The spring season in Queenstown starts in September and ends in November. 5 hours) will cost around $60 NZD, while long-distance travel, such as Auckland to Wellington (12 hours), costs around $80 NZD. . The high season in New Zealand is synonymous with summer. St Arnaud 7072, New Zealand. In Taupo see Huka Falls, craters of the moon. $1,000. Trip Report - 19 Day Coach Trip - New Zealand. Arriving by cruise ship. Staying safe on the road. Nelson was the first city in the South Island to be settled by European colonizers, back in 1841, and visitors can learn about this history at Founders Heritage Park. All cards are accepted at major hotels and shops. New Zealand's food, wine and beer attracts people from all over the world, and with good reason. New Zealand is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Welcome to New Zealand. Plan your New Zealand road trip of a lifetime and follow our complete day by day itinerary travel guide. A valid passport is required for travel to New Zealand Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 3 months. Depending on the exchange rate at the time, $1AUD (Australian Dollar) will buy you somewhere between $1. As you leave the one-way bridge, remember to stick to the left-hand side if there's no on-coming traffic. Canadians visiting New Zealand for up to 90 days are required to carry a valid New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). S. Just south, Central Canterbury is the island’s largest. Some visitors and transit passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa if they get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel. A list of visa waiver countries and territories can be found here. Coverage: We’re in New Zealand, so there will always be places where reception is patchy or non-existent. Most foreign visitors must pay a levy to enter New Zealand. Guests visiting Abel Tasman National Park, in scenic New Zealand, will be awed by the large. If you’re looking to ski, the. Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Abel Tasman, Tongariro, Rotorua, the Bay of Islands and a few more surprises. Expect laid-back weekends here all of the time. From the meeting of oceans at Cape Reinga to the cultural and historic displays at Te Papa, here are the top things to do on New Zealand's North Island. If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you must request an NZeTA before you travel if you: travel on a passport from a country on the list of visa waiver countries and territories, and; are visiting for up to 3 months — or, if you are a British citizen, up to 6 months. New Zealand, or Aotearoa in Māori, benefits from a diverse landscape of golden beaches, rainforests, fiords, wineries and snow-topped mountains. 3. The South Island averages around 7℃ in the day, with the North Island seeing a balmier 13 °C. The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. Read on and get ready for your epic trip here! 1. Not All Countries Need an NZeTA. But don’t rely on me, definitely look up the most recent exchange rate while planning your trip. Here are some handy tips from travelling Super Mom Suzie who has holidayed with her kids all over NZ. There’s no denying Captain James Cook’s place in history – the adventurer and explorer mapped New Zealand in the mid-18th century. Like its postpaid ones, this add-on costs extra. Reciprocal Health Care Agreement - visiting New Zealand - Reciprocal Health Care Agreements -. Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2023. The hottest months in New Zealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. 14 Freedom camping – the do’s and don’ts. Backcountry skiing at The Remarkables! Any list of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter HAS to include skiing (or snowboarding). Don’t have time to read a bunch of New Zealand blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Auckland with kids. Wine tasting on Waiheke Island. You must be sponsored by your child, grandchild, or their parent. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Zealand. The New Zealand police don't take speeding lightly, so you. Honestly, I believe the Milford Sound Waterfalls are some of the most impressive waterfalls in New Zealand, although they never seem to photograph that way. Visiting New Zealand in winter: the cons 1. The Te Papa Museum, which also goes by the longer name of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, is New Zealand’s national museum. Auckland gets about 13 days of rain, on average, and the mountainous Milford Sound region gets about 17 days during September. federal holidays). Positioned halfway between the equator and the South Pole, New Zealand occupies a pleasing middle ground, temperature wise. Best Way To Experience New Zealand Attractions & Scenery. If you’re visiting New Zealand for three months or less, and are a citizen of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or the European Union, you’ll need to go online to secure. Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. The tiny Kiwi nation is indeed fantastically stunning. Mount Cook – one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Generally speaking, rainfall in October is higher than September, and sometimes higher than November too. Welcome to the U. Chatham Islands; 7. consulate is: U. Chatham Islands. 