New Zealand
Widely considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand boasts everything from soaring mountains and smouldering volcanoes to sparkling lakes, sweeping valleys and a long and scenic coastline. Besides exploring its vast tracts of pristine wilderness, visitors can check out its countless charming towns, stop by cosmopolitan cities such as Auckland and Wellington or delve into the rich history and culture of the Maori.
Set in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, the isolated island nation lies roughly 2,000 kilometers east of Australia with New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga lying to the north. Although over 700 smaller isles and subantarctic archipelagos are also included as part of the country, most of its landmass consists of the more populous North Island and slightly larger South Island. Very mountainous in nature, its long and narrow confines encompass not only some gorgeous countryside and forests but steaming hot springs, glistening glaciers and beautiful beaches too.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit New Zealand is December to February, the summer high season, for golden weather that makes hiking and wildlife-watching absolutely blissful. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are generally mild and dry, the landscapes bursting with colour, though the shoulder months can get pretty miserable down on the South Island. December and March is the best time to spot orcas off Kaikoura (dolphins can be seen year-round). The grape harvest in New Zealand’s wine regions starts in February, while the autumn is also a very popular time for scenic cruises in Fjordland.
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Wellington
Language: New Zealand has three official languages: English, Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language.
Currency: The currency in New Zealand is called the New Zealand Dollar. 1 USD = 1.5 NZD or €1 = 1.6 NZD. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: You won’t have a problem using your credit or debit card in New Zealand. As long as it’s a Visa, MasterCard, or Maestro you can use it for purchases or cash withdrawals. You will also be able to use Apple or Google pay in most places.
Plugs: The plugs in New Zealand are type I. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world and is one of the best destinations for solo travellers. However, petty theft is a reality here. Make sure you practice common sense and keep an eye on your things to avoid any problems while you’re abroad.
Random useful tip: Book Well in Advance if Travelling in Summer.
Dont’s: Don’t Disrespect Maori Culture and don’t Expect The Hustle-Bustle Of The City.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in New Zealand, reasons to visit New Zealand, and how to travel New Zealand on a budget.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in New Zealand
Often dubbed the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, Queenstown is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. Nestled along the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, its scenic beauty is rivalled only by the array of adrenaline-pumping activities it offers. Whether it’s bungee jumping from the historic Kawarau Bridge, skiing down pristine slopes, or jet-boating through narrow canyons, Queenstown ensures an adventure at every turn. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, a cruise on the lake or a stroll through its bustling town centre can be equally rewarding.
Set amidst the rolling hills of Matamata, Hobbiton brings to life the enchanting world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Originally constructed for Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ film trilogies, this movie set offers a detailed and immersive experience of the Shire. Walk past hobbit holes, enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and lose yourself in the tales and trivia of this beloved fictional universe. The meticulously crafted landscapes and structures transport visitors straight into the pages of Tolkien’s legendary tales.
3. Discover the Maori Culture in Rotorua
Rotorua, with its bubbling mud pools and geothermal springs, is a geologist’s dream. But more than just its natural wonders, it’s the heartland of Maori culture. Engage with the local Maori communities, experience their traditional ‘hangi’ feast, where food is cooked using heated rocks buried in a pit oven, or witness the powerful performances of the haka and other Maori dances. The Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, in particular, offers a deep dive into both the geothermal marvels and the rich indigenous heritage of the region.
4. Traverse the Stunning Landscapes of Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a realm of staggering beauty. The park showcases dramatic fjords, crystalline lakes, and dense rainforests. Milford Sound, with its majestic peaks like the Mitre and cascading waterfalls, is the crown jewel. Cruising the sound, one can encounter dolphins, seals, and even the occasional penguin. For hiking enthusiasts, the park offers renowned tracks like the Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn, each unveiling vistas that are both humbling and awe-inspiring.
The Bay of Islands, with its secluded coves, azure waters, and abundant marine life, is a slice of coastal paradise. Comprising over 140 subtropical islands, this bay is rich in both natural beauty and history. Paihia serves as a gateway to the bay and offers a plethora of water-based activities, from kayaking to deep-sea fishing. A visit to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the foundational treaty of New Zealand was signed, provides insights into the nation’s early Maori and European interactions. Whether it’s history, adventure, or relaxation, the Bay of Islands has something for every traveller.
