NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Get the best tips and advice on travelling New Zealand, from a New Zealander.
In this travel guide:
We New Zealanders are fiercely proud of our little country — in my mind, the hikes, beaches, mountains, and scale of natural beauty here are unparalleled in the world.
I might be wrong, of course, but that won’t stop me from trying to convince you to feel the same way.
I’ve hiked nearly every Great Walk, spent three months living out of my van in the South Island, and driven up and down the country.
In this New Zealand travel guide, I’ll help you plan your visit to our beautiful country, sharing my recommendations and best New Zealand travel tips.
Map of New Zealand highlights
If you’re just starting to plan your New Zealand trip, this map might help you get your bearings.
I’ve pinned some of my favourite places on this map (I’m a big fan of using Google Maps to plan trips) including walks, towns, and national parks.
As a high level introduction to where to go, these blog posts might also come in handy:
New Zealand is famous for its high-octane adventure activities and sweeping landscapes.
Here, you can jet boat up rivers of bright blue water, walk across glaciers pouring out of soaring mountain ranges, and bungy jump into ravines thick with native forest.
But New Zealand also has relaxing thermal springs, a laid-back pace of life, and stunning beaches.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND
1. Learn about Māori culture
Māori culture is unique to New Zealand, so it’s important and rewarding to explore.
The classic way to learn about traditional Māori culture is to visit a Māori village in Rotorua. This gives you a chance to learn Māori history and customs, see cultural performances, and sample traditional hangi food.
There are other ways to get to know Māori culture too, though.
In Northland, you can visit Tane Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree. Footprints Waipoua runs a twilight tour which will introduce you to the significance of this tree to Māori people.
Visiting pounamu/greenstone workshops on the West Coast of the South Island is another cool way of learning about Māori arts and crafts. Pounamu is a taonga/treasure for Māori people, and carving the stone is a great skill.
Pounamu and other Māori arts make great souvenirs and gifts, but it’s important to learn about the culture behind these traditions as well, if you plan on taking them home with you.
Maori people make up around 17% of New Zealand’s population.
The regions with the highest percentage of Maori people include Tairawhiti Gisborne on the East Coast of the North Island, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, and Northland.
2. See glaciers
One of the main highlights of the South Island are the twin glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef.
Both glaciers pour from the Southern Alps into valleys which give way to rainforests and then the roiling Tasman Sea.
You don’t need to go in a helicopter to see the glaciers on the West Coast. There are multiple walks and viewpoints around Franz Josef and Fox Glacier where you can see them from afar.
It might not be as dramatic as walking on them, but for budget travellers it’s still an awesome way to see rivers of ice flowing out of the mountains.
Alex Knob, the Roberts Point Track, and the lookout point near Lake Matheson are all epic spots.
There are other opportunities to see glaciers, too.
See the Tasman Glacier at Aoraki/Mount Cook on foot or via helicopter. The Hooker Glacier is visible at the end of the Hooker Valley Track (one of New Zealand’s best day walks).
And my favourite, the Dart Glacier, is an epic reward for anyone hiking the Rees Dart or Cascade Saddle Tracks in Mount Aspiring National Park.
3. Go hiking
New Zealand is one of the best hiking destinations in the world. From hut-to-hut hiking through mountain ranges, to day walks to glacier viewpoints, some of the best sights in New Zealand are seen on foot.
The Department of Conservation (known only as DOC) manages an impressive network of hiking huts and tracks around the country. You’ll quickly get familiar with their green and yellow signs.
Checking out short walks is a must-do in New Zealand, and multi-day hikes beckon more adventurous visitors.
If you’re looking for a multi-day adventure, check out New Zealand’s Great Walks — a set of 10 backpacking trails that cover the most impressive scenery in New Zealand.
My favourite Great Walk is The Routeburn Track, which crosses both Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park. You can hike sections of the track as a day walk — check out the Key Summit Track on your way to Milford Sound.
4. Go to the beach
New Zealand is famous for sweeping, mountainous landscapes, but you should know that it’s also an awesome beach destination.
In the North Island, you can find black sand beaches on the west coast and incredible white sand bays on the east coast.
