New Zealand Travel: Explore the Long White Cloud
New Zealand’s landscape is characterized by a broad diversity of features and intense natural beauty. Alpine mountains, fjords, sandy beaches, coastal plains, hot springs, rain forests, volcanoes and crystal clear waters, all packed into a country with a total land area comparable to that of Colorado, make New Zealand a unique and popular destination. But this ultimate wilderness playground also hosts cosmopolitan cities and a delightful population. Capitalize on New Zealand’s diversity by using this guide as your planning aid.
Expand All Guide SectionsNew Zealand Tourism Information
Talk to a handful of people who’ve been to New Zealand and you’re likely to hear each one offer a different reason you should see the country. Some go for the extreme sports of Queenstown and Lake Taupo; for others it’s the sublimity and isolation of the Southern Alps; many are drawn to the deserted beaches of the East Cape; still others crave the cultural experiences of Auckland and Wellington. In this section we’ll point you to the best sources of information on what to do in NZ, and where to do it.
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- Official national tourism Web sites are often overflowing with fluffy propaganda and succeed only in helping visitors plan “on the beaten path” vacations. However, Tourism New Zealand is different. With a wealth of information and some great ideas, this site is worth any prospective traveler’s time.
- New Zealand’s 14 national parks make up roughly 10% of the country’s total land area. Through these parks snake miles upon miles of trails that draw hikers from around the globe. One of the best ways to see New Zealand is by immersing yourself in its untainted, pristine wilderness, and hiking (or “tramping,” as the Kiwis call it) is an inexpensive, effective way to do this. There are hiking tracks suitable for walkers of all experience and fitness levels, from the Abel Tasman (a fairly short and benign coastal track offering stunning ocean views) to the Dusky Track (an 84-kilometer, 8-day hike through a remote part of Fjordland National Park).
- An extensive series of backcountry huts (cabins placed strategically along hiking tracks that usually have running water, beds and the occasional stove) make hiking through the wilds of New Zealand much more convenient, as it becomes unnecessary to lug a tent and sleeping bag. Pay per night or buy a yearly pass for unlimited access; you’ll find more information on New Zealand’s backcountry huts at the Department of Conservation’s Web site.
- Several years later, people are still traveling to New Zealand to experience firsthand the sites they saw on the big screen in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. At Tourism New Zealand use an interactive map to locate your favorite sites from the movie. For a more in-depth look that includes GPS coordinates, look into picking up a copy of Ian Brodie’s “The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook.”
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For tourism information …
Tourism New Zealand
is the official tourism site of New Zealand. Visit the “About New Zealand” section for essential overviews of the nation’s history, culture, climate and geography. See the “Destinations & Maps” section for a break down of the different regions of the country, including differences in geography, culture and vibe; key locations and activities are also highlighted. The “Sights & Activities” section really gets you itching to go. It’s filled with stunning photography and reviews some of the top events, tours and sights around the country.
For hiking and activity overviews …
New Zealand Tramper
has overviews of more than 250 tracks around the country that include map pinpoints showing the route, difficulty, altitude, estimated length, and the start and finish points. Get ideas from the close to 1,000 photographs of vistas, huts, foliage and fauna from hikes around the country. There are a handful of really useful route guides that take you step-by-step through the hikes (such as this one to the Caples Track). Don’t miss New Zealand Tramper’s “Useful Links” section for weather forecasts, avalanche advisories, official Department of Conservation information and more.
Department of Conservation
is responsible for facilitating all of the backcountry hiking that happens in New Zealand. It has designated nine of the best hikes across both islands as being “Great Walks.” Read about these nine hiking excursions and discover some of the most unbelievable vistas and backcountry experiences that New Zealand has to offer.
TripAdvisor
has user reviews of “Things to Do” in cities and national parks around New Zealand. This site is great for exploring the breadth of your travel opportunities in New Zealand. You’ll find descriptions of activities, contact information, links to external Web sites, and most importantly, user reviews, which can help you evaluate your options.
For cities …
Tourism Auckland
is the official tourism site of Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Find a comprehensive database of articles on all things related to Auckland, including where to stay and what to do. If you want to explore one of the city’s many volcanoes, or learn about the city’s history, this site can show you how.
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
is the official tourism site for Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Learn what’s on in the city and find interesting day trips to the nearby Southern Alps. Stop by the “What to Do” section for a list of activities to keep you entertained during your stay in the Canterbury region.
Positively Wellington Tourism
is the official Web site of Wellington, the cultural and political capital of New Zealand. Its stunning harbor, interesting architecture and vibrant nightlife make it a must-see city. Browse the “Sights & Activities” section to learn what Wellington can offer a traveler with your tastes.
For a directory of things to do …
New Zealand Tourism Online
has information on accommodations, attractions, tours, transportation and more. So if you have a bit of time, browse through the sites you find listed; you’re certain to locate something exciting (like whale watching in Kaikura and cruises around Milford Sound.
