Iceland captures the imagination of travellers with its raw natural beauty, dramatic volcanic landscapes, icy glaciers, and thundering waterfalls. For travellers in New Zealand seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Iceland offers a destination that blends untouched wilderness, Nordic culture, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you are planning your first long-haul holiday after years of routine travel, or you are an explorer at heart searching for unique natural wonders, our Iceland trips from New Zealand provide everything you need for a smooth and memorable journey.
Although New Zealand and Iceland sit on opposite sides of the world, both nations share a deep connection with nature, geothermal energy, and a love for dramatic landscapes. Many Kiwi travellers find Iceland familiar yet wonderfully different — a place where lava fields stretch for miles, glaciers shine under the Arctic sun, and the famous Northern Lights dance across winter skies. This page is designed to guide you through what to expect when flying from New Zealand, how to plan your itinerary, the best sights to explore, and why Iceland has quickly become a highly sought-after destination for New Zealand’s adventure-loving travellers..
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New Zealanders are known for their adventurous spirit, and Iceland delivers adventure in every direction. From cascading waterfalls to black-sand beaches, from glacier lagoons to geothermal hot springs, Iceland combines small-town charm with world-class natural attractions. Travellers from New Zealand often comment on Iceland’s welcoming culture, clean cities, outstanding safety, and effortless blend of nature and tradition. Reykjavik, the capital, is easy to explore on foot and packed with cafés, museums, and unique local experiences.
Iceland is also the ideal destination for travellers wanting dramatic scenery without overly long internal travel times. Many of the country’s most famous sights are within a short drive from Reykjavik, and the well-known Golden Circle route can be comfortably completed in one day. For longer trips, multi-day tours take you across the south coast, the remote Westfjords, or the magical north where whales swim near the shores of Akureyri.
While there are no direct flights from New Zealand to Iceland, connections through major hubs like Singapore, Dubai, Doha, or European cities such as London and Amsterdam make the journey straightforward. Travellers commonly fly from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch to Europe or the Middle East, then continue onward to Keflavik International Airport — Iceland’s primary international gateway. The travel time varies, but most trips take between 24 to 32 hours depending on routing.
Our Iceland holiday packages from New Zealand include support for flight planning, recommended airlines, and the best stopover options to reduce fatigue. Many travellers choose to add short stays in Europe as part of their journey, although direct transfers are also available for those who prefer to reach Iceland quickly.
Your ideal travel season depends on the kind of experience you want:
Kiwi travellers often prefer Iceland’s summer because it aligns with New Zealand’s winter, providing a refreshing escape to warmer days and endless sunlight. However, winter is equally popular among those who dream of witnessing the auroras or exploring frozen wonders.
Your trip from New Zealand to Iceland would not be complete without visiting some of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. Here are the highlights included in most itineraries:
A world-famous geothermal spa surrounded by lava fields. Its mineral-rich turquoise waters offer the perfect welcome after a long flight from New Zealand. Many travellers choose to visit the Blue Lagoon on their first or last day in Iceland.
This classic route includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. It’s the most popular day trip from Reykjavik and a must for all first-time visitors.
A stunning sight where icebergs drift across a deep glacial lake before reaching the nearby Diamond Beach. It’s often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Iceland’s colourful capital offers a blend of modern Nordic culture and maritime history. From Hallgrimskirkja church to Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik is full of charm, art, and coastal beauty.
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are two of Iceland’s most powerful and photogenic waterfalls, easily accessible on a day trip or multi-day tour. Travellers can even walk behind Seljalandsfoss for a unique perspective.
Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this region includes black beaches, volcanic craters, fishing villages, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.
Our Iceland holiday packages are curated to suit the needs of New Zealand travellers — long-distance flyers who value comfort, seamless itineraries, and authentic experiences. Packages typically include:
Whether you are looking for an epic self-drive adventure, a relaxing nature holiday, a photography-focused journey, or a Northern Lights winter tour, our packages ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
New Zealand travellers are often comfortable driving in scenic regions, making self-drive trips in Iceland a popular choice. The well-maintained Ring Road circles the entire island and showcases glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, and coastal villages. GPS-based itineraries make navigating stress-free.
Guided tours, on the other hand, are ideal for travellers who want to relax, meet fellow explorers, and let local experts handle logistics. These tours include small-group adventures, glacier experiences, and Northern Lights safaris.
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Most journeys take 24–32 hours with stopovers in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia. There are no direct flights, but connections are simple and flexible.
Summer is ideal for sightseeing and long days, while winter offers Northern Lights and ice cave tours. Both seasons provide unique experiences.
New Zealand passport holders can enter Iceland visa-free for short stays under the Schengen rules. Always check the latest travel requirements before booking.
Yes, self-drive packages are very popular. Roads are well maintained, and many travellers enjoy the freedom of exploring at their own pace.
Yes, if you visit between October and March. Our winter packages include guided Northern Lights tours for the best viewing experience.
Booking through our service ensures you receive local expertise, customised itineraries, and full assistance tailored specifically to New Zealand travellers. We help with long-haul flight planning, offer flexible travel dates, and provide support for both summer and winter packages. Our goal is to make your dream Iceland trip effortless, comfortable, and unforgettable.
From the moment you depart New Zealand to the moment you return home, we ensure you have everything you need — including 24/7 assistance, detailed travel guides, packing recommendations, and seasonal tips.
See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.
A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.
A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".
Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.
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