new zealand tourist guide

10 of the best things to do in New Zealand

Oct 4, 2023 • 8 min read

These are New Zealand's unmissable activities © Nicram Sabod / Shutterstock

Spectacular and diverse, New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa) is one of the world's most memorable destinations.

From its inspirational Indigenous Māori cultural experiences to its epic and otherworldly national parks , it can be hard to narrow down what to do. You can spend your days soaking in the urban energy of Auckland and Wellington, challenging yourself on outdoor adventures around Queenstown, cycling through Central Otago’s historic towns and big-sky landscapes or trying to spot the country’s iconic kiwi bird on Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Craft your own southern hemisphere adventure from this list of the best things to do in New Zealand.

1. Experience vibrant Māori culture

There are countless ways to engage with New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori culture while exploring the country. You can expect to hear greetings in te reo Māori (the Māori language) frequently, but for a deeper dive, the Auckland Museum and Waikato Museum both have displays of centuries-old Māori taonga (treasures). Around Rotorua , families from the local Te Arawa iwi (tribe) entertain and energize visitors with cultural performances and experiences, including the opportunity to take part in a haka (a ceremonial war dance made famous by the country’s All Blacks rugby team) or experience a hāngī (a Māori feast cooked in the ground). 

Detour: From Rotorua, travel 61km (38 miles) southeast to the isolated logging town of Murupara. Stays at the family-owned Kohutapu Lodge include excursions to catch tuna (endemic longfin eels), visits to historic Māori rock art sites and hiking through the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, a spiritually significant site said to be one of the world’s last prehistoric forests.

2. Be immersed in Auckland’s diversity

Framed by two harbors and built on the sprawling remnants of more than 50 long-inactive volcanoes, Auckland is New Zealand's most diverse and cosmopolitan city. Visit the weekly Otara and Avondale markets to taste Pacific and Asian cuisine from communities drawn to Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori name for Auckland). Or time your visit to experience popular cultural events including Pasifika , Diwali and the Lantern Festival. Good beaches, nearby wine regions, and a dynamic dining scene are other reasons why Auckland is consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities.

Planning tip: Join Auckland’s most passionate fans while taking in a match featuring the New Zealand Warriors (a rugby league team) or the Auckland Blues (a rugby union team).

3. Hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks

Hiking (known as “tramping”) is one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes, with well-established wilderness tracks, shelters (called “huts”) and campsites throughout the country. Highlights include the meandering forest trails of the Rakiura Track on compact Stewart Island/Rakiura and the beach-fringed Abel Tasman Coast Track in the Nelson/Tasman region. Anchoring the rugged geothermal heart of the North Island, Tongariro National Park's most popular trail is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , a single-day wilderness experience skirting two volcanoes and taking in views of craters, iridescent lakes and the sprawling Central Plateau.

Planning tip: All of New Zealand's  10 (soon to be 11) Great Walks are very popular, and New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) caps visitor numbers at a safe and sustainable level. To secure your spot, you’ll need to book in advance when the Great Walks booking system opens , usually from around May. The Great Walks season runs from late October to April, and the most popular experiences like the Milford and Routeburn Tracks often sell out in minutes. If you miss out; don’t worry. There are hundreds of other trails throughout the country to explore. 

4. Negotiate a two-wheeled adventure in Central Otago

New Zealand's first – and arguably best – multi-day cycling experience is the Otago Central Rail Trail . An undulating ride through sunbaked southern landscapes and the heritage streetscapes of former gold-mining towns, it takes four to six days to complete. Along the way, you can feast on locally grown summer stonefruit, visit contemporary vineyards known for world-class pinot noir, and toast the end of each day with a well-earned beer at historic pubs. E-bikes are a convenient option to maximize your enjoyment of this classic South Island experience, with operators throughout the region offering rentals and guided tours.

Detour: Linking the towns of Cromwell and Clyde, the 55km (34-mile)  Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail traverses the spectacular Cromwell Gorge via an 85m-long (279ft) suspension bridge and a spectacular cantilevered wooden biking track.

5. Seek out kiwis on Stewart Island/Rakiura

At the southern tip of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is New Zealand's third-largest island, home to a rugged community of around 400 hardy souls, where 85% of the land is protected by Rakiura National Park . Birdlife around Stewart Island/Raikura and the adjacent islet of Ulva Island includes rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), raucous kākā (a type of parrot) and mellifluous bellbirds. However, the undoubted avian highlight is viewing tokoeka (Southern brown kiwi) in the wild. Join a twilight expedition with local operators including Beaks & Feathers and Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experiences to see Aotearoa's beloved national bird snuffling about on beaches and in the forest. Visit from March to September to also potentially glimpse the aurora australis (southern lights), the inspiration for Stewart Island's Māori name: Rakiura, which means “glowing skies.”

Planning tip: Ferries take one hour to cross the Foveaux Strait from Bluff on the mainland to Stewart Island/Rakiura. The crossing can sometimes be rough, so an alternative is a 20-minute flight from Invercargill.

6. Commune with marine mammals around Kaikōura 

Attracted by the nutrient-rich waters of the Kaikōura Canyon – a submarine valley just 800m (2624ft) off the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island – the coastal town of Kaikōura is visited by various whale species throughout the year. Join a boat trip with Whale Watch Kaikōura , owned and operated by the local Ngāti Kuri iwi (Māori tribe), to see visiting humpback, orca, southern right and pilot whales. Resident marine mammals include sperm whales, dolphins and kekeno (New Zealand fur seals). The pelagic birdwatching here is also some of the best on the planet.

Planning tip: Kaikōura translates from te reo Māori as "eat crayfish". The spiny crustacean is a popular item on pub menus and roadside food caravans around the region. Try one at Nin’s Bin or Kaikōura Seafood BBQ .

7. Have a capital time in Wellington

Compact and walkable, New Zealand’s harbor capital of Wellington is the ideal urban destination to balance and complement adventures in Aotearoa’s great outdoors. Explore the city’s pioneering craft beer heritage at local breweries including Garage Project, Heyday and Parrotdog, before learning about the movie-making magic of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings franchises at Wētā Workshop . The nation’s capital also boasts a vibrant arts and live music scene, with free events hosted throughout the year.

Planning tip: Visit (and book accommodation well ahead) for the Beervana craft beer festival in August. Also popular is Wellington on a Plate (WOAP), an annual celebration of the city’s dynamic culinary scene.

8. Explore architectural history in Hawke’s Bay

Rocked by an earthquake in 1931, the Hawke’s Bay cities of Napier and Hastings were rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the day, and now the region boasts some of the world’s best-preserved art deco and Spanish Mission architectural precincts. From Napier’s Norfolk pine-trimmed Marine Parade, join a walking tour of the city’s cavalcade of art deco buildings, some also decorated with the cross-cultural influence of traditional Māori design motifs.

Detour: New Zealand winemaking began in Hawke’s Bay in the 1850s, and the region’s well-established vineyards and excellent winery restaurants are best explored on two wheels. See On Yer Bike online for details of bike hire and recommended wine trails.

9. Get active around Queenstown

Nowhere else in New Zealand reinforces the country’s reputation for adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities like Queenstown . Amid beautiful lake and sub-alpine scenery, definitely sign up for a bungy jump . (It’s almost mandatory – the breathtaking leap of faith was invented in New Zealand, after all.) You can also consider other thrill rides like  Oxbow Adventures ’ exciting combo of jet sprint boats (which can reach up to 100km/h, or 62mph, in just 2.5 seconds) and extreme 4WD offroading. After all the action, adjourn to Altitude Brewing ’s ​lakeside location for great beers and tasty visits from local food trucks.

Detour: Reached via a scenic road over the Crown Range, Wānaka is Queenstown’s less manic Southern Lakes sibling. Catch a boat on Lake Wānaka to explore the island bird sanctuary of Mou Waho .

10. Kayak in pristine Fiordland

Cruising through Milford Sound /Piopiotahi on a day trip is popular, but a better strategy for experiencing the scale, spectacle and stillness of Fiordland ’s most famous sheltered anchorage is to explore it by kayak. Hook up with Roscoe’s Milford Kayaks for the ultimate on-the-water views of the fiord’s cascading quicksilver waterfalls and massive forest-covered cliffs. Sunriser classic tours loop for 10km (6 miles) around Milford Sound and depart well before the inevitable arrival of daytrippers visiting from Te Anau or Queenstown.

Detour: Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound/Patea (meaning "place of silence" in te reo Māori ) is even quieter and less visited than Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Join a guided kayak tour with Te Anau-based Doubtful Sound Kayak or stay overnight on the MV Fiordland Jewel with Fiordland Discovery .

This article was first published Apr 22, 2021 and updated Oct 4, 2023.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

New Zealand Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Backpacking through New Zealand is one of the most popular activities in the world, with thousands of people making their way there on their round-the-world trip (backpackers sweep up those working holiday visas!).

Whether you’re a backpacker, budget traveler, or want to splurge a bit more, New Zealand won’t let you down. I’ve loved all my visits to New Zealand. The people are friendly, the country is beyond beautiful, the wine is cheap, the people are friendly, and you meet a lot of travelers. It’s one of the best countries in the world. I’ve never heard anyone not love their time in the country. You will leave here wanting to come back.

And, fortunately, as the land of backpackers, budget travel in New Zealand is easy to do if you know a few tips and tricks on how to save money. It won’t be dirt cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

Use this New Zealand travel guide to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on New Zealand

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in new zealand.

1. Explore Fiordland

Fiordland National Park , located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, is home to Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. You can walk the forest trail along the sandy Milford shore for perfect views of Mitre Peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls. The are also several multi-day hikes here, including the 4-5 day Milford Track, as well as all kinds of scenic flights and cruises. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 199 NZD.

2. Heli-hike Franz Josef Glacier

Heli-hiking this glacier is amazing. With a heli-hike, you take a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier and then land in remote areas where you can explore on foot. Although the 2-3 hour hike is grueling, many tour providers also throw in a complimentary soak in the Hot Pools at the end. Expect to pay around 485 NZD for a heli-hike. It’s not cheap, but I personally thought it was completely worth the cost. You can also just do a scenic flight with Glacier Helicopters for 360 NZD.

3. Relax in the Bay of Islands

North of Auckland, this area has some of the best opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, relaxing on the beach, swimming, boating, and eating seafood. The area is very low-key and is a popular summer and weekend getaway destination for Aucklanders. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the most important historical sites in the country, is also located here. It’s where the British and Maori signed what is considered the founding document of modern New Zealand. Today, there are two interactive and interesting museums here as well as Maori cultural performances you can attend.

4. See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Explore these incredible caves in sheer darkness with nothing but the glow of glowworms to guide your way. It’s an exciting activity as you float down rivers and jump over waterfalls and watch the “starry sky” in the cave. You can also tube and abseil (rappel) through the caves, too. Expect to pay around 55 NZD for the classic 45-minute cave tour and 265 for five-hour tours with abseiling. You can save money overall by purchasing combo tickets (if you want to visit multiple caves or do various tours), or by going on weekdays when you get 20% off.

5. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Other things to see and do in new zealand, 1. try bungy jumping.

A.J. Hackett, a Kiwi, popularized the modern activity of bungy jumping when he (illegally) jumped off the Eiffel Tower in 1987. Today, bungy jumping is hugely popular around the world, but especially in its country of origin. Any adrenaline seeker worth their salt will do the 134-meter (440-foot) Nevis Bungy Jump outside of Queenstown. If that’s too high, there are smaller ones in Auckland and Queenstown. The price of adventure isn’t cheap, however, with a single jump at Nevis costing 275 NZD.

2. Go skydiving

Another popular adventure activity in New Zealand is skydiving. The best place for this is over Lake Taupo . It provides a stunning backdrop as you plunge to Earth from high above. Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers jumps from 12,000-18,000 feet starting at 279 NZD. You can also take a full-day course to learn how to skydive on your own for 499 NZD. Franz Josef and Lake Wanaka are also popular spots for skydiving as well.

3. Visit Abel Tasman National Park

Located on the South Island, this national park looks like something you’d find in Asia, with its turquoise blue water, dense jungles, and warm temperatures. There are many multi-day hiking trails and beautiful sea kayaking throughout the park. It’s also home to one of the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand, the 60-kilometer (37-mile) Abel Tasman Coastal Wal. Entry is free, though you need to pay 16-24 NZD for a campsite if you plan on staying overnight. Huts are also available for 26-52 NZD per night. Accommodation prices vary depending on the time of year. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles for 79 NZD.

4. Hang out in Wellington

I found New Zealand’s capital to be the most “artsy” city in New Zealand. There’s great architecture, character, fantastic nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities. Tour the Beehive (where Parliament meets), ride the cable car for epic views over the city, visit the award-winning Wellington Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, or learn how to make movie-quality armor at Weta Workshop (the special effects studio behind Lord of the Rings , District 9 , Avatar , and many others). You can also leave the city for a wine tour of the Martinborough wine region (149 NZD). There are so many cultural activities to do here so don’t be like other travelers and rush through — it’s worth a few days!

5. Go dolphin and whale watching

Whether you go from the Bay of Islands, Auckland, or somewhere on the South Island, the country is within the migratory route for many of these creatures and you’re bound to see lots of them no matter when you go (though October-March is the best time). Sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales all call the region home. Boat tours last around 4 hours and cost 135-160 NZD per person.

6. Hit the slopes

During the winter months, the South Island (especially the area around Queenstown and Wanaka) has snow-covered mountains that offer some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere. Prices vary depending on where you go, how you get there, what equipment you rent, and how long you go for, but expect to pay around 105-140 NZD for a lift pass.

7. Unwind in Rotorua

Located on the North Island, Rotorua is famous for its Maori cultural shows and for its sulfur smell (which comes from the geothermal activity in the area). All around the city are sulfur mud pits that give the city a unique odor. But the upside is that there are a ton of thermal spas in the area to relax in! Also, don’t miss the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which has all kinds of traditional Maori arts and crafts.

8. Get outdoors in Kaikoura

This is a coastal town several miles north of Christchurch . It is set on a peninsula, which makes it an awesome place to enjoy the mountain scenery while searching for whales and dolphins. Whale Watch Kaikoura is the best company to go whale-watching with here. They are a Maori-owned tour company that guarantees you see at least one whale on your trip (otherwise they refund you 80% of the cost). Additionally, there is an interesting museum, a handful of historical sights, and the Maori Leap limestone cave to see while you’re here.

9. Explore Wellington Botanic Gardens

Of all the beautiful gardens throughout the country, this is perhaps the most popular. There is a vast native forest, an international plant collection, a rose garden, and a landscaped area — complete with a duck pond, sculptures, a playground, and a cafe. Created in 1868, the park spans a massive 25 hectares (60 acres) and makes for a great place to stroll or relax with a book. Admission is free.

10. Ride the Christchurch gondola

If you are in Christchurch, take the gondola ride up Mount Vaendish. The ride is 10 minutes and offers the best views of the city. There is a restaurant at the top if you want to grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the scenery too. Most people walk back down (you can also walk up if you don’t mind the exercise; it takes around 45 minutes). Tickets are 35 NZD (round trip). Wellington and Queenstown also have gondolas for views over these cities as well.

11. Enjoy Queenstown

The action capital of the country, Queenstown is one of the most fun cities I’ve ever visited. There are a lot of outdoor activities and sports (bungy jumping is the most popular) to do in the area, amazing restaurants, and the best nightlife in New Zealand. Everyone who comes ends up staying longer than planned. Don’t skip Fergburger either — they have the best burgers in the country!

12. Watch a Maori cultural show

The Maori are the indigenous people who came to New Zealand from Polynesia in the 14th century. Getting to know Maori culture is important to understanding life in this country. Maori make up about 16% of the country’s population and you’ll see Maori symbols and words throughout the country as you travel. See a Maori cultural show while you are here to get a better understanding of their culture and history. The most popular shows are in Rotorua and cost 150-245 NZD per person (most are 3-4 hours and include a meal).

13. Explore Milford Sound

Milford Sound is such an amazing fjord it deserves its own mention. Located in Fiordland, Milford Sound is best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest environments. Waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls cascade down the mountainsides, and the fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat, and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Cruises start from 59 NZD.

14. Visit Wanaka

Wanaka is a ski and summer resort town on New Zealand’s South Island, set on Wanaka Lake and framed by snowcapped mountains. From here you can explore the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, with its many glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Wanaka Lake itself is perfect for boating enthusiasts, including jet boaters, sailors, and kayakers. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll want to check out the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts nearby. For some quirky fun, go to Puzzling World just outside town. It’s an outdoor maze and sculpture gallery that’s good for a laugh!

15. Travel to Hobbiton

Journey to Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. This is easily one of New Zealand’s most famous activities, so you can expect crowds. To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour. It starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm with some epic views over the Kaimai Ranges. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. If you’re a LOTR fan, you can’t pass this up. Tours start at 89 NZD.

16. Visit Stewart Island

Stewart Island is located 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the South Island. Over 85% of the island is National Park (Rakiura National Park to be exact), and most people come here for hiking and birdwatching. The island has just 28 kilometers (17 miles) of road, but 280 kilometers (175 miles) of walking tracks suited to short walks, day hikes, and multi-day excursions. Walk the three-day Rakiura Track for the full experience of Stewart Island’s natural beauty. Offshore, on Ulva Island, you’ll find a predator-free bird sanctuary with dozens of native species. Getting to Stewart Island means you’ll need to take a ferry or flight. Ferries take one hour and cost 89 NZD while flights from Invercargill take 15 minutes and cost 230 NZD return.

17. Relax on a scenic rail journey

New Zealand’s challenging landscapes demanded some remarkable feats of early railway engineers. While their rail network isn’t vast, thanks to their skill and determination, there are some incredible rail journeys on offer. Travel through remote national parks, along beautiful coastlines, and over rugged volcanic landscapes. The routes are the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. I took the TransAlpine and loved every minute of it. You pass rivers, mountains, cross gorges, and vibrant green farmland. It was the highlight of my trip to New Zealand and one of the most peaceful experiences I had. I can’t recommend it enough. Tickets vary between 169-219 NZD (one-way) depending on the route and how far you go.

18. Take one of the Great Walks

New Zealand has thousands of miles of hiking trails but sitting above them all are the ten Great Walks that journey through the country’s most magnificent places and iconic locations. On the North Island, the Lake Waikaremoana Track takes 3-4 days, leading you through prehistoric rainforests and beautiful wildlife areas. The famous Tongariro Northern Circuit is a challenging 3-4 day excursion where you’ll see active volcanoes, emerald lakes, and epic waterfalls. The South Island has its own unique routes, as well, including the Milford Track, which winds its way through the fjords of Milford Sound. Keep in mind that due to their popularity, Great Walks must be booked in advance (and they can sometimes fill up months ahead of time).

19. Explore wine country

New Zealand’s wine regions extend 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from sub-tropical Northland down to Central Otago, home to the world’s most southerly vineyards. Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, and Central Otago are signature New Zealand wine regions and home to a number of different vineyards. Smaller wine-producing areas include Auckland, Gisborne, and Waipara. If you’re keen on seeing the best of what Kiwi vineyards have to offer, check out the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — a wine-tasting adventure through the heart of New Zealand’s grape-growing regions. If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are plenty of bus (and even bicycle) tours available. Half-day small group wine tours generally cost 120-170 NZD, while full-day tours start at 200 NZD.

20. Visit Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to some of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. Here you’ll find sky-scraping peaks, sweeping glaciers, and permanent snowfields. Although it encompasses 23 peaks over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) high, this park is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, which is situated beside the scenic Lake Pukaki. Far from city lights, the stargazing here is magnificent — Aoraki Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, while less skilled adventurers will find plenty of enjoyable hikes with stunning views of the area. Admission is free.

  For more information on specific destinations in the country, check out these guides:

• Auckland Travel Guide
• Bay of Islands Travel Guide
• Christchurch Travel Guide
• Franz Josef Travel Guide
• Nelson Travel Guide
• Queenstown Travel Guide
• Rotorua Travel Guide
• Taupo Travel Guide
• Waitomo Travel Guide
• Wanaka Travel Guide
• Wellington Travel Guide

New Zealand Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms cost between 25-40 NZD per night for a bed in a dorm with 4-8 beds. Private rooms begin at 75 NZD though most are closer to 100 NZD. Free Wi-Fi is common, though very few hostels include free breakfast. Most hostels have self-catering facilities, so be sure to check before you book if having a kitchen is a priority.

Budget hotels begin around 75 NZD per night. You can often find cheaper hotels and motels, however, they are usually far from the city center or don’t include a private bathroom.

Airbnb is widely available with private rooms starting around 65-85 NZD per night and entire homes/apartments costing at least 120-150 NZD per night. Expect to pay double if you don’t book in advance.

There are also a ton of campgrounds throughout the country with rates starting at around 15 NZD per night. Most Department of Conversation campsites need to be booked in advance online (in the summer they fill up months in advance). Couchsurfing is huge here, too.

Food – New Zealand cuisine consists mostly of seafood, fish and chips, meat pies, and specialties like Maori hangi (meat and vegetables cooked underground). Expect to indulge in things like roast lamb, muscles, scallops, oysters, and snapper. However, the country is overall very veg-friendly, and vegans and vegetarians will find plant-based dishes on restaurant menus throughout the country.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant serving typical cuisine costs around 20-25 NZD while a nice meal with a drink costs about 50-60 NZD.

