If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on your first visit. The 10 Great Walks are: Lake Waikaremoana, East Coast, North Island, 3–4 days. Here is our perfect 7-day New Zealand North Island travel itinerary for first-time visitors. 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. Get official travel information, maps, itineraries, best time to travel & things to do to help you plan your next holiday to New Zealand. 16 5 Top New Zealand Driving Tips. Find out about New Zealand made products and investing in New Zealand businesses. 10. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. However, there are also a number of weird places to visit in New Zealand, which you should include on your trip. January is the height of summer and is considered by many as the best month to visit New Zealand. Walk the longest pier in New Zealand, Tolaga Bay Wharf. 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. Bungy jumping in Queenstown. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a. The Hobbiton Movie Set is probably one of the most famous places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island. Other requirements. Rotorua is especially worth a visit during this time, as temperatures average around 20°C and many of the natural spas and Maori. Here are some expert tips to help you plan the perfect ski trip in New Zealand: Tip #1: Choose the right time to visit New Zealand for skiing. Tongariro Northern Circuit, Central North Island, 3–4 days. 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. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa is online. Christchurch: You’ll most likely arrive here. To Auckland from Vancouver. Visit one of Waiheke Island's vineyards. New Zealand Tours information on the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. Located on the southern tip of Lake Wanaka, the lakeside town is a must-visit New Zealand South. As a result, you are not required to go to the embassy to apply for your New Zealand visa for US citizens before departure. Duration: Fast-paced=6 days, relaxed=8 days+. Distance: 200 km (124 miles) Total driving time: 3 hours. If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand, it is recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RATs). Another great way to be immersed in the New Zealand magic is to see it by car. The Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is known for Maori culture, lush-valley-and-gentle-hill-filled landscapes made famous by the "Lord of the Rings" films and dramatic glacial mountain peaks. The road is unsealed over 74 km. The answer is, it depends. 1. 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. 10. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown follow suit, with photo-worthy scenery and a laid-back vibe. Subsequently, there have been over 50 visits. Ash James. Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. What to do in Wellington, New Zealand. See the below prices for an idea of the cost of food in New Zealand. However, you’ll need a significant solar wind activity to see it from that far North. Ash James. Auckland, North Island. Activities to Do in South Island. 10. South Island weather: 19-23⁰C (66-73⁰F), 35-60mm of rainfall per. Te Wahipounamu National Park is one of the many must-see natural parks in New Zealand, simply because of its temperate and dense rainforest as well as its famous beautiful icy glaciers that reside in the area. Raft or kayak at New Zealand’s only man-made rapid park – Vector Wero. It is warmest in the north, coldest in the south. With 10 days on the South Island of New Zealand, you have just enough time to visit several top spots. Perched on the North Island near Waitomo, the Glowworm Caves are a stunning sight to see. Sunscreen is an absolute essential item to pack for backpacking New Zealand. When thinking of New Zealand, one of the first images that often comes to mind is of Hobbiton. Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, but like the rest of the country, it still has a suburban, family-focused vibe. It’s a place where Kiwis have their summer homes and go to escape the hustle and bustle of, well, I guess Auckland (there’s not too much hustle and bustle in New Zealand). Ride the Gondola and Explore Bob’s Peak. Katiki Point Lighthouse. January is a great time to visit New Zealand, as the country experiences a summer season from December to January. You decide you want to visit New Zealand again for the whole month of November 2023. Cathedral Cove. Then, take a few scenic walks around magnificent Aoraki/Mount Cook, followed visits to the small. Suspension bridge at Hokitika Gorge. At a glance: Fly over the glaciers in the morning, visit the kiwi center and then drive up to artsy Hokitika. Te Papa is Māori for ‘the treasure box. If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand, it is recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RATs). Napier-Hastings. Luckily there are still plenty of wide-open spaces and opportunities to get off the. The top reason for visiting New Zealand was to visit friends or relatives (300 thousand people) visiting for this purpose. Self-catering will save you greatly on the cost of travelling New Zealand, while eating out for most meals can be expensive. Stewart Island. The east coast is much milder, with sandy beaches suitable for swimming and generally lower rainfall. Hit up all of the famous attractions, like the glow worm caves and Hobbiton, to enjoy the best of New Zealand. Unusual Places To Visit in New Zealand. 