What’s the best part of going on a tour to New Zealand? Nature enthusiasts say it’s cruising through the fjords with 1,000-foot cliffs on either side, while foodies argue it’s all about the wine and cuisine. Animal lovers swear it’s seeing a kiwi bird and learning about the conservation efforts to preserve it. Those fascinated with culture say the best part of New Zealand travel is learning about the indigenous Maori tribes and taking part in their traditions.
If you’re ready to experience this beautifully diverse country, then keep reading for all the things to know before visiting New Zealand. Along with the best things to do in New Zealand, we combined first-hand New Zealand travel tips from our Go Ahead travel experts with the top New Zealand attractions to bring you this complete New Zealand travel guide.
Currency: New Zealand dollar
Language: English
Getting around: The best way to get around New Zealand is by car and plane. Lucky for you, you’ll have a private motor coach driving you from place to place. Plus, the scenic vistas make the drives more enjoyable.
Phrases to know: Between the local slang and the frequent incorporation of the indigenous Maori language, it’s possible to speak English and still not be 100% sure what the locals are saying at times! To help you get a leg up, here are some common words and phrases to learn before you travel to New Zealand.
The seasons in New Zealand are the opposite of seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, so when it’s winter in North America, New Zealand’s in the peak of its summer season. That’s why a visit to New Zealand is ideal if you need a little winter sun.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand? Although summer weather in winter is a huge draw, there’s never a bad time to travel to New Zealand. Check out the benefits to every season below.
When it comes to what to pack for New Zealand it’s best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. The weather changes quickly in New Zealand and varies widely depending on your location. That’s why the locals sometimes joke that you can experience all four seasons in one day! One of our tips for visiting New Zealand is to not pack too much, but instead pack several options of each of the essentials below.
New Zealand is known for its rugged terrain and sprawling landscapes. Between nature walks, kayak trips, and boat cruises, make sure you save time for glasses of wine, city exploration, and scenic drives. Here are the top picks for the best things to do in New Zealand.
There are so many things to do in New Zealand, but you will have some down time to explore on your own. If you’d rather hang in the cities, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. If getting out in nature is more your thing, there’s definitely no shortage of that in New Zealand. Regardless of your travel style, our list of what to do in New Zealand in your free time has something for everything.
From the freshest seafood, to world-famous meats, to Russian dancer-inspired desserts (strange, but true!), the spectrum widely varies when it comes to New Zealand cuisine. Work up an appetite every day you’re on tour so you can dig into these classic dishes.
New Zealand is famous for so many different things, it’s hard to know which souvenir will best encapsulate your trip. Whether it was the modern culture, native traditions, or the stunning nature that spoke to you, these are the most meaningful treasures you can bring home from your visit to New Zealand.
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