At a glance: Fly over the glaciers in the morning, visit the kiwi center and then drive up to artsy Hokitika. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. This New Zealand Road Trip itinerary is designed for a month of travel, however it can be extended or shortened of course depending on how much time you have available! I’d. Summer in New Zealand (December to February) Summer is a good time to get outdoors in New Zealand. duration: 2. Call us in Washington, D. The majority of cruise lines visit New Zealand during the October – April summer cruise season. The Māori word for seafood, kaimoana, is both an economic and cultural bounty in New Zealand. 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 beaches. It is the busiest month of the year, one of the wettest, and the wildflowers are not yet in bloom. You can also request an NZeTA to get approval to board a plane to New Zealand. Medium-distance trips, like Auckland to Rotorua (approx 4. Find what to do today, this weekend or in January. The hottest months in New Zealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. The Bay of Islands is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for fishing, sailing, and other watersports. Visit Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Auckland, New Zealand. Find what to do today, this weekend or in. S. 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. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 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. When thinking of New Zealand, one of the first images that often comes to mind is of Hobbiton. This 10 day itinerary in New Zealand recommends: ~ Flying in and out of Auckland on the North Island. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. Stunning stargazing, regular rocket launches, and awe-inspiring aurora are all common sights in New Zealand, though most travelers visit for the beautiful vistas, friendly Kiwi locals, and delicious food and wine. Cape Reinga is nearly the most northern point of New Zealand’s North Island. Visit some of New Zealand's best beaches, including jaw-dropping options on the North Island and South Island. For millennia, Māori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Hotel prices are significantly lower than summer and availability. Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Places to Visit in New Zealand, South Pacific: See Tripadvisor's 34,55,829 traveller reviews and photos of New Zealand tourist attractions. Cook. New Zealand, or Aotearoa in Māori, benefits from a diverse landscape of golden beaches, rainforests, fiords, wineries and snow-topped mountains. Without knowing your interests or fitness level fore activities I can't say which island would suit you best as they are very different. New Zealand Travel Guide. Ride the Gondola and Explore Bob’s Peak. Self-drive vacations are popular, and the country's diverse accommodations range. Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak along the coast, hike the island trails, enjoy in secluded coves, and explore undisturbed forests. Welcome to New Zealand. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences. What to pack Top Things to do in New Zealand If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on. S. Explore Milford Sound. 12 The Best Time to Visit New Zealand. A visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. 5 inches spread across the month. Skiing and snowboarding. Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. In July, the average temperatures range between 45 F and 55 F, with the South Island occasionally seeing temperatures in the 30s. Luckily there are still plenty of wide-open spaces and opportunities to get off the. The ski season in New Zealand runs from June to October, with July and August being the peak months. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority ( NZeTA ). You might as well make the most out of your day by visiting one or both of these since they also top the list of New Zealand’s best attractions!. A. - Depart from Auckland: Saturday evening. 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. Auckland: 65 F/52 F. Antigen tests. New Zealand’s well-known wine regions, such as Napier and Hawke’s Bay on the North Island and Marlborough on the South Island, are all wonderful to visit, but the country has vineyards in most areas and there are some delightful, niche producers that you can. You can only apply for this visa when you arrive in New Zealand – you cannot apply for. Respect the speed limit. Activities, tours, maps and accommodation to plan your New Zealand holiday. As well as being full of gorgeous beaches and islands, this is one of the most significant places in New Zealand history. This is the best time to visit places such as Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago (especially Arrowtown), Lake Tekapo and the wider Mackenzie Country area, where you can enjoy New Zealand’s breathtaking autumnal colours. This national park is located on New Zealand's South Island and is one of our favourite New Zealand attractions. Mount Cook National Park. 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. Looking for cheap airfare to New Zealand? 25% of our users found tickets to New Zealand for the following prices or less: From Los Angeles $606 one-way - $687 round-trip, from New York John F Kennedy Intl $1,196 one-way - $1,479 round-trip, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $1,457 one-way - $1,661 round-trip. The New Zealand eTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. 