Overview of New Zealand
New Zealand is a small country that is similar in size to Great Britain or Japan. Plus, with a population of just four million people, the islands are also splendidly uncrowded and open. You’ll appreciate the wide open spaces when you realize just how much incredible, natural scenery is packed into this small country. Comprised of a North Island and South Island there is an unmatchable diversity of landscapes. From pristine beaches in the north and towering peaks from glaciated mountains in the South, you better bring plenty of memory cards to store the thousands of photos you’ll want to take. Beyond the natural attractions on these islands, there are endless adrenaline-pumping experiences that you can try as well. It seems to be a national hobby to throw caution to the wind and try anything from sailing, surfing, bungy jumping, hiking, bridge swinging and more.
When you get to New Zealand, it may be hard to tear your eyes off the mountains and volcanoes and rolling hills, but when you do, bring the Kiwi people into focus. The country has a long history, a number of cultural traditions and an energy that won’t be easy to forget. You can participate in native traditions through craft workshops and ceremonial feasts. Auckland has a museum that is filled to the brim with Maori and Pacific Island collections where you can learn about Maori heritage and biculturalism. Thankfully, the culture lives on because the country embraces its history and the indigenous people that created New Zealand.
Top attractions
The Coromandel
The secret spot is a local place that Kiwis don’t want you to know about. Located just two hours outside of Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula is an uncrowded paradise of white-sand beaches, thick native forests, charming cafes and bustling marinas. Try fishing, kayaking or something a little more unusual: digging your own hot tub on Hot Water Beach.
Mount Cook/Aoraki
The South Island’s Aoraki (”cloud piercer”) rises a staggering 3.7km above the Mackenzie Plains. Aoraki is also known as Mount Cook and is the largest mountain in New Zealand and the crown jewel of the Southern Alps. Just a few kilometres away are Lake Takapo and Lake Pukaki, which are glacier-fed lakes of an intensely turquoise colour.
Waitomo Caves
Somewhere in between Auckland and Taupo are the Waitomo Caves. A massive underground network of limestone caves, Waitomo has long been a tourist attraction and draw for locals alike. Glow-worm Cave, aptly named after the luminescent glow-worms that inhabit the space, is a perpetual favourite for its other-worldly feel. Other caves in the network, like Aranui Cave and Ruakuri Cave can be rafted, hiked or rappelled.
Queenstown
If you are a fan of adventure sports then Queenstown is the place for you. Long known as the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown has a surrounding landscape that is basically a natural playground for those willing to try. In town, there are small, lively restaurants and bustling shops, but once you’re outside city limits, you’ll be treated to endless adventures. Skiing, hiking, paragliding, white-water rafting and kayaking are all popular things to try. Once you’re done pumping your adrenaline levels, you can relax with a refreshing wine tasting of the regions delicious varietals.
Otago Peninsula
At just 28km long, Otago Peninsula packs quite a wallop for its small size. On this rugged peninsula is wildlife as far as the eye can see. Keep your eyes peeled for the native yellow-eyed penguins waddling around their reserve on Otago, along with the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony. Keeping these rare creatures company are New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, little blue penguins and whales aplenty when you dive below the ocean’s surface.
Seasonality
New Zealand is warm in the summer months, and never truly gets cold even in the depths of winter. The South Island gets the lion’s share of the rain that falls, with the West Coast and Fiordland ranking among the world’s wettest places. In the North Island, warm, damp summers fade imperceptibly into cool, wet winters, while the further south you travel the more the weather divides the year into four distinct seasons.
Most people visit New Zealand in the summer, but it is a great destination at any time of the year. From December to March everything is open, though often busy with Kiwis holidaying during the Christmas season. In general, you’re better off heading to New Zealand during the shoulder seasons (October, November and April) when attractions are quieter, and reservations are easier to come by. Winter (May–Sept) is the wettest, coldest and consequently least popular time, unless you are enamoured by winter sports, in which case it’s wonderful.
Travel considerations
Adventure sports
Be sure that if you buy travel insurance with adventure sports cover that you check which circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy. Personal injury and income protection insurance is also strongly recommended for travel to this country. Australian visitors can incur significant medical and travel costs or loss of income as a result of accidents in New Zealand and are not entitled to compensation for these from New Zealand’s national accident compensation scheme after return to Australia.
Etiquette
New Zealanders are refreshingly relaxed, low-key and free of pretension, and you’re likely to be greeted with an informal “gidday!”, “Kia ora!” (Hi) or “Kia ora, bro!” (Hi, mate). The legal drinking age is 18, but by law you may be asked to prove your age by showing ID, which must be either a New Zealand driver’s licence or a passport (foreign driver’s licences aren’t accepted).