Some of my favourite beaches include Matai Bay in Northland, Opito Bay in the Coromandel, and Anchor bay in Tawharanui Regional Park.
The South Island also has some incredible beaches — Abel Tasman has some of the most golden sand you’ll ever see, and the beaches in the Catlins and near Dunedin feel remote and wild.
With so much coastline, New Zealand is a prime destination for surfing, paddle boarding, island hopping, or just relaxing on the beach with a good book.
5. See native wildlife
The only native land mammal in New Zealand are bats — and according to the Bird of the Year competition, they are also occasionally classed as birds.
Instead of land animals, New Zealand has some of the coolest birds in the world.
Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, kākāpō, the plump, flightless parrots, and the stocky, flightless kiwi bird which came to be a symbol for all New Zealanders.
As well as birds, New Zealand also has stunning marine wildlife. Seals frolic around the country, Hector’s dolphins splash through waves in the South Island, and whales migrate past New Zealand’s coasts on the way north to Antarctica.
Some of the best wildlife experiences you can have in New Zealand include:
Watching whales and swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura
Seeing kiwi birds in the wild at Tawharanui Regional Park near Auckland
Spotting kea in Arthur’s Pass National Park or on the road to Milford Sound
Visiting Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Wellington with a 500 year plan for returning the area to a pre-human state
I loved spotting Hector’s dolphins off the very south coast of the South Island on the Hump Ridge Track
6. Visit a national park
New Zealand is an outdoorsy nation — we treasure our wilderness areas.
There are 13 national parks in New Zealand, with 3 in the North Island and 10 in the South Island.
Each national park offers something unique, although they all have the same promise — in these national parks you’ll see the best scenery in New Zealand.
Abel Tasman, Tongariro, and Fiordland National Parks often get all the attention. But of all New Zealand’s national parks, Mount Aspiring might be my favourite.
The park stands out for its incredible blue water, which runs down from glaciers high in the mountain peaks. The result is incredible hiking.
For an easy walk, check out the Blue Pools in Makarora, near Wanaka. Or, head into the West Matukutuki Valley to hike to Rob Roy Glacier.
Here are some of the highlights of New Zealand’s other national parks:
Milford Sound is a highlight of Fiordland National Park, as are short walks like the Key Summit and Lake Marian Tracks.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Walk the Hooker Valley Track to see Mt Cook and the Hooker glacier.
Abel Tasman National Park is a great place for walking and kayaking between stunning beaches.
Tongariro National Park is home to the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most epic day walk. The emerald lakes on this walk are spectacular.
USEFUL RESOURCES
DOC website for national parks and walks
Check national park weather on the NIWA website
Shaun Barnett’s Tramping in Aotearoa is a great guide book for hiking enthusiasts
7. See geothermal wonders
New Zealand is perched right on the edge of two tectonic plates, so we have an exceptional amount of geothermal activity.
The best places to see this are in the centre of the North Island, near Rotorua and Taupo.
You’ll smell Rotorua before you see it — the sulphur-rich air is the first hint that you’re arriving into New Zealand’s most active geothermal area.
The whole town simmers.
You can stroll for free around Rotorua’s parks and see steam escaping from vents in the ground, see thermal pools boil from the heat of barely concealed activity below ground, and hear the glug of mud as the ground boils.
Rotorua is home to visually spectacular springs in shades of turquoise, orange, and sky blue.
It’s worth visiting one of the geothermal parks in the area, like Wai O Tapu or Te Puia, to see geysers spit steam and marvel at the colourful pools.
There are a number of hot springs where you can immerse yourself in naturally heated waters. Kerosene Creek is a popular spot for free hot water bathing.
One of my favourite short walks in New Zealand, the Tarawera Trail, leads to a hot water beach on a lakefront. Here you can take a dip in thermal waters while admiring the view.
8. Discover New Zealand food
New Zealand cuisine is only just coming into its own.
A lot of the food you’ll find in New Zealand is inspired by other cultures, but we do have some great food here you should try.
The great thing about New Zealand food is the diversity of fresh, delicious ingredients from around the country. Thanks to a range of climates and regions, New Zealand produces world-class food.
