Southern Alps. Summer ( December, January, February) is the best time to travel to New Zealand if you’re looking for warm temperatures, long hours of daylight, and days spent at the beach. Queenstown: Queenstown sets the standard for all resort party towns, in that it's outrageously good-looking and packed with activities. Remarkable Māori Culture New Zealand’s indigenous people are known as the Māori and are an integral part of Kiwi life adding unique experiences for visitors such as visiting Tamaki Māori village, 15km south of Rotorua. Te Papa Exhibition in partnership with Weta Workshop telling the story of the Gallipoli campaign. In short, January is the best time to visit New Zealand for summer sun, while April’s autumn colours are simply stunning. Or making your way to the tip of the North Island. Some visa categories require you to hold insurance as a condition of your visa. Medical waivers for visa applications. Get in touch with them today to start. SkyJump off the Sky Tower. Te Puia, Rotorua. Even after six visits we still haven’t had enough of its golden beaches, turquoise bays, and native forests. Auckland and Wellington, for example, often have. Call us in New Zealand 1833 749 1647Milford Sound is one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand, so it’s only natural that it attracts thousands of visitors each day. 17 Cigarettes are Expensive…. It’s natural you might want to visit Australia and New Zealand in one go: they’re. The Catlins, a hidden gem on the often-missed East Coast of New Zealand's South Island, is actually full of amazing spots to visit. The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. You could also opt for mild and uncrowded autumn. Welcome to the NZ Forum. Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s highest peak by heading on an inland road-trip to Mt. This guide will point out how driving in New Zealand differs from other countries, including: You must hold a valid driving license. - Arrive in London: Sunday afternoon. Milford Sound. Summer in New Zealand means busy beaches, (usually) good weather for hiking (known locally as "tramping") and leisurely cricket matches. Best time to visit. New Zealand might be a small country but there’s a lot to see, a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of tours and activities. You do not need a visa to enter New Zealand if you are a visitor staying less than 6 months. m. “Kiwis” (as New Zealanders are known) are passionate about rugby. Sunscreen is an absolute essential item to pack for backpacking New Zealand. North Island Weather in Summer. Just one look at this photo and it isn’t hard to see why tourists flock there! It is a 5-8 hour hike to the top, but if you’re well-equipped and reasonably fit, it should take you about six hours. In general, the warmer months (October to April) are the best time to visit New Zealand, from late spring to early autumn. And, thanks to constantly improving flight connections, it’s easier than ever to travel between the two. Welcome to New Zealand. New Zealand November weather is usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching up to the high twenties and the extreme weather conditions of the previous months banished for another year. Dubbed as the adventure capital, there’s plenty of thrilling Queenstown activities, from bungee jumping to white water rafting!The US is on New Zealand’s list of 60 visa waiver countries. Before you buy travel. You can only apply for this visa when you arrive in New Zealand – you cannot apply for. Economy: $1,594. New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and one of the most beautiful countries to visit for outdoor activities. Visit the West Coast's black-sand beaches, explore one of the 48 volcanic cones or sip wine on Waiheke Island. In all, she visited New Zealand. Visit the West Coast's black-sand beaches, explore one of the 48 volcanic cones or sip wine on Waiheke Island. Caving and canyoning in Waitomo. That said, New Zealand is a great place to visit year-round, and it is also a world-renowned ski destination with ski resorts throughout the North and South Island. Go adventuring from Queenstown to Auckland, enjoying the beautiful sights Te Anau, Wellington , and more along the way. Walk the longest pier in New Zealand, Tolaga Bay Wharf. This stunning region of New Zealand is home to heaps of breathtaking hiking trails and viewpoints and is also home to NZ’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Plan your next holiday to New Zealand with official travel information, maps, itineraries, activities and accommodation. Self-drive vacations are popular, and the country's diverse accommodations range. New Zealand ranges from a sub-tropical climate (Northland) to a sub-Antarctic one (several small islands off the South Island), so to it’s important to know how the weather will affect your plans and the kinds of. Overlooking the homestead at Lake Heron Station. There’s a wide range of attractions and activities all throughout the country. ~ Renting a car in Auckland for the North Island excursions. If you’re thinking of coming “downunder” and touring New Zealand you’ve picked the perfect place to visit. In the North Island, you can expect average daytime temperatures to range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the summer. The majority of cruise lines visit New Zealand during the October – April summer cruise season. The gondola in Queenstown takes you 400 meters up above town to Bob’s Peak. Enjoy time out with friends or family in the stunning Orokawa Bay Retreat lodge with panoramic ocean views. New Zealand has hostels in most major city and towns across the country, and they’re one of your best options for saving money while still making friends. 