On this page, you'll find helpful information on New Zealand visa options: Travel requirements to enter New Zealand. 10. Visit Abel Tasman National Park, Explore the Hokitika Gorge, Stroll at Wineries in Central Otago, Go to Mt Aspiring National Park, Bungee jumping in Queenstown, Explore Fiordland National Park and many more. Day 11: Helicopter Ride and then drive to Hokitika. Exploring this land of geysers, steaming hot pools, and bubbling mud is one of the most interesting things to do on the North Island. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. Distance: 200 km (124 miles) Total driving time: 3 hours. Possums are the national pest. Push your adventure limits. This crossover journey starts in New Zealand with sightseeing in Auckland, geothermal sights in Rotorua, and wine tasting in Queenstown. Or making your way to the tip of the North Island. New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and one of the most beautiful countries to visit for outdoor activities. Some spring temperature averages in key population centers are: Bay of Islands: 67 degrees Fahrenheit high/48 degrees Fahrenheit low. - Arrive in London: Sunday afternoon. Queenstown, Wanaka, the Milford Sound, and seeing Aoraki / Mount Cook (New Zealand’s tallest mountain) all top the list, but you also have the option to add on the Southern Scenic Route, Akaroa, Abel Tasman, and the Marlborough wine. Spring is a beautiful time to explore New Zealand without the crowds of Summer. Plan a realistic itinerary that fits your timeframe. When thinking of New Zealand, one of the first images that often comes to mind is of Hobbiton. 2023-05-20T12:05:00Z An curved arrow pointing right. They’re our top picks for what not to miss! 1. 1. ; Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park: Best NP in New Zealand. Planning Your New Zealand Honeymoon . Average daytime temperatures range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius (54 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit). The bridge spans the gorge and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Find out what to see and do in each location, how to get there, and when to go. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. Backcountry skiing at The Remarkables! Any list of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter HAS to include skiing (or snowboarding). Hokitika Gorge. 1. 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. Cook, while often shrouded in cloud, is stunning when he finally shows his face. Currency: The currency in New Zealand is called the New Zealand Dollar. It is the only currency accepted in New Zealand, and tax is included in the price of whatever it is you purchase. It’s roughly the size of Colorado but with 15% fewer people. The national park is a must-see for outdoor. Both accessible from almost anywhere in town, the museums are free to visit, though a donation is suggested. With 10 days, you can have a more in-depth look at the North Island, such as Auckland, Wellington, and Waitomo Caves, and explore iconic natural sites on the South Island, like Milford Sound, Mt Cook National Park, and Lake Wakatipu . Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland. Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Rotorua, Wellington, Hamilton, Dunedin, Tauranga, Nelson, Napier, Wanaka, Bay of islands, Lake Tekapo, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Tongariro National Park and many more. Top places to visit. Daylight hours continue to increase in November, starting out at around 14,. In the North Island, you can expect average daytime temperatures to range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the summer. You can still visit Mount Cook village and admire the mountain peaks of the Southern Alps or go for a hike on the numerous trails in the area such as the Hooker Valley track. Queenstown: Queenstown sets the standard for all resort party towns, in that it's outrageously good-looking and packed with activities. For just a week, it’s best to choose one island and explore it. In winter, temperatures are slightly cooler, averaging 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees. 1. Waitangi, just north of the town of Paihia, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between. Find out about the weather in each. The Waitomo Caves will be a bright spot of your honeymoon experience. 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. 14 Freedom camping – the do’s and don’ts. Puzzling World. You could also opt for mild and uncrowded autumn. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa is online. NZeTA – Immigration New Zealand. 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!. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable. Views of Lake Taupo and the Ruapehu region are magnificent, and make the hike well worth the effort! 12. As well as diving the island visually, the Southern. The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o. Adventure & Adrenaline in Auckland. Spring is a wonderful time to visit New Zealand with warm sunny days, uncrowded trails and the countryside bursting into life. The US is on New Zealand’s list of 60 visa waiver countries. Hostels in New Zealand are similarly priced to Western Europe or North America, so you won’t be cruising around spending $5 a day like you might in Southeast Asia. The majority of cruise lines visit New Zealand during the October – April summer cruise season. 