So I’m guessing you are planning a trip to New Zealand. Or at least seriously thinking about it. The land of the long white cloud is a small but diverse nation that is incredibly popular with Aussies. In fact, 470,000 of us visit every year. This is my second trip across the ditch and the first time The Hubs has visited the North Island. Spectacular scenery, friendly locals, fantastic food and countless activities are waiting for you in En Zed (never Zee!), but there are a few things you need to know before hopping on that plane. Starting your research with my New Zealand travel essentials will see you arrive well prepared to enjoy a hassle free stay. Read on for all the details …
New Zealand Travel Essentials – A Brief History
New Zealand has a rich history which melds Māori and European culture. The Māori are said to have arrived in New Zealand about 1000 years ago from Polynesia. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first European to arrive in 1642 and named the country Nieuw Zeeland. 127 years later Captain Cook arrived in 1769 but it wasn’t until 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between 500 Māori chiefs and the British Crown, formalising the still in tact relationship between the two nations. During the 1870’s thousands of British people made New Zealand home and towns and infrastructure started to spring up. Fast forward a century and the slew of migrants in the 1980’s were much more diverse resulting in a truly multi-cultural society. Today Māori make up 15% of the population and their culture, traditions and language are central to New Zealand’s identity. Read much more about New Zealand’s fascinating history here.
Entry Requirements
Getting into New Zealand is simplest for Aussie passport holders who do not require a visa and can enter freely as long as their passport is valid past their exit date. Aussies are also the only ones that can enter with a one way ticket. All other passport holders must ensure they have a return ticket (with a few exceptions) and their passport is valid for three months beyond their intended departure date. UK passport holders can enter for 6 months without a visa and a further 60 countries are on the visa waiver list which allows the holder to stay for 3 months without a visa with the only exception being those that are travelling for a medical consultation or treatment. Everyone else will need to organise a visa online before taking off. ePassport holders over the age of 12 from 10 countries can use the eGate at Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown international airports to process their passports in a flash.
Getting There
New Zealand has six international airports; Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. Most international arrivals will land in Auckland or Christchurch as the smaller airports usually only offer trans-Tasman flights. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and busiest airport and it will take you about 24 hours to fly from London, 21 from New York, 13 from LA, 10½ from Tokyo, 6 from Perth and 3 from Sydney. You can pick up a one way flight from Sydney for a shade over $100. I share all my tips for securing the best bargains on flights here. For Aussies on the east coast, why not make the journey special and fly Emirates A380 business class over and return on Emirates A380 first class like we did. Best use of my Qantas frequent flyer points ever! It is possible to cruise to New Zealand and a good option to optimise your time is a fly/cruise like this 12 nighter with Norwegian. Princess also offers an 11 night option or try this shorter 4 night cruise with P&O, all of which all depart from Sydney.
Getting Around
New Zealand is perfect for road tripping and if you are clever you can get a great deal on car hire. We paid just $120 for a 7 day rental for our road trip around New Zealand’s North Island which is unbeatable. While we stayed in the north, the South Island is just as suited for road trips. Be aware that petrol is pricey in NZ (up to $2 a litre) so I recommend choosing the smallest, most economical car you can while maintaining some comfort. If you want to combine transport and accommodation a camper is an option. They are very popular in NZ and you can compare a bunch of operators at Motor Home Republic or Vroom Vroom Vroom. If you would prefer not to drive yourself, Naked Bus is an economical way to get around. New Zealand Trains are expensive but offer some fabulous experiences, so weigh up whether the additional cost is worth it. Both Jetstar and Air New Zealand operate domestic flights in New Zealand. To get the best deal, compare them side by side on Agoda. Ferries are often a more relaxed way to travel and Bluebridge and Interislander make the 3½ hour crossing between the north and south islands multiple times daily. Fares start at $50 for a basic seat and expect to pay about $180 to take your car. Fullers ferries will get you from Auckland to Waiheke and the Coromandel. New Zealand has so many fabulous places to see, it really is hard to choose.
Money Matters
The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Coin denominations are 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 followed by $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 polymer (plastic) notes. ATM’s most frequently dispense $20’s and $50’s. You’ll get NZD $1.04 for an Aussie dollar, $1.40 for a US dollar and $1.78 for a pound. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards and not everywhere accepted my American Express Velocity card. ATM’s are plentiful but the withdrawal fees are high so take a chunk out at a time. I paid $5 to withdraw $300 at the BNZ machine at the airport and used my cards for everything else.