A fast-food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 14 NZD. Chinese, Thai, and Indian can be found for 15-20 NZD while takeaway pizzas cost around 10-15 NZD. A takeaway meal of fish and chips is 10-15 NZD.

For drinks, a beer costs 9-10 NZD, a glass of wine is 12-15 NZD, a cocktail is 13-18 NZD, a latte/cappuccino costs 5 NZD, and bottled water is around 3 NZD.

If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend around 60-80 NZD per week on basic foodstuffs like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish. PaknSave, mainly located in big cities, is typically the cheapest supermarket.

Backpacking New Zealand Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, prepare to spend at least 75-85 NZD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, do free hikes, visit the odd paid site (like museums), and cook your own meals. You’ll need to budget more if you plan to do bigger activities like bungy jumping. You can also lower this by Couchsurfing, camping, and cutting out drinking altogether.

For a more mid-range budget, expect to spend around 150-225 NZD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a private room in a hostel or Airbnb, take the occasional taxi or Uber to get around, do some larger activities like bungy jumping or whale watching, eat out for most meals at casual restaurants, and enjoy a few drinks.

A “luxury” budget of around 315-395 NZD per day or more gets you a hotel, any activities you want, wine tours, delicious meals out, and the best the country has to offer. You can also rent a car or take a scenic train journey. This is just the ground floor for luxury — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NZD.

New Zealand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Costs in New Zealand can skyrocket quickly if you aren’t careful. Eating out here is expensive and all those adventure activities can really add up. In New Zealand, you have to pick and choose your battles. That said there’s a ton of ways to save here and it’s very easy to travel here on a budget without impacting your experience. Here are ways you can save money in New Zealand:

• Learn to cook – I know this is going to sound crazy but: the food scene in New Zealand isn’t that mind-blowing. Yes, there are nice cafes, some hip gastronomy, and really delicious meals but nothing blew my mind. There’s good food but there’s not great food. At least not great enough when you are trying to save money. If you want to really save, cook your own food. When it comes to buying groceries, the cheaper supermarkets are Pakn’Save or Countdown.
• Choose wisely – Tours cost a lot of money in New Zealand. A few of these are enough to bust any budget and send you home before you had planned. Pick the ones you really want to do and save the rest for another trip.
• Hit happy hour – The backpacker bars have cheap happy hours. Hit them up and drink for cheap.
• WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a great way to work for your accommodation and food. In return for working on a farm or B&B, you get free room and board. It’s a popular activity with travelers because it lets you stay in a place cheaper and longer. You can do it for a few days or a few months. Keep in mind that most farms require you to have some experience, as too many inexperienced workers have caused trouble in the past.
• Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary paying gigs.
• Clean in exchange for your room – Many hostels let you trade a few hours of cleaning and making beds for free accommodation. Ask when you check in if this is possible — it might just save you some money!
• Ride share – Ride shares are a popular transportation option for travelers looking to lower costs — all you need to do is chip in for gas. You can find rides on websites like Craigslist and CarpoolWorld. Additionally, you’ll see people asking for rides on hostel bulletin boards.
• Transport vehicles – Campervan and car relocation services will provide you with a free vehicle and gas if you drive it from one destination to another for them. This can be a great way to save a lot of money if you’re flexible with timing. Check Transfercar.co.nz to see what’s available.
• Stay with a local – While there are not a ton of Couchsurfing options available in the country, there are hosts in all of the major cities. If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch or floor, this is a great way to save some money and meet locals who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking is easy in New Zealand and it’s one of the main ways to get around. There are plenty of people who will pick you up. Additionally, you can just ask around at any hostel and find a ride. Everyone is doing the same circuit. I got from Wanaka to Queenstown to Fiordland that way. Check out HitchWiki for tips.
• Take a free walking tour – There are a few free walking tours in New Zealand, such as Auckland Free Walking Tour  in Auckland, that offer visitors insights into each city. If you want to get beneath the surface of New Zealand then walking tours are a great place to start. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get a campervan – Campervans litter New Zealand, especially on the nature-heavy South Island where people hike and camp because they serve as accommodation and transportation all wrapped up in one. For budget-conscious travelers, that’s a win. Be sure to download the awesome Campermates app, which lets you find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.
• Find cheap activities – The bookme.co.nz website provides last-minute discounts on activities (and pub crawls) throughout the country. Most of the activities are last minute, but if you’re flexible in when you want to do things, you can save up to 60% off attractions! I can’t recommend it enough.
• Skip the backpacker buses – While fun, buses like the Kiwi Experience, Stray, or Haka are expensive so it’s best to avoid them if you are on a tight budget. If your budget isn’t so tight and you do want to check them out, be sure to sign up for their mailing lists. There is always a sale on them.
• Enjoy nature – Remember that nature is free! New Zealand, home to the great walks of the world, has tons of free outdoor activities. While the adventure sports, wine tours, glacier treks, and boat cruises can eat into your budget, there are plenty of free hiking trails and walks to keep you busy!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink so bring a water bottle with you to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always be sure your water is clean and safe!

Where to Stay in New Zealand

The hostel scene in the country has vastly improved since I first came here in 2010. There’s much more variety and higher quality now. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• Haka Lodge (Auckland)
• Waiheke Backpackers Hostel (Auckland)
• Nomads (Queenstown)
• Haka Lodge (Queenstown)
• Kiwi Paka (Waitomo)
• Urbanz (Christchurch)
• Trek Global (Wellington)
• Mountain View Backpackers (Wanaka)

How to Get Around New Zealand

Public transportation – Most towns and cities in New Zealand have buses, and Auckland and Wellington both have rail services. One-way fares start around 2-3 NZD and increase depending on what zone you’re traveling to (most cities and towns in New Zealand are sprawling). Check to see if there are transit cards available. For example, Wellington has a Snapper card which will save you nearly half your fare, and the same goes for Auckland’s AT HOP card.

Backpacker bus – One of the most popular ways travelers get across New Zealand is by backpacker bus. These buses offer a hop-on/hop-off service that allows travelers both the flexibility to go at their own pace and the convenience of having activities and accommodation organized for them. New Zealand has two major hop-on/hop-off buses:

• The Kiwi Experience
• Stray Travel

Kiwi Experience tours range from 2-28 days and cost between 85-1,499 NZD while Stray Tours range from 8-18 days and cost between 2,140-4,999 NZD.

Trains – New Zealand has three train lines: Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. These are scenic train rides complete with viewing platforms, audio commentary, information packets, and big windows for taking photos. However, they’re not the most convenient for getting around as they have quite limited schedules. They are meant to be scenic rides than transportation. Tickets range from 99-219 NZD depending on the route.

Buses – Buses are the best and cheapest way to get around New Zealand. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities. Visit InterCity for fares and routes. The earlier you book in advance, the cheaper your ticket will be. Avoid last-minute bookings if possible.

Flying – Flying in New Zealand isn’t that cheap, as there are only two companies that dominate the entire market: Air New Zealand and Jetstar — and on most routes, it’s just Air New Zealand. While you can find some cheap fares on shorter routes or by booking a few months in advance, unless you are really pressed for time or traveling from island to island, I’d skip flying.

One-way routes from Auckland to Queenstown cost 60-130 NZD (a two-hour flight), Queenstown to Christchurch is usually 50-140 NZD (a one-hour flight), and Auckland to Christchurch from 45-125 NZD (a 1.5-hour flight).

Campervans and Car Rentals – This is a popular way to travel in New Zealand, especially on the nature-heavy South Island, where people hike and camp. There are five main rental agencies:

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Daily rates change depending on where you pick the vehicle up, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book. (Going during the high season? Prices seem to double!). Check out this post for more information and price comparisons .

When to Go to New Zealand

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning when most North Americans are dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, Kiwis are enjoying their beaches. Overall, the climate here is temperate. Summer is from December-February and is the most popular time to visit. Kiwis also take their holidays during this time, so things get busy! Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The average daytime temperature is 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Fall is from March-May and it’s one of the best times to visit. The crowds have dispersed, prices are lower, and the weather is pleasant. Some areas still have very warm temperatures, like Auckland.

Winter is from June-August, and it’s a great time to visit if you’re into snow sports. Queenstown and the Central Plateau are winter playgrounds during this time, but especially in June and July! Temperatures on the South Island can drop as low as 0°C (30°F).

Spring (September-November) is also a nice time to visit, especially on the South Island. In short, there’s really no bad time to visit, depending on the sort of things you’d like to do.

That said, since New Zealand is so expensive, the shoulder season is one of the best times to visit if you’re on a budget.

How to Stay Safe in New Zealand

New Zealand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent crime and petty theft are both incredibly rare here. That said, it never hurts to always keep your valuables safe and secure just in case. Don’t leave valuables in your car or van overnight as break ins sometimes do happen.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

You can read about common travel scams to avoid here but there aren’t many in New Zealand though. People here are generally friendly and nice. In all my years traveling here, I’ve never felt unsafe.

If you’re doing any hiking or other adventure sports, always check the weather in advance and bring water and sunscreen.

As earthquakes and tsunamis do occur in New Zealand, consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and also sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

New Zealand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
• bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
• treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

New Zealand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on New Zealand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Christchurch

Where to Stay in Christchurch: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Auckland

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Stay in Auckland: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hostels in Queenstown

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

New Zealand Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth New Zealand travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

A trip to New Zealand holds a top spot on the bucket lists of many travelers around the world. From incredible views to outdoor adventures to vibrant cultural offerings, New Zealand makes for a once-in-a-lifetime trip that you won’t soon forget.

With about 600 islands to explore, there are tons of ways to experience New Zealand and thousands of different itineraries you can take, whether you’re setting out on a road trip of the North and South Islands or cruising through the archipelago.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

Getting out in nature is one of the top activities for travelers to New Zealand and the country is home to tons of national parks where you can explore the great outdoors.

Looking for some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches? Head to Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island coast, where you’ll find golden shores, towering waterfalls, and tons of great trails — including some of the best New Zealand hikes out there!

The park is also a top spot for mountain biking with trails like the Gibbs Hill Track.

At Fiordland National Park , you can explore a series of gorgeous alpine lakes and forests by water, land, or air. The Milford Track in particular is considered one of the best hikes in the world with tons of great sights from waterfalls to glowworms.

And fans of Lord of the Rings will want to check out Tongariro National Park on the North Island. The park is home to Mt. Ngauruhoe, a 7,516 ft. high stratovolcano that was used as the infamous Mount Doom in the film trilogy.

For more incredible mountain views, head to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home of the highest peak in the country. The mountain itself may not be for the faint of heart but there are tons of hiking trails around the park that cater to all skill levels.

While visiting New Zealand, you’ll definitely want to learn more about the culture of these storied islands. You’ll find tons of opportunities to engage with the native Maori culture throughout the islands, from museums to artisinal boutiques to cultural demonstrations.

Looking for day trips from Rotorua? Consider visiting the Ohinemutu Maori Village, a historic town with traditional Maori architecture, hot pools, and impressive ships.

You can also join in on a traditional hangi feast in several places throughout the country. Here, you’ll enjoy a classic meal of fish, kumara (sweet potato), and other local foods cooked in a pit dug in the ground for a delicious, smoky flavor.

These feasts also usually feature cultural performances of Maori music and dance. This is one expereince you won’t want to miss!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to New Zealand in Oceania .

Note: This ultimate guide to New Zealand travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

New Zealand Map

Use this New Zealand travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

New Zealand Adventure Travel

Looking for a New Zealand hiking guide or adventure travel tips? These posts can help!

12 Best Hikes In New Zealand You Shouldn’t Miss

How to Hike New Zealand’s Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut

16 Best South Island New Zealand Hiking Trails

Solo Travel In New Zealand

Traveling alone in New Zealand is an amazing experience!

How To Plan A Solo Trip To New Zealand (Ultimate Guide!)

20 Best Beach Destinations For Solo Female Travelers

Best Tours In New Zealand

Explore local culture with a New Zealand tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri
• Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
• Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise with Scenic Round-Trip Flight from Queenstown
• Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
• Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown

Renting A Car In New Zealand

The best way to travel around New Zealand is undoubtedly by car!

Need a rental car for your New Zealand trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

New Zealand Hotels

Click here to browse the best New Zealand travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

New Zealand Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a New Zealand tour. When visiting New Zealand — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your New Zealand travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

New Zealand Travel Guide FAQ

Okay, now let’s answer some common Oceania travel questions that specifically pertain to traveling in New Zealand .

Q: What are the best things to do in New Zealand?

A trip to New Zealand is all about taking in Mother Nature’s beauty. The country is full of opportunities for outdoor adventures , from white water rafting to bungy jumping to hiking some of the most beautiful trails in the world. You’ll absolutely want to have a few New Zealand hikes on your itinerary — like the epic Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut !

Hiking enthusiasts will definitely want to visit Queenstown , known as the “adventure capital of the world”. Trek famous South Island hiking trails like the Queenstown Hill Walking Track, the Moonlight Track, or Jack’s Point. Whatever your level of hiking skill, there’s a trail for you.

On Milford Sound , you’ll find some of the most gorgeous fjords in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the Sound and the surrounding mountains by kayak, boat cruise, or even a scenic flight.

In Northland , you can enjoy gorgeous subtropical beaches and seaside towns. Check out some of the local marine life on a dive or just catch some rays and watch the surfers do their thing at spots like 90 Mile Beach.

You also can’t pass up any opportunity to experience the culture of New Zealand during your trip.

In Rotorua , you can learn more about the Indigenous Maori culture while soaking up the health benefits of the local hot springs. Take in a cultural demonstration at the Tamaki Maori Village , featuring traditional dances and customs (like the famous Haka) and enjoy a hangi feast. You can even stay overnight in a traditional wharemoe (sleeping house) for a truly immersive experience.

The country is also home to tons of great museums that tell New Zealand’s story. The Auckland Museum in Auckland features tons of Aboriginal art as well as artifacts from the country’s long history.

Of course, any Lord of the Rings fan will want to visit some of the locations featured in the famous film trilogy.

The Hobbiton Movie Set in Waikato is probably one of the most popular LOTR attractions, featuring a 1,250-acre re-creation of The Shire, home to Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. See if you can fit in one of the tiny Hobbit homes and enjoy a pint at the Green Dragon Inn.

You can also visit the Weta Cave Workshop in Wellington , where props, costumes, and creatures from films like Lord of the Rings , Avatar, and District 9 are created by some of the most talented creators in the world. You can even take a special effects makeup class and try your hand (pun intended!) at creating realistic-looking wounds for the camera.

Q: What is the best month to visit New Zealand?

New Zealand’s summer season (running December through March) is widely considered the best time to visit. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities during this time, with warm temperatures and sunny days.

You can expect temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit throughout the rest of the year, making New Zealand a great place to visit year-round.

The South Island does see some snow in the winter months (June through September), making it perfect for skiers.

Q: How much should I budget for a trip to New Zealand?

The average traveler spends about $129 USD per day in New Zealand on accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and other travel expenses.

Your biggest expense will likely be your flights to and from the country, which can vary in cost depending on your departure city. Keep an eye on flight aggregator sites like Kayak and keep your plans flexible to get the best deal.

Q: Where should I go for my first trip to New Zealand?

A great place to start on your first trip to New Zealand is Auckland , the country’s largest city. You’ll likely end up flying into Auckland Airport as it is the largest airport in the country, so the city makes a great jumping off point for any tour of New Zealand.

Aside from it’s metropolitan vibe, there are tons of natural wonders to explore in the Auckland area. Take a day trip out to Rangitoto Island, a voclanic island with tons of great hiking trails and lava fields to explore.

You can also hike Mount Eden, a dormant volcano offering incredible views of downtown Auckland.

Sailing enthusiasts will want to check out the yachts and boats at Viaduct Harbour, a lively marina that’s also home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The Hobbiton Movie Set is also an easy day trip from Auckland and a must-see for Lord of the Rings fans.

Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is the place to go to see some of the beautiful sights the country has to offer and experience Maori culture first-hand.

There are tons of opportunities for adventure in the Rotorua area, from stand-up paddleboard tours on Lake Rotorua to tree walks in the redwood forests. With so many things to do, you won’t have to worry about getting bored!

Worn out from so much activity? Head to one of the local hot springs for a dip in the healing waters and a classic mud treatment that will leave your skin feeling like new.

There are also tons of ways to experience Maori culture in Rotorua as well, from cultural tours to ancient archeological sites to traditional feasts and performances. Rotorua truly has definitely something for every kind of traveler.

Wellington , the country’s cultural and political capital, is also a great place to visit on a first-time trip to New Zealand. The city has a lively arts scene and is home to New Zealand’s film industry, making it the perfect spot for culture-minded tourists.

Wellington is also home to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, a large (free!) museum featuring exhibitions on the country’s natural history, Maori culture, art, and more. If you want to dive into the story of New Zealand, this is definitely the place to go.

Just an hour outside of the city you’ll find Wairapapa , one of the top wine regions in the country. You can book a tour to hit a few vineyards in one day or explore the region by bike. Just be sure to bike responsibly after all those wine tastings!

Q: What should I avoid in New Zealand?

As you would when visiting any other country, avoid disrespecting the locals. This is particularly important if you are interacting with the native Maori people at all during your trip. Be aware of lands that are sacred to the Maori people and be particularly respectful when visiting these sites.

It also helps to learn a few Maori phrases before or during your trip — you’ll often see signs written in both English and Maori throughout the country.

Also, be aware that New Zealand and Australia , while often grouped together by travelers, are two very different countries. You’ll see this first-hand if you get a chance to visit both countries. You won’t make any friends in New Zealand by comparing the country to her neighbor, so keep any comments about Australia to yourself.

Considering the digital nomad lifestyle? Don’t expect to get a ton of work done in New Zealand, particularly outside of the cities.

Internet service throughout the country is spotty at best, particularly in the countryside. Don’t rely to heavily on digital maps and other services to get around either. Instead, go old school and bring maps or print out directions when you can.

And if you’re expected to check in with work or folks back home at all during your trip, let them know you might not be as easy to reach as usual, particularly when you’re out in more remote areas.

Hate being limited to a short (or ridiculously long) wine list when dining out? Avoid being limited to a restaurant’s wine selection by bringing your own bottle.

Most restaurants in New Zealand allow you to bring your own wine in for a small corkage fee. This will save you some cash on your dinner bill and ensure that you get to drink wine you actually like.

Tipping also isn’t the norm in restaurants in New Zealand. You can feel free to tip for particularly exceptional service, but know that it’s not expected.

Q: Is New Zealand safe to travel?

New Zealand is widely considered one of the safest countries for travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare and while petty crime like pickpocketing does happen in popular tourist areas like Auckland, it’s relatively uncommon. As in any destination, it’s good to always be aware of your surroundings and keep any valuables close to you and out of view to avoid pickpockets .

Q: How long can a tourist stay in New Zealand?

Travelers visiting New Zealand on a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) can stay for up to three months in one visit (six months for visitors from the United Kingdom) and no more than six months in a 12-month period. Travelers on a Visitor Visa can stay in the country for up to nine months in an 18-month period.

Q: Do I need a New Zealand travel visa?

Travelers from the United States , Canada , the United Kingdom and most countries in Europe (specificially the European Union) do not need a visa to enter New Zealand.

Visitors from visa waiver countries do need to obtain a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before traveling to New Zealand, though. You can request an NZeTA online on the New Zealand Immigration website or via the NZeTA app ; the application costs NZD $12 ($8.34 USD) if you apply online or NZD $9 ($6.26 USD) if you apply on the app.

You’ll also pay NZD $35 ($24.33 USD) for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy at the same time as your NZeTA. Visitors from countries not on the visa waiver list will need to apply for a visitor visa before traveling to New Zealand.

It’s recommended to view your country’s New Zealand International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the New Zealand Consulate-General.

Q: Where is New Zealand?

New Zealand is an island country featuring numerous smaller islands and two main islands, including the the North Island (Te-Ika-a-Maui) and the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu), which are separated by the Cook Strait.

The country is located in the South Pacific Ocean in the region of Oceania.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in New Zealand?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around New Zealand, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in the New Zealand?

It is safe to drink the tap water in New Zealand, though do double check with your hotel to be safe.

Q: What is the local currency in New Zealand?

The local currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar, which is also sometimes known as “the kiwi”.

What would you add to this New Zealand travel guide?

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to New Zealand

See the best places to stay, dine, and experience the beauty of New Zealand, according to a local.

Amy Louise Bailey is a freelance content creator and media specialist. Her work has been published in Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar , Elle , Condé Nast Traveler, Bloomberg Pursuits , and Robb Report .

Bay of Islands

Christchurch, best times to visit new zealand, how to get there, transportation.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

When people learn I’m from New Zealand , I often hear that it’s at the top of their bucket list — or, if they’ve been, that it’s their favorite country in the world.  I may be biased, but I am not surprised. The stunning natural beauty, thriving culinary scene, and unique outdoor activities would charm even the most seasoned traveler.

Everywhere you look, there’s a picture-perfect backdrop filled with greenery and crystal-clear waters. And although it has a lot of untouched land, it boasts the same highlights you would find in any major global city, with art galleries, shopping districts, nightlife, and luxury hotels. Plus, it’s politically stable and very safe, which are increasingly appealing traits.

