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35 New Zealand Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Are you’re planning your first trip to New Zealand and wondering where to start? I’ve got you covered with these New Zealand travel tips!

New Zealand is a stunningly beautiful country that offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. From the rugged mountains and glaciers of the South Island to the lush rainforests and pristine beaches of the North Island, it’s no wonder New Zealand is a must-visit destination for many. 

With so much to see and do, there are a few things you should know first, so you can have an amazing time without having to spend time figuring these things out DURING your trip.

I’ve compiled the best tips for traveling in New Zealand that I learned from living here for 20 years to help you travel safely and smoothly throughout the country. 

Here are 35 New Zealand travel tips to help you make the most of your adventure. 

» Read next: Do I Need Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

Top New Zealand Travel Tips

1. don’t try to do everything.

New Zealand may be a small country but there is so much to see and do. Not to mention all the incredible landscapes to explore across two main islands. If you’re thinking you can see it all, you’re going to be disappointed or overwhelmed trying.  My best tip for new visitors to New Zealand is “ don’t try to do everything” . 

Even living here for many years, I still haven’t done it all.

No matter how much time you have, it’s impossible to do absolutely everything. And that’s ok! Plan a realistic itinerary so you can take the time to enjoy it. Prioritize your absolute must-dos, then build additional things around that.

Road trips are a good way to see a lot of things in between two main cities, including the small towns and beautiful landscapes around New Zealand.

2. Plan According to the Season

New Zealand is split across two main islands, and they are different in both terrain and climate. Research the areas you plan to visit including the weather to help you determine the best time to visit New Zealand .

In winter it can be quite cold in the South Island which may restrict certain activities, but it is ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the parts which have an alpine environment.

In summer it is a busier time to visit but there are more options with the good weather such as beach activities, especially in the warmer North Island. 

Spring and fall can be good for hiking and experiencing popular activities with fewer crowds.

If you are planning road trips, bear in mind there can be snow and ice on roads in the alpine areas during winter. So you’ll need to keep an eye on road conditions and may need to consider a 4WD or carrying snow chains for your vehicle.

3. The Seasons are Reversed

Speaking of planning according to the season, it’s worth mentioning our seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. 

Summer in New Zealand runs from December to February and winter from June to August. 

This means summer school holidays are in December and January, which combined with the holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year to travel around New Zealand. Be sure to check school calendars if you want to avoid the school holiday crowds.

Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) are considered the shoulder seasons and tend to be less busy with cheaper prices for accommodation, car rentals and some attractions than you would find in peak season.

4. Rent a Car or Campervan

Public transport outside the main cities is limited. If you plan on exploring multiple areas, I recommend renting a car or campervan. It offers the most flexibility and you can explore the country at your own pace.

Even within the cities, you may be limited to what you can see and do without your own transport. For example, the west coast beaches in Auckland are worth visiting but you’ll need a car to get there.

Hotels in the cities generally charge a fee for parking and it can be expensive. An option is to build your itinerary so that you have a few days in the city first without a car, then rent a car for the day trips you plan to take later on.

There are several car rental companies in New Zealand, including international brands and local companies. Some of the popular companies include Budget, Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. It’s important to do your research and compare prices and services before making a reservation.

We like using DiscoverCars.com to compare prices and book our rental cars. Once you enter your travel details they search the best deals you!

5. Know All Your Transport Options

Choosing the best way to travel around New Zealand is a personal choice. If renting a car is not right for you, there are several other options for getting around, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best option depends on your budget, travel style, and timeframe.

Here are some options to consider:

• Public transportation: New Zealand has a network of Intercity buses and trains that connect major cities and towns. This is a convenient and affordable option for getting around, especially if you’re traveling on a budget, but bear in mind it takes longer and offers less flexibility.
• Domestic flights: Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the two domestic airlines in New Zealand. Air New Zealand has the most coverage in regional airports, and Jetstar is generally cheaper. Flying between cities is good if you are short on time but it can be expensive and you’ll be limited to airport locations and flight schedules.
• Guided tours: There are bus tours covering most areas of the country from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. It’s a stress-free way to travel, with your itinerary and bookings made for you, and a great way to learn about the areas you visit from knowledgeable guides. Although they can be expensive and you may have limited time to explore on your own.

6. Know Where You Can and Cannot Camp

If you plan to explore New Zealand on a budget, staying in campsites and holiday parks along your journey, and renting a campervan is the way to go.  Just be sure to know where you are allowed to camp as you can’t just park up anywhere in New Zealand. 

Each region has its own by laws on freedom camping that you’ll need to adhere to. And you’ll need to be driving a certified self-contained campervan.

It’s also a good idea to book where you’ll be staying in advance, especially in peak season.

7. Learn New Zealand Road Rules

New Zealand drives on the left side of the road which may be different from what you are used to. This means the steering wheel will be on the right side of the car. A good tip to remember is the driver is always on the side of the car that is closest to the middle of the road. 

Take some time to practice in a quiet place before tackling the cities or winding mountain roads.

Things like roundabouts and one-lane bridges are common in New Zealand but may be new to you. Be sure to know the New Zealand road rules and check driving conditions before heading off. 

You can check the rules for driving as a visitor to New Zealand on the NZTA site , including license requirements.

8. Explore the Cities

New Zealand has several vibrant and dynamic cities that offer a range of experiences for visitors. I recommend that you don’t just stick to one during your visit. Each has its own vibe and attractions. They are also a great start and end point for exploring beyond the cities or embarking on a road trip. 

• Auckland , the largest city in New Zealand, is known for its stunning harbor, world-class restaurants, and has plenty of attractions to choose from. Being a main travel hub, many visitors spend at least one day in Auckland to start their trip.
• Wellington , the capital city, is a cultural hub with a thriving arts scene, great coffee, and beautiful harbor views. 
• Christchurch , located on the South Island, is known for its beautiful gardens and parks as well as cafes and restaurants. 
• Queenstown , the adventure capital of New Zealand , offers a range of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to bungee jumping, skydiving and jetboating. 

These cities, among others, offer a unique glimpse into New Zealand’s culture and history, as well as plenty of exciting things to do – rain or shine .

9. Explore Beyond the Cities

New Zealand is known for its natural beauty and there are many ways to experience it. From scenic drives and world-renowned hiking trails to national parks and quaint towns rich in history and culture. 

In fact, New Zealand is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Areas, two International Dark Sky Reserves/Sanctuaries and 13 national parks that are free to visit.

Each area offers unique landscapes and activities, so try to visit at least a couple during your trip. Nature is what New Zealand does best!

10. Respect the Environment

New Zealand has a commitment to caring for the environment, including conservation efforts to preserve the native wildlife that is under threat due to invasive species.  

Tiaki is a significant part of Māori culture that can be loosely translated to mean to care, conserve and protect. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. This means that while traveling in New Zealand we will:

• Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace
• Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all
• Respect culture, traveling with an open heart and mind

It’s important to stay on marked trails and practice “leave no trace” principles when hiking and camping. Always leave with anything you brought. Leaving trash or tramping on delicate vegetation is not responsible or respectful.

Be sure to clean your boots at cleaning stations when you see them. Not all trails have them, but it is an important step in containing diseases such as Kauri tree dieback, which is killing our beautiful Kauri trees. So please use them when you see them. 

This is why it’s also important to only bring clean hiking gear into New Zealand. Declare your gear at the airport and they’ll even clean it for you.

11. Try Local Cuisine

New Zealand may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about food, but thanks to its diverse cultures and rich agricultural resources New Zealand has a range of delicious foods to try . Be sure to try local cuisine and visit farmers’ markets for fresh produce. Here are some of the best local dishes and where to try them:

• Auckland: Known for its multicultural food scene. Visit the Auckland Night Markets to try a variety of street food from all over the world. Head to Commercial Bay for a selection of restaurants and an upmarket food hall with a range of eateries. Or head to the Viaduct for Auckland’s top restaurants with a view. Try the steak and oysters at Oyster and Chop or fresh seafood at Soul Bar and Bistro.
• Rotorua: Experience a hāngī meal and learn about Māori culture at a Māori Village in Rotorua. Hāngī is a traditional method of cooking in Māori culture in which food is steamed in an underground pit, referred to as an earth oven, resulting in deliciously tender meat and root vegetable infused with smoky flavors.
• West Coast: Famous for its whitebait fitters. New Zealand whitebait are tiny fishes with a subtle flavor, most commonly served in fritters. They can be found all over New Zealand during whitebait season (September and October), but especially along the West Coast of the South Island.
• Bluff: A small town located at the very bottom of the South Island known for its fresh seafood and bluff oysters that are wild caught straight off the coast. If you can’t make it to Bluff, don’t worry, they are shipped to just about every seafood restaurant in the country from March to August.
• Kaikoura: Known for its amazing crayfish with ‘seafood caravans’ dotted along the coast. Similar in appearance to lobster but with a subtle flavor. If you’re heading to Kaikoura be sure to stop at Nins Bin to try their famously fresh crayfish.
• Queenstown: Home to the famous Fergburger, arguably New Zealand’s best burger, but also many restaurants featuring farm to table cuisine and local wines. Try Rata restaurant for fresh contemporary New Zealand cuisine. Or the signature ribs at Flame Bar & Grill, we dine here at least once or twice whenever we’re in Queenstown!

12. Enjoy Local Wine

New Zealand is known for its world-class wine, with several regions producing some of the best wines in the world. There are quite a few and I’m still working my way through trying them all!

Try to visit a couple of wineries, tour the vineyards, and sample the wine. It’s a wonderful experience sitting amongst the vineyards.  Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, as well as a chance to meet the winemakers and learn about the wine-making process.

You may like to book a wine-tasting tour. There are plenty to choose from in each of New Zealand’s wine regions. Here are a few of our favorite wine regions to visit in New Zealand:

• Waiheke Island , located on the North Island and a short ferry ride from Auckland, is known for red wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. The island is home to 30 boutique wineries , many with tasting rooms, swanky restaurants and breathtaking views.
• Hawke’s Bay , located on the North Island, is known for its full-bodied red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. 
• Marlborough , located on the South Island, is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, which is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with tropical fruit flavors. 
• Central Otago , also located on the South Island, is known for its Pinot Noir, which is elegant, complex, and has a distinct earthy flavor. 

Popular wineries include Cloudy Bay in Marlborough, Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay, and Felton Road in Central Otago.

13. Book in Advance

New Zealand is a popular destination during the summer months (December to March). Accommodation and tours can fill up quickly. Many visitors from the Northern Hemisphere come to escape their winter plus local families are traveling for summer school holidays . 

It’s worth booking your accommodation and car or campervan rental well in advance for the best rates. As appealing as it sounds to arrive with a road trip plan and wing it on where to stay each night, it’s not a good idea. 

Even campsites need to be booked in most places and you may end up with nowhere to stay if you leave it to the last minute. You’re better off having a rough itinerary and booking your accommodation in advance for each area. 

I also recommend booking any tours or attractions you don’t want to miss out on.

If you’re traveling between May and October you’ll have more flexibility with fewer crowds. With the exception of  Queenstown, which gets busy for ski season from June to August. Even then, you’re better off having a rough plan with flexible bookings that you can change around once you’re here.

14. Don’t Miss the Scenic Roads

The South Island offers some of the most scenic drives in the country with views that have to be seen to be believed. Our 2-week South Island road trip itinerary provides a comprehensive loop around the island stopping at popular attractions and off-the-beaten-path locations.

The Southern Scenic Route follows the coastline from Dunedin to Invercargill including picturesque lighthouses and stunning waterfalls to be explored along the way.

You can continue on the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill to Te Anau through the remote coastal communities and popular surf beaches along the southern coast.

Te Anau is a great base from which to explore the popular Milford Sound and the more remote Doubtful Sound . The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is an incredible journey through the lush landscapes of Fiordland with plenty of scenic stops along the way and not to be missed.

But my personal favorite is the drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook . Plan for a slow drive, with plenty of stops to see all the best views and places to discover along the way. From New Zealand’s oldest hotel to landscapes that can only be described as otherworldly, it has it all.

Here are some other scenic drives you might enjoy:

• Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound: Everything You Need to Know + 18 Best Places to Stop Along the Way
• Driving Cromwell to Queenstown: 10 Best Places to Stop Along the Way
• 15 BEST Places to Stop on the Drive from Glenorchy to Queenstown
• Queenstown to Invercargill: 10 BEST Places to Stop Along the Way

For the North Island, our 2-week North Island road trip itinerary covers all the best places and scenic routes to take.

15. Protect Yourself from the Sun and Sandflies

The UV rays are pretty intense in New Zealand, thanks to a thin ozone layer and less airborne pollution to scatter the UV radiation. Traveling in New Zealand requires some preparation to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays all year round, with extra precautions during the summer months. Here are some of our top tips:

• Check the UV Index : UV levels are variable across the country and depending on the time of year. The sun’s rays are generally the strongest from months of September to April and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. so make sure you can seek shade during these times and plan outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun.
• Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and remember to re-apply regularly, even if it’s cloudy. Consider a waterproof sunscreen if you’ll be swimming or sweating and re-apply more often.
• Clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from prolonged exposure to the sun. You can find apparel with built-in UV protection, but generally clothes with a tight weave are best at blocking UV rays.
• Hats and Sunglasses: Protect your face, neck and shoulders with a wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays are best for protecting your eyes.
• Hydrate: Exposure to the sun can bring on dehydration quickly, especially when you’re active. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to ensure you stay hydrated.
• Bring Bug Spray: Sandflies can be prolific in areas near running water and humid bush such as beaches, lakes and waterfalls, especially during summer. These tiny insects leave an itchy bite that can be unpleasant.  Cover your arms and legs with clothing and use a high deet insect repellent if venturing to these areas. I also find they don’t bother you as much if you keep moving.

16. Don’t Skip the Hike

New Zealand is an outdoor paradise with hundreds of trails across the country from easy to advanced, and ranging from 10 minutes to 10 days! We always recommend including a few hikes in your itinerary. By the way, hiking is referred to as “tramping” in New Zealand .

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is a great resource to find trails that are available in any region across New Zealand, including any alerts or track closures.

Exploring the landscapes of New Zealand is a truly rewarding experience but it’s important to be prepared. If you plan on doing the more challenging hikes be sure to wear sturdy footwear and don’t underestimate the effort required. New Zealand’s advanced trails can be tough, technical and remote but incredibly beautiful.

The environment can also change quickly, especially in the backcountry and at higher altitudes. Dress for the conditions and always have a warm layer with you, even in summer. Wi-Fi may not be available in some locations so if you’re heading into the remote or alpine areas you should carry a personal location beacon (PLB) with you.

Here are some of our favorite hikes in New Zealand:

• 12 BEST Day Walks in Queenstown
• 10 EPIC Day Hikes in Queenstown
• 15 Must-Do Walks in Te Anau From Easy to Advanced
• Guide To Hiking Roys Peak: Everything To Know About New Zealand’s Most Photographed View
• 15 Best Hikes In Milford Sound
• Sawpit Gully Trail – A Spectacular Hiking Trail in Arrowtown, New Zealand

17. Enjoy the Beaches

New Zealand is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. Here are some of our top tips:

• Choose the Right Beach: New Zealand beaches can vary drastically from the wild black sand beaches on the west coast to the calm and pristine white sand beaches on the east coast. Do some research to find a beach that fits your interests – whether that’s surfing, swimming, relaxing or exploring.
• Sun Protection: Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30. Reapply regularly and don’t forget your sunglasses and hat.
• Follow Safety Guidelines: Always pay attention to beach safety signs and flags. Watch out for rip currents and only swim in designated areas when lifeguards are present.
• Pack a Picnic: Many beaches have picnic areas, some even with BBQ facilities, where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Remember to pack plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Explore Beyond the Sand: Many beaches are near hiking trails, waterfalls, parks or towns with shops and restaurants. See what else there is to see and do in the area.
• Leave No Trace: Remember to take trash and belongings with you at the end of the day to help keep New Zealand beautiful.

18. Be Flexible

New Zealand is beautiful, wild and unpredictable and the weather can affect some activities. For example, wind or rain may cancel a skydive or a helicopter landing on a glacier. Fog may obstruct views at the top of the mountain you just spent 4 hours climbing.

I get that it’s a balancing act between planning for the time you have here and being flexible. Especially if you are traveling in the summer months when booking tours in advance is recommended. 

Most tours offer the chance to re-schedule if it gets cancelled due to inclement weather. Our advice is to book your activities or tours that are weather-dependent for the beginning of your stay. This way you have the option to re-book for another day if you need to.

It’s also good to have a list of other things you want to see or do in each location so that you can adjust to the weather and conditions if you need to. Then you won’t have to spend time trying to research other things to do on the fly if plan A gets disrupted.

19. Dress for The Weather

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all kinds of weather, even in the summer.

The best way to pack for New Zealand is to bring layers. The time of year you’ll be visiting and the activities you’ll be doing will determine just how many layers you need. For example, hiking in the South Island in fall I wear a short sleeve or long sleeve t-shirt during the day and usually progress to a fleece and then a puffer jacket the higher we climb, and for the cooler evenings.

But even in summer, a light layer is useful for the cooler evenings and protection from the sun. And a warm layer if you’ll be heading to the mountains.

A waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are essential all year round. And sturdy hiking boots if you’ll be hitting the trails.

20. Be Prepared for Earthquakes

Earthquakes can occur in certain parts of New Zealand. They aren’t very often and are usually small. In fact, I’ve lived here for many years and I still haven’t felt one in person. But that doesn’t mean one won’t happen while you’re here. It’s important to be familiar with safety procedures, just in case.

• Familiarize yourself with the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” protocol. If you feel shaking, drop down on your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck and get as much of your body under a sturdy piece of furniture. Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.
• Know the safe spots in your area. If inside, find an anterior wall or under large sturdy furniture and avoid doorways. If outside, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold.
• Know the emergency procedures at the place you’re staying. Identify safe places to take cover and establish a way to contact friends and family to let them know you’re safe. 
• Consider having an emergency kit with you that includes items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a portable charger for your phone and any essential medication. 

Tips for Traveling in New Zealand

Here are some quick New Zealand travel tips to ensure you get here smoothly as well as some handy tips for traveling in New Zealand once you arrive.

21. Declare, Declare!

New Zealand customs are strict and you are required to declare certain items in order to protect the country’s environment. 

Food as well as plant and animal products can introduce pests and diseases that could cause irreparable damage to New Zealand’s agriculture and environment. While some packaged food is okay to bring in, declare it anyway to be on the safe side. 

New Zealand’s ecosystem has evolved in isolation for millions of years, with unique plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The country’s isolation and geological history have created a unique and delicate balance between species. The introduction of a non-native pest or disease can have devastating consequences. 

Not only can failure to declare result in fines or even criminal charges, but you may inadvertently bring in something extremely harmful to the environment.

22. Know Your Visa Requirements

Visitors to New Zealand are required to have a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), depending on their country of origin. 

Citizens from visa-waiver countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, can apply for an ETA before their trip online or via the free app .

Visitors from countries that are not on the visa waiver list must apply for a visitor visa before arriving in New Zealand. This process can take several weeks, so be sure to plan accordingly.

The type of visa you have will determine how long you can stay, but generally ranges from 3 to 9 months. It’s important to check the visa requirements for your specific country before traveling to New Zealand, as they can vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit.

23. Have a Return Ticket

One of the rules for entry into New Zealand is that you must have a return ticket, unless you have a work visa. I know, it’s a great place and I don’t blame you for wanting to stay forever but you won’t even get into the country without that return ticket. 

Luckily, you can stay for a long time as a tourist and there may be an option to extend your visit depending on the type of visa you entered on.

24. Currency

The local currency is the New Zealand dollar which comes in colorful notes ranging from $5 to $100. 

Coins come in 10, 20 and 50-cent pieces and $1 and $2 coins. This keeps prices nice and round as does Swedish rounding. A purchase ending in 6, 7, 8, or 9 is rounded up to the nearest 10c and a price ending in 1, 2, 3, or 4 is rounded down to the nearest 10c since we don’t have any 1, 2 or 5 cent coins.

