If you’ve been dreaming about visiting New Zealand, this New Zealand travel guide is the perfect place to start. We finally made it to this incredible country after years of talking about it, and we can honestly say it exceeded all expectations.
Whether you’re here for jaw-dropping landscapes, friendly locals, or endless adventure opportunities, this guide will help you make the most of your first time in New Zealand. Let’s dive straight in!
Visiting New Zealand For the First Time
We spent a month exploring both the North and South Islands, hiring a car, and hitting the road at our own pace. After having New Zealand on our must-visit list for as long as we can remember, it was pretty surreal to be here.
We also have a few family friends and distant relatives living in Auckland and Christchurch, which gave our trip a personal touch and some great local insights. This New Zealand travel guide pulls together everything we learned along the way so you can avoid any rookie mistakes and focus on the fun stuff.
When to Visit New Zealand
One of our biggest travel tips for New Zealand is to pick the right time of year to visit. If it’s your first time in New Zealand, you might be surprised by how different the seasons are between the North and South Islands.
Remember the southern hemisphere has the reverse of the seasons in the northern hemisphere – so don’t get caught out! We went in the northern hemisphere autumn time, and the weather, although often bright and sunny, was chilly and pretty grey at times, as this was early spring in New Zealand.
December through February is peak season – perfect for beaches, hiking, and outdoor adventures. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, head over in winter (June to August). Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are quieter, and fewer crowds can often mean lower prices for accommodation and attractions.
New Zealand Travel Guide – Accommodation
Finding the right place to stay can make a huge difference to your trip. We mixed things up during our first time in New Zealand and tried a few different options, each with its own perks.
- Booking.com is our go-to for last-minute hotel deals and motels when we need something quick and easy. You’ll find plenty of affordable spots, especially in smaller towns. It’s also great if you want flexible booking options and free cancellation.
- Airbnb is perfect for longer stays. Having a kitchen and extra space was a game changer, especially when we wanted to cook and chill out after long days of exploring. Read my Top Tips for Securing Great Deals with Airbnb, covering how to find awesome places without blowing your budget.
- Trusted Housesitters is one of the best ways to save on your accommodation in New Zealand. We spent time house sitting in Auckland, which meant free accommodation and the chance to experience local life in a laid-back neighborhood. Sign up here for free and browse available listings.
If you’re curious about house sitting, check out my Guide to House Sitting in Auckland. It includes all our best tips to help you get started.
Getting Around New Zealand
I highly recommend hiring a car. It gave us total freedom to explore the smaller towns and hidden gems that you might miss on a tour. If you’re wondering how to get around New Zealand without driving, there are buses like InterCity and plenty of guided tours, but we found having a car made a huge difference.
Driving is pretty straightforward – just remember they drive on the left! The South Island, in particular, is made for road trips, and every bend in the road brings another postcard-worthy view.
Every major city and town has good, reliable, and affordable public transport. Apps like Uber operate in most locations also. Getting between larger cities is also possible by budget flights – we opted for this option rather than the train given the significant cost and availability of long-distance trains in New Zealand.
Hiring a Car in New Zealand
We hired 2 cars whilst in New Zealand, one in Auckland and another in Christchurch. We have had good experiences hiring cars through Booking.com. Although you may think of them as a hotel and accommodation resource, they are actually pretty great for a number of other travel-related things too.
They compare many different car hire companies to offer some of the best prices online. Most bookings also come with free cancelation until 24 hours before, so you can cancel if your plans change or if you find a better deal elsewhere.
Be aware that when hiring a car in New Zealand, and most other countries in the world, you now need to have a credit card in the main driver’s name. A debit card or even a credit card in someone else’s name isn’t enough to secure a car anymore, and you may very well be refused your booking at check-in.
Where to Go on Your First Trip
It’s hard to pick favorites, but these were some of the best places to visit in New Zealand during our month-long trip:
- Auckland: We kicked off our adventure here, visiting family and soaking up city life before heading north. It’s a great place to start, especially if you’re flying in internationally. It’s also a top New Zealand destination for house sitting opportunities.
- Matakana: A wonderful, sleepy little town about an hour north of Auckland. It has unbelievable beaches and natural beauty, as well as a couple of great nationally recognized breweries.