Geographically, the country is divided into two islands with distinct characteristics: the North Island is full of beaches and is home to the main cities, and the South Island is an alpine wonderland, defined by majestic mountain landscapes, rugged coasts, and world-class ski slopes. There has been a lot of development over the past few years, and travelers have more places to eat, stay, and play than ever before.  Below, see Travel + Leisure ’s essential guide to making the most of this magical South Pacific destination, according to a local.

Angelina Pilarinos/Travel + Leisure

North Island

The North Island is lined with beautiful beaches and islands surrounding the narrow coasts. It’s also where the capital, Wellington, is located, along with the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Auckland , which is an essential destination on any New Zealand itinerary (and the gateway for most international flights). As Annie Dundas, head of the visitor economy for Auckland Unlimited notes, Auckland is “an urban oasis — the perfect fusion of a busy, modern city that looks out to mesmerizing landscapes and islands — all within easy reach and laden with wineries and leisurely places for long lunches.” It is worth spending at least four days in Auckland, but the North Island has many unique areas to explore, and below, we’ve charted the key destinations to prioritize.

Things to Do

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a popular day trip for locals and is accessible by boat, ferry, or helicopter from downtown Auckland. It’s filled with boutique wineries, restaurants, and beautiful beaches, and is especially popular in the summer months, when music festivals and jazz concerts are hosted in sprawling vineyards. There’s also a contemporary art sculpture trail, Sculpture on the Gulf , hosted each summer, enticing many Aucklanders across the harbor for a cultured day out. Pop over for the day, tour the wineries, get a scoop of ice cream at Island Gelato Company , and wander around the artisan boutiques. If you’d like to spend the night, there are high-end rentals available on Waiheke Unlimited and Vrbo , or for a hotel, go for Delamore Lodge .

Visit the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery

For a close-up view of New Zealand’s culture and history, visit the stately Auckland Museum , where you’ll find a collection of national artifacts along with a rotation of exhibitions. It’s set at the top of the city’s main park and is within walking distance of Auckland CBD, where the Auckland Art Gallery is located. Here you’ll find some of the country’s most valuable artworks along with various international collections. Both are worthwhile attractions that can be ticked off in half a day.

Explore Commercial Bay and Britomart

Downtown Auckland has been transformed over the past decade and has become the city’s most vibrant shopping and dining hub. It’s bustling from day to night and is especially packed on Friday nights for after-work drinks and dinner. You can find some of the city’s best restaurants and cocktail bars within a small vicinity, and it’s a fashion mecca, with storefronts from major brands and local fashion designers (be sure to check out Karen Walker , Kate Sylvester , and Zambesi ).

Courtesy of Park Hyatt Auckland

Park Hyatt Auckland

Since opening in 2020, the Park Hyatt has become the crème de la crème of the Auckland hotel scene. It has a prime location, excellent views, amenities, restaurants, and spacious rooms with freestanding bathtubs and terraces overlooking the Viaduct Harbor — ideal for room service with some atmosphere. It’s within walking distance of the best bars, restaurants, and shops, but it feels like a serene enclave where you can manage to get a good night’s sleep, despite being right by the action.

The Hotel Britomart

As the name suggests, this chic hotel is located right in the heart of Britomart, surrounded by some of Auckland’s best shopping and dining. Rooms are sleek and modern yet very small, so are suitable for solo travelers and couples. If you’re seeking something more spacious, the suites are some of the finest in the city (with price tags to match). And the restaurant, Kingi, is also excellent. 

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor

Located between the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, the Sofitel has long been a go-to for celebrities and diplomats visiting New Zealand. It boasts the high standards that you would expect from the French hotel brand, with a fine-dining restaurant, elegant interiors, and an impressive spa and wellness center. 

Restaurants

For a fun atmosphere and Italian-inspired fare, head to Bivacco in the Viaduct. The menu has sharable classics like pizza, antipasto, pasta, and oysters, and on any given day, you’ll find yourself surrounded by well-heeled locals socializing over bottles of rosé and cocktails. 

Soul is a restaurant that has stood the test of time, and for over 20 years, it has been a go-to venue for some of the city’s most stylish soirees. Like Bivacco, it’s also a lively spot in the heart of the Viaduct, where people go for the food as well as the scene. After dinner, there’s a dance floor that attracts a mature crowd, and on the menus you’ll find fresh seafood and bistro classics alongside an extensive wine and Champagne list.

While it’s not the newest or the sceniest place, Prego has been a solid option along Ponsonby Road for years and is just as popular with families as it is for birthday celebrations and dinners preceding big nights out at the bars along the strip. Go for the pizza or the chicken saltimbocca — everything on the menu is great as are the cocktails. Always a reliable destination for a good atmosphere and delicious food.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Known locally as Te Papa , the country’s largest museum is an essential on any Wellington itinerary. It contains over 800,000 artworks and objects, and it has a rotation of exhibitions including dinosaur skeletons and ancient artifacts that you would expect to find at the American Museum of Natural History. It’s an interesting experience for children and adults alike.

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

For panoramic views of the city, jump on the historic Wellington Cable Car , which boards in the heart of the Lambton Quay shopping district and travels up the hillside of Kelburn. Here you will find a scenic lookout, botanic gardens, and the Cable Car Museum . 

Wander Hannahs Laneway 

Also known as Leeds Street, Hannah’s Laneway is a foodie’s paradise, lined with street food vendors, contemporary art, and cool cafes. You can pick up a variety of distinctly "Kiwi" specialties, from black forest toast to pies and creamy hot chocolates. Just be sure to skip breakfast so you have room to sample everything.

QT Wellington

This centrally located hotel could be equated to the likes of The Standard and Edition Hotels, with quirky, ultramodern design and a lively food and beverage scene.  It’s right across from the Te Papa Museum in the center of town and is popular with both business and leisure travelers. There are 65 hotel rooms with either city or harbor views, and it also has 98 apartments. 

Wharekauhau Country Estate

Although it’s a 90-minute drive from Wellington, this luxury lodge is a popular stop on any Wellington itinerary. It’s set on a 5,000-acre estate overlooking the coast and has welcomed the royal family and many international diplomats visiting the capital. Everything is designed so that you don’t need to leave: food is included and sourced from the farm, it has a spa and fitness center, and a variety of outdoor activities from ATV quad biking to tennis. 

You will need to book a month in advance to secure a table at this intimate prix-fixe restaurant. The menu is seasonal and it changes every day, so there’s always something new. A typical night might feature lamb manti, panfried snapper, and crisp meringue — delicious renditions of local New Zealand cuisine.

Located on the nightlife-centric Cuba Street, Loretta is a place to enjoy crowd-pleasing classics in a fun environment.  It’s renowned for its sourdough pizzas and vanilla cheesecakes and is a great place to go with friends before a night out or for brunch on a Sunday. 

Ortega Fish Shack

This nautical-themed restaurant has some of the best seafood around, from Yellowtail Kingfish ceviche to smoked Moki rillettes and green lipped mussels. It’s a charming and eclectic place that perfectly represents the hip, creative vibe of Wellington. 

Sculptureum

Sculptureum is a lovely and cultured place to spend an afternoon, with six art galleries, three sculpture gardens, a vineyard, and a restaurant appropriately named Rothko. Whether you’re staying in the area or doing a day trip up from Auckland, it’s an essential for contemporary art lovers and is especially great to visit in the summer months.

Matakana Village Farmers Market

Every weekend, Matakana Village comes alive with rustic markets featuring a variety of artisan food stands and fresh local produce. You’ll find delicious local cheese, honey, baked goods, chocolate, and award-winning flat whites.  It’s set up right next to the boutiques in the charming village, where you’ll find everything from quaint homeware stores to shoe shops, and there’s also a cinema and a restaurant within the main village complex.

Omaha Beach

The Rodney District has some of the most stunning beaches on the North Island, and one of the most popular among them is Omaha — a white sand beach that attracts swimmers, surfers, and families setting up for the day. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Matakana Village, and it has ample parking, a café, a boutique with swim essentials, and a playground. For bigger waves, surfers head to Tawharanui Beach , which is also located within the Matakana region. 

Takatu Lodge

This gorgeous boutique lodge is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. It has only four suites with luxurious furnishings, underfloor heating, and views overlooking the gardens and the vineyards. Meals are provided in the dining spaces and tailored to guests’ preferences. Also, picnics are on offer for those wanting to set up at the nearby beaches for the day. 

Courtesy of Brick Bay

Brick Bay is a similar concept to Sculptureum, with a restaurant, wine tastings, and a contemporary sculpture trail positioned around a pond and throughout a native bush. It’s been around for a long time and is very popular with both locals and Aucklanders, so it’s worth booking in advance, even if it’s just to sample their wine varietals over a cheese platter after the lunchtime rush. 

Cruise the Islands

The Bay of Islands has 144 subtropical islands, and there are many ways to explore them, be it by chartering a yacht, going on a scheduled group boat tour, hiring a kayak, or embarking of a snorkeling expedition. You can see an abundance of enchanting sea life, too, including dolphins, penguins, and whales. 

Visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most important historic site, where the country’s founding document was signed back in 1840. Today, it contains two museums with interactive displays, guided tours to learn about the country’s history, and traditional Maori cultural performances that are staged in the meeting house. 

Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs was recently added to the Rosewood portfolio, which is testament to its high standards. It’s one of New Zealand’s most iconic luxury lodges, with a golf course that is ranked 37th on Golf Digest ’s Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World, an excellent restaurant, and a fabulous spa nestled into a tranquil forest full of native birdlife. 

Eagle’s Nest

Positioned on a private 75-acre peninsula overlooking the Bay of Islands, Eagle’s Nest is one of New Zealand’s most luxurious boutique retreats. It is an intimate enclave, with only five villas that are beautifully designed. One thing to note is that there is no restaurant, however breakfast provisions are provided and there are on-call chefs available for private dining. 

Duke of Marlborough

The Duke of Marlborough is New Zealand’s first pub, and since opening in 1827 (before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed nearby), it has undergone various reincarnations. Visit today and you’ll find a refined version of a classic pub, with décor that feels fresh while honoring its history. Menus feature locally sourced, seasonal fare with popular items like paua risotto, clam fritters, pork belly, and of course, a solid burger.  

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

South Island

The South Island is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery from the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman to the fiords and mountains in the Southern Alps. The vibe is generally more casual, and it’s where many of the country’s best adventure activities can be experienced. In Wanaka and Queenstown , you’ll find pristine ski slopes, dramatic mountain landscapes, and an array of sprawling wineries. It’s also home to many of New Zealand’s Great Walks and multi-day hikes. There are many beautiful places to explore, and as Sarah Handley, Tourism New Zealand's general manager for the Americas and Europe notes, “New Zealand's connection to the U.S. has never been stronger, and Americans can now fly non-stop to Christchurch, in the South Island, with United's direct service from SFO [starting Dec. 8].”

Americans can now fly non-stop to Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island, with United Airlines' direct service from San Francisco (SFO) starting Dec. 8.

Over the Top Helicopter Tour

For a true bucket list experience, take a helicopter ride and tour through the Southern Alps and the Milford Sound.  It’s the most magical way to see everything, and experience areas that are usually inaccessible, like the secluded Madagascar Beach and snow-capped, sky-high peaks. The "eurocopters" are state of the art, with maximum visibility from any vantage point.  They can be booked privately or as part of scheduled group tours. 

JensenChua/Getty Images

TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Renowned as "the Lady of the Lake," the Earnslaw is a 110-year-old steamboat that tours Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown down to Glenorchy. It’s one of the best ways to observe the natural grandeur of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak and is a particularly popular activity for families. The cruise itself take 90 minutes, but there are various experiences that can be added on arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, including horse treks, cycling, or barbecues. 

Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining town that looks like a village out of a fairy tale. Everything has been lovingly preserved and it is lined with quaint artisan boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, and on the way, you could stop at Millbrook Resort for a round of golf or a spa session (just outside of the main village). Be sure to stop at The Remarkable Sweet Shop for the crème brulee fudge.  

Eichardt’s Private Hotel

Eichardt’s an iconic Queenstown establishment and one of the most beloved boutique hotels in the country. It has an exceptional cocktail bar, restaurant, and a spa, along with a $20,000-per-night penthouse located above the Louis Vuitton boutique next door. The location could not be better, positioned right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the center of the action. Inside the rooms, the interiors are ultra-luxurious and suited to the alpine theme of the town — think crackling fireplaces, marble bathrooms with underfloor heating, and plush beds with fur throws. 

Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge is another property that was recently added to Rosewood’s portfolio (along with Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers in the Hawkes Bay) and is a key destination on New Zealand’s luxury circuit, hosting the British royal family and many celebrities over the years. The intimate lakeside retreat has only 13 spacious accommodations and it boasts stunning views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Cocktail hour is a social affair, and the food and wine offerings are world class.

The Carlin is new, but it’s already garnered international acclaim, winning Best New Hotel at the Boutique Hotel Awards in 2022. It’s a place that would have "Palace" distinction if it were in France, with ultra-luxe amenities that surpass the typical five-star standard. Guests have access to private jets and Michelin-star dining, and it is home to the largest penthouse in the Southern Hemisphere.

Located just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Amisfield is the most popular winery and restaurant in the region and is an essential daytime excursion for any Queenstown itinerary. Wine tastings are available, and there are excellent Pinot Noirs produced on site. But to make the most of it, do an al fresco lunch in the beautifully manicured courtyard and take in the views of the postcard-worthy mountains.

Botswana Butchery

This lively lakefront bistro is one to book in advance, particularly if you’re visiting on a weekend. It has a charming atmosphere and some of the best representations of hearty New Zealand cuisine sourced from the surrounding farms and waters. It also has an excellent wine list with varietals from vineyards in the area.

You will need to time your visit to Fergburger well, as the lines can often exceed an hour in the evenings, but it has the best burgers in Queenstown (and anywhere, really) and is worth factoring in. There is a long menu of options to suit everyone including vegetarian options, beef, lamb, pork, fish, chicken, and also breakfast burgers. The same operators also opened Fergbaker next door where you can pick up a classic meat pie — both delicious options, especially on a cold and snowy day.

Blanket Bay

Glenorchy is very remote, and what to do, where to stay, and where to dine all fall under the same category if you want to do it well. The place to go? Blanket Bay, where apocalypse-weary billionaires are known to escape. It is one of the country’s finest luxury lodges and is the best way to experience all the area has to offer, with an excellent restaurant, bar, spa and wellness center, and a variety of outdoor activities from horse riding to heliskiing and jet boating. Accommodations are split between rooms in the main house and luxuriously decorated standalone villas.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Located in the Mt. Cook National Park, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve has some of the clearest and darkest skies for star-spotting. It was the first Dark Sky Reserve to be established in New Zealand, and is a magical way to experience the country’s untouched natural beauty by night. 

Explore the City’s Art Galleries

Christchurch has a thriving art scene and many galleries in the central city that are worth checking out. The main ones to prioritize are the Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCa) , Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu , and the Christchurch Art Centre . 

The Mayfair

Since opening in 2022, The Mayfair has been a welcome addition to the city’s luxury hotel scene. It’s a boutique hotel with minimal, contemporary décor, and sophisticated dining options from high tea to an all-day café and cocktail bar and bistro. The central location makes it popular for both leisure and business travelers. 

The Observatory Hotel

The Observatory is a chic, design-forward boutique hotel that also opened in Christchurch in 2022.  It has rich interiors that give the sense of eternal night, with vivid colors and ambient lighting. Rooms are very photogenic, and there are multiple dining options from the Drawing Room to all-day eatery Bunsen, and more casual options within the broader complex, from food trucks to sushi and dumplings.

Inati is a stylish fine dining establishment helmed by the former head chef of Gordon Ramsay’s The Warrington. If there’s one place to book in advance in Christchurch, this is it. The menu is filled with sharing plates and is divided into earth, land, and sea categories. Guests can park up at elegant stools overlooking the open kitchen and observe their food being artfully crafted. 

If you want to experience the great outdoors (which is the primary drawcard), the best time to visit is over the summer, between December and the beginning of April. During this period, temperatures are balmy and you’re more likely to encounter solid blocks of sunshine. It’s also when the cities come alive, with many music festivals and cultural events, and is the best time to explore the beaches, wineries, and stunning walking tracks. That said, New Zealand is a great place to visit year-round, and it is also a world-renowned ski destination with ski resorts throughout the North and South Island. If you’re looking to ski, the months to consider would be between June and October, when the fields are open. 

Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

The best way to get to New Zealand is to fly into Auckland Airport, which is the country’s primary gateway. Air New Zealand has multiple routes available, including a direct flight from New York City, which takes 17 hours but is surprisingly manageable, given it flies overnight (and the airline is renowned for its excellent cuisine and high standard overall). United Airlines is launching a direct flight from San Francisco's SFO in December, and Qantas also has a route from New York to Auckland. 

Once you arrive at the airport, there are taxis and rideshare services available, including Uber, but given everything is quite spread out, it is definitely worth renting a car. That will allow you to easily explore all of the different areas (some of which don’t have regular public transport options available). Driving is also a great way to visit some of the more remote beaches and destinations off the beaten path. If you’re planning on staying in the city centers, there are buses available, trains (albeit with limited routes), and ferries. 

New Zealand Travel Guide

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30 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand 🗺️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the ultimate list of new zealand travel tips.

Ah, New Zealand ! Known to the local Māori as “Aotearoa”, New Zealand is a remote country in the South Pacific famous for its dramatic scenery. At about 1,600 km (1,000 mi) long and 450 km (280 mi) at its widest point, the country is easy to explore. And explore you will, with a range of landscapes to entice you, adventure activities to excite you, and friendly locals to guide you. But as is the case with exploring any new country, there are common first-timer pitfalls that may get between you and an idyllic Kiwi getaway. As New Zealand’s largest travel guide, we at NZ Pocket Guide are delighted to make your travels much more seamless with this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand.

1. Plan a Realistic Itinerary

Our first tip for travelling in New Zealand is don’t try to do everything. New Zealand might be a small country but there’s a lot to see, a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of tours and activities. Plan a realistic itinerary that fits your timeframe. If you only have a week in New Zealand , just explore one of the two main islands. We say two weeks is the absolute minimum to enjoy a trip to both the North Island and South Island, but we highly recommend stretching it to three or even four weeks . With New Zealand being far from pretty much everywhere on the planet, it’s a once-in-the-lifetime destination for many. Try to save your New Zealand trip until you have enough time to make the most of it.

For advice on planning your itinerary, see  How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary and How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand .

2. Remember to Pay the NZeTA and IVL or Choose a Different Visa

If you’re visiting New Zealand on a Visitor Visa and you come from a Visa-Waiver Country , you are required to have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) as well as pay the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) before arriving in New Zealand. You may not have to pay these arrival fees if you are on another type of visa, such as a Work Visa or Student Visa . While we’re on the subject, you might want to look into different visa types if you want to be able to work and stay longer in the country, such as the popular working holiday visa .

For more tips on the arrival fees, check out the 10 Things You Need to Know About the NZETA .

3. Pack Lightly with Versatility in Mind

There is a bit of a misconception that New Zealand isn’t a developed country, but it’s not that bad! You can get a lot of goods and services very easily. With that in mind, you don’t have to pack a ton of food (or any, for that matter), months’ worth of toiletries, nor your whole wardrobe; you can get all that and more in New Zealand. Plus, with New Zealand being a destination where you’re encouraged to explore the country rather than staying in one place, you’ll find that a lighter bag is easier to move between accommodations. On a note about clothing, choose versatile outfits, preferably those to explore the outdoors comfortably. New Zealand tends to have a casual dress code, so there’s no need to pack a ton of different outfits.

For more packing advice, head over to our New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand .

4. Declare!

On the subject of packing, you need to be aware of what not to pack and what to “declare” when arriving in New Zealand . This is because New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules in order to protect its ecosystem. In short, you will be given a   New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) to fill out either online before your flight or on paper during your flight or cruise to New Zealand. Tick the boxes if you have, for instance, any food, sports gear, animal products or plant products packed in your luggage. If you are unsure, just tick the relevant box anyway. You’ll be asked more questions about the answers you give on arrival. Be honest, declare anything you’re unsure of. Otherwise, if you don’t declare something you should have, you could face a NZ$400 fine. Eek!

Get more details using our guide on What Do You Need to Declare When Arriving in New Zealand? and  Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process .

5. Be Aware of All of the Transport Options

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the “best way to travel New Zealand” but choosing the right transport is an extremely personal choice. Travelling by car , campervan , the bus network or a bus tour are the main ways to explore the country, but there are flights , trains and ferries that might be incorporated into your trip too. Start doing your research by checking out our New Zealand transport guides:

• Renting a car/campervan
• Buying a car/campervan
• Buses and bus tours
• Plane, train and ferry .

And if you don’t know where to start, check out our article, What is the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand?

Featured Bus Tour: Backyard Roadies

You can’t get more local than Backyard Roadies who formed out of the pandemic showing locals their awesome New Zealand “backyard”. Well, it’s time to show international travellers the highlights too on their variety of New Zealand tours ranging from 10 to 21 days! To add to the “Kiwi” vibe, Backyard Roadies is not only 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, but they go the extra mile to make their guests feel like locals, spending more time at each destination than most other tours. With small groups and a mix of male and female guides, Backyard Roadies offers fun, safe and great-value tours for all.

