See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F. You won’t be eating at restaurants. In fact, some parts can be so packed that even visiting places at sunrise still means having to share them with others, and I’m not even talking about the queues on Roys Peak! 8. Exploring this land of geysers, steaming hot pools, and bubbling mud is one of the most interesting things to do on the North Island. Depending on the exchange rate at the time, $1AUD (Australian Dollar) will buy you somewhere between $1. 1. The South Island averages around 7℃ in the day, with the North Island seeing a balmier 13 °C. 17 Cigarettes are Expensive…. The one essential item you need to pack for winter in New Zealand is a raincoat, as these months see the most rain. Kayak Around Cathedral Cove. 1. Here are the basics about travel to New Zealand. 9. Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. All forums . 5 daylight hours and finishes with. Actually we write posts on anything that’s of interest in the South Pacific (our home) DownsideUP was started in 2008, to help people just like you, with planning the perfect NZ Self Driving experience. Although if you’re like me. Temperatures can be quite summery in the middle of the day, but you should still expect colder nights and early mornings. In New Zealand, Sauvignon Wishes and Sashimi Dreams. If you are looking for a small souvenir from New Zealand, get yourself a bracelet, necklace, or earrings inlaid with the famous Paua Shell. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to New Zealand. This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand’s North Island. ;. 26th - 28th Rotorua. Known for its Victorian architecture and inexplicable obsession with Steampunk, Oamaru is a must-visit town on any New Zealand itinerary. Backcountry skiing at The Remarkables! Any list of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter HAS to include skiing (or snowboarding). 1 Auckland and Waiheke Island. Lake Tekapo / Takapō. 1 swimming suit. With average highs ranging between 61 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 21 degrees Celsius) and average lows lingering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), the temperature in October is usually tolerable, but strong winds and sudden storms can put a damper on otherwise pleasant days. Subscribe Now! Tourism New Zealand's corporate website contains information for industry, media and New Zealanders, such as news, insights, data, job vacancies and event listings. Irish passport holders can enter New Zealand on New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for a period of 90 days without obtaining a visa for New Zealand from Ireland, under the visa waiver program that commenced in the years 2009. Explore the North Island's must-visit places and top attractions in one week with our travel guide, including the best things to do, tips on how to get around, and where to stay. Notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. New Zealand South Island. Practice sun. Temperature. You can check if you can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence on the NZ Transport Agency website. be exempt from the requirements to hold a visa to New Zealand; or. 2. Day 6: Whangarei (to break up the drive) Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula. Travelers favorites include #1 Milford Sound, #2 Maori Cultural Experiences and more. New Zealand has some of the greatest scenic drives in the world. Backroads) and then supplementing that with other experiences (wine, rafting, city visit) We are not. If you want a few splurges and to stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150. In the North, you can spend days visiting the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay and in the South, you can enjoy the most famous and extensive region of Marlborough. Basically, the further south you go, the colder it gets. 25th - 26th Tauranga. Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Day 6 – Crossing the Cook Strait to Picton and driving to Kaikoura. About the Waitomo Caves. Pounamu Pounamu – A short story collection penned by the esteemed Witi Ihimaera, the same author of ‘The Whale Rider’. In the South Island this equals high levels of snowfall. New Zealand, or Aotearoa in Māori, benefits from a diverse landscape of golden beaches, rainforests, fiords, wineries and snow-topped mountains. Arrive in New Zealand in November, and you arrive on the cusp of summer. 2677. If you go in spring you get to avoid the crowds and it will make the experience amongst volcanic terrain, ancient lava flows. One of the best places to live in New Zealand, Nelson’s stunning setting on the coast, snuggled between two mountain ranges, also makes it a fantastic city to visit. There are also scheduled coach tours and backpacker tour buses to Queenstown from other New Zealand cities, but these are typically quite costly as it is part of a tour package. When contemplating the breathtaking natural wonders of New Zealand, the choice between visiting Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound stands as a pivotal decision. One of the best things about visiting New Zealand is that there’s a huge range of activities to pursue – hiking to glaciers, relaxing on beaches, snorkeling with the world’s tiniest dolphins, visiting Hobbiton and. Because of the hole in the O-zone layer between New Zealand and Australia, the sun is intense and can burn you within seven minutes of exposure even in winter. Average high: 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) April is mid-autumn in New Zealand, and in general, daytime temperatures are moderately warm, nighttime temperatures cool, and rainfall higher than in the summer. 6. Welcome to the New Zealand Government’s official immigration website. Visiting New Zealand for a holiday. The spring season in Queenstown starts in September and ends in November. If you are not a resident, you can reserve your entry tickets here. New Zealand is the perfect blend of outdoor adventures, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities, and gourmet food. New Zealand’s oldest wharenui (meeting house) displays the beautiful traditional Maori carving techniques. Auckland, North Island. 1. That said, New Zealand is a great place to visit year-round, and it is also a world-renowned ski destination with ski resorts throughout the North and South Island. You are going to pay more for electronics, clothing, and food items. Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2023. 5-hour drive. Wellington is quite windy but has good food/drinks/coffee. Where else can you bungy off a bridge, visit. Rotorua, New Zealand. You can exchange foreign currency for New Zealand currency at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are in international airports and most city centres. 20. Honestly, I believe the Milford Sound Waterfalls are some of the most impressive waterfalls in New Zealand, although they never seem to photograph that way. Travelling with Children in New Zealand - Tips & Tricks. Cathedral Cove is located only a couple of kilometers from the town of Hahei on New Zealand’s North Island. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. 