New Zealand Climate & Geography
In a word … Unpredictable! The highest ever recorded temperature of 42°C was in Marlborough and the lowest was -22°c in Otago. Of course these are the extremes. New Zealand has a diverse climate making it a year round destination. Snow lovers should visit in July and August and snow falls in the Central Plateau, the Southern Alps, Canterbury and Otago. If summer is more to your liking, January is the perfect time to visit the sub-tropical north. As a rule of thumb, the further south you go the cooler it will get. Rainfall occurs evenly across the year with most areas experiencing between 600mm – 1600mm annually. Make sure you take rain gear regardless of which season you visit. New Zealand’s general lack of pollution means the UV rays are particularly strong so don’t forget the sunscreen. For more detailed information on New Zealand’s weather visit newzealand.com. By virtue of being intersected by the Australian and pacific plates New Zealand has a volatile geography and experiences 15,000 earthquakes per year. Sitting right on the edge of the pacific ring of fire, New Zealand also has a number of still active volcanoes, with the last eruption in 2012. As if that isn’t enough, it is a hot bed of geothermal activity with geysers, bubbling mud pools and mineral springs dotting the country. New Zealand is absolutely the place to see mother nature at her most diverse.
Power
Power in NZ is 240 volts and the socket is the same as Australia. Adapters are readily available if you need one but I recommended bringing one from home to avoid the hassle. Some hotels offer 110v sockets in the bathrooms but don’t count on it.
The Lingo
Kiwi’s have a unique way of butchering the Queen’s English that I find particularly endearing. As an Aussie I am quite accustomed to their slang, after all an estimated 600,000 of them live in Oz. Mostly all in Bondi! I thought I’d share a few of my favourite Kiwi slang terms just for laughs …
Jandals = Thongs/Flip Flops
Judderbar = Speed Bump
Chilly Bin = Esky/Cooler
Bro = Not really your brother … works for anyone like man or mate or dude.
Cuz = Same as Bro. Also Cuzzy. Try the double banger and go for Cuzzy Bro
As = Used as an amplifier for many words i.e. sweet as, cheap as, etc …
Yeah Nah = A filler e.g. Yeah Nah Cuz I don’t think I can.
The Wops = Far Away. The Aussie version would be woop woop or back of Bourke
Dairy = Corner store of milk bar.
Chur = Used in place of cheers or thank you e.g. Chur Bro.
Accommodation Recommendations
No New Zealand travel essentials post would be complete without considering where you are going to lay your head. New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodation from budget backpackers to 5 star hotels and everything in between. Make sure you check Agoda for the best deals. Here are some of my personal favourites. :-
CityLife Auckland – Location. Location. Location. Citylife Auckland is smack bang in the heart of the CBD just a few blocks from the harbour. This all apartment hotel is like a home away from home and we had a fantastic stay.
Beachside Resort Whitianga – Beachside Resort Whitianga (pronounced Fit-e-en-ga) is comfortable, great value and just a block from the beach making it hard to beat.
Regent of Rotorua – The Regent Of Rotorua is a boutique hotel in central Rotorua steps away from eat street. Touches of luxury are everywhere in the elegant surrounds and the onsite mineral pool is a must do!
My Top 10 Things To Do In New Zealand
To round out my list of New Zealand travel essentials it’s worthwhile considering some of the activities you would like to do, particularly considering this my dictate where you stay. With so much to do to in New Zealand it was difficult to narrow down a top 10 but I have personally done all of these and can vouch for every single one! Here goes …
#1 Kayak Cathedral Cove – Cathedral cove is spectacular and there is no better way to get there than with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. All tours depart from Hahei beach and operate all year round.
#2 Stroll Auckland Viaduct Harbour – A perfect way to spend the morning. Pretend you own one of the multi million dollar yachts, grab a bite in the many Auckland Harbour and Viaduct eateries and don’t forget to take a love lock for the wall.
#3 Take A Mud & Sulphur Bath – Purify skin and sooth your aches and pains in the heated pools of Hells Gate Spa in Rotorua. Pure bliss!
#4 Dive The Poor Knights – The Poor Knights is touted as having the best sub-tropical diving in the world. The comfortable 2 1/2 hour drive north of Auckland makes it easy to do as a day trip. I went with Tutukaka Dive (yeah I know it’s a funny name lol) a few years ago and they were brilliant. The water was much colder than I like so an appropriate wetsuit is a must!
#5 Discover Waitomo Caves – With three caves to choose from at Waitomo Caves you can do a little or a lot. Don’t miss the glowworms 🙂
#6 Experience Māori Culture – The Te Puia Te Pō experience includes a traditional Māori welcome from the chief, story telling, entertainment and a Hāngi feast.