Entry Requirements, Safety Information, and Facts for New Zealand
As with any trip abroad, there are a handful of logistical issues to consider prior to visiting New Zealand. Information related to basic concerns, such as how to get a passport, and more complex ones, such as the conditions for obtaining residency, can be found on official government Web sites and New Zealand travel sites. Use this section to find the resources you need to make preparing for your journey overseas only a minor headache.
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- An easy way to call the United States from New Zealand is to use an international calling card. Purchase these from almost any market, convenience store, hotel or hostel in the country, and use them at calling card phone booths. Look on the back of the card to find directions for usage.
- It’s not difficult to become so enamored of New Zealand that you can’t pull yourself away. If you feel like extending your trip and you don’t have pressing obligations back home, you might want to consider a working holiday visa, which will allow you to work for up to a year while traveling. If you’re not a recent grad but are still under 30 and interested in a working holiday, look in the sites below to find details on how to set up.
- New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). It’s also sometimes informally called the Kiwi.
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For facts and overviews of New Zealand …
The CIA World Factbook
is your source for hardcore statistics on New Zealand’s geography, population, government, economy, communications, transportation and military. Information is succinct and easy to digest.
The Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand
has articles that overview important aspects of New Zealand’s culture, history, land, people and wildlife. Get the details on topics such as the history of the country’s Maori tribes and the structure of the modern economy. Video clips, interlinking articles, and profiles on the countries famous people and places make this a good place to learn all about New Zealand.
For travel requirements, safety information, and embassies …
The U.S. Department of State’s information on New Zealand
provides a solid overview of the logistical issues related to travel in New Zealand. Find entry and exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical and health information, insurance, and much more. Use the handy embedded links in the text to go to sites with further information or resources.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
New Zealand travel page is designed to provide those planning a trip to NZ with the information necessary to keep them abreast of pressing health and safety issues. Look for health and safety warnings (where applicable), vaccination advice and safety tips.
The U.S. Embassy in Wellington
has an extensive site directed toward American travelers in NZ. Come here to learn about visas, absentee voting, passports and how to get in touch with a local consulate or embassy.
For currency conversion …
OANDA’s
currency converter has the latest exchange rates for all foreign currencies. In general, one U.S. dollar exchanges for roughly 1.25 New Zealand dollars.
To work in New Zealand …
Immigration New Zealand
has all the information a foreigner needs to work there. Learn about the details of the program for U.S. citizens, including eligibility, health requirements, character requirements, and how to apply.
For the latest news …
“The New Zealand Herald”
is the most widely distributed paper in the country. Use this site to keep on top of the latest breaking stories in Kiwi politics, sports, entertainment and more. This is a good way to keep your finger on the nation’s pulse and to arrive an informed traveler.
Getting to New Zealand
The country of New Zealand is composed of two large islands (referred to as the North Island and South Island) and a series of significantly smaller islands in the south Pacific. It’s roughly a 10.5-hour flight from Los Angeles, and a much longer boat ride. This being the case, travel to New Zealand is done (by and large) by plane.
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- Anyone traveling from North America will likely go through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). British travelers have the option of flying to New Zealand by traveling west through Los Angeles or east through cities such as Singapore and Bangkok. LAX has a poor reputation when it comes to comfort and hospitality, so consider flying through one of these other ports.
- Depending on where you’re coming from, travel to New Zealand can often require flying with more than one carrier. Because of this, we’ve listed the Web’s top travel search engines. By searching for airfare across hundreds of individual airlines and travel sites, these sites ensure you get the Web’s best deals. We’ve also included a link to the official site of Air New Zealand, where you’ll find great deals on round-trip flights.
- For more information on buying airfare, consult the " Getting to Your Destination" section of the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide.
- Another option for travel to New Zealand is to fly to Australia and then take a cruise to New Zealand.
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Kayak
consolidates flight information and fares from hundreds of individual airlines and online travel agents (like CheapTickets and Orbitz). Enter your flight parameters to get results from more than 140 travel sites. To learn exactly which airlines and agents this site covers, visit the “Providers” section.
Mobissimo
makes it easy to find the best possible deal on a flight. This sleek search engine consults more than 140 sites, including airlines, and then displays all results fitting your travel specifications. A tutorial is available for new users. Take a look at “MobiDeals” or subscribe via RSS feed [http://feeds.feedburner.com/TopTravelDeals]. Don’t miss the “Activity” section to find travel deals on locations and activities of interest (for example, Trekking, Latin America, or Spas).
Air New Zealand’s
site is a worthwhile place to visit prior to buying your tickets. It often posts special offers that can save you a bundle.
Travel Within New Zealand
Depending on your needs, there are many ways to travel once in New Zealand. If time is of the essence, a system of interisland planes can bring you to and from the major cities at high speeds. If you’d rather take in the island’s beauty via land, there are inter- and intracity buses, a handful of train lines, rental cars and no legal restrictions on hitchhiking. Ferries span the straits separating the North and South Islands and the South Island and Stewart Island.