Eat oysters plucked fresh from the ocean on Waiheke Island, wild-shot deer from Fiordland, cherries from Central Otago, and seafood like crayfish in Kaikoura or kina served up in roadside shacks by the seaside.
Here are my tips for where to eat around New Zealand:
9. Visit Hobbiton
Whether or not you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, Hobbiton™ is a pretty cool spot to visit. It’s pure escapism — at least for the length of the 45 minute tour.
From colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors tucked into the hillsides, to the iconic Bag End home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the tour transports you into the lush, picturesque world of the Shire.
Duck into the Hobbit Holes and get a close look at the interiors, before strolling across the stone arch bridge to the Green Dragon™ Inn.
If you want an even more immersive experience, you can spring for the evening banquet or second breakfast tours.
10. Explore New Zealand’s wine regions
New Zealand has some incredible wine regions.
Marlborough is the most famous wine region, known for Sauvignon Blanc and producing 75% of all New Zealand’s wine exports.
But there are others to discover as well.
If you visit Auckland, head to Waiheke Island for a day trip. There are dozens of boutique vineyards on the island.
From Wellington, you can easily visit Martinborough and the Wairarapa wine region.
In Queenstown, you can explore the scenic valley along the Kawerau River, home to iconic wineries like Gibbston Valley and Amisfield. This area is known for Pinot Noir, but I also love the Riesling from here.
New Zealand trip essentials
Language: English is the main language in New Zealand (spoken with an accent and a lot of slang), with Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language the other two official languages.
Currency and costs: We use the New Zealand Dollar, equivalent to around 0.60USD. The cost of living in New Zealand is quite high but the favourable exchange rate works well for anyone spending US Dollars, Euros, or Pounds.
You don’t need to bring a lot of physical cash to New Zealand — we’re a mostly plastic nation.
Mobile data: I recommend getting a Skinny SIM card in New Zealand
Safety: New Zealand is generally a safe country to travel. I travel solo in New Zealand a lot and I’ve rarely had any issues, but you should keep an eye on your belongings.
One of my best New Zealand travel tips is to pack layers so you’re ready for any weather. New Zealand’s dress code is casual and outdoorsy, so dress for outdoorsy adventures.
Here’s my all-weather packing list.
The North Island is spectacular to visit if you love forests full of ferns and kauri trees, and quiet beaches with white sand and gentle surf.
The majority of international flights land in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.
From Auckland, you can road trip to North Island highlights like Hobbiton, Rotorua, or Tongariro National Park.
TOP PLACES TO GO IN THE NORTH ISLAND
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is the perfect day trip destination from Auckland.
Catch the ferry across to the island (keeping an eye out for dolphins!) and enjoy a day exploring the luscious vineyards.
You can also find some beautiful walks and beaches on Waiheke, as well as gin distilleries, incredible restaurants, and a laid back island vibe in the village of Oneroa.
It’s easy to get around Waiheke Island by public bus, or you can hire an e-bike for more of an adventure.
Waiheke wine tours are also the ideal way to make the most of a day trip from Auckland.
Stay for a few nights to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
The Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the best beach destinations in New Zealand.
The east coast of the peninsula is lined with incredible white sand beaches, from secluded bays to wind-swept surf beaches.
Cathedral Cove is the most famous destination on the Coromandel. The stunning limestone arch is well worth a visit.
Hot water beach is the other famous beach to check out — for two hours either side of low tide you can dig your own hot pool in the sand.
The water is heated by geothermal activity and gets surprisingly hot.
You can always jump in the waves to cool off, but just be careful of the strong currents at this beach.
New Chums Beach is another scenic spot, if you want to try surfing, head to Whangamata Beach, famous for its epic waves.
If you’re up for an adventure, there are plenty of other beaches to discover — I also love visiting the north of the Coromandel Peninsula, to off the beaten track destinations like Waikawau Bay.
The loop road that runs around the Coromandel Peninsula makes this an ideal destination for a beachy road trip.
The Bay of Islands
Although most visitors to New Zealand arrive into Auckland and head south almost straight away, there’s a lot to discover if you make your way north.