Most places in New Zealand accept credit cards, Visa and Mastercard being the most popular, but be aware some retailers may apply a surcharge for using a credit card. Also, the term EFTPOS means ‘paying with card’ in New Zealand. 

The currency exchange bureaus you’ll find in New Zealand cities generally have better exchange rates compared to airports.

25. Sales Tax

In New Zealand, sales tax is called GST and it’s already built into the prices of things. This means the price you see on the sticker is the price you’ll pay at the counter for the most part.

Exceptions include if Swedish rounding or a credit card surcharge is applied.

26. Tipping is Not Expected

Tipping in New Zealand is not as common as it is in some other countries, such as the United States. In general, service charges are not added to bills, and tipping is not expected. The hospitality industry pays staff a fair wage, so tipping is not necessary to supplement their income.

However, if you receive exceptional service at a restaurant or from your tour guide, leaving a small tip is always appreciated. Generally, a 5-10% tip is considered a generous gesture. However, it’s entirely up to the individual’s discretion.

27. Emergency Number

111 is the emergency number for police, fire and ambulance in New Zealand and the number to call if anyone’s safety is at risk.

105 is the number for police non-emergencies. This includes reporting things that don’t need immediate or urgent attention such as a lost wallet or phone, and damaged or stolen property.

You should contact your embassy for issues with your passport. 

New Zealand is a safe country with low crime rates, but it’s good to know these numbers and not need them, rather than need them and not have them.

28. Carry Reusable Bags

New Zealand grocery stores no longer provide free bags so I recommend carrying a couple of reusable bags with you. You can buy them from any grocery store. And if you are caught without a bag, don’t worry, you can still buy paper bags at checkout.

29. Acceptable ID

The legal drinking age is 18 years old in New Zealand and you may be asked to show your ID to prove your age when buying alcohol. 

The only forms of ID that are accepted are your passport, a valid New Zealand driver license and the Kiwi Access Card (previously known as the 18+ Card). So, if you are heading out to buy alcohol from a store or ordering from a restaurant, you may want to have your passport with you.

If you are staying in New Zealand for a while, it may be worth getting a Kiwi Access Card instead so you can keep your passport safe.

30. Wi-Fi Can Be Mixed

Wi-Fi in New Zealand may not be as good as what you’re used to back home. Free Wi-Fi in city cafes is usually decent but cheaper accommodations can be slow and may only be for a small amount of data. 

The nicer hotels generally have good Wi-Fi but don’t be surprised if it varies from place to place. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little extra for good Wi-Fi. 

Some remote areas don’t have access to a network.  So, if you’re heading into these areas, such as Milford Sound, be sure to download any maps before you go.

31. Consider Getting a SIM Card

If staying connected is important, you may want to consider getting a New Zealand sim card for your phone. If you plan on sharing your epic adventures on social media and relying on Google Maps to navigate, consider choosing a plan with a lot of network data. You can purchase New Zealand SIM cards at the airport.

32. Plan More Time Than What Google Says

New Zealand highways are often single-lane winding roads outside the main cities and it’s unlikely you’ll be traveling at the maximum speed limit for the entire journey. And even if you could, it may not be the speed you are comfortable doing. 

It’s fair to say, it usually takes a little longer to cover the same distance compared to other countries. Plus, I always recommend leaving extra time to pull over and enjoy the scenic stops along the way. 

Sometimes Google will take you on the shortest route rather than the easiest and you may end up on some gravel farm or logging road. If you’re traveling to remote areas, just double-check the directions are sticking to the main highways.

33. New Zealand is Expensive

Be prepared for sticker shock. The prices for things such as food and drink are likely to be higher than what you may be used to at home. If you’re traveling from the United States, UK or Europe you’ll at least have the exchange rate from a stronger currency on your side.

Here are some ways to save during your stay:

• Cook some of your own meals . Pak n Save, Countdown and New World are supermarkets you’ll find in the main cities and towns around New Zealand. Pak n Save being the cheapest. 
• Check gas prices . Gas prices vary, gas stations at supermarkets or outside of the main cities tend to be cheaper. Just be sure to fill up before heading into remote areas such as Milford Sound. There can be long stretches of driving between gas stations. 
• Take advantage of free activities : New Zealand has many free activities, such as hiking, walking tours, and visiting museums. National Parks and beaches all have free access. Take advantage of these to save money and experience local culture.

34. You Can Drink The Tap Water

New Zealand water is safe to drink and you can fill your water bottle up from the tap. I think it tastes pretty good too. 

Many parks and walkways have water refill stations. So bring along your reusable water bottle. In fact, some of the rivers in Milford Sound are so pure you can fill your water bottle up straight from the source. Local tour guides will show where it’s safe to do this.

Plus, not having to buy bottled water is another great way to save money. 

35. Power Points and Voltage

New Zealand uses Type I plugs for wall sockets which are the same as Australia and the Pacific Islands, and the voltage is 230/240 volts (50Hz). Some of the things you need to plug into the wall for power, such as laptops with a dual voltage power supply, you can use with a decent plug adaptor (a worthwhile investment).

If you’re bringing appliances (such as standard hair dryers) from countries where the voltage is lower, such as the USA and Canada, check that your appliance clearly states it is safe for use up to 240 volts. If not, you will need to use a voltage converter/transformer.

Wrapping Up: Travel Tips New Zealand

There you have it, our top New Zealand travel tips! Visiting New Zealand for the first time is an exciting experience. With so much to see and do, it’s a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. These top tips for traveling in New Zealand will help you prepare and enjoy your time in this beautiful country. Happy planning and safe travels!

Travel Planning Guide

🚗 Where should I book my rental car?

Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.

🚐 What about a campervan?

Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic , which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.

🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?

For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.

🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?

For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com .

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Ultimate NEW ZEALAND Travel Guide

New Zealand is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of Oceania .  Oh New Zealand, how we love you, let us count the ways.

We are absolutely, unconditionally in love with this country. It has more natural beauty to deliver than most other places in the world combined.

Made up of two islands, referred to as North and South, New Zealand packs a huge punch in diversity. It is a place where you could be on the beach then up in the mountains in the span of an hour.

Each island offers you something new and this country deserves as much time as you can give it.  We spent 5 weeks traveling all over  the North and South islands and it was one of our most memorable trips to date.

This country easily tops our list of favorite places in the world.

Destinations

New zealand travel: quick tips, don’t visit new zealand without:.

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NEW ZEALAND BUCKET LIST

Hike the tongariro crossing.

Arguably the best day hike in the world,  the Tongariro Crossing  takes you directly through Middle Earth. You’ll explore volcanic landscapes, bright-colored lakes, towering craters, and more. 

GO TO HOBBITON

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, then a visit to Hobbiton is a must in New Zealand. Tour the film set and learn about the production of both the LOTR and Hobbit series. 

VISIT MILFORD SOUND

Located on the South Island, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions. It is best explored by boat or kayak. It is also possible to hike the popular Milford Track here too.

MORE ADVENTURES IN NEW ZEALAND

There is no shortage of great  things to do in New Zealand  during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each part of the country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our multiple city and regional guides once you decide where your itinerary will take you.

SKYDIVING OVER LAKE TAUPO:   Adventure sports were basically invented in New Zealand, so you should be sure to  jump out of an airplane  while you’re there! We decided to jump over Lake Taupo and the scenery was stunning. It is also possible to jump in Queenstown and Auckland.

ICE CLIMBING ON FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER:  Take a helicopter flight and land on the Franz Josef glacier for an afternoon of  ice climbing . It is both physically challenging and exciting, a great way to get up close with this stunning natural wonder.

CAVING IN WAITOMO:  Famous for its glowworm caves, heading  underground in Waitomo  is a must when in New Zealand. There are multiple programs available depending on the fitness levels that will have you exploring caves, underground rivers and waterfalls.

WHALE WATCHING IN KAIKOURA:  The best place to watch whales in New Zealand is from the sleepy seaside town of Kaikoura. There are resident gray whales, orcas and dolphins that are almost a guarantee to spot during a tour. It is also possible to see sea lions and sharks on a tour, along with several species of aquatic birds.

VISIT THE CATLINS:  One of the least visited places, and best-kept secrets, in New Zealand, is  the Catlins . Located on the far southwest tip of the South Island, this natural area is a wonderland of dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. This includes penguins!

KAYAKING IN ABEL TASMAN:  The most stunning place in the country to kayak is in Abel Tasman. The water here is crystal clear and bright turquoise. This is paired with white sand beached and lush forests. It is possible to do both day trips and multi-day adventures here.

WHITE WATER RAFTING IN ROTORUA:  Jump in a  raft on the Kaituna River  and try your hand at navigating the world’s largest commercially rafted waterfall! Not only is the scenery on this river gorgeous, but the rafting here is some of the best we have ever done in our travels.

LEARN ABOUT THE MAORI PEOPLE:  Take some time to learn about the indigenous people that have lived in New Zealand for hundreds of years. The  Tamaki Maori Village  in Rotorua provides an interactive look at day to day life of the Maori people.

SOAK AT HOT WATER BEACH:  On the North Island, head for the Coromandel Peninsula. During low tide, you can head to the main beach with a shovel, dig a hole in the tide line and enjoy a soak in the boiling hot waters of the volcanic beach.

TRY BUNGEE JUMPING:  Invented in New Zealand, it is possible to jump from many different situations across the country. That is if you dare. Some of the most famous include the original Kawarau bridge jump outside of Queenstown, the Auckland Bridge and the 134m Nevis.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

New Zealand has a diverse multicultural makeup, and the country’s cuisine is characterized by a mix of Maori, European and Asian dishes, many of which are now beginning to fuse and merge, to produce a unique culinary scene. 

HANGI:  A Hangi is a traditional Maori cooking technique, where food is cooked using ovens dug into the ground. Food consists of vegetables and meat, and it’s slowly roasted in the pits for hours, before being served at feasts. 

FISH N CHIPS:  A classic New Zealand dish popularised by British settlers and immigrants is Fish and Chips. With an abundance of coastline, fishing is a big industry, and battered fish served with fried chips has endured as a popular dish. 

PAVLOVA:  Popular in both Australia and New Zealand, Pavlova is a dessert that was dedicated to a Russian dancer, and which is beloved in both countries. This meringue-based cake is topped with whipped cream and generous servings of fruit.

NEW ZEALAND FESTIVALS

NEW YEAR:   New Year is a great time to travel to New Zealand because the entire country celebrates in style. This is one of the first places in the world to ring in the New Year, and the best places to be are the cities. Head to Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch for the biggest events and biggest parties. 

ANZAC DAY:  ANZAC Day is held on 25th April each year, and it’s a commemoration of soldiers from both Australia and New Zealand who have been killed in wars and conflicts across the world. While it’s a somber affair, it’s also an important sign of national identity, as New Zealand’s involvement in wars helped the country to assert its independence from Great Britain. 

WAITANGI DAY:  An equally important national holiday is Waitangi Day, which is held on 6th February each year. This commemorates the day that the Waitangi Treaty was signed between the Maori and British, and it marks the birth of what would become modern New Zealand. Celebrations and commemorations are primarily held in Waitangi, while other communities also host events too, with many using the day as an opportunity to educate people on Maori history.

PLAN YOUR TRIP LIKE A SEASONED PRO!

Popular regions in new zealand, south island west coast.

The West Coast region of the South Island is one of the most dramatic and beautiful places in New Zealand. Along the coast, you can find impressive natural sights such as Milford Sound, Mount Aspiring National Park, Abel Tasman, and the Franz Josef Glacier. To name a few. The main hub is Queenstown, the country’s extreme sports capital, a small city surrounded by mountains on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. In winter you can ski and snowboard, while all year round you can bungee jump and skydive. 

Found at the top of the North Island, Auckland is the most iconic city to visit when you travel to New Zealand. This is the country’s largest city, but as well as being full of museums, culture and great restaurants and bars, it’s in the perfect location to explore nature. With warmer weather than the rest of the country, you can visit the nearby beaches, travel across to the islands, and enjoy hiking spots and even volcanoes.

Located in the Southwest corner of the South Island, the towns of Dunedin and Invercargill anchor this area for exploration. It is a hotbed for wildlife lovers. If you love penguins, you will have the chance to spot yellow-eyed, Fjordland, and blue penguins in this part of New Zealand. Be sure to head to the Catlins. You can also enjoy a rugby game and the world’s steepest street in Dunedin. The Mysterious Moeraki Boulders are also found in this part of the country. 

New Zealand’s capital is found at the far southern end of the North Island, and it’s the city to visit if you are interested in the country’s history, heritage, and culture. In Wellington, you’ll find great museums but you’ll also find excellent scenery, as the city overlooks the spectacular Cook Strait.  It is a great base to see off the beaten path places like River Valley to the North. In Wellington, you can also access the South Island by ferry.

BAY OF PLENTY

Located along the northern coast of the North Island, the Bay of Plenty is one of the most beautiful places to visit when you travel to New Zealand. The long coastline here is incredible, and you can base yourself in the city of Tauranga if you are looking to make the most of the beaches and the Pacific Ocean. On the Western end, the Coromandel Peninsula offers you Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. To the south, you can enjoy the outdoor and cultural delights of Rotorua, where you will find geothermal spas, geysers, and volcanoes, as well as Maori villages.

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to New Zealand is highly dependent on your travel style. While it is possible to  travel on a small budget , it is good to know that New Zealand is not a cheap destination. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxury as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within New Zealand. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Varies by type and rating. Generally, you can expect  camping  to be free to NZD 20 per night,  hostels  to average NZD 40 per night,  mid-range hotels  to average NZD 75 per night and  luxury hotels  to be NZD 150 and up per night.

ATTRACTIONS : Costs vary. New Zealand is the place to do lots of activities, and these will add up to be the biggest expense. Skydiving costs NZD 500 and bungy jumping costs NZD 150, for example.

TRANSPORTATION:  The most popular method of travel around New Zealand is by car or bus. Rental cars can be picked up for around NZD 20 per day, while campervans will cost closer to NZD 60 per day. You can expect a litre of Petrol to cost around NZD 2. Overnight Intercity Bus Fare will be approximately NZD 60 (Auckland to Wellington, for example).

FOOD:  Food will vary widely depending on your tastes and what restaurants you choose to visit on your trip. Generally, though, you can expect to find  fast food  for around NZD 10 per meal,  mid-range restaurant  meals for NZD 25 per person and pay around NZD 10 for a  pint of beer .

60 NZD PER DAY

Staying in hostels, or hiring a campervan, eating fast food or cooking own food, and a few activities. 

150 NZD PER DAY

Private rooms. Restaurant meals. Several activities and day trips.

300 USD + PER DAY

Upscale hotels. Restaurant meals and bars. No limit on the number of activities undertaken.

WHERE TO STAY IN NEW ZEALAND

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in New Zealand. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more specific advice, check out The Best Queenstown Accommodation Guide Out There

HOW TO GET AROUND IN NEW ZEALAND

Despite New Zealand being diverse in topography, it is quite easy to get around. There is an extensive bus network that operates between just about every city and village on both of the islands. Multiple tours run, both in group and private scenarios offering good connectivity to most places.

That said, it is still possible to rent a car or campervan and get off the beaten path to enjoy the vast nature that this country has to offer. Don’t be afraid to go out and explore.

FLIGHTS:  The quickest way to travel around New Zealand is by flying, however, given the small number of airlines operating in the country, there’s little competition and prices can be high. Air New Zealand is the best carrier, with the most extensive network.

BUS:  Major cities are connected by long-distance bus routes, and this can be a cost-effective way to travel to New Zealand. Schedules though can be irregular, particularly the more rural you get, and if you have limited time then traveling by bus is not necessarily practical.

CAR/CAMPERVAN RENTAL:  By far the best way to travel around New Zealand is by hiring a car or a campervan. The country is perfect for road tripping, and the winding roads and mountain passes are absolutely stunning. Many of New Zealand’s best sights can be difficult to reach by public transport, and having your own vehicle will make exploring so much easier. If you want to save on accommodation costs, or just enjoy even more flexibility, then you can even rent a campervan to tour around New Zealand. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

TRAIN:  New Zealand only has a very limited public rail network, and train travel is not the best way to get around. The only real services are tourist services, on routes such as the TranzAlpine or Coastal Pacific. While seen as classic rail journeys, they are holidays in themselves and not the best mode of getting from A to B.

CYCLING:  Increasingly, long-distance cycling is becoming a popular way to see New Zealand. The country is well set up for cyclists, with cycle paths and lanes in cities and in the countryside.

FERRIES:  Of course, having two major islands, means that when traveling overland from north to south, you will need to take a ferry. There are several sailings each day, between Wellington and Picton.  

KIWI EXPERIENCE:  We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the brilliant and somewhat famous backpacker buses that prowl the country. These tours are a great way to make new friends and see the best that New Zealand has to offer on both islands.

TOP NEW ZEALAND TOURS

Highlights of new zealand.

15 Days from Auckland to Christchurch Includes Coromandel, Rotorua, and top places on the South Island.

NEW ZEALAND MULTI-SPORT

22 Days from Auckland to Christchurch North & South Island with a wide variety of activities included.

NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY

12 Days from Auckland to Queenstown National Geographic Journeys tour of both North & South Island.

WHEN TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand, with its relatively southern location in the Pacific Ocean, experiences a generally temperate climate, with harsher weather in the South Island and hotter weather – verging on sub-tropical – in the North Island.

The weather can vary with the seasons, but in reality, there’s not really a bad time to travel to New Zealand, as the country looks different and has different activities to offer in every season.

Seasons are reversed in comparison to the northern hemisphere  of course, and the most popular months to travel to New Zealand are  summer , between December and February, and in particular over the Christmas holidays.

Temperatures are hot, the skies are clear, the mountains are great for hiking and the lakes are perfect for swimming.

Spring and Fall  can be quieter times to visit, in comparison to summer, and while the weather can be more unpredictable – this is New Zealand, and it’s likely to rain at some point.

You can find prices are lower and the attractions aren’t as crowded. The shoulder seasons are perfect for hiking when the weather isn’t too hot.

Winter , between June and August, is perfect for winter sports, and in the mountains, you’ll find ski resorts are packed out, while the snow-capped scenery looks incredible.

For more in-depth information, be sure to check out Best Time to Visit New Zealand: Month by Month Breakdown

LOOKING FOR SOME INSPIRATION?

Safety in new zealand.

New Zealand could well be one of the safest countries in the world when it comes to crime. There are low crime rates, and while yes, in the cities you might be the victim of petty crime, there is little chance you will be involved in anything serious.

Rural New Zealand is even safer, and you’ll find villages and towns to be hospitable and welcoming to tourists, particularly when they rely heavily on visitors for income.

New Zealand does have its dangers though, as the country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is prone to violent earthquakes.

There is little you can do to predict where and when an earthquake will strike, and you would have to be incredibly unlucky to be caught up in one if you are just visiting on a short vacation.

Perhaps the biggest dangers are posed by New Zealand’s adventure sports and outdoor pursuits.

If you are looking to hike, ski or white water raft, then you should follow safety instructions and procedures and importantly, be aware of the weather.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

New zealand travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to New Zealand and start planning your dream trip.

15 Best Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand

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10 of the best things to do in New Zealand

Oct 4, 2023 • 8 min read

These are New Zealand's unmissable activities © Nicram Sabod / Shutterstock

Spectacular and diverse, New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa) is one of the world's most memorable destinations.

From its inspirational Indigenous Māori cultural experiences to its epic and otherworldly national parks , it can be hard to narrow down what to do. You can spend your days soaking in the urban energy of Auckland and Wellington, challenging yourself on outdoor adventures around Queenstown, cycling through Central Otago’s historic towns and big-sky landscapes or trying to spot the country’s iconic kiwi bird on Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Craft your own southern hemisphere adventure from this list of the best things to do in New Zealand.