New Zealand Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 30–50 NZD / £15–25 GBP / $18–30 / €17–28
- Hostel Private Rooms – 80–130 NZD / £40–65 GBP / $48–78 / €45–75
- Budget Hotels – 90–160 NZD / £45–80 GBP / $54–96 / €50–92
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 70–150 NZD / £35–75 GBP / $42–90 / €39–86
- Airbnb Apartments – 150+ NZD / £75+ GBP / $90+ / €86+
- Campsites & Holiday Parks – 15–50 NZD / £7–25 GBP / $9–30 / €8–28
Transportation
- Local Bus, Train, or Tram Ride – 2–5 NZD / £1–2.50 GBP / $1.20–3 / €1.10–2.80
- Intercity Bus (Auckland to Wellington) – 30–90 NZD / £15–45 GBP / $18–54 / €17–50
- Taxi (Per km, Metered in Cities) – 3–4 NZD / £1.50–2 GBP / $1.80–2.40 / €1.70–2.30
- Rideshare (Uber, Ola – Short Trip) – 10–40 NZD / £5–20 GBP / $6–24 / €6–22
- Car Rental (Per Day) – 60–150 NZD / £30–75 GBP / $36–90 / €34–86
Food
- Hostel Dorms – 30–50 NZD / £15–25 GBP / $18–30 / €17–28
- Hostel Private Rooms – 80–130 NZD / £40–65 GBP / $48–78 / €45–75
- Budget Hotels – 90–160 NZD / £45–80 GBP / $54–96 / €50–92
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 70–150 NZD / £35–75 GBP / $42–90 / €39–86
- Airbnb Apartments – 150+ NZD / £75+ GBP / $90+ / €86+
- Campsites & Holiday Parks – 15–50 NZD / £7–25 GBP / $9–30 / €8–28
Activities
- National Park Entry (Most are Free) – $0 in most cases, but some may require parking fees.
- Museum Entry (Te Papa in Wellington is Free) – Others: 15–30 NZD / £7–15 GBP / $9–18 / €8–17
- Guided Tours (Hobbiton, Maori Cultural Tours, Wine Tours) – 100–250 NZD / £50–125 GBP / $60–150 / €55–140
- Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound Cruise – 100–300 NZD / £50–150 GBP / $60–180 / €55–170
- Bungee Jumping (Queenstown, Taupō, Auckland Bridge) – 150–250 NZD / £75–125 GBP / $90–150 / €85–140
- Hiking & Outdoor Adventures (Tongariro Crossing, Mount Cook, Franz Josef Glacier Hikes) – Free to 50+ NZD ($30+) for guided hikes.
New Zealand Suggested Budgets
🎒 Backpacker – 100 NZD Per Day
💲 ~$60 | ~€55 | ~£47
A backpacking budget in New Zealand allows you to:
- Stay in hostel dorms, budget campsites, or campervan parks (starting at 30 NZD / $18 per night).
- Eat at supermarkets, food trucks, and fast food places where meals cost 10–20 NZD ($6–$12).
- Use public buses, rent bikes, or walk instead of taxis and rental cars.
- Enjoy free or low-cost outdoor activities, such as hiking, beach visits, and exploring national parks.
Extra Costs:
- If drinking, add 10–30 NZD ($6–$18) for beers or cocktails.
- Long-distance buses or budget domestic flights can add 40–100 NZD ($24–$60) per trip.
🍜 Midrange – 250 NZD Per Day
💲 ~$150 | ~€140 | ~£120
A midrange budget gives you more comfort and variety:
- Stay in private hostel rooms, motels, or Airbnbs.
- Dine at mid-range restaurants and cafés, trying New Zealand seafood, local lamb, and fusion cuisine.
- Use a mix of public transport, rental cars, and domestic flights.
- Visit museums, wineries, wildlife reserves, and take scenic tours.
- Enjoy occasional nightlife or bar hopping.
Extra Costs:
- Domestic flights within New Zealand can cost 100–300 NZD ($60–$180) depending on the route.
- Full-day excursions, such as a Milford Sound cruise or Hobbiton tour, cost 100–250 NZD ($60–$150).
🏨 Upscale – 450+ NZD Per D
💲 ~$270+ | ~€250+ | ~£215+
A luxury budget ensures a high-end experience in New Zealand:
- Stay in boutique lodges, luxury hotels, or private Airbnbs.
- Dine at fine-dining restaurants, enjoy premium wine tastings, and try gourmet experiences.
- Use private transfers, rental SUVs, or scenic flights for seamless travel.
- Join private guided tours, helicopter flights, or luxury adventure experiences.
- Indulge in premium spa treatments, high-end shopping, or exclusive experiences like luxury yacht cruises.
Extra Costs:
- Luxury lodges (e.g., Queenstown, Wanaka, Rotorua) start at 600 NZD ($360) per night.
- Scenic helicopter tours or private yacht charters start at 500 NZD ($300).
- Fine dining at Michelin-starred or top-rated restaurants can cost 200 NZD ($120) per person.
New Zealand Money-Saving Tips
New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but it can be an expensive destination. Here are some practical ways to save money while making the most of your trip.
1 – Bring a Reusable Water Bottle – Tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink everywhere, so avoid buying bottled water. A reusable bottle will save money and reduce plastic waste.
2 – Take Advantage of Free Activities – Many of New Zealand’s best attractions are free, including hiking in national parks, exploring beaches, and visiting cultural landmarks like Te Papa Museum in Wellington.