3. federal holidays). Cost of accommodations in New Zealand is slightly cheaper than Australia, and for that reason, and the higher cost of getting around in Australia, New Zealand wins this round. Some of the best things to do in Mount Cook are hiking the Hooker Valley Trail, Tasman Lake Viewpoint, the Mueller Hut, and the Sealy Tarns Trail. April 28, 2023 by Richard Barnes If you’re planning a trip to stunning Aotearoa, then our list of the best places to visit in New Zealand will help you with all. 2. 5mi) outside the town of Hokitika will bring you to the shimmering turquoise waters and densely forested surrounds. Yes, it’s quite easy to combine a trip to Hobbiton with a visit to the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua. Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer. You can expect the best snow conditions during this time. Discover. 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. Australia vs. It was established as a national park in 1954 and disestablished as such in 2014. Respect the speed limit. North Island Summer. A view from the window on route from Queensland to Melbourne, Australia. Explore the North Island's must-visit places and top attractions in one week with our travel guide, including the best things to do, tips on how to get around. It is also a place of cultural significance to. Temperature: 18-20 ° C (64-68 ° F) Rainfall: 90-110mm (3. September - November. The second largest growing region in New Zealand has 5000 hectares of vineyards and is around the small towns of Napier and Hastings. Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. North Island weather: 20-24⁰C (68-75⁰F), 60-100mm of rainfall per month. While lighthouses around the world might often pass you by, New Zealand’s Pencarrow Lighthouse is somewhat different. Begin your journey to the beautiful game in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest city with a vibrant waterfront, beaches and islands. Top Things to do in New Zealand. Travel facts New Zealand At latitude 41° south, Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city and shares the honour of being the most remote with Canberra, over 2000km away. New Zealand weather in January. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences. Planning Your Visit To New Zealand. WELLINGTON TO SOUTH ISLAND. Experience the haka, a ceremonial Māori dance made world famous by the All Blacks rugby team as their pre-game ritual. A guide to the best places to visit in New Zealand, from the North Island's Rotorua and Waitangi to the South Island's Tongariro National Park and Hawke's Bay. New Zealand ranges from a sub-tropical climate (Northland) to a sub-Antarctic one (several small islands off the South Island), so to it’s important to know how the weather will affect your plans and the kinds of. Welcome to New Zealand. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority ( NZeTA ). Refer to our website. Remember, the summer season in Queenstown starts in December and ends in February. On a quick, South Island road trip, enjoy plenty of fun in a short amount of time. . Natural Wonders. New Zealand Weather in December. It is the largest lake in New Zealand based on surface area, and the lake, in its volcanic bowl, is a beautiful place to visit. Stop in the town of Matamata in the Waikato region en route to take a guided tour of the Hobbiton film set. 5 inches spread across the month. Here’s how to visit with kids. Abel Tasman National Park: gorgeous place to hike and/or kayak for one to five days. White water rafting, jet boating, kayaking, skydiving, heli-skiing… you get the idea. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown. 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. But its range of charming towns and small cities is also well worth exploring further. See more on travelling to New Zealand >. Pencarrow Lighthouse. Least Busy Time to Visit New Zealand. The best places to visit in autumn in New Zealand. ) The glow worm caves are one of the best in New Zealand and remain off the beaten path compared to others. Weather. But as well Syrah is playing an increasingly important role. The Hobbiton Movie Set is probably one of the most famous places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island. The country accounts for more than half of the world’s production of king salmon and offers a. December is the beginning of summer in New Zealand, so the weather is usually warm (although not as warm as January or February). The national park immerses you in an unspoiled natural environment with native bush, small, clear bays and white, sandy beaches. New Zealand Tour & Vacation Packages. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Oct 3, 2023 • 5 min read Plan the best time of year for your visit to New Zealand with this seasonal guide © Michael Hall / Getty Images Journeying to New Zealand and exploring. Lake Tekapo is a stunning blue lake almost perfectly located in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. ; Spend a night on board The. Oh the waterfalls! Obviously yes! Milford Sound is the most famous fiord in New Zealand and is without a doubt one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand. Best Time to Visit Best. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Zealand. In winter, when the days are short and the nights are long, New Zealand offers the perfect conditions to see the Aurora Australis which can sometimes be seen as far north as Wellington. Te Urewera is a protected area and former national park in the area of Te Urewera, near the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. The building, on the outskirts of Wellington city, gives a unique insight into the life of New Zealand’s people in the 19th century. Call us in New Zealand 1833 749 1647Milford Sound is one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand, so it’s only natural that it attracts thousands of visitors each day. Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Māori to reach these lands. With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. Bungy jumping in Queenstown. Head up to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning panoramic views. Franz Josef ** and Fox Glaciers: can helicopter-hike onto the glaciers, or do free hikes. 1″) South Island Rainfall: 60-100mm. Mount Cook National. JUN- AUG 15oC. or $133 to $162 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental. Welcome to New Zealand. It is the busiest month of the year, one of the wettest, and the wildflowers are not yet in bloom. If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on your first visit. 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. A tour of Hobbiton is a must for any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan and getting a few photos with the cute tiny hobbit. It truly is a dream winter destination and you definitely don’t have to be into snow sports! We’re covering all the pros of a winter visit as well as the cons, so you can make an informed decision about whether. Colourful wildflowers carpet the countryside and baby wildlife can be seen everywhere, from gambolling lambs to playful seal pups. Tourism News is the email update featuring news, insights, events and more. Activities, tours, maps and accommodation to plan your New Zealand holiday. Hotel prices are significantly lower than summer and availability. 19. Here you will find a recreated traditional village under the shelter of an ancient 200 year native Tawa Forest. Loaded with natural and man made marvels, the places to visit in New Zealand are magnificent and dramatic setting the country apart. Distance: 608km (378mi)/ 8 hours of driving total. To Auckland from Los Angeles. November is considered part of spring in New Zealand. However, there are also a number of weird places to visit in New Zealand, which you should include on your trip. With average highs ranging between 61 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 21 degrees Celsius) and average lows lingering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), the temperature in October is usually tolerable, but strong winds and sudden storms can put a damper on otherwise pleasant days. No doubt about it. Cook and enjoy great walks during the day in the caves and natural areas all around the country. 7. 1. 20 reasons to visit New Zealand, now that we finally can. 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. 2. February usually has the warmest and most settled weather, March is great too though some evenings, especially down south, might be a. Auckland: 65 F/52 F. Most of the world's major cruise companies offer cruise services to New Zealand. Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Māori to reach these lands. R. In July, the average temperatures range between 45 F and 55 F, with the South Island occasionally seeing temperatures in the 30s. 16 5 Top New Zealand Driving Tips. The summer months bring plenty of sunny skies and warm temperatures to the North Island and South Island. The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown. Top 10 family friendly activities in New Zealand Welcome to New Zealand. Summer in New Zealand (Dec – March): best time for hiking + outdoors. Tue 21 November 2023 - Wed 27 March 2024. New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so. New Zealand has a temperate climate. Visit New Zealand from September to November (spring) or March to April (fall) if you hate crowds. Visit some of New Zealand's best beaches, including jaw-dropping options on the North Island and South Island. Shortlands Shed in Central Otago is a stunning off-the-grid cabin on a sheep farm while you can even glamp on a farm up on the Kauri Coast in Northland in the forest. Wanaka: beloved town, popular for lake activities and Roy’s Peak hike. Auckland, New Zealand is a must-visit destination this summer, from the FIFA Women's World Cup to its signature attractions. Hit up Rainbow’s End – New Zealand biggest and best theme park. Rotorua. Manaakitanga (showing respect) is all about. The area is home to some truly spectacular coastal scenery, deserted beaches, and lovely walking trails. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) are rare. 2. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a. Main meal: NZ$30; Cafe sandwich: NZ$6-$8; Pint of beer:.