; Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park: Best NP in New Zealand. January is typically a warm and sunny time to be in New Zealand. The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar, abbreviated NZD – check the current exchange rate. The 10 Great Walks are: Lake Waikaremoana, East Coast, North Island, 3–4 days. The top reason for visiting New Zealand was to visit friends or relatives (300 thousand people) visiting for this purpose. Brave the ghouls and monsters at Spookers. Enjoying the beauty of Abel Tasman by kayak. Check out: 8 Realities of Road Tripping New Zealand. 2. Find out about the weather in each. Christchurch: You’ll most likely arrive here. 1. Planning Your Trip. Abel Tasman National Park is the place we’ve returned to the most in New Zealand. Image Source. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a. In general, the warmer months (October to April) are the best time to visit New Zealand, from late spring to early autumn. Find out how to get to New Zealand and how to book your trip. New Zealand’s weather may be relatively mild – but it also has the potential to be wild. On a quick, South Island road trip, enjoy plenty of fun in a short amount of time. 1. Looking for cheap airfare to New Zealand? 25% of our users found tickets to New Zealand for the following prices or less: From Los Angeles $606 one-way - $687 round-trip, from New York John F Kennedy Intl $1,196 one-way - $1,479 round-trip, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $1,457 one-way - $1,661 round-trip. The average cost for 4 people to visit New Zealand for a week is $4,291-$11,632 ($613-$1,662 per day) Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $162 to $339 per day for four people’s daily expenses. New Zealand in January. Milford Sound. It is the busiest month of the year, one of the wettest, and the wildflowers are not yet in bloom. You can visit New Zealand as a genuine tourist for up to 9 months in an 18-month period. A tour of Hobbiton is a must for any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan and getting a few photos with the cute tiny hobbit. Adult (18+ years) $120 | Youth (11-17 years) $60 | Children (0-10) FREE | NEW Family Pass (2x Adults + 2x Youth) $306 | NZ Gold Card $110. North Island Day 3: Hobbiton and Rotorua. December is the beginning of summer in New Zealand, so the weather is usually warm (although not as warm as January or February). H e re are all the great reasons to visit New Zealand. New Zealand has a well-developed airport system and a number of domestic and international flights, which can be a very convenient and fast way to visit the best wineries in New Zealand. Luckily there are still plenty of wide-open spaces and opportunities to get off the. Home to thousands of blue-green glow worms, the caves are one of the best places to see the tiny glowing insects. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – the birthplace of New Zealand as a bicultural country. A U. Wear a seatbelt and children 7 and under need a restraint. Munro Beach. Never will you find so many amazing natural attractions than in New Zealand. Fly to Sydney and tour the Blue Mountains, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef. Lady Bowen Falls (aka Bowen Falls) At approximately 162 metres (531ft) high, Lady Bowen Falls is the highest of the Milford Sound waterfalls. Visit one of Waiheke Island's vineyards. See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Walk the longest pier in New Zealand, Tolaga Bay Wharf. Find attractions, activities, travel tips and more from Lonely Planet's experts. By Rhys Vandersyde. New Zealand Weather in Autumn. Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. It truly is a dream winter destination and you definitely don’t have to be into snow sports! We’re covering all the pros of a winter visit as well as the cons, so you can make an informed decision about whether. Go skiing or snowboarding. Cook. The second largest growing region in New Zealand has 5000 hectares of vineyards and is around the small towns of Napier and Hastings. Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer. Stewart Island. January is the height of summer and is considered by many as the best month to visit New Zealand. Coins come in these amounts: 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. As a result, you are not required to go to the embassy to apply for your New Zealand visa for US citizens before departure. OTHER MAIN CITIES: Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch. This crossover journey starts in New Zealand with sightseeing in Auckland, geothermal sights in Rotorua, and wine tasting in Queenstown. Te Papa Exhibition in partnership with Weta Workshop telling the story of the Gallipoli campaign. Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips! Photo credits: 2 – Fat Cat Travellers Community, 3 – Haka Lodge, 4 – Hekerua Lodge Backpackers, 5 – Verandahs Parkside Lodge, 6 – Waiheke Backpackers Hostel, 7 – The Attic Backpackers. As you reach the viewing platform, a stunning swing bridge comes into view. Milford Sound as seen above is a true highlight if you are visiting the South Island. Mount Aspiring National Park is situated on the southern end of the Southern Alps and is the third-largest of New Zealand’s parks. Rotorua is especially worth a visit during this time, as temperatures average around 20°C and many of the natural spas and Maori. Learn about Maori Culture. New Zealand in winter is magical. The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. A waterfront bike path, which connects Mission Bay to downtown Auckland, is also perfect for walkers and cyclists, while SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is great for kids. Nature crafted New Zealand with the surreal beauty of a movie set. Rotorua. 