Bright blue water, lush native forest, and deserted beaches are everywhere.
Paihia is the main town in the Bay of Islands, and the activity hub. From here, you can choose to cruise or kayak around the islands in the area.
Russell is a quieter option if you want small town charm. There are regular ferries across to Paihia so you won’t be missing out if you opt for Russell.
One of my favourite places to visit in the Bay of Islands is Urupukapuka Island. Catch a ferry out and go for a day walk around the island, or stay overnight on one of the island’s campgrounds.
My favourite thing to do near Paihia is the Cape Brett walk, a gorgeous overnight trek to a former lighthouse keeper’s house.
I also love Oke Bay, a stunning beach with perfect blue water and white sand, which is located right at the start of the Cape Brett Track.
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is a place of huge spiritual importance in New Zealand.
At the very northern tip of the North Island, fringed by giant sand dunes and windswept beaches, stands a lonely lighthouse.
This is where Maori spirits make their final leap from land. You can feel it, standing at Cape Reinga — this is a special place.
State Highway 1 runs aground at Cape Reinga – this is the last stop, for travellers and, for Māori, the spirits of the dead. According to Māori tradition, the departed leap into the underworld from this point, making this the most spiritually significant place in Aotearoa.
From the Cape Reinga lighthouse, you can see the Tasman and Pacific seas crashing into each other. Gusted by winds, pounded by surf, and surrounded by vast sweeps of sand, the headland of Te Rerenga Wairua, the leaping place of spirits, is a beautifully rugged wilderness.
Looking out across the water, you’ll see the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meeting.
For an extra adventure, take on the four day Te Paki Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s most epic multi-day hikes.
The Tutukaka Coast
The Tutukaka Coast is a bit of a hidden gem.
Some of my favourite beaches and camping spots are in this area, like Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay.
Raglan
Raglan is one of my favourite small towns in New Zealand.
The main activity here is surfing at one of the many breaks in the area, or taking surf lessons at Ngarunui Beach.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a one of New Zealand’s most touristy towns, but it is a pretty unique place.
The town simmers with geothermal activity — you can smell the sulphur in the air as soon as you arrive.
There are a number of parks you can visit around Rotorua where you can experience bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colourful pools of water.
Alternatively, you can visit places like Kuirau Park and Kerosene Creek for free.
Rotorua is also an important destination for exploring Maori culture. The area has a long history of significance to Maori people, so it’s a great place to visit a Maori village, try traditional Maori food, and see artworks such as wood carving.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is one of only two UNESCO sites in New Zealand. The park is recognised for its unique natural and cultural heritage.
Most people visit to walk the Tongariro Crossing, an epic day walk, but there are other lovely walks in the park as well.
Taranaki Falls is a great loop track with views of the imposing Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, or Mount Doom for Lord of the Rings fans.
Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s cool little capital city, is one of the more interesting cities to visit in New Zealand.
Wellington is a fun city and it’s worth the stop if you’re catching the car ferry between the North and South islands.
This is the coffee and food capital of the country — Wellingtonians are proud foodies and coffee aficionados.
Try a cheese scone, a Wellington staple, and brunch at one of the many cafes in the centre.
Some of the best restaurants in the city are Egmont Street Eatery, Shepherd, and the Botanist. Hiakai is the darling of Wellington dining, but you will have to book well in advance to get a table.
9. Taranaki
Mount Taranaki stands alone on the southwest coast of the North Island. Climbing the perfectly symmetrical peak is a challenging but popular day hike, which offers spectacular views down into the lush forest of Egmont National Park and all the way out to sea.
For a lower altitude vantage point, Surf Highway 45 loops along the coast around the mountain, linking a series of black sand beaches with epic surf breaks, small surf towns, and mountain views.
10. Napier and the Hawke’s Bay
Napier is New Zealand’s art deco town.
The wider Hawke’s Bay area is famous for producing top-notch wine.
3 quick tips for planning your New Zealand visit
Don’t try to see everything. New Zealand might seem small, but it’s larger than the United Kingdom, and our roads and often narrow and winding. Getting from A to B can take a lot longer than you anticipate, especially as you’ll want to stop so often to enjoy the view.