Learn more about their tours and become part of the Backyard Roadies family over at backyardroadies.com .

6. Travel in the Shoulder and Low Season

Summer in New Zealand is from December to February , but expect things to get busy from November to March . During this time, flights are more expensive, car rentals are costlier, accommodation books up quickly, attractions are more crowded… With those in mind, we recommend travelling in the low season , from June to August , or better yet, the shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October . The weather is not that bad, just check it out in The New Zealand Seasons and Climate .

For more tips on the best months to travel, see our article on The Best Time to Visit New Zealand .

7. Book Well in Advance if Travelling in Summer

Ok, so for those of you who can’t resist visiting New Zealand when the weather is at its warmest, be sure to do your bookings well in advance. The country goes crazy between the months of December and February so we recommend booking accommodation and vehicle rentals as soon as possible in order to get your first choice. Activities don’t tend to need booking too far in advance, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

For more advice on how to book your trip around New Zealand, head to  What You Need to Know About Booking Transport in New Zealand and  The Essential Guide to Booking Activities in New Zealand .

8. Travel from South to North

Due to most international flights landing in Auckland , the majority of tourists travel from the North Island to the South Island . The best tip to break away from the crowds and get better deals on transport is to simply travel from south to north! Take a quick flight from Auckland to Queenstown or Christchurch and travel your way back up to Auckland.

Another bonus is for those wanting to rent a vehicle . Car and campervan rental companies have an influx of vehicles being dropped off at their South Island depots, so tend to charge less or even provide more car relocation opportunities with pick-ups in the south and drop-offs in the north.

9. You Can’t Camp Just “Anywhere”

If you plan to stay in a tent or a campervan in New Zealand, be sure to know where you are allowed to camp. Most of the time, you will need to be driving a certified self-contained campervan if you want to park up and stay the night somewhere for free. Otherwise, you will need to stay in campsites and holiday parks . Oh, and you can’t really stay “anywhere” for free, as different regional councils have different laws – see the Freedom Camping Rules in New Zealand: Region by Region . In short, you’ll need to plan where to camp for the night.

For more information, see  What it’s Really Like to Freedom Camp in New Zealand .

10. Always Carry an Extra Layer!

New Zealand has a famous phrase to describe the weather: “four seasons in one day.” In other words, the weather changes so rapidly and unexpectedly that you’ll be glad to have an extra layer with you in case it gets cold. We even suggest carrying a rain jacket in your day pack in the likely case that you experience one of New Zealand’s frequent showers. For hikes, you’ll need to take the preparation to the next level, so check out How to Prepare for a Great Walk in New Zealand for tips.

11. There are Only Three Types of ID You Can Use to Prove Your Age

With the legal drinking age being 18 years old, you may need to show your ID to prove your age when buying alcohol. The only forms of ID that are accepted are your passport , a New Zealand driver license and the Hospitality New Zealand 18+ Card . So if you are on a short trip to New Zealand, keep your passport with you for the bar or for buying a bottle of wine from the supermarket. Even if you are actually 30, your ID still might be checked. If you are in New Zealand for a while, keep your passport safe and get yourself an 18+ Card instead.

For more information, see our guide on  What ID is Valid for Buying Alcohol in New Zealand?

12. Choose the Right Type of Accommodation for You

Accommodation comes in many forms in New Zealand, which might be different from what you’re used to when travelling. Motels typically consist of self-contained units, while holiday parks are similar but also have campsites and powered sites for campervans. Hostels have private and shared rooms with communal facilities, while hotels offer more premium rooms with facilities such as a restaurant. There are also homestays and holiday homes available. Browse our Accommodation category to see which type of accommodation appeals to you and your budget.

13. Pay in New Zealand Dollars (+ Know About Swedish Rounding)

The currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar . You’ll find cheaper currency exchange bureaus in New Zealand’s cities compared to its airports. While cash is accepted everywhere, most vendors also accept Visa and MasterCard . Bonus tip: New Zealanders know “paying with card” as “paying with EFTPOS”. Note that when paying with cash, New Zealand follows Swedish rounding, i.e. rounding prices up or down to the nearest multiple of 10 due to the currency not having any 1, 2 or 5 cent coins.

Get more payment tips in  The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand .

14. Know the New Zealand Road Rules

To keep yourself and others on the roads safe, check out the New Zealand road rules before heading out. The obvious thing to remember is that traffic flows on the left in New Zealand, but there are some rules about intersections and one-way bridges that are essential to know. If you are not used to roundabouts, you should also learn how they work. Wise up by checking out our guide on How to Drive in New Zealand .

For more tips on driving in New Zealand, take a look at the 12 Safe Driving Tips for New Zealand .

15. Cyclists, Stick to the Bike Trails

For safety reasons, it’s not recommended for cyclists to travel via the highways in New Zealand. New Zealand drivers are not used to cyclists on the road, so often don’t give enough room when overtaking. On the other hand, the country has a myriad of off-road bike trails of various grades to enjoy car-free cycling. Learn more in our article, Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide .

For cycling rules on the roads, however, check out the City Cycling Rules in New Zealand .

16. New Zealand Might Be More Expensive Than What You’re Used To

Everyday items, such as food and drink, are likely to be more expensive than what you might be used to at home. That’s the downside of being in an isolated country with very little competition. Take a look at the typical prices listed in How Expensive is New Zealand? and plan your budget accordingly.

Check out our tips on how to budget for New Zealand in the 11 Ways to Save Money in New Zealand , as well as   How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?

17. Plan More Travel Time Than What Your GPS Suggests (+ A Warning About Google Maps)

New Zealand’s highways are not multi-lane straight roads (or, at least very few are). Most are single-lane winding roads and some are even gravel, so you’ll unlikely be travelling at 100 kph for the entire journey. For this reason, it usually takes a little longer to cover the same distance in New Zealand than in other countries. Plus, considering that you’re probably going to New Zealand to soak up the scenery and do amazing things, you’ll want to plan some extra time to allow for photo stops. On a similar note, Google Maps is notorious in New Zealand for taking drivers on the shortest route to a destination but not necessarily the easiest. If travelling to a more remote destination, double-check that Google isn’t taking you onto some obscure farm track or logging road.

For more driving tips like this, take a look at our Road Trip Tips category .

18. Come for Nature; Not for Cities

New Zealand does nature so damn well. It’s the home of two UNESCO World Heritage Areas , five International Dark Sky Reserves , 13 National Parks which are free to visit, by the way, and countless other conservation areas. On the other hand, cities in New Zealand don’t offer quite as much and to the same majesty as in other countries, such as Australia. Cities are where people live and work in New Zealand; the wilderness is where people play. The latter is far more interesting.

Add some of New Zealand’s natural attractions to your bucket list using our guide to the Natural Wonders of New Zealand .

19. Protect Yourself from the Sun and the Sandflies

The UV levels in New Zealand are about 40% higher than the same latitudes in North America and Europe. Just seven minutes of sun exposure can leave you with sunburn, while dehydration can come on quickly too. Lather up with at least SPF factor 30 before spending time outside, even when it’s cloudy in summer and even when it’s sunny in winter . Also in summer, sandflies are prolific. Learn how to protect yourself from these insects that leave an itchy bite in the 10 Ways to Stop Sandfly Bites .

For more health tips, check out  Health Tips For Travelling in New Zealand .

20. Don’t Underestimate the Amount to Do in New Zealand

Just scroll our  101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List and you’ll get an understanding of the staggering number of things to do. And that list just scratches the surface! Many travellers make the mistake of coming to New Zealand after doing little research and then finding themselves doing impulsive tours and activities in fear of missing out. Stick to your budget and timeframe by doing your research – our Activities category is a good place to start – and being choosy. Make a list of your must-dos!

21. Hiking Will Be Your Best Friend

Don’t be put off by the word “hiking” in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation (DOC) of New Zealand has made it easy with hundreds of easy-to-follow walking trails across the country, ranging from 10 minutes to 10 days! Some trails are stroller and wheelchair-friendly , while others are short and easy for beginners, while more still offer a challenge. Hiking trails are a fun and free way to see many of New Zealand’s top natural attractions and landscapes.

Check out some of the Top 50 Hikes in New Zealand to get an idea of the types of walks available.

22. Know the Difference Between the North Island and the South Island

If it hasn’t been obvious by the time you’ve hit point #22 on this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand, the country is split into two main islands; the North Island and the South Island . Some travellers have to make the tough decision to travel either the North Island or South Island when they are on limited time.

In short, the North Island is where you’ll find the most volcanic activity, Māori culture and cities, while the South Island is where you’ll find snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and, well, scenery, scenery, scenery. Contrary to popular belief, there are some things that you can find on both islands though, like ski fields, glowworms and wineries. Therefore, it’s always worth checking if an activity is available on your chosen island, even if it’s not famous for it.

See our full comparison of New Zealand’s two main islands in Should You Travel the North Island or South Island?

23. Try the Local Cuisine But Also Cook Your Own Meals to Save Money

Of course, you’re travelling in a new country with a new culture and flavours, so you’ll want to eat out in New Zealand to try staples like fish and chips, a Māori hāngī, savoury pies and more . But as discussed earlier in this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand, everyday items like food are expensive, especially in restaurants, cafes and even takeaways. If you’re on a budget , we highly recommend you make at least one meal for yourself per day. Many accommodations have self-catering facilities, as do campervans, so there’s no excuse! Get the lowdown on grocery shopping in New Zealand by following the tips in our guide, Food Shopping in New Zealand .

24. Luxury, Budget, Family, Working Holiday… New Zealand Suits a Range of Travel Styles

There’s room for everyone to enjoy a holiday in New Zealand. Make a luxury getaway by enjoying once-in-a-lifetime bespoke experiences or explore the country extensively by simply doing all of the free things to do ! New Zealand is also extremely family-friendly , while couples on a honeymoon can find many places to get secluded together. Backpacking and doing a gap year on a working holiday are also a top reason to come to New Zealand.

25. Don’t Expect a Good WiFi Connection

New Zealand is a little behind on the times when it comes to accessible WiFi. On the odd occasion when a cafe offers “free WiFi”, it’s usually slow or only for a small amount of data. Accommodations are getting better with offering WiFi, but don’t be surprised if an accommodation advertises free WiFi then gives you a coupon for 20 Mb, i.e. barely enough to email your granny! There are solutions to the WiFi problem, which we offer in How to Get Internet and WiFi in New Zealand , but disconnecting from the world to reconnect with yourself and those around you is not a bad way to experience New Zealand.

26. Tipping is Not Mandatory

Tipping is not common practice in New Zealand, bearing in mind that the minimum wage is quite high so workers’ livelihoods don’t depend on it. If you feel like the service has been exceptional, however, then a tip will always be welcomed.

Need more of an explanation on tipping? See our guide to Tipping in New Zealand .

27. Make Sure You Have the Right Travel Adapter

Ok, so this is a pretty basic travel tip for New Zealand but essential nonetheless. New Zealand’s power outlets use Type 1 three-pin connectors, so get yourself an adapter so you can plug in your electronics from overseas. See our recommendations in the 5 Best Travel Adapters for New Zealand .

28. The Tap Water is Drinkable

Yes, tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink. Many towns even get their tap water fresh from the spring! With that in mind, there’s no need to contribute to the world’s plastic problem by buying bottled water; just refill your reusable water bottle as you go.

29. Don’t Be a D*ck to the Environment

On the same note as the point above, be aware of the extra environmental customs in New Zealand. Otherwise, it just gives tourists a bad name! For instance, clean your shoes properly at cleaning stations to prevent Kauri dieback , keep your distance from seals and penguins , don’t feed kea , etc. Obviously littering is pretty insulting to the environment and the locals so try to avoid that! See the  30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in New Zealand for more tips for the eco-conscious traveller.

30. Use NZ Pocket Guide

Finally, as New Zealand’s largest travel guide on the web, we’re here for you every step of the way for free! Have a look at our Destinations category for every single city, region and national park to discover.

Our   Travel Tips section gives you answers to all those questions you may have about visiting New Zealand, from arrival to departure.

When it comes to filling up your days with exciting experiences, our   Activities section is sure to inspire you.

When looking for places to stay, head to our Accommodation section covering all types of stays in New Zealand.

See full sample itineraries completed for you in our Trip Ideas section.

And those staying in New Zealand longer to work or study will find plenty of tips in our   Work in NZ category, including job listings .

For a more personal touch,  join us for our live Q&A session on YouTube where you can ask us your New Zealand travel questions.

More Tips for Travelling in New Zealand

That’s it for our tips for travelling in New Zealand. For more New Zealand travel tips, check out the following links:

• 30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand
• New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand
• The Complete Travel Guide to New Zealand

Happy travels!

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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TRAVEL to NEW ZEALAND – Tips and Information Guide

New Zealand

Everything you need to know about travel to New Zealand in our comprehensive 2024 New Zealand travel guide.

New Zealand is truly the land of the Long White Cloud with a vast contrast between the epic coastlines of the Otago Peninsula to the summit of Aoraki Mount Cook.

Most people divide their travel in New Zealand between the North Island and South Island. South Island tends to be more popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

But regardless of which island you see, or whether you tour both, you won’t be let down.

Fancy a thermal river? Then head to the North Island’s Rotorua or if you prefer snowy mountains, Queenstown is the place to go!

If none of this fancies you then why not head to the Bay of Islands only a short drive from Auckland to take in some sunshine and fresh oysters? Follow this up with a trip you’ll not soon forget to the top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga.

New Zealand is probably the most surprising country you can visit as it is jam-packed full of adventure, landscapes and friendly locals. Do yourself a favour and get there ASAP!

Once you start planning to travel to New Zealand, you’re in for a great adventure!

Here’s our New Zealand travel guide to get you caught up on the basics of this amazing country.

TRAVELLING IN NEW ZEALAND: AT A GLANCE

Here are the basics about travel to New Zealand.

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN NEW ZEALAND

With so much to see and do in New Zealand, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate New Zealand you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Cruising the Milford Sound

Cruising on a boat in the stunning Milford Sound is an absolute MUST! Kayak, cruise and cuisine your way through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand!

Book a Milford Sound cruise and lunch today !

Walking Hooker Valley

The Hooker Valley walk at Aoraki National Park is basically like walking in a piece of paradise. To your left will be snowcapped peaks and to your left will be snowcapped peaks. At the end of the trail lays Hooker Valley Lake full of icebergs and epic views of Mount Cook.

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo is remarkable due to limited light pollution. Opt for a summer’s night out to enjoy the Southern Hemispheres spectacular stars!

Book a trip to Lake Tekapo here !

Snowboarding or Skiing the Remarkables

Snowboarding or skiing The Remarkables high above Queenstown is every snow enthusiasts dream! So get prepared to shred and smash some freshly fallen powder!

Wildlife Watching on the Otago Peninsula

Wildlife watching on the Otago Peninsula can be done at any time of the year where penguins, seals and albatrosses can be seen in their natural environment.

Other Things to do in New Zealand

There are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand. Most of them will keep you outside exploring the beautiful landscapes found throughout the country!

Splurge on a heli-skiing trip in Wanaka . See the mountainside like few people do as you shred your way through freshly fallen snow!

Go for a hike on any of the spectacular trails found throughout the country. Some favourites can be found in our guide to hiking New Zealand.

Visit Hobbiton and tour the set of Lord of the Rings . If you’re not a fan of the movies you will be once you check out where they were filmed !

Paddle a canoe on a multiday trip down the Whanganui River. Spend 3-5 days on a unique journey you are not bound to forget.

Kayak Doubtful Sound . You won’t get a more authentic and raw natural experience in New Zealand than getting out on the Doubtful Sound for a good paddle.

Take a zip-line canopy tour through Rotorua . Visit the thick forest from above and learn about its importance while getting the adrenaline moving !

Kayak Abel Tasman . Ok, so paddling Abel Tasman is pretty magical too. Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Zealand!

Kitesurf in Taranaki . The wind is epic and harnessing it in a kitesurfing sail is going to lead to one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities in New Zealand!

Go whitewater rafting down the Kaituna River . Paddle through 14 rapids , including a handful of epic class 5 rapids and the world’s highest rafted waterfall.

Bungee jump in Auckland or Queensland . Go weightless (momentarily) where bungee jumping first began with the most spectacular backdrop!

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in New Zealand. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

Rich in Maori history and culture, Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand. Here you’ll find plenty of incredible things to do !

Known for its beautiful landscapes and wild outdoor activities (can you say bungee jumping?!) Queenstown will have your heart as soon as you arrive!

Aoraki National Park

Aoraki National Park is a place of dreams complete with New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook soaring to over 3,700 metres.

Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro Crossing is one of the most popular day treks in the North Island where you see scenes from the famous Mordor and Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is honestly the most beautiful place to sit back and just stare at mountains for hours on end. Options here include a hike to Rob Roy Glacier or further onto French’s Ridge hut for those adventurous souls.

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in New Zealand, reference our following city travel guides: 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND . 

BEST NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL ITINERARY

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do when travelling in New Zealand, we’ve put together a few itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in New Zealand that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

In this section, we’ll not only help you plan a 1-, 2-, or 3-week New Zealand itinerary but also give you an overview of many of the places you might want to consider visiting and things you may want to do. 

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to New Zealand these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week New Zealand North / South Island Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you only have 1 week to travel in New Zealand the best thing you can do is to pick either the North Island or the South Island to explore.

Here’s an overview of how we’d spend 1 week on either the North Island or South Island of New Zealand. 

2-Week New Zealand Travel Itinerary Highlights

With 2 weeks in New Zealand, you can split your trip to cover both the North Island and the South Island. For this itinerary we recommend you fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch.

This is an idea of how we’d spend 2 weeks in New Zealand.

• Day 1 and 2  – Auckland
• Day 3 – Mount Maunganui
• Day 4 – Rotorua and drive to the Tongariro National Park
• Day 5 – Tongariro National Park 
• Day 6 – Wellington
• Day 7 – Crossing the Cook Strait and driving to the Abel Tasman National Park. 
• Day 8 – Hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park 
• Day 9 – South Islands West Coast – Kaiteriteri to Hokitika
• Day 10 – South Island’s West Coast – Hokitika to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and on to Wanaka
• Day 11 and 12 – Lake Wanaka
• Day 13 – Mount Cook 
• Day 14 – Christchurch

3-Week New Zealand Travel Itinerary Highlights

Three weeks in New Zealand gives you a chance to see and do more. So if we had 3 weeks in New Zealand, this is how we’d spend it. 

• Day 1 – Auckland 
• Day 2 – Waitomo 
• Day 3 – Tongariro National Park
• Day 4 – The Forgotten World Highway
• Day 5 – Wellington 
• Day 6 – Crossing the Cook Strait to Picton and driving to Kaikoura
• Day 7 – Whale watching and dolphin swimming in Kaikoura
• Day 8 and 9 – Akaroa, the Banks Peninsula and driving to Mount Cook.
• Day 10 – Hiking around Mount Cook
• Day 11 and 12 – Wanaka
• Day 13 and 14 – Queenstown 
• Day 15 and 16 – Doubtful Sound 
• Day 17 and 18 – Caitlins National Park 
• Day 19 and 20 – Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula 
• Day 21 – Christchurch 

READ MORE: Check out this post for more details on our New Zealand travel itinerary . 

NEW ZEALAND TRIP PLANNING

Now we’re going to help you plan your ultimate trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud so you don’t make any mistakes! Here’s our best New Zealand travel tips based on almost a dozen trips!

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND

These are the best times to travel to New Zealand:

• October – February  for those perfect summer days.
• June – September for all things snow.

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

New Zealand is not the most affordable place to visit. However, you are sure to have a spectacular time well worth the expense.

You’ll find that taking a road trip is the best and most affordable way to see the country – especially if you plan to do some camping along the way.

Here’s an overview of what to expect when budgeting for travel to New Zealand:

Here are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($90 Single / $140 Couples)

If you’re here on a strict budget you are more likely to be getting around by car or basic camper van relying on DOC sites for your accommodation needs with the occasional splurge at a holiday park.  

Basic camper vans will be small 2 berth campers that are often old Mazda vans, or people carriers converted into a home on wheels.

These budget-friendly camper vans are not self-contained, therefore you will not be allowed to freedom camp. 

Make use of supermarkets and accommodation facilities to cook and limit eating out to an absolute minimum to keep the costs down.

Make sure to check the discounted aisles as quite often meat is marked down significantly if it is soon the pass its expiration date. 

Adrenaline sports and other activities in New Zealand do not come cheap. If you are on a budget you will need to limit there.

So work out what you can realistically afford and do your research before you go, as the same activity may be cheaper in other parts of the country. 

Mid-Range Traveller ($140 Single / $280 Couple)

If you’re on a mid-range budget then you are more likely to be travelling in a self-contained pop-top camper van and staying in a few more holiday parks than DOC sites. 

Although eating out is expensive you may be able to afford the odd restaurant visit. But you will still be utilising supermarkets and holiday park facilities for the majority of your meals. 

In terms of activities, you will be able to do more than if you were on a budget.

However, you will still need to watch the pennies, as the costs of these can rack up very quickly. 

Luxury Traveller ($200+ Single / $300+ Couple)

If money is no object then you will be travelling in a rental car and staying in Airbnb, hotels or guesthouses, or you will be in a large multi-berth camper van.

