New Zealand offers a wealth of fantastic nature and adventure experiences. In New Zealand, in the distant Antarctic Ocean, you can go hiking in both rainforest and glacier areas, experience geysers and volcanoes, kayak and bungee jump and rafting. New Zealand is an exciting destination for adventurous travelers of all ages.
On this page you will find practical information and facts about New Zealand.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING IN NEW ZEALAND
Climate and best travel time
The weather in New Zealand is similar to the Swedish weather. But the seasons have changed places, so when we have winter here at home, it’s summer in New Zealand. You can travel in New Zealand all year round, but the best time is from December to March (high season). Then the weather is like a good Swedish summer day. Be prepared that the weather can change quickly because there are so many mountains.
On the North Island, the climate is subtropical, which means that it is green almost all year round.
The temperature varies from 5 degrees in winter up to 27 degrees in summer and approximately 1,300 mm of rain per year is distributed throughout the island.
The South Island has a temperate climate with slightly lower temperatures than on the North Island. The precipitation on the west coast is much larger, about 7,500 mm. The difference in precipitation is noticeable as it is almost stopped by The Southern Alps which runs all the way up through the island. On the eastern side, “only” 330 mm of rain falls per year.
Our recommendations on when it is best to travel in New Zealand are based on how the climate has been last year. The weather in New Zealand can be very changeable and unpredictable and therefore our recommendations are for guidance only. Visit plus-size-tips.com for New Zealand travel package.
Money
Visa and MasterCard can be used throughout the country.
Customs
New Zealand has very strict import regulations, both in terms of food and fruit but also tobacco, snus, etc. and it can be very expensive to bring in quantities that exceed what you take in duty free.
Visa
conditions NOTE! The visa rules can be changed at short notice, so We recommend that you check the current conditions at the country’s embassy. The following information may change.
Swedish citizens receive a 90-day visa when entering New Zealand.
From 1 October 2019, Swedish citizens must have a valid ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure. The cost is NZD 9 if you apply via the app and NZD12 if you apply via the New Zealand immigration authorities’ website.
NOTE! Do this well in advance as it can take up to 72 hours to get your ETA approved.
We can help you apply for a Working Holiday Visa. The visa can be applied for by people from 18 to 30 years and gives you the right to combine travel and work in New Zealand for one year. Please note that you will need to apply for a Working Holiday visa in Sweden before departure – it is not possible to apply once you have arrived in New Zealand. There is no guarantee for a Working Holiday visa as there are special requirements for the applicant – and only a limited number of visas are issued per year.
In connection with a Working Holiday visa, We can also offer a starter package that includes the first nights in a hostel, a tax file number and a bank account. Contact us to get a safe start to your trip to New Zealand.
Transport
New Zealand is a fantastically beautiful country to travel in. The country is about 6 times larger than Denmark and divided into two large islands; North Island and South Island. The great thing about New Zealand is that the nature is so varied. You can experience high, snow-capped mountains, impressive fjords, magnificent sandy beaches, splashing geysers and huge volcanoes – all within easy reach.
On our self-travel routes, we have recommended a travel time for the various routes, which can be a good tool when planning the trip. Find our self-travel routes by clicking on Trip type at the top of the page.
There are many different ways to get around in New Zealand, here we have made an inspiration list so you can find out which way suits you best.
Bus
The advantage of going by bus is that you can sit back and relax and enjoy the view through the window. It is a means of transportation that many young people use because it is often cheaper than renting a car. In New Zealand, We can recommend several different bus companies.
Backpacker Bus Pass
There are several companies that offer Backpacker Bus Pass. Buses run from A to B with many stops along the way at places of interest. It is therefore not the fastest way to travel, but it is really a great way to experience this amazing country. Buses are run by experienced guides who know all the exciting little places along the way. The concept is that it must be flexible and that you can hop on and off the bus whenever you want. The buses run frequently and it is easy to book your continued journey online.
When the buses reach the cities, the guide / driver will help you book overnight stays at various hostels and drop you off nearby.
The target group is young people aged 18-30, but everyone is welcome.
Car rental
It is very popular to drive around New Zealand in your own car. It gives a wonderful feeling of freedom when you can decide the pace and stay exactly when and where you want. It is possible to pick up the car in one city and return it in another city, but usually you have to pay an extra fee. The cars are available in several sizes and models according to your needs. Remember to drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand.
Rent a motorhome or motorhome
Another popular means of transport is a motorhome or motorhome as they are also called.
It gives the same freedom as with a car when you can choose when you want to leave and when you want to stay. Another great benefit is that you drive around with your own home. So you do not have to unpack your stuff after a long day on the road.
It is an obvious means of transport for families with children, as the children can sit and play in the back during the trip. There is a large selection of very good parking spaces for motorhomes where you will find many child-friendly facilities.
Remember that the earlier you book your motorhome, the cheaper it will be. Prices follow supply and demand, so as departure approaches, it often becomes much more expensive.
Motorhome
A motorhome is something between a car and a motorhome. In short, the car does not have more space than a regular car, but the same characteristics as a motorhome. You can sleep and cook in it. And it is significantly cheaper than a motorhome. There are caravans for both 2 and 4 people. The age limit is 18 years but you must have had a driver’s license for at least one year.
Flight
Depending on how much time you have for your trip in New Zealand, you may want to book a flight or two, possibly between the North and South Islands or vice versa. It saves a lot of time and you get to visit all the places you dreamed of.
We can help book all the above means of transport. If you want to rent a car or motorhome, we recommend that you book as early as possible, as prices follow supply and demand and become more expensive as departure approaches. The same usually applies to airline tickets.
December to February are the summer months in New Zealand and it is very popular to travel down there at this time of year. Therefore, it can be difficult to get a motorhome at that time. So remember to be out in good time.
The schools’ summer holidays are from approx. mid-December to late January. Then the New Zealanders travel on holiday themselves.
Tips
In most countries, tips are part of the salaries of employees in the service industry. Therefore, it is good practice (and sometimes directly necessary) to give tips to cleaning staff, waiters, guides, drivers, etc. depending on the country you are visiting. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much is normally given in tips and to whom before you embark on your journey. Find information on tips in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks.
FACTS
CAPITAL: WELLINGTON
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH AND MAORI
CLIMATE: SUBTROPICAL ON THE NORTH ISLAND – TEMPERATE ON THE SOUTH ISLAND
CURRENCY: NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR
RELIGION: CHRISTIANITY
INFORMATION NEW ZEALAND
Kiwis New Zealand
Despite New Zealand’s moderate size, remote location and its small population, New Zealand is a huge experience in every way. The “Kiwis” are a charming and warm-hearted population and the culture is actually a bit reminiscent of the Scandinavian, even though we are on the other side of the globe.
New Zealand is divided into two main islands, the North Island and the South Island: the North Island On the North Island, nature is characterized by volcanoes and there are places where the volcanic subsoil is still active. It evaporates from the soil, smells of sulfur and the water boils in the lakes. But nature also offers exotic beaches with palm trees, subtropical vegetation and not least the Bay of Islands – the bay which, with its 144 islands, contains some of New Zealand’s best dive sites. The cities are atmospheric and offer many cultural experiences, for example in the charming capital Wellington.
Sydön
The nature on the South Island is untouched, barren and authentic. The island is characterized by a dramatic mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks, deep fjords and glaciers that end in rainforests. In these beautiful surroundings you can find some of the world’s best adventure activities. For example, bungee jumping which is said to have been invented in New Zealand, trekking, skiing on volcanoes, cycling, parachuting, paragliding and rafting. At Kaikoura’s coast you can also see seals, dolphins and whales that you can also swim with if you want.
