NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand, a South Pacific island nation, is a land of dramatic contrasts, from snow-capped mountains and fiords to geothermal wonders and golden beaches. Its rich Māori culture and pioneering European history blend with an adventurous spirit, inviting exploration of its stunning, diverse landscapes.

Region: Oceania

Capital: Wellington

Official Languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language

Level of Travel Safety: Generally very safe, but be prepared for rapidly changing weather, especially in mountainous areas. Exercise caution with natural hazards like strong currents, active volcanoes, and uneven terrain when hiking. Driving on the left side of the road is crucial to remember.

A map of Oceania, with New Zealand highlighted in green.

Why Visit New Zealand?

Stunning Natural Landscapes: From rolling green hills to snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, New Zealand offers unparalleled natural beauty.

Adventure Capital: For adrenaline junkies, New Zealand is the place to be—bungee jumping, skydiving, and hiking in incredible settings.

Maori Culture: Discover the rich Maori heritage, including traditional performances, language, and cultural experiences.

A vibrant turquoise lake in the foreground with a towering, snow-capped mountain range in the background.

World-Class Hiking Trails: Explore the famous Tongariro Crossing, Routeburn Track, and other iconic hikes.

Wildlife Encounters: See rare species such as the kiwi bird, Hector’s dolphin, and the unique New Zealand seal.

Food & Wine: Savor fresh seafood, world-class wines (particularly from the Marlborough region), and locally sourced produce.

An aerial or high-angle view of a rugged coastline with cliffs, green vegetation, and the ocean stretching to the horizon.

Essential Trip Information

Visitors from most nationalities need a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for entry. Please check your eligibility on the official New Zealand Immigration website.

Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay.

Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds.

NZeTA approval costs NZ$9 (for mobile app) or NZ$12 (for website application) and must be obtained before traveling.

New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) is the official currency.

Bills: NZ$5, NZ$10, NZ$20, NZ$50, NZ$100.

Coins: NZ$0.10, NZ$0.20, NZ$0.50, NZ$1, NZ$2.

Best Ways to Handle Currency:

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount before arriving; ATMs offer competitive exchange rates.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (ASB, ANZ). Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but it’s wise to carry NZ$20–50 in cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas.

  • What to Avoid: Avoid currency exchange kiosks at airports (they tend to have high fees) and always choose NZD when using dynamic currency conversion.

English is the official language.

Māori is also an official language, but English is widely spoken.

Helpful phrases: “Kia ora” (Hello), “Haere rā” (Goodbye), “Tēnā koe” (Thank you).

Generally safe, but always be cautious in remote or isolated areas.

Watch out for slippery conditions (especially in winter months) and take care while hiking or exploring the outdoors.

Emergency number: 111.

No special vaccinations are required for entry.

Travel insurance is recommended, as healthcare costs can be high for travelers without insurance.

Pharmacies (e.g., Chemist Warehouse) are widely available, and tap water is safe to drink.

Public transportation: Efficient buses and trains in larger cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Car rental: New Zealand is known for its scenic road trips. Renting a car or campervan is highly recommended for travelers wanting to explore the countryside.

Biking: New Zealand is a bike-friendly country, and many places have bike rentals available.

New Zealand’s cost of living varies from region to region but is generally moderate to expensive in cities and tourist areas.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostels/budget hotels (NZ$70–150/night).

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (NZ$200–300/night).

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels (NZ$350+/night).

Food:

  • Quick eats: Fish and chips (NZ$10–15), cafes (NZ$12–20).

  • Casual dining: NZ$20–40/person.

  • Fine dining: NZ$50+/person.

Drinks:

  • Beer: NZ$7–10 (bars), NZ$2–4 (supermarkets).

  • Cocktails: NZ$12–18.

Transportation:

  • Bus/Train: NZ$2–5 per ride, city passes available for multi-ride discounts.

  • Taxis/Ride-sharing (Uber): NZ$20–50 for short trips.

  • Car rentals: NZ$30–50/day.

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Visit free natural attractions like beaches and national parks.

  • Cook your meals at hostels or Airbnb accommodations.

  • Use public transportation or rent a bike for short trips.

Explore New Zealand

A breathtaking fiord in Fiordland National Park on the southwest coast of the South Island. It is renowned for its sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls (especially after rain), and abundant wildlife, best experienced by boat.

Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” this vibrant town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island offers adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and skiing in winter.

