Information about Visiting New Zealand / Travel to New Zealand
About New Zealand | Questions about Visiting New Zealand
About New Zealand
New Zealand (or 'Aotearoa' - Maori for "Land of the long white cloud"), is a land of hidden treasures and vast, unspoilt beauty. At 269, 000 square kilometres in area, New Zealand is a comparatively small country made up of 3 main Islands. The North, South and Stewart Islands. Similar in area to Great Britain, It lies 2000 kms east of Australia, north of Antarctica in the south western pacific.
Why Visit New Zealand?
The advantage New Zealand has over any other country
is that it boasts having virtually all of Natures attractions in one
small package. So, when visiting New Zealand, you can do and see more
things in 2 weeks (by car, bus, motorhome or train), than in any other country.
Why? Because New Zealand has everything from warm, sun-drenched beaches to cold snow capped mountains and glaciers.
You can walk up the side of active
volcanoes, swim with dolphins and be captivated by endless valleys
of rain forest. You will be awe-inspired
by the impressive fiords of the Deep
South west and staggered by the wild and rugged beauty of the west
coast. All these attractions are no more than a few hours drive from
each other. From huge sweeping mountains and rivers to tranquil, Glacier-fed
lakes, when visiting New Zealand, your Itinerary is only restricted
by your timetable and imagination. The only complaint visitors have
about their NZ holiday is that they haven’t set aside
enough time. Along with it’s beauty, New Zealand is also a great
place to visit for people seeking adventure and an adrenaline rush.
The adventurous can try dozens of activities including Bungee Jumping,
rock climbing, skiing, Snow boarding, windsurfing, hang gliding, sky
diving, parachuting, river rafting, jet boat riding, mountain climbing,
jet skiing, cave-rafting, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking and much more.
More information about Visiting New Zealand can be found at NZ-Tourism.com
Answers to Questions about visiting New Zealand
Where can I find General Information
about New Zealand?
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
How do I get to New Zealand?
When is the best time of the year to visit New Zealand?
What currency is used in New Zealand?
How much money should I bring?
What is the best way to see New Zealand? Car, Bus
Tour, Auto Camper?
Can I use my country's drivers license to drive
in New Zealand?
Where can I find
General Information about New Zealand?
For more general Information about NZ, visit The
Kiwi Site.
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
If you are a citizen of a country that has a visa waiver
agreement with New Zealand, you do not need to apply for a Visitor's
Visa if you plan to visit New Zealand for three months or less.
For a list of countries exempt from requiring a visitors visa, click
here.
How do I get to New
Zealand?
By Air or By Sea. Traveling by air is the most effective and common
way. Many airlines fly into New Zealand including Air
New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Korean
Airlines, Malaysia Air, Asiana, Royal
Brunei and more. Most International flights (70%) arrive in Auckland
with the rest flying into Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin.
When is the best time
to visit New Zealand?
New Zealand is beautiful no matter what time of the year you visit.
The best time to visit New Zealand is the time that suits you best.
However, if you have more than one date in mind, the following information
may be of use to you.
The warmest months of the year are from September - April. December,
January and February are the 3 warmest months of the year (Summer).
Spring is from September - November. Autumn from March - May and Winter
from June - August.
Maximum daytime temperatures vary from 15 to 32+ degrees (Celcius)
in the Summer, 10 to 25 degrees in the Autumn (& Spring) and 5
to 18 degrees in the Winter.
Weather forecasts can be obtained
from the Metservice
website.
What currency is used
in New Zealand?
The New Zealand Dollar (NZ$).
For current exchange rates, use this currency
converter.
How much money should
I bring?
There are hundreds of ATM machines throughout New Zealand that will enable
you to draw funds from your bank account in your country. Therefore,
bringing loads of cash with you is not necessary.
How much? It really depends on how long you will be here, what you
plan to do and, of course, the level of accommodation you require. Seeing New Zealand with a pack on your back will cost
you upwards of NZ$100 per day (excluding sightseeing expenses).
4 star Accommodation ranges from NZ$120 - $250 per room per night.
Luxury Hotels & Lodges cost anywhere from $200 - $2000 per night.
What is the best way to see New Zealand?
Car, Campervan/Motorhome, Tour?
See our Getting around New Zealand page.
Can I use my country's drivers license
to drive in New Zealand?
For information about driving in New Zealand, click
here.