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GUIDES FOR TRAVELING TO
New Zealand
New Zealand, the antipodes of Spain, is a destination that seems out of this world. During the three months we spent there, we fell in love with its landscapes, its diversity and its unique tranquility. This country It is perfect for lovers of nature, adventure and road trips. and those looking for a trip they will never forget. Truly, traveling to New Zealand is incredible.
Here you will find all the information you need to plancar your independent trip to New ZealandHiking trails, carepic challenges, charming villages, practical advice… Come on, everything you need to organize your passage through Aotearoa, the land of the white cloud in Maori.
what to know before going to New Zealand
We not only want to help you know what to see and do in New Zealand or which are the best corners of the country, but also help you organize it from the beginning, that's why we recommend you start by reading our guides on what to know before traveling to New Zealand.
Traveling to New Zealand: A guide with the best tips
7 carNew Zealand's most spectacular trails
Where to see whales in New Zealand
The 14 best hiking trails in New Zealand
7 Caves where you can watch GLOWWORMS for free in New Zealand
Where to see penguins in New Zealand | Almost guaranteed
What are campsites like in New Zealand ▶ Types, Prices & Tips
To travel around New Zealand, I recommend a minimum of three weeks. If you only have two weeks, it's best to fly to Christchurch and focus on the South Island, which has so much to offer. As always, the more time you have, the better, as New Zealand is full of hidden gems and nature to enjoy.
The best way to explore the country is by rental car. In my opinion the ideal is rent a van or carcarhavana, as it offers you incredible freedom. You can make and undo the route at your own pace, adapting it to the weather or whatever you fancy at any given time. In addition, both islands are very well prepared for trips of this style. Of course, it is also possible to travel by car and change hotels. And there are even bus lines to the main places, but without a doubt New Zealand is a country that is much more enjoyable by doing a road trip.
itineraries
North Island of New Zealand in 9 days [+Map]
South Island of New Zealand in 10 days [+ Map]
New Zealand itinerary 15 days [+ Map]
New Zealand itinerary 21 days [+ Map]
Guides from New Zealand
south island
New Zealand's South Island is a place that captivates you from the very first moment. Driving through its carAs you travel further afield, you'll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes: glacier-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, wild coastlines with basking sea lions, fjords, and lush forests. The South Island possesses a stunning beauty. You are driving and feel the need to stop every few miles.
It is a paradise for lovers of hiking, adventure sports, but also for those who enjoy seeing landscapes from the car window or taking a quiet walk through cities such as Wanaka or Queenstown.
It is also home to endemic fauna that reminds you how isolated and unique this land is, like keas or yellow-eyed penguins.
North Island
New Zealand's North Island, although less known than its southern neighbor, is a place full of magic and diversity. Here you will find landscapes that seem straight out of a storybook: from the geothermal areas of Rotorua, with its geysers and mud pools, to volcanoes such as Mount Ruapehu, which also served as a setting in The Lord of the Rings, and of course Hobbiton, where you can immerse yourself in Middle Earth by visiting the authentic Shire.
wild beaches, dunes and forests with imposing kauri trees, next to the carThe distinctive silver ferns make this part of New Zealand unique. It's also home to iconic wildlife, such as kiwis and glowworms that create a starry sky inside the caves. Although many travelers dedicate little or no time to the North Island, believe me when I say it's breathtaking.
What to see on New Zealand's North Island | 15 best places
What to see in Auckland in 1 day | 7 must-sees
How to do the Tongagiro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand
What to do in Rotorua and surrounding areas | Complete Guide
What to See in Taupo | Complete Guide
Coromandel Peninsula Route | What to See and Do
What to see in Northland | The 7 best places in Northern New Zealand
Best time to go to New Zealand
New Zealand, in the southern hemisphere, has opposite seasons to those in Spain. The best thing about this country is that It can be visited at any time of the year, Depending on what you are looking for, one season or another will be better, but its landscapes are spectacular at any time.
