New Zealand Travel Guide

Planning a trip to New Zealand? This comprehensive guide covers everything from must-see attractions and outdoor adventures, to food and drink recommendations, local culture and customs, and transportation options.


Introduction to New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation located in Oceania, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique Maori culture. This country is an adventurer’s paradise with plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to bungee jumping and skydiving. New Zealand is also a hub for foodies, featuring delicious local fare and world-class wineries. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience.

List of Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to countless incredible destinations, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Te Papa Museum in Wellington
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland

Natural Attractions of New Zealand: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  • Queenstown for skiing and snowboarding
  • Abel Tasman National Park for kayaking and hiking
  • Mount Cook National Park for mountaineering and heliskiing

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Zealand

New Zealand boasts an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Milford Track in Fiordland National Park
  • Abel Tasman Coast Track
  • Tongariro Northern Circuit
  • Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park
  • Queen Charlotte Track

Best Things to Do in New Zealand: Activities and Tours

  • Bungee jumping and skydiving in Queenstown
  • Whale watching tour in Kaikoura
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Matamata
  • Wine tasting in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay
  • Glacier helicopter tour in Franz Josef Glacier

Week-Long Itinerary for New Zealand

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to New Zealand:

Day Destination
1 Auckland
2 Rotorua
3 Taupo
4 Wellington
5 Abel Tasman National Park
6 Queenstown
7 Franz Josef Glacier

Food and Drink Scene of New Zealand

New Zealand offers a diverse range of cuisine, from traditional Maori dishes to fresh seafood and contemporary fusion cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hangi: a traditional Maori meal cooked in an underground oven and featuring meats, vegetables, and herbs
  • Pavlova: a dessert made with a meringue base topped with whipped cream and fruit
  • Fish and chips: a classic Kiwi dish
  • Kiwi burgers: a hamburger with a fried egg and beetroot

Local Beverages

  • Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough
  • Pinot Noir from Central Otago
  • Speight’s beer from Dunedin

Where to Stay in New Zealand: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New Zealand offers a variety of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from boutique hotels, luxury lodges, budget-friendly hostels, and cozy guesthouses.

What to Buy in New Zealand: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting New Zealand, be sure to bring home some local products and souvenirs, including:

  • Greenstone (pounamu) jewelry
  • Manuka honey
  • Sheepskin products
  • Kiwi bird-themed gifts

Local Culture and Customs of New Zealand

New Zealand’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in Maori traditions and legends. Visitors should respect Maori culture and customs and learn about their history and beliefs.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months (December to February) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Winter (June to August) is also popular for skiing and snowboarding.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Zealand

Do:

  • Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Learn about Maori culture and customs
  • Drive on the left side of the road

Don’t:

  • Bring food items into the country
  • Trespass on private property
  • Leave valuables visible in vehicles

Safety and Health

Safety in New Zealand

New Zealand is generally considered a safe destination, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety, such as staying aware of their surroundings and securing their belongings.

Health in New Zealand

There are no major health risks when traveling to New Zealand. Visitors should still take standard precautions, such as staying hydrated and washing their hands regularly.

Getting to New Zealand: Transportation Options and Logistics

New Zealand is located in the South Pacific, and visitors can reach the country by air or sea.

Airports Near New Zealand

  • Auckland Airport
  • Wellington Airport
  • Christchurch International Airport

Bus Stations Near New Zealand

  • InterCity Coachlines
  • ManaBus
  • Naked Bus

Other Options

  • Ferry (between the North and South Islands)
  • Rental car

How to Get Around in New Zealand

Visitors can travel around New Zealand by rental car, bus, or train. Driving is a popular option for visitors, with rental cars widely available. Bus routes and train services connect major cities and towns throughout the country.

Where to Go Next from New Zealand: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Australia: just a short flight away, Australia offers beaches, cities, and natural wonders
  • South Pacific Islands: from Fiji to Samoa, there are plenty of island paradises nearby to explore

Conclusion

New Zealand offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. With plenty of options for outdoor activities, delicious local cuisine, and an inviting culture, it is the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience.

Cable car above Wellington Cable car above Wellington Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most spectacular fiords Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most spectacular fiords Treaty of Waitangi on display in ''Te Papa Tongarewa'', the national museum, in Wellington Treaty of Waitangi on display in ''Te Papa Tongarewa'', the national museum, in Wellington Parliament House and the Executive Wing ( Parliament House and the Executive Wing ("Beehive") in Wellington Auckland Anniversary Day firework Auckland Anniversary Day firework A typical suburban dairy A typical suburban dairy Visa policy of New Zealand Visa policy of New Zealand Air New Zealand aircraft at AKL Air New Zealand aircraft at AKL Double decker bus of the InterCity company Double decker bus of the InterCity company Watch out for kiwis! Watch out for kiwis! Cheaper type of campervan, a converted regular van offered by Hippie Campers Cheaper type of campervan, a converted regular van offered by Hippie Campers Car dealerships in Auckland Car dealerships in Auckland Interislander's ''Kaitaki'' is one of five ferries (and the largest) plying the Wellington-Picton route between the country's two main islands. Interislander's ''Kaitaki'' is one of five ferries (and the largest) plying the Wellington-Picton route between the country's two main islands. Milford Sound Milford Sound Hot pool in Rotorua Hot pool in Rotorua Lupins growing at Lake Ohau near the Southern Alps on the South Island. Although beautiful, these plants are actually an invasive species that is pushing out native plants and birds. Lupins growing at Lake Ohau near the Southern Alps on the South Island. Although beautiful, these plants are actually an invasive species that is pushing out native plants and birds. The All Blacks perform a haka before a rugby match against France The All Blacks perform a haka before a rugby match against France An EFTPOS machine with a An EFTPOS machine with a "no credit" sticker - these would only accept EFTPOS and domestic debit cards Main street in the town of Mosgiel, near Dunedin Main street in the town of Mosgiel, near Dunedin Maori boil up, a soup of vegetables and pork bones Maori boil up, a soup of vegetables and pork bones Free feijoas in suburban Auckland Free feijoas in suburban Auckland Pavlova topped with strawberry, kiwifruit and passionfruit Pavlova topped with strawberry, kiwifruit and passionfruit A hangi being prepared A hangi being prepared A flat white A flat white A rural hotel A rural hotel A hostel in Auckland A hostel in Auckland Otago University, Dunedin campus Otago University, Dunedin campus Picking grapes Picking grapes Police officers in Auckland Police officers in Auckland Earthquake damage to a road Earthquake damage to a road Southern Cross Hospital, Christchurch Southern Cross Hospital, Christchurch Fox Glacier Fox Glacier Maori dance performance Maori dance performance Old style telephone booths in Dunedin, also serving as a tourist attraction Old style telephone booths in Dunedin, also serving as a tourist attraction Phone box in Pukekohe Phone box in Pukekohe A typical New Zealand Post mailbox A typical New Zealand Post mailbox An electrical socket An electrical socket


    North Island
    South Island
    Stewart Island