- Russell: The country’s first capital and former pirate stronghold that once earned it the Monika ‘the hell hole of the Pacific’ is now a delightfully charming town to spend a day or two. A 4-hour drive north of Auckland brings you to some of the most fabulous natural beauty you are ever likely to see.
- Christchurch: We caught up with some distant family here and explored the city’s street art and botanic gardens. It’s a city that’s rebuilding itself in cool and creative ways following the earthquake disaster in 2011. We enjoyed spending time around the Riverside Market and Botanic Gardens.
- Picton: A quiet town on the top of the South Island and known as the gateway to the islands and inlets of Marlborough Sounds. It’s a great maritime location with a big harbor filled with boats of all sizes and a great hiking offering spectacular views from all angles.
- Hanmer Springs: Known for its hot springs and enriched mineral water, I spent my birthday in Hamner Springs and loved it. We hiked the hills in the morning, chilled in the springs in the afternoon, and enjoyed plenty of beers and great food in the town during the evening. I highly recommend a visit!
Booking Trips in New Zealand
There are so many different tours and adventure activities in New Zealand, there’s everything from Lord of the Rings movie set tours to whitewater rafting. Independent outlets are usually pretty safe and reliable, and scams of this nature are very rare, but always read reviews before booking.
Major online sites like Get Your Guide and Viator will probably be your best way to go. We used them for a couple of great excursions in New Zealand.
Budget Tips for New Zealand
New Zealand isn’t the cheapest destination, but there are ways to make your money go further. We did a mix of house sitting and staying in affordable Airbnbs. For more information on becoming a house sitter in New Zealand, check out my article, Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
Staying in a homely setting not only saves on accommodation costs but being able to cook meals helps too. Supermarkets like PaknSave and New World have everything you’ll need and usually have great daily offers on groceries.
Fuel and activity costs can add up, especially if you’re doing a lot of driving and adventure tours, so plan ahead. But we found plenty of free things to do, like hiking trails, beaches, and national parks. The natural beauty is striking all across New Zealand, and the best part is, it’s all free!
What to Pack for New Zealand
The weather can change fast, so layers are key. Even in summer, it can be chilly in the mountains or by the coast. Good walking shoes are a must and don’t forget a rain jacket. If it’s your first time in New Zealand, you might underestimate how strong the sun is – bring sunscreen!
Don’t overpack! Parts of New Zealand can be quite remote, but it is always easy to lay your hands on any extras you may need.
Important Things to Consider Before Traveling to New Zealand
Here are a few additional additions to your New Zealand travel guide.
- Visas: Most travelers can enter on a visa waiver, but you’ll need to apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you go.
- Currency: New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD), and credit cards are widely accepted. We used contactless payments almost everywhere.
- Internet and SIM Cards: We picked up a local SIM card at the airport (Spark and One NZ formerly Vodafone are the most popular). WiFi was decent in most towns, but remote areas can be patchy. Download maps when you have WiFi.
- Driving Rules: As mentioned, drive on the left and take it slow on those winding mountain roads! Most bridges in remote countryside areas are single-lane and operate on a ‘whoever was there first’ basis.
Is New Zealand Safe for Visitors?
New Zealand is one of the safest countries for visitors, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Compared to neighboring Australia, you won’t have to worry about dangerous wildlife like snakes or crocodiles, making outdoor adventures much more relaxed.
That said, New Zealand is on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so earthquakes and volcanic activity can occur, especially in areas like Wellington and Christchurch. While most quakes are small, it’s good to be aware and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Overall, New Zealand feels very safe, but as with any travel, it’s important to stay alert, especially when hiking or in remote areas. Just follow basic precautions and check weather conditions before outdoor activities, and you’ll have a great, worry-free experience
Final Thoughts on Your First Time in New Zealand
Writing this New Zealand travel guide has made me want to go back. Our time in New Zealand was packed with incredible scenery, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re road-tripping the South Island or soaking up culture in Matakana, the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure awaits.
If you’re planning your own trip, we hope this New Zealand travel guide gives you the confidence to jump in and explore. Got questions about your first time in New Zealand? Drop us a comment – we’d love to help, and digital nomads should check out my Best Places to Stay in New Zealand for DNs.
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