1. Experience vibrant Māori culture

There are countless ways to engage with New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori culture while exploring the country. You can expect to hear greetings in te reo Māori (the Māori language) frequently, but for a deeper dive, the Auckland Museum and Waikato Museum both have displays of centuries-old Māori taonga (treasures). Around Rotorua , families from the local Te Arawa iwi (tribe) entertain and energize visitors with cultural performances and experiences, including the opportunity to take part in a haka (a ceremonial war dance made famous by the country’s All Blacks rugby team) or experience a hāngī (a Māori feast cooked in the ground). 

Detour: From Rotorua, travel 61km (38 miles) southeast to the isolated logging town of Murupara. Stays at the family-owned Kohutapu Lodge include excursions to catch tuna (endemic longfin eels), visits to historic Māori rock art sites and hiking through the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, a spiritually significant site said to be one of the world’s last prehistoric forests.

2. Be immersed in Auckland’s diversity

Framed by two harbors and built on the sprawling remnants of more than 50 long-inactive volcanoes, Auckland is New Zealand's most diverse and cosmopolitan city. Visit the weekly Otara and Avondale markets to taste Pacific and Asian cuisine from communities drawn to Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori name for Auckland). Or time your visit to experience popular cultural events including Pasifika , Diwali and the Lantern Festival. Good beaches, nearby wine regions, and a dynamic dining scene are other reasons why Auckland is consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities.

Planning tip: Join Auckland’s most passionate fans while taking in a match featuring the New Zealand Warriors (a rugby league team) or the Auckland Blues (a rugby union team).

3. Hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks

Hiking (known as “tramping”) is one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes, with well-established wilderness tracks, shelters (called “huts”) and campsites throughout the country. Highlights include the meandering forest trails of the Rakiura Track on compact Stewart Island/Rakiura and the beach-fringed Abel Tasman Coast Track in the Nelson/Tasman region. Anchoring the rugged geothermal heart of the North Island, Tongariro National Park's most popular trail is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , a single-day wilderness experience skirting two volcanoes and taking in views of craters, iridescent lakes and the sprawling Central Plateau.

Planning tip: All of New Zealand's  10 (soon to be 11) Great Walks are very popular, and New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) caps visitor numbers at a safe and sustainable level. To secure your spot, you’ll need to book in advance when the Great Walks booking system opens , usually from around May. The Great Walks season runs from late October to April, and the most popular experiences like the Milford and Routeburn Tracks often sell out in minutes. If you miss out; don’t worry. There are hundreds of other trails throughout the country to explore. 

4. Negotiate a two-wheeled adventure in Central Otago

New Zealand's first – and arguably best – multi-day cycling experience is the Otago Central Rail Trail . An undulating ride through sunbaked southern landscapes and the heritage streetscapes of former gold-mining towns, it takes four to six days to complete. Along the way, you can feast on locally grown summer stonefruit, visit contemporary vineyards known for world-class pinot noir, and toast the end of each day with a well-earned beer at historic pubs. E-bikes are a convenient option to maximize your enjoyment of this classic South Island experience, with operators throughout the region offering rentals and guided tours.

Detour: Linking the towns of Cromwell and Clyde, the 55km (34-mile)  Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail traverses the spectacular Cromwell Gorge via an 85m-long (279ft) suspension bridge and a spectacular cantilevered wooden biking track.

5. Seek out kiwis on Stewart Island/Rakiura

At the southern tip of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is New Zealand's third-largest island, home to a rugged community of around 400 hardy souls, where 85% of the land is protected by Rakiura National Park . Birdlife around Stewart Island/Raikura and the adjacent islet of Ulva Island includes rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), raucous kākā (a type of parrot) and mellifluous bellbirds. However, the undoubted avian highlight is viewing tokoeka (Southern brown kiwi) in the wild. Join a twilight expedition with local operators including Beaks & Feathers and Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experiences to see Aotearoa's beloved national bird snuffling about on beaches and in the forest. Visit from March to September to also potentially glimpse the aurora australis (southern lights), the inspiration for Stewart Island's Māori name: Rakiura, which means “glowing skies.”

Planning tip: Ferries take one hour to cross the Foveaux Strait from Bluff on the mainland to Stewart Island/Rakiura. The crossing can sometimes be rough, so an alternative is a 20-minute flight from Invercargill.

6. Commune with marine mammals around Kaikōura 

Attracted by the nutrient-rich waters of the Kaikōura Canyon – a submarine valley just 800m (2624ft) off the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island – the coastal town of Kaikōura is visited by various whale species throughout the year. Join a boat trip with Whale Watch Kaikōura , owned and operated by the local Ngāti Kuri iwi (Māori tribe), to see visiting humpback, orca, southern right and pilot whales. Resident marine mammals include sperm whales, dolphins and kekeno (New Zealand fur seals). The pelagic birdwatching here is also some of the best on the planet.

Planning tip: Kaikōura translates from te reo Māori as "eat crayfish". The spiny crustacean is a popular item on pub menus and roadside food caravans around the region. Try one at Nin’s Bin or Kaikōura Seafood BBQ .

7. Have a capital time in Wellington

Compact and walkable, New Zealand’s harbor capital of Wellington is the ideal urban destination to balance and complement adventures in Aotearoa’s great outdoors. Explore the city’s pioneering craft beer heritage at local breweries including Garage Project, Heyday and Parrotdog, before learning about the movie-making magic of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings franchises at Wētā Workshop . The nation’s capital also boasts a vibrant arts and live music scene, with free events hosted throughout the year.

Planning tip: Visit (and book accommodation well ahead) for the Beervana craft beer festival in August. Also popular is Wellington on a Plate (WOAP), an annual celebration of the city’s dynamic culinary scene.

8. Explore architectural history in Hawke’s Bay

Rocked by an earthquake in 1931, the Hawke’s Bay cities of Napier and Hastings were rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the day, and now the region boasts some of the world’s best-preserved art deco and Spanish Mission architectural precincts. From Napier’s Norfolk pine-trimmed Marine Parade, join a walking tour of the city’s cavalcade of art deco buildings, some also decorated with the cross-cultural influence of traditional Māori design motifs.

Detour: New Zealand winemaking began in Hawke’s Bay in the 1850s, and the region’s well-established vineyards and excellent winery restaurants are best explored on two wheels. See On Yer Bike online for details of bike hire and recommended wine trails.

9. Get active around Queenstown

Nowhere else in New Zealand reinforces the country’s reputation for adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities like Queenstown . Amid beautiful lake and sub-alpine scenery, definitely sign up for a bungy jump . (It’s almost mandatory – the breathtaking leap of faith was invented in New Zealand, after all.) You can also consider other thrill rides like  Oxbow Adventures ’ exciting combo of jet sprint boats (which can reach up to 100km/h, or 62mph, in just 2.5 seconds) and extreme 4WD offroading. After all the action, adjourn to Altitude Brewing ’s ​lakeside location for great beers and tasty visits from local food trucks.

Detour: Reached via a scenic road over the Crown Range, Wānaka is Queenstown’s less manic Southern Lakes sibling. Catch a boat on Lake Wānaka to explore the island bird sanctuary of Mou Waho .

10. Kayak in pristine Fiordland

Cruising through Milford Sound /Piopiotahi on a day trip is popular, but a better strategy for experiencing the scale, spectacle and stillness of Fiordland ’s most famous sheltered anchorage is to explore it by kayak. Hook up with Roscoe’s Milford Kayaks for the ultimate on-the-water views of the fiord’s cascading quicksilver waterfalls and massive forest-covered cliffs. Sunriser classic tours loop for 10km (6 miles) around Milford Sound and depart well before the inevitable arrival of daytrippers visiting from Te Anau or Queenstown.

Detour: Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound/Patea (meaning "place of silence" in te reo Māori ) is even quieter and less visited than Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Join a guided kayak tour with Te Anau-based Doubtful Sound Kayak or stay overnight on the MV Fiordland Jewel with Fiordland Discovery .

This article was first published Apr 22, 2021 and updated Oct 4, 2023.

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New Zealand Travel Guide

Your ultimate new zealand travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in new zealand. great for first-time and returning travelers..

New Zealand really does conjure up images of Middle Earth.

It is a land filled with breathtaking scenery , striking mountains, pristine beaches, lush forests and rolling hills.

The landscape is so diverse in such a small space.

One minute you can be walking on a glacier and the next you can be hiking beside a waterfall. It is simply an unforgettable journey. 

This New Zealand  travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about New Zealand

• New Zealand power voltage is 220 V 50Hz;  Plug I
• The currency is the New Zealand Dollar and is around 1.20 NZD to 1.35 USD
• Internet can be slow and expensive, travelers can check out McDonalds and libraries for  free Wi-Fi .
• Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, so you don’t need to leave anything extra unless the service was truly exemplary.
• You can get a local sim card from Vodaphone once you arrive in New Zealand. We recommend this for longer stays.

Things to See and Do in New Zealand

• Sky Dive Abel Tasman – enjoy the outstanding scenery as you jump from the 16,500 feet.
• Whitewater Raft Class 5 Rapids  – go on the ultimate white water rafting experience through freezing glacial waters and the ultimate class 5 rapids.
• Swim with Dolphins – have a special and personal moment with a dolphin in the Bay of Islands.
• Paraglide in Queenstown  – take a tandem jump and fly high in the sky overlooking the city, lake and mountains.
• Bungy Jump!  – try a bungy jump (yes it’s spelled bungy, not bungee) in New Zealand, the land where it was invented.
• Take a Sailing Adventure – through Abel Tasman
• Tamaki Maori Village  – Rotorua is renowned for its Maori culture experiences and the most well-known of them all is the Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua where travelers can experience a journey into the heart of the Maori culture.
• Visit the Boiling crater of Wai-O-Tapu – also known as the Campagne pool, this geothermal area is filled with thermal springs and geysers
• Trek the Fox Glacier – suit up with thick woolly socks and boots before embarking on a full day walk through this epic glacier.
• Discover the Glow-worm Caves  –  be dazzled by the sparkling display of bioluminescent lights in this cave.
• Check out the Sights of Middle Earth – take a tour with Luxmore Jet for a pinch of adrenaline with a heap of nature through Middle Earth.

New Zealand Travel Guides

• The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: New Zealand’s Best 1 Day Hike
• Best Things to do in Wanaka
• 21 Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand

Accommodation

Budget:  New Zealand has a variety of hostels for about 15.5-30 New Zealand dollars per night. These hostels come with dorms, free Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, lounge areas, and great central locations. 

Mid-Range:  Mid-range hotels will cost around 86-150 New Zealand dollars per night. Amenities include private rooms with coffee makers and flat-screen TVs, a hotel restaurant and bar, a gym, and an indoor pool. 

High-End:  For five-star hotels, expect to pay around 156-400 New Zealand dollars per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line hospitality, private rooms and suites with balconies and living rooms, fine dining options with live music, a spa and hot tub, a fitness center, in-room breakfast, and room service.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

The cuisine in New Zealand favors seafood, roast lamb, fish and chips, wine, and cheese. Dinner is usually the main meal of the day. When out and about, look for hokey pokey ice cream (caramelized honeycomb) or pavlova (meringue, fruit, and whipped cream).

New Zealand has many street vendors, as well as restaurants, where you can try more of their cuisine. In total, expect to pay around 75 New Zealand dollars per day for food when dining at restaurants.

The Best Ways to Get Around New Zealand

Getting to new zealand:.

Flights:  The main hubs to New Zealand are Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown. Auckland Airport is the largest international airport in New Zealand and is located about 9.5 miles from downtown.

Other major airports include Christchurch International Airport (7.5 miles from the city) and Wellington International Airport (3.5 miles from the city). Air New Zealand flies from around the world with direct flights from cities such as Vancouver, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

You can check for the best flights to New Zealand on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are a good way to get around and one of the main ways that locals travel. Tickets start at 1.57 New Zealand Dollars. If you know you’ll use the bus a lot, consider getting a bus pass, with prices based on the number of trips you take. You can also look for bus tours that travel throughout the whole of New Zealand and include meals and places to sleep.

Taxis:  Taxis are available in most cities in New Zealand and start at 3.50 New Zealand dollars in places like Auckland.

Campervans are an excellent way to get around New Zealand with several companies offering rentals and well-established campgrounds with full facilities. Read all about our experience here.

To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have a driver’s license. Drivers under 25 will be subject to additional fees per day. For drivers 25 and over, prices start at 70 New Zealand dollars per day. Check for prices and availability here.

Uber:  Uber is available throughout New Zealand.

When to go To New Zealand

New Zealand has a varied landscape with two distinct islands. The North Island is warmer than the South with a sub-tropical climate.

Snorkeling and swimming is more pleasant up here. But the South Island was made for adventure.

Dec-Feb  is summer in New Zealand – this is high season with the most visitors. You’ll see a lot of  campervans  on the road and campgrounds fill up quickly. March  – April –  a great time to visit at just the start of autumn. There are still warm days and crowds start to thin out. But pack layers and a jacket. You’ll start to see the fall colours too! We travelled through New Zealand all of March and days were warm. Evenings were cool, but we still managed to  snorkel,  go sailing, skydive, bungy jump…we did everything you would do in New Zealand during the summer months. June – August  is winter in New Zealand. If you are into skiing, you may want to check out New Zealand in the winter. The South Island can dip below -10 C – the North Island sees more rain in winter -Snowfalls happen in the Central Plateau on the North Island and the Southern Alps in the South. Sept- Nov  – Good shoulder season for travel as things start to warm up and crowds haven’t arrived full swing.

Where to Stay in New Zealand

Sofitel Auckland – centrally located in Auckland at Viaduct Harbour, you can’t go wrong with a Sofitel. It is close enough to amenities, but quiet enough for a retreat.

ibis Wellington:  Just a few minutes from the museum, city gallery, and library, there is plenty to do around this hotel in Wellington. Once you’re done exploring, come back to the hotel for flat-screen TVs and tea inside your room, a lobby bar, a fitness center, and a breakfast buffet. 

BreakFree on Cashel :  Just a short walk to Canterbury Museum, North Hagley Park, and Cathedral Square, stay in the heart of the central business center in Christchurch. The hotel comes with rooms with city views, family rooms with bunk beds, a restaurant and bar, room service, and an airport shuttle.

What to Pack for New Zealand

New Zealand has a  diverse landscape  with volcanoes, glaciers, breathtaking mountains, endless stretches of beaches and luscious forests. New Zealand’s climate varies depending on the area travelers intend to visit. 

The weather in New Zealand can change in an instant , so travelers should always be prepared for anything!

• Layers  – The general rule of thumb is to pack at least four layers: a base layer,  long sleeve shirts, a fleece (mid-layer) and a top layer such as a windbreaker (waterproof!). Don’t forget a warm pair of gloves, thick scarf and a hat!
• Read our  tips for layering  and check out our  ultimate list of travel gear. 
• Thermal underwear  – this is especially important if traveling to the South during the winter or hiking in the mountains.
• Sunscreen  – The depleted ozone layer over the country means that the sun is incredibly strong. Along with sunscreen, pack a pair of sunglasses and a hat.
• Rain Gear  – it tends to rain a lot in New Zealand even in the summer. However, avoid bringing along umbrellas as the rain is coupled with strong gusts of wind. Instead, invest in a good waterproof jacket that will keep you protected.
• Backpacks  – a sturdy backpack or large bag is more appropriate for adventuring as they are easier to carry and you don’t have to roll them through the sand of New Zealand’s amazing beaches.

New Zealand Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

New Zealand Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about New Zealand   click here .

29 Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2024

23 Amazing Things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand

Where to Go Bungy Jumping in New Zealand

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TRAVEL to NEW ZEALAND – Tips and Information Guide

New Zealand

Everything you need to know about travel to New Zealand in our comprehensive 2024 New Zealand travel guide.

New Zealand is truly the land of the Long White Cloud with a vast contrast between the epic coastlines of the Otago Peninsula to the summit of Aoraki Mount Cook.

Most people divide their travel in New Zealand between the North Island and South Island. South Island tends to be more popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

But regardless of which island you see, or whether you tour both, you won’t be let down.

Fancy a thermal river? Then head to the North Island’s Rotorua or if you prefer snowy mountains, Queenstown is the place to go!

If none of this fancies you then why not head to the Bay of Islands only a short drive from Auckland to take in some sunshine and fresh oysters? Follow this up with a trip you’ll not soon forget to the top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga.

New Zealand is probably the most surprising country you can visit as it is jam-packed full of adventure, landscapes and friendly locals. Do yourself a favour and get there ASAP!

Once you start planning to travel to New Zealand, you’re in for a great adventure!

Here’s our New Zealand travel guide to get you caught up on the basics of this amazing country.

TRAVELLING IN NEW ZEALAND: AT A GLANCE

Here are the basics about travel to New Zealand.

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN NEW ZEALAND

With so much to see and do in New Zealand, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate New Zealand you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Cruising the Milford Sound

Cruising on a boat in the stunning Milford Sound is an absolute MUST! Kayak, cruise and cuisine your way through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand!

Book a Milford Sound cruise and lunch today !

Walking Hooker Valley

The Hooker Valley walk at Aoraki National Park is basically like walking in a piece of paradise. To your left will be snowcapped peaks and to your left will be snowcapped peaks. At the end of the trail lays Hooker Valley Lake full of icebergs and epic views of Mount Cook.

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo is remarkable due to limited light pollution. Opt for a summer’s night out to enjoy the Southern Hemispheres spectacular stars!

Book a trip to Lake Tekapo here !

Snowboarding or Skiing the Remarkables

Snowboarding or skiing The Remarkables high above Queenstown is every snow enthusiasts dream! So get prepared to shred and smash some freshly fallen powder!

Wildlife Watching on the Otago Peninsula

Wildlife watching on the Otago Peninsula can be done at any time of the year where penguins, seals and albatrosses can be seen in their natural environment.

Other Things to do in New Zealand

There are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand. Most of them will keep you outside exploring the beautiful landscapes found throughout the country!

Splurge on a heli-skiing trip in Wanaka . See the mountainside like few people do as you shred your way through freshly fallen snow!

Go for a hike on any of the spectacular trails found throughout the country. Some favourites can be found in our guide to hiking New Zealand.

Visit Hobbiton and tour the set of Lord of the Rings . If you’re not a fan of the movies you will be once you check out where they were filmed !

Paddle a canoe on a multiday trip down the Whanganui River. Spend 3-5 days on a unique journey you are not bound to forget.

Kayak Doubtful Sound . You won’t get a more authentic and raw natural experience in New Zealand than getting out on the Doubtful Sound for a good paddle.

Take a zip-line canopy tour through Rotorua . Visit the thick forest from above and learn about its importance while getting the adrenaline moving !

Kayak Abel Tasman . Ok, so paddling Abel Tasman is pretty magical too. Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Zealand!

Kitesurf in Taranaki . The wind is epic and harnessing it in a kitesurfing sail is going to lead to one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities in New Zealand!

Go whitewater rafting down the Kaituna River . Paddle through 14 rapids , including a handful of epic class 5 rapids and the world’s highest rafted waterfall.

Bungee jump in Auckland or Queensland . Go weightless (momentarily) where bungee jumping first began with the most spectacular backdrop!

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in New Zealand. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

Rich in Maori history and culture, Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand. Here you’ll find plenty of incredible things to do !

Known for its beautiful landscapes and wild outdoor activities (can you say bungee jumping?!) Queenstown will have your heart as soon as you arrive!

Aoraki National Park

Aoraki National Park is a place of dreams complete with New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook soaring to over 3,700 metres.

Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro Crossing is one of the most popular day treks in the North Island where you see scenes from the famous Mordor and Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is honestly the most beautiful place to sit back and just stare at mountains for hours on end. Options here include a hike to Rob Roy Glacier or further onto French’s Ridge hut for those adventurous souls.

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in New Zealand, reference our following city travel guides: 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND . 

