Lonely Planet Best of New Zealand (Travel Guide)

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Splurge on a heli-skiing trip in Wanaka. See the mountainside like few people do as you shred your way through freshly fallen snow!

More recently, integration has been replaced with a policy of biculturalism – the somewhat fraught notion of promoting two cultures alongside each other, but with maximum interaction. This policy has been somewhat weakened by relatively recent and extensive immigration from China, Korea and South Asia. 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! If you are heading out on multi-day hikes make sure you inform somebody. You’re best off informing you accommodation, however, they may directly ask you to register elsewhere.I managed to walk for 10 kilometres one way before the weather started turning against me (very common in the mountains). Generally driving is very safe. The majority of road users are courteous and follow the rules of the road. The low season, i.e. winter ( June to August) is the cheapest but coldest time to travel. Attractions are far less busy, but some tours like canyoning and white water rafting may be closed during winter. The exception to the low season rule is the ski resort towns, such as Queenstown, Wanakaand Ohakune. Geologically, New Zealand split away from the super-continent of Gondwana early, developing a unique ecosystem in which birds adapted to fill the role of mammals, many becoming flightless because they had no predators. That all changed about 800 years ago, with the arrival of Polynesian navigators, when the land they called Aotearoa – “the land of the long white cloud” – became the last major landmass to be settled by humans. Hollyford showcases the Fjords most lush, pristine rainforests, creeks and rivers as well as mountain landscapes which are bound to have you won over by the end of the 3-day trek.

One of the best views and most iconic in New Zealand is Emerald Lakes which is a series of un-swimmable pools of water rich in volcanic elements. Kiwis love foreign affirmation: Flight of the Conchords were turned down by domestic television and only became a local success after their HBO hit series. If money is no object then you will be travelling in a rental car and staying in Airbnb, hotels or guesthouses, or you will be in a large multi-berth camper van. Summer is the warmest time of year reaching highs of 25°C (77°F). Expect finer days than during the rest of the year. Autumn (March to May)However, a large increase in tourists and the waste they left behind has put paid to that. You can now only freedom camp if you are in a self-contained vehicle. This provides some of New Zealand’s best hikes throughout Mount Aspiring National Park, Aoraki National Park and ending in Fiordland National Park. New Zealand is an island nation and thus the most reasonable, cost-efficient and common way to travel to New Zealand is by air. Entry Requirements ELECTRICITY: 230/240 volt with 2 or 3 pins, the same as Australia and parts of Asia. (Be sure to get your universal travel adapter before you leave) New Zealand is a destination worth saving until you have as much time to explore the country as possible. Not only is this due to the fact that it takes much time and money (not to mention CO2 emissions) to get there, but moving between destinations within New Zealand is also very time-consuming. Roads are long and winding with so many photo-stops and activities along the way that a two-hour drive can easily turn into a full-day mission! One or Two Weeks in 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 North West Circuit will require you to take a decent pair of hiking shoes to avoid having 2 weeks’ worth of mud in your shoes after the first day. For all of the reasons above, we do not recommend planning your trip too much around the weather. Nevertheless, below is what you can typically expect in each season. Summer (December to February)Hotels in New Zealand are not cheap, so if you are on a budget this is something you may want to avoid. Generally speaking, New Zealand is very safe. That being said, you still need to take sensible precautions to keep yourself safe as you would do in your home country. Firstly, New Zealand has the Southern Alps which are a chain of mountains running centrally through the South Island.

This is not a common option for many travellers. However if your time here for a shorter period of time then they can be an excellent option to cover larger distances. These New Zealand hikes are great for those who don’t want to commit to an overnight hike. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Keep following the orange markers until you reach Mueller Hut and one of the most scenic toilet views in the world. Here are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Typical Costs and Budget for a Trip to New Zealand

New Zealand is a melting pot so most menus have a diverse range of international dishes, from Westernised food, such as fish and chips, burgers and pizzas to Asian cuisines like curries and sushi. Gluten-free and vegetarian meals are readily available. For other dietary requirements, it’s best to discuss with restaurant staff first. The alpine crossing has its own climate as a group of mountains such as Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngaurahoe nearly all reaching over 2,000 metres bring together some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world. If you are on a budget then this is one of the easiest ways to save money. Whilst being delicious, eating out in New Zealand is expensive and as such is an easy way to limit your outgoings. Consider Travelling in New Zealand in The Winter