Here’s The Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Routeburn Track. As long. In most places you’ll be wearing shorts or a t-shirt during the day. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s highest peak by heading on an inland road-trip to Mt. A tour of Hobbiton is a must for any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan and getting a few photos with the cute tiny hobbit. Travelling to New Zealand. Spring is a wonderful time to visit New Zealand with warm sunny days, uncrowded trails and the countryside bursting into life. Hawke’s Bay, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Land of the Long White Cloud. Summer ( December to February) is the most popular time to travel New Zealand for both international travellers and locals. Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Napier. Lake Tekapo is a stunning blue lake almost perfectly located in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. Best Things to Do in Wellington. If possible, consider a November visit instead. The highlights of the trail are two spectacular swing bridges that hang above a long drop to the ground below. The relatively small island nation. In New Zealand, summer runs from December to February and temperatures can vary from 57 – 82 °F. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. Itinerary #5: Highlights of Australia & New Zealand. Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Here’s how to visit with kids. While most budget accommodations in New Zealand have the same prices year-round, some hostels and holiday parks will have higher prices during the peak season. Refer to our website. 3 October 2023. Official site of New Zealand Tourism, Business, and Investment. On a backpacker budget, prepare to spend at least 75-85 NZD per day. That’s roughly one week’s travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country. January is usually the hottest month of the year. 5. Experience the magic of Hobbiton Movie Set. 14 Freedom camping – the do’s and don’ts. See more on travelling to New Zealand >. Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. Tongariro Northern Circuit, Central North Island, 3–4 days. The mountainous regions of the South Island (namely the Lakes District and Mount Cook) and central parts of the North Island (surrounding Lake Taupō). This stunning region boasts some of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes, including vineyards, rugged coastlines, and rolling hills dotted with sheep. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences. Get official travel information, maps, itineraries, best time to travel & things to do to help you plan your next holiday to New Zealand. With the beautiful weather, it’s the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy New Zealand’s famous outdoor activities, like hiking, mountain biking. However, this also makes the South Island the most crowded time of the year to visit. Never will you find so many amazing natural attractions than in New Zealand. Now onto the fun stuff; travelling in New Zealand! Our first tip on the subject is don’t try to do everything. They’re our top picks for what not to miss! 1. All the places you could visit on our 7 day New Zealand South Island itinerary. Wellington City. The sound of the waterfalls, air wafting through the trees, and the chirping of birds come together to create a beautiful symphony of nature. Please note that when you book a MoaTrek tour, we can put you in touch with one of our trusted partners who can arrange flights for you. 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. S. Caving and canyoning in Waitomo. North Island Weather in Summer. Visit New Zealand from September to November (spring) or March to April (fall) if you hate crowds. Backcountry skiing at The Remarkables! Any list of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter HAS to include skiing (or snowboarding). Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand and is filled with wonders of nature. Experience bright and sunny days with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, beach sports, and biking. When it comes to travelling to New Zealand’s South Island, you can fly to Christchurch or Queenstown. Head up to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning panoramic views. 3 billion to just $950 million according to Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), an independent association that tracks the country's tourism sector using government. 4 New Zealand Australia & Pacific Get ready for mammoth national parks, dynamic Māori culture and world-class surfing and skiing. Stunning stargazing, regular rocket launches, and awe-inspiring aurora are all common sights in New Zealand, though most travelers visit for the beautiful vistas, friendly Kiwi locals, and delicious food and wine. Auckland, in New Zealand's North Island, is a multi-cultural hub of food and wine, music, art and culture. This. April is a moderate month for rainfall, with cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown receiving just 3. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown. It’s the perfect road trip stop on routes such as the drive from Auckland to Tauranga. Discover Stewart Island. Driving through, you see only a glimpse of this vast, rugged and wild part of the Alps making this. Mount Cook National Park. It’s the warmest, driest month of the year and with the best weather in New Zealand, January is a popular time with visitors. Exploring this land of geysers, steaming hot pools, and bubbling mud is one of the most interesting things to do on the North Island. The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. If you are planning to visit New Zealand in November, you ought. 1. A one-city tour of Auckland takes you to the popular sights and several outdoor nature trips. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum (Free entry for New Zealanders) – Located in Devonport, it’s an easy ferry ride from the. If you come from December through February, peak summer months in New Zealand, the weather might be hot and humid and the crowds intense, not to mention hotel rooms will be more expensive. New Zealand is an island nation surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, which separates it from Australia. Distance: 608km (378mi)/ 8 hours of driving total. OTHER MAIN CITIES: Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch. Summer – December to February. 5) Abel Tasman National Park. Many people flock here to take a cruise in Milford Sound to get up close to this gorgeous fiord. 4°C. New Zealand is world renowned for it’s natural beauty. New Zealand’s climate is diverse – the north of the North Island can have warm subtropical weather in summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can have heavy snow and temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) in winter. Spring (September, October, November) is the best time to visit New Zealand if you are looking for mild temperatures ( great for hiking!) and fewer crowds. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries. People love to throw around the phrase ‘natural beauty’. m. The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o. Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2023. Forever remembered for its "The Lord of the Rings" legacy, New Zealand’s landscapes are deserving of their big screen fame—think lush rolling hills, volcano-sculpted moonscapes, UNESCO-listed glaciers, and white-sand beaches. You can also request an NZeTA to get approval to board a plane to New Zealand. Visit Abel Tasman National Park, Explore the Hokitika Gorge, Stroll at Wineries in Central Otago, Go to Mt Aspiring National Park, Bungee jumping in Queenstown, Explore Fiordland National Park and many more. 5 Queenstown and the Milford Sound. SammyVision / Getty Images. Australia and New Zealand Panorama. Locals place a high value on getting children outside to enjoy nature, and with so much of it close to the city it’s easy to have a great, active day out without much effort or expense. 1. Franz Josef ** and Fox Glaciers: can helicopter-hike onto the glaciers, or do free hikes. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority ( NZeTA ). New Zealand South Island. Stewart Island. By 100% Pure New Zealand. Fly to Sydney and tour the Blue Mountains, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef. All fully vaccinated United States passport holders can enter New Zealand and do not need to self-isolate or go to quarantine from 11:59pm 1 May 2022. Experience the haka, a ceremonial Māori dance made world famous by the All Blacks rugby team as their pre-game ritual. See The. Ash James. You can visit New Zealand as a genuine tourist for up to 9 months in an 18-month period. Restaurants: 1343. Itinerary #5: Ultimate New Zealand - From South to North. Coins come in these amounts: 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. I knew that taking scenic planes, trains, and helicopter rides;. Sunscreen. Wear a seatbelt and children 7 and under need a restraint. The high season in New Zealand is synonymous with summer. Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Māori to reach these lands. It was established as a national park in 1954 and disestablished as such in 2014. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa is online. A unique culture. Find out about the weather in each. Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa. Summer in New Zealand (December to February) Summer is a good time to get outdoors in New Zealand. Kayak Around Cathedral Cove. For nighttime you will probably want to add a light jersey (sweater). Plan a realistic itinerary that fits your timeframe. The twin cities of Napier and Hastings (population 130,000) are located in the Hawke's Bay, on the eastern coast of the North Island. Visit New Zealand's only castle. Economy: $1,734. Who needs an x-ray or medical examination. Hobbiton is easily one of the most picturesque places in New Zealand and therefore, also one of the most photographed. Queenstown: Queenstown sets the standard for all resort party towns, in that it's outrageously good-looking and packed with activities. The following documents are required to visit New. Because of the hole in the O-zone layer between New Zealand and Australia, the sun is intense and can burn you within seven minutes of exposure even in winter. If you're looking to enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, etc. Is New Zealand expensive to visit? New Zealand is a moderately priced destination to visit. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by car from Auckland. Walk the longest pier in New Zealand, Tolaga Bay Wharf. 5% from 2019 to 2021, plummeting from around $10. In all, she visited New Zealand. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. If you are coming to New Zealand on a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa we may ask to see evidence about your health. Kawarau Bridge Bungy jump, Queenstown. Explore the Geothermal Areas. Go whale watching. New Zealand has a rich culture, blending Maori and British traditions. Spring (September, October, November) is the best time to visit New Zealand if you are looking for mild temperatures ( great for hiking!) and fewer crowds. 9 million. August turns the South Island’s mountains into a snowy winter wonderland, and November is a standout for spring flowers and uncrowded hiking trails. If madding crowds don't confuse you, summer season with its mellow weather will be perfect for grasping the beaches, enjoying clams, exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and stargazing. You can expect the best snow conditions during this time. With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. Call us in New Zealand 1833 749 1647Milford Sound is one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand, so it’s only natural that it attracts thousands of visitors each day. In the month of June 2023, there were over 178 thousand international visitor arrivals to New Zealand, marking an. 34. Cape Reinga is nearly the most northern point of New Zealand’s North Island. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – the birthplace of New Zealand as a bicultural country. The hottest months in New Zealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum of New Zealand. Looking for cheap airfare to New Zealand? 25% of our users found tickets to New Zealand for the following prices or less: From Los Angeles $606 one-way - $687 round-trip, from New York John F Kennedy Intl $1,196 one-way - $1,479 round-trip, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $1,457 one-way - $1,661 round-trip. The New Zealand Maritime Museum (Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa) The New Zealand Maritime Museum is located next to Viaduct Harbour, so you can pop into this museum before or after a visit to the harbor. See all things to do in New Zealand >. Raft or kayak at New Zealand’s only man-made rapid park – Vector Wero. Here is our perfect 7-day New Zealand North Island travel itinerary for first-time visitors. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown. January is the height of summer and is considered by many as the best month to visit New Zealand. Mount Cook National. Or making your way to the tip of the North Island. The two glaciers are Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable. NZeTA – Immigration New Zealand. Never will you find so many amazing natural attractions than in New Zealand. 2 Lakes Taupo and Rotorua. Weather. Curio Bay. Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, but like the rest of the country, it still has a suburban, family-focused vibe. There are tons of opportunities for adventure in the. Not All Countries Need an NZeTA. Planning Your Visit To New Zealand. You cannot make this third visit because you will be in New Zealand for a total of 7 months in the period 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 — this is the 12-month period counting back from your intended departure date. Auckland, New Zealand is a must-visit destination this summer, from the FIFA Women's World Cup to its signature attractions. DAY 4 – ROTORUA. Yellow Door Hobbit Hole in New Zealand. . Te Urewera is a protected area and former national park in the area of Te Urewera, near the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is the only currency accepted in New Zealand, and tax is included in the price of whatever it is you purchase. However, New Zealand is renowned for having “four seasons in a day” even in summer so don’t be. Climate: New Zealand has a diverse climate determined by the ocean, mountains and prevailing winds. In a typical year, more than 25 different ships visit New Zealand's coast. However, keep in mind that in order to be eligible for the official program, your personal or holiday stay can not exceed a 3-month period.