1. If you are planning to visit New Zealand in November, you ought. Experience bright and sunny days with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, beach sports, and biking. 1. On display are exhibits documenting New Zealand’s maritime history, starting with the first Polynesian explorers. The North Island is generally warmer and more humid than the south. Here’s how to visit with kids. Don’ forget to check out the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute & see local Maori carvers in action. 1. The average cost for 4 people to visit New Zealand for a week is $4,291-$11,632 ($613-$1,662 per day) Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $162 to $339 per day for four people’s daily expenses. Find attractions, activities, travel tips and more from Lonely Planet's experts. Wellington – New Plymouth – Waitomo – Raglan – Auckland – Waiheke Island – Bay of Islands – Cape Reinga – Coromandel Peninsula – Tauranga – Rotorua – Tongariro National Park – Taupo – Hawke’s Bay – Wellington. 2. Autumn is the perfect time for a city break to Auckland, with fantastic autumnal events and fiery fall foliage to appreciate. As a result, you are not required to go to the embassy to apply for your New Zealand visa for US citizens before departure. Stop at red lights and stop signs. From the meeting of oceans at Cape Reinga to the cultural and historic displays at Te Papa, here are the top things to do on New Zealand's North Island. 2024-1-2. Abel Tasman National Park is the place we’ve returned to the most in New Zealand. Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook are some of the most photogenic places to visit in New Zealand, and it is best done together. There are many reasons to Visit New Zealand including adventure travel, hiking, water sports, and culture but for me, capturing the beauty of its diverse scenery was what made it so memorable. See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. The twin cities of Napier and Hastings (population 130,000) are located in the Hawke's Bay, on the eastern coast of the North Island. ’. Lake Tekapo. If you’re thinking of coming “downunder” and touring New Zealand you’ve picked the perfect place to visit. Abel Tasman National Park. Some spring temperature averages in key population centers are: Bay of Islands: 67 degrees Fahrenheit high/48 degrees Fahrenheit low. South Island weather: 19-23⁰C (66-73⁰F), 35-60mm of rainfall per. And if you know me, you know how hard it is for me to choose favorites. New Zealand Travel Guide. Before you visit just make sure to know the basic rules of the road and be extra cautious at first. It is also a place of cultural significance to. It’s natural you might want to visit Australia and New Zealand in one go: they’re. Queenstown. Cook village, deep in the heart of the South Island. Push your adventure limits. Break up the drive between Franz Josef and Queenstown with a stop in Wanaka. Visit, live, work, and study in New Zealand. You certainly won’t forget your visit here, as due to the geothermal activity in the area, there is a distinct smell of rotten eggs in the air. Located on the southern tip of Lake Wanaka, the lakeside town is a must-visit New Zealand South. Medical Treatment Visitor Visa. New Zealand Weather in December. Other requirements. It is warmest in the north, coldest in the south. 2023-05-20T12:05:00Z An curved arrow pointing right. S. South of Cape Reinga is the ever-popular Bay of Islands, a favorite vacation spot of Aucklanders. MOST POPULAR Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. The center of the North Island, near Taupō and Rotorua, contains one of the most active geothermal areas in the world. To apply, you will need an annual income of NZ $60,000 plus NZ $750,000 to invest for 2 years, and another NZ $500,000 to live on. Official site of New Zealand Tourism, Business, and Investment. If you want a few splurges and to stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150. New Zealand is world renowned for it’s natural beauty. Loic Lagarde / Getty Images. 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. Explore the country's untamed wilderness, rich culture, Māori culture, food and drink, skiing and snowboarding, nature and wildlife, adventure and adrenaline, and more. Auckland, in New Zealand's North Island, is a multi-cultural hub of food and wine, music, art and culture. 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. American citizens may use their eTA to stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months at a time. Rotorua is especially worth a visit during this time, as temperatures average around 20°C and many of the natural spas and Maori. Sky Tower Bungy, Auckland. Loic Lagarde / Getty Images. By Enterprise Dunedin. That’s roughly one week’s travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country. Spring (September, October, November) is the best time to visit New Zealand if you are looking for mild temperatures ( great for hiking!) and fewer crowds. It is the sixth-largest island country by area and lies east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the islands of. Find out about New Zealand made products and investing in New Zealand businesses. Not All Countries Need an NZeTA. While lighthouses around the world might often pass you by, New Zealand’s Pencarrow Lighthouse is somewhat different. High Season: December to February. 1. Economy: $1,734. If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand, it is recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RATs). Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2023. In Christchurch, visit the Antarctic Centre, see the sights, go punting, and descend on a zipline. 5-4. Learn about Maori Culture. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, do free hikes, visit the odd paid site (like museums), and cook your own meals. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 2 Countries. On a tight budget, you can still get warm days and hit up the best places in. Franz Josef ** and Fox Glaciers: can helicopter-hike onto the glaciers, or do free hikes. A behemoth of a mountain, Mt. 1. 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. Summer in New Zealand (Dec – March): best time for hiking + outdoors. You can even apply for another 3 months stay and extend your stay to 12 months in a 24-month period under certain circumstances. Honestly, I believe the Milford Sound Waterfalls are some of the most impressive waterfalls in New Zealand, although they never seem to photograph that way. On a backpacker budget, prepare to spend at least 75-85 NZD per day. 7°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 61. Explore the North Island Explore the South Island Visit cities and towns Discover other islands you can visit Popular places Things to see and do in New Zealand Diverse scenery and unique culture mean there is a wide range of things to see and do while travelling around New Zealand. Planning Your Visit To New Zealand. Adult (18+ years) $120 | Youth (11-17 years) $60 | Children (0-10) FREE | NEW Family Pass (2x Adults + 2x Youth) $306 | NZ Gold Card $110. The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar [NZD]. Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand and is filled with wonders of nature. 1. Day. Located at New Zealand's southernmost point, the Rakiura Track is a leisurely hike in a peaceful natural environment full of beaches, bushes, and birds. 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. Napier-Hastings. It’s the warmest, driest month of the year and with the best weather in New Zealand, January is a popular time with visitors. Who needs an x-ray or medical examination. There’s also the added benefit of warmer temperatures and longer days during these times. Get out on the water at the Great Barrier Reef. See average monthly temperatures below. Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular places for New Zealand locals to vacation. Or for a completely immersive experience, choose an overnight stay at Te Pā Tū previously known as Tamaki Māori Village. Arrive in New Zealand in November, and you arrive on the cusp of summer. November is considered part of spring in New Zealand. Summer – December to February. 1. Christchurch: You’ll most likely arrive here. The Waitomo Caves are among the best glow worm caves in. The Hobbiton Movie Set is probably one of the most famous places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island. The ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ – it’s a classic Kiwi understatement if there ever was one. The Te Papa Museum, which also goes by the longer name of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, is New Zealand’s national museum. If you’re looking to ski, the. Travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa as long as you meet the character and entry permission requirements. The Hobbiton Movie Set is probably one of the most famous places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island. The national park immerses you in an unspoiled natural environment with native bush, small, clear bays and white, sandy beaches. The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries. The nearby Gibbston Valley has some of the best wineries in the country. Australia provided over 1. It's peak tourism season, and schools are closed until the end of the month. ~ Flying to the South Island from. The Ultimate List Of Things To Do In New Zealand. ; Join a boat tour departing from Paihia; a dolphin safari, a visit to the Hole in the Rock, the Cream Trip (which takes it all in) or dive one of the most famous dive sites in the country; the Rainbow Warrior. Wellington Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. , their summer runs from December through February. Ash James. Sarah Baxter 12 September. Daylight hours continue to increase in November, starting out at around 14,. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often described as New Zealand's best day walk. Milford Sound. Things to do in New Zealand in Winter. Top Things to do in New Zealand. The Natural Attractions are kind of cool. The highlights of the trail are two spectacular swing bridges that hang above a long drop to the ground below. 10 Ethical Animal Places to Visit in 2019Food is essential to factor into your New Zealand travel budget. There's lots to see here so dedicate at least half a day to exploring Te Whare Runanga, the Treaty House, the ceremonial waka, the artisan workshops and the forest and lawns at Waitangi. Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in New Zealand. Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. 11 Plan & Pack for the Seasons. Yes, it’s quite easy to combine a trip to Hobbiton with a visit to the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua. It is a stunning natural attraction where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Te Wahipounamu National Park is one of the many must-see natural parks in New Zealand, simply because of its temperate and dense rainforest as well as its famous beautiful icy glaciers that reside in the area.