3. Auckland's subtropical climate is characterized by warm, humid summers and cool, wet winters. Hostels in New Zealand are similarly priced to Western Europe or North America, so you won’t be cruising around spending $5 a day like you might in Southeast Asia. Natural Wonders. , Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U. Find what to do today, this weekend or in. Re: best time to visit. Summer in New Zealand (December to February) Summer is a good time to get outdoors in New Zealand. Home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Abel Tasman National Park is a wonderful option either for a day trip from Nelson or for a longer stay. 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. Sunscreen. 5) Abel Tasman National Park. Travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa as long as you meet the character and entry permission requirements. New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and one of the most beautiful countries to visit for outdoor activities. 127 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in New Zealand Updated January 5, 2024 Share Tweet Email Cities Top Cities Wellington. Who needs an x-ray or medical examination. So, if you want to enjoy warm temperatures (which is advisable if you want to explore the country’s bountiful natural scenery), the best time to visit New Zealand is in these months. A waterfront bike path, which connects Mission Bay to downtown Auckland, is also perfect for walkers and cyclists, while SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is great for kids. However, If you have recently visited New Zealand for a total of 12 months, you have to remain outside New Zealand for 12 months. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and over 700 smaller islands. Visit nearby Lake Hayes, the lakeside village of Glenorchy and historic Arrowtown. The Great Walks are very popular with locals and tourists, so it's essential to book a spot in the huts—where you'll rest along the way—in advance. 2. End of trip: Leaving Auckland in time to start work in London on Monday: - Fastest flight time: 25 hours time Difference: UK up to 13 hours behind. A U. You might as well make the most out of your day by visiting one or both of these since they also top the list of New Zealand’s best attractions!. Begin your journey to the beautiful game in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest city with a vibrant waterfront, beaches and islands. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown. Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. To apply, you will need an annual income of NZ $60,000 plus NZ $750,000 to invest for 2 years, and another NZ $500,000 to live on. Sarah Baxter 12 September. August turns the South Island’s mountains into a snowy winter wonderland, and November is a standout for spring flowers and uncrowded hiking trails. Located at New Zealand's southernmost point, the Rakiura Track is a leisurely hike in a peaceful natural environment full of beaches, bushes, and birds. The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. 17. Discover historic Waihi and the stories behind one of New Zealand's oldest mining towns. In a typical year, more than 25 different ships visit New Zealand's coast. 1. This is the best time to visit places such as Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago (especially Arrowtown), Lake Tekapo and the wider Mackenzie Country area, where you can enjoy New Zealand’s breathtaking autumnal colours. Blond- and black-sand beaches, rain forest hiking trails, picturesque coves. Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura. 1. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on your first visit. If you are planning to visit New Zealand in November, you ought. 2023-05-20T12:05:00Z An curved arrow pointing right. The average temperature ranges from 15 degrees to 21 degrees Celsius which is accompanied by a cool breeze at all times. Expect long days and consistent weather. S. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences. 6. Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – the birthplace of New Zealand as a bicultural country. Explore wildlife sanctuaries and scenic rainforests topped off with moving Maori villages, glittering glowworm caves, and a. Arrowtown: Arrowtown, on the South Island, is a popular. Brave the ghouls and monsters at Spookers. ) Experience the unique Glowworm Caves. ; Lake Tekapo: Impossibly-blue lake famous for stargazing. Moeraki Boulders. Itinerary #5: Highlights of Australia & New Zealand. 