Where to go on your first trip to New Zealand and how long to stay

Conde Nast Traveler recommends starting a first trip to New Zealand with a focus on a few select places, allowing several days at each to fully appreciate them. For the South Island, Queenstown is a prime choice for mountain scenery, with nearby Arrowtown and Fiordland National Park also worth visiting.

On the North Island, Auckland serves as a convenient starting point before traveling to Rotorua, known for its geothermal features and Māori culture, and then Lake Taupō. Wellington is highlighted for visitors prioritizing food experiences.

The guide advises balancing luxury stays with simpler accommodations, ideally with kitchen facilities, to manage costs. It also suggests considering the total expenses of camper van hire versus car rental and accommodation.

A minimum of seven days is recommended for a trip, with a caution against trying to cover both islands in that timeframe. Flexibility in the itinerary is encouraged to allow for spontaneous experiences such as stargazing.

Overall, the advice is to focus on quality time in fewer locations rather than rushing through many, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable visit to New Zealand.