Showing the full scale of Mount Cook National Park on the way to the Mueller Hut on the Sealy Tarns Track. In the month of June 2023, there were over 178 thousand international visitor arrivals to New Zealand, marking an. 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. That’s roughly one week’s travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country. Some of the top attractions include: – Milford Sound: Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord known for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Find out how to plan your trip, get travel advice, find flights and more on the official site for Tourism New Zealand. Tongariro Northern Circuit, Central North Island, 3–4 days. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your. However, this also makes the South Island the most crowded time of the year to visit. It’s roughly the size of Colorado but with 15% fewer people. Discover Stewart Island. The majority of the mainland penguin colonies are on the South Island, but we frequently see little penguins when we sail in Auckland. 10. 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. Is New Zealand expensive to visit? New Zealand is a moderately priced destination to visit. Zorbing in Rotorua. Economy: $1,772. And while most travelers are drawn to New Zealand for those epic experiences out in nature – the open spaces, the. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often described as New Zealand's best day walk. Loic Lagarde / Getty Images. m. Cost of accommodations in New Zealand is slightly cheaper than Australia, and for that reason, and the higher cost of getting around in Australia, New Zealand wins this round. 3. White Water Rafting the Tongariro River, Taupo New. New Zealand South Island. The Ultimate List Of Things To Do In New Zealand. Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Start your day off with panoramic views of the city at the iconic Sky Tower. In general, the warmer months (October to April) are the best time to visit New Zealand, from late spring to early autumn. H e re are all the great reasons to visit New Zealand. ; Spend a night on board The. It is the only currency accepted in New Zealand, and tax is included in the price of whatever it is you purchase. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. April is the time to relish crisp, sunny days, bright-blue skies and chilly nights. New Zealand in winter is magical. Australia vs. Related Read: A great way to see many of the amazing places on this list is on a multi-day guided tour in New Zealand! 10. 10. North Island Day 3: Hobbiton and Rotorua. South regions, like Otago, can be reached by Queenstown Airport (ZQN), or by Dunedin Airport (DUD) In the Canterbury wine region, fly into Christchurch Airport. This. You can spot plenty of birds here, including herons, gulls, penguins, herons, and more. 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. East Cape Lighthouse to watch the sunrise at the easternmost point of New Zealand. The two glaciers are Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Positioned halfway between the equator and the South Pole, New Zealand occupies a pleasing middle ground, temperature wise. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Autumn in New Zealand is a real treat. We know you were waiting for this one! Among the many reasons to love New Zealand, finding the actual Middle-earth is the most compelling one of all. Call us in Washington, D. Go on a road trip. Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o. Best Time to Visit New Zealand. Milford Sound as seen above is a true highlight if. Expect long days and consistent weather. Review the Country Security Report for New Zealand. Located in a sleepy town called Matamata, just a two-hour drive away from Auckland, it is a real-life movie set that was used in the Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton movie trilogies based on J. North Island Summer. JUN- AUG 15oC. Table of Contents. Luckily there are still plenty of wide-open spaces and opportunities to get off the. North Island Temperatures: Highs of around 18ºC (64ºF) or more, and lows of 6ºC (43ºF). On display are exhibits documenting New Zealand’s maritime history, starting with the first Polynesian explorers. Rotorua is especially worth a visit during this time, as temperatures average around 20°C and many of the natural spas and Maori. What To Expect. 3 October 2023. Get out on the water at the Great Barrier Reef. From. The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Therapeutic Indulgence in Rotorua. With a hip art scene, brilliant craft breweries and a range of delightful restaurants, it is a lovely place to spend some time – Nelson’s delightful surroundings are. Here are the top 10 things to do in Queenstown. federal holidays). Auckland Bay of Islands Rotorua Christchurch Queenstown Wellington Marlborough Nelson Dunedin Milford Sound Fox & Franz Josef Glacier Mount Cook New Zealand. 