New Zealand

Islands of the Long White Cloud

Guide to New Zealand

Basic Information

New Zealand's pristine nature, its unique fauna and flora and absolutely ethereal landscapes have made this country a coveted destination for many. It is worth only once to visit among glaciers and primitive rocks, among ancient forests and colorful gorges, among volcanoes and geysers to be charmed by these islands of the Pacific Ocean forever. The striking purity of the coasts, highland meadows, flowers and waves - one can list the treasures without end. It's better to see them once.

Photos of New Zealand

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Capital

Wellington

Language

English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language

Currency

New Zealand dollar

Time zone

GMT +12

Population

4 596 700

Territory

268,680 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Kumara — is a sweet-flavored potato that is either roasted or baked in the oven.

Hangi — A dish that includes lamb, seafood, pumpkin, chicken, sweet potatoes and pork cooked in an earth oven.

Kuku — salmon or mussel patties with spicy herb stuffing.

Pavlova cake — meringue cake, whipped cream, top with strawberries, kiwi and maracuja.

Climb up the steepest street in the world, Baldwin Street, in the town of Dunedin.
Ride the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth.
A peek inside a volcano near Rotorua.
Relax at Pukakiw Canterbury Lake.
Watch sperm whales in Kaikoura.
Meet the kiwi bird on Stewart Island.

Tips

Tipping is 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant (but not in a cafe), in major tourist centers. In provincial establishments, tips are usually not taken.

Hard liquor is sold only in specialized Bottle Stores.

There are no restrictions on photography, only in churches and museums you should ask permission before using your camera, but there are usually signs hanging everywhere.

Learn more

Sights

We've curated a list of New Zealand's top attractions for you, so when you arrive, you won't need to search far and wide for the best itineraries—though you'll likely be captivated by the beauty all around you regardless. New Zealand's natural wonders, pristine forests, snow-capped mountains, charming towns, and excellent tourism infrastructure come together to create something truly unique and astonishing.

Tongariro National Park

The oldest park in the country. Three huge volcanoes rise to the south of Taupo, their summits clad in snow.

Urewera National Park

Located in the northeast of the Volcanic Plateau. It is the second largest national park in New Zealand.

Mount Cook

The highest mountain in the country. It lies 53 km north of Tekapo and has an elevation of 3754 meters. The mountain is surrounded by the lands of Mount Cook National Park.

Tours to New Zealand

New Zealand, this remote island country, may not be the first choice for those seeking a laid-back beach vacation. It's not the beaches that New Zealand is renowned for, but rather its breathtaking natural beauty.

Travelers come here to witness the wonders of the Valley of Geysers, explore the majestic fjords and mountains. In summer, adrenaline junkies flock to experience the thrills of conquering the local wilderness, while winter beckons with ski tours in the same mountainous regions. Wine enthusiasts visit in the summer to discover New Zealand's finest vineyards.

The people of New Zealand have successfully preserved not only the pristine natural landscapes but also their rich traditions. Meeting the indigenous population is a highlight of many excursion tours. Witnessing the famous Maori dance performance is an experience travelers are willing to pay any price for.

When it comes to the cost of travel, don't expect it to be budget-friendly. Getting to New Zealand often involves multiple connections, taking both time and money. Inexpensive trips to this destination are more like a rarity than a reality. Even if you stumble upon a hot deal, savings aren't guaranteed. For instance, a two-week trip to Queenstown on a hot offer can still cost around $2,900 USD.

Where to go to New Zealand?

New Zealand's two central islands and numerous small islets combine to create a distinctive Pacific nation with a flavor all its own. The incredible Maori tribes, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking beauty of New Zealand are nothing short of extraordinary. In fact, these descriptions may even fall short. Here, you can indulge in excursions through majestic natural parks, enjoy a ski vacation, or bask in the ocean waters at seaside resorts.

Wellington

When to go to New Zealand

New Zealand is hailed as a one-of-a-kind resort destination, where every meter and every shoreline of its islands are teeming with wonders and surprises. From volcanoes and geysers to thermal springs, mountain slopes, and enchanting cities, this southern country offers a diverse range of experiences. You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year, as there's something to enjoy in every season. Let tripmydream assist you in deciding when to embark on your New Zealand vacation.

New Zealand in spring

Spring in New Zealand typically starts with warm and rainy weather at the beginning and gradually becomes cooler and drier as it progresses toward the end. This transition makes it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring. The average spring temperatures vary from around +25°C in March to +10°C in May. New Zealand's weather can be quite changeable, so it's important to consider factors like rainfall, humidity, and temperature when planning your visit.

New Zealand in summer

This is a popular time of year for tourists who want to enjoy snow and skiing. The mountain ranges are covered with snow in June, providing great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Average summer temperatures range from +10°C to +5°C.

New Zealand in the fall

Autumn New Zealand pleases visitors with a natural spring. It is warm, sunny and sometimes windy. But this is hardly the best time to visit the country, especially the second half of the calendar fall. The temperature stays around +25°C, you can swim and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the country.

New Zealand in winter

Winter here is known to be summer, and vice versa. This means that in the calendar winter in New Zealand it is warm, clear and quite dry. And in the hot winter months there are often festivals. Moreover, the stifling heat on the islands you will hardly ever meet, the temperature rarely rises above +33°C.

Climate and weather in to New Zealand by months

Usefulness

To make your trip to New Zealand a great one, tripmydream has put together helpful tips and all the travel tricks.

Visa to New Zealand

Getting a visa to New Zealand requires a lot of documents and certain conditions. Although there is no consular fee, there may be costs.

Customs & Tax Free

Alcohol, cigarettes and groceries - what you can and cannot bring in and out of New Zealand, what customs conditions the country offers.

Customs regulations

Travel by car

You can rent a car in New Zealand, but there are a few things you need to know. You will be able to explore the country and visit small non-touristy towns.

Lease terms and traffic rules