BEST NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL ITINERARY

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do when travelling in New Zealand, we’ve put together a few itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in New Zealand that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

In this section, we’ll not only help you plan a 1-, 2-, or 3-week New Zealand itinerary but also give you an overview of many of the places you might want to consider visiting and things you may want to do. 

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to New Zealand these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week New Zealand North / South Island Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you only have 1 week to travel in New Zealand the best thing you can do is to pick either the North Island or the South Island to explore.

Here’s an overview of how we’d spend 1 week on either the North Island or South Island of New Zealand. 

2-Week New Zealand Travel Itinerary Highlights

With 2 weeks in New Zealand, you can split your trip to cover both the North Island and the South Island. For this itinerary we recommend you fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch.

This is an idea of how we’d spend 2 weeks in New Zealand.

• Day 1 and 2  – Auckland
• Day 3 – Mount Maunganui
• Day 4 – Rotorua and drive to the Tongariro National Park
• Day 5 – Tongariro National Park 
• Day 6 – Wellington
• Day 7 – Crossing the Cook Strait and driving to the Abel Tasman National Park. 
• Day 8 – Hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park 
• Day 9 – South Islands West Coast – Kaiteriteri to Hokitika
• Day 10 – South Island’s West Coast – Hokitika to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and on to Wanaka
• Day 11 and 12 – Lake Wanaka
• Day 13 – Mount Cook 
• Day 14 – Christchurch

3-Week New Zealand Travel Itinerary Highlights

Three weeks in New Zealand gives you a chance to see and do more. So if we had 3 weeks in New Zealand, this is how we’d spend it. 

• Day 1 – Auckland 
• Day 2 – Waitomo 
• Day 3 – Tongariro National Park
• Day 4 – The Forgotten World Highway
• Day 5 – Wellington 
• Day 6 – Crossing the Cook Strait to Picton and driving to Kaikoura
• Day 7 – Whale watching and dolphin swimming in Kaikoura
• Day 8 and 9 – Akaroa, the Banks Peninsula and driving to Mount Cook.
• Day 10 – Hiking around Mount Cook
• Day 11 and 12 – Wanaka
• Day 13 and 14 – Queenstown 
• Day 15 and 16 – Doubtful Sound 
• Day 17 and 18 – Caitlins National Park 
• Day 19 and 20 – Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula 
• Day 21 – Christchurch 

READ MORE: Check out this post for more details on our New Zealand travel itinerary . 

NEW ZEALAND TRIP PLANNING

Now we’re going to help you plan your ultimate trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud so you don’t make any mistakes! Here’s our best New Zealand travel tips based on almost a dozen trips!

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND

These are the best times to travel to New Zealand:

• October – February  for those perfect summer days.
• June – September for all things snow.

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

New Zealand is not the most affordable place to visit. However, you are sure to have a spectacular time well worth the expense.

You’ll find that taking a road trip is the best and most affordable way to see the country – especially if you plan to do some camping along the way.

Here’s an overview of what to expect when budgeting for travel to New Zealand:

Here are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($90 Single / $140 Couples)

If you’re here on a strict budget you are more likely to be getting around by car or basic camper van relying on DOC sites for your accommodation needs with the occasional splurge at a holiday park.  

Basic camper vans will be small 2 berth campers that are often old Mazda vans, or people carriers converted into a home on wheels.

These budget-friendly camper vans are not self-contained, therefore you will not be allowed to freedom camp. 

Make use of supermarkets and accommodation facilities to cook and limit eating out to an absolute minimum to keep the costs down.

Make sure to check the discounted aisles as quite often meat is marked down significantly if it is soon the pass its expiration date. 

Adrenaline sports and other activities in New Zealand do not come cheap. If you are on a budget you will need to limit there.

So work out what you can realistically afford and do your research before you go, as the same activity may be cheaper in other parts of the country. 

Mid-Range Traveller ($140 Single / $280 Couple)

If you’re on a mid-range budget then you are more likely to be travelling in a self-contained pop-top camper van and staying in a few more holiday parks than DOC sites. 

Although eating out is expensive you may be able to afford the odd restaurant visit. But you will still be utilising supermarkets and holiday park facilities for the majority of your meals. 

In terms of activities, you will be able to do more than if you were on a budget.

However, you will still need to watch the pennies, as the costs of these can rack up very quickly. 

Luxury Traveller ($200+ Single / $300+ Couple)

If money is no object then you will be travelling in a rental car and staying in Airbnb, hotels or guesthouses, or you will be in a large multi-berth camper van.

As well a being fitted with the latest mod cons, the larger camper van will also be self-contained. If you’re taking the camper van option then you will be spending the majority of your time in holiday parks. 

You will have the option to eat out more often, and whether you choose to is up to you.

In addition, you will also be able to splash out on some fancy purchases from the supermarket. 

For activities, go wild! You’ve got the money so splash out and do as much as you want. New Zealand is full of great adventures and opportunities to have an amazing time!

New Zealand Budgeting Tips:

We have some great tips on how to make the most of your budget when you travel to New Zealand.

Top 10 Cards 

Top 10 is the largest holiday park chain in New Zealand. They offer high-quality facilities at a reasonable price.

Purchasing a Top 10 card for $49 will save you 10% at all of their holiday parks. There are other additional discounts all over the country, including the ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton and on various activities including trips to Milford and Doubtful Sound.

Whenever you’re booking an activity, check if they have a top 10 discount. It saved us quite a lot when we were out there. 

Take advantage of supermarket deals 

Unless you have an almost unlimited budget you are going to be cooking a lot of your own food. New Zealand’s main supermarkets are Four Square, Pak n’Save, New World, Countdown and Fresh Choice. 

Each supermarket will have various deals and multi saver options and some will have fuel discounts as well. 

Early Bookings 

If you’re visiting in Spring or Summer then it pays to book early to both ensure your space in a holiday park (especially around the Tongariro National Park) or on various activities. 

Occasionally booking early will get you significant discounts. 

Scour Travel Magazines 

Any travel magazine, including ones you will pick up with your rental vehicle or at the airport, are loaded with discount coupons, for a variety of things potentially saving you quite a bit of money.

These generally can’t be combined with a top 10 discount card though. 

Free BBQ’s  

At various locations across New Zealand, you can expect to find free BBQs for public use. Make sure you have cleaning materials to ensure it’s clean for others to use afterward. 

Plan Where You Are Going To Fill Up 

Prices of petrol can vary in New Zealand. Therefore it pays to plan where to fill up.

For example, if you are taking a trip down to the tiny town of Manapouri to take a trip to Doubtful Sound, make sure you have a full tank before heading off as petrol is expensive there. 

As a general rule of thumb, the smaller and more isolated a place is, the higher the petrol price is likely to be. A small difference here or there can help you to save if you’re here for a significant period of time. 

Keep this in mind when travelling in New Zealand.

Check Your Fuel Consumption

When choosing which campervan you want to rent, check the fuel consumption. Often a lot of older and cheaper models consume a lot more fuel than some more expensive models.

Therefore it may be worth paying more to rent, as it could be cheaper when fuel costs are taken into account. 

Limit Your Eating Out

If you are on a budget then this is one of the easiest ways to save money. Whilst being delicious, eating out in New Zealand is expensive and as such is an easy way to limit your outgoings.

Consider Travelling in New Zealand in The Winter

The cost of activities and vehicle rental is much cheaper in the winter than in the spring and summer.

Naturally, the weather won’t be as good and there will be some activities that are not running and some hiking trails that may not be accessible.

However, it has the potential to save you quite a bit of money. 

Hire Returns 

If you are planning on visiting New Zealand for a long time then this could be worth considering. Many camper van rental companies need vehicles moving to various places around the country.

The cost of renting campervans for these journeys is insanely cheap, sometimes as little as a few dollars a day.

The downside is that you have a limited time to get from point A to point B and it can be hard to follow a route, as you may be going here there and everywhere. 

However, if time is on your side then this could be well worth it! 

Buying A Vehicle 

If you are going to be visiting New Zealand for an extended period of time then renting is not a sensible financial decision. 

Buying your own vehicles has a number of advantages

• Your trip is a long as you want it to be. 
• You could potentially sell the vehicle for the same or a similar price to what you paid for it, limiting your travel costs. 

However, you won’t be able to rely on a hire company if something goes wrong. 

You will need to add a few weeks on either side of your trip to buy and sell your vehicle.

GETTING TO AND AROUND NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is an island nation and thus the most reasonable, cost-efficient and common way to travel to New Zealand is by air.

Entry Requirements

It is relatively easy to travel to New Zealand. Australians can enter and stay visa-free.

UK citizens can enter for free with a 6-month stay.

Other nationalities may qualify for a visa waiver. 

For information about which countries are granted visa-free waivers click here

Getting Around New Zealand

Hiring a vehicle is the best way to get around New Zealand and experience the stunning scenery that New Zealand has to offer.

Whilst there are public transport options available, there are natural limitations on the areas you can visit.

Travelling by Air

This is not a common option for many travellers. However if your time here for a shorter period of time then they can be an excellent option to cover larger distances.

You can then pick up a hire car at each destination and utilise short term rentals. This may be beneficial, for example, in flying between the North and South Islands to/from Auckland and Christchurch.

It’s not uncommon to find discounts, especially when booking early. 

Travelling by Car

Generally much cheaper than renting a campervan, both in terms of rental fees and fuel consumption. If you’re here on a short visit then renting a car may be a better option than renting a campervan. 

This can be a particularly budget-friendly option if you plan on camping as opposed to staying in Airbnb’s and guesthouses.

This is the way most travellers get around. Many have wonderful memories of pulling up in their campervans on edge of a lake, a deserted beach, or just stopping on a quiet road to admire the view. 

It gives you more freedom and flexibility than a car. However it is more expensive and uses more fuel.

But if you are visiting for a longer period of time it can actually work out being quite similar, once you take the cost of accommodation into account. Holiday parks and DOC sites are much cheaper than guesthouses and Airbnb’s. 

Many travellers rent large campervans, despite have little experience of driving a vehicle of such size.

When combining this lack of experience with New Zealand’s narrow and winding roads it can be a rather stressful experience. So think carefully about what you really need.

READ MORE: Check out our epic New Zealand road trip itinerary !

Travelling by Bus

If you don’t drive then this is the best option. The two most well known bus companies are the Kiwi Experience , which is aimed primarily at those aged between 18 and 25, and the intercity network . 

Both companies offer flexible hop on hop off passes where you buy a certain number of hours in which you can then top up as you see fit. You can also change your plans if necessary.

Additionally you can purchase pre-arranged passes which can work out to be good value for money. 

Although bus networks in New Zealand are well connected, it is harder to get away from the towns and into the middle of nowhere – which is one of the highlights of any visit. 

Additionally, it will be harder to access hiking trails since you will not have a car and thusly will be reliant on public transport. 

Travelling by Boat/Ferry

The countries major ferry route is between Picton and Wellington connecting the North and South Islands.

In high season it is recommended to book ahead.

Travelling by Train

The most famous train journey in New Zealand is the Trans-Alpine route that crosses the South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth via the Arthus Pass National Park.

Aside from this there a number of other train routes offering stunning scenery. 

That being said, this isn’t the most convenient way to travel and you will have to combine it with bus travel or vehicle hire to be able to get around the country.  

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

Mobile apps and technology will make your trip safer, more affordable and overall more enjoyable.

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• Google Maps – The tried and true navigation app that will help you find virtually any place in New Zealand and help you with directions on how to get there
• XE Currency – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in New Zealand. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• CamperMate – Since you will most likely find yourself camping at some, if not all, of your travel to New Zealand, use this app to find camping spots all around the country

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has some pretty tasty food. You should definitely give the following foods a try when visiting!

• Lamb – A staple in Kiwi meals and found at almost every restaurant. Lamb is traditionally prepared with rosemary and garlic.
• Spaghetti on toast – Yes, as simple as it sounds this is a delicious New Zealand staple
• Marmite – The equivalent of Australian Vegemite, made from yeast extract and herbs. Spread it thin over crackers or bread.
• L&P – Lemon and Paeroa is mineral water tinted with lemon that could easily be the countries national drink
• Hangi – A traditional Maori method of steaming meats and vegetables where the food is wrapped in leaves and buried to cook on heated stones in holes in the ground.
• Kumara – A form of sweet potato that is prepared a variety of ways such as chips and wedges
• Fish And Chips – A classic dish with deep-fried battered fish and potato fries served with tomato sauce
• Pavlova – A meringue dessert that has caused much dispute over whether it was originally created in Australia or New Zealand.
• Hokey Pokey Ice Cream – Vanilla ice cream with caramelized sugar. Enough said!
• Manuka Honey – Produced by bees that collect the pollen of Manuka trees, this honey is thick and uniquely sweetened in flavor

PLACES TO STAY IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is chock full of great accommodation options. Whether you’re on a budget and need to stay at a hostel or have enough room in your budget to splurge on a hotel or unique Airbnb you’ll be pleased with your stay.

Of course, if you are looking to camp in beautiful landscapes then your options become even more wide open.

Holiday Parks and Campsites

Probably one of the most popular accommodation options for travellers visiting New Zealand. The predominantly cater to campervans and campers. However, some do have small chalets on site.

The vast majority will come with large kitchens and communal bathrooms. However, not all kitchens are equipped, meaning they do not have cooking utensils and cutlery. 

In addition, holiday parks will offer both powered and non-powered sites. Naturally, non-powered sites are cheaper, so this could be a good way to save a few pennies here and there. 

Rankers and Campermate are two useful apps that can help you locate holiday parks and campsites, see what facilities they have and check out reviews from other travellers.

Campmate allows you to book in advance and check out various things to do in the local area amongst other things. 

There will be some campsites and holiday parks that only allow self-contained vehicles.

Your vehicle is self-contained if: 

• You have a toilet fixed or portable that can be used even when the beds are down
• You have a fresh and wastewater tank
• An evacuation hose
• A rubbish bin with a lid
• Self-contained campervans can also be identified by a blue sticker. 

DOC (Department of Conservation Sites) are generally cheaper and more rustic than holiday parks. Expect a bathroom and maybe a small unequipped kitchen.

However, they often located in stunning locations, with the White Horse Campground close to Mount Cook being a prime example. 

There are 6 different categories of DOC site . They are a great budget option and are often surrounded by some stunning scenery. 

Freedom Camping

There are some spots where you are allowed to freedom camp. In the past, you used to be able to freedom camp almost anywhere.

However, a large increase in tourists and the waste they left behind has put paid to that. You can now only freedom camp if you are in a self-contained vehicle.

Freedom camping is a wonderful thing. However for it to carry on working effectively, everyone needs to follow the rules and clear up after themselves. 

New Zealand is jam-packed with plenty of awesome hostels that connect travellers and are phenomenal resources of tips and information.

Incidentally, they are great places to buy and sell vehicles. So if you land in Christchurch or Auckland and are planning on buying camper van for your road trip, then your hostel is the perfect place to start. 

Hostels predominantly focus on dorms as opposed to private rooms, which brings to cost down significantly. 

If you are travelling by car, then hostels are a great alternative to camping, although they are naturally more expensive. Make sure they have parking!

Hotels in New Zealand are not cheap, so if you are on a budget this is something you may want to avoid.

However, there are spectacular hotels and guesthouses throughout the country that are a great excuse to splash some cash. 

Generally, hotels rank from simple motel-style options up the swanky 5-star options with plenty in between. 

Another good option in recent years for accommodation in New Zealand is AirBnB. And there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are popping up, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS

Here are the best travel tips for New Zealand to help you have the safest, most affordable and enjoyable trip possible.

GENERAL NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS 

While there are many basic travel tips we suggest you use when travelling to New Zealand, there are also plenty of New Zealand-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit New Zealand: 

1. Make Sure You Have a Credit Card

New Zealand is not densely populated. It’s the size of the UK with a population of around 4.5 million (for reference the UK population is over 65 million).

This means there are a rather large number of unmanned petrol stations that are pay at the pump. 

When we visited we had problems with debit cards being accepted at these machines. However, we experience no issues with credit cards.

2. Avoid The Summer Holidays If Possible

Late December and January are particularly busy in New Zealand as this is the nation’s summer holiday. This means that there will be large numbers of both international and domestic tourists.

November and early December bring great weather and smaller fewer people.

3. Don’t Follow Penguins 

If you are in Omaru, and you’re walking back to your accommodation and you catch sight of a penguin, stop and do not follow them.

If you don’t stop then the penguins may be too scared to return to their nests.

4. Check For Weather Warnings 

The weather can change quickly in New Zealand. During the winter months, large areas of New Zealand can experience heavy snowfall which can lead to road closures amongst other things. 

Make sure to check weather warnings and road closure notices to ensure you can make appropriate plans. 

5. Be Prepared For 4 Seasons in a Day 

New Zealand is the absolute definition of 4 seasons in a day. Therefore whenever you’re heading out on a hike make sure you bring the appropriate clothing just in case the weather changes.

6. Hayfever Issues

New Zealand has a large amount of indigenous flora and fauna, particularly on the South Island. If you have hay fever then you may have quite a serious allergic reaction. 

If you experience this then you’ll need to go to a doctor and get some prescription-strength hay fever medication.

7. Always Assume Journeys Will Take Longer Than Google Maps Says

New Zealand’s roads offer breathtaking views as you wind your way across the country.

Occasionally roads can be steep, narrow and extremely twisty.

If you are not used to driving such roads then it’s a safe bet that journeys will take longer than what google maps says.

8. Book Ahead If You Can

This is especially advisable for campsites and holiday parks. In Autumn and Winter, there is a good chance you can turn up and there will be space.

However in late Spring, early Summer this is not always a guarantee. Naturally, this is more likely in busier, more popular spots.

Additionally, you are likely to be arriving somewhere after 6 pm it’s worth calling the holiday park/campsite and booking a spot as very often desks close at 6 pm. 

If you are planning on taking on any of New Zealand’s great walks and are planning in staying on the huts en route, then this is another situation where it is advisable to book ahead. 

NEW ZEALAND PACKING LIST

We always travel with a core packing list wherever we go. And when it comes to New Zealand, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our travel essentials and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

STAYING SAFE IN NEW ZEALAND

Generally speaking, New Zealand is very safe. That being said, you still need to take sensible precautions to keep yourself safe as you would do in your home country. 

If you are heading out on multi-day hikes make sure you inform somebody. You’re best off informing you accommodation, however, they may directly ask you to register elsewhere.

This will differ depending on the hike and the region of the country you’re in.  

Generally driving is very safe. The majority of road users are courteous and follow the rules of the road.

However, as mentioned earlier, New Zealand’s road criss-cross a variety of environments meaning that roads can be very narrow, steep and winding along the contours of the landscape.

Therefore make sure you are driving at a speed that you are comfortable with and follow the rules of the road. 

New Zealand is blessed with many stunning beaches. However, make sure you pay attention to any beaches that are advising against swimming due to currents. 

STAYING CONNECTED IN NEW ZEALAND

Staying connected in New Zealand can be challenging. But it has never easier as the country becomes more and more popular for travellers.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Travel sims can be picked up anywhere in New Zealand. There are usually a variety of deals on offer. However, don’t expect the same kind of data packages you get in Europe, the Far East or the US. 

With some companies, you can get free data when in the vicinity of one of their phone boxes. 

Access Free WiFI

The vast majority of holiday parks and campsites have wifi. However, outside of major towns and cities, there is often a limit on the amount of data that you can use, as little 250 MB in some cases. 

Unsurprisingly wifi connections can be patchy in more rural locations, with the South Island having a noticeable poorer wifi service in comparison to the North Island.  

Hotels and guesthouses don’t suffer the same wifi issues and don’t have limits of the amount of data you can use. Generally, the speed is reasonable, much faster than what is available in holiday parks. 

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN NEW ZEALAND

In recent years tourism numbers to New Zealand have surged. Whilst this has brought economic opportunity up and down the country, it has also lead to a number of challenges. 