2024-1-2. New Zealand in January. July is the middle of winter in New Zealand and therefore on average the coldest month of the year. 3″). The sky explodes in colour on the South Island of New Zealand. to 8:00 p. A U. By Geoff Dunne. Review the Country Security Report for New Zealand. See all things to do in New Zealand >. Fly to Sydney and tour the Blue Mountains, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef. Months: December, January, February. ~Ice Climbing on a Glacier in Franz Josef~. 20 reasons to visit New Zealand, now that we finally can. Both months are considered "Autumn", but April will be warmer & have longer days than May. Get official travel information, maps, itineraries, best time to travel & things to do to help you plan your next holiday to New Zealand. New Zealand uses the same three-prong outlet as Australia. New Zealand in 5 Days Spot kiwi in the wild. January is a great time to visit New Zealand, as the country experiences a summer season from December to January. 2. Visit Abel Tasman National Park, Explore the Hokitika Gorge, Stroll at Wineries in Central Otago, Go to Mt Aspiring National Park, Bungee jumping in Queenstown, Explore Fiordland National Park and many more. 4-3. . But its range of charming towns and small cities is also well worth exploring further. Find out about New Zealand made products and investing in New Zealand businesses. Break up the drive between Franz Josef and Queenstown with a stop in Wanaka. Start your day off with panoramic views of the city at the iconic Sky Tower. South Island: 72 F (22 C)/50 F (10 C) January in. In both the North and South Islands, the days can be warm and dry and the nights and early mornings can be pleasantly cool. Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa. The Waitomo Caves are among the best glow worm caves in. Is New Zealand expensive to visit? New Zealand is a moderately priced destination to visit. The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. 7°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 61. Related Read: A great way to see many of the amazing places on this list is on a multi-day guided tour in New Zealand! 10. 1. How to get to New Zealand’s South Island. It is the sixth-largest island country by area and lies east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the islands of. Milford Sound as seen above is a true highlight if you are visiting the South Island. Auckland, New Zealand. Find attractions, activities, travel tips and more from Lonely Planet's experts. Tolkien’s novels. Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland. , their summer runs from December through February. The warm weather in January also sets the stage for numerous. If madding crowds don't confuse you, summer season with its mellow weather will be perfect for grasping the beaches, enjoying clams, exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and stargazing. Explore the North Island's must-visit places and top attractions in one week with our travel guide, including the best things to do, tips on how to get around. For just a week, it’s best to choose one island and explore it. Ash James. South Island Temperatures: Highs of around 16ºC (61ºF) and lows of 2ºC (36ºF). Auckland. Relax on Cathedral Cove beaches. New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Learn how to plan your trip with tips on cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, cycling routes and more. Expect long days and consistent weather. Roy’s Peak, Wanaka. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) are rare. 50) ELECTRICITY: 230/240 volt with 2 or 3 pins, the same as Australia and parts of Asia. In summer, afternoon temperatures typically range from 18°C and 24°C, but temperatures exceeding 30°C are common for low elevation inland areas and the north of the country. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. Find out how to get to New Zealand and how to book your trip. 2. 0) For anybody who has yet to visit, New Zealand finds its way onto the travel wish lists of most people, and it remains a firm favourite with those who have had the. The Catlins. It was established as a national park in 1954 and disestablished as such in 2014. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. As a result, you are not required to go to the embassy to apply for your New Zealand visa for US citizens before departure. 