3. The New Zealand police don't take speeding lightly, so you can get a fine even if you're just a few kilometers over the limit. Napier-Hastings. Wanted to ask what you think of the schedule. Auckland: 65 F/52 F. Wellington is quite windy but has good food/drinks/coffee. To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together 13 things you need to know before visiting the Waitomo Caves. Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is the place to go to see some of the beautiful sights the country has to offer and experience Maori culture first-hand. Here, you can take a gondola ride up to the top of Bob’s Peak to see a stunning view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, and Queenstown. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. International tourism spending in New Zealand dropped an astonishing 91. This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand’s North Island. Tolkien tourism is a phenomenon of fans of The Lord of the Rings fictional universe making media pilgrimages to sites of film- and book-related significance. m. On the budget end, a Big Mac costs $7 with McDonald's combo meals ranging up to $11. The gondola is located a 15-minute drive from Christchurch CBD in Heathcote Valley. 8 miles) Time needed: 6-7 hours What you need: Guided tour Whether you are a LOTR fan or not, embarking on a full-day Lord of the Rings adventure is an absolute must when visiting New Zealand. Travellers who do not need an NZeTA. Visiting New Zealand. 5% from 2019 to 2021, plummeting from around $10. In 2019, for example, Matador Network reported that tourism around the movies, known as "Tolkien Tourism," contributed $428 million USD to the county's economy. 50. You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are: A New Zealand citizen travelling on a New Zealand passport or on a foreign passport. There is a good atmosphere in town in the restaurants and bars - plenty of young and young-at-heart people around. This small predator-free island is one of the best places in New Zealand to spot a wild kiwi. Travel Tips I arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, in February 2020. New Zealand's climate gets warmer the further north you go, so the North Island is generally much warmer than the South. For those of you that have wasted a significant proportion of your life reading my previous travel reports you will be aware that I have already written my. However, it’s still quite accessible from New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. When contemplating the breathtaking natural wonders of New Zealand, the choice between visiting Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound stands as a pivotal decision. New Zealand has some of the greatest scenic drives in the world. This is also the biggest ski field in New Zealand! It has over 550 hectares of skiable terrain and 670 meters (2,198 feet) of vertical drop. If you are 66 years or older and want to invest in New Zealand, you can apply to stay for up to 2 years. You’re not restricted to the major gateway cities of Auckland, Sydney, Queenstown and Melbourne, either. But don’t let that stop you – it is still totally possible to explore New Zealand on a budget. For example, Mount. Suzie points out the best cultural and adventure activities, the best child friendly hot pools and a lot more. The fees will be put toward conservation of New Zealand’s land and nature as well as tourism infrastructure. Holger Leue / Getty Images. Dispose of your gum properly. Be Prepared to Drive on the Left-Hand Side of the Road. The museum is on Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, at the corner of Quay and Hobson Streets. Dunedin. Before you can enter New Zealand you must be in good health or be granted a medical waiver. 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting New Zealand. Consulate in Auckland. All forums . Go skiing or snowboarding. Even in New Zealand’s biggest cities, visitors might be surprised by just how early shops close. 20 included activities. Tourism News is the email update featuring news, insights, events and more. New Zealand Visa. Get answers to your questions about New Zealand . Day 4 – The Forgotten World Highway. If you are flying into New Zealand to join your cruise, you must have:For many, "The Lord of the Rings" is a main motivator to visit New Zealand. You're either looking at $5 for 1GB of data, 100 messages and 100 minutes of calls with 1-day expiry, $10 for that amount of calls, texts and data with 14 days expiry, a $20 data-only roaming add-on that gives you 10GB but no. Discover some of New Zealand’s most scenic spots with this 14-day highlights itinerary. January: High summer in New Zealand. Also swim in the natural heated part of the river of a public park on Spa Road. With some great hideaways, jaw-dropping views, and welcoming locals, this classic holiday destination is guaranteed to win your. Travel days are hard enough without jet lag adding to your stress, so gameplan smarter with these natural jet-lag tablets. Roy’s Peak, Wanaka. For example, if your hospital bill is NZ$5,000 and you have an excess of NZ$1,000 then you will have to pay NZ$1,000 for your hospital bill and the insurance company will pay NZ$4,000. Now onto the fun stuff; travelling in New Zealand! Our first tip on the subject is don’t try to do everything. While traveling and temporarily living in New Zealand, I was lucky enough to visit almost every