The first of these is freedom camping. In years gone by you could freedom camp almost anywhere with the expectations that people would follow basic rules such as cleaning up after yourself.

Sadly, however, these rules have been changed and you can now only freedom camp in designated spots and only if you have a self-contained vehicle in many cases.

Being a responsible traveller means following the rules with regards to freedom camping. 

New Zealand is pristine. A large part of this is due to the lack of trash bins. You are expected to leave nothing but footprints.

It’s a simple and easy rule to follow. Make sure you keep New Zealand beautiful for everyone else that has the pleasure of visiting. 

New Zealand is also home to a wide variety of wildlife with strict rules on interacting with them.

For example, a few of the basics are not feeding kea’s (the worlds only alpine parrot), staying a safe distance from seals whilst they are on land and not following the little blue penguins in Omaru. 

Many roads in New Zealand are single lane and are particularly windy and can be challenging if you are driving a large campervan.

Be sure to observe all road rules and drive sensibly. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

Maybe you already know everything about New Zealand. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to New Zealand. 

Pounamu Pounamu (Witi Ihimaera) – A look at what it is like to be a New Zealander from the Maori perspective from one of New Zealand’s first and most respected writers of Maori culture, tradition and storytelling. Buy it online here .

The Penguin History of New Zealand (Michael King) – The well-rounded historical story of the settling and advancement of New Zealand from one of New Zealand’s leading historians. You can find it here .

Squashed Possums: Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand (Jonathan Tindale) – An fun story of vagabond life in New Zealand from a man who lived in a wandering caravan and had some of the most peculiar encounters across the country. Check prices on Amazon .

Straying From the Flock: Travels in New Zealand (Alexander Elder) – The memoir of a New Zealand traveller as told through 50 chapters, each reflecting one day of adventure in the wild country. Buy it online .

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR NEW ZEALAND BLOG POSTS

Whanganui journey in new zealand – the ultimate guide [2024], the ultimate guide to new zealand’s south island in winter, 5 best adventure activities in taranaki, new zealand, 17 awesome things to do in wanaka (epic 2024 guide), 22 cool things to do in wellington, new zealand (2024 edition), 18 awesome things to do in christchurch (2024 guide), the ultimate guide to hiking in new zealand (2024), 13 amazing things to do in franz josef (2024 guide), 3 days kayaking in abel tasman (everything you need to know), 8 amazing things to do in rotorua, new zealand, the most epic 1, 2 or 3 week new zealand itinerary (2024), the best new zealand road trip itinerary in 2024.

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Home » Oceania » New Zealand » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

Kia ora, mate! I imagine you’re here because you’re on your way to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the mystical land at the bottom of the planet. Otherwise known as New Zealand, Aotearoa, or the land of the long white cloud… 

Known for its sheep, majestic mountains, All Blacks, beaches, campervanning, Maori culture, and Kiwis (the people, the fruit and the birds). This little set of islands will blow your mind.

New Zealand welcomes the adventurous, the brave, the broke, and everyone in between. It won’t take long for New Zealand to fill you up with fish ‘n’ chips and ease you onto the long list of travellers who will tell you that “ New Zealand’s the best country they’ve ever been to ”. 

Once you get under the hood of this magical land, there’s no turning back. Literally, you’ll probably end up buying a campervan and living in New Zealand forever… 

I backpacked New Zealand with a year-long visa and felt a bit like Bilbo Baggins: it was to be a hobbit’s journey! I’ve spent more than six months exploring this INCREDIBLE land and I am completely and utterly in love with it. 

I’ve bundled up all of my knowledge into this neat little koha: a one-stop New Zealand travel guide. It’s brimming with budget tips and travel hacks to make your time in New Zealand mean as! From cheap places to stay and epic hiking spots to the less exciting (but very important bits) like visas and insurance. 

So, grab a pen and paper (you’ll want to remember this stuff) and let’s go backpacking New Zealand together.

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Why Go Backpacking in New Zealand?

Made famous by the dramatic, unearthly scenery in Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is more than just an unbelievable movie set. Travelling in New Zealand is every outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Made up of two islands, your adventures are infinite.

The two islands do stand in noticeable contrast to each other. It’s fair to say that everywhere in New Zealand is mindbogglingly beautiful (except Auckland – curse you Auckland). That said, travelling on New Zealand’s North and South Islands are two different experience. That’s what makes deciding where to stay in New Zealand a real struggle.

• North Island is much more populated (by New Zealand standards). There are a lot more developments and urban areas and while there are still many of New Zealand’s beautiful places, it lacks the uncut, untamed, and unabashed glory we’ve come to expect from Aotearoa.
• That’s what  South Island  is for. Near empty of people by comparison – and it only gets emptier the further south you go – South Island brings New Zealand’s best. Dramatic prehistoric scenery, endless oceans of sheep and cows, and the feeling of being outside of the world’s chaos: South Island is the tits.

It doesn’t stop there. Before I left backpacking for New Zealand, my cousin equated the landscape to biomes in a video game (weird, yes, I know, but bear with me). He was right.

Travel 100 km in New Zealand and the whole landscape changes. A rugged coastline turns into glacier country turns into Colorado-esque boulder playgrounds. New Zealand is a playground of wonderment.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking New Zealand

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Lots of New Zealand’s attractiveness builds from its plentiful and well-guarded national parks. There is so much variety, however, that whether you’re hitchhiking or planning a road trip , you’ll need an itinerary… Or two! One itinerary to highlight the North Island, and the other to highlight the South Island.

You can easily combine both itineraries if you have a month or more to travel in New Zealand. Many travellers backpack here on a year-long work visa. If that is the case, you have plenty of time to explore New Zealand’s beauty.

2-Week Itinerary for New Zealand: The North Island – Te Ika-a-Maui

This itinerary will start in Auckland . If you’re a city person, you can definitely find plenty of things to do in Auckland – restaurants, nightlife, galleries, and nearby beaches galore.

This is also a great place to base yourself if you’re making the trip to the Bay of Islands (north), the  Rangitoto Islands  just off the coast of Auckland, or  Coromandel , slightly East. You can also make a trip to Hobbiton , the real live set they used to film the Hobbit wonderland in Lord of the Rings.

Then head to Rotorua , a geothermal hotspot (no pun intended) full of geysers, mud pools, and, yes, smelly sulfur. You can also engage with the indigenous Maori culture.

Further south you’ll find Taupo and the epic Tongariro National Park . This is a great spot to bike and New Zealand’s great walks.

Next stop: a stay in Wellington , the cool, hipster capital of New Zealand known for its food, drink, and art. If you’re a wino, drive through Hawke’s Bay Wine Country on your way to Wellington.

After visiting Wellington, loop back around to Mt Taranaki , a classic 2,518m volcanic cone. Then go to the Waitomo Cave s: damp, underground tunnels home to glowing worms! Before getting back to Auckland, surfers should stop at Raglan , the hippy beachside slow-town of North Island.

• Best Hostels in Auckland
• Best Hostels in Rotorua
• Best Hostels in Lake Taupo
• Best Hostels in Wellington

3-Week Itinerary New Zealand: The South Island – Te Waipounamu

Get ready to be wowed. If you’re backpacking New Zealand for nature, this South Island itinerary for you. Find a cheap place to stay in Christchurch , but then move on – Christchurch isn’t worth a long visit.

Make your way to Kaikoura on the coast. Kaikoura is popular for whale tours and helicopter flights! If you’re a wine person, drink up some Sauvignon Blanc at the Marlborough Sounds on a wine tour in New Zealand . Picton is a naint town to base yourself.

If these types of activities don’t fit your budget, fear not, we’re heading into nature soon. The best things in life are free after all?

Next Stop: Abel Tasman National Park . You’ll think you’re on a tropical beach (minus the temperature). Nearby you can drive to  Whaririki Beach (pronounced ‘Far-ri-ree-kee’) – squeezed between Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Park – and will take you through wonderful hippy-haven Golden Bay .

Drive through  Punakaiki , home of the  Pancake Rocks : a series of coastal cliffs that literally look like giant stacks of pancakes. Around these rocks are also several impressive blowholes.

Next is off to Franz Josef Glacier to witness the world’s steepest and fastest moving glacier. After that, continue on for a stay in bohemian Wanaka , also known for its famous tree in the middle of a lake.

Wanaka is close to senstown and it’s only a short trip between the two. When you’re ready to leave darling Wanaka (never), travel an hour down the road and stay in Queenstown . New Zealand’s adventure and backpacker capital there’s heaps to do in Queenstown: ski in winter, hike in summer, bungee jump or skydive all-year-round, and party every goddamn night!

Saving the best for last, get ready to make the Milford drive to Milford Sound . After being gobsmacked by Rudyard Kipling’s “ Eighth Wonder of the World ” over and over again, finish South Island in New Zealand’s own Deep South.

Travel to the Southern Scenic Route and the Caitlins to see some astounding forests and windswept coastline.

Now that we’ve covered the travel itinerary ideas, we’re going to discuss some of the best places to go in New Zealand. Read on for more backpacking wonders!

Backpacking Auckland

Most backpackers start in Auckland – it’s the starting point for a lot of people travelling to New Zealand. This North Island city holds the majority of New Zealand’s population and it’ll probably be the busiest place you visit in New Zealand.

Auckland Central itself is just like any other Western city, perfect for picking up any last-minute necessities but spend too long here and you will drain your funds fast. It’s busy and it’s certainly not the best New Zealand has to offer, but it is worth noting that there are some beautiful places to visit in Auckland in the surrounding area (away from the CBD).

A lot of tours kick off from Auckland, like the Hobbiton movie set tour . You’ll get to see Hobbiton holes first-hand, grab a drink from The Green Dragon Inn and drive through breath-taking natural scenery along the Waikato River. What would a trip to New Zealand be without taking a selfie in front of Bilbo Baggin’s green door anyway?

Visit the sky tower for some views over the city, or kickstart your adrenaline by jumping off the top! If you are willing to get out of the city, there is plenty to do. The forests to the west are way more inviting than the city vibes or head to the North Shore for some beach time!

Backpacking Rangitoto and Waiheke Island

There are a number of islands around Auckland to explore and it’s as simple as catching the ferry there! No need to book in advance; just pop down to the ferry terminal to buy your ticket. These two spots near Auckland are definitely worth the day trip:

• Rangitoto Island ($36 NZD return) – A volcanic island off the coast of Auckland, Rangitoto is uninhabited by people and a reserve to some of New Zealand’s native birds and bush. There are multiple hiking loops and plenty of cool caves to explore. Get to the top for sunset and enjoy panoramic views of Auckland and the sea horizon behind you. Make sure you take that last ferry back though or you’ll be stranded.
• Waiheke Island ($42 NZD return) – White sand beaches, beautiful vineyards, great walking trails, and incredibly blue water, this is the perfect place to spend a day. Eating out on the island is expensive, so I would recommend bringing a picnic or barbeque food, or cooking yourself and eating down by the beach. It’s the perfect next place to go in New Zealand after Auckland to detox those concrete jungle feels!

Backpacking Northland

Before you completely bail on Auckland and start heading south, there’s a whole region north of Auckland. It’s kinda like Game of Thrones in reverse. Auckland is a big dumb wall (that ruins hitchhiker’s days) and north of it, you have the land of eternal summer.

Although not strictly off of New Zealand’s tourist spots, it is fair to say that it’s lesser explored. There are fewer people up here and more empty space of some rather striking nature. It’s kinda like the South Island of North Island. There’s also more ice – I guess it is like Game of Thrones!

For a few of New Zealand’s top highlights in Northland (on and off the tourist trail):

• Whangarei – The last city you’ll get heading north with a gorgeous surrounding area – beautiful beaches and a bunch of small but sexy mountains (it’s not the size that counts).
• Bay of Islands – Easily the biggest tourist spot in the north of New Zealand but with good reason: it’s spectacularly beautiful with a lot of cool islands to explore.
• Waipoua Kauri Forest – Did somebody say a 3000-year-old tree? The kauri trees here are magnificent and the giant snails ain’t bad either (though he dead ones stink worse than Rotorua). Do note though, the ancient forest here is dying of the kauri dieback disease so follow all the guidelines .
• Far North – Pretty much anywhere you go this far north is going to be a much less touristic New Zealand backpacking experience.
• Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua – The almost northernmost point of New Zealand, there’s like a whole section I could write on this magical place. It’s arguably the most sacred place in all of New Zealand for the Maori people the air feels palpably otherworldly. Y’know, no spoilers: go find out the rest for yourself!

Backpacking Raglan

If it wasn’t for an even more awesome hippy town coming up soon (in the south), this would be the top sticky place in New Zealand to visit for backpackers seeking those Byron-style vibes. This cute little hippie/surf town caters well to New Zealand backpackers.

It is touristy but it draws a good kind of tourist – the earthy backpacking joint-rolling kind. Raglan is known for being one of the best surf and kitesurf beaches in New Zealand and it has a great chilled out vibe. Most people around here will definitely be surfing (probs playing backgammon too) and everyone is keen to teach you how.

Surfboard rental is kinda expensive at about $20-$30 NZD for a half-day but if you stay at a hostel in Raglan, they will often have discounted lessons and board hire available. Definitely try meeting someone through Couchsurfing  here; you will meet some wicked people who will probably have boards, boats, and kayaks that you can borrow!

Backpacking Coromandel

Only a two-hour drive from Auckland is the Coromandel Peninsula. There are loads of activities making this a wonderful weekend getaway.

The white sand beaches are pristine at New Chums Beach and don’t forget to hike up to the overlook for epic views. Hot Water Beach , while not very scenic, is a fun experience to soak in natural hot springs oceanside during low tide. The Karangahake Gorge is very scenic and has some short walking tracks.

The best stop and a must-visit in New Zealand is Cathedral Cove . Come during low tide and preferably at sunrise or sunset. There are only two hostels in Coromandel, however, there are several campsites on the peninsula itself for around $10.

Backpacking Rotorua

Rotorua – or the town that smells like farty-egg-feet as most people will refer to it –  is actually not as smelly as it is made out to be… Ok, that’s a lie. But it’s still definitely a must-visit place in New Zealand!

There is LOADS of geothermal activity here. This town is incredibly tourist orientated and backpacker-friendly – the main backpacker area of Rotura – the working side of town – is full of travellers! There are also heaps of New Zealand’s adventure activities in the area making it a rival to Queenstown… except Queenstown doesn’t smell like a fish’s butthole.

There are loads of places for you to stay, including hostels, hotels, Airbnbs and motels in Rotorua . However, as is often the case when backpacking New Zealand, they don’t always come cheap.

I would recommend CouchSurfing here since the hostels cost quite a bit. If hostels are your only option, Rotorua Central Backpackers is an awesome one in the centre of Rotorua.

While backpacking here, check out the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for all things Geothermal. You can hire a mountain bike and take the trail to the park or pay for the shuttle service to take you there if you are in a less active mood. Entry to the park is around $33 NZD – slightly pricey but totally worth it and a must-do while backpacking New Zealand.

The Redwoods are incredible and you can easily spend a day wandering through the woods and swinging on vines pretending to be Tarzan. The Green and Blue Lakes are a must-see while here, as are the hot pools. You will need a car to reach many of these places in and around Rotorua but hitchhiking is a snap in New Zealand.

Backpacking the East Cape Road

Take a road trip in the spring/summer around the East Peninsula of the North Island. It is beautiful and relatively unexplored by travellers. Rugged coastline, mountainous scenery, beautiful sunrises, and a chance to experience being off New Zealand’s beaten track.

One of the must-do stops around the East Cape is the beautiful Te Kaha : a rural area with some of the most unique and friendly homestays! I stayed at the lovely  Maraehako Bay Retreat  for two nights.

Also in this area is the gorgeous Tatapouri : an incredibly small, local seaside town where you can feed Stingrays, tackle some of New Zealand’s epic swell with your surfboard, and enjoy the view from horseback or a deckchair. Some sights to see around the East Cape include the East Cape Lighthouse , which is also the most easterly point in New Zealand.

You can also visit the Tolega Bay area, home of the longest pier in New Zealand and super fun to jump off of. There are heaps of activities along New Zealand’s East Cape and the area is incredibly backpacker-friendly given its removal from the rest of the tourist trail; volunteering opportunities are high!

Backpacking Tongariro National Park

Skip ahead to see more of New Zealand’s wealth of national parks in a later section, but this one deserves special mention. This park is New Zealand’s oldest and is also a dual World Heritage site both for its geological significance as well as its spiritual significance to the Maori people.

Tongariro National Park on the North Island is one of New Zealand’s most famous Lord of the Rings filming spots. It is home to the famous ‘Mount Doom’ and of course, the Tongariro Crossing – a ‘Great Walk’ one of New Zealand’s best day hikes .

If you head to this area in winter, you’ll want to pack your ski boots as this area is home to Mount Ruapehu which is the top ski spot in the north island.

There are many LOTR filming locations around here as well as many alternative walks but not much else other than hiking (tramping) trails.

Tackle the mighty Tongariro Crossing (19.4km ) and witness steam coming off the still-active volcano. If you’re brave enough, follow in Frodo’s footsteps and climb Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).

Staying in Taupo offers an excellent base for exploring the park. It’s a super beautiful lake and as an added bonus there are free hot springs to melt the weariness away after the walk! Head to the Spa Thermal Park.

Backpacking Mount Taranaki

The most picture-perfect volcano in New Zealand is Mount Taranaki ; on a clear day, it can be seen from hundreds of kilometres away. This area of the North Island has some pretty amazing sights to explore and epic hikes. Climbing Mount Taranaki is one of New Zealand’s harder hikes to do but the pay-off is well worth it.

For an easier hike than the summit, check out the Pouakai Tarns for a stunning picture of Mount Taranaki. Nearby in New Plymouth , the area around the Paritutu Rock is beautiful. Just up the coastline are two incredible places to explore during low tide.

The Three Sisters Beach and Elephant Rock , as well as the White Cliffs walkway, are some of the most scenic coastlines the north island has to offer. As with most major attractions in New Zealand , there are plenty of hostels in New Plymouth as well as other accommodations.

Backpacking Wellington

Backpacking around Wellington  was my absolute favourite city-adventure in New Zealand. This funky place is great to spend a few nights resting your achy legs from the crossing. Set on the bottom tip of the North Island, you can take the ferry across the strait or fly to the South Island pretty cheap from Wellington.

The city is super warm and carries a real alternative-friendly vibe. Hippies, travellers, LGBTQ folks, lovable guttertrash… Welly carries a genuine feeling of acceptance that usually feels more like a pretend mask in a lot of other “progressive” cities elsewhere.

If you have the time or have that wonderful working holiday visa for New Zealand, Wellington is easily a place to stay for a while. The surrounding nature is dope, the city has a lot of cool happenings going on, offers many amazing hostels, and even in the central hub of the city there still manages to be a warm village feeling. Bumping into a friend randomly in the middle of the city is a given.

Any complaints? Yeah, the weather sucks in winter. Icy rains and 40km/h winds – fun!

Things to Do in Wellington

There are so many awesome things to see and do in Wellington. So much so, I just had to give it a little bonus section! Here are a few of my top 5 picks of what to do in Wellington:

• Freyburg Pool and Fitness Centre – Excercise? Boo! Na, this place is the best! It’s right next to Oriental Bay and beach and it’s $5 for sauna privileges. You know what that means? Hot-and-cold, baby!
• Cuba Street – Any walk down Cuba Street is a solid day; street merchants, buskers, Wellington’s night markets are there. There is a lot of BoHo(ish) shops along Wellington’s Cuba Street and it’s just something of a hub and focal point in the CBD.
• Op-Shopping – Speaking of shopping in Wellington! The second-hand shops in Welly are kickass (actually, in New Zealand as a whole). Go find something colourful!
• The Rogue and Vagabond – A neat little bar that has live music most nights of the week. The nightlife in Wellington is sweet with a bustling music scene but The Rogue and Vagabond gets some really eclectic and off-beat stuff!
• Rent a bicycle – Wellington has this whole mountain city thing going one and mountain city’s have the whole ‘ bombing hills at 120km/h without a helmet ‘ thing going on. Getting back up is a bitch though.

