4 Tips for travelling New Zealand
Looking to trip up and down the land of the long white cloud? Thousands of people flock to New Zealand every year to stand in awe of its natural vistas, incredible natural wonders, and endless bounties of nature’s gifts (sorry, Australia.) the North Island can delight as much as the South Island – but where does one start? How do you plan for a trip? Can you make sure your NZ holiday is stress and trouble free? Here are some tips for travelling New Zealand – and some hints you wouldn’t have thought about before!
Snow or sun season?
Though NZ has a mostly temperate climate, figuring out whether you want to cut through powder in Queenstown or bask in the stillness of the Franz Joseph or Fox Glaciers is up to your level of adventure and taste. Summer at Milford Sound is a sight to behold, as are Jetboat rides, plentiful national parks, and lazing about on the Bay of Islands. Many people flock to certain attractions depending on the season, so you may also want to take that into account.
What to pack
NZ weather isn’t stable like some places, which can catch people off guard. In fact, it’s notorious for experiencing four seasons in one day – and you need to pack your luggage accordingly. No matter where you go in NZ, you should pack the minimum: good quality, solid footwear; a warm hat and gloves; water bottles; a small first-aid and survival kit; as well as layered clothing, such as thermals or fleece. This is especially important if you’re going hiking during the winter or cooler months. You should also pack waterproof jackets, head torches, trekking poles, sunscreen, and portable battery banks – and always remember to take your ID and travel cards with you, too!
Guided, organised, or ad-hoc tours?
How much organisation do you want when you decide to see New Zealand? You can book organised tours that shuttle you around from attraction to attraction via bus or other transport (ferries to hop across the islands) or you can drive yourself (NZ use right-hand drive cars and drive on the left side of the road) with a self-guided tour around the traps. Though you should have some kind of itinerary to help people back home find you if things go wrong, you should choose how much breathing room you have from stop to stop that suits your travel style.
Travel insurance and safety
NZ is the land of the haka, bungee jumping, and rugby – though accidents are rare if you are careful, you should always consider travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover costs of medical expenses and repatriation in the event of emergency, in most cases. Other travel cover may include insurance against lost luggage or missed flight connections. Just like your wallet or phone, you really shouldn’t leave home without it. Just remember to compare different policies so you aren’t out of pocket unnecessarily. For more information on travel insurance, visit here: https://www.savvy.com.au/travel-insurance/cheap-travel-insurance/
Places We Recommend
Auckland
Auckland, also known as the City of Sails is New Zealand’s largest and most populous city. The North Island is home to a vibrant culture, as well as a foodie-friendly landscape. Climb the Auckland Harbor Bridge for amazing views of the beautiful metropolis.
Auckland Domain is the oldest part of the city and is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s history. Auckland Museum, located in the Auckland Domain, has a great collection of Maori artifacts and Pacific Island artifacts.
Queenstown
Queenstown is located on New Zealand’s South Island. It is a destination that attracts those who are looking for adventure and adrenaline. Queenstown, which is surrounded by the Southern Alps and the deep blue Lake Wakatipu on its banks, is a stunning location.
Lake Wakatipu is a great place to enjoy the landscape. You can either cycle around the perimeter of the lake or take a cruise on its beautiful waters. The town’s central area is packed with bars and eateries.
Glacier Country
Westland National Park is located on the Western coast of South Island. You can see two of the most impressive glaciers in the country: Franz Josef Glacier, and Fox Glacier.
Franz Josef Glacier, one of the world’s most accessible glaciers, allows you to walk right up to it and through its valley. You can take guided tours to get a better look at the glaciers and relax in the hot springs after a long day of hiking.
Rotorua
Rotorua has been called the thermal wonderland in New Zealand. In and around the city, there are many geysers. Most of them are located in parks or reserves.
New locations are occasionally the site of natural eruptions. These include steam, hot water, and mud. In addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, many of the hot springs in Wai-O-Tapu are noted for their vibrant appearance.
With all this in mind, you can have a ka pai (great) NZ trip!