#7 Drink Kiwi Wine – Everywhere. Particularly Sauvignon Blanc which is their specialty. Better yet, do a tasting with a view at Volcanic Hills.
#8 Dine With A View – The view from Skyline Rotorua is amazing and the food at Stratosfare is sensational. Grab a window seat and linger a while.
#9 Jet Boating – The speed, twists and turns of Shotover Jet Queenstown will get your heart racing! Check out these other 23 amazing things to do in Queenstown in summer while you are in town.
#10 Hot Water Beach – Two underground fissures at Hot Sand Beach in the Coromandel make it possible to enjoy water temperatures of up to 64°c in your own hand dug spa.
More Things To Do In New Zealand
Still need more inspiration? Lord Of The Rings fans can relive the movies with experiences in Matamata and Queenstown. Ski Cardrona, The Remarkables or Coronet Peak for some of the best powder in the Southern Hemisphere. Those keen on nature should try one of these New Zealand hikes. You can bungy jump off almost anything in NZ but AJ Hackett is the original and best. Ever wanted to try a downhill luge or zorbing? Rotourua is the place to be. Animal lovers can visit a Kiwi, spot a seal or swim with wild dolphins. Everyone can enjoy the view from the top of Auckland Skytower (below) but braver folks will step outside to do the SkyWalk at 192m above the ground. I’m planning to visit Waiheke Island next time and you can do it in a day trip from Auckland but I’m going to stay overnight. Like the water? Snorkel at Goat Island, try your hand at game fishing or simply visit a stunning beach. An overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound is the perfect way to feel at one with nature or try a Milford Sound day cruise. Take to the skies with a heli hike at Fox or Franz Joseph glaciers, take a scenic flight or freefall in a skydive. And for something uniquely Kiwi, sample feijoa liqueur at Purangi Winery. Need more ideas? Check out these awesome things to do in New Zealand for first timers.
Have I missed anything from my New Zealand travel essentials? If you have a burning question not covered let me know in the comments and I will do my best to answer it.
Until Next Time …
DISCLAIMER: Citylife Auckland, Skyline Rotorua, Stratosfare Restaurant, Te Puia, Hells Gate, Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours, Volcanic Hills Winery and Waitomo Caves all kindly hosted me during my visit to New Zealand and I received discounted rates at Beachside Resort Whitianga and the Regent of Rotorua. Some links contained in this post are affiliate links which may earn me a small commission. As always, all opinions are my own.
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rizwan says
Beautiful post thanks for sharing.
James Buff says
Great post, Alisson!
I’ve been on a ski tour recently in Queenstown! Great place!
dennisallacross says
This article contains a great deal of worthwhile information. I am eyeing a trip to En Zed (thanks for the advice on that ;-)) for three weeks around Christmas/New Year 2018, so I bookmarked this article and will return when planning becomes more urgent.
Allison Smith says
Christmas will be perfect as you will hopefully have lovely summer weather. Hope you enjoy NZ as much as I did ?
Maja Mexatia says
Great guide, Allison, you managed to cover everything! Being a big foodie I just wish you included some traditional / specific dishes, I would love to learn more about culinary customs in New Zealand. Maybe I will convince the hubby to go if he sees some delicious meals 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Good point Maja! If you do convince him to go make sure you check out a traditional Maori Hangi like the one I featured in Te Puia. Yum!
Susanna says
Wow! One of the best guides on NZ I’ve seen in a while, you really covered EVERYTHING! I loved all the words, I assumed it was similar to Aussie slang, but it’s totally different. I would definitely want to rent a car to drive to some of these amazing areas. This looks like an outdoor lovers dream I would want to Kayak Cathedral Cove and dive at the Poor Knights. I hope I can make it all the way down there soon!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Susanna! New Zealand is spectacular and trike has something for everyone. Hope you get to visit soon ?
Global Girl Travels says
What a comprehensive guide – thank you Allison! The culture is what fascinates me most about NZ. I love that even though it is modern on the facade its culture is still strongly embedded in their way of life. So many practical tips, too, great for those who are in the planning process for their trip!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Maori culture is fascinated and so privileged that share their stories.