☀️ Summer (December to February)
High season is Ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, beaches or kayakingTemperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the days are long and sunny. However, Christmas, in particular, is the busiest time and can be more crowded. carThere will be more people. And despite it being summer, you can find cold days on the south island. So you'll need to bring some warm clothing.
🍁 Autumn (March to May)
Autumn still offers pleasant temperatures on both islands, with landscapes tinged with reddish and golden tonesIt is a quieter and cheaper season, perfect for touring the country. Early autumn, when the first snowfall has not yet arrived, is still a very good time for hiking.
⛷️ Winter (June to August)
Winter is ideal for Ski and snowboard lovers, with stations in Queenstown and Wanaka. Although it is cold in the South Island, the North Island maintains milder temperatures, and the snowy landscapes have a special charm. During these months you can see whales during their migration route through New Zealand. We could say that it is the time to tour the most spectacular places in New Zealand in a scenic way, more so from your vehicle. It is also the best time to see Aurora Australis and the Milky Way at its best.
🌸 Spring (September to November)
Spring brings landscapes of lupines in the south, mountains with snow-capped peaks and waterfalls carwater drops. It's starting to be a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and temperatures are starting to be pleasant, although in the south they can still plummet to negative temperatures. We travelled around New Zealand from October to the end of January, as you can see on Instagram how beautiful the country looked.
Buying a vehicle in New Zealand
If you are thinking of travelling around New Zealand for several months in an economical and flexible way, Buying a camper van or car is a very popular option.
The process is very simple, as the change of name of the vehicle can be done free of charge at any post office. And the offer buying and selling between backpackers It's huge. The best thing is to take a look at Facebook Marketplace and Facebook groups where many travellers sell their vehicles at the end of their stay in the country. There are also physical markets, such as one in Auckland that takes place every Sunday morning.
We decided to buy a van to travel around New Zealand for three months, since it would end up costing us much cheaper than renting for so long. In our case, it was a success. Here you can see a vantour.
How to buy a van or campervan in New Zealand
Another way to discover New Zealand at your own pace and immerse yourself in the country while making money is to applycar to a visa and work for a few months Our friend Daa tells you about the different possibilities the country offers in → How to work in New Zealand.
In case you asked you asked....
What language is spoken in New Zealand?
The official languages are English, Maori and sign language from New Zealand.
What is the currency of New Zealand?
The official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). 0,55 EUR = 1 NZD.
What does “Kia Ora” mean?
An Maori greeting meaning “hello” or “cheers”, and is widely used in New Zealand.
Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Yes, you need the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for short stays, which is processed online. The cost is 9 NZD if you request it through their App. In addition, the International Conservation and Tourism Tax (IVL), which has recently increased to 100 NZD. The total cost is therefore 109 NZD (about 63 euros)
Can I drink tap water in New Zealand?
Yes, tap water is drinkable in practically the entire country. And you'll find plenty of resources. You can use the Campermate app for buses.car the nearest one.
How to get internet in New Zealand?
You can buy a local SIM card from companies like Spark or Vodafone, or an eSim before your trip through companies like Holafly.
How many days do you need to visit New Zealand?
We recommend at least 3 weeks to explore New Zealand, as the country has a lot to offer, from epic landscapes to outdoor activities. Plus, this time is perfect to take advantage and visit a nearby Pacific island, like Fiji or the Cook Islands, and complement your trip with paradisiacal beaches. But we know that not everyone can make such a long trip, so we have suggestions for exploring New Zealand in 10 days or also in 15.
How to get from North Island to South Island?
The most common way is to take the ferry that connects Wellington (North Island) with Picton (South Island), a 3-hour journey with spectacular views of the Cook Strait. You can also fly between major cities, Auckland and Christchurch.
Can I camp or stay overnight in New Zealand?
There are many places where you can, but The regulations have become more restrictive than in the pastIt is essential to consult the rules of each region. The most convenient way to plancarIt is using the app Camper mate, which shows legal locations and nearby services.
What is a self-contained vehicle?
A self-contained vehicle in New Zealand is one that has internal facilities to store potable water, manage grey and black water, and a portable or fixed toilet. This allows camping outside of designated areas, as long as local regulations are followed.