Consider an internal flight if you want to see both islands in a short time. Flying from Rotorua to Christchurch can make for an efficient two-week itinerary and make it easier to see all of New Zealand’s highlights.
The best time to visit New Zealand is from February to March, when domestic travellers have gone back to work and school but the summer days are still sunny, warm, and long. Winter is also a great time to visit, but bear in mind that shorter daylight hours mean you might need more days to see everything.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SOUTH ISLAND
The South Island is one long, narrow stretch of incredible landscapes.
From the golden bays of Abel Tasman National Park in the north of the island, to the wilds of Fiordland bordering the Tasman Sea in the south, the South Island of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular.
1. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Seeing New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, is a must-do.
Ice-capped Aoraki is a stunning sight.
Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, at 3,724 metres (12,218 feet).
The pyramid shaped mountain is visible across Lake Pukaki, a bright blue lake fed by glaciers pouring down from the Southern Alps. Looking across Pukaki toward Aoraki/Mount Cook is one of the most iconic views in all of New Zealand.
Make the drive out to Mount Cook Village at the heart of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and you’ll get awesome views the whole way.
From the village, you can walk the Hooker Valley Track — one of the best day walks in New Zealand — and up the Sealy Tarns.
On a fine day, you can admire Aoraki Mount Cook in all its glory.
The Hooker Valley Track is only a 3 hour walk on a well-maintained path, so it’s accessible even if you’re not a keen hiker.
Mount Cook village is a great place to spend a night or two. The Hermitage is a classic, higher-end place to stay.
If you stay for the night, you should check out the night skies. The national park forms part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, an area renowned for pristine night skies and views of the stars and galaxies above.
Wanaka
Wanaka is an excellent base for outdoor adventures like the famous Roy’s Peak hike and walks in Mount Aspiring National Park.
It’s also home to Central Otago vineyards like Rippon, and you can visit the Cardrona Distillery and dine at the town’s great restaurants.
There are some beautiful glamping options around Wanaka too, if you’re looking for somewhere quieter than Queenstown to spend a few nights.
Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Lake Tekapo is an essential stop on any South Island road trip.
The lake is stunning and a scenic spot in its own right. But one of the main draws to Lake Tekapo is the beauty of the night sky.
Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. This was only the third dark sky reserve in the world, so it’s an area of pristine night skies and superb stargazing.
From Tekapo you can join star gazing tours at the Mount John Observatory, or at other locations near the lake.
To star gaze for free, you can also book yourself into accommodation with skylights over the beds, so you can lie in bed and look up at the Milky Way.
The sky-blue expanse of Lake Pukaki shimmers against the golden hues of the Mackenzie Basin.
What makes this alpine lake all the more stunning is the sweeping view of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The fin of New Zealand’s highest mountain rises at the far end of the lake, shimmering against the glacial water.
The route along Lake Pukaki’s shore, towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, is a fantastically scenic stretch of road.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for wildlife watching.
There are few other places where you can swim with both dolphins and seals, see penguins, albatrosses, petrels and other sea birds, and see spot whales all year round.
The small coastal town, located around 2 and a half hours north of Christchurch, is famous for whale watching.
A population of sperm whales means you can go whale watching any time of year, while migrating humpback whales provide other opportunities to see the great beasts during the winter months.
Abel Tasman
The curved golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park might be some of the most stunning in the whole country. Scythes of sand lie between dense native bush and calm waters in vivid turquoise. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, traces the park from end to end. The park can be explored by boat, kayak, on foot, or a combination of all three.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk is one of the best hikes in New Zealand. You’re not limited to exploring Abel Tasman National Park on foot, though.
From Marahau, you can catch boats to different parks of the coast and either kayak or walk back to the starting point.
The calm bays with pristine water are perfect for swimming. If you’re hiking along the Abel Tasman, you’ll be tempted strip off and jump into the sea at every opportunity.
Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds is a collection of sea-drowned river valleys fringing the top of the South Island. The network of peninsulas, islands and quiet bays is surreally peaceful.
The sounds have lake-calm waters and the ridges rising between the ocean inlets are coated in regenerating native bush.