Alexandra Ogden says
For me, New Zealand is “the wops”, but I am dying to visit and very grateful for such a long and detailed post. Those spas on Hot Sands Beach look amazing (I think the link might be wrong though because it brings me to the Rotarua Restaurant site). New Zealanders are some of my favourite people for their humbleness and humour. I think Canadians like myself can relate because we also live next to a big important country and sometimes feel forgotten, which results in a self-deprecating sense of humour.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks so much Alexandra I’ll check the link now ? New Zealanders are generally a great bunch. One of bestie is married to one and we give him grief all the time ? Well the USA likes to think they are big and important anyway lol I hope you make it out to ‘the wops’ soon (and make sure you stop by Oz while you are down this way!)
Jackie Taylor says
New Zealand is a country I am hoping to visit within the next year, so I found this is super helpful!! I love how you also included some of the New Zealand “lingo”…. those are always good to know 🙂 I’m definitely going to save this post for when I do eventually visit. Now I feel even more motivated to book my trip!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Do it Jackie! NZ is such a diverse country and there is truly something for everyone!
Jillian Michelle says
This is probably the most comprehensive guide on New Zealand that I’ve ever seen! You answered questions about things that I probably wouldn’t even have thought to ask (I now know that I’ll need an adapter if I plan to bring any items with power plugs from home lol). I enjoyed reading about the Maori history. The picture directly below that section was the first thing that caught my eye when reading this article, and I find it utterly fascinating. I’d love to know more about that photo in particular. It appears to be an entryway of some sort (?), but the intricate carvings in the wood are absolutely breathtaking! I also really enjoyed the Lingo section of your post! I’m going to start interjecting “Judderbar” into as many conversations as I can here in the states…just because it’s fun to say hahaha. It might be my new fav word :p
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Maori history is so amazing. The kiwis absolutely integrate it into everything they do which is wonderful! Us Aussie could certainly learn something from them as we do not celebrate our indigenous heritage any where near as much as we should. It is indeed an entry way and they are quite common. Each piece of the carving tells a story and they are all different. I would love to hear the reaction to your judderbar dropping lol. We have taken to saying jandals a lot just because we can lol ?
James Smith says
My list of travel essentials is usually passport, cash and credit cards so it’s interesting to read about what else I should be taking! Good news we don’t require a visa from the UK. As I travel only by land, I’d try get on the 4 night P&O ferry from Sydney, failing that I go on the Princess cruise you mentioned! I love photographing beautiful landscapes, that would be my top priority in NZ, drinking kiwi wine would be a close second.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I always say as long as I have my passport, credit card and phone anything else is a bonus lol. I love your travel only by land concept James. A NZ cruise would be amazing ?
Kelly says
Renting a car is a great idea and it sounds like you got a great deal. I also love the hotel reccomendations. Not to mention the idea of taking a mud bath or strolling the harbor. Also love the section where you translate New Zealand sayings. Very helpful!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I wouldn’t do NZ without a car personally especially for the price! The mud bath was divine on a chilly day ?
neha says
You named the post new zealand travel essentials but to me it seems like a comprehensive guide covering everything that one needs to know to visit here. I particularly loved reading through the history, never knew about it. A multi-cultural society is always welcoming for tourists. Apart from this you have provided so much details on climate, accommodation, things to do, commute and visa. Thank you!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
NZ is very welcoming to tourists. So glad you found it useful Neha ?
Sheena says
What a comprehensive guide – essential reading for anyone planning a trip to New Zealand. I hope that’s going to be me next year, I’m from Adelaide OZ & have travelled the world but never been to visit our good neighbour. Thanks for all the info, love it!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s funny isn’t it Sheena. I’ve also travelled the world extensively yet this is only my second trip to NZ and my first to Rotorua. I hope you have a great time when you visit next year.
Janine Good says
How handy! I am heading to Queenstown in January and found this so useful! The exchange rate on the AUD to the NZ is better than Canadian dollars which are almost at par :/ Wasn’t expecting that! The history with the Maori is fascinating! I am sadly not going to the North Island, but hope to someday to experience that mud bath in Rotarua!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Queenstown is lovely Janine. I spent 3 days there about 10 years ago but I would have longer. Sadly I had to miss out on Milford sound. I guess I’ll just have to go back ?
WhenTwoWander says
We’ve met some kiwis on our trip through Asia and they confuse me very time they use the word ‘Jandals’! Such a confusing word for some reason. Its a fascinating country and we’d definitely go there after Oz if we had enough cash!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I figure the ‘andals’ comes from sandals but the j has me perplexed lol
Flo @ Yoga, Wine & Travel says
This is such a comprehensive and uber helpful post! So great to know that it’s visa free for Australian passport holders – makes planning my future trip a little bit easier! Do you have a recommended itinerary for 10-14 days? (I’m going to go look through your website as well!)
