The Closest Countries to New Zealand
No doubt your journey to New Zealand is as long and as tasking as Frodo’s journey to Mordor. Although New Zealand feels like it is far away from everything, there are some amazing countries and tropical islands nearby to really extend your travels around Oceania. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the counties near New Zealand!
Don’t know where to start? This quick list will give you an idea of what countries are closest to New Zealand so you can start adding them to your travel bucket list! The South Pacific provides huge diversity for travellers, whether you are looking for a tropical getaway, a gap year in Australia or something adventurous in the Antarctic.
1. Australia
Distance from New Zealand: 2,100 km (1,300 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hours
It should really go without saying. Australia is New Zealand’s big brother, so it would almost be a crime not to visit the Aussies, cuddle a koala and dive in the Great Barrier Reef during your stay Down Under. Find out how to plan a trip to New Zealand’s closest neighbour in our complete guide, How to Plan a Trip from New Zealand to Australia.
© Pixabay2. Fiji
Distance from New Zealand: 1,800 km (1,120 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hrs 5 mins
A tropical paradise with a huge but diverse tourism industry, Fiji is an archipelago nation of around 333 islands. Lap up the sun in a luxury resort, backpack around the islands swimming with manta rays and sharks, or plan the perfect family getaway. Take a look at Fiji – Guide for Backpackers for more information on backpacking in Fiji or FijiPocketGuide.com for practical advice on planning your island holiday!
© fijipocketguide.com3. Samoa
Distance from New Zealand: 2,800 km (1,740 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hrs 45 mins
A more “off the beaten track” South Pacific island nation, Samoa is filled with wonderful natural attractions across its volcano-formed landscape. Relax on the beach, find insanely beautiful swimming holes, and see blowholes blasting water 30 metres high! For more things to do there, check out Samoa – Guide for Backpackers, as well as our complete sister travel guide SamoaPocketGuide.com.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com4. Tonga
Distance from New Zealand: 1,900 km (1,180 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hours
This Pacific Island appeals more to the adventure-seekers, with whale swimming, cultural experiences, active volcanoes, caves and so much more! Sure, you can get your island resort fix here too. There are 176 islands yet only 60 of those are inhabited. Plan your island escape in our Tonga – Guide for Backpackers or on our sister website, TongaPocketGuide.com.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. The Cook Islands
Distance from New Zealand: 3,000 km (1,865 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hrs 45 mins
Out of all of the South Pacific Islands, the Cook Islands provide the closest “vibe” to New Zealand. The culture, Cook Islands Maori, share similar traditions and the currency is the same, as is the laid-back atmosphere. What’s the difference between the Cook Islands and New Zealand? Picture-perfect lagoons, swimming with turtles and the weather is a lot warmer! Find out more about this set of 15 islands in our Cook Islands – Guide for Backpackers, or at CookIslandsPocketGuide.com.
© Charlotte Piho - CookIslandsPocketGuide.com6. Niue
Distance from New Zealand: 2,400 km (1,490 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hrs 30 mins
One of the least visited countries in the world, Niue is nicknamed the “Rock of the Pacific” as the world’s largest raised coral atoll. If you’re drawn to a destination that’s full of intrigue, yet get your tropical fix of snorkelling, whale swimming and discovering uncrowded natural attractions, then this is the place. Good attractions, good food and easy to get around; why not pick Niue as an easy country to visit from New Zealand? Learn more in A Travel Guide to Niue: How to Plan a Trip from New Zealand or head straight to NiuePocketGuide.com.
© NiuePocketGuide.com7. Vanuatu
Distance from New Zealand: 1,900 km (1,180 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hrs 15 mins
If culture is what you seek, then don’t miss Vanuatu with its ancient history and diverse culture. Visit villages where tribes stay true to their traditions and see the famous land dive, which is said to be the inspiration for the modern bungy jump invented in New Zealand. For more information on Vanuatu, visit Vanuatu – Guide for Backpackers.
© Pixabay8. New Caledonia
Distance from New Zealand: 1,500 km (930 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 3 hrs 5 mins
Experience a fusion of Europe and Polynesia in New Caledonia. Enjoy good food, great beaches and a place where relaxation is a priority! Find out more about planning an affordable trip to this South Pacific paradise in our New Caledonia – Guide for Backpackers and How to Plan a Trip to New Caledonia from New Zealand.
© Pixabay9. Antarctica
Distance from New Zealand: 2,600 km (1,615 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 5 hours
If you want to freeze yourself stupid in Antarctica, taking a trip from New Zealand would be the time to do it! Needless to say, flights from the Christchurch gateway to Antarctica are extremely limited, while cruises provide a better bet for reaching the southern depths of the earth. Check out cruises from New Zealand to Antarctica on TourRadar. Otherwise, visit the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch to get your Antarctic fix without leaving New Zealand!
© Unsplash10. Hawaii
Distance from New Zealand: 7,000 km (4,350 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 8 hrs 35 mins
If you don’t mind travelling further afield, how about a trip to an alternative Pacific paradise, Hawaii? Combine the unbeatable service and connections to the US as you explore this well-established tourist hotspot boasting an array of holiday experiences for backpackers, families, honeymooners and everyone in between. Find out more in How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii from New Zealand.
© Pexels11. Tuvalu
Distance from New Zealand: 3,000 km (1,865 mi)
Flight time from New Zealand: 6 hours
The world’s smallest country is the destination for the free-spirited traveller! Made up of nine islands, Tuvalu is located just below the equator between the island nations of Fiji and Kiribati. Flights operate to Tuvalu from Fiji to this stunning South Pacific island nation with paradise coastlines and lagoons. Learn more above visiting this final frontier of South Pacific travel in our Tuvalu – Guide for Backpackers.
© SPTO12. Stewart Island
Ok, so Stewart Island is not its own country, but it is a small island of New Zealand that many neglect to visit. To say you have visited New Zealand’s third-most populated island will blow people’s minds! Just take one of the daily ferries from Bluff at the bottom of the South Island and you’ll be at this subantarctic paradise in no time. Take a look at The Complete Travel Guide to Stewart Island to start planning your trip.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Antipodes Islands
On the subject of New Zealand islands that people rarely venture to, the Antipodes Islands is one of the lesser-known subantarctic islands of New Zealand. Cruises departing from Dunedin or Bluff will bring you to its two grand volcanic cones and habitat for penguins and seals. Learn more about these islands on the Department of Conservation website.
© PixabayMore About Countries Near New Zealand
How about somewhere a little warmer? There are heaps of tropical islands you can visit too. Check out our 10 Tropical Islands You Can Visit from New Zealand. Otherwise, see these guides:
- Departure Advice: Checklist for Leaving New Zealand
- Other Countries with a Working Holiday Scheme
- 7 Ways to Get Rid of Your Excess Luggage Before You Leave New Zealand
Finally, don’t forget to check out SouthPacificPocketGuide.com to see our full suite of travel guides for countries near New Zealand.