As well a being fitted with the latest mod cons, the larger camper van will also be self-contained. If you’re taking the camper van option then you will be spending the majority of your time in holiday parks. 

You will have the option to eat out more often, and whether you choose to is up to you.

In addition, you will also be able to splash out on some fancy purchases from the supermarket. 

For activities, go wild! You’ve got the money so splash out and do as much as you want. New Zealand is full of great adventures and opportunities to have an amazing time!

New Zealand Budgeting Tips:

We have some great tips on how to make the most of your budget when you travel to New Zealand.

Top 10 Cards 

Top 10 is the largest holiday park chain in New Zealand. They offer high-quality facilities at a reasonable price.

Purchasing a Top 10 card for $49 will save you 10% at all of their holiday parks. There are other additional discounts all over the country, including the ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton and on various activities including trips to Milford and Doubtful Sound.

Whenever you’re booking an activity, check if they have a top 10 discount. It saved us quite a lot when we were out there. 

Take advantage of supermarket deals 

Unless you have an almost unlimited budget you are going to be cooking a lot of your own food. New Zealand’s main supermarkets are Four Square, Pak n’Save, New World, Countdown and Fresh Choice. 

Each supermarket will have various deals and multi saver options and some will have fuel discounts as well. 

Early Bookings 

If you’re visiting in Spring or Summer then it pays to book early to both ensure your space in a holiday park (especially around the Tongariro National Park) or on various activities. 

Occasionally booking early will get you significant discounts. 

Scour Travel Magazines 

Any travel magazine, including ones you will pick up with your rental vehicle or at the airport, are loaded with discount coupons, for a variety of things potentially saving you quite a bit of money.

These generally can’t be combined with a top 10 discount card though. 

Free BBQ’s  

At various locations across New Zealand, you can expect to find free BBQs for public use. Make sure you have cleaning materials to ensure it’s clean for others to use afterward. 

Plan Where You Are Going To Fill Up 

Prices of petrol can vary in New Zealand. Therefore it pays to plan where to fill up.

For example, if you are taking a trip down to the tiny town of Manapouri to take a trip to Doubtful Sound, make sure you have a full tank before heading off as petrol is expensive there. 

As a general rule of thumb, the smaller and more isolated a place is, the higher the petrol price is likely to be. A small difference here or there can help you to save if you’re here for a significant period of time. 

Keep this in mind when travelling in New Zealand.

Check Your Fuel Consumption

When choosing which campervan you want to rent, check the fuel consumption. Often a lot of older and cheaper models consume a lot more fuel than some more expensive models.

Therefore it may be worth paying more to rent, as it could be cheaper when fuel costs are taken into account. 

Limit Your Eating Out

If you are on a budget then this is one of the easiest ways to save money. Whilst being delicious, eating out in New Zealand is expensive and as such is an easy way to limit your outgoings.

Consider Travelling in New Zealand in The Winter

The cost of activities and vehicle rental is much cheaper in the winter than in the spring and summer.

Naturally, the weather won’t be as good and there will be some activities that are not running and some hiking trails that may not be accessible.

However, it has the potential to save you quite a bit of money. 

Hire Returns 

If you are planning on visiting New Zealand for a long time then this could be worth considering. Many camper van rental companies need vehicles moving to various places around the country.

The cost of renting campervans for these journeys is insanely cheap, sometimes as little as a few dollars a day.

The downside is that you have a limited time to get from point A to point B and it can be hard to follow a route, as you may be going here there and everywhere. 

However, if time is on your side then this could be well worth it! 

Buying A Vehicle 

If you are going to be visiting New Zealand for an extended period of time then renting is not a sensible financial decision. 

Buying your own vehicles has a number of advantages

• Your trip is a long as you want it to be. 
• You could potentially sell the vehicle for the same or a similar price to what you paid for it, limiting your travel costs. 

However, you won’t be able to rely on a hire company if something goes wrong. 

You will need to add a few weeks on either side of your trip to buy and sell your vehicle.

GETTING TO AND AROUND NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is an island nation and thus the most reasonable, cost-efficient and common way to travel to New Zealand is by air.

Entry Requirements

It is relatively easy to travel to New Zealand. Australians can enter and stay visa-free.

UK citizens can enter for free with a 6-month stay.

Other nationalities may qualify for a visa waiver. 

For information about which countries are granted visa-free waivers click here

Getting Around New Zealand

Hiring a vehicle is the best way to get around New Zealand and experience the stunning scenery that New Zealand has to offer.

Whilst there are public transport options available, there are natural limitations on the areas you can visit.

Travelling by Air

This is not a common option for many travellers. However if your time here for a shorter period of time then they can be an excellent option to cover larger distances.

You can then pick up a hire car at each destination and utilise short term rentals. This may be beneficial, for example, in flying between the North and South Islands to/from Auckland and Christchurch.

It’s not uncommon to find discounts, especially when booking early. 

Travelling by Car

Generally much cheaper than renting a campervan, both in terms of rental fees and fuel consumption. If you’re here on a short visit then renting a car may be a better option than renting a campervan. 

This can be a particularly budget-friendly option if you plan on camping as opposed to staying in Airbnb’s and guesthouses.

This is the way most travellers get around. Many have wonderful memories of pulling up in their campervans on edge of a lake, a deserted beach, or just stopping on a quiet road to admire the view. 

It gives you more freedom and flexibility than a car. However it is more expensive and uses more fuel.

But if you are visiting for a longer period of time it can actually work out being quite similar, once you take the cost of accommodation into account. Holiday parks and DOC sites are much cheaper than guesthouses and Airbnb’s. 

Many travellers rent large campervans, despite have little experience of driving a vehicle of such size.

When combining this lack of experience with New Zealand’s narrow and winding roads it can be a rather stressful experience. So think carefully about what you really need.

READ MORE: Check out our epic New Zealand road trip itinerary !

Travelling by Bus

If you don’t drive then this is the best option. The two most well known bus companies are the Kiwi Experience , which is aimed primarily at those aged between 18 and 25, and the intercity network . 

Both companies offer flexible hop on hop off passes where you buy a certain number of hours in which you can then top up as you see fit. You can also change your plans if necessary.

Additionally you can purchase pre-arranged passes which can work out to be good value for money. 

Although bus networks in New Zealand are well connected, it is harder to get away from the towns and into the middle of nowhere – which is one of the highlights of any visit. 

Additionally, it will be harder to access hiking trails since you will not have a car and thusly will be reliant on public transport. 

Travelling by Boat/Ferry

The countries major ferry route is between Picton and Wellington connecting the North and South Islands.

In high season it is recommended to book ahead.

Travelling by Train

The most famous train journey in New Zealand is the Trans-Alpine route that crosses the South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth via the Arthus Pass National Park.

Aside from this there a number of other train routes offering stunning scenery. 

That being said, this isn’t the most convenient way to travel and you will have to combine it with bus travel or vehicle hire to be able to get around the country.  

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

Mobile apps and technology will make your trip safer, more affordable and overall more enjoyable.

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• Google Maps – The tried and true navigation app that will help you find virtually any place in New Zealand and help you with directions on how to get there
• XE Currency – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in New Zealand. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• CamperMate – Since you will most likely find yourself camping at some, if not all, of your travel to New Zealand, use this app to find camping spots all around the country

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has some pretty tasty food. You should definitely give the following foods a try when visiting!

• Lamb – A staple in Kiwi meals and found at almost every restaurant. Lamb is traditionally prepared with rosemary and garlic.
• Spaghetti on toast – Yes, as simple as it sounds this is a delicious New Zealand staple
• Marmite – The equivalent of Australian Vegemite, made from yeast extract and herbs. Spread it thin over crackers or bread.
• L&P – Lemon and Paeroa is mineral water tinted with lemon that could easily be the countries national drink
• Hangi – A traditional Maori method of steaming meats and vegetables where the food is wrapped in leaves and buried to cook on heated stones in holes in the ground.
• Kumara – A form of sweet potato that is prepared a variety of ways such as chips and wedges
• Fish And Chips – A classic dish with deep-fried battered fish and potato fries served with tomato sauce
• Pavlova – A meringue dessert that has caused much dispute over whether it was originally created in Australia or New Zealand.
• Hokey Pokey Ice Cream – Vanilla ice cream with caramelized sugar. Enough said!
• Manuka Honey – Produced by bees that collect the pollen of Manuka trees, this honey is thick and uniquely sweetened in flavor

PLACES TO STAY IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is chock full of great accommodation options. Whether you’re on a budget and need to stay at a hostel or have enough room in your budget to splurge on a hotel or unique Airbnb you’ll be pleased with your stay.

Of course, if you are looking to camp in beautiful landscapes then your options become even more wide open.

Holiday Parks and Campsites

Probably one of the most popular accommodation options for travellers visiting New Zealand. The predominantly cater to campervans and campers. However, some do have small chalets on site.

The vast majority will come with large kitchens and communal bathrooms. However, not all kitchens are equipped, meaning they do not have cooking utensils and cutlery. 

In addition, holiday parks will offer both powered and non-powered sites. Naturally, non-powered sites are cheaper, so this could be a good way to save a few pennies here and there. 

Rankers and Campermate are two useful apps that can help you locate holiday parks and campsites, see what facilities they have and check out reviews from other travellers.

Campmate allows you to book in advance and check out various things to do in the local area amongst other things. 

There will be some campsites and holiday parks that only allow self-contained vehicles.

Your vehicle is self-contained if: 

• You have a toilet fixed or portable that can be used even when the beds are down
• You have a fresh and wastewater tank
• An evacuation hose
• A rubbish bin with a lid
• Self-contained campervans can also be identified by a blue sticker. 

DOC (Department of Conservation Sites) are generally cheaper and more rustic than holiday parks. Expect a bathroom and maybe a small unequipped kitchen.

However, they often located in stunning locations, with the White Horse Campground close to Mount Cook being a prime example. 

There are 6 different categories of DOC site . They are a great budget option and are often surrounded by some stunning scenery. 

Freedom Camping

There are some spots where you are allowed to freedom camp. In the past, you used to be able to freedom camp almost anywhere.

However, a large increase in tourists and the waste they left behind has put paid to that. You can now only freedom camp if you are in a self-contained vehicle.

Freedom camping is a wonderful thing. However for it to carry on working effectively, everyone needs to follow the rules and clear up after themselves. 

New Zealand is jam-packed with plenty of awesome hostels that connect travellers and are phenomenal resources of tips and information.

Incidentally, they are great places to buy and sell vehicles. So if you land in Christchurch or Auckland and are planning on buying camper van for your road trip, then your hostel is the perfect place to start. 

Hostels predominantly focus on dorms as opposed to private rooms, which brings to cost down significantly. 

If you are travelling by car, then hostels are a great alternative to camping, although they are naturally more expensive. Make sure they have parking!

Hotels in New Zealand are not cheap, so if you are on a budget this is something you may want to avoid.

However, there are spectacular hotels and guesthouses throughout the country that are a great excuse to splash some cash. 

Generally, hotels rank from simple motel-style options up the swanky 5-star options with plenty in between. 

Another good option in recent years for accommodation in New Zealand is AirBnB. And there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are popping up, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS

Here are the best travel tips for New Zealand to help you have the safest, most affordable and enjoyable trip possible.

GENERAL NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS 

While there are many basic travel tips we suggest you use when travelling to New Zealand, there are also plenty of New Zealand-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit New Zealand: 

1. Make Sure You Have a Credit Card

New Zealand is not densely populated. It’s the size of the UK with a population of around 4.5 million (for reference the UK population is over 65 million).

This means there are a rather large number of unmanned petrol stations that are pay at the pump. 

When we visited we had problems with debit cards being accepted at these machines. However, we experience no issues with credit cards.

2. Avoid The Summer Holidays If Possible

Late December and January are particularly busy in New Zealand as this is the nation’s summer holiday. This means that there will be large numbers of both international and domestic tourists.

November and early December bring great weather and smaller fewer people.

3. Don’t Follow Penguins 

If you are in Omaru, and you’re walking back to your accommodation and you catch sight of a penguin, stop and do not follow them.

If you don’t stop then the penguins may be too scared to return to their nests.

4. Check For Weather Warnings 

The weather can change quickly in New Zealand. During the winter months, large areas of New Zealand can experience heavy snowfall which can lead to road closures amongst other things. 

Make sure to check weather warnings and road closure notices to ensure you can make appropriate plans. 

5. Be Prepared For 4 Seasons in a Day 

New Zealand is the absolute definition of 4 seasons in a day. Therefore whenever you’re heading out on a hike make sure you bring the appropriate clothing just in case the weather changes.

6. Hayfever Issues

New Zealand has a large amount of indigenous flora and fauna, particularly on the South Island. If you have hay fever then you may have quite a serious allergic reaction. 

If you experience this then you’ll need to go to a doctor and get some prescription-strength hay fever medication.

7. Always Assume Journeys Will Take Longer Than Google Maps Says

New Zealand’s roads offer breathtaking views as you wind your way across the country.

Occasionally roads can be steep, narrow and extremely twisty.

If you are not used to driving such roads then it’s a safe bet that journeys will take longer than what google maps says.

8. Book Ahead If You Can

This is especially advisable for campsites and holiday parks. In Autumn and Winter, there is a good chance you can turn up and there will be space.

However in late Spring, early Summer this is not always a guarantee. Naturally, this is more likely in busier, more popular spots.

Additionally, you are likely to be arriving somewhere after 6 pm it’s worth calling the holiday park/campsite and booking a spot as very often desks close at 6 pm. 

If you are planning on taking on any of New Zealand’s great walks and are planning in staying on the huts en route, then this is another situation where it is advisable to book ahead. 

NEW ZEALAND PACKING LIST

We always travel with a core packing list wherever we go. And when it comes to New Zealand, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our travel essentials and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

STAYING SAFE IN NEW ZEALAND

Generally speaking, New Zealand is very safe. That being said, you still need to take sensible precautions to keep yourself safe as you would do in your home country. 

If you are heading out on multi-day hikes make sure you inform somebody. You’re best off informing you accommodation, however, they may directly ask you to register elsewhere.

This will differ depending on the hike and the region of the country you’re in.  

Generally driving is very safe. The majority of road users are courteous and follow the rules of the road.

However, as mentioned earlier, New Zealand’s road criss-cross a variety of environments meaning that roads can be very narrow, steep and winding along the contours of the landscape.

Therefore make sure you are driving at a speed that you are comfortable with and follow the rules of the road. 

New Zealand is blessed with many stunning beaches. However, make sure you pay attention to any beaches that are advising against swimming due to currents. 

STAYING CONNECTED IN NEW ZEALAND

Staying connected in New Zealand can be challenging. But it has never easier as the country becomes more and more popular for travellers.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Travel sims can be picked up anywhere in New Zealand. There are usually a variety of deals on offer. However, don’t expect the same kind of data packages you get in Europe, the Far East or the US. 

With some companies, you can get free data when in the vicinity of one of their phone boxes. 

Access Free WiFI

The vast majority of holiday parks and campsites have wifi. However, outside of major towns and cities, there is often a limit on the amount of data that you can use, as little 250 MB in some cases. 

Unsurprisingly wifi connections can be patchy in more rural locations, with the South Island having a noticeable poorer wifi service in comparison to the North Island.  

Hotels and guesthouses don’t suffer the same wifi issues and don’t have limits of the amount of data you can use. Generally, the speed is reasonable, much faster than what is available in holiday parks. 

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN NEW ZEALAND

In recent years tourism numbers to New Zealand have surged. Whilst this has brought economic opportunity up and down the country, it has also lead to a number of challenges. 

The first of these is freedom camping. In years gone by you could freedom camp almost anywhere with the expectations that people would follow basic rules such as cleaning up after yourself.

Sadly, however, these rules have been changed and you can now only freedom camp in designated spots and only if you have a self-contained vehicle in many cases.

Being a responsible traveller means following the rules with regards to freedom camping. 

New Zealand is pristine. A large part of this is due to the lack of trash bins. You are expected to leave nothing but footprints.

It’s a simple and easy rule to follow. Make sure you keep New Zealand beautiful for everyone else that has the pleasure of visiting. 

New Zealand is also home to a wide variety of wildlife with strict rules on interacting with them.

For example, a few of the basics are not feeding kea’s (the worlds only alpine parrot), staying a safe distance from seals whilst they are on land and not following the little blue penguins in Omaru. 

Many roads in New Zealand are single lane and are particularly windy and can be challenging if you are driving a large campervan.

Be sure to observe all road rules and drive sensibly. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

Maybe you already know everything about New Zealand. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to New Zealand. 

Pounamu Pounamu (Witi Ihimaera) – A look at what it is like to be a New Zealander from the Maori perspective from one of New Zealand’s first and most respected writers of Maori culture, tradition and storytelling. Buy it online here .

The Penguin History of New Zealand (Michael King) – The well-rounded historical story of the settling and advancement of New Zealand from one of New Zealand’s leading historians. You can find it here .

Squashed Possums: Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand (Jonathan Tindale) – An fun story of vagabond life in New Zealand from a man who lived in a wandering caravan and had some of the most peculiar encounters across the country. Check prices on Amazon .

Straying From the Flock: Travels in New Zealand (Alexander Elder) – The memoir of a New Zealand traveller as told through 50 chapters, each reflecting one day of adventure in the wild country. Buy it online .

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR NEW ZEALAND BLOG POSTS

Whanganui journey in new zealand – the ultimate guide [2024], the ultimate guide to new zealand’s south island in winter, 5 best adventure activities in taranaki, new zealand, 17 awesome things to do in wanaka (epic 2024 guide), 22 cool things to do in wellington, new zealand (2024 edition), 18 awesome things to do in christchurch (2024 guide), the ultimate guide to hiking in new zealand (2024), 13 amazing things to do in franz josef (2024 guide), 3 days kayaking in abel tasman (everything you need to know), 8 amazing things to do in rotorua, new zealand, the most epic 1, 2 or 3 week new zealand itinerary (2024), the best new zealand road trip itinerary in 2024.

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Kiwis – the people, not the emblematic flightless bird – can’t believe their luck at being born in what they call “Godzone” (God’s own country). Year after year, travellers list New Zealand in the top ten of places they’d like to visit – and you never meet anyone who has been and didn’t love the place. And what’s not to like?

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Where to go in new zealand, famous movie locations in new zealand.

• Introduction to New Zealand's culture and history

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17 days  / from 5400 USD

From North to South - Auckland to Christchurch Self Drive

Explore both the North and the South Island in this compact itinerary. Your own rental car allows you the freedom to go at your own pace and scenic rail journeys break up the driving times. Explore glaciers and cities, thermal springs and panoramic hiking trails.

14 days  / from 3600 USD

Discover the South Island: a self drive trip from Christchurch and back

The larger of the two major island in New Zealand, South Island is best to be explored at your own pace in a rental car. From massive mountains to beaches, panoramic waterfalls to challenging hiking trails, this itinerary shows you the best of South Island.

9 days  / from 2900 USD

North Island: A self drive trip from Auckland

Discover the beauty of North Island on a roundtrip from Auckland in your own vehicle. Visit thermal springs, enjoy delicious wine tastings, and explore remote beaches and hiking trails. North Island has plenty to offer travelers and a rental car makes for the perfect discovery.

With craggy coastlines, sweeping beaches, primeval forests, snowcapped mountains and impressive geysers, the scenery is truly majestic. The forests come inhabited by strange birds that have evolved to fill evolutionary niches normally occupied by mammals, while penguins, whales and seals ring the coast. Maori have only been here for 800 years but retain distinct and fascinating customs overlaid by colonial European and increasingly Asian cultures that together create a vibrant, if understated, urban life.

A path through Hooker valley wit a view of Mount Cook, New Zealand / shutterstock

• At latitude 41° south, Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city and shares the honour of being the most remote with Canberra, over 2000km away.
• Possums are the national pest. When seen on the road, these introduced marsupials turn normally mild-mannered folk into killers. Flattened examples are everywhere.
• Kiwis love foreign affirmation: Flight of the Conchords were turned down by domestic television and only became a local success after their HBO hit series.
• Maori ex-prostitute Georgina Beyer became the world’s first transsexual MP in 1999.
• There are no snakes in New Zealand, and only a few venomous spiders, rarely seen.
• The numerous Maori words that have crept into everyday conversation easily confound visitors: aroha is love; kia kaha means be strong; kia ora can be hi or might signify agreement; and koha is a donation or offering.
• New Zealand’s eels live to 80 years and only breed once, at the end of their life – and they swim all the way to Tonga to do it.

New Zealand packs a lot into a limited space, meaning you can visit many of the main sights in a couple of weeks, but allow at least a month (or preferably two) for a proper look around. The scenery is the big draw, and most people only pop into the big cities on arrival and departure (easily done with open-jaw air tickets, allowing you to fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch) or when travelling to Wellington from the South Island across the Cook Strait.

Sprawled around the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, go-ahead Auckland looks out over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf. Most people head south from here, missing out on Northland, the cradle of both Maori and Pakeha colonization, cloaked in wonderful subtropical forest that harbours New Zealand’s largest kauri trees.

East of Auckland the coast follows the isolated greenery and long, golden beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula , before running down to the beach towns of the Bay of Plenty. Immediately south your senses are assailed by the ever-present sulphurous whiff of Rotorua , with its spurting geysers and bubbling pools of mud, and the volcanic plateau centred on the trout-filled waters of Lake Taupo, overshadowed by three snowcapped volcanoes.