A vast UNESCO World Heritage site covering the southwest corner of the South Island. It is a land of dramatic fiords, ancient rainforests, and towering mountains, including the famous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, located in the Southern Alps of the South Island. This park offers spectacular alpine scenery, glaciers, and excellent hiking opportunities for all levels.

Located on the North Island, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, including bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. It also offers a rich Māori cultural experience.

A dual UNESCO World Heritage site on the North Island, encompassing active volcanoes, diverse landscapes, and sacred Māori sites. It is home to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world’s best day hikes.

New Zealand’s smallest national park, situated at the top of the South Island. It’s famous for its golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the popular Abel Tasman Coast Track, perfect for walking and kayaking.

A stunning maritime playground in the Far North region of the North Island, comprising 144 islands. It’s a popular destination for sailing, fishing, dolphin watching, and exploring historical sites like Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Two accessible glaciers located on the West Coast of the South Island. These magnificent ice formations descend from the Southern Alps almost to sea level, offering opportunities for guided walks or scenic helicopter flights.

A picturesque lake town on the South Island, near Queenstown. It offers a more relaxed vibe than its neighbor, with stunning mountain views, water sports, hiking trails, and a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices (especially North Island)
  • Fewer Crowds (especially North Island)
  • Stunning Snow-capped Landscapes (South Island)
  • Winter Sports (South Island alpine regions)
  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Colder Temperatures
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
  • Some closures in less popular areas
  • More rain in North Island

Key Regions:

  • North Island: Experience geothermal wonders in Rotorua with fewer tourists, or enjoy Wellington’s vibrant indoor culture.
  • South Island (Alpine Regions): Ideal for skiing and snowboarding in Queenstown and Wanaka, with crisp, clear days.
  • Fiordland National Park: Witness the majesty of Milford Sound with fewer tour boats, often with dramatic misty conditions.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (mild and often settled)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events (especially food and wine)
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (can still have cold snaps or rain)
  • Can be busy during school holidays or specific events.
  • Some high-altitude hiking tracks might still be closed in early spring.

Key Regions:

  • Central Otago (Autumn): Famous for its vibrant autumn foliage and world-class wineries, south of Queenstown.
  • Marlborough (Spring): Enjoy the blossoming vineyards and excellent wine tastings in this renowned wine region on the South Island.
  • Bay of Islands: Perfect for sailing, kayaking, and exploring historical sites in pleasant, mild weather on the North Island.
  • Hiking Trails (Autumn/Spring): Many of New Zealand’s famous tracks, like parts of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, are ideal for hiking with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Summer (December – February)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • School holidays (nationwide, especially January)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: A handshake is a common way to greet someone, but New Zealanders are generally informal and friendly.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated for good service—10–15% in restaurants, and $1–2 per bag for hotel staff.

Dress Code: Casual is the norm, but dress smart-casual for upscale restaurants or events.

Wildlife Etiquette: Respect wildlife—do not disturb animals in nature reserves or national parks.

Respect for the Land: New Zealanders take their environmental responsibility seriously. Stick to designated paths and dispose of litter properly.

Accommodation: Hostels ($25–60), mid-range hotels ($100–200), luxury hotels ($300+).

Food: Casual meals ($12–20), mid-range ($25–50), fine dining ($60+).

Transport: Car rental ($30–80/day), buses ($10–50/day).

Activities: Free (hiking, beaches); adventure activities ($50–150), guided tours ($40–80).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$70–100 (hostels, casual meals, local transport).

  • Mid-range: US$150–250 (mid-range accommodation, sit-down meals, activities).

  • Luxury: US$300+ (luxury hotels, fine dining, private tours).

Free Wi-Fi: Available in many cafes, public libraries, and airports.

SIM Cards: Prepaid SIM cards from Vodafone, Spark, or 2degrees are available at airports and stores ($10–30 for 5–10GB).

eSIMs: Supported by major providers (Airalo, Vodafone).

Recommended for: Medical coverage, trip delays (weather can impact flights), and adventure activities.

New Zealand Healthcare: High-quality but expensive. Ensure your insurance covers emergencies.

Adventure Activities: Some policies exclude activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, or skiing, so check coverage for such experiences.

New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all types of travelers.