6°F (16. Southern Alps. Experience the haka, a ceremonial Māori dance made world famous by the All Blacks rugby team as their pre-game ritual. A visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. Sky Tower Bungy, Auckland. Months: December, January and February Tourist Season: High Season. 17. m. Te Urewera. Exploring this land of geysers, steaming hot pools, and bubbling mud is one of the most interesting things to do on the North Island. Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa. It can be 0 if you are only doing hikes or it can go up to $300-$400 NZD for a helicopter tour per person. . In summer, afternoon temperatures typically range from 18°C and 24°C, but temperatures exceeding 30°C are common for low elevation inland areas and the north of the country. Visit the West Coast's black-sand beaches, explore one of the 48 volcanic cones or sip wine on Waiheke Island. Summer – December to February. American citizens may use their eTA to stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months at a time. It’s the warmest, driest month of the year and with the best weather in New Zealand, January is a popular time with visitors. The Te Papa Museum, which also goes by the longer name of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, is New Zealand’s national museum. Loic Lagarde / Getty Images. Check out all the places seen in this video: of two main islands, North Island and Sou. Get official travel information, maps, itineraries, best time to travel & things to do to help you plan your next holiday to New Zealand. And if you want to brave the crowds and summer heat, February is the best time to hit the beaches. Both months are considered "Autumn", but April will be warmer & have longer days than May. Average daytime temperatures range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius (54 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit). m. Find out about the weather in each. This. (Christchurch is slightly drier, receiving just 1. Tue 21 November 2023 - Wed 27 March 2024. January is a great time to visit New Zealand, as the country experiences a summer season from December to January. We have self-drive road trips, escorted and guided coach tours, small group exclusive tours and daily departure independent coach tours across the North and South Island. See the below prices for an idea of the cost of food in New Zealand. You might as well make the most out of your day by visiting one or both of these since they also top the list of New Zealand’s best attractions!. As well as diving the island visually, the Southern. Like many countries in the world, you need to be prepared to drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand. JUN- AUG 15oC. Here are the basics about travel to New Zealand. ) Overall, New Zealand is exceptionally sunny in all seasons, with most parts of the country receiving more than 2,000 hours of. New Zealand Travel Guide. 1. Known for its stunning landscapes and golden beaches, it is a definite must-visit place when in New Zealand. Bay of Islands. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa is online. Get out on the water at the Great Barrier Reef. Roy’s Peak is one of the most iconic photographic locations in all of New Zealand. This stunning region of New Zealand is home to heaps of breathtaking hiking trails and viewpoints and is also home to NZ’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. New Zealand is a space enthusiast’s dream. New Zealand November weather is usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching up to the high twenties and the extreme weather conditions of the previous months banished for another year. April is a moderate month for rainfall, with cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown receiving just 3. Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland. Before you buy travel. The US is on New Zealand’s list of 60 visa waiver countries. It’s all about dazzling colours and pleasant weather. 4 Tekapo, Wanaka and Aoraki/Mt. 10. 1. Adventure & Adrenaline in Auckland. It’s essential for travellers to book accommodation and even some activities in advance, especially in. Food and drink. Cook and enjoy great walks during the day in the caves and natural areas all around the country. Kayak along the coast, hike the island trails, enjoy in secluded coves, and explore undisturbed forests. Both accessible from almost anywhere in town, the museums are free to visit, though a donation is suggested. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit New Zealand, the hottest months are February, January, and then March. The summer months bring plenty of sunny skies and warm temperatures to the North Island and South Island. And the country is the adventure capital of the world. Top Things to do in New Zealand. Pencarrow Lighthouse. Stop in the town of Matamata in the Waikato region en route to take a guided tour of the Hobbiton film set. Forever remembered for its "The Lord of the Rings" legacy, New Zealand’s landscapes are deserving of their big screen fame—think lush rolling hills, volcano-sculpted moonscapes, UNESCO-listed glaciers, and white-sand beaches. Your perfect two-week introduction to all the must-sees awaits on this Australia and New Zealand tour. 20 reasons to visit New Zealand, now that we finally can. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. Visit New Zealand’s mild-weathered “winterless north” and hop on a ship in the Bay of Islands. Manaakitanga (showing respect) is all about. 1. DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre. We have reviews of the best places to see. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. Plan a realistic itinerary that fits your timeframe. Here’s a look a the best places to visit in New Zealand: 10. 82 NZD (53. Best Things to Do in Wellington. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your. Here is our perfect 7-day New Zealand North Island travel itinerary for first-time visitors. They’re our top picks for what not to miss! 1. The best time to visit New Zealand and Australia is during the months of September, October, March, April, and/or May. New Zealand is truly one of our favorite countries to explore. Cape Reinga is nearly the most northern point of New Zealand’s North Island. Self-drive vacations are popular, and the country's diverse accommodations range. The weather in New Zealand isn’t the only thing to change throughout the year. The most northerly and celebrated of Fiordland’s fifteen fiords is Milford Sound with its vertical sides towering 1200m above the sea and waterfalls plunging from hanging valleys. New Zealand is the perfect playground for adrenaline junkies and sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Locals place a high value on getting children outside to enjoy nature, and with so much of it close to the city it’s easy to have a great, active day out without much effort or expense. It’s easy to see how Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy has transformed New Zealand’s tourism industry. Home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Abel Tasman National Park is a wonderful option either for a day trip from Nelson or for a longer stay. Colourful wildflowers carpet the countryside and baby wildlife can be seen everywhere, from gambolling lambs to playful seal pups. The first member of the Royal Family to visit New Zealand was Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. Accommodation in March. New Zealand National Parks such as Milford Sound and Tongariro near Rotorua. Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. Visit the West Coast's black-sand beaches, explore one of the 48 volcanic cones or sip wine on Waiheke Island. A one-city tour of Auckland takes you to the popular sights and several outdoor nature trips. 7°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 61. In July, the average temperatures range between 45 F and 55 F, with the South Island occasionally seeing temperatures in the 30s. This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand’s North Island. - Arrive in London: Sunday afternoon. Summer ( December to February) is the most popular time to travel New Zealand for both international travellers and locals. Tourism News is the email update featuring news, insights, events and more. From north to south, these are our favourite autumnal spots in Aotearoa. Trees in Woodlands Historic Park, Australia. The castle and its creator offer a. ~Ice Climbing on a Glacier in Franz Josef~. Call us in Washington, D. SammyVision / Getty Images. Te Wahipounamu National Park. Autumn is the perfect time for a city break to Auckland, with fantastic autumnal events and fiery fall foliage to appreciate. Hokitika Gorge. Visit New Zealand's only castle. It’s the real Middle-earth. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is known as one of the best day walks in the entire world, and is one of the most picturesque natural wonders in New Zealand. Napier-Hastings. If you come from December through February, peak summer months in New Zealand, the weather might be hot and humid and the crowds intense, not to mention hotel rooms will be more expensive. ~Perfect day to visit Lake Hawea, so stunning~. Roy’s Peak, Wanaka. New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Australia and New Zealand Panorama. New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, but it's always epic. Driving through, you see only a glimpse of this vast, rugged and wild part of the Alps making this. April is the time to relish crisp, sunny days, bright-blue skies and chilly nights. Hobbiton. 3 Coromandel Peninsula. A 1-Week South Island Itinerary: 6-8 Days. Possums are the national pest. 1. Holger Leue / Getty Images. The long, warm summers are ideal for spending at one of the country's many great beaches. If you are 66 years or older and want to invest in New Zealand, you can apply to stay for up to 2 years. Summer is the touristic season (and also the locals’ holidays). The visa waiver countries, therefore the countries that need an NZeTA, include:Before you can enter New Zealand you must be in good health or be granted a medical waiver. What to pack Top Things to do in New Zealand If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in New Zealand on. Here are the top 10 things to do in Queenstown. 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.