10. Some of the best things to do in Mount Cook are hiking the Hooker Valley Trail, Tasman Lake Viewpoint, the Mueller Hut, and the Sealy Tarns Trail. A. 2. South of Cape Reinga is the ever-popular Bay of Islands, a favorite vacation spot of Aucklanders. What to pack Top Things to do in New Zealand If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on. Summer is a super popular time to visit the South Island of New Zealand. , their summer runs from December through February. Combining Australia and New Zealand in the same trip lets you experience wildly contrasting topographies and ecosystems within the space of a few weeks. Travelling to New Zealand. Restaurants: 1343. Colourful wildflowers carpet the countryside and baby wildlife can be seen everywhere, from gambolling lambs to playful seal pups. With a hip art scene, brilliant craft breweries and a range of delightful restaurants, it is a lovely place to spend some time – Nelson’s delightful surroundings are. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by car from Auckland. On the festival front, highlights include Gisborne ’s Rhythm & Vines and Wanaka ’s Rhythm & Alps, two DJ and dance music multi. If you’re thinking of coming “downunder” and touring New Zealand you’ve picked the perfect place to visit. New Zealand is a space enthusiast’s dream. Auckland gets about 13 days of rain, on average, and the mountainous Milford Sound region gets about 17 days during September. No mail today! Hobbiton is located on a working farm in the small village of Matamata in New Zealand’s Waikato region, which is about a 2. Mount Cook National. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit New Zealand, the hottest months are February, January, and then March. Usually these dates are June 21 or 22 to September 22 or 23. Auckland and Wellington, for example, often have. For millennia, Māori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Months: December, January and February Tourist Season: High Season. In most places you’ll be wearing shorts or a t-shirt during the day. Cruise to New Zealand and head to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland. 34. In general, the warmer months (October to April) are the best time to visit New Zealand, from late spring to early autumn. En route to Queenstown. For millennia, Māori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. When coming to New Zealand to visit, study or work, you are strongly encouraged to get travel insurance. 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. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. The number of tourists exploring the two islands does as well! Of course, these factors go hand-in-hand (good weather brings more people; bad weather turns them away), so it’s essential to consider them simultaneously when deciding. Australia vs. The New Zealand eTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. What To Expect. Not All Countries Need an NZeTA. In fact, some of the best weather days I’ve experienced in Queenstown have been at the start of fall (in March). You certainly won’t forget your visit here, as due to the geothermal activity in the area, there is a distinct smell of rotten eggs in the air. The North Island is generally warmer and more humid than the south. See more on travelling to New Zealand >. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum (Free entry for New Zealanders) – Located in Devonport, it’s an easy ferry ride from the. 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. Enjoying the beauty of Abel Tasman by kayak. Māori culture. Visit some of New Zealand's best beaches, including jaw-dropping options on the North Island and South Island. The country accounts for more than half of the world’s production of king salmon and offers a. However, New Zealand is renowned for having “four seasons in a day” even in summer so don’t be. Weather New Zealand ranges from a sub. With rugged coastlines, dense forests, and pristine beaches, it is. 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. Roy’s Peak is one of the most iconic. If there’s one thing everyone knows about New Zealand, it’s the All Blacks –. S. Nature & Wildlife. Located in a sleepy town called Matamata, just a two-hour. Refer to our website. New born animals, spring flowers and beautiful fresh fields, spring is a gorgeous time to visit – so much so, I’d almost go as far as to say that it’s the best time to visit New Zealand! At this time of year, the. Walking and hiking. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) are rare. The Catlins. Visit Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Relax on Cathedral Cove beaches. Before they hit the court at the ASB Classic this week, top seeds Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton studied up on another of New Zealand's most iconic sports: the famous All Blacks rugby team. While you can do most activities in summer under milder weather, things are more expensive, such as flights, tours and vehicle rentals. 20 reasons to visit New Zealand, now that we finally can. 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. If you want a few splurges and to stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150. This New Zealand Road Trip itinerary is designed for a month of travel, however it can be extended or shortened of course depending on how much time you have available! I’d.