2. DAY 11: HOKITIKA. Note: some country restrictions apply for international calls and texts. Australia provided over 1. See Itinerary. a New Zealand citizen or resident of New Zealand before arriving in Australia; temporarily visiting Australia. Approved NZeTA valid up to 2 years. The only saltwater baths in the Nelson/Tasman region are right on the Motueka foreshore. Time for terrestrial and dry fly fishing. North Island: 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) high/54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) low. Located on Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park, St. Viaduct Harbour | Best Things to do in Auckland. COVID-19 safety practices in place. Depending on when you are visiting New Zealand, the temperature can range from 25°C (77°F) in the summer in the North Island to as low as 3°C (37°F) in the South Island. Goat Island, one hour north of Auckland. If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you must request an NZeTA before you travel if you: are visiting for up to 3 months — or, if you are a British citizen, up to 6 months. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. First of all is this the correct place to write a trip report - let me know if I am in the wrong place and I will move it - many thanks. Visiting New Zealand in April. February is mid-summer in New Zealand, and also peak tourism season. It’s open nearly every day from 10 am – 4 pm. Be Up to Date with the Latest Travel Restrictions. 5 hours, departing at 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 6 pm daily. Driving on New Zealand roads — new residents and visitors. It’s an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking. Not only is it the holidays, but the weather’s glorious, which attracts travelers like moths to a flame-. Devonport Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Auckland for Families. Aoraki - Mount Cook; 4. Explore the Geothermal Areas. Visitors need to complete the NZeTA application form online by answering a series of basic questions and submitting relevant documents. QuickRead: Top tips for carrying cash and paying for things in New Zealand. It is still recommended to practice healthy habits when travelling around New Zealand. 34. Some visitors and transit passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa if they get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel. For example, Mount. Waiheke Island. On the budget end, a Big Mac costs $7 with McDonald's combo meals ranging up to $11. 11 Plan & Pack for the Seasons. Here are some handy tips from travelling Super Mom Suzie who has holidayed with her kids all over NZ. The lift of China’s travel restrictions will boost tourism in New Zealand. Located in the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons fall in direct opposition to the Northern Hemisphere. This blog is dedicated to inform and inspire you on all things to do with New Zealand. The reality is that with those late sunrises and early sunsets you are going to have less time to explore than in summer. North Island Day 3: Hobbiton and Rotorua. This is with the exception of Australian residents. Not be Prepared for Natural Disasters. Pounamu Pounamu depicts themes of. New Zealand map National Parks Auckland Bay of Plenty The Coromandel Hawke's Bay Manawatū Northland & Bay of Islands Rotorua Ruapehu Tairāwhiti Gisborne Taranaki. Dry fly are increasingly successful and nymph fishing should still be successful. Top Things to Do in. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting New Zealand’s most famous town! 1. To be eligible for this policy, you must: a. December in New Zealand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See. Explore Aotearoa New Zealand on a luxury self-drive itinerary. Get answers to your questions about New Zealand . If you’re visiting Zealandia as a family (which is a really good idea, just FYI), you can also get a family pass for $53 NZD. This has meant that over the last few years diabetes services have received increased funding. In the month of June 2023, there were over 178 thousand international visitor arrivals to New Zealand, marking an. Note: As of 17th May 2022, the cost of applying for the visitor visa increased to $246. A gondola ticket costs $40 NZD per adult, and you can book your ticket online in advance to save time. Abel Tasman National Park; 3. Fiordland National Park is located on the Southwestern side of the South Island of New New Zealand and is famous for its incredible and beautiful fjords. The New Zealand Government requires a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for all visiting and transit passengers from Ireland. Whangarei is about 2 hours and 45 minutes away and makes a great stop on a road trip from Auckland to Paihia. Was this page helpful?The majority of cruises visiting New Zealand during the summer are roundtrips from Australian ports, including Sydney and Melbourne. The next morning I’m back on the train and off to Blenheim, the third stop on my 9-day New Zealand itinerary. Wander through world-class museums and galleries in Wellington. Eat, Drink and be Welly at Visa Wellington on a Plate. Staying connected in New Zealand. 21 days South Island - draft route 2:46 am;400,000. New Zealand is only around a 3 and 1/2 hour flight from east coast Australian cities. Visas take at least a month to process, so be sure to apply well in advance of your planned trip. It's peak tourism season, and schools are closed until the end of the month. Having said that, I do not know why I had wrote the below on my side mirror during the trip…Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. Along this route, there are plenty of things to do and see. See the Aurora Australis. River levels are lower. Over 400,000. The country was so far away, so exotic and so incredibly beautiful that I figured it’s beyond my abilities. Abseiling in Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges. For many, "The Lord of the Rings" is a main motivator to visit New Zealand. If you travel to another country. This itinerary is designed as a 3 week road trip, starting in Auckland on the North Island and ending at Queenstown on the South. You should know a couple of things to keep you out of trouble. Compare the Excess Costs. Explore the North Island Explore the South Island Visit cities and towns Discover other islands you can visit Popular places Things to see and do in New Zealand Diverse scenery and unique culture mean there is a wide range of things to see and do while travelling around New Zealand. It is also important to keep in mind that New Zealand is 2h ahead of Sydney once you arrive. When visiting New Zealand make sure you understand the currency and payment options available. In particular, New Zealand is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, and flooding. New Zealand's food, wine and beer attracts people from all over the world, and with good reason. If you are visiting planning to New Zealand and wondering what you need to bring with you. Passports must be valid for at least three months after your. On this page, you'll find helpful information on New Zealand visa options: Travel requirements to enter New Zealand. Travel days are hard enough without jet lag adding to your stress, so gameplan smarter with these natural jet-lag tablets. Books to Read While Visiting New Zealand. On this website you can find information about U. Planning Your Visit To New Zealand. In winter, when the days are short and the nights are long, New Zealand offers the perfect conditions to see the Aurora Australis which can sometimes be seen as far north as Wellington. 10.