New Zealand Quick Guide

New Zealand travel guide is a handy tool when you are planning to visit this beautiful country situated in the southern hemisphere. In fact, it is the fourth most visited country in the whole world. Travelling to New Zealand would be an exciting and unforgettable experience for you and your family. But first, you must know what exactly New Zealand is and where can you go to make this happen.

New Zealand is basically an island nation in the southern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two landmasses, namely, the North Island and the South Island, and more than 700 smaller islands, accounting for a total land mass of just 267,021 square kilometers. This means that New Zealand has a very big landmass yet a small population as compared to other countries in the same category. As it is a country, the people are dispersed in different areas. You will find that the people living in New Zealand have their own cultures, languages, traditions and families so it would be quite helpful if you read a New Zealand travel guide or research on the web about New Zealand so that you will have an idea as to where to go and what to do there.

When you have decided on taking a trip to New Zealand, one of the things that you must consider is the destination. New Zealand is home to a lot of different natural wonders and amazing tourist spots such as the geothermal serenely known as the Kaikoura Fault, the rugged and awe-inspiring mountains known as the Zauzagach Mountain, the vast unspoiled beaches of the Marlborough Sounds, the wild and untouched wilderness of the Franz Josef Glacier and the mist-covered rolling hills of Rotorua. New Zealand is indeed a great place to explore and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the different islands. Below are some of the best places that you can visit while you are in New Zealand:

Rotorua is the largest city and largest town in the southern hemisphere and is situated in the Southern Ooty area of New Zealand. It is known for its scenic coastline as well as its wonderful forests and lakes. If you want to get some hiking adventure in your trip to Rotorua, then take a road trip to the famous Rotorua Hiking Track. The track starts from the city and goes towards the Zauzagach Mountains. After trekking around the beautiful scenery of the Zauzagach Mountains, you will reach the entrance of the Rotorua airport, the ideal place to catch your flight back to New Zealand.

The Capital City of New Zealand, Wellington is also known as the "City of Sails" owing to the large number of boats that travel from here to destinations like Australia, Tahiti and Cook Islands. If you are a keen traveller, you must definitely plan your New Zealand travel schedule and include a cruise in your itinerary. There are various options available when it comes to accommodation. You can stay at any of the hotels that are located along the shores of the Great Lake or you can choose to stay in some of the budget hotels that are available around the capital city as well as other major tourist destinations. One of the best ways to save up on budget while enjoying your time in New Zealand is by booking one of the various budget hotels that are located along the coastline.

Travelling by campervan is also very popular among travellers. Budget accommodations for a campervan include a private vehicle or you can opt for a shared vehicle provided by a travel operator. Private vehicles are often a bit more expensive but are more comfortable and safer. If you wish to save up on costs, then opting for a shared vehicle is a great option as you can ask your travel companions to chip in with the costs of the car rental.

Another way to save up on costs while travelling is by opting for the various adventure activities that are available in New Zealand like bungy jumping and hiking. Bungy Jumping is quite popular in New Zealand especially at Akaroa Harbour where there are a number of fun-filled activities that you can participate in. Hiking is also very popular during the summer months as it allows you to get exposure to some scenic scenery. This is also a great opportunity to experience New Zealand's outdoors.

One of the best ways to save on costs while taking a holiday in New Zealand is to book your campervan in the winter months. Camping is a popular activity during the winter months and you can either go trekking or try out some adventure sports like hangi. There are numerous places across the country where you can find good camping spots and it is a great way to experience the outdoors of New Zealand. Make sure that you keep your campervan in top condition all the time and take advantage of various seasonal discounts to ensure that you enjoy cheap camping in New Zealand.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to New Zealand are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March, which bring long, bright and sunny days and temperatures of 16°C to 24°C. They're ideal for visiting the lovely beaches or enjoying the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.

Do I need a Visa?

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are: A New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months)

See which forms you may need for entry into New Zealand.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in New Zealand you can grab amazing New Zealand Dollar deals via Wise.com (GBP to NZD).

What about the wildlife?

New Zealand has many unique native fish, insects, birds, lizards and frogs. Our only native mammals are bats and marine mammals.New Zealand is known as the seabird capital of the world and is also home to a number of forest birds that live nowhere else on Earth.

What is the traditional food?

Maori food? The options are endless and it's clear to see why the humble Kiwi pie is consistently voted as New Zealand's favourite comfort food. So, if you want to see where a hot, yummy, snack is a national dish… we know a place.

What Languages are spoken?

The five most common languages in New Zealand were English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Northern Chinese (including Mandarin), and Hindi. You can learn some basic Maori before you travel to New Zealand and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (To be clear, a tip of 10% of the bill is a good tip in New Zealand. Offering this amount is a sign that the service was truly excellent.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 111
  • Ambulance: 111
  • Fire: 111
  • UK Embassy: +64 (0) 9 303 2973

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 12 hours

Travel Apps

Grab a travel app or two


Learn Maori

Learn some Maori before your trip to New Zealand


New Zealand Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to New Zealand by buying a guidebook.