Cave fans will want to head west of Taupo for the eerie limestone caverns of Waitomo; alternatively it’s just a short hop from Taupo to the delights of canoeing the Whanganui River, a broad, emerald-green waterway banked by virtually impenetrable bush thrown into relief by the cone of Mount Taranaki, whose summit is accessible in a day.

East of Taupo lie ranges that form the North Island’s backbone, and beyond them the Hawke’s Bay wine country, centred on the Art Deco city of Napier. Further south, the wine region of Martinborough is just an hour or so from the capital, Wellington, its centre squeezed onto reclaimed harbourside, the suburbs slung across steep hills overlooking glistening bays. Politicians and bureaucrats give it a well-scrubbed and urbane sophistication, enlivened by an established café society and after-dark scene.

The South Island kicks off with the world-renowned wineries of Marlborough and appealing Nelson , a pretty and compact spot surrounded by lovely beaches and within easy reach of the hill country around the Nelson Lakes National Park and the fabulous sea kayaking of the Abel Tasman National Park .

From the top of the South Island you’ve a choice of nipping behind the 3000m summits of the Southern Alps and following the West Coast to the fabulous glaciers at Fox and Franz Josef, or sticking to the east, passing the whale-watching territory of Kaikoura en route to the South Island’s largest centre, Christchurch . Its English architectural heritage may have been ravaged by earthquakes – and its people still reeling from the upheaval – but signs of normality are returning, and, as the rebuilding process picks up pace, the city looks set to become the country’s most exciting.

From here you can head across country to the West Coast via Arthur’s Pass on one of the country’s most scenic train trips, or shoot southwest across the patchwork Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mount Cook with its distinctive drooping-tent summit.

The patchwork-quilt fields of Canterbury run, via the grand architecture of Oamaru, to the unmistakably Scottish-influenced city of Dunedin, a base for exploring the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, with its albatross, seal, sea lion and penguin colonies. In the middle of the nineteenth century, prospectors arrived here and rushed inland to gold strikes throughout central Otago and around stunningly set Queenstown , now a commercialized activity centre where bungy jumping, rafting, jetboating and skiing hold sway.

Just up the road is Glenorchy, a tramping heartland, from which the Routeburn Track sets out to rain-sodden Fiordland . Its neighbour, Te Anau, is the start of many of New Zealand’s most famous treks, including the Milford Track. Further south you’ll feel the bite of the Antarctic winds, which reach their peak on New Zealand’s third landmass, isolated Stewart Island, covered mostly by dense coastal rainforest that offers a great chance of spotting a kiwi in the wild.

Discover more places in New Zealand

• Dunedin to Stewart Island Travel Guide
• Fiordland Travel Guide
• Marlborough, Nelson and Kaikoura Travel Guide
• Northland Travel Guide
• Poverty Bay, Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa Travel Guide
• Wellington and around Travel Guide
• The West Coast Travel Guide
• Western North Island Travel Guide
• Auckland and around Travel Guide
• Christchurch and south to Otago Travel Guide

When Peter Jackson filmed his Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand the country rejoiced, even appointing a special minister for the project. However, few could have anticipated how completely it would take over the country. For thousands of visitors, no stay in Aotearoa is complete without a hobbit hole visit to Hobbiton, a pilgrimage to Wellington’s Weta Workshop , where the prosthetics and miniatures were done, and a tour of film locations around Queenstown.

The next wave of scene-seeking tourists took Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as their inspiration, and there is a tsunami of tourists eager to stand where the hobbits of Peter Jackson’s two-part epic (based on J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit ) planted their feet. Trips to location sites undoubtedly visit some magnificent scenery, but don’t expect scenes to look as they did in the films. Digital enhancement works wonders, but the landscape stands up just fine without CGI trickery.

Tribal costume is only worn on special occasions, facial tattoos are fairly rare and you’ll probably only see a haka performed at a rugby match or cultural show. In fact, Maori live very much in the modern world. But peel back the veneer of the song-dance-and- hangi performance and you’ll discover a parallel world that non-Maori are only dimly aware of.

Knowledge of whakapapa (tribal lineage) is central to Maori identity. Spirituality connects Maori to their traditional local mountain or river, while oratory , and the ability to produce a song at a moment’s notice, are both highly valued. All New Zealanders understand mana , a synthesis of prestige, charisma and influence, which is enhanced through brave or compassionate actions.

Sadly, the Maori community is riven by social problems: average incomes are lower than those of Pakeha; almost half of all prison inmates are Maori; and health statistics make appalling reading.

Hope for redress comes through a bicultural approach stressing equality and integration while allowing for parallel identities.

Introduction to New Zealand's culture and history

Given this stunning backdrop it’s not surprising that there are boundless diversions, ranging from strolls along moody windswept beaches and multi-day tramps over alpine passes to adrenaline-charged adventure activities such as bungy jumping, skiing, sea kayaking and whitewater rafting. Some visitors treat the country as a large-scale adventure playground, aiming to tackle as many challenges as possible in the time available.

Much of the scenic drama comes from tectonic or volcanic forces, as the people of Canterbury know only too well following the Christchurch earthquakes of September 4, 2010 and February 22, 2011. The quakes, along with several thousand aftershocks, collectively devastated the city, which is slowly recovering.

Thousands of residents have left Christchurch, but it remains the second-largest city after Auckland , just pushing the capital, Wellington , into third place. Elsewhere, you can travel many kilometres through stunning countryside without seeing a soul: there are spots so remote that, it’s reliably contended, no human has yet visited them.

Geologically, New Zealand split away from the super-continent of Gondwana early, developing a unique ecosystem in which birds adapted to fill the role of mammals, many becoming flightless because they had no predators. That all changed about 800 years ago, with the arrival of Polynesian navigators, when the land they called Aotearoa – “the land of the long white cloud” – became the last major landmass to be settled by humans.

On disembarking from their canoes, these Maori proceeded to unbalance the fragile ecosystem, dispatching forever the giant ostrich-sized moa, which formed a major part of their diet. The country once again settled into a fragile balance before the arrival of Pakeha – white Europeans, predominantly of British origin – who swarmed off their square-rigged ships full of colonial zeal in the mid-nineteenth century and altered the land forever.

An uneasy coexistence between Maori and European societies informs the current wrangles over cultural identity, land and resource rights. The British didn’t invade as such, and were to some degree reluctant to enter into the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi , New Zealand’s founding document, which effectively ceded New Zealand to the British Crown while guaranteeing Maori hegemony over their land and traditional gathering and fishing rights.

As time wore on and increasing numbers of settlers demanded ever larger parcels of land from Maori, antipathy surfaced and escalated into hostility. Once Maori were subdued, a policy of partial integration all but destroyed Maoritanga – the Maori way of doing things. Maori, however, were left well outside the new European order, where difference was perceived as tantamount to a betrayal of the emergent sense of nationhood. Although elements of this still exist and Presbyterian and Anglican values have proved hard to shake off, the Kiwi psyche has become infused with Maori generosity and hospitality, coupled with a colonial mateyness and the unerring belief that whatever happens, “she’ll be right”.

Only in the last forty years has New Zealand come of age and developed a true national self-confidence, something partly forced on it by Britain severing the colonial apron strings, and by the resurgence of Maori identity. Maori demands have been nurtured by a willingness on the part of most Pakeha to redress the wrongs perpetrated over the last 170 years, as long as it doesn’t impinge on their high standard of living or overall feeling of control.

More recently, integration has been replaced with a policy of biculturalism – the somewhat fraught notion of promoting two cultures alongside each other, but with maximum interaction. This policy has been somewhat weakened by relatively recent and extensive immigration from China, Korea and South Asia.

Despite having and achieving much to give them confidence, Kiwis (unlike their Australian neighbours) retain an underlying shyness that borders on an inferiority complex: you may well find yourself interrogated about your opinions on the country almost before you’ve even left the airport. Balancing this is an extraordinary enthusiasm for sports and culture , which generate a swelling pride in New Zealanders when they witness plucky Kiwis taking on and sometimes beating the world.

New Zealand is the sort of place people come for a short visit and end up wanting to stay (at least for a few months). Unless you have substantial financial backing, this will probably mean finding some work. And while your earning potential in New Zealand isn’t necessarily going to be great, you can at least supplement your budget for multiple bungy jumps, skydiving lessons and the like. Paid casual work is typically in tourism-linked service industries, or in orchard work.

For the last few years unemployment has remained relatively low and, providing you have the necessary paperwork, finding casual work shouldn’t be too difficult, while better-paid, short-term professional jobs are quite possible if you have the skills. Employment agencies are a good bet for this sort of work, or simply look at general job-search websites such as search4jobs.co.nz and the jobs section of trademe.co.nz . The minimum wage for all legally employed folk over the age of 16 (other than 16- and 17-year-old new entrants or trainees) is $13 an hour. If you’d rather not tackle the red tape you can simply reduce your travelling costs by working for your board (though technically the Immigration Department still considers this to be work).

Working for board and lodging

A popular way of getting around the country cheaply is to work for your board and lodging , typically toiling for 4–6 hours a day. FHiNZ (Farm Helpers in New Zealand; fhinz.co.nz ) organizes stays on farms, orchards and horticultural holdings for singles, couples and families; no experience is needed. Almost two hundred places are listed in its booklet ($25; sold online) and accommodation ranges from basic to quite luxurious.

The international WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms; wwoof.co.nz ) coordinates over a thousand properties (membership, for one or a couple, with online access $40 or printed booklet $50), mostly farms but also orchards, market gardens and self-sufficiency-orientated smallholdings, all using organic methods to a greater or lesser degree. They’ll expect a stay of around five nights, though much longer periods are common; you book direct (preferably a week or more in advance).

There have been occasional reports of taskmasters; make sure you discuss what’s expected before you commit yourself. Property managers are vetted but solo women may prefer placements with couples or families. Other organizations have fewer guarantees, though many are perfectly reputable.

A similar organization is the online Help Exchange ( helpx.net ), which supplies a regularly updated list of hosts on farms as well as at homestays, B&Bs, hostels and lodges, who need extra help in return for meals and accommodation; you register online and book direct.

Casual work

One of the main sources of casual work is fruit-picking or related orchard work such as packing or pruning and thinning. The main areas are Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands for citrus and kiwifruit, Hastings in Hawke’s Bay for apples, pears and peaches, Tauranga and Te Puke for kiwifruit, and Alexandra and Cromwell in Central Otago for stone fruit. Most work is available during the autumn picking season , which runs roughly from January to May, but you can often find something just as easily in the off season. In popular working areas, some hostels cater to short-term workers, and these are usually the best places to find out what’s going.

Picking can be hard-going, physical work and payment is usually by the quantity gathered, rather than by the hour. When you’re starting off, the poor returns can be frustrating, but with persistence and application you can soon find yourself grossing $100 or more in an eight-hour day. Rates vary considerably so it’s worth asking around, factoring in any transport, meals and accommodation, which are sometimes included. Indoor packing work tends to be paid hourly.

Particularly in popular tourist areas – Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown – cafés , bars and hostels often need extra staff during peak periods. If you have no luck, try more out-of-the-way locales, where there’ll be fewer travellers clamouring for work. Bar and restaurant work pays minimum wage and upwards, depending on your level of experience, but tips are negligible. Generally you’ll need to commit to at least three months.

Ski resorts occasionally employ people during the June to October season, usually in catering roles. Hourly wages may be supplemented by a lift pass and subsidized food and drink, though finding affordable accommodation can be difficult and may offset a lot of what you gain. Hiring clinics for ski and snowboard instructors are usually held at the beginning of the season at a small cost, though if you’re experienced it’s better to apply directly to the resort beforehand.

In addition to local hostels and backpackers, handy resources include job.co.nz ; for fruit picking and the like, check out sites such as seasonalwork.co.nz, pickapicker.co.nz and picknz.co.nz.

Volunteering

A useful starting point is the online service from the UK-based The Gapyear Company ( gapyear.com ), which offers free membership plus heaps of information on volunteering, travel, contacts and living abroad. The Department of Conservation’s Conservation Volunteer Programme (search at doc.govt.nz ) provides an excellent way to spend time out in the New Zealand bush while putting something back into the environment. Often you’ll get into areas most visitors never see, and learn some skills while you’re at it. Projects include bat surveys, kiwi monitoring and nest protection, as well as more rugged tasks like track maintenance, tree planting and hut repair. You can muck in for just a day or up to a couple of weeks, and sometimes there is a fee (of around $50–200) to cover food and transport. Application forms are available on the website. Programmes are in high demand and often book up well in advance, so it’s worth applying before you reach New Zealand.

Visas, permits and red tape for working in New Zealand

Australians can work legally in New Zealand without any paperwork. Otherwise, if you’re aged 18–30, the easiest way to work legally is through the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS), which gives you a temporary work permit valid for twelve months. An unlimited number of Brits, Irish, Americans, Canadians, Japanese, Belgian, Danish, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian and Swedish people in this age bracket are eligible each year, plus various annual quotas of Argentinians, Brazilians, Chilean, Chinese, Czech, Estonians, Hong Kong citizens, Koreans, Latvians, Polish, Singaporeans, Spanish, Malaysians, Maltese, Mexicans, Peruvians, Taiwanese, Thai, Turkish and Uruguayans on a first-come-first-served basis; apply as far in advance as you can.

You’ll need a passport, NZ$140 for the application, evidence of an onward ticket out of New Zealand (or the funds to pay for it), and a minimum of NZ$350 per month of your intended stay (or, depending on your country of origin, NZ$4200 in total) to show you can support yourself. Some nationals can (and in some instances must) apply online (using a Visa or MasterCard). Brits can apply for a 23-month stay, the last 11 months of which can be applied for in New Zealand as an extension.

Working holiday-makers who can show they’ve worked in the horticulture or viticulture industries for at least three months may be eligible to obtain an extra three-month stay in New Zealand with a Working Holidaymaker Extension (WHE) permit. Applications are made through Immigration New Zealand ( t 09 914 4100, w immigration.govt.nz ), which has details and downloadable forms on its website.

Some visitors are tempted to work illegally , something for which you could be fined or deported. However, there is a variety of other visa options, including the new Silver Fern visa for 20–35-year-olds, and visas for seasonal horticulture and viticulture seasonal work – contact the Immigration Service for details. The only other legal option is trying to gain resident status – not something to be tackled lightly.

Anyone working legally in New Zealand needs to obtain a tax number from the local Inland Revenue Department office ( w ird.govt.nz ); without this your employer will have trouble paying you. The process can take up to ten working days, though you can still work while the wheels of bureaucracy turn. Depending on your level of income, the tax department rakes in from 10.50 to 47.04 percent of your earnings and you probably won’t be able to reclaim any of it. Many companies will also only pay wages into a New Zealand bank account – opening one is easy (see Maps and GPS).

Travel advice for New Zealand

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to New Zealand

• Eating and drinking in New Zealand
• Getting around New Zealand: Transportation Tips
• Outdoor activities
• Culture and Etiquette in New Zealand
• How to get to New Zealand
• Shopping tips for New Zealand
• Spectator sports
• Travel Tips New Zealand for planning and on the go
• Travelling with children in New Zealand
• Best time to visit New Zealand

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 01.09.2023

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The 15 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is only 1,000 miles long, 280 miles across at its widest, and home to just under five million people, but this long, narrow country contains many things to see and do. Travelers can ski on snow-capped mountains and bask on subtropical beaches, learn about Maori culture and discover its British heritage, sip on some of the world’s finest wines and hike through the uninhabited wilderness. Whatever travel experiences you enjoy, you can probably find them in New Zealand .

The country comprises two main islands—imaginatively named the North and South Islands in English, and Te Ika a Maui and Te Wai Pounamu, respectively, in Maori. Although the South Island is larger, more than three-quarters of New Zealand’s population lives in the North. Ideally, visitors should spend time on both islands, although picking one isn’t a bad approach. Here are the 15 best places to visit in New Zealand.

On the central North Island, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal features and Maori culture. Travelers short on time can visit on a day trip from Auckland, but it’s a convenient stop when traveling through the North Island. Hell’s Gate, Wai-O-Tapu, or Orakei Korako (on the way to Taupo) are good options for bubbling mud pools, boiling geysers, colorful rock formations, and many resorts and holiday parks in the area have hot spring bathing facilities. You can also learn more about Maori culture at tourist villages like Mitai, Whakarewarewa, and Tamaki with their cultural shows of traditional music and dancing and a hangi meal cooked in an underground pit.

Time commitment: One full day in Rotorua is ideal.

Waitangi is one of the most significant places in New Zealand's modern history. In 1840, Maori chiefs signed a treaty with representatives of the British Crown, the Treaty of Waitangi, a founding document that gave the sovereignty of New Zealand to British rule. Visit for a crash course in the country's history in this beautiful coastal location. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds include an indoor museum, the Treaty House, an ornately carved marae (Maori meeting house), and a ceremonial waka (canoe) spread over a large area. There are beautiful views of the Bay of Islands.

Time commitment: The Waitangi Treaty grounds deserve at least half a day.

Hokianga Harbour

The Hokianga Harbour is an alternative to the Bay of Islands, often overlooked by travelers and perfect for camping or RV adventures. The area is sparsely populated and predominantly Maori. Dune boarding, hiking, horse trekking, and dolphin watching are popular activities in the Hokianga. Base yourself in one of the nearby villages of Omapere, Opononi, and Rawene. To expand your exploration, the Waipoua Forest, just south of the Hokianga, is home to two of the largest living native kauri trees.

Time commitment: Aim to spend two days to a week in the Hokianga area.

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula reaches 50 miles into the Hauraki Gulf, across the Firth of Thames from Auckland. It’s a microcosm of all that’s good in northern New Zealand—stunning beaches, hiking trails, and arty, laid-back towns. During low tide at Hot Water Beach, dig a few inches beneath the sand to create your own natural hot spring bath, spend the day at Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches (which is saying something), and hike the Pinnacles Walk or Coromandel Coastal Walkway.

Time commitment: To explore the whole Coromandel Peninsula, you’d need at least a week, but it’s possible to make a quick overnight trip from Auckland or Tauranga.

Tongariro National Park

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

On the high central plateau of central North Island, Tongariro National Park is a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed both for its natural and cultural significance. Most sights and activities revolve around three volcanic peaks: Mounts Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a moderately challenging day hike that is spectacular. In winter, ski at the Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields. 

Time commitment: You need a day to hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing (where you can spot the gorgeous emerald lake). With other hikes, biking trails, and skiing options in the winter, it’d be possible to spend several days in and around the park.

Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine-producing regions and the oldest—there are more than 200 vineyards. The area is popular for its sunny climate, Art Deco allure, and the world’s largest gannet colony. The city of Napier, in particular, is famous for its Art Deco architecture because, after a massive earthquake in 1931, much of the town was rebuilt in this style. Keen bird watchers should visit the gannet colony at the Cape Kidnappers Reserve.

Time commitment: Hawke’s Bay is quite a long drive from other North Island centers (or a short flight to Hawke’s Bay Airport), so spend at least a couple of days here to make it worth the trip.

At the bottom of the North Island, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Equal parts bureaucratic formality and bohemian arts hub, Wellington is a perfect small city to explore. The New Zealand Parliament building, known as the ‘Beehive’ (you’ll understand why when you see it), and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (known simply as Te Papa) shouldn’t be missed. The Weta Workshop is a film special effects company founded by Peter Jackson, director of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," so fans of the film should consider a tour.

Time commitment: Budget at least two days for the central city and another few to visit outlying areas like the Kapiti Coast or Cape Palliser.

Abel Tasman National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Many travelers take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, at the top of the South Island, and drive west to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park. Abel Tasman is all about the golden beaches, turquoise seas, and forested hiking trails. For longer hikes, enter the park from the tiny town of Marahau. You can also enter the park by kayaking from Kaiteriteri.

Time commitment: If staying in nearby Nelson or Motueka, it’s easy to visit the park on a day trip. To complete the popular Coast Track walk, you’ll need three to five days.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

On the eastern coast of the upper South Island, Kaikoura is famous for its whale and dolphin watching. It’s a marine-life hotspot because of the unique currents and deep trench just offshore. Whale-watching cruises operate all year, and while sperm whale sightings are never guaranteed, there’s a very high chance you’ll see them and dolphins, seals, and albatross.

Time commitment: Many travelers pass through Kaikoura while traveling between Picton and Christchurch. You only need a day for a whale-watching cruise, but extra days in Kaikoura can be spent hiking or enjoying the beaches.

Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula

Jutting southeast from Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula is a volcanic landmass comprising several volcanos. There are many harbors and bays, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and the French settlement of Akaroa, the oldest town in the Canterbury province. There are many 19th-century buildings there and cute French cafes. The Hector’s dolphin—the world’s smallest and rarest—live in the waters off the Banks Peninsula. (Sea kayaking is an excellent way to see them.) There are also many biking and hiking trails on the peninsula.

Time commitment: Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula are an easy day trip from Christchurch, but staying a couple of days will allow you to drive to more remote spots.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world. In the central South Island, far from any major settlements, it’s almost entirely free of light pollution, making it an incredible destination for stargazing. Stargazing tours are informative, or you can find a quiet, dark spot on your own. You might also see the Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights, similar to the Northern Lights) if you're lucky. Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain (12,220 feet), is also in this area.