Lord of the Rings filming location. . Experience the North Islands Geothermal Wonderland, Rotorua, and fall in love with the South Island's magnificent mountains, giant glaciers, untouched wilderness, and delectable cuisine. Notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Avoid peak season. The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) we have with New Zealand may cover some of your medical costs in the New Zealand public health system. You can also learn how to pay the required visa application fee, and book an interview appointment at the U. The food and wine are. The InterCity bus service is a very reliable service and fares are cheap. Auckland, North Island. The country was so far away, so exotic and so incredibly beautiful that I figured it’s beyond my abilities. Antigen tests. Stewart Island isn’t technically on the South Island, however, the only way to get there is via the South Island – most commonly to take a ferry from Bluff just outside the city of Invercargill. 50 NZD when they present a valid form of ID. New Zealand offers everything from sunny beach days in summer to skiing in winter. In winter, it's a good base for skiing at the Rainbow Ski area, while at other times of year the Nelson Lakes are popular swimming, boating, and hiking destinations. See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Kayak along the coast, hike the island trails, enjoy in secluded coves, and explore undisturbed forests. We will have had a cruise on Lake Wanaka (which I assume is a freshwater lake) and will have been on a trail on an island in that lake. If you’re a student and staying in Australia for longer than 6 months you may be eligible to enrol in Medicare as a New Zealand citizen. High and low seasons in New Zealand. Backcountry skiing at The Remarkables! Any list of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter HAS to include skiing (or snowboarding). Suffice to say, the New Zealand July climate is cold throughout. SammyVision / Getty Images. 5 gallons x $11. 200 text messages to use in New Zealand or to send back home. That said, New Zealand is a great place to visit year-round, and it is also a world-renowned ski destination with ski resorts throughout the North and South Island. The only saltwater baths in the Nelson/Tasman region are right on the Motueka foreshore. In New Zealand the most commonly spoken language is English…. 5 inches spread across the month. You can pay in cash, by debit/credit card at most establishments as well as with your mobile phone or other digital payments such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Nestled within Fiordland National Park, both destinations boast unparalleled beauty, characterized by majestic fjords, towering peaks, and serene waters. Hello Beasty gets rave reviews and is another restaurant to consider. are a member of a visiting force, including one of its civilian employees, travelling in the ordinary course of your employment or duty — you may need evidence to support this. There are day, twilight, or night tours available where you can see New Zealand native bush and native species of birds and reptiles. New Zealand has just that and then some! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best places in New Zealand you must visit. 3. #10 Reason: We eat, sleep, drive on our camper-van. 17. You don’t need to be a "Lord of the Rings" fan to appreciate the film set here, although it helps. Day 1 – Auckland. Cook. 6 Franz. Which equals about $35 per day. 51. You can start the day by visiting the Te Puia Geothermal Reserve & view the boiling mud pools & cascading Pohutu geyser, that make Rotorua famous as New Zealand’s “ thermal city “. The cheapest and easiest way to get from Sydney to New Zealand is to fly. New Zealand is also more socially left compared to Australia, similarly to how Canada is more left compared to the United States. 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. It's peak tourism season, and schools are closed until the end of the month. Go skiing or snowboarding. Glacier hiking in Franz Josef. The east coast is much milder, with sandy beaches suitable for swimming and generally lower rainfall. See more on travelling to New Zealand >. This is a time for enjoying mountains, vineyards, and rainforest, admiring wildlife, exploring magnificent beaches, and taking in the culture of. We could list hundreds of reasons why you will love visiting New Zealand - there’s just so much to enjoy here. Oh the waterfalls! Obviously yes! Milford Sound is the most famous fiord in New Zealand and is without a doubt one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand. WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING NEW ZEALAND'S NORTH ISLAND. Actually we write posts on anything that’s of interest in the South Pacific (our home) DownsideUP was started in 2008, to help people just like you, with planning the perfect NZ Self Driving experience. Provided that you have not already exceeded a total of 9 months’ stay in New Zealand in an 18 month period. Day 4: Cape Reinga (northernmost tip of New Zealand) Day 5: Ninety Mile Beach. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne – check out this exciting tour to Zealandia. The BEST Things to do in Hamilton, New Zealand. If you go in spring you get to avoid the crowds and it will make the experience amongst volcanic terrain, ancient lava flows.