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Super simple for Aussie’s. I’ll be posting a 6 day itinerary in the next few weeks and lots of other NZ posts as well ?
Carla Abanes says
I missed windy Welly while reading this post. Next time I visit Welly or the rest of NZ, I plan to backpack from south to north. I really must not stay with relatives because they insist on taking you around and you cant stay with your itinerary. Just ranting. Hahahaha but thanks for sharing this article, so many helpful details.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Sounds like an awesome Trip Carla. We didn’t make it to Wellington this time but we will go back for sure ?
FS says
New Zealand has always fascinated. I am planning to visit it from a long time. Thanks for sharing.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hope you enjoy your trip!
Tracy says
New Zealand is always fascinating. Wish to go back one day following your suggestions. I only have been to the North island and still there are so much more things to see and do in NZ! 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
We only scratched the surface Tracy. So much more to see and so!
Colleen says
Whoa! So much information in one post! Thanks for all the detail, especially the slang terms. I always find those hilarious to read about.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hope it makes planning your NZ trip easier Colleen. I’m still chucking about Jandals. They will always be things to me ?
Ticker Eats The World says
Although I haven’t been to NZ, my parents have been on two campervan trips there and absolutely love it and want to go back again soon. I’ve had a lot of information about NZ over the years and this list just adds to that. Nice of you to add some slang words as they are always handy.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
We saw lots of campers when we were there but I must admit I do like the comfort and space that hotels offer. Glad your parents enjoyed their trip and I can see why they would be keen to return. We are!
Mike says
I had no idea about all the different lingo that they use in NZ. Thanks for writing this. Love the tip about using credit cards and its good to know Mastercard & Visa are widely used.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Lucky I has a back up for the Amex but my Visa worked just fine ?
taiss says
Wow! What a thorough guide to NZ. I have never been there but this makes me want to go. I really like the idea of road tripping while there, sounds like it would be a great way to see so many beautiful places. I appreciate that you gave a bit of history lesson, too. As American’s we’re kind of ignorant on the rest of the world :\ If We make it there, I’ll be sure to take a mud and sulfur bath, sounds really nice!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I honestly think a road trip is the best way in NZ. In some ways it’s so much like Australia I felt very at home but in others it is so different, particularly the history. I hope you make it there one day and enjoy the baths ?
The Travel Ninjas says
The section on the local lingo was fun and helpful. Your whole New Zealand guide was actually full of very useful tips. The things to do list is so enticing, especially visiting the Maori tribes.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
More on that coming soon to he blog! An a fun video of a The Hubs doing the Haka ?
jessica says
Wow! You really covered everything in your post. It was so full of useful information. It’s a great inspiration for how to write up my own country/city posts in the future! 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Jessica!
neha says
This is like a comprehensive guide for someone looking forward to visit newzeland. Thanks for putting in all the details. I will bookmark it for my planning in the coming years
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Neha! I hope you make it to NZ soon ?
Iza Abao, Two Monkeys Travel Group Writer says
Since I am a Filipino citizen, it will be a long visa application if I would want to visit New Zealand. I really want to.
I would love to experience the weather there because it is always warm here in the Philippines. I also like the laid-back atmosphere in New Zealand.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Don’t let that stop you if you really want to go! While the Philippines is not on the visa waiver list you can of course apply for a Visa online before leaving home. If you are looking for very cold weather go to the South Island in Winter. I prefer the heat so choose to go To the North Island in The last month of Spring. The evening were still cool but we had some lovely summer days ?
Nadine Rohner says
Thank you for this very useful guide. It covers everything you need to know, very well written.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Nadine ?
Katie says
A fantastic need to know guide! The list of things to do is so helpful and I love your lingo section! This has been really helpful 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Katie. Soooo much to do, so little time lol ?
Lauren West says
Wow, that’s a great deal you got on the rental car! Driving around NZ sounds fantastic, what a beautiful country! Some of the NZ slang is also slang we use in the US, as well….wellll maybe only cuz and bro! Not chilly bin or jandals, though 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
They will always be esky’ sand things to me Lauren lol The Hubs left his thongs at home and had to buy a pair. We couldn’t stop giggling like 3yo’s when our server referred to them as jandals. Even though we are home know he still refers to that particular pair as Jandals lol. I’ll grant you cuz and bro are heard elsewhere but it’s more about the way Kiwi’s use them than the actual word. And yes the deal on car hire was fantastic!
TravelerBoy69 says
New Zealand is very beautiful country. I hope to visit one day.