5 hours) will cost around $60 NZD, while long-distance travel, such as Auckland to Wellington (12 hours), costs around $80 NZD. Related Article: 2 Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary. ; Lake Pukaki: Vibrant glacial water on the doorstep of Mt Cook. Hokitika Gorge. Forever remembered for its "The Lord of the Rings" legacy, New Zealand’s landscapes are deserving of their big screen fame—think lush rolling hills, volcano-sculpted moonscapes, UNESCO-listed glaciers, and white-sand. If the grind of daily life has got you feeling drained, you can try some of the best things to do in New. Visit the stunning fiord of Milford Sound. In March, you may find that holiday parks are priced anywhere between NZ$20 to NZ$50 per night for a powered site, while hostels tend to stay around the. See more on travelling to New Zealand >. Main meal: NZ$30; Cafe sandwich: NZ$6-$8; Pint of beer:. 70 NZD/day) Total: 4,550. See The. Not only is it the holidays, but the weather’s glorious, which attracts travelers like moths to a flame- particularly those from the northern hemisphere who get enticed by the promise of sunshine in what should be their winter. Renting a car allows you the freedom to see as much as possible in such a short amount of time. You can see the night sky perfectly from places like Mt. As the New Zealand eTA is a multiple-entry electronic visa waiver, holders may visit New Zealand various times within the 2-year validity period. New Zealand is a natural wonder…. If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on your first visit. New Zealand has a temperate climate. Subscribe Now! Tourism New Zealand's corporate website contains information for industry, media and New Zealanders, such as news, insights, data, job vacancies and event listings. In the month of June 2023, there were over 178 thousand international visitor arrivals to New Zealand, marking an. Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. New Zealand is world renowned for it’s natural beauty. 6 Franz Josef. New Zealand. Take a stroll through the heart of the city on Te Ara I Whiti/The Light path or Pink Light Path which stretches from Upper Queen. South regions, like Otago, can be reached by Queenstown Airport (ZQN), or by Dunedin Airport (DUD) In the Canterbury wine region, fly into Christchurch Airport. The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar, abbreviated NZD – check the current exchange rate. This stunning region boasts some of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes, including vineyards, rugged coastlines, and rolling hills dotted with sheep. ; Lake Tekapo: Impossibly-blue lake famous for stargazing. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (Free entry for New Zealanders): Home to over 15,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia, it’s New Zealand’s largest collection of national and international artwork. Other requirements. Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is the place to go to see some of the beautiful sights the country has to offer and experience Maori culture first-hand. Least Busy Time to Visit New Zealand. 1 Auckland and Waiheke Island. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries. If you come from December through February, peak summer months in New Zealand, the weather might be hot and humid and the crowds intense, not to mention hotel rooms will be more expensive. 16 5 Top New Zealand Driving Tips. Find out what’s best for you with our practical advice on travel and transport in New Zealand. Keep left and know how to use intersections. It is also a place of cultural significance to. Currency: The currency in New Zealand is called the New Zealand Dollar. There are plenty of places to visit on New Zealand’s North Island, which contains all of the above. Within the Waitomo Cave system is millions of little glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. In New Zealand, summer runs from December to February and temperatures can vary from 57 – 82 °F. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Refer to our website. Auckland, North Island. New Zealand itineraries for a single week may be a little cramped, but you’ll still get to see a lot of the country’s best sights. Months: March, April and May Tourist Season: High to Shoulder Season What to pack: Packing List for Autumn in New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o. 1. 5. Milford Sound as seen above is a true highlight if. New Zealand in winter is magical. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often described as New Zealand's best day walk. New Zealand is an island nation surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, which separates it from Australia. Distance: 200 km (124 miles) Total driving time: 3 hours. Showing the full scale of Mount Cook National Park on the way to the Mueller Hut on the Sealy Tarns Track. 5-5. While you can do most activities in summer under milder weather, things are more expensive, such as flights, tours and vehicle rentals. It’s one of the main reasons tourists visit in the colder months. In Christchurch, visit the Antarctic Centre, see the sights, go punting, and descend on a zipline. November is considered part of spring in New Zealand. Queenstown is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand when it comes to adrenaline-pumping attractions and a world-class skiing experience. We have self-drive road trips, escorted and guided coach tours, small group exclusive tours and daily departure independent coach tours across the North and South Island. Therapeutic Indulgence in Rotorua.