Lodges and holiday homes are scattered throughout the Sounds, with some only accessible by water taxi.
One of my favourite camping spots in the South Island is deep in the Marlborough Sounds, at French Pass. It’s a spot well and truly off the beaten track.
MY NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS
What to pack for any season (take enough warm clothes for the South Island)
7. Fox and Franz Josef glaciers
The twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef were once among the most accessible in the world, plunging from the heights of the Southern Alps down into rainforest close to sea level on the rugged west coast.
In the past decade, they have been forced into retreat by climate change. Although you can walk to multiple viewpoints to see the glaciers, the only way to experience them up close is now via a heli hike.
Despite having lost so much ground, the glaciers are still magnificent, and serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our natural world.
8. Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
Milford Sound is a deep fiord carved into the wildness of Fiordland and one of the most alluring places in New Zealand.
Piercing the sky above the indigo waters of the sound is the towering Mitre Peak. Waterfalls tumble down the steep sides of the fjord, casting mist across the rainforested slopes.
Seals, penguins, and dolphins all call Milford Sound home.
Sailing across the dark water of Milford Sound is a highlight of any visit to the South Island.
Everything you need to know about visiting New Zealand
How many days do you need to travel around New Zealand?
Two weeks is roughly the minimum amount of time you should spend in New Zealand, but you could easily spend more than that.
With two weeks, you can split your time between the North and South Islands, which are equally deserving of attention.
If you only have 10 vacation days, I recommend focusing on just one island.
Plan for travel days and more time than you think you’ll need when driving from place to place. Roads in New Zealand are scenic and often have beautiful lookouts where you’ll want to stop and admire the view.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
The best time to visit New Zealand is in February and March, when you can take advantage of long summer days and warm weather, without the crowds.
Having said that, there’s no bad time to visit New Zealand, with each month of the year offering something unique.
Visit in the off season (from May to September) and you might have colder weather, but there will be far fewer crowds and much better deals on activities and accommodation.
Plus, you won’t need to worry about booking everything in advance.
New Zealand winter means shorter, colder days and a higher chance of rain in the North Island, but if you like to avoid crowds, it’s an ideal time to visit.
How much does it cost to travel to New Zealand?
Flights to New Zealand can be expensive, as much as $1000 USD return from the United States, and even more from Europe.
Hotels can cost anywhere from $100-400 NZD a night, rental cars around $50 a day, and activities up to $500 for premium options such as going on a glacier heli hike in the South Island.
Having said that, you can travel New Zealand on a budget if you’re willing to stay in campgrounds and holiday parks, cook most of your own meals, and enjoy the many free activities such as hiking, museums, art galleries, beaches, and glow worm caves.
You could travel New Zealand on a budget of less than $1000 NZD a week by doing this.
Or, you could spend as much as $4000 a week by staying in hotels, eating in the best restaurants in Queenstown and Auckland, and enjoying activities such as heli hikes, winery tours, and boat cruises in Milford or Doubtful Sound.
Good to know
New Zealand is a mostly cashless society. I almost never touch cash, and use my Debit card (which we call an Eftpos card) everywhere I go.
The only times I ever need cash is when I buy vegetables from roadside stalls, or in hippie places like some shops in Raglan which refuse to offer card payments.
What’s the best way to get around New Zealand?
The easiest way to get around New Zealand is to rent a car or a campervan.
Having your own vehicle means you’ll be able to access all of the more remote — and beautiful — parts of New Zealand.
The only caveat with this is that you’ll need to get comfortable driving on New Zealand roads (we drive on the left) and it’s not the most budget-friendly way to travel, especially if you are travelling alone.
It is possible to get around New Zealand on public transport.
There’s only one national bus network in New Zealand, and the only trains are designed to be scenic experiences rather than to connect main centres.
That makes travelling without a car difficult, but it’s not impossible.
Flights connect Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown, and Christchurch, so you could hop between cities and use shuttle services to reach places like national parks or popular hikes.
For some activities, such as the Great Walks, you often need to book a private shuttle anyway. And for other trips, such as scenic horse rides in Glenorchy, the operators often provide transport out to where they are located.