New Zealand travel guide
New Zealand Tourism | New Zealand Guide
You're Going to Love New Zealand
A country with national parks and breathtaking beaches, New Zealand is a popular destination among travelers that enjoy exciting activities like surfing, skiing, and relaxing by the beach. Between the rich Māori Culture and unique gastronomy, there are always things to do in this country.
What to do in New Zealand
1. See the Wildlife
To see some of the wildlife and plants that can be found in New Zealand, pay a visit to Abel Tasman National Park, an area that is home to seals, bottlenose dolphins, and blue penguins.
2. Go Wine Tasting
For visitors that would like to go wine tasting, head to Waiheke Island, where you will find a selection of wineries as well as fun adventures, such as ziplining.
3. Experience the Country's Culture
Go fishing and discover more about the Māori Culture by stopping by the Bay of Islands, a region that has pristine beaches and historical artifacts that you will not be able to find anywhere else in New Zealand.
4. Enjoy a Hike
To stay active and spend some time in nature, you can go to Mount Tongariro, a park that features a variety of hiking trails, as well as a lake that offers swimming and boating.
5. Relax on a Beach
Relax and unwind during your trip to New Zealand by going to Hot Water Beach, a popular attraction where you can go swimming and surfing, as well as sit in a natural hot spring.
When to visit New Zealand
In order to benefit from the nicest weather throughout the year, it is recommended that you visit New Zealand between December and February, as these are the country's summer months.
How to Get to New Zealand
Entry Requirements
Visitors from most countries are able to enter New Zealand with a valid passport. If you are from the United States, you can stay in the country for up to three months without a visa.
Plane
As New Zealand is a relatively isolated country, the most common way for travelers to visit is by flying. When you take a plane, you can land in many different cities, with some examples being Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown.
Boat
Although there are no official ferries that bring visitors into New Zealand, if you are traveling on your own private vessel, you may enter through certain marinas.
Popular airports in New Zealand
Popular airlines serving New Zealand
Where to stay in New Zealand
New Zealand is known for offering unique luxury lodges, which are privately owned and contain between 3 to 10 rooms.
Where to stay in popular areas of New Zealand
Most booked hotels in New Zealand
How to Get Around New Zealand
Public Transportation
If you will be visiting Auckland or Wellington, you can plan on taking the local commuter train, which will bring you to many stations throughout each city. In most cities, the bus is the most common form of transportation, with a ticket costing around 1-3 NZD (0.65-2 USD).
Trains
For those that would like to go by train throughout the country, there are four primary lines for you to choose from, which will connect cities such as Christchurch, Picton, Auckland, and Wellington.
Bus
When traveling by bus, you can use InterCity, which is New Zealand's national bus company that offers trips to over 600 domestic destinations.
Car
It is very common for guests to rent a car when visiting New Zealand - you simply need to be aged 20 or older. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that in this country, vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
Plane
Flying between cities in New Zealand is very common, as it is both quick and affordable. There are several domestic airlines that you can choose from, including Air New Zealand and Sounds Air.
The Cost of Living in New Zealand
The official currency of this country is the New Zealand Dollar, and almost all stores, restaurants, and hotels will accept credit and debit cards. Carry cash for small transactions, though. If you will be purchasing a simple meal of fish and chips, you can expect to pay around 5-7 NZD (3-4.50 USD). In the grocery store, a loaf of bread can be purchased for 3-4 NZD (2-2.50 USD), and a dozen eggs will cost you 6-8 NZD (3.85-5 USD).