Luxury Hotels:

  • The Langham (Auckland), Eichardt’s Private Hotel (Queenstown), and Sofitel (Wellington) offer 5-star experiences.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • SkyCity Hotel (Auckland), Copthorne Hotel (Rotorua), and Novotel (Queenstown) offer comfortable stays with great amenities.

Budget Accommodation:

  • YHA (Youth Hostels Association) offers budget-friendly options in major cities.
  • Holiday Parks and backpacker hostels are great for those traveling on a tight budget.

Airbnb/VRBO:

  • A great option for travelers seeking local experiences or unique stays like beachfront cottages or mountain chalets.

Boutique Stays:

  • The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay) for a luxury escape or The French Country House (Queenstown) for a charming getaway.

Tip: Booking early is recommended, especially for stays during summer and winter when demand is high.

New Zealand’s efficient public transport and scenic routes make getting around easy and enjoyable.

Self-Drive:

  • Renting a car or campervan is highly recommended to explore the country at your own pace.
  • Scenic drives like the Pacific Coast Highway and the Southern Scenic Route offer stunning views.
  • Tip: Drive on the left side of the road, and be mindful of speed limits (usually 60–100 km/h).

Buses:

  • InterCity buses are a budget-friendly option for traveling between cities and popular tourist destinations.
  • The New Zealand Bus Pass allows unlimited travel for a set period.

Trains:

  • KiwiRail offers scenic train journeys, such as the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth.

Biking:

  • Rent a bike for short trips or take advantage of New Zealand’s network of cycle trails like the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Flights:

  • Domestic flights are frequent, especially for long distances like Auckland to Queenstown, making it a quick and convenient option.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Uber and taxis are available in most major cities. They are reliable but more expensive compared to public transport.

Handy Tips

New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$). Coins come in NZ$0.10, NZ$0.20, NZ$0.50, NZ$1, and NZ$2. Notes come in NZ$5, NZ$10, NZ$20, NZ$50, and NZ$100 denominations.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid exchanging at airports (high fees). Use ATMs or exchange services at banks for better rates.

  • Using Cards: Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express) are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry cash for smaller purchases or in rural areas.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A tip of 10-15% is typical in restaurants for good service.

    • Restaurants/Bars: 10-15% of the bill (check if service charge is included).

    • Taxis/Rideshares: Round up or 10% for good service.

    • Hotel Staff: NZ$1–2 per bag for porters, NZ$2–5 per day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: NZ$5–10 per person for group tours.

English is the official language, though Te Reo Māori (Māori language) is also an official language in New Zealand.

Common Phrases:

  • “Where can I find a good café?”
  • “How much is this?”
  • “Can I have the bill, please?”

Māori Phrases (Helpful for cultural immersion):

  • “Haere mai!” (Welcome)
  • “Ko wai tō ingoa?” (What is your name?)

Pro Tip: New Zealanders are friendly and open; they appreciate politeness and casual conversation.

New Zealand is considered very safe for tourists. However, stay alert in busy areas, and be cautious when driving in rural or mountainous areas.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 111: All emergencies (police, medical, fire).

    • Non-emergency Services: 105 for non-urgent police assistance.

    • Embassy Information: The nearest embassy details should be kept handy in case of emergencies.

Safety Tip: Always check weather reports when hiking, especially in mountainous or remote areas.

New Zealand uses 230V/50Hz with Type I plugs (three flat pins in a triangular formation). Visitors from countries with different plug types will need an adapter, and possibly a converter for devices not rated for 230V.

Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout New Zealand. Many places also offer free tap water in restaurants—ask for “tap water” to avoid paying for bottled water.

New Zealand has several public holidays that are widely observed, during which some businesses and government offices may close:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 6 Feb: Waitangi Day (celebrates the Treaty of Waitangi)

  • Good Friday (varies)

  • Easter Monday (varies)

  • 1st Monday in June: Queen’s Birthday

  • 23 Dec: Christmas Eve (half-day)

  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

  • 26 Dec: Boxing Day

Note: Many holiday events are outdoor activities or community gatherings.

Stores: Typically 9:00 AM–5:30 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays unless they are in tourist areas.

Pharmacies: Larger pharmacies like Unichem and Pharmacy often open until 8:00 PM.

Farmers’ Markets: Most farmers’ markets operate on weekends (e.g., Wellington’s Harbourside Market).

Hāngī: Traditional Māori method of cooking meat and vegetables in an underground oven.

Whitebait Fritters: Coastal delicacy of tiny fish mixed into egg batter and pan-fried.

