highlights you can see across the different seasons.

Soak in the sunshine of a New Zealand summer
New Zealand seasons run counter to the ones in the UK, which is probably why summer is such a popular time for Brits to cross the world to see it.
If you’re looking for an active holiday, with hiking, cycling or other outdoor pursuits to fill the days, then the South Island is a slightly cooler prospect. Still bound to be bright and sunny, you’ll be less likely to struggle with the scorching sun if you head out to Milford Sound or Wanaka at this time of year – though it can still get pretty hot.
Popular favourites such as Middle Earth filming locations or the country’s many wine regions will be bustling during peak summer periods, with extra activities and opportunities often available to enhance your visit.
Meanwhile, summer is peak festival season across the country too. From the food festivals in Wellington and Marlborough to the Chamber Music Festival in Nelson, there are events to meet all kinds of interests scattered across both islands.
See the vibrant colours of a New Zealand autumn
New Zealand is an almost impossibly beautiful country any time of year, but in autumn it is at its most striking.
It’s so stunning, there is a choice of festivals that are planned just to appreciate it. Arrowtown Autumn Festival and Balloons over Waikato festival are both iconic events, run in areas that are set aflame in autumn to give the most beautiful backdrop. In fact the scenery is almost as important as the events are.
This stunning colourscape also adds an awe inspiring backdrop to a New Zealand experience holiday. The lakes around Queenstown have plenty to offer outside the autumn festival, with the golden Poplars of Lake Wanaker making it an ideal autumn hiking spot.
Alternatively, group hikes across tougher terrain like Mount Cook or the Bay of Plenty can be more manageable when the weather is a little cooler than the often intense summer months.
Meanwhile, the vineyards and orchards of Hawkes Bay and Marlborough also take on a new hue in autumn that makes them as visually impressive as the tastes of the wines they produce.


Find the peace of a New Zealand winter
We may be biased, but we honestly think New Zealand is an incredible place to visit, any time of year. Even in the depths of winter, it has plenty to offer, and we can help you make the best of the season.
The obvious choice for a winter break is snowy sports. Between July and August is the perfect time to book a ski escape or snowboarding trip in the South Island.
Queenstown and Christchurch both dazzle at this time of year, with the white-capped peaks of the Southern Alps creating a breathtaking backdrop for your adrenaline-fuelled adventures.
Winter is also the best time to explore New Zealand’s night skies. Shorter days and longer nights give you more time to see the stars, while the southern auroras are at their most visible at this time of year.
Another benefit of New Zealand in winter is that people are put off by the thought of the cold. If you can handle a brisk chill in the air, the shoulder months of the winter are perfect for getting authentic New Zealand experiences without worrying about as many bustling crowds.
Some specific events, like Hawkes Bay Food and Wine festival, have separate winter festivals in June that offer all the brilliant food and wine you see in summer, but can be a bit quieter while still offering an amazing atmosphere.
Matariki (Maori New Year) also falls in June. If you’re looking to learn about Māori culture, head to Rotorua this month to experience this important celebration.
See New Zealand bloom in spring 2028
For those chasing a holiday that sees the most stunning of New Zealand’s scenery, or lets you witness its incredible wildlife, spring is the ideal time for your visit.
This is peak time for bird-watching as the country’s birds return home after seasonal migration, ready to make their nests or hatch their eggs. Islands like Tirtiri Matangi and Kapiti burst into life in spring, while this is also the best time of year for whale watching.
Even more cultivated nature options are at their height in spring. A lot of garden- or greenery-focused festivals run in spring, like Taranaki Garden Festival and Garden Marlborough, where people come together from across the country to celebrate New Zealand horticulture. With garden tours, workshops and demonstrations all on offer, these festivals are popular with New Zealanders and tourists alike. Meanwhile, if you’d rather enjoy a more passive appreciation of the country as it blooms back to life, the botanical gardens of Hamilton are a fantastic option.
If you’re concerned winter might be too cold for a New Zealand holiday, then spring might be the perfect middle ground with climate.
In particular, a late spring trip is perfect for exploring the soaring peaks of Fiordland or Mount Cook National Parks as the days will be longer but also cooler – an ideal balance for long hikes.

If you want to make unforgettable memories in 2027, a New Zealand holiday is the ideal choice.
There are so many options of activities, scenery and cultural experiences, the only potential downside is trying to fit them all in. With a Silver Fern tailor-made holiday, we can make sure you include the most important experiences without constantly being on the move.
And if you’d like a more focused vacation, we have themed holidays covering sports like golf and historical tours like Captain Cook’s New Zealand too.