Time commitment: The tiny towns within the reserve—Lake Tekapo Village, Twizel, and Mount Cook Village—are a long way from anywhere, so these are not a quick getaway. Cloud-free skies are essential for stargazing, so you may need to spend a few days here.

Queenstown is not a typical Kiwi town—its real estate is among the most expensive in the country, and the style is more designer than farmer. But there’s no denying that Queenstown is blessed with beautiful geography as it's set on Lake Wakatipu with views of the Remarkables mountain range. Take the cable car to the top of the hill behind the city for spectacular views. Popular activities in the area include mountain biking, bungee jumping, speedboat rides, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoning, skiing in winter, or hiking the many trails.

Time commitment: Queenstown city only needs a day to look around, but it’s an ideal base for exploring the Central Otago wineries, trying adventure sports, and making day trips to Glenorchy, Wanaka, Arrowtown, or Fiordland.

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Dunedin is a university town on the South Island’s east coast. Dunedin is the Scots Gaelic name for Edinburgh, and the Scottish influence is strong. The neo-gothic architecture of the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and some churches lend an Old World aesthetic to Dunedin. The world’s second steepest street (as of August 2019), Baldwin Street, is also a quirky sight. (The first is in Harlech, Wales.)

A short drive from Dunedin is the hilly, windswept Otago Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s finest eco-tourism and bird-watching destinations. Drive (or take a tour) out to see the penguin, albatross, and seal colonies of the Otago Peninsula, stopping at Larnach’s Castle en route. 

Time commitment: Two or three days are needed here, divided between the city and the peninsula.

Fiordland National Park

In the southwest of the South Island, the Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest, and it’s part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. A vast area of forests, mountains, and glacial fiords, visitors can be as active or relaxed as they like here, on sightseeing cruises, scenic flights, or multi-day treks. The small town of Te Anau is a good base and has caves with glow worms. 

Milford Sound is perhaps the most famous sight, with pointy Mitre Peak rising from the water, offering perfect reflections on a clear day. Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri are beautiful places to cruise or kayak.

Time commitment: Some travelers visit the Fiordland National Park on a quick day trip from Queenstown or Wanaka, while others stay for longer to explore. The famous Milford Track trek between Te Anau and Milford Sound takes four days.

Stewart Island /Rakiura

Off the southern coast of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is New Zealand’s third-largest island. Around 85 percent of the island is a national park reserved for penguins, kiwis, and seals. While the temperatures are generally quite cold this far south, the beaches are empty and worth the trip across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff.

Birdwatching and hiking are popular activities, especially within the park's boundaries. The Rakiura Track is a 20-mile (32-kilometer) hiking trail that circles the Rakiura National Park, and it takes two to four days to hike the entire length. The small capital, Oban, is a welcoming town that serves up seriously fresh seafood.

Time commitment: As it’s necessary to get a ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura (or take a short flight from Invercargill to Oban), it’s worth spending a few days here. Camping is a good option.

The Top 20 Things to Do in New Zealand

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The Top 15 Things to Do on New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand’s Top 6 National Parks

Top 15 Things to Do in New Zealand's North Island

The Complete Guide to New Zealand's Great Walks

Your Trip to New Zealand: The Complete Guide

The 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in New Zealand

The 10 Most Important Historic Sites in New Zealand

Take a Road Trip on New Zealand's North Island

The 15 Best Small Towns in New Zealand

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Fiordland National Park: The Complete Guide

Learn about New Zealand's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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The Comprehensive New Zealand Travel Guide – Read Before You Go

Last Updated April 19, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Guides » The Comprehensive New Zealand Travel Guide – Read Before You Go

Are you planning a trip to the land of hobbit holes, misty white-capped mountains, creaking glaciers, thunderous falls, mysterious rocks, and black sand beaches?  New Zealand is a wildly gorgeous country with a kind soul, and adventurous spirit but I think you already knew that. 

After completing my second trip to this land home to the Kiwi, we wanted to put together an ultimate guide for travelling New Zealand that covers the basics before diving deep with the full 3 week itinerary .

More about New Zealand on the blog

• Top 10 things to do in New Zealand’s South island
• 5 New Zealand souvenirs to pick up before you leave
• Top 5 things to do in Queenstown
• What to pack for a trip to New Zealand
• Best places to stay in New Zealand with Hilton
• How to visit the Hobbiton movie location

Looking for car rental deals?

• Make sure to read our comprehensive New Zealand travel guide which includes car rental companies to consider. We personally booked from Hitch. Also make sure to educate yourself on car rental coupon codes which’ll surely save you a ton of money.

• Table of Contents 

Jump to the topics that you’re most interested in.

In This Article

Getting there

New zealand biosecurity, getting around, where to stay, new zealand geography, what to pack for new zealand, best time to go to new zealand, how much does a trip to new zealand cost, what you need to know about cellular data, popular tours to consider pre-booking, 5 main take aways, the new zealand travel guide.

• $1 NZD = $0.67 USD = $0.92 CAD
• ATMs can be found all over and the credit cards are widely accepted
• SIM card – The two main companies in New Zealand are Spark and Vodafone .  Both are essentially identical but with Vodafone, you can pick up SIM card packages for tourists at the airport tax-free.  You get 3GB of data and 200 calls/texts for NZ$49 which is valid for 2 months.
• Alternative data options – Skyroam is what I used throughout my time in New Zealand.  This is a wifi hotspot that you can share with your travel companions and I essentially strategically activated 24 hour day passes of unlimited data($9 USD) when I needed it and relied on free wifi (read my full review ).
• Unit of Measure – Meter
• Tipping – No expectation for tips
• Language – The official languages are English and Māori.

Back to the top

New Zealand’s primary international airport is Auckland Airport (AKL) and I’d say is the main hub of the country where you’ll find most carriers go through.  This is the airport that you’ll most likely be connecting through if you want to get to other parts of the country.

Other main airports that you’ll likely want to try to fly into are Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC), Dunedin (DUD), and Queenstown (ZQN).  There are of course smaller regional airports but most of those are used when flying inter-country (i.e. Rotorua, Nelson, Hamilton, New Plymouth etc.)

If you’re coming from Australia, you’ll have more options available to fly into your city of choice.  Sydney will be your best bet to have the most flexibility in flights.

If you’re coming from North America, almost all direct flights originate from the West Coast so you’re looking at either San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Vancouver.

Qantas and Air New Zealand are the main national carriers to look at but you also have the low cost carriers such as Virgin Australia and Jetstar.  I recommend using the Skyscanner to find the best prices on flight tickets and be able to put alerts and trackers if you’re starting to plan early.   The Skyscanner app is also super helpful.

Hack:  Using Skyscanner, I found out that LATAM Airlines has a route that goes through Auckland enroute to Sydney.  The ticket prices for this even last minute were extremely cheap and a great option.

For any other country, this is a “same as usual” but as we learned on our trip, New Zealand has taken their biosecurity to another level and I don’t blame them.  As an island nation, their ecosystem is quite delicate and needs to be protected or else some of the current issues that they face including toxic pine needles, rampant growth of stoat and possums, and tree killing virus, will only be the tip of the iceberg.

As a result, New Zealand has to have the most scrutinizing screening process that I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

My recommendation to be as honest as possible even if that means checking off any of the biosecurity boxes on the passenger arrival card.  When that happens, you’ll be put in a separate line to see a quarantine officer.  They’ll ask questions about those items in question and they’ll either clear what you have, clean and treat them (at your own time and cost), or confiscate them.

Once you’re clear, you’ll get back to the regular line where you’ll go through another x-ray check.  There’ll also most likely be beagle dogs going back and forth but they’re pretty cute.

Oh and there’s a chance that an officer might approach you near the gate with questions with random questions of things such as where you came from and your intention in the country.  They even went even deeper with some questions that surprised us such as “when did you buy your plane tickets?” and “what is your occupation?”

What I’ve done is compile a list of things that you really want to be very careful with when travelling to the country that’s outside of the norm.  Remember, as nice as they are, custom officials don’t mess around .

“Any food: cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged or dried?” & “Animals or animal products: including meat, dairy products, fish, honey, bee products, eggs, feathers, shells, raw wool, skins, bones or insects?” & “Plants or plant products: fruit, flowers, seeds, bulbs, wood, bark, leaves, nuts, vegetables, parts of plants, fungi, cane, bamboo or straw, including for religious offerings or medicinal use?”

• I don’t know how you can also the card truthfully without having this checked off.  Does gum count as food?  Certainly granola bars and candies do right?  Don’t risk it, just check it off.
• If you take a look at New Zealand’s biosecurity items-to-declare guide , you’ll see a full list of what you’re not able to bring.
• Declare all of your own medication that you have packed.
• A very Chinese thing to have is dried orange peels but in the end they let it go because it’s glazed with sugar.  From their tone, it seemed like if it was prepared another way it could’ve been grounds for confiscation.
• Chinese herbal medicine for upset stomach – They x-rayed the bottles and read the ingredients (luckily there was English on them).  They were good with it in the end.
• Recommendation:   I’d avoid bringing any foreign language medicinal things because they were surely get flagged.  If you want to be safe, just don’t bring any of Chinese herbal medicine.
• They’re very sensitive about honey as you can imagine so avoid that as well.
• Definitely don’t bring any animal products (i.e. crocodile handbags and fur hoods ) – Yes, if you have any real fur on your hoods, don’t bring it.

“Items that have been used for outdoor activities, including any footwear, tents, camping, hunting, hiking, golf or sports equipment?” & “Equipment used with animals, plants or water, including for gardening, beekeeping, fishing, water sport or diving activities?”

• The main ones that’ll apply most likely are your shoes and if you brought any camping gear.
• They’ll inspect the sole of your shoes for soil and seeds – I’d recommend that you clean your shoes thoroughly before travelling especially if you’ve gone outside of the city with them
• Your officer will also ask where the equipment has been in the last X number of months.

At the end of the day, it was a bit of a hassle but didn’t add too much additional time from the people that went into the regular line.  It’s not worth risking the instant NZ$400 infringement fee.  When in doubt, use the “can I bring it into New Zealand” page .

New Zealand’s transportation infrastructure is really well done and so there are a variety of ways to get from place to place.  That said, with how rural most of the country is, you’ll likely be relying on some sort of vehicle to see the country.  Now whether you do this on your own or with a company, that’s something you’ll have to weigh during the planning stages of your trip.

If you’re going to be doing your own road trip, the good news is that there are plenty of car rental companies available to choose from.  What you may not know is that instead of looking for the usual big name suspects, you’re going to be better off booking with the local brands in New Zealand if you want the best price.

A few companies to mention are:   Gorental, Lucky, Jucy, Hitch, Apex, USave, Ace, Omega .

I personally found that out of all the companies that we price compared,  Hitch offered the cheapest rates for an economy hatch.  The other surprising thing was that it was automatic transmission too.   The only draw-back is that Hitch only operates out of Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown Airport locations.

If you’re more comfortable with the more well-known companies, don’t forget to head over to the page that contains all the best car rental coupon codes .

Pro:  Ultimate flexibility, plenty of personal space to transport everything that you have.

Con:  Energy and effort to do all the driving, parking in the cities, lots of trip planning and preparation, still need to book your own accommodations (if not camping), gas prices are expensive.

Heads up: You cannot take your car rental from North Island to South Island or vice versa through the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait. This means you’ll need to book a separate car rental for each island.

Campervan rental

The rise in popularity of campervans as a way to travel has to come from New Zealand because it’s the first place second to Iceland where I’ve seen them in use everywhere.  Of course, I also can’t leave out the RV which is also a very popular way to get around the country.

Similar to a car rental, the full freedom of planning your route is the best part of this mode of transportation because you’re not necessarily limited to fixed hotels.  New Zealand has a really good system of being able to drop into certain camp grounds and paying on the spot by putting money in a metal box.  Alternatively, there are also a ton of trailer parks/holiday parks where you pay for a designated spot to park and you get access to all the facilities.  It’s like camping except you’re sleeping in your car instead.

From a budget perspective, campervans are much cheaper when compared to RV’s.  Still, you’re looking at roughly NZ$50 a day compared to NZ$15 a day with a car.  Also, one way rentals are possible.

Pros:  Ultimate flexibility, ability to park and sleep anywhere or use low cost holiday parks, save money

Cons:  Additional fuel consumption, more expensive rental rates

New Zealand has a network of buses called InterCity.  Simply put, it’s kind of like what Greyhound is in North America or FlixBus in Europe – long haul busses that can take you to anywhere in the country.

Without going into too much detail about all the different pricing, fare, and schedule options that are available, one of the best options is to look at something called the InterCity FlexiPass  which you can think of like a hop-on-hop-off pass that’s based on time.  Calculate how many hours you think you’ll need and purchase the appropriate package.  With this pass, you don’t necessarily need a fixed itinerary in place.  You book online on the fly and is valid for 12 months.

Note that this is also good for use with the Interislander Ferry between Picton and Wellington and day tours with GreatSights and awesomeNZ.

Pros:   Price point, good for the more serious backpackers

Cons:  Not door to door (how do you get to your eventual destination), more logistic planning required in terms of route booking and schedule, still need to book accommodations, limited by the network of stops

Taxis and ride share apps like Uber only apply in the big cities.  While pretty self explanatory, the only thing I’d like to add here is a note about what I learned about Uber.

If you’ve read the top 5 things to do in Queenstown , you’ll know that Uber was only introduced in 2018.  As a result, there are some complications in terms of being able to get direct pick ups from the airport there.

The other thing to note is that the standard booking fee in New Zealand with Uber is NZ$0.55.

Pros:  Door to door service

Cons:   Expensive, may not do pick ups directly from the airport

Public transit

Each of New Zealand’s larger cities will have their own public transit.  For instance, in Queenstown there’s the Orbus Queenstown Bus and this is different from say Auckland’s bus/train/ferry system.  By that same token, Queenstown uses a GoCard and Auckland has the HOP prepaid card .

One thing we learned when we were in Queenstown is that without one of these transit cards, the prices increase dramatically.  Cash fare from the airport is NZ$10 and everywhere else is NZ$5.   You can pick up a card for NZ$5 at the Queenstown airport which may be worth it if you plan on taking the bus a lot since the fares drop to NZ$2 for all routes including the airport.

Pros:   Can be a cost effective option in the city where it doesn’t make sense to have car

Cons:  Increased wait time, not necessarily cheaper especially if you only take it once or twice without a card

If you need to quickly get from one end of the country to the other, flying may be your best option.  When you search on Skyscanner , you’ll be surprised to see how cheap the one-way fares are.  They’re almost always less than $NZ100 so it can be a very cost effective way to hop around the country.

Pros:  Fast, not necessarily cost prohibitive

Cons:   Hassle of flying, skip the best parts of the country which aren’t in the hub cities

A note on filling up petrol in New Zealand

There’s something unique we encountered at petrol/gas stations in New Zealand.  While we were told by a local that gas prices should be uniform throughout the entire country, the truth is that they’re not.  What was even more bizarre to us was that it seemed like the gas stations that were by the highway were actually cheaper than the ones in the city.

We then learned why:

• Almost none of the gas stations with super low rates by the highway are manned which means you have to use the machine.
• For international card holders, the machines automatically take a NZ$150 hold
• At first the above freaked us out because we thought that meant it would charge a full NZ$150 and then return the difference to what you actually filled back in NZD (double whammy on currency exchange) but when we checked our credit card statements I didn’t see any charges for NZ$150, just the amount that we owed for the gas we filled up.

Conclusion:  Behind the scenes it they may do a full NZ$150 hold so make sure you’re not close your limit but there’s no worry in terms of dealing with currency exchange madness.  With that said, there’s really no reason why you wouldn’t use these gas stations that have cheaper rates.  Just know that you won’t be able to speak to anyone if your credit card is rejected by the machine or anything like that (it’s pre-pay, similar to Iceland ).

What you need to know about New Zealand is that aside from perhaps Auckland, you’d be hard-pressed to find large chained hotels.  You learn pretty quickly that you’ll be spending most of your time passing through small towns and as such, you’ll be relying heavily on bed & breakfast, hostels, holiday parks, and Airbnb.

With the exception of the days in the New Zealand 3 week itinerary that you’ll be travelling with Flying Kiwi , you’ll find a set of recommended accommodations that I personally stayed at or were high on my list during my research.

New Zealand started off as a haven for backpacker and so it makes sense that the country has so many hostels.  If you’re a backpacker, I don’t need to say anything more.  If you’re a traveller looking for more comforts, I’d say that there’s nothing wrong with looking for a private room in a hostel.  We were very impressed with most of the hostels we stayed at and for the price point, we were willing to “rough it out” whether that meant a shared bathroom, spartan rooms, or communal kitchens.

Tip: At the YHA in Te Anau , we noticed that reception closed at 7:30PM and if you arrived afterwards to check-in you’d be charged NZ$20 to call someone in as a non-emergency.  Something to keep in mind.

When it comes to B&B’s, and the kind of places that we associate with Airbnb, you’d be surprised with how many New Zealand guest homes that they have in their inventory.

From personal experience, I can often find better properties than I can on Airbnb on Booking.com .  The other big bonus is that Airbnb isn’t that friendly when it comes to cancellation whereas with on Booking, properties with free cancellation make it easy to “hold” a room without feeling like you’ve locked yourself in.

New Zealand Guesthouses

Holiday Parks

These are unique alternative accommodations that can be found all over the country.  They are great for the budget traveller and often offer a variety of options that range from motel-like rooms, cottage units, cabins, and RV sites.

These were the typical type of places that we would stay at with Flying Kiwi where our bus would be able to drive in and we’d set up camp on their grounds.  It’s the holiday parks that provide all the facilities that we need including kitchen, lounge, power, laundry, and bathrooms.  These are typically all communal.

You’ll find that holiday parks are in prime locations (i.e. next to the beach or steps away from the Abel Tasman National Park)

While you can go camping at holiday park sites, I’m referring to more of the national parks that offer open campsites.  The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages this and there are both campsites that require reservations and others that don’t.

For campgrounds, these are the standard campsites where you’re able to drive into and pitch a tent in one of several designated spots.  There are then the huts, lodges, and campsites for when you head into the backcountry for let’s say something like the Milford Track.

Campsites that don’t require reservation will usually have a box for payment and is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

These are great for those that are looking to do a lot trekking, have a campervan/RV, or plan to camp all the way throughout New Zealand.

Curious where our favourite place we stayed was?  More on that below but I highly recommend  Arthur Street B&B in Whitianga of the Coromandel Peninsula

New Zealand is such an amazing country to explore because of how geologically diverse it is from top to bottom and how compact it is when you compare it to my home country of Canada.  That’s why it is the perfect place to drive through and be able to do it in as little as 3 weeks.

While it’s all easy to see everything you want to, having an understanding of the two islands, and how the landscape differs from one to the other can help you in your trip planning.

Here are what I observed as the main differences between the two islands.

North Island

• Often the less popular of the two island but as such, offers a lot of hidden gems that aren’t as well known
• Bay of Islands is a tropical paradise filled with beaches, laid back towns, and dotted with small islands which makes it perfect for sailing trips
• A majority of the land is zoned for farming and so you’ll find significantly more grazing plains and rolling hills
• You’ll notice more cows than sheep here
• A hub of geothermal activity that starts in Rotorua but can be found in places like Taupo and Hot Water Beach of Coromandel Peninsula
• Less mountainous of the two islands but you can’t forget about the dominating peaks of Mount Taranaki and twin peaks that are part of the Tongariro Crossing
• Auckland and Wellington are the two big cities of the island and are found on near opposite ends
• Noticeable warmer weather when comparing to the South Island

South Island

• Significantly more dramatic if you factor in how you’re looking at mountain ranges here instead of single mountain peaks, and you have the fjords.  This is what makes the size and scope that much larger in the south
• There seemed to be more sheep in the south but I wonder if that is just because of the areas we drove through
• Adventure capital of Queenstown is a pretty big deal all season round
• The weather tends to more variable in the south and noticeably cooler
• Filled with rugged landscape
• Has the advantage of having a few of the most iconic national parks in New Zealand – Fjordland National Park (Milford Sound), and Abel Tasman National Park.
• The two major cities in the south are Queenstown and Christchurch

What joins the two islands is a ferry service called Interislander Ferry that runs between Picton in the south and Wellington in the north and through the Cook Strait.

Looking for a packing list?  I got you covered.  Prior to leaving for our trip to New Zealand I meticulously catalogued everything that I brought and also analyzed post-trip what was a bad idea and what I wish I had brought.

Check out the full New Zealand packing list for the full details.

As always, I leave you with these top 3 recommendations:

• Pack layers and versatile clothing
• Bring lots of batteries and memory because New Zealand is so damn photogenic

First you have to wrap your head around the fact that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere and as such everything is opposite to what you’re used to if you’re coming from the Northern Hemisphere.  Not only are the seasons reversed, you also have to keep in mind that further north you go, the warmer it is.  Trust me, it takes awhile to get used to that fact.

Summer (December – February)

When a big part of the world is freezing, summer is on full blast during these 3 months and is of course a very popular time to go to New Zealand because the weather is very warm and you won’t see too much rain.  The only thing to consider is that this is also when Kiwis take time off so you will inevitably be in the thick of high-season.