Meat Pie: Iconic New Zealand snack—try mince & cheese or steak & mushroom.

Pāua: Sliced abalone cooked into fritters or chowder, especially popular near the coast.

Fish and Chips: Best enjoyed beachside—snapper or hoki fried crispy and golden.

Lamb Roast: Locally raised lamb, slow-roasted and served with mint sauce and kumara (sweet potato).

Mussels and Green-Lipped Clams: Unique to NZ waters—steamed in garlic butter or coconut curry.

Pavlova: Meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh kiwifruit.

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream with crunchy honeycomb toffee bits—national favorite.

Lolly Cake: Colorful marshmallow-candy slices in a biscuit base, beloved by kids and nostalgic adults.

Afghan Biscuits: Chocolate cookies made with cornflakes and topped with icing and walnuts.

Feijoa Treats: Sweets or jams made from the fragrant, tangy green fruit in season.

Alcoholic

  • Sauvignon Blanc: From Marlborough region—crisp, aromatic, world-renowned.

  • Pinot Noir: Produced in Central Otago—elegant, fruity, and ideal for cool-climate wine lovers.

  • Sparkling Wine: Méthode traditionnelle varieties from Hawke’s Bay—dry and celebratory.

  • Craft Beer: Try local breweries like Garage Project (Wellington) and Emerson’s (Dunedin).

  • Monteith’s Original Ale: A West Coast staple—malty, smooth, and historic.

  • Speight’s Gold Medal Ale: “The Pride of the South” from Dunedin—easy-drinking and classic.

Non-Alcoholic

  • L&P (Lemon & Paeroa): NZ’s famous soft drink made from lemon juice and spring water.

  • Flat White: Coffee with velvety milk foam—originated here and perfected by Kiwi baristas.

  • Feijoa Juice: Tart and aromatic juice made from the unique NZ fruit.

  • Kawakawa Tea: Herbal infusion made from native Māori medicinal plant.

  • Fresh Spring Water: Especially in regions like Fiordland—straight from the source.

Māori Heritage: Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds for insights into New Zealand’s history.

Maori Carving: The intricate Māori carvings are visible in various historical sites, including Rotorua.

Historic Towns: Explore Russell for its colonial architecture and rich history.

Wellington: New Zealand’s capital with museums and the Wellington Cable Car.

Aoraki / Mount Cook: A site of Māori legend and home to the country’s highest peak.

Cultural Festivals: Auckland Arts Festival and Māori New Year (Matariki).

National Parks: Fiordland and Tongariro are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Hobbiton Movie Set: A must-see for any fan of The Lord of the Rings.

Historic Railway: Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, passing stunning landscapes.

Local Markets: Otara Market in Auckland, famous for cultural diversity and local food.

Adventure Sports: Bungy jumping, white-water rafting, and skydiving in Queenstown.

Beaches: Visit the beautiful Bay of Islands or Coromandel Peninsula.

Hiking: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most famous hikes in the world.

Cultural Events: Attend the Pasifika Festival in Auckland to experience Polynesian culture.

Nightlife: Wellington’s Courtenay Place offers a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Museum: Te Papa in Wellington is a world-class museum showcasing New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.

Hot Springs: Soak in the geothermal pools at Rotorua or Taupo.

Maori Cultural Tours: Experience Māori performances and cultural experiences.

Wildlife Watching: Take a boat tour to see Kaikoura‘s whale migration or visit Stewart Island for birdwatching.

Scenic Drives: The Southern Scenic Route offers stunning views and is perfect for a road trip.

The Brit (Auckland): Stylish bar with NZ wines and local oysters.

The Library (Wellington): Cocktail bar disguised as a book-filled lounge.

The World Bar (Queenstown): Famous for teapot cocktails and live DJs.

Cassette Nine (Auckland): Quirky bar known for its “teapot Tuesdays” and indie music.

Red Rock Bar (Queenstown): Backpacker favorite with cheap drinks and rowdy energy.

The ParrotDog Bar (Wellington): Brewery taproom pouring fresh IPAs and stouts.

Boogie Wonderland (Wellington): Retro nightclub with disco balls and dance floors.

Gintrap (Napier): Coastal bar with ocean views and over 60 gins.

Smash Palace (Christchurch): Open-air bar built from a wrecked bus—super casual.

Pogue Mahone’s (Dunedin): Irish pub with live music, stout, and student vibes.