With flights to New Zealand taking just three hours from Australia’s east coast, it’s the perfect overseas destination for weekends away. Whether it’s an extended work trip or a long weekend, we do recommend committing at least three nights for your New Zealand weekend getaway if you can to make the most of your time.
There are six cities in New Zealand you can fly into direct from Australia and dozens more destinations within easy reach of them.
Auckland
Direct flights available from: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns (seasonal), Gold Coast, Hobart (seasonal), Melbourne, Perth*, Sunshine Coast (seasonal), Sydney
The largest city in New Zealand and the most accessible, Auckland is your best bet for an urban escape with a kiwi twist. Here, you’ll find tempting restaurants, fascinating museums and a beautiful harbourfront.
*While there are direct flights from Perth, but it’s may bit far for a weekend away for those on the west coast.
✅ We’ve been to Auckland!
Where else can you go near Auckland?
Waiheke Island
Distance from Auckland: 22km (40-minute ferry ride)
What to do on Waiheke Island: Taste wine, relax on the beach, check out the local arts scene
✅ We’ve been to Waikehe Island!
Coromandel Peninsula
Distance from Auckland: 170km (2.5 hour drive)
What to do on Bay of Islands: Unwind in hot springs, take scenic coastal hikes, join a sightseeing cruise
✅ We’ve been to the Coromandel Peninsula!
Bay of Islands
Distance from Auckland: 228km (3 hour drive)
What to do on Bay of Islands: Kayak to quiet islands, take a dip in the blue waters, learn about Maori culture
✅ We’ve been to Bay of Islands!
Some activities and day trips you can book from Auckland:
Christchurch
Direct flights available from: Brisbane, Cairns (ends October 2026), Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth (from October 2026), Sydney
The largest city on the South Island, Christchurch is much more than just a transport hub. The city has very much bounced back from the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and has plenty to do over a weekend — or more. Taking strolls along the Avon River, dining at award-winning restaurants, checking out the great art gallery and plenty of street art are just a few things to do while in town.
*While there are direct flights from Perth, too, but it’s may bit far for a weekend away for those on the west coast.
✅ We’ve been to Christchurch!
Where else can you go near Christchurch?
Akaroa
Distance from Christchurch: 81 km (1.5 hour drive)
What to do in Akaroa: Spot the local Hector’s dolphin in the harbour, learn about the unique combination of French and Maori heritage, take a scenic drive along Summit Road
🔜 We’ve not been to Akaroa, but it’s on our list.
Arthur’s Pass
Distance from Christchurch: 137 km (2 hour drive)
What to do in Arthur’s Pass: Go for a scenic drive stopping along the way at Castle Hill for a walk, Cave Stream Reserve to explore the cave and plenty of scenic lookouts along the drive
✅ We’ve been to Arthur’s Pass!
Methven (For nearby ski resorts)
Distance from Christchurch: 95 km (1.5 hour drive)
What to do in Methven: There’s not much in Methven itself, but it’s where ski buses depart to Mount Hutt ski area.
✅ We’ve been to Methven!
Some activities and day trips you can book from Christchurch:
Dunedin
Direct flights available from: Gold Coast
New Zealand with a Scottish twist, hilly Dunedin sits on the south-eastern coast of the South Island. It’s the second-largest city on the island after Christchurch has a unique mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. It’s coastlines are home to unique wildlife including albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.
Where else can you go near Dunedin?
Moeraki
Distance from Dunedin: 77km (1 hour drive)
What to do in Moeraki: Check out the Moeraki Boulders, walk along the quiet beach, relax along the coast
✅ We’ve been to Moeraki!
Some activities and day trips you can book from Dunedin:
Hamilton
Direct flights available from: Gold Coast, Sydney
Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, curious about glow worms or are just looking for another city in New Zealand to explore, Hamilton has plenty to offer. It’s a great base for exploring the North Island as well as the city’s sites like the Hamilton Gardens.
🔜 We’ve not been to Hamilton, but it’s on our list.
Where else can you go near Hamilton?
Hobbiton
Distance from Hamilton: 49km (45-minute drive)
What to do in Hobbiton: Pretend you’re a hobbit and explore the movie sets.
🔜 We’ve not been to Hobbiton, but it’s on our list.
Rotorua
Distance from Hamilton: 108km (1.5 hour drive)
What to do in Waitomo: Check out the geothermal activity at free mud pools or at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, unwind in natural hot springs go zorbing where it was invented
✅ We’ve been to Rotorua!
Waitomo
Distance from Hamilton: 68km (1 hour drive)
What to do in Waitomo: See the otherworldly glow worm tunnels by foot or by raft, take scenic hikes to waterfalls
✅ We’ve been to Waitomo!
Some activities and day trips you can book from Hamilton:
Queenstown
Direct flights available from: Brisbane (seasonal), Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney
Much more than just a ski town, Queenstown is the hub of all things outdoors. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a pristine lake and fertile ground that’s perfect for vineyards, the town is home to plenty of things to do.
Where else can you go near Queenstown?
Arrowtown
Distance from Queenstown: 20km (20 minute drive)
What to do on Arrowtown: Wander historic streets, check out cute local shops, try gold panning.
✅ We’ve been to Wanaka!
Gibbston Valley
Distance from Queenstown: 25km (30 minute drive)
What to do on Gibbston Valley: Taste local wines and check out scenic lookouts like the Roaring Meg along the drive.
✅ We’ve driven through the Gibbston Valley.
Wanaka
Distance from Queenstown: 68km (1.5 hour drive)
What to do on Wanaka: Hike up to Roys Peak, take a dip in Lake Wanaka, ski at Cardrona or Treble Cone.
✅ We’ve been to Wanaka!
Some activities and day trips you can book from Queenstown:
Wellington
Direct flights available from: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
A small city with big city vibes, Wellington is a pretty perfect weekend escape. It’s been a while since we’ve been, but it had a thriving food and wine scene with vibes akin to a mini-Melbourne. There’s plenty of nature nearby, too, if you want to get a taste of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
✅ We’ve been to Wellington!
Where else can you go near Wellington?
Marlborough Sound
Distance from Auckland: 22km (3.5-hour ferry ride)
What to do on Waiheke Island: Taste wine, relax on the beach, check out the local arts scene
✅ We’ve been to Marlborough Sound!
Some activities and day trips you can book from Wellington:
