New Zealand Travel Guide

Continent: Oceania
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New Zealand Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 10-14 days for the North and South Islands' highlights; 3 weeks for a more extensive exploration

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Best Time: November to February (Summer) Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD): Dorm bed: $15-30
Budget: $40-80
Mid-range: $100-200
Luxury: $250 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $15-30
Mid-range: $40-70

Visa Policy for Indians: eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) for short stays

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: eTA or Visa-Free for many countries

Getting In New Zealand: Auckland Airport (AKL), Christchurch Airport (CHC Read More

Getting Around New Zealand: Cars, campervans, buses, domestic flights, and trains Read More

"The Land Where Adventures Wait"

New Zealand Tourism

New Zealand lies to the southwest of the Pacific Ocean and promises breathtaking landscapes adorned with picturesque coastlines and the mightiest mountains. One of New Zealand's highlights is its opportunities for adventure activities as well as its nice blend of museums, art galleries and heritage sites.

Rich in Maori culture, this island nation or Aotearoa as the locals call it, is a diverse mix of contemporary cityscapes and attractions that will take you back in time to New Zealand's past. It is famous for its wildlife that is unlike any other region in the world with species you can find only on this island. The Kiwi is a flightless bird that is a national symbol and also, a slang term for someone from New Zealand. 

Divided into two islands namely, North Island and South Island, this nation is historically known to be the last place to be occupied by humans, hence having a very sparse local population but generous in its untouched natural splendour. Being so down south in geography, the weather conditions of New Zealand is patchy and extremely unpredictable One needs to be prepared to endure all sorts of weather within a day. Experience the fast-paced city of Auckland or Wellington, the national capital, or the glorious mountains at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and some time on the stunning coastlines by visiting the Abel Tasman National Park and to add to the already diverse mix, Hobbiton at Matamata for all the Lord of the Rings aficionados.

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Top Attractions in New Zealand

Best time to visit New Zealand

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the months from December to February are New Zealand's summer months, unlike other countries where it's vice versa. Relaxing at the beach, hiking and (Read More) other adventure activities are best enjoyed during these months. There are also a lot of concerts and festivals that take place during this period, so you can make the most of your journey. The rest of the year it gets really cold and a lot of the natural landscape is inaccessible due to heavy snow.

Holidify's opinion on Travel to New Zealand

What's Great?

Friendly locals. Plenty of activities available. Beautiful scenery. Relaxed pace of life.

What's Not So Great?

Average infrastructure. Minor earth tremors. Lot of sandflies. Strong, hot sun.

For Whom?

Adventure enthusiasts. Photographers. Art and culture lovers. Newly wed couples.

Read More on New Zealand Travel

Exchanging Money in New Zealand

In terms of currency exchange, as we mentioned, foreign currency is not readily accepted. If you do try to exchange foreign currency for the New Zealand Dollar, you will be met with a surprised smile. However, ATMs are present in nearly every town, even if that town does not have a bank! Credit cards like AMEX and Diners Club are not accepted, especially at smaller chain stores such as food stores.

Nightlife in New Zealand

New Zealand is very famous for its breweries. Beer is consumed on a large scale, and there are dozens of different regional brands. However, it is important to note that the authorities have introduced some liquor ban areas, so if you are caught drinking in those areas, you will be in trouble. Auckland is said to be the best spot to make the most of what the country has to offer. There are tonnes of bars and restaurants here, with most of them facing the calm waters. Other areas that promise some fun nightlife are Wellington for its clubs and bars and Christchurch for its great restaurants and bars.

Shopping in New Zealand

New Zealand has everything an avid shopper could need. From busy, crowded markets to shopping malls with designer labels, you can find everything here. The country is very famous for its jade accessories, called pounamu, so make sure to snap some up for yourself. Other products you can splurge on are local handmade wood items, handmade glass and glass artifacts, knitwear, etc. New Zealand also has speciality food stores which sell exotic things like infused avocado oil, food pastes, herb mixes and more. These stores are also known for their notorious dessert combinations such as chocolate fish!

Festivals of New Zealand

The major festivals that are celebrated in New Zealand are the Auckland Festival, New Zealand Fringe Festival, Kiwiburn, New Zealand International Comedy Festival, Grey Lynn and St Patrick's Day. During this period, the culture of the country is highlighted and displayed wonderfully.

Hygiene in New Zealand

New Zealand sunlight is very strong and harsh. The strong UV rays can cause cancer. Carrying sunscreen and sunglasses is imperative. Tap water is safe and potable.

Customs of New Zealand

Do not talk about your income and other financial matters with locals, as New Zealanders despise talking about wealth. Tipping is not compulsory, but it is becoming common practice to tip for excellent service. If you're visiting a local's house for dinner, always offer to help wash the dishes. It will be expected of you and not asking will be considered impolite. Do not overdress in the country, especially if visiting Auckland, as laid back and classy is rampant fashion there.

Tips for visiting New Zealand

Always say 'please' and 'thank you', especially at restaurants. Drinking and driving is a serious offence here. The weather here is quite unpredictable, so if you've planned out a trek along the alpine areas, always speak to the Department of Conservation before you proceed, as they will advise you best.

Food of New Zealand

The food of this country has drawn its inspiration from Asia, Europe and Polynesia. Some ingredients that you will find in almost every dish here are pork, lamb, salmon, lobster, mussels, scallops, oysters and kumara or sweet potato. Kiwi as a fruit is very popular here and consumed on a large scale. Pavlova is the national dessert of New Zealand. Barbeques are a vital part of life for the locals, and it signifies their laidback lifestyle. A lot of seafood is cooked at these barbeques, apart from other meat. Fish and chips are also popular in New Zealand and are perfect for a takeaway. In Beverages, people drink a lot of beer and wine in this country.

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Photos of New Zealand

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Reviews

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Sam Roberts

2 years ago
Food not good and it not very nice as well as hotel rotting and towels stink . Bath is broken, pipes Leakey and TV is broken. People are always getting food poisoning

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