Fall (March – May)

The Fall season is a beautiful time to be in New Zealand as the temperatures start to cool off and so do the prices and crowds. Head to the south island and in Queenstown, Central Otago, and Christchurch to see the spectacular autumn colours.  The best part about this season that you’ll likely still be wearing summer clothes if you find yourself in Auckland or further up north in the Bay of Islands.

When you combine lower airfare, cheaper accommodations, good weather, and smaller crowds, this is one of the best times to go.  For those that hike, many of the main tracks are all open and easier to book as long as the weather holds up.

Winter (June – August)

While it may not get as cold as Canada does in the winter, Queenstown and the lower portion of the South Island become a bit of a winter wonderland.  That is what makes it the perfect time to hit the slopes.  There’s definitely novelty to be skiing or snowboarding in July for those that are from the Northern Hemisphere.

If you’re not interested in winter sports, this is probably the least favourable season to come to New Zealand just because of the limitations in terms of what you’ll be able to see, seasonal closures, and the cold.  New Zealand homes aren’t well-insulated so staying layered and bundled is important.

Spring (September – November)

Spring blooms, warming weather, baby lambs are balanced with fickle weather but all-in-all, this is a great shoulder season to come to New Zealand.  You’ll be able to enjoy the full experience without the crowds and peak prices.

It’s quite the sight to see the countryside flush with green grace and flower in abundance.  Just make sure to be prepared with waterproof gear because you never know when it might start dumping on you as it did for us in November.

I’d be the first to tell say that out of the many places you can travel to around the world, New Zealand isn’t going to be the cheapest option.  With a high standard of living, healthy influx of tourism, remote location, and vast rural landscape, prices for food, lodging, and transportation are just as high as in North America and Europe, if not more.  The good news is that the country’s travel industry was built on a backpacker foundation and so there are a lot of options for the budget-minded.

On the flip side of the coin, while there are luxury options available, they are few and far between once you head out of the major hubs.  Look hard enough at, you can certainly find luxury properties in New Zealand which are very unique and appropriate to the landscape.  I’d say that those looking for a “finer things” experience will be able to find it but for most, New Zealand is very much of place with plenty of low to mid-tier spend opportunities, with some leaning more towards “roughing it”.

The most expensive part of your trip will most likely be the flight itself because it’s just so far away from almost every country unless you’re their neighbour, Australia.  Flights can easily run you over US$1,000 and will also involve very tiring few days to get to New Zealand.

On average, actual daily spend per person based on our own trip was at least US$100 a day which includes accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.  What this doesn’t include are the flights and our Flying Kiwi tour which cost just over NZ$2,500 per person.

What makes every day expensive

• Gas rates are very high
• Food at regular casual restaurants are expensive – expect to spend at least NZ$20 per person for dinner
• Excursions and activities add up and New Zealand’s the kind of place where you’ll want to do it all
• Accommodations

How to cut costs

• Find a cheap car rental
• New Zealand isn’t known for it’s cuisine (unless you opt for luxury) and so you’re better off cooking your own food
• Accommodations can be cheap if you camp or use hostels you find on Hostelworld
• Plan ahead and if you’re on a tight budget, pick and choose activities that are “must-do” and look for alternative free activities for the others
• Tours like Flying Kiwi not only make your planning easier but the nature of the type of trip it is means you’ll be staying on a path of reasonable spend

So far I’ve already talked about options for getting access to data.  There’s either the traditional SIM cards you can get once you land at the airport with Vodafone or Spark, there’s the wifi hotspot option with Skyroam , or you can rely on free/paid wifi.

My recommendation is to stick with something like Skyroam especially if you’re going to be visiting additional countries to New Zealand.  I love that I can just hop off the plane, activate my day pass, and be ready to hit the ground running.  On top of that, I can share with my wife.  They’ve also made tweaks to their unlimited data policy where there’s no throttling anymore so as long as you’re not hogging up the bandwidth, you can use as much data as you want.

Of course, all of these cellular data options rely on having solid signal strength.  What is not so obvious from reading other travel guides out there is that there are still significant pockets of areas especially in the South Island that are blackout from 3G and 4G.  If you take a look at coverage maps for Vodafone and Spark and filter on 4G, you’ll get a good sense of how sparse data availability is especially on the western coast.

Why is this important?   This is especially important if you’re relying on your phone’s data to navigate.  My recommendation is to leverage Google Map’s offline capability , and do your homework in advance by drop pins on your map app and start your navigation where you have data.

In addition, take screenshots of your digital tickets.  I also find using Google Sheets helpful for trip planning since it has offline capability.

To offset this, I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to find free wifi in each of the towns we dropped by.

Now if I were to list all of the best activities in New Zealand, this would be a never-ending post so why don’t I focus on the activities that I highly recommend that you do your research ahead of time and book months in advance.  These are incredible experiences that you don’t want to miss .

Hobbiton Film Set

If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings like I am, you’re going to go nuts for the actual set for Hobbiton.  From seeing Bag End, opening the round door of 40 Bagshot Row, being on the grounds of the big party, having a pint at the Green Dragon, and passing by Sam’s hobbit hole, this is definitely a highlight to any trip to New Zealand.

The reason why I recommend booking well in advance is because during the high season, the time slots fill up fast despite tours running every 5 minutes.  Even more important is if you want to do the tour of Hobbiton at dusk with dinner feast .  You can book a variety of day tours to Hobbiton from Auckland on Viator  or GetYourGuide which can include stops to even the Waitomo glowworm caves.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOBBITON? 

Make sure to catch our full guide on the Hobbiton experience in the North Island of New Zealand

Hobbiton Movie Location

Milford Sound

The grand scale of Milford Sound cannot be described with words.  You just need to go.  The best way to see the fjords including the waterfalls, seals, black coral, and Mitre Peak is by cruise boat or by kayak , or even better do both .

In order to get to Milford Sound, you can drive there yourself.  It’s much more reasonable to do the drive from Te Anau in the morning but it is certainly do-able from Queenstown.  Alternatively, there are day tours from Queenstown that are super convenient.

It’s recommended to book early because the cruises do fill up quickly especially with the number of large tour buses that make it up there every day.  Lock it in early because it would be a shame to miss out on one of the biggest highlights of New Zealand .

Diving in the Bay of Islands

You probably didn’t even know you could dive in New Zealand.  It’s a hidden secret but if you’ve got your diving certification or looking to get one, take advantage of the tropical paradise that is the Bay of Islands.  The premiere dive shop to look for is in Paihia.  Book a dive trip to get up and close to Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior  or the  HMNZS Canterbury .

If you’re interested in going scuba diving, send out a request to the Paihia Dive team to see if the specific trip you want is running on a specific day as they aren’t necessarily daily.  In speaking with the owners, if you put a specific request in, they could tweak the schedule.  Spots also fill up quickly.

Glow Worms and Black Water Rafting

The Legendary Black Water Rafting experience is well…truly legendary.  I wasn’t sure what to expect to to tell you the truth but once we were in the cave with headlamps on, and the rushing water swiftly carrying us, I began to understand how special this was.  The real show was when we got to the section of the cave where the entire ceiling was lit with blue lights like stars.

The Black Labyrinth tour is the one we went on and while it isn’t the most extreme of their offerings, it was a perfect balance of adventure, physical activity, and glow worms.  There’s also the 4 hour Black Abyss  which is a bit more strenuous and offers the opportunity to climb waterfalls and zipline.

As you can imagine, these tours sell out quite quickly especially during peak season.

If high flying adventures is what you’re looking for, you pretty much have to jump out of a plane.  Almost every place you go in New Zealand seems to have their own skydiving outfit.  While the experience is more or less the same across the board, I have to argue that doing it in the north of the South Island is one of the best places to do it.

Skydive Abel Tasman was a ridiculously amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone.  You have your choice between 9,000, 13,000, and 16,500 feet.  The views that you have from any of those heights are just incredible with the national park in view, the coastline, and on some clear days, being able to see the North Island as well.

It’s a good idea to book early just to make sure you are guaranteed a spot when you pass by the Abel Tasman area.

Horseback Riding in Glenorchy

Want to do something different in New Zealand?  Go on a horseback riding trip through an area that was used as the set of many blockbuster movies including Lord of the Rings, X-Men, Mission Impossible, and Prince Caspian from the Narnia Chronicles. 

We previously did horseback riding with Dart River Adventures but it looks like they’re not operating these trips anymore so I’d recommend checking out High Country Horses or Lighthorse Adventures in Glenorchy.

During high seasons these will fill up really quickly so reserve ahead of time.

Flying Kiwi

Of course how can I go through these activities and not mention our 14 day adventure through New Zealand with Flying Kiwi.  Normally we’re not bus tour kind of travellers but in this case where we wanted a guided experience that had a focus on the outdoors, adventure, and camping, we couldn’t have asked for a better company whether it came to the quality of the itinerary, tour guides, food, and selection of campsites and holiday parks.

Read the full review of our Flying Kiwi Reverse Traverse to learn more about what the trip was really like.

• Stay on top of the cheapest flights to New Zealand by using something like Skyscanner to set up alerts
• Picking up your own supplies and cooking at a hostel or at camp is the biggest way to save money in New Zealand
• Don’t get disappointed when a tour fills up – book ahead of time.  Check out possible activities in advance on Viator or GetYourGuide
• Shoulder seasons (Fall or Spring) are your best times to travel to New Zealand – avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices
• There are a ton of options in terms of getting around the country.  There’s no right answer so figure out what works for you and don’t be afraid to mix and match different ones like we did (car rental and Flying Kiwi).

What you should read next

• The Ultimate 3 Week New Zealand Itinerary
• Top 10 Things To Do In New Zealand’s North Island
• Where To Stay in Queenstown – Budget to Luxury Picks
• Top 5 Things To Do from Queenstown, New Zealand
• Best Places to Stay in New Zealand with Hilton Hotels

Have specific questions about your upcoming trip to New Zealand?  Drop a comment below!

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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New Zealand travel guide Travelling & tourist information

New Zealand travel guide

Travelling & tourist information.

Welcome to Tourleader New Zealand!

German speakers: Tourleader Neuseeland

After 13 years and over 1 million page views we are working on this new smartphone friendly version of Tourleader New Zealand in a completely new online travel guide format , and we're busy adding back all the content from our old website!

Our goal with Tourleader New Zealand is to provide travellers with the best options for a trip and the best reading material during their stay.

New Zealand is so big that it would take years of continuous travel to find all the highlights, there are many things that you simply won’t have time for. Instead of spending your time in the car travelling from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga, what do you want to focus on, what will be YOUR highlights?

It is always worth the extra effort to learn about New Zealand both before and while you travel, to try to really understand how it ticks and put things into new perspectives. You will enjoy better discussions with locals and travellers, have more to talk about back home and there will certainly be lots of opportunities to apply your new knowledge.

The content of the website and much more can be taken downloaded as an ebook ( 'Travel in New Zealand' ), we have also published a Maori language course and an ebook about New Zealand animals .

Going Green: The Ultimate Guide To Eco-Tourism & Eco-Travel

• Responsible tourism is growing as more vacationers seek environmentally friendly and community-conscious travel options.
• Eco-tourism focuses on conservation, sustainability, and respect for local cultures and aims to minimize the negative effects of tourism.
• Travelers can be responsible by choosing eco-friendly flights, booking with eco-tourism businesses, and spending more time in nature. Popular eco-tourism countries include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, Kenya, and Madagascar.

It is hardly surprising that responsible tourism has developed into a burgeoning sector as society has grown more aware of its impact on the environment and sought to lessen it. More vacationers than ever are searching for responsible travel options and focusing on locations that are environmentally friendly and more considerate of the local communities they visit. Adopting a sustainable tourism approach does not require one to swear off flying altogether or to exclusively visit remote locations.

Instead, eco-tourists channel their wanderlust into locations that are launching programs to reduce the environmental effect of tourism. In different and numerous ways, travel can be a force for good. To start an eco-friendly getaway off right, travelers can choose one of the exciting locations that are actively promoting sustainability. These destinations range from hotels dedicated to consuming less energy to trailblazing tours and activities created to support local communities and ensure the survival of wildlife. Here is an ultimate guide to eco-tourism and eco-travel.

Related: Trees4Travel: How You Can Plant A Tree While Traveling Sustainably

What Is Eco-Travel?

A responsible method of traveling that places an emphasis on conservation, sustainability, and respect for native cultures is known as eco-travel or eco-tourism .

Minimizing the detrimental effects of tourism on local populations and the environment entails making thoughtful judgments. As with all forms of tourism, eco-tourism gives a lot of importance to respect —respect for the places eco-tourists go, the species they see, and the locals.

The goal is to preserve travelers' favorite vacation spots for the next generations to discover and enjoy. There are eight principles of eco-tourism that have been established by the famous International Ecotourism Society . These are regarded as the principles around which the eco-tourism sector is built.

Eco-tourism aims to:

• increase respect for and awareness of the environment and cultures
• create satisfying experiences for guests and hosts alike
• reduce the effects on the body, society, behavior, and psychology
• give conservationists immediate cash gains
• create financial gains for local residents as well as a private enterprise
• deliver visitors with enduring interpretive experiences that heighten awareness of the environmental, political, and social climates of the host nations
• create, build, and run low-impact facilities,
• respect the rights and religious convictions of the indigenous people living in the community, and collaborate with them to foster empowerment. For instance, the more standards that a resort upholds, the more "eco" it truly is when picking one.

Popular eco-tourism countries include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, Kenya, and Madagascar.

How To Be A Responsible Traveler

Traveling sustainably may be less stressful and even time and money-saving.

Eco-tourists can do numerous things to travel responsibly on their eco-trips, from packing a list of carry-on products that support the growth of sustainable tourism including reusable products and skipping plastics, to making a reservation with a tour operator that is environmentally friendly, and booking eco-friendly lodging and airlines.

Book An Eco-Friendly Flight

Eco-tourists can reduce the environmental impact of their travel. They may enter their flight's departure and destination airports on Carbon Fund, then contribute a certain amount to initiatives that reduce carbon emissions to lessen their effect. This process has a good impact for less money than they may imagine.

• Eco-friendly airlines: Delta Airline, JetBlue, British Airways, United Airlines, Ryanair, Easy Jet, and others

Opt For Eco-Friendly Options

Tourists may travel with businesses that promote eco-tourism. They may also pay attention that the organizations and travel agencies they travel with prioritize eco-tourism, whether they are spending three months helping in the Amazon or a week at a yoga retreat.

For instance, travelers can make sure that the organization partners with environmentally responsible retreat centers and provides service projects, so they may give back to the neighborhood while on retreat.

Spend More Time In Nature

Eco-tourists can visit the globe's natural parks more frequently. There are many magnificent natural parks around the world , from Plitvice Lakes in Croatia to Monteverde in Costa Rica .

By including them in their schedule, responsible travelers will not only get to spend a few days admiring some of the most breathtaking natural beauties on earth, but they will also get the chance to help local groups who are working to make the world a bit greener.

Contrary to common opinion, camping is not always considered eco-tourism. Campers may have an undesirable impact on the environment. Therefore, the next time they plan a trip, they are recommended to take some extra time to research their accommodations and activities and attempt to incorporate some eco-tourism.

Famous Eco-Travel Destinations

Eco-travel destinations around the world are increasing daily. People are becoming more aware of eco-tourism and its importance. Here are some of the best eco-friendly destinations:

Related: 10 Ways To Sustainably Upgrade Your Summer Camping Adventure

Known as an eco-tourism pioneer , Costa Rica is home to diverse animals, beautiful jungles, and a dedication to sustainability. It offers an outstanding selection of eco-lodges and excursions that support local communities and conservation initiatives. In fact, the nation has set a lofty objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 .

• Eco-friendly destinations in Costa Rica: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Arenal Volcano National Park, Cano Island, and more.

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in the culture of Iceland. The country is well-known for its stunning landscapes , which include geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls, and is almost totally powered by renewable energy .

• Eco-friendly destinations in Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, The Blue Lagoon, The Golden Circle, and more.

New Zealand

With its breathtaking scenery and distinctive species, New Zealand provides eco-tourists with an unforgettable experience. It is dedicated to conserving its natural beauty and offers a large number of eco-friendly lodgings and tour providers that have an emphasis on sustainability and environmental sensitivity.

• Eco-friendly destinations in New Zealand: Tongariro National Park, Whakaari or White Island, Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve, and others.

With several wonderful national parks and conservation zones that safeguard various ecosystems, Kenya is a pioneer in African eco-tourism. In order to ensure that tourism helps both the locals and the animals, several safari companies in Kenya give special attention to environmentally sustainable techniques and community engagement.

• Eco-friendly destinations in Kenya: Maasai Mara National Reserve, The Chyulu Hills, Meru National Park, and more.

French hitchhiker Lucas Venner's guide to travelling the world with the help of strangers' generosity

A tall, young Frenchman stands at the side of the road with a familiar weight held across his shoulders — and he hooks his thumb out in a universal language of the hitchhiker asking for a lift. 

When a kind-hearted driver pulls over, Lucas Venner speaks with them about their destination. He isn't picky about where he goes — his holiday sights are dictated by the whims of the road. 

In 2022, after graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering, he took on a common ambition: to travel the world. But he did so with an added stipulation of hitchhiking the entire way. 

Lucas's tour of the world started in Liverdun, in north-eastern France, in February 2023.

Since then, the 23-year-old has travelled across the world in the passenger seat of strangers' cars — with the one exception when he had no choice but to purchase a plane ticket from Timor Leste to Darwin.

The matter of money 

France was one of the nations hit particularly hard by COVID-19 and the lockdowns were commensurate with the situation. It inspired Lucas to travel. 

"I'd never been outside of Europe before. So when I first arrived in Turkey, it was a different world, and the same again with India and China. 

"After university it was the perfect timing, [with] no job, no house, it is easier to travel and to undertake such a big trip." 

While some travellers choose to work odd jobs on the road to make ends meet, Lucas earns extra money through his travelling via a sponsorship with a candy company and a couple of schools back home. 

"I take pictures of their candy in front of famous places: the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China, and in exchange the company provides me with some money," he said. 

"And I also have some schools in France, I call the children every two weeks and present them with the countries I'm in.The animals, the landscape and the everyday life of the local children.

"Because in some countries I have been to, eight-year-old boys are not going to school, they don't have the opportunity to do so."

See anything, meet anyone

Lucas had a goal of meeting as many different people as he could from a range of different cultures, nationalities and regions.

After spending time with more than 1,000 drivers across 25 countries, and travelling more than 50,000km, he might have achieved it.

"You're putting your faith in the hands of other people, and I have been really surprised by it; in some countries they have nothing but they want to share it with you regardless," he said. 

"They would say, 'Come to my house, come to see my family', and they don't have a lot of food, they don't even have meat and they want to give it to you — it is really mind-blowing, the kindness."

Over the course of his travels, Lucas went through a range of countries, from high to low-income nations, and was touched by the generosity of people.

"They are so poor, but they would try to help you, they want to give you the best they can," the traveller said. 

"It is really affirming and touching. It is really, really special. Before my trip I would not have thought that people could be so generous with a complete stranger.

"But in so many countries, they would open their homes to me."

Journey's end

Coming to the final leg of his long hike across continents, Lucas touched down in the Northern Territory in April this year and has since made his way through South Australia and on to the east coast.

"One of the things I like with hitchhiking is there's no defined plan or fixed destination, so I will ask people, 'What do you like in your country?' What should I go and see?' and that is how I ended up in Renmark," Lucas said.

"Those people told me to visit the Riverland, that it is beautiful."

He said he would continue across the country throughout May.

"After Australia I will go to New Zealand and more precisely Chatham Island because that's the exact opposite of France on the globe," he said.

"I would like to be back in France for the end of June to attend the Olympic Games in Paris." 

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Budget 2024: The beginning of a 'very challenging few years' - ANZ

Related video: Kiwi taxpayers will be watching the Budget closely as the Government moves to reveal how it will pay for election promises. Credits: Newshub

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will reveal her first Budget next week where she will have to balance delivering Coalition election promises like tax relief and reining in spending, all against the backdrop of a weakening economy.  

According to one major NZ bank, ANZ, it might not be the end of the spending cuts but just the beginning of "a very challenging few years". 

In a pre-Budget report, ANZ bank economists said the big test for the Government won't be just signalling a path to better books, but also following through in coming years.  

"While the cupboards may be 'bare' from an additional spending perspective, we think there will still be scope for further reprioritisations from within existing baselines as new cost pressures arise."   

More from Newshub

The bank says there's also scope to speed up debt reduction with "deeper spending cuts if desired".    

ANZ's report also stated that even after National's proposed tax cuts are delivered, the public service will still be meaningfully larger than it was prior to the pandemic.  

"That suggests the Government should be able to find further cost savings to replenish the cupboards over coming years if they so desire. It won't be easy, but we think living within a lower operating allowance is certainly achievable provided a really big shock doesn't come along."    

In February's Budget Policy Statement, Treasury forecasts showed the government's tax take was forecast to drop by $14 billion over five years and flat economic growth for 2024 with the unemployment rate hitting 4.9 percent in 2025.  

The latest job seeker data from employment website Seek shows the number of job ads fell 4 percent in April and are 30 percent down on a year ago. The industries experiencing the biggest decline are hospitality and tourism where the number of job ads fell 21 percent - the largest monthly decline in over two years.