Pictures of New Zealand evoke thoughts of soaring mountains, glistening icefields, lush woodlands, untouched countryside, and countless herds of sheep. The nation has gained a reputation for being an exciting destination for thrill-seekers. All options are available here to have an unforgettable experience in the outdoors – such as trekking, skydiving, spelunking, bungee jumping, and skiing.
Traveling through New Zealand with a backpack is a highly favored pursuit internationally, with huge amounts of people going on their voyages around the globe (there’s a sudden high in movements of persons acquiring working vacation passes!).
No matter your travel style, New Zealand is sure to provide a great experience for you, whether you’re budgeting, taking a backpacking trip, or looking for a luxurious vacation. The inhabitants are kindhearted, the nation is extraordinarily lovely, the wine is budget-friendly, the locals are cordial, and you get to network with so many globetrotters. It’s one of the best countries in the world. You will leave here wanting to come back.
Fortunately, New Zealand being a country with a large appeal to backpackers makes it easy to take an affordable vacation if you have the insider knowledge of how to save. It won’t be a bargain, but it won’t cost an exorbitant amount either.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in New Zealand
- Explore Fiordland
Fiordland National Park, in the south half of South Island of New Zealand, houses the Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. You can go for a hike through the woods on the Milford beachfront to see Mitre Peak, or go on the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to witness the power of cascading waterfalls. There are a multitude of multi-day hikes to take at this location, such as the Milford Track, which spans four to five days, in addition to many sightseeing flights or boat tours you can take. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 199 NZD.
- Heli-hike Franz Josef Glacier
Heli-hiking this glacier is amazing. You can take an aerial journey over a glacier with a heli-hike and disembark in faraway places which will enable you to explore the area by walking. Although the trek can be a strenuous 2-3 hour undertaking, many tour operators offer a complimentary soak in the Hot Pools at completion. Expect to pay around 485 NZD for a heli-hike. Although not inexpensive, I felt the expenditure was totally justified. You can also opt to take a sightseeing flight with Glacier Helicopters for 360 New Zealand Dollars.
- Relax in the Bay of Islands
Head north of Auckland to experience everything from dolphin and whale watching to swimming, boating, and indulging in the delicious seafood. Enjoy a relaxing day out on the beach while you’re there. The area is very relaxed and is a frequently visited summer and weekend retreat for those living in Auckland. Located in the country is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a particularly crucial historical locale. The location where the British and Maori formalized the agreement regarded as the groundwork for contemporary New Zealand is where it all took place. Now, visitors to this area can experience two unique museum attractions, as well as witness traditional Maori culture through live performances.
- See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Experience these amazing caves in total darkness and rely solely on the brightness of glowworms for guidance. It’s an exhilarating experience as you drift down streams and leap over cataracts and gaze at the “starry night” in the cavern. It is also possible to explore the caves by tubing and repelling down. One should budget approximately 55 New Zealand Dollars for the traditional 45-minute cave tour, and 265 NZD for the five-hour tours which include abseiling. You can get a better deal if you get combo tickets when visiting multiple caves or doing multiple tours, or by visiting during the week for a 20% discount on your ticket.
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This path in the vicinity of Taupo is acclaimed as one of the most impressive single-day hikes in New Zealand. It moves across the Tongariro National Park which is both a World Heritage Site and the country’s initial national protected area. You tread across a terrain of volcanic origin, comparable to the Mordor of Lord of the Rings notoriety, close to tall summits and lakes of sulfur, and close with a lush, dense forest. It is roughly a 12 mile journey that requires a full day and is quite difficult. You should anticipate spending approximately forty New Zealand dollars per individual for a vehicle ride to and from the trail.
Other Things to See and Do in New Zealand
- Try bungy jumping
A.J. Hackett, a New Zealander, was responsible for the introduction and development of bungy jumping when, in 1987, he unlawfully leaped from the Eiffel Tower. Right now, bungy jumping is very well-known globally, particularly in the place it originated from. Anyone who loves to get their rush of adrenaline will want to experience the fantastic 134-meter (440-foot) Nevis Bungy Jump close to Queenstown. If the prices are too much in Wellington, Auckland and Queenstown offer alternative options at a lower cost. Exploring the unknown can be a costly venture, as exemplified by the nearly 300 NZD needed to bungee jump at Nevis.
- Go skydiving
Another popular adventure activity in New Zealand is skydiving. The best place for this is over Lake Taupo. It offers a breathtaking view as you descend from the sky. Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers parachuting from altitudes which range from 12,000 to 18,000 feet, with prices beginning at 279 New Zealand Dollars. You have the option to spend the whole day studying how to skydive without assistance for a total of 499 NZD. Skydiving is a popular activity at Franz Josef and Lake Wanaka.
- Visit Abel Tasman National Park
Situated in the South Island, this national park exceeds expectations of a place you would encounter in Asia with its azure blue water, lush rainforests, and balmy temperatures. There are numerous kayaking opportunities at sea and multiple long-distance hiking paths through the protected area. This area contains one of the nine top walks of New Zealand, the Abel Tasman Coastal path, which extends for 37 miles. There is no charge for coming in, though you have to shell out between 16-24 NZD for a place to camp if you plan to spend the night. Huts are also available for 26-52 NZD per night. Accommodation prices vary depending on the time of year. You may go on a beautiful boat tour of the park with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles for 79 New Zealand Dollars.