Backpacking Tasman and Golden Bay

Starting off South Island now and it’s a strong start!

The northernmost areas of the South Island of New Zealand where the smokeables are dank and plentiful and the sun is emotionally-available most of the year. This area of New Zealand is spectacular and easily one of the highlights for me.

Tasman Bay begins with  Nelson which is a pretty city but a bit ‘East Coast Australia’ feeling for me. It’s popular with travellers though meaning you’ll find some good choices of backpacker accommodation in Nelson . Once you get a bit further north up to Motueka though, it starts to get real nice.

There are some sweet places to stay in Richmond just a short 15-minute drive from Nelson. Perfect to crash without breaking the bank!

A top destination in New Zealand for Kiwis wanting to live the permaculture life (and travellers wanting to volunteer in it), with that comes the hippies and with that comes the endless swathes of smoke. Jokes aside, the area is gorgeous: gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and some stunning beaches. Kaiteriteri is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches but touristy; check out Kina Beach for something quieter (with the $5 campsite next door).

Golden Bay just gets stickier. It’s a bubble and I mean that in the best way possible. There’s one road in and out over the mountains and it’s safe to say that some people haven’t crossed those mountains for a couple of decades.

Head to Takaka , a timeless little town, if you’re looking to get embroiled in New Zealand’s doof scene (hippy festival) or just wanna connect with some travellers of the grungier variety. They generally congregate down by the river . Don’t worry: they’re easy to find.

Backpacking the West Coast

The West Coast region of South Island is full-fucking-power Aotearoa – there are no there words for it. It’s one of the most dramatic coastlines I’ve ever seen and I know that word is really overplayed but there simply are no other words I feel match it.

For me, it’s one of the best drives in New Zealand. It doesn’t actually feel like you’re in the 21st-century anymore. You legitimately feel like a moa – the OG kiwi bird – might step out in front of your car and kamikaze-roadkill itself at any time.

Giant ferns leap out over densely forested cliffs, the weather is harsh and unforgiving (it ain’t called ‘The Wild West Coast for nothing), and every bend on the highway opens up to some new “ Ooohh “. Oh, and those sandflies will eat you alive – bring mosquito protection! Legend has it that the coasters of the sparsely-populated West Coast have developed a natural immunity to these foul devils…

If you can do the whole thing from  Westport in the north through to  Haast and beyond to  Wanaka , you’ll get a true sense of how special travelling New Zealand is. West Coast – an unmissable place to visit in New Zealand, no questions.

Travellers can find an array of truly r emarkable Airbnbs in Westport with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the West Coast region.

Must-Sees of the West Coast Region of New Zealand’s South Island

Some must-visit spots on New Zealand’s West Coast. There are heaps more than this… Hell, if you can handle the hormonally-moody rain complete with mood swings (a protective rain jacket is mandatory packing) and the blackened legions of flying itchy-bitchies, you could get lost in the West Coast’s jungles for a bit.

Failing that, however:

• Karamea – Actually north of the West Coast proper and comparatively less-frequented. There are beaches, caves, hot pools, and a backdoor entry into the  Kahurangi National Park.
• Punakaiki – Not much going on here but it is home of the Pancake Rocks and blowholes – a famous New Zealand attraction.
• Franz Josef and Fox Glacier – Ahh, now this is the true tourist spot on the West Coast of New Zealand and one of the busiest areas you’ll come across there (even comparatively to Greymouth – the largest town). I’m actually not a fan. The glaciers weren’t super impressive, and the prices in the area are all mega-jacked. HOWEVER, if you have the spare cash for a helicopter tour and hike on the glaciers , then you’re in for a treat. A glacier is way more impressive from on top of it rather than a few kilometres away…
• Hokitika Gorge – Super beautiful in its own right but the river (and river mouth) is an excellent place to go in New Zealand to find  pounamu  – that type of jade every single bloody Kiwi wears around their neck like they’re in a secret club. (I want in!) Just remember how sacred pounamu is. If you find one, then your pounamu has chosen you and that’s your pounamu.
• Blue Pools – Let’s just say that that’s no misnomer.

Backpacking Wanaka

Sweet darling Wanaka, oh how I adore you. If you were an Italian maiden, I’d serenade you from beneath your balcony (and then eat poison and die).

Consider Wanaka like a good Queenstown. Okkk, some people love Queenstown but it’s super touristy and just a bit… backpackery (I know, I know, but you know the vibe I mean).

However, half an hour drive away is Wanaka, full of eccentric loveables, surrounded by the same gorgeous mountains of Queenstown, and still with a twinkling lake (complete with that famous tree). I would say that for anyone that Queenstown just feels like a bit much, stay in Wanaka.

There’s no shortage of that uncut Otago region nature around Wanaka to explore Hiking Rob Roys Peak is a good start; it is crazy beautiful once at the peak.  There is also no shortage of lake activities in Wanaka: joints by the lake, joints on a cruise on the lake, joints while kayaking on the lake. Hell, joints while abseiling down a waterfall!

The backpacker hostels in Wanaka are pricey (welcome to accommodation in New Zealand), however, there are some campsites around town… that are also kinda pricey. If you need to save some cash, Couchsurfing or sneaky camping is the way to go.

Backpacking Queenstown

Backpacking Queenstown – Oh, the home of adrenaline! Queenstown is known around the world as adventure capital and it does not disappoint. The list of things to do when planning a trip to Queenstown is never-ending. With so many travel and tour companies operating here, it’s certainly the place to go for adventure travel in New Zealand.

A snow destination in winter with delicious icing-sugar powdered slopes, or in summer, it’s the place in New Zealand for every other adventure activity you could think of: massive bungee jumps, hiking, white water rafting, climbing and mountaineering, and it’s a top spot to go skydiving too! It’s also a total backpacker hub.

There’s heaps  of nightlife in Queenstown, substance-galore, and no shortage of tourists of the ‘ young, dumb, and full of red-hotted ideals ‘ variety. If that’s what you’re seeking, Queenstown is the perfect destination in New Zealand for it. It’s also an easy place in New Zealand to find a backpacker job; a lot of people just spean a season of their working visa in Queenstown.

Even the cheap hostels in Queenstown are expensive, and the council has pretty rigidly clamped down on freedom camping of any description. A good alternative is staying out of town somewhere cheaper ( Franklin, Arrowtown , or there’s a free campsite at Cromwell ) and hitching in.

Drinking and eating in Queenstown can be as cheap or as expensive as your taste makes it. The famous Ferg Burger is a must-do while not breaking the bank! Or you could head to Searle Lane Bar and enjoy cheap drinks and Pizza at happy hour! Oh, and for any nights out, pre-greasing the wheels is a must.

Backpacking Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

The tallest mountain in New Zealand is…Mount Cook! And no, you cannot hike it. Well, you can, but you’ll need some heavy-duty adventure gear , a strong sense of stupid-bravery, experience (it’s a knife-edge point), and probably a parental permission slip too.

It doesn’t matter though because Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is another marvel when it comes to hiking in New Zealand , with some of the best tramping to be found. This national park is centre to the stunning Southern Alps mountain range that defines the South Island of New Zealand. The drive into Mount Cook National Park winds along the lake with several viewpoints and it’s a very sexy approach.

Once in the park, there are two valleys to explore, the Hooker Valley and the Tasman Valley . The Tasman Lake was once a massive glacier that has receded several kilometres in just the last decade. The Hooker Valley Track is a wonderful easy 3-hour walk to Hooker Lake; glacier melt floats in the lake beneath the watchful peak of Mount Cook.

For one of the best hikes in New Zealand, head up to Mueller Hut. This popular day hike takes around five hours or plan ahead and book a night stay in the hut. These are the best views of Mount Cook and staying for sunset to see the last light on the tallest mountain in New Zealand is truly something special.

It is cold, so come prepared but staying the night in complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience. There are no hostels around Mount Cook, but many of New Zealand’s beautiful lodges in the village or paid camping is available in the park. Or head over to Lake Tekapo ; stop and check out the Church of Good Shephard if you head that way!

Backpacking Milford Sound and the Fiordlands

An absolute must-do while backpacking New Zealand is visiting the stunning Milford Sound. Part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site , Milford Sound is the best known and most visited fiord and with good reason. As Rudyard Kipling called it, “the eighth Wonder of the World”.

The Fiordlands of New Zealand is one of the wettest places on earth so, again, that rain jacket is a must. Moody, serene, and devastating all at the same time, Milford Sound is something you gotta see to really feel the scope – no written word and captured image can do it justice…

There is a number of ways to see the sounds. You can stay in the small town of Te Anau as a base: there are plenty of campsites, freedom camping spots, and camper parks here plus some hostels. Self-drive down and take in the incredible views; the drive is just as beautiful as the destination.

For getting out on the sounds, booking a cruise is the tourist-standard but a kayaking adventure is going to be way more adventurous! Or shit, just book a dive in the inky waters and go see it from below: Milford Sound offers some of the best diving in New Zealand as a whole!

There are also a couple of other spectacular multi-day tramps (and more of New Zealand’s Great Walks).

The  Milford Track  (pre-booking the walk is almost a guarantee) is one of the most authentic ways to experience the sounds. Waterfalls, rainforests, and glacier-carved valleys are all there on this four-day hike.

Alternatively, the  Kepler Track is another multi-day hike that will take you on a different journey to see a less-touristed side of the Fiordlands. One way or another, you gotta walk in this area. It’s too damn pretty!

Getting Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand

It’s totally possible – a few steps into New Zealand’s overwhelming natural wonder just about anywhere is going to give those adventure feels. At the same time, it’s New Zealand so you never quite get that feeling of being lost in an unknown and foreboding land – it’s a good mix!

If you’re looking to break away from New Zealand’s tourist spots, the aforementioned far north and New Zealand’s ‘Deep South’ are both excellent starts. I love that New Zealand has a deep south – it totally is too! Endless oceans of sheep, a slightly drawlier accent, and a lot of farmer life. That said, the people are still wonderful.

A few of the best spots in New Zealand’s deep south are the Catlins Region and the Southern Scenic Route  along the souths’s coastline. It’s hard hitching but well worth it for the payoff in the feeling of beautiful desolation and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Once you hit Bluff (the almost-southernmost point of New Zealand) you can catch a ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura – Aotearoa’s under-appreciated third island. There’s like one settlement here and then nothing but unabashed and untouched nature. It’s also the best place to go in New Zeland to see wild kiwis (of the actually feathered variety).

Dunedin is another city in the south that often gets overlooked by backpackers. It’s an interesting city with Scottish architecture, an odd mix of conservative people and best-brand-weirdos, and a bustling student life. There’s a whole local party scene with the students and a dope fire-dancing scene too – the best I found in New Zealand!

Arthur’s Pass on South Island is another must-visit in New Zealand. Not strictly tourist-free but such a wild piece of Jurassic mountainous nature that it doesn’t matter. Head to Castle Hill in the area for some of New Zealand’s best bouldering (it’s a goddamn proverbial playground)!

That, of course, is all the highlights of the South Island because that is the majesty of South Island – one giant rugged adventure! I’d say, however, if you’re more looking to get off the beaten path in New Zealand in a cultural sense, volunteering is the way to go.

Volunteering with Workaway , WWOOFing, and everything else is extremely common in New Zealand; honestly, there’s something around just about every corner. Any step into this life is not only a perfect way to backpack New Zealand on a budget, but it’s also a great way to see the local life. Even just talking to strangers and expressing interest will often find you a host.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

When it comes to what to do in New Zealand, the options are endless. It’s not a large country but is absolutely bursting with wonder and amazement. These aren’t all of New Zealand’s must-dos by any stretch, but they are the pick of a few of my faves.

1. Tramp Like a Kiwi

You have so many options for hiking in New Zealand – legitimately endless. The wealth of huts to stay in on trails – both free and paid – make this only easier. Figure out what to take hiking , pack your pack, lace your boots, and go have an adventure!

2. Go Bungee Jumping

This is the country bungee jumping was invented in, after-all. With so many beautiful places to jump, you’d be a fool not to jump off a bridge! (Plus, this is New Zealand, so really you should feel safest here.) Queenstown is the go-to destination in New Zealand for yoyo-like fun but there are plenty of other jumps around .

3. Meet the Maori People…

Are truly spectacular. On a personal note, this isn’t like the Aboriginals of Australia where a wall of division is immediately obvious (rightfully so given their despicable persecution).

The Maori people are incredibly open to travellers: bigass smiles and endless flows of conversation. Generally, I found they were also delighted to teach people about their culture, and language, or just talk some shit so go meet them!

4. Find a Wild Kiwi: Gotta Catch ’em All!

Again with the Australia comparison, spotting a kiwi bird in the wild in New Zealand is the equivalent of a wild platypus in Australia. It’s the holy grail and a total rite of passage so you better get (non-violently) hunting! Stewart Island is the top point of interest to check out in New Zealand but there are other hotspots too.

5. Splurge on a Glacier Heli-Hiking Excursion

Why nooot? I can’t say that this is cheap, but it is one of those once-and-a-lifetime experiences. Besides, maybe you’ll see a yeti!

Oh yes, the doof scene is cranking in New Zealand and the music is hella tight. From wobblin’ psy to breaking D’n’B to some real funky glitchy bangers, hippies are boogieing everywhere (and the scene is super open to travellers). The Golden Bay area is the prime hotspot but parties in New Zealand are everywhere. Twisted Frequency Festival over New Year’s Eve is the supreme cliff-jump into the rabbit hole.

7. Cycle along Central Otago

All you bikers out there have to get to this area to cycle along the Otago Central Rail Trail through beautiful landscapes and old mining towns. Balance the fitness with numerous historic pub stops or vineyards! And just as a side-not. the Otago region just so  mwah!

8. Kayak the Milford Sound

I’ve just gotta make a second shout-out to Milford Sound because it is one of the most spectacular things to see in New Zealand. This part of New Zealand has beautiful waterfalls , staggering cliffs and peaks, and dark cobalt waters. It rains most of the year, so enjoy the moody vibes if you don’t get a sunny day. Head out there on a kayak and your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins!

9. Drive around New Zealand in a Campervan

New Zealand and van travel lifestyle go together almost as well as New Zealand and an overwhelming sense of inner peace! This actually isn’t as expensive as it sounds, and the best way to see New Zealand is by campervan!

You will need to have at least $3,000 to buy a van but after you’re done backpacking around New Zealand, you can hopefully sell the van close to the amount you paid for it. Plus, a van will allow you total freedom in New Zealand and the ability to camp more versus staying in expensive hostels and hotels.

The other option is to rent a van, which in the long run (if you stay long enough) is actually the more expensive option. However, if you’re looking for a shorter-term van adventure, I’d recommend using the iconic JUCY rentals . (more on this to come!)

10. Live in New Zealand

Many countries are able to get a year-long work visa for New Zealand . This means you can work for several months, and travel afterwards with the money you saved up! If the opportunity to live in New Zealand is there, it’s one of the best things to do; it’s a truly magical place and a new home to many expatriated travellers who finally felt they’d found the place to settle.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Accommodation is not cheap in New Zealand; even hostels are expensive! In the ‘high season’ (summer and in some areas, winter) they will set you back by upwards of $35 NZD per night for a shared dorm. Only stay in backpacker hostels around New Zealand when absolutely necessary or your daily budget travelling in New Zealand is going to fall apart.

If you’re looking for a paid room, sadly hostels still remain the cheapest option. You may occasionally stumble across a cheap New Zealand Airbnb , but it’s still a limited selection. So how about saving money on accommodation in New Zealand?

Couchsurfing is widely used and a great way to meet new people and locals while backpacking in New Zealand. It does require some pre-planning though; the rock up in town and see what is around is not the best method for Couchsurfing.

Working for accommodation (and probably food too) is another excellent option in New Zealand. If you know you are going to be hanging around an area for a while, check with local hostels homestays if they offer some sort of bed and board thing. Workaway , again, is another great platform, as is WWOOF for farm-based work, or Facebook groups and even the local town notice board (legit).

Camping in New Zealand – free or otherwise – is the other cheap accommodation option. Tents, cars, and the vanlife is all a dream in New Zealand but it’s not a cut-and-dry though so I’ll cover camping in a different section coming up .

You’ll find Kiwi’s are incredibly generous when it comes to opening their doors to you and hitchhiking or meeting folks sometimes can end up in a bed or place to stay. Yeah, travelling costs in New Zealand are high but the country and people are also super kind to the homeless dirtbag. Generally, in New Zelaand, it always somehow works itself out.

Camping in New Zealand – Freedom or Otherwise

Ok, so here’s the deal: New Zealand is (sometimes) seen as a golden freedom camping destination and that’s becoming less and less true. A lot of campsites these days are not free or purely for self-contained vehicles i.e. has toilet, greywater, and sceptic waste functionality.

As a whole, travelling in a non-self-contained campervan in New Zealand is still possible, but you’ll either be paying or aiming for free campsites (apps are good for sifting through the campsites) or paying. So, is freedom camping dead in New Zealand?

Na, not by any stretch.  Even outside of just parking in a mate’s driveway, rules (formal or informal) do change by region so it’s still possible in many areas. For example, the Otago region cracks down hard on freedom campers courtesy of Queenstown’s popularity but up in Golden Bay, they tend to turn a blind eye… mostly.

What about sans-car? Well, it’s still illegal pretty much anywhere outside of designated areas, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to get away with. Generally in a nice hidden spot, you’ll be fine; just be discreet, pack up early, and  leave no fucking trace or I will Freddy Krueger your dreams.

It is worth noting that you’re always risking a heavy fine, but that’s the bureaucratic side of things. Most Kiwis I met were all guns-ho a’blazing about a vagrant hitchhiker enjoying Aoteroa’s land to the fullest. Hell, most of them would point me to the best local park to sleep in.

The long and the short? If you want to save on accommodation prices, pack some suitable camping equipment ! It’s a total necessity.

The Best Places to Stay in New Zealand

I made no solid plans for New Zealand. In fact, my research of the country pretty much consisted of binge-watching The Lord of The Rings and Hobbit films. And then the reality of the cost of travel in New Zealand hit me.

New Zealand is booming as a backpacking destination, courtesy of those famous setpieces for Lord of the Rings. Despite the backpacker boom, New Zealand is expensive . There are no two ways about it; Kiwis say it, Saudi Arabian princes would say it, Indians definitely say it!

That doesn’t mean you can’t travel cheap in New Zealand because you definitely can. I was able to travel on less than $10 a day, but you gotta get dirty!

A more realistic daily budget in New Zealand (for those that prefer their meals not to be harvested from the trash can) is about $20-$30 a day with the appropriate budget backpacking tools-of-the-trade . This is going to mean a mix of skipping accommodation, volunteering, hitchhiking, cooking, and going easy on the goodies – drink, drugs and activities. With those tricks loosely applied, you’ll still have some budget-leeway for the good stuff.

Instead, at a more New Zealand backpacker holiday level (hostels, meals out, shopping, and whatevs else you crazy cats get up to),  $60-$80 is more realistic. Yikes!

Looking at individual costs:

• Food prices in New Zealand  are expensive. You can cook budget meals definitely, but eating out always hurts and there’s no cheap and local everyman street food (except arguably fish ‘n’ chips). Aiming for less than $10 a meal when eating out is a necessity for budget backpackers.
• Accommodation prices in New Zealand suck smelly Rotorua egg-farts. You’ll find cheaper hostels in New Zealand, but you’ll never find a cheap one. You really never want to be paying more than $20/night for a dorm .
• Transport costs between New Zealand’s cities are not wholly unforgivable, but they’re still expensive. Inside the cities is ok though. As a point of reference, the three-hour bus ride from Auckland to Rotorua will cost you between $20-$35 .
• Living the vanlife will help the costs, but the fuel prices in New Zealand are super yukky so it only goes so far. Usually, petrol prices hover around $1.30-$1,50/litre .

