Lonely Planet Best of New Zealand (Travel Guide)

Product Information

Don’t get too close though, winds here are very strong so just keep clear of the cliff edges as they are deceiving. 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.

TRANSPORTATION:By far the most common way to get around New Zealand and between the North and South Island is by car or campervan. The roads are safe, efficient and there are plenty of places to stop on any part of a drive through the country. 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! Ski resorts occasionally employ people during the June to October season, usually in catering roles. Hourly wages may be supplemented by a lift pass and subsidized food and drink, though finding affordable accommodation can be difficult and may offset a lot of what you gain. Hiring clinics for ski and snowboard instructors are usually held at the beginning of the season at a small cost, though if you’re experienced it’s better to apply directly to the resort beforehand. Hiking in Tongariro National Park has been compared to hiking on Mars or in Iceland, and that’s a good thing! 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.Water – on most New Zealand hikes you will find places to refill quite regularly. 4 to 5 litres must be on you at all times Easily accessible from Queenstown, The Routeburn is one of the best hikes in New Zealand by a long shot! 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. Autumn has milder temperatures between 6°C (43°F) and 20°C (68°F). Weather patterns start to become more interchangeable with a few more rainy days than summer. Winter (June to August) Although the ACC in New Zealand partly covers accidental injury medical bills, many travellers opt for travel insurance for extra peace of mind. Our recommended insurance is Orbit Protect, which is based in New Zealand. ID and Driving License

Here’s an overview of how we’d spend 1 week on either the North Island or South Island of New Zealand. North Island New Zealand Itinerary Everyone’s gotta eat! Travellers have a choice of dining out or self-catering in New Zealand. Cafes and Restaurants 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 Travel, sleep, repeat by renting a campervan or motorhome. This is an extremely popular way to explore New Zealand. However, with camping restrictions and necessary maintenance, there are extra costs and hassles to take into consideration. See our Travel by Campervan in New Zealand Guide for more advice. Plus, choose from recommended rental companies in The Best Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand. Car Rental 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 CanTake the time to sit, but still be wary that ice falls could happen at any time. Away from the worries, Rob Roy Glacier is a cathedral of mountains at their most glorious, a place where you feel as one with your surroundings. While not as popular as other countries, domestic flights in New Zealand are only a good idea for travelling long distances or between the North and South Islands. Ferries The trek requires 24 kilometres a day if you want to meet the 4 month time period however hikers generally move at their own pace due to the length of the walk.

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. 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. 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. On disembarking from their canoes, these Maori proceeded to unbalance the fragile ecosystem, dispatching forever the giant ostrich-sized moa, which formed a major part of their diet. The country once again settled into a fragile balance before the arrival of Pakeha – white Europeans, predominantly of British origin – who swarmed off their square-rigged ships full of colonial zeal in the mid-nineteenth century and altered the land forever.

The Complete Travellers’ Guide to New Zealand

They make the best adventure gear on the market, from tents to sleeping bags, hiking shoes to clothing, and everything in between. The Tongariro Northern Circuit is one of New Zealand’s best hikes and a must if you love a bit of strenuous adventure.