New Zealand is near the top of many people’s travel bucketlists. Split between the North and South Islands, it is a magical place that will stimulate all of your senses.
Known in the original Māori language as Aotearoa, “the land of the long white cloud”, the country is best explored by road.
That said, New Zealand is unlike any other country in the world. So, before you head there, especially if it's going to be your first visit, here are some things you should know.
What Makes New Zealand Such a Great Travel Destination?
New Zealand is a premier travel destination renowned for its dramatic and diverse topography. For the traveller, this gives them an excellent opportunity to explore:
* Glaciers
* Snow-capped mountains
* Fjords
* Dramatic beaches
* Ancient volcanic peaks, plateaus and craters
* Glassy lakes
* Sub-tropical native forests
* Raging rivers
When you add the following to the mix:
* World-class adventure activities, such as hiking, bungee jumping, caving, and black water rafting
* Rich Māori culture
* Some of the best wine regions in the world
* An outstanding coffee and dining scene
* An excellent sporting pedigree
* Incredible plant and wildlife (no snakes!)
It becomes easy to see why over 3 million tourists visit here every year.
Do You Need a Visa or Travel Authority for New Zealand?
Most travellers to New Zealand will need either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter the country. You can apply for these online through the New Zealand Government website. Depending on where you are coming from and the purpose of your visit, you may also need a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).
Due to a reciprocal arrangement, if you are an Australian citizen or passport holder, you do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in New Zealand. A valid passport and onward travel plans are usually enough to see you let in.
Getting Around New Zealand
New Zealand has a good transit infrastructure. So, once you arrive in the country, you can easily travel around by air, train, boat or road.
With over 11,000 km of highway stretching between the North and South Islands, most people choose the latter option. You can pick up a compact car rental from most major city airports and some CBD locations.
Depending on where you are going and what time of the year you arrive, you might need another type of vehicle, such as a 4WD. Your rental company can advise accordingly.
What to Know About Driving in New Zealand
While the thought of it might be a bit overwhelming at first, driving in New Zealand is actually fairly easy, and you should get the hang of it pretty quickly.
To hire a car, you need to be over 18 years old. You must also have a full, valid driver's licence in English and a credit or debit card in your name. If your driving licence is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit. Should you be under 25, you’ll likely be hit with a young driver charge.
In New Zealand, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. This should feel familiar to Australian, British, Indian, and Japanese nationals who do the same. However, if you are from the USA, Canada, China, or most of Europe, it might take you a little time to get used to doing so.
The main roads in New Zealand are well-maintained, although in some areas they might be a little winding or undulating. The default speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on most rural open roads. Speed limits are clearly marked and strictly enforced, so there is very little tolerance for speeding. Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone at all times. Mobile phone use while driving, and being over the legal alcohol limit (over 250 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath for adults, zero for those under 20), is taken very seriously.
Campervan and Caravan Travel in New Zealand
Campervan travel is an incredibly popular way to explore New Zealand's many delights. You’ll find holiday parks and caravan parks spread throughout the country on both islands. The facilities are generally very clean and well-maintained. Many include kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi and powered sites.
Two of the major rental hubs are Auckland and Christchurch. Both of which have popular ferry routes that connect them. It is a good idea to book ferry crossings well in advance of your intended departure date. Additionally, use apps like CamperMate to find what sites are available. Here’s my take on why the space offered by a caravan park is so important on a road trip.
When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?
New Zealand is a destination you can visit at any time of the year. That said, the weather, especially snow, may impact your experience if you head there during the winter months of June to August. In fact, some campgrounds and caravan parks aren’t even open during this period.
Arguably, the best time to visit New Zealand, especially if you intend to go caravanning, is the summer months of December to February. The weather is usually pretty nice, and the days are long. This makes it an ideal time for beach days, hiking, and road trips.
What Are The Best Places To Visit in New Zealand?
Choosing the best places to visit in New Zealand is genuinely very difficult. The country packs an incredible mix of landscapes, towns, and outdoor experiences into a relatively small area, all of which will appeal to different people.
As beaches, mountains, lakes, and cities all sit within easy reach of each other, every traveller’s list will look a little different. However, to provide you with a bit of inspiration, here is a brief selection of some of the best places you can head to on both the North Island and South Island. I encourage you to do your own research on them.
North Island Highlights
* Auckland – Harbours, islands, beaches, and city life in one place
* Rotorua – Geothermal landscapes and Māori culture
* Bay of Islands – Calm beaches and historic coastal towns
* Wellington – Creative culture, food scene, and waterfront walks
* Coromandel Peninsula – Coastal drives and relaxed beach towns
* Tongariro National Park – Volcanic scenery and alpine walks
South Island Highlights
* Queenstown – Scenic lakes and outdoor activities
* Fiordland National Park – Fjords, rainforests, and dramatic landscapes
* Lake Tekapo – Alpine views and dark-sky stargazing
* Christchurch – Gateway to alpine and coastal road trips
* Kaikōura – Marine wildlife and coastal scenery
* Aoraki / Mount Cook – Glaciers, mountain walks, and iconic views
* contributed post *
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