The good news is that, while there are a lot of expensive activities in New Zealand, there are also plenty of free ones. Hiking, going to the beach, bathing in hot springs, and visiting amazing scenery is just the tip of the glacier.

A Daily Budget in New Zealand

Money in new zealand.

At the time of writing (May 2023), 1 NZD = 0.62 USD . You can work this out as roughly $10 NZ being $6 US for the simple maths.

The money in New Zealand is super colourful and uncomplicated to manage. It’s covered with enough pretty birds and vibrant colours that holding a stack of New Zealand dollars makes you feel like you’re attending a rainbow parade!

Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs in New Zealand are pretty much everywhere: just watch out for international fees. Travel with a travel-specific debit or credit card to avoid these! If you’re working in New Zealand, you’ll be getting an NZ bank account regardless.

Travel Tips – New Zealand on a Budget

I said that backpacking New Zealand on a budget was totally doable, right? Well, it is! But you’ll have to be creative. After a pretty long stint in New Zealand travelling with no money, I’ve put together these kickass tips for travelling New Zealand . It’s the simple life.

• Camping – A dire necessity but see the next section.
• Couchsurfing – Although you can get by with a tent, Couchsurfing is a wonderful safety net for budget travellers in New Zealand and a lot of fun too!
• Volunteering in New Zealand – Always a strong recommendation, especially in New Zealand. Days spent with dirty hands and full bellies are my spiritual Nirvana.
• Hitchhike – You already know how I feel about hitching, however, it’s also a brilliant way to save on transportation costs in Australia. I couldn’t have travelled New Zealand without it.
• Cook your own food – Carry a top-quality backpacker stove on your backpacking trip to New Zealand, especially if you’re camping. When you do have a kitchen available, cook up a storm!
• Busking – Much like hitchhiking and volunteering, New Zealand is where the busking madness began for me. Knowing how to busk and then a solid day’s can definitely cover a decent chunk of your daily cost of travel in New Zealand.
• Food giveaways – Are around and quite open to travellers (eg. The Free Store in Wellington ). Alternatively, the Krishnas are bloody everywhere in New Zealand – haribol ! From Auckland to Wellington to Dunedin they are always doing cheap meals, food giveaways, and probably yoga classes too.
• Dumpster Diving – it ain’t the fanciest, but it really does the job. You’d be surprised how many people throw away perfectly eatable food or trendy clothes.

Why You Should Travel to New Zealand with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

December to February marks the high season (and summer) in New Zealand. These are the busiest months for the beaches, hiking, and outdoor exploration. There are plenty of festivals and events going on too. This is also the most expensive time to visit New Zealand.

The ski towns (Wanaka and Queenstown in particular) also experience high season in winter (June to August) .

The best to visit New Zealand is during shoulder season, so March to May , and September to November . The weather is still great (although noticeably less great the further south you are), and you’re going to get fewer crowds and better deals.

Outside of the ski towns, winter in New Zealand is a cheap time to visit as well, though the beach towns will be cold and sleepy. Northland and the Tasman/Golden Bay area stay pretty damn nice all year round though.

What to Pack for New Zealand

Make sure to pack right for New Zealand ! On every adventure, there are six things to never go travelling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Oh, and bonus entry: pack sandfly protection and  lots of it.

I almost feel silly writing about safety in New Zealand, considering New Zealand is consistently ranked as the  most peaceful country in the world . Crime rates are extremely low and everything from sleeping in parks to hitchhiking is extremely safe!

Therefore, when we talk about how to stay safe in New Zealand while backpacking there, we are instead referring to the unpredictable weather that can hit when you’re out doing adventurous things. Don’t underestimate nature, keep updated about the weather (that shit turns quick), and invest in proper hiking footwear , relevant attire, and camping gear if you plan to be out in the National Parks a lot.

Secondly, the sun is  strong in New Zealand – it turned my bloody hair blonde! The clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America. Always stay sun-protected.

Thirdly, crime is low but dicks be dicks – I got my phone stolen in Raglan… two days after returning someone else’s lost phone – Karma is a lie! Stay smart, especially on beaches, and travel with a money belt to protect yo’ cash and goodies!

Oh, and watch out for the sheepies while driving.

Past that, there’s nothing much outside of the standard safety advice for travelling anywhere . New Zealand ain’t Oz: there are no snakes, like one spider, and even the derros waiting to roll you at the dodgy train stations are friendlier about it!

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in New Zealand

Sex? Well, yeah, duh.

Kiwi girls are some of the most beautiful, friendly, and down-to-earth chicks you’ll ever meet when backpacking. Typically they love to have fun, drink, and party, and it goes the same with the lads. If you be looking, you’ll find a date no sweat.

As for drugs?

It’s all there too, from deliciously dank bud to knockin’ psychedelics to catapulting stimulants. It’s all illegal, so be smart where and when you buy and take it, but everything is available (if expensive). New Zealand even has a pretty major crystal meth problem so that’s fun! Bonus safety tip: stay away from meth (‘ duh, no shit sherlock ‘ moment of the century).

Booze and cigarettes are expensive as you would expect in New Zealand. Cigarettes, however, are  shockingly expensive: bring as many pouches of tobacco as customs will let you. And when it comes to a night out, you gotta pre-drink.

As a general rule though, there is a kickass party scene in New Zealand and holy shit the boogies are tight! Outdoors, indoors, club, pub, festival, or hippy throwdown, the music just ALWAYS seems to be bangin’. That’s not something Kiwis half-ass.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting New Zealand

There may be no spiders, but there are still coastline-shattering earthquakes. Travelling without insurance is risky: do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Take a guess at how cripplingly pricey a medical bill In New Zealand will cost?

Much of The Broke Backpacker team travels with World Nomads and have been for some time now. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The two easiest airports to fly into are Auckland on the north island and Christchurch on the south island. Wellington also gets some international flights but not as many as Auckland. Since New Zealand is an island (well multiple) you will have to fly here!

Auckland will most likely have the cheapest flights, and it’s easy to catch a domestic flight from there to most any other airports in New Zealand. It’s also worth noting that a domestic flight from Wellington to Nelson can cost as much – or sometimes less – than the ferry crossing.

Entry Requirements for New Zealand

The rules change a lot depending on where you’re from but luckily the official site for visa information for New Zealand is magnificently designed. Suck it, India: that’s a proper user experience!

I told you New Zealand was easy right? Well, a  Visitor Visa is applied for online (for most nationalities) and is to be obtained before arrival. Entering as a visitor, you must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in New Zealand and onwards travel  and you may be asked to present proof of said funds and onwards travel. Those things are always a ‘potential scenario’ though.

Alternatively, you can apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority and then once you arrive at Auckland’s International Airport (it has to be Auckland for the NZeTA), you can apply for a proper visa.

A New Zealand Visitor Visa can last up to as long as nine months, but it is highly contingent on the variables, especially where you’re from. After the allowed term, you can apply for another visa or even move to a student or working visa if you’re looking at living in New Zealand.

So, what’s the cost of a visa for New Zealand? Again, it’s extremely nationality-dependent so you’ll have to do your own research . It is worth mentioning though that a number of countries get visa waiver in New Zealand so also check when you’re working through that oh-so-elegant UI.

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Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

Ok, so here’s the deal. Travelling around New Zealand kinda sucks… or does it? (Foreshadowing.)

The best way to get around New Zealand is definitely by car… sorry! There are multiple rental companies within New Zealand and depending on your budget, there are endless options in regards to the type of vehicle you can rent. You can also buy a vehicle and then sell it at a later date (probably to another hapless New Zealand backpacker).

There are buses in New Zealand, but they’re kinda hopeless (outside of public transport in cities which is more than serviceable). The intercity buses (conveniently named InterCity) are expensive: for example, $38 NZD, or the price of an expensive hostel, is the average cost to travel from Auckland to Wellington. Furthermore, for getting to the breathtaking points of interest in New Zealand (i.e. the reason you presumably came), you’re shit outta luck!

You can generally find shuttles and other transport for the major attractions, however, as you probably guessed, they’re expensive. So, about that car…

You can book a rental car for your trip to New Zealand before you even arrive so that it is waiting for you at the airport. Easy as! Booking ahead is crucial to ensuring you get the lowest price and your choice of vehicle.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more. It’ll come out cheaper than you’ll pay at the rental desk.

So, about that foreshadowing, hey?

Travelling by Campervan in New Zealand

It’s the best way to travel New Zealand! This also extends to car camping to a lesser degree, but travelling by campervan in New Zealand is just the dream. I met more van-nomads in there than anywhere else in my travels. Paired with a longer stay or a working holiday in New Zealand, buying a van is just da best.

Backpacker cars and vans are seasonal. When a rush of backpackers arrives in early and mid-summer, the buying frenzy is on and prices go up. Likewise, just before winter, backpackers are trying to offload their vehicles, sometimes finding themselves without a buyer, and begging for a quarter of the price they purchased it for – off-season travel wins again!

When you’re buying a car or campervan, your best option is finding a car on TradeMe . Facebook groups and backpacker forums have tons of cars but finding a good one is like finding a needle in a haystack. Prices can range from $2,000 NZD for a station wagon, $4,000 NZD for a whiz banger campervan, or up to $8,000 NZD for a high-end self-contained campervan. While a campervan is more comfortable for sleeping, a station wagon is a great alternative.

Make sure to get a vehicle pre-inspection, ensure it has a valid WOF, and run a vehicle history report to make sure it is not stolen or money is owed. When the time comes, say goodbye to your baby and sell her on (maybe even with a little profit).

A huge part of the attraction of backpacking New Zealand is exploring the truly gorgeous landscapes and making spontaneous stops.  There is so much freedom in a vehicle and the portable home – and skipping on accommodation – is going to make for much cheaper travel in New Zealand.

Campervan Hire in New Zealand

If you are short on time or just want to make an epic few-week road trip around New Zealand, you can simply hire a campervan! Budget allowing, it’s the best way to get around New Zealand – no contest.

So who to book with then? There are tonnes of van rental companies in New Zealand, however, I recommend JUCY rentals . They operate in a lot of places but their van game in Australia and New Zealand is  strong . Plus, they’ve been around for yonks!

Check em’ out and enjoy the shenanigans.

Hitchhiking in New Zealand

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes . This is where it all began for me. What started out as hitchhiking in New Zealand filled me with adventurous fire and led to many other journeys hitching (Japan, India, Israel, to name few).

You know who else hitchhiked in New Zealand too? My dead grandma! (…When she was alive, of course.) This is back in the bloody 1940s or something so, man, hitching across Aotearoa’s magnificence is a two-thumbs-up recommendation and a blessed land for the beginner.

It’s easy – developed Western country rules – and people are ridiculously kind. Kiwis that you never in a million years thought would pick you up will, sometimes accompanied by an offer of a bed or dinner. Better yet, they’ll be heartwarming meetings and lead to the weirdest of most wonderful adventures.

There’s not much country-specific knowledge required for New Zealand: I’ll just point you to our Hitchhiking 101 Beginner’s Guide as a crash course for the newbies or a refresher course for the vets. Cities like Auckland (the fucking wall) or Wellington can be a total pain but still manageable and even in the south-of-the-south, someone will eventually pick you up (though wait times can drag).

In summary? Do it.

Onwards Travel From New Zealand

Since New Zealand is surrounded by water, you’ll be catching a plane onwards, and the choices are pretty straightforward.

Travelling to Australia is a no-brainer (unless you just came from there). It’s another backpacker dream destination PLUS it’s right next door (and usually so far away)!

Australia is another superb working holiday destination as well. Bless that obscenely high minimum wage!

Heading off backpacking to Southeast Asia is the other likely candidate. It’s close by and it’s  way cheaper. If you’re getting sick of paying a small fortune for a bowl of porridge for breakfast, consider Southeast Asia.

Any other suggestions? Yeah, one more and it’s a cool one.

Since you’re in the area, consider travelling to any of the Pacific Islands and continue exploring Oceania /Australasia/still-kinda-Asia. Though still touristy – especially with lads and laddettes from Down Under – they aren’t so heavily backpacked. Plus, after backpacking New Zealand, you may just have a strong affinity for Polynesian cultures,

There are a lot of Pacific Island nations but as some brainfood:

• Tahiti (French Polynesia)
• Papua New Guinea

I’ve already made reference to this numerous times but oh, man, most definitely. New Zealand is a land built for volunteering and backpacker work . Much like its sister country Australia, travellers from all over the world view New Zealand as a dream working holiday destination.

Expected localist crap and employers taking advantage of backpackers aside (which is minimal, to be fair), travelling and working in New Zealand is spectacular. The minimum wage is high – albeit slightly lower than Australia (but you can just consider that paying a premium to be in a better country) – and there are plenty of employment opportunities right around the country. And usually somewhere ridiculously gorgeous!

In fact, when I meet travellers on the road who are planning on visiting Australia for work, I generally just tell them to go to New Zealand instead. I haven’t heard a complaint yet!

The most common types of backpacker work in New Zealand tend to be agricultural; following the picking trail with the seasons is very common. Hospitality gigs (cafes, bars, hostels) are also easy to get as is work in the tourism industry.

Most backpackers in New Zealand tend to find seasonal work in the tourist hubs – Queenstown and Rotorua, in particular – or major cities like Auckland or Wellington. That said, farms are everywhere as are orchards, and there always seems to be some work floating around. Even in the beach towns of Raglan and Takaka (which tend to be extremely localist as anyone from a beach town will tell you), I met plenty of travellers with a job.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in New Zealand

But why work for cash when you get work for free! Yay for indentured servitude!

If you’re going without a work visa and aren’t a fan of pulling the sneaky, volunteering is a classic choice in New Zealand. A free bed and meal(s) is pretty much always a guarantee, and if your host isn’t offering that, you’ll generally find someone within a 30 km radius who is.

Of course, it’s not just about the bed. The experience of volunteering while on the road is rather rewarding. All these years later and I STILL remain friends with some of the hosts I volunteered for plus I got some cool experiences to boot (like milking a goat!).

I already mention Workaway and WWOOF as the gold standards in New Zealand (as are more old-school means), however, a few Workaway alternatives rear their head including our bonafide favourite: Worldpackers!

Worldpackers is another volunteering platform we’ve reviewed and adore. They don’t always have as many volunteering gigs in sheer number, but they do offer very substantial and authentic experiences plus a hold host of nifty community features that the fiercely impersonal Workaway lacks.

Hell, join the Worldpackers community as a Broke Backpacker reader (with the code BROKEBACKPACKER ) to get a sweet discount on the signup fee – 20% off the annual subscription price. Churr, bro!

Work Visas in New Zealand

So, about how to actually work in New Zealand? Many nationalities have access to a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand. This will allow for a stay of up to 12-months, and you can work! (Legally.)

There are a few extra stipulations over a normal tourist visa, however:

• Full medical insurance for the length of your stay.
• For people ages 18-30 only.
• Have at least $4200 NZ in funds available.

Again, the New Zealand Working Holiday visa fees and fine print vary by your passport’s nationality. There’s a lot of extra details to research, so some adulting will be required.

Y’know… Before you go to New Zealand and forget your adult responsibilities.

If you’re finding all of this a bit complicated,  Global Work and Travel  may be able to alleviate some of the VISA complications for you. They offer working holidays and internship opportunities in many locations throughout New Zealand, both of which require the working holiday VISA.

In fact, they’ll support you throughout the entire process; from VISA guidance to finding you the perfect placement. You’ve got to be between the ages of 18 to 35 though…apologies if this isn’t you!

Internet in New Zealand

New Zealand allows you to be as connected or disconnected as you want. In the main towns, you’ll find no problem to grab four bars of signal. However, wander out in the sticks and your signal will disappear pretty quick.

The cheapest and easiest way to stay connected in New Zealand is with a local SIM card. You can buy one at the airport or just wait until you’re in town. You can expect good coverage in any built-up areas but don’t expect too much consistency outside of that, particularly in rural areas and particularly on South Island.

The major providers of SIM cards in New Zealand are:

Honestly, they’re all pretty comparable price and coverage-wise. I do recommend Spark though because they have a  crapton of public phone boxes around the country which act as WiFi hotspots for Spark customers. You get a 1 GB allowance per day, they’re seriously everywhere (like tuk-tuks in Asia), and one time while downloading Spotify playlists at a booth, I met some random legend and he offered me a ride.

WiFi is pretty common throughout New Zealand, and most hostels and homestays will offer WiFi. Free WiFi is offered at certain hotspots around cities, on buses, and in some cafes and bars, but you will often have a limit on time or download usage, so don’t expect to Skype for long! Outside of busy urban areas, free WiFi becomes harder to find.

Maybe food isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of travel in New Zealand, but actually prepare to be amazed (at both the taste and your empty wallet).

New Zealand has both fresh seafood and produce markets throughout the country to get your breakfast on. You can find all sorts of dining experiences from simple yet hearty traditional Maori food, to a thriving coffee and craft beer scene (not to mention the world-famous New Zealand wine), to just the many damn delicious places to eat around New Zealand.

• Maori hangi  – This involves meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground oven.
• Fry bread  – It’s bread that’s fried. Is it good? Do the 3 extra kilos I put on from fried bread alone give you a clue?
• Boil-Ups  – A popular dish in Maori communities. These are cooked by boiling different ingredients together like a soup.
• Seafood  – From lobster and fish to sea urchin, New Zealanders consume a lot of seafood!
• Paua – A large sea snail seafood delicacy.
• Whitebait Fritter:  A delicacy in New Zealand and currently demands the highest price of any fish in the country.
• Fish ‘N Chips  – So, the Kiwis didn’t exactly create fish ‘n’ chips but man they know how to cook ’em! Find yourself some kumara chips (sweet potato) for some extra awesomeness.
• Kiwi Burger  – Beetroot and fried egg along with your standard burger patties.
• Pavlova  – A desert in New Zealand made with meringue, whipped cream, and fruit. The cause of WWIII will be the ongoing dispute between Australia and New Zealand as to baked the first pavlova.
• Manuka Honey:  Highly sought-after honey internationally due to its acclaimed medicinal purposes.
• Vegemite  – It’s Australian but if you’ve come this far, you need to try it. If anyone tells you Marmite is better, punch them in the dick.

As Peter Jackson once described, “ New Zealand is not a small country, but a large village. ” It’s so true. Kiwis are always ready to help you out wherever possible, whether it is telling you about the best place to sit and watch the sunset while you devour fish ’n’ chips, or driving you out of their way to get you to where you need to go (often with a parting gift of something dank).

New Zealander’s pride themselves on their laid-back camaraderie for life and collective openness to strangers. It’s fair to say that it’s just a Kiwi thing. When travelling in New Zealand, I rarely, if ever, felt the cynicism towards tourists that I’ve felt in so many other places in the world; only a sincere desire to share their home

On my travels in New Zealand, I have been consistently amazed at just how kind the Kiwis can be – strangers will open up their homes to you or just check to see if you need some help. Sometimes, I didn’t even have to hitch; people would just pull over and offer me a ride as I was walking out of town.

The Maori people, though obviously Kiwi and very much fitting in with the above statements, still retain their cultural identity, and it is a beautiful one. Family comes first but family is more than just your blood.

The Maori culture stands as something truly amazing to explore and learn about. If the opportunity arises to spend some time with them and make some Maori friends, take it. It”s 100% worth the experience.

New Zealand and all of its many peoples – from the colonial-heritage Kiwis to the Maori descendants to the many migrants that now call it home – feel harmonious. Things are not perfect, and neither is their history, but when put in comparison to nearby ex-colony neighbours, New Zealand’s history is one much-less stained with blood and decrepit behaviour.

Non-Maori Kiwis on average possess a much higher level of respect for the indigenous people of their home. They want to share it, and it is heartwarming to behold. Put it this way:

Once while hitchhiking through the far north of New Zealand hitchhiking, a middle-aged woman driving her Down Syndrome child back to Auckland picked us up – two shoe-less, smelly, dirtbag-hippies. In her car, she was playing an educational CD teaching the Maori language.