5mi) outside the town of Hokitika will bring you to the shimmering turquoise waters and densely forested surrounds. Take one of the organised boat rides and see this unique and beautiful place. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F. New Zealand Tour & Vacation Packages. 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. While lighthouses around the world might often pass you by, New Zealand’s Pencarrow Lighthouse is somewhat different. Stake Out – a fox in the trees photographed near the Twelve Apostles in Australia. Weather. However, if you want a truly special experience in Milford Sound, then you need to spend the night! After around 4. If possible, consider a November visit instead. I knew that taking scenic planes, trains, and helicopter rides;. ; Queenstown: The adventure. January is a great time to visit New Zealand, as the country experiences a summer season from December to January. 5% from 2019 to 2021, plummeting from around $10. The Best Time to Visit New Zealand. When listing out the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a no-brainer. ; Lake Pukaki: Vibrant glacial water on the doorstep of Mt Cook. 7 Locations. Some spring temperature averages in key population centers are: Bay of Islands: 67 degrees Fahrenheit high/48 degrees Fahrenheit low. This is part of the reason why New Zealand is the perfect country to visit year-round, as there’s always plenty to see and do regardless of the season. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa is online. 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. Visit nearby Lake Hayes, the lakeside village of Glenorchy and historic Arrowtown. The road is unsealed over 74 km. The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. Restaurants: 1343. The answer is, it depends. Oh the waterfalls! Obviously yes! Milford Sound is the most famous fiord in New Zealand and is without a doubt one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand. Yes, it’s quite easy to combine a trip to Hobbiton with a visit to the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua. [418] Auckland, in New Zealand's North Island, is a multi-cultural hub of food and wine, music, art and culture. 13 You should seriously consider Hiring a Campervan. Day 11: Helicopter Ride and then drive to Hokitika. Autumn in New Zealand: Mar, April & May. Nelson Tasman, on the north-west of New Zealand's South Island, is the sunniest region in New Zealand. Start: Queenstown or Christchurch. Duration: Fast-paced=6 days, relaxed=8 days+. The Hawke's Bay is one of New. Climate: New Zealand has a diverse climate determined by the ocean, mountains and prevailing winds. Welcome to New Zealand. South Island weather: 19-23⁰C (66-73⁰F), 35-60mm of rainfall per. If travelers to New Zealand have to choose just one historic site to visit, it should be Waitangi. From the meeting of oceans at Cape Reinga to the cultural and historic displays at Te Papa, here are the top things to do on New Zealand's North Island. Stewart Island. The Waitomo Caves will be a bright spot of your honeymoon experience. Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Rotorua, Wellington, Hamilton, Dunedin, Tauranga, Nelson, Napier, Wanaka, Bay of islands, Lake Tekapo, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Tongariro National Park and many more. Visit the West Coast's black-sand beaches, explore one of the 48 volcanic cones or sip wine on Waiheke Island. You can still visit Mount Cook village and admire the mountain peaks of the Southern Alps or go for a hike on the numerous trails in the area such as the Hooker Valley track. Go skiing or snowboarding. This is the best time to visit places such as Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago (especially Arrowtown), Lake Tekapo and the wider Mackenzie Country area, where you can enjoy New Zealand’s breathtaking autumnal colours. The Catlins, a hidden gem on the often-missed East Coast of New Zealand's South Island, is actually full of amazing spots to visit. Napier-Hastings. How to get to New Zealand’s South Island. Find attractions, activities, travel tips and more from Lonely Planet's experts. There’s also the added benefit of warmer temperatures and longer days during these times. Abseiling in Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges. The high season in New Zealand is synonymous with summer. The bridge spans the gorge and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. It’s the perfect road trip stop on routes such as the drive from Auckland to Tauranga. 5 million visitors to New Zealand in 2017, and this is set to grow by 23% by 2024. See all things to do in New Zealand >. 1. 11 Best New Zealand Beaches for Swimming, Surfing, and Jaw-dropping Views. New Zealand Restaurant Prices. The gondola in Queenstown takes you 400 meters up above town to Bob’s Peak. Visit the West Coast's black-sand beaches, explore one of the 48 volcanic cones or sip wine on Waiheke Island. Curio Bay. Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. New Zealand might be a small country but there’s a lot to see, a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of tours and activities. Get official travel information, maps, itineraries, best time to travel & things to do to help you plan your next holiday to New Zealand. Ride the picturesque Hauraki Rail Trail along the Ohinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge. 5-4. It is the largest lake in New Zealand based on surface area, and the lake, in its volcanic bowl, is a beautiful place to visit. 70 NZD/day) Total: 4,550. ~Watching the sunset on the beach in Westport~. Stewart Island. It’s an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking. You can expect the best snow conditions during this time. Take a wine tour of Waiheke Island. Overlooking the homestead at Lake Heron Station. A U. Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa. Head up to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning panoramic views. A visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. The gondola ride costs $44 NZD per adult which includes your round-trip ride. 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. On this page, you'll find helpful information on New Zealand visa options: Travel requirements to enter New Zealand. While it is a great city to visit during the day, it gets even better by night. This crossover journey starts in New Zealand with sightseeing in Auckland, geothermal sights in Rotorua, and wine tasting in Queenstown. Another great way to be immersed in the New Zealand magic is to see it by car. Visit one of Waiheke Island's vineyards. It’s the real Middle-earth. 5 hours. Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Māori to reach these lands. The Catlins, a hidden gem on the often-missed East Coast of New Zealand's South Island, is actually full of amazing spots to visit. See the Aurora Australis. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Zealand. S. Stop in the town of Matamata in the Waikato region en route to take a guided tour of the Hobbiton film set. Activities to Do in South Island. The Hobbiton Movie Set is probably one of the most famous places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island. 2. Official site of New Zealand Tourism, Business, and Investment. Top 10 family friendly activities in New Zealand Welcome to New Zealand. The Southern Alps mountain range is the backbone of the island, stretching for roughly 500 kilometres from Wanaka to Arthur's Pass. Canadian tourists entering New Zealand without a visa need to get an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) online before their arrival, even if transiting to another country. One of the most popular New Zealand tourist attractions, Bay of Islands is a haven for yachts and sailing boats. Tongariro Northern Circuit, Central North Island, 3–4 days. ~Wharf Jumping at Lake Rotoiti~. People love to throw around the phrase ‘natural beauty’. Australia provided over 1. New Zealand Tours information on the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month. New Zealand’s climate is diverse – the north of the North Island can have warm subtropical weather in summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can have heavy snow and temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) in winter. Both months are considered "Autumn", but April will be warmer & have longer days than May. Like many countries in the world, you need to be prepared to drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand. . Learn about Maori Culture. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. 1. Summer ( December to February) is the most popular time to travel New Zealand for both international travellers and locals. Travelling to New Zealand. An. New Zealand's smallest national park still packs a lot of punch. A. Travelers favorites include #1 Milford Sound, #2 Maori Cultural Experiences and more. 4°F (24. The gondola itself is only a 5-minute ride that although very scenic, is only just the start of your afternoon adventures. 17 Cigarettes are Expensive…. New Zealand National Parks such as Milford Sound and Tongariro near Rotorua. A New Zealand Summer is moderately warm, with temperatures hovering around 20-30 degrees celsius (68-86 Fahrenheit). The best places to visit in autumn in New Zealand. 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. The twin cities of Napier and Hastings (population 130,000) are located in the Hawke's Bay, on the eastern coast of the North Island. Push your adventure limits. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. 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. Business: $9,274. Auckland and Wellington, for example, often have. North Island Weather in Summer. Kangaroos in Woodlands Historic Park, over 700 hectares of parklands in Australia. Visitors to the area can soak in the warm, geothermal pools at Wairakei Terraces, fish for trout in the lake's waters, or cycle along the trail that follows the edges of the lake.