- Hang out in Wellington
The construction is remarkable, the atmosphere is exceptional, the nightlife is remarkable, the eateries are fabulous, and the cultural activities are extraordinary. Go and explore the Beehive (the home of Parliament), take the cable car to admire the breathtaking views of the city, spend some time at the acclaimed Wellington Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, or even get the chance to build movie-quality armor with the help of Weta Workshop (the leading special effects studio responsible for films like Lord of the Rings, District 9, Avatar and many more). You have the option of taking a day-trip to the Martinborough wine region for an 149 NZD cost. Instead of whizzing through like other sightseers, it’s a good idea to linger for a few days in this place so you can enjoy the vast array of cultural activities on offer!
RENTING A CAR IN NEW ZEALAND
Undoubtedly, driving a car is the most effective way to explore New Zealand.
Need a rental car for your New Zealand trip?
Try Discover Cars to rapidly evaluate your car hire alternatives.
The comparison tool takes care of the work for you, which means you do not have to keep multiple tabs open trying to discover which company offers the lowest prices. It’s possible to reduce your expenses by as much as 70% if you take advantage of their tool!
NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL INSURANCE
It doesn’t make any difference if you are going on a holiday in New Zealand by yourself or with other people. When going on a trip to New Zealand (or any other place on the planet), it is essential to get adequate travel insurance to safeguard your wellbeing and security.
One of the best medical protection plans for tourists is SafetyWing, which has a wide selection of options and provides both long-term and short-term cover, even if you’re away for several months, as well as limited protection in your homeland.
SafetyWing is a cost-effective option with a single flat deductible of $250 that offers a sum of $250,000 in coverage.
Having insurance will give you confidence and contentment as you set out on your trip through New Zealand.
NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL GUIDE FAQ
Q: WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND?
Exploring the grandeur of nature is the key focus of an excursion to New Zealand. The nation is abundance in possibilities for outside fun, varying from white-water rafting to bungee-jumping to wandering along some of the most picturesque paths in the globe. You need to make sure that one of your plans for the trip to New Zealand includes a hike, specifically the remarkable Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut!
People who are passionate about hiking should make sure to go to Queenstown, an area that has earned the title of “the adventure capital of the world.” Go on a trek along some of the most well-known trails in the South Island, such as the Queenstown Hill Walking Track, the Moonlight Track, or Jack’s Point. No matter how experienced of a hiker you are, there is a path right for you.
In Milford Sound, you’ll be able to see some of the prettiest fjords the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Check out the Sound and its vicinity by kayaking, hopping on a vessel excursion, or even taking a bird’s-eye view in a sightseeing flight.
In Northland, one can bask in the beauty of stunning subtropical beaches and visit picturesque seaside towns. Explore the marine life near you on a dive or simply sit back and enjoy the view of the surfers on beaches like 90 Mile Beach.
Don’t let any chance to savor the culture of New Zealand while you’re there pass you by.
In Rotorua, you can get to know the traditional Maori customs while taking advantage of the therapeutic properties of the area’s hot springs. Experience the culture of the Tamaki Maori Village by watching their traditional performances and customs, such as the well-known Haka, and savor a hangi feast. You may spend the night in a customary wharemoe (sleeping house) for a deep and meaningful experience.
New Zealand has a plethora of wonderful museums that illustrate its history. The Auckland Museum in Auckland has a great selection of Aboriginal art and lots of historical items from the nation’s past.
Any individual that is a follower of Lord of the Rings will surely want to take a trip to places that appeared in the renowned movie trilogy.
The Hobbiton Film Set in Waikato is an iconic destination for fans of Lord of the Rings, containing a landscape of 1,250 miles pertaining to the Shire, where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins resided. Check to see if you would be able to reside in one of the miniature Hobbit homes and drink a beer at the Green Dragon Inn.
You can stop by the Weta Cave Workshop in Wellington, where expert professionals construct props, costumes, and creatures for movies such as the Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and District 9. You can even attend a course on special effects makeup and give making realistic-looking injuries for the camera a shot (with your hands!).
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND?
It is generally thought to be the optimal time to go to New Zealand during the summer months, which begin in December and end in March. It’s a great time of year to go outdoors and enjoy the warmth of the sun and pleasant temperatures.
Temperatures for the remainder of the year will remain in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit, rendering New Zealand an exceptional site to explore at all times of the year.
Snowfall can be expected in the winter, which is June through September, and the South Island is ideal for individuals who enjoy skiing.
Q: HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND?
The typical tourist spends roughly $129 US dollars each day in New Zealand on such things as lodging, transport, sustenance, activities, and other travel outlays.
The cost of your travel to and from the place is likely to be the largest, and this could fluctuate based on the city from which you are starting. Monitor Kayak and other travel comparison websites and be adaptable to gain the ideal bargain.
Q: IS NEW ZEALAND SAFE TO TRAVEL?
Journeying in New Zealand is thought to be exceptionally secure for visitors. Violent offenses are uncommon, however minor offenses such as thievery might take place in tourist destinations like Auckland but it is not frequently encountered. It’s smart to stay alert of your environment and store any valuable items close to you where they are not visible when you are at a location in order to protect yourself from purse-snatchers.
Q: HOW LONG CAN A TOURIST STAY IN NEW ZEALAND?
Those who go to New Zealand and are on a NZeTA can remain for a maximum of three months at a time, not exceeding a period of six months in any 12-month stretch (with extended time permitted for people from the UK). Those on a Visitor Visa may remain in the nation for a maximum duration of nine months in any 18-month period.
Q: DO I NEED A NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL VISA?
Visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most European Union countries do not have to acquire a visa to go to New Zealand.
Individuals from nations that are eligible for the visa waiver program must acquire a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they can go to New Zealand. You can obtain an NZeTA through the New Zealand Immigration website or by using the NZeTA app; the fee for using the online application is NZD $12 ($8.34 USD), while the cost for using the app is NZD $9 ($6.26 USD).
Leave a Reply