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- The two largest airlines serving cities around New Zealand are the Australian-based Qantas and Air New Zealand. Qantas serves Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Air New Zealand makes more than 470 flights per day to 26 destinations around the country; a route map is available on the airline’s Web site.
- The travel search engines recommended in the “Getting to New Zealand” section of this Web guide can be equally useful for finding flights between cities in New Zealand. After consulting the Air New Zealand route map, enter your departure and arrival cities to find the best prices on tickets.
- For backpackers or student travelers, there’s a sizable market for cheap used cars. Unlike in the United States, where even a poor-quality used car will set a buyer back a couple thousand dollars, in New Zealand you can find a decent, semi-reliable ride for around $1,000. This can be a smart investment for those with long-term plans.
- Renting a car in New Zealand is often referred to as “hiring” a car. Keep this in mind to avoid confusion.
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For air travel …
Air New Zealand’s
“grabaseat” feature puts “ludicrously low fares up for grabs.” Find the lowest fares on Air New Zealand flights between select cities in New Zealand. Check back daily for the day’s best prices. Air New Zealand also has a neat, interactive “How far can I go?” feature that shows you how far you can travel within and out of New Zealand for any given price. Begin by selecting your departure city, and then use the slider on the right side of the page to adjust the price range. Keep in mind that prices are listed in New Zealand dollars.
For buses …
InterCity Coachlines
is a private bus service shuttling passengers to Cape Reinga, Invercargill and every major city in between. Take a look at the route map, check timetables, buy tickets, learn about the different bus passes offered, and more.
Stray
allows travelers to see NZ by bus at their own pace. Stray passes cover a variety of routes that hit major spots all over the country and allow travelers to get on and off the bus whenever they’d like. Take a look at the different routes, find one that’s in your price range, and buy a pass. There’s also an explanation of how Stray buses work.
Magic Travellers Network
is another backpacker bus service that allows flexible travel, so that visitors with passes can spend an extra few days in the destinations they like and bypass those they’d prefer to skip. Browse the site for plenty of information on passes, special deals, timetables and the various activities travelers can engage in while on their trip.
To cross the straits …
The Interislander Ferry
takes travelers across the Cook Strait from Wellington (the capitol city, located on the southern tip of the North Island) to Picton (a small town nestled in the Marlborough Sounds). Purchase tickets for this three-hour trip, and find timetables, fares and information about ferrying your vehicle.
The Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry
is a smaller vessel than the Interislander, making for a more relaxed, lower-key journey. It departs four times daily from both Picton and Wellington, and can accommodate your vehicle. Explore the site to buy tickets, review the schedule or read up on Bluebridge’s policies.
Stewart Island Experience
has a ferry service that makes trips across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Oban twice daily. Book tickets and explore the various services Stewart Island Experience provides.
To buy a car …
Backpacker Board’s
article on “Buying a Car in New Zealand,” overviews the financial and practical rationale behind buying vs. renting, offers tips on where to buy, and explains logistical details such as the Warrant of Fitness (WOF), registration tax, insurance and road rules. Read this good introduction and use the links to external sites for further explanations.
Trade Me
is an auction and classifieds site with extensive used car listings. Search cars by make, model, price range and year, or use the “Advanced car search” for specific considerations.
New Zealand Travel Blogs
Anyone with travel experience understands that a travel guidebook is no substitute for personal advice from another traveler who’s been where you want to go. For tips and tricks, ins and outs, and advice and insight, travel blogs are a great asset in the planning and execution of your vacation (although sometimes they’re just plain entertaining).
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- The quality of the content and writing varies greatly across different blogs, so it generally requires a bit of surfing to find ones that are both entertaining and informative. The sites listed below are blog hosts, which means that each one has a slew of blogs related to New Zealand travel.
- If you find the following blogs useful, consider starting your own travel blog and becoming a resource for the next wave of New Zealand travelers. Consult the findingDulcinea Blogs Web Guide for all the information you need to begin your own blog.
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RealTravel’s
New Zealand travel blogs trace the journeys of RealTravelers around the country’s most renowned landmarks. Read entries about hiking the Franz Josef Glacier, visiting sites from the filming of “The Lord of the Rings,” sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, and much more.
TravelBlog
hosts travel blogs from all around the world. Scroll down the page to browse the latest New Zealand-related posts, or use the “New Zealand Travel Blogs (all)” link near the top of the page to view hundreds of entries. At the top of each blog post you’ll see a list of locations within the country; click on a location to see a list of posts related to that area.
TravelPod’s
New Zealand page is chock-full of travel blog photos, travel blog videos and podcasts, and the travel blogs themselves. With loads of photographs, videos and podcasts, and travel blogs, there’s enough to keep you busy and engaged for a long time.
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