3 – Cook Your Own Meals – Eating out can be expensive, so shop at Pak’nSave, Countdown, or New World supermarkets and cook at your hostel, Airbnb, or campsite. Many public areas also have free BBQ facilities.
4 – Use Public Transport in Cities – In Auckland and Wellington, buses and trains are cheaper than taxis. Use AT HOP (Auckland) or Snapper (Wellington) transport cards for discounted fares.
5 – Stay in Hostels, Airbnbs, or Holiday Parks – Hostels from Hostelworld start at 30 NZD per night, and Airbnbs are often cheaper than hotels. If you’re road-tripping, stay at Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites, which are free or low-cost. Use Booking.com for hotels and guesthouses.
6 – Travel by Bus for Long Distances – Instead of flying, use InterCity or Skip Bus for affordable travel between cities. Look for FlexiPasses, which let you book multiple trips at a discount.
7 – Consider Car or Campervan Rentals – If exploring multiple destinations, renting a campervan or car can be cheaper than public transport. Apps like Transfercar offer free one-way rentals if you’re flexible.
8 – Use Fuel Discount Apps – If renting a car or campervan, download Gaspy to find the cheapest fuel prices along your route.
9 – Avoid Expensive Tours by Exploring Independently – Many sights, like Milford Sound, Tongariro Crossing, and Hobbiton, can be visited without a guided tour. Renting a car or using public transport saves money on expensive group tours.
10 – Visit During the Shoulder Season – Travel in spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May) for lower prices on flights, accommodation, and tours, while still enjoying good weather and fewer crowds.
How to Get Around in New Zealand
New Zealand is a large and diverse country, with plenty of transport options to suit different travel styles and budgets. Whether you’re exploring cities, national parks, or scenic coastal drives, here’s how to navigate New Zealand efficiently.
🚶 Walking
New Zealand’s cities and towns are walkable, especially in places like Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch. Many hiking trails (tramping tracks) are free and offer stunning scenery, such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or the Milford Track.
🚌 Public Transportation (City Travel)
- Buses & Trains – Public transport is available in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. However, smaller towns have limited services.
- Transport Cards – Use an AT HOP (Auckland) or Snapper (Wellington) card for cheaper fares. Single rides cost 2–5 NZD ($1.20–$3).
- Free Transport Options – Some cities offer free buses or trams, such as Christchurch’s historic tram loop.
✈️ Domestic Flights
- New Zealand has a well-connected domestic flight network, making it easier to travel between the North and South Islands quickly.
- Budget airlines like Jetstar and Air New Zealand offer cheap flights between cities.
- Auckland to Queenstown – 1.5 hours, from 100 NZD ($60).
- Wellington to Christchurch – 1 hour, from 80 NZD ($48).
- Use Trip.com for discounted flights.
🚆 Trains & Scenic Railways
- Trains in New Zealand are mainly scenic, not commuter-focused.
- TranzAlpine (Christchurch to Greymouth) – One of the world’s most scenic train rides (5 hours, from 200 NZD ($120)).
- Northern Explorer (Auckland to Wellington) – A 12-hour scenic journey, perfect for train lovers (from 200 NZD / $120).
🚖 Taxis & Rideshare Apps
- Taxis in New Zealand are expensive, with fares starting at 3–4 NZD ($1.80–$2.40) per km.
- Uber, Ola, and DiDi operate in major cities and are usually cheaper than taxis.
- Budget Tip – Use public transport instead of taxis, or consider renting a car for longer distances.
🚌 Intercity Buses (Budget Travel Option)
- InterCity and Skip Bus are affordable options for long-distance travel between cities.
- Auckland to Wellington – 12 hours, from 30 NZD ($18).
- Queenstown to Christchurch – 7 hours, from 50 NZD ($30).
- Budget Tip: Get an InterCity FlexiPass, which lets you book multiple trips at a discount.
🚗 Car & Campervan Rental
- Renting a car or campervan is the best way to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty.
- Rentals start at 60–150 NZD ($36–$90) per day, plus fuel.
- Popular road trips:
- Auckland to Bay of Islands – 3–4 days.
- Queenstown to Milford Sound – 2–3 days.
- Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier – 4–5 days.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars New Zealand
🚲 Cycling
- Cycling is popular in New Zealand, with scenic routes in Queenstown, Nelson, and the Otago Rail Trail.
- Bike rentals cost 20–50 NZD ($12–$30) per day.
🛳️ Ferries & Boat Travel
- Interislander & Bluebridge Ferries – Connect the North and South Islands (Wellington to Picton).
- Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound Cruises – Scenic boat trips cost 100–300 NZD ($60–$180).
- Great Barrier Island & Stewart Island Ferries – Perfect for remote island adventures.
🚀 Final Travel Tips
- Book domestic flights early for cheaper prices.
- Use public transport cards (AT HOP, Snapper) for city travel savings.
- Renting a campervan can save on both transport and accommodation.
- Check for free public transport options in each city.
- Plan ahead for ferry bookings, especially in peak season.
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