That would never happen in Australia.

Useful Travel Phrases for New Zealand

So, English is the spoken language in New Zealand (officially) If you’re reading this, you’re presumably golden. That said, the Maori do very much have their own spoken language (on top of English) and it’s not uncommon for a white Kiwi to know a few words… usually about three.

The left side is a few Maori words; the right side is some choice New Zealand slang:

• Kia Ora  – Have life (Maori greeting and commonly used everywhere)
• Whanau (far-noe)  – Extended family (cultural significance)
• Kai  – Food (it’s been adopted as Kiwi slang)
• Koha  – Donation/a gift of what you can provide
• Aotearoa  – New Zealand, ya dumb-bum!
• Mean  – Awesome/sick
• Choice  – Mean
• Jandals  – Flip-flops/thongs
• Churr/Churr, bro  – Right on/cheers/thanks
• She’ll be right  – It’ll be fine
• Beached as – This.

A Brief History of New Zealand

While the Dutch explored New Zealand first, the British were the ones to colonise New Zealand in the 1800s. Prior to that, New Zealand – or Aotearoa- was only inhabited by the Maori people, a Polynesian people who settled sometime between 1320 and 1350.

The Maori culture is rich, vibrant, and fairly unique having developed isolated from other Polynesian cultures over many years. For many years, the Maori tribes engaged in regular warfare and combat was a vital part of their culture along with a deeply-ingrained mythology, dance, art, and numerous other things (shout-out to the poi spinners).

The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was supposed to lead to coexistence between the two peoples – indigenous and colonisers. Unfortunately, Maori came under increasing pressure to sell their land for settlement.

This led to conflict and in the 1860s, war broke out on the North Island. While the North Island experienced a series of wars, the less-populous South Island remained relatively peaceful with only one Treaty-related armed conflict.

Around the same time, many aspects of life on the South Island allowed New Zealand to flourish. The Otago region was experiencing a major gold rush, and Dunedin became the country’s wealthiest city. Sheep farming was established on extensive grasslands and railways were built with towns springing up or expanding.

In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote. State pensions and state housing for workers were also offered first in New Zealand and in 1907, New Zealand became independent.

New Zealand in Modern Times

In modern times, New Zealand has borne the brunt of conflicts similarly to much of the rest of the world, namely WWI, WWII, and the Great Depression. Despite this, New Zealand stands as an incredibly prosperous country and, rather pridefully, is considered one of the most peaceful on the planet.

Although Maori relations have struggled periodically over the years, noticeably throughout the 1970s and latter half of the century when protest movements began to arise among Maori people over land rights and recognition of the culture, many of these grievances have been settled.

There are ongoing concerns and nothing is perfect, but in the greater scope of the world’s history, the largely positive relationship between New Zealand and it’s first people is not only heartwarming but also worthy of respect.

There is a lot of beauty in New Zealand and a lot of things to see. Even more, there is a lot to experience. From the Maori culture to the Kiwi smile, there is a lot to pay attention to while backpacking around New Zealand more than just sunsets and touring Hobbiton .

Don’t let New Zealand pass you by.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Hiking in New Zealand

If hiking is your thing, you will quickly realize why Kiwis throw on their gators and massive hiking boots to hit the mountains any chance they get.

The most popular hikes in New Zealand are the Ten Great Walks . These hikes have world-class infrastructure, comfortable huts, and are all good hikes for beginners. Hut reservations are required in advance, and bunks cost between $32 and $140 NZ per night depending on the hike.

Check out this post for a comprehensive guide on Nine of the Ten Great Walks of New Zealand .

While these are the most popular, don’t be worried if you didn’t score a reservation. There are even better treks in New Zealand! Getting into the backcountry, or tramping as the Kiwis call it, has advantages of smaller crowds and more serious hiking.

For experienced hikers, you cannot go wrong with your pick of:

• Travers-Sabine circuit to Blue Lake
• The Copeland Track
• Or potentially one of the absolute best hikes in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle

If venturing into the mountains is not your thing, it is still worth checking out some of the incredible day hikes around New Zealand.  The best day hikes in New Zealand for beginners are:

• Diamond Lake

For a more advanced hike, check out:

• Mount Taranaki
• Mueller Hut
• Avalanche Peak

One way or another, everywhere you go in New Zealand, there’s a walk worth doing. It’s safe to say that some of the best hikes in the world are in New Zealand. Make sure you spend at least a little time getting lost in New Zealand’s spectacular national parks.

Joining an Organised Tour in New Zealand

Solo travel in New Zealand is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travellers, you can opt to join an organized tour. Joining a tour is a great way to see a majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. However, not all tour operators are created equal – that is for sure.

G Adventures is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in New Zealand for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

You’re almost ready to go soak in the natural beauty of amazing scenery, snow-covered mountains, active volcanoes, strangely friendly people, and maybe a few major cities. If you’ve still got some questions, here are some answers about the New Zealand backpacking experience.

Is solo backpacking in New Zealand worth it?

Damn it, yes! Don’t get me wrong, if you bring a buddy with you, you’re going to share an amazing adventure. But if you go it alone, you’re opening up your world to infinite possibilities that will well and truly change your life.

How is backpacking New Zealand without a car rental?

Look, it can be done, but it’s far from the same experience. My best advice is to practise some patience because you could either be waiting a while for those (expensive) buses or waiting a while to score a hitchhike to save money. But hey, a backpacking trip in New Zealand should involve plenty of adventure.

How much should I budget for backpacking New Zealand?

With around $70, you’re going to be able to travel comfortably – depending on your travel style. If you practise plenty of budget backpacker tricks, you can save money. Likewise, if you’re a boogie bugger, a New Zealand trip will eat your budget.

Can I go to Mordor?

It’s not recommended. But if you take a Sam, you might make it… Anyway, why would you want to leave Hobbiton? You have good food, a warm hearth, and all the comforts of home. Okay, I’m done with the Lord of the Rings stuff now.

We’re almost at the end, ready to hit the road, hoist that backpack, and go to New Zealand – the adventure capital. Before you do, any last thoughts for the New Zealand travel guide?

Yeah, one more important thing.

Be Good to New Zealand

Travelling gives us a lot of opportunities. Sometimes, it’s for the betterment of ourselves and the world. At other times, it’s to just act like a twat.

Too many drugs, drinks, or just plain ego, we all mess up. I’ve messed up.

Some days we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Other days we just miss home.

However, it’s still important to remember to take responsibility for yourself and your actions on any backpacking trip, and New Zealand is no different. It’s a privileged, rich, and Western country, sure, but it’s still important to treat the land and the people that belong to it with kindness.

Smile, be kind, show an interest in the culture: no one forced you to be there. You’ve chosen to enter someone else’s home as a visitor – be respectful.

Take off your shoes, don’t use up all their toilet paper, and be good . Nothing says it better.

Now You’re Ready to Go To New Zealand!

That’s it, all the info you may need… more or less. Truly, backpacking in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience.

This outro is an update for our New Zealand budget travel guide written by me, two-and-a-half years since I travelled in New Zealand. I still miss it.

New Zealand taught me a lot of things. It taught me how to travel and how to travel well. I now believe in the goodness of people and the beauty of life. New Zealand taught me to love life.

A lot has changed since those simple dirtbaggin’ days in Aotearoa. I’ve changed, the world has changed, and travel changes, but New Zealand hasn’t – not so much. It’s still one of the most gorgeous places on this beautiful and complicated planet.

I don’t go so much in for the hippy-dippy spiritual stuff anymore, but New Zealand deserves it. It’s a truly special home, and I genuinely believe there is healing in that land. There is magic there.

If you’re going Backpacking New Zealand, budget travel or a holiday, I bid you the very best time. Keep this travel guide handy and see the best of New Zealand. If you choose to settle, you wouldn’t be the first.

Hell, maybe I’ll see you there one day. Love and light to you. Did I really just say that?

Dammit, New Zealand.

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Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at ZiggySamuels.com .

Updated May 2023 by Laura Hall .

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17 Comments

The price of those great walks have gone up recently, but they are still totally worth it. Hiking has to be of my favourite things to do in New Zealand… there’s something about the views and feeling so peaceful.. and the endorphins ?

Hello! Your article says that Auckland is New Zealand’s capital but actually Wellington is. Auckland is our largest city and was once upon a time the capital city, but Wellington has been the capital city since 1865 so it’s a pretty established thing! Thanks 🙂

Yes, Wellington is definitely New Zealand’s capital. We apologise for the fault in the writing. Those responsible have been sacked. (Not really.)

A vacation turned to be an adventure and good memory when you spending it with your family. Camping is not a new concept but the availability of new camping gadgets has made this fun activity more interesting.

Local kiwi here. Read this post out of curiosity most of it is pretty good but Auckland is NOT the capital and the majority do not live there. Only about 1/5 of the popularion do. Wellington is of course course the capital.

Thanks for the corrections 🙂

If you have 16 days what places would you suggest? We would like to do a little of everything.

I’m heading to New zealand for the first time next weekend as a girls trip and am so excited! Thank you for the amazing tips.

By any chance, did you travel to the Cook Islands?

Regards, Parth

I’m afraid not, not this time…

I wanted to go to New Zealand with my girlfriend due to work opportunity. It seems as an exotic place to visit.

About to try a backpacking trip in NZ and you have inspired me.

About to sign up 🙂

Cheers Sharon…

The idea of backpacking in New Zealand never crossed my mind, however not it is on my mind. What was your best experience in there?

Hi great post! Just wondering what backpack did u use? I’m currently having a hard time picking up backpack.

I have a Berghaus Freeflow as my hiking backpack and an Osprey Aether as my main travel backpack 🙂

thankyou!!! super helpful and hopefully will be using this info in the near future

Looks incredible. Saving this post for when we go. So many awesome activities. I don’t know why we haven’t explored NZ yet. We’d love to buy a camper and travel both islands for a while. Cheers for sharing Janey.

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11 must-do experiences in the South Island

Experience New Zealand's highest peak and explore the only castle in the country. Admire striking lakeside views, street art and mountain peaks.

The South Island hosts some of the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. Add some of these must-do's to your South Island itinerary.

1. Marvel at Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain

Aoraki / Mt Cook, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Will Patino

Experience the beauty of  Aoraki/Mount Cook on foot. Enjoy a birds eye view of the area from the air on a scenic flight or go on a boat trip with Glacier Explorers on the only accessible glacial lake with icebergs in the world. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences.

2. Visit New Zealand's only castle

Lanarch Castle, Dunedin

By Enterprise Dunedin

Built by William Larnach in 1871, the Larnach castle is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. The castle and its creator offer a fascinating look into Dunedin's history. Boasting a 3,000 square foot ballroom, a tower with sweeping views of the Otago Peninsula and stunning Victorian style gardens,  Larnach Castle  is a must-do. Soak up the atmosphere and stay for high tea, hosted each day at 3pm.

3. Go native bird spotting on Rakiura/Stewart Island

Stewart Island birdlife, Stewart Island - Rakiura

By Matt Crawford

Stewart Island  is home to New Zealand's largest and most diverse bird population. Here, you can go birdwatching and see kākā, albatross, penguins, weka and even kiwis as you walk. With over 240 kilometres of  walking tracks  you can explore the beaches and rainforests at your own pace or pick from one of the many tour companies and discover the island's hidden gems.

4. Discover the majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds

Milford Sound, Fiordland

By Tourism New Zealand

A UNESCO World Heritage site,  Fiordland National Park  features  Milford  and  Doubtful Sounds  which you can explore by  boat , air or on  foot . Keep the camera handy - there's a magic spot around every bend in this part of the world! The park can be accessed through the picturesque town of  Te Anau .

5. Explore the Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds by bike, Marlborough

By Marlborough Tourism

Located at the top of the South Island, Marlborough Sounds boasts 1,500km of New Zealand coastline. Home to secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and precious island sanctuaries which foster kiwi and other native species. Cruise or kayak your way through the Sounds, spotting the wildlife along the way. Starting at Ship Cove, walk or cycle bush clad ridgelines to admire the view from the  Queen Charlotte Track.

6. Go on a street art trail in Christchurch

Christchurch Street Art Trail, Christchurch - Canterbury

By ChristchurchNZ

Soak up the creative vibe of  Christchurch  before you hit the road on an epic  South Island  journey. New Zealand's home of street art, you can walk the streets of Christchurch and admire ever-evolving murals in the city (opens in new window) . With stunning art like the Riverside Mural, Kaitaki in the YMCA Building and Organic Matters in Lichfield street, creativity meets you at every turn and corner.

7. Choose your own adventure in Queenstown

AJ Hackett Bungy, Queenstown, Queenstown

By AJ Hackett Bungy

The stunning lakeside resort of  Queenstown  is the adventure capital of the world. From iconic  bungy jumping, jet boating , to quad biking,  white water rafting , river surfing,  sky diving  and canyon swings ...there is something for everyone!

8. Enjoy the outdoors at Mt Aspiring National Park

Mt Aspiring National Park, Wānaka

By Tourism NZ

From soaring mountains to tranquil river flats, glaciers and turquoise lakes, exploring the  Mount Aspiring National Park  wilderness is an unforgettable experience. Just an hour's drive from  Wānaka , it boasts plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts; from  walking  to jet boating and  scenic flights . Choosing where to start is the hardest part!

9. Taste the wines of Central Otago

Wineries, Central Otago

By Archangel Wines

Central Otago  is breathtaking, with vast undulating landscapes, rugged snow-capped mountains, clear blue rivers and tussock-clad hills. The gem of this region is the  multitude of wineries , many world-renowned for their Pinot Noir. Meet the wine-makers, stroll or bike through the vines and savour the best of this region.

10. Discover the hidden paradise of Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge, West Coast

By West Coast Tourism

Located 33 kilometres from  Hokitika  on the  West Coast, The Hokitika Gorge is one of those places that look as good in photos as in real life. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush looks too good to be true but trust us, it is well worth a visit. Take a tour to access some unique and hidden locations with  Hokitika Gorge Tours.

11. Encounter marine life in Abel Tasman National Park

Split Apple Rock Kaiteriteri Kayak Nelson, New Zealand

By Nelson Tasman

The sheltered bays of  Abel Tasman National Park  are perfect for sailing or kayaking, with ample opportunity to see the seals and dolphins who regularly play in these coastal waters. If you prefer to explore by land, the park is a great place to walk. Hike the  Abel Tasman Coastal Track  and follow the coastline through native bush, past limestone cliffs and along golden beaches.

Discover your South Island adventure

Find more things to do in christchurch - canterbury, find more things to do in central otago, find more things to do in stewart island.

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See other journeys in the South Island

Top things to do in the West Coast long-arrow-right

Top 10 things to do in Queenstown long-arrow-right

Top 10 food and wine events long-arrow-right

Let us inspire your New Zealand travels with local knowledge.

The ultimate NZ guide

Whether this is your first time in Aotearoa New Zealand, or you’re exploring your own backyard, let’s work together to get the most from your travels.

We’ll help you find hidden gems, get practical advice and save money in the process.

Explore our content by location or use the search to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Unmissable New Zealand Locations

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We’re always on the hunt for exciting new activities, attractions and accommodations.

Discover for yourself why we’re considered one of New Zealand’s top travel blogs!

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If you find yourself overwhelmed while planning your NZ travels, don’t panic.

We offer private consultations where we answer your questions and help plan your own personalised itinerary.

Let’s work together to finalise the trip of your dreams.

The tips we got for our family holiday to the Coromandel were invaluable.

Grab a pen and paper mate because you’re going to need it., everyone on this site has been so helpful and very detailed, extend your visit to new zealand, plan a stopover or side-trip.

Photo credits: Miles Holden, Vaughan Brookfield and Fraser Clements.

How to post on Reddit

Engage with communities effortlessly

Tools and requirements

• Quick steps
• Step-by-step guide
• Quick Steps

Final Thoughts

Discovering how to post on Reddit will open new avenues for you to interact and engage with different communities. 

Popularly known as "the front page of the internet," Reddit has a colossal variety of community forums, known as subreddits, on nearly every topic imaginable. By learning to post, you can share ideas, ask questions, and contribute to discussions you’re interested in.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create posts on Reddit. And if you’re feeling unsure about creating articulate posts, check out our roundup of the best AI writers . 

• Computer or smartphone
• Browser access or Reddit app
• A Reddit account

Steps for how to post on Reddit using a web browser

• Log in to Reddit.com . 
• Click 'Create Post' (right sidebar). 
• Click 'Choose a community'. Type and select the community name. 
• Select the type of post you want to make by clicking on any of these tabs: Post, Images & Video, Link, and Poll. 
• Input your title and fill out the rest of the details. 
• Click Post.

Step-by-step guide to post on Reddit using a web browser

1. visit reddit.com and click create post.

Start by heading to Reddit.com on your computer’s browser and logging in. Then, click the 'Create Post' box towards the top of the page or click ' Create Post' on the right-hand sidebar. 

2. Choose a community

Click 'Choose a community' and type the community/subreddit’s name you want to post in. 

3. Select the post type

Under the 'Choose a community' option, you’ll find four tabs for the different types of posts: Post , Images & Video , Link , and Poll . Click the relevant tab for the post format you want. 

Remember that some Subreddits have limited post types, in which case the restricted post tabs will be grayed out. 

4. Fill in the title and details

Click the Title bar to type out the title. 

If you’re making a standard Post , click the Text (optional) box under Title and add details to your post. 

For Images & Video, click Upload or drag and drop media files for uploading. 

For a Link post , paste a URL . 

Lastly, for a Poll , input text in the Text box , and then fill in the Options boxes below. You can add more options by selecting 'Add Option', and adjust the voting duration by clicking the dropdown beside Voting length and selecting a period.  

5. Add tags and click Post

Under the text/post box, you’ll find tags: OC (original content), Spoiler , NSFW , and Flair . Click the ones relevant to your post. 

Once done, click 'Post' (beside 'Save Draft' ), and your post will be published immediately. 

Note that some Subreddits will have a 'Request to Post' button instead of 'Post' , and the post will get published only if the moderator(s) approve it.  

Steps for how to post on Reddit using iOS or Android

• Open the Reddit app and tap the + icon. 
• Select the type of post. 
• Input the title and additional information and press next. 
• Search the community you want to post to and select it. 
• Add tags (if relevant) and tap 'Post'.

Step-by-step guide to post on Reddit using iOS or Android

Below, we demonstrate how to post on Reddit using an iPhone, but the steps are similar on Android smartphones. 

1. Open Reddit and tap Create

Open the Reddit app on your phone and tap ' Create' (+ icon) at the bottom of the screen. 

2. Select the type of post

Select the post type by tapping one of the options towards the bottom of the screen ( Text , Link , Image , Video , Poll , Predictions , and Talk ). 

3. Add a title and details

Tap the 'Add a title' bar at the top of the screen to input your title. Based on the post type you’ve selected, add additional details, like text, image, or video. 

Once done, tap 'Next' (top right corner). 

4. Search for a community

Tap the 'Search for a community' bar and type in the name of the community you want to post to. 

Tap to select the community when it shows up in the search. 

5. Add tags and tap Post

If you have relevant tags to add, tap 'Tag NSFW' , 'Tag Spoiler' , or 'Add flair' . 

Once ready, press 'Post' (top right corner) to publish.  

Knowing how to post on Reddit will help you interact with communities that pique your interest and contribute to meaningful and light-hearted discussions. 

If you’re keen on actively engaging with more social media platforms, read our guides on how to post a YouTube video , how to post to Instagram from PC , and how to use Threads .

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Nikshep Myle is a freelance writer covering tech, health, and wellbeing. He has written for popular tech blogs like Tom's Guide, GadgetReview, SlashGear, and Creative Bloq, and has extensively reviewed consumer gadgets. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him meditating, gaming, discovering new music, and indulging in adventurous and creative pursuits.

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