New ZealandThings to Know

Where to vacation in New Zealand? 

New Zealand is bursting with vacation options. The most popular sites on the North Island include Auckland, the capital Wellington, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the Bay of Islands. On the South Island, travellers will want to take in the cities of Christchurch and Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, visit Dunedin, and enjoy the wine regions on the island's northern edge. But this is only a start. New Zealand is an easy country to travel through with many travel options beyond the tourist trail, so get in touch with a travel agency to discuss a tailor-made New Zealand vacation today. 

When is summer vacation in New Zealand? 

When planning your New Zealand trip, keep in mind that summer holidays are from mid-to-late December to late January, which is the best time to visit if you’d like your vacation to overlap with the Christmas holiday season. However, many New Zealanders will take their holidays earlier in December or later in February or March, depending on their schedules.

Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand? 

You need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) when travelling to New Zealand as a tourist. Your NZeTA needs to be approved prior to departing for New Zealand. You can apply via the NZeTA mobile app. 

How long can you vacation in New Zealand? 

With an NZeTA, which is often used in place of a travel visa, New Zealand vacations can be up to three months at a time. You can also return to the country later in the same year, staying for a total of six months over a single calendar year. 

Australia or New Zealand: which is better for a vacation? 

Due to their geographic proximity and similar cultures, Australia and New Zealand are often compared to each other. However, each country has its own distinct appeal and both nations make for wonderful places to visit. There are always great vacation packages available for both countries, so come experience the full wonders of Oceania for yourself! 

Do I need a passport to travel to New Zealand? 

Yes, you need a valid passport to travel to New Zealand as an American or Canadian. You won’t be allowed to board your plane without it. 

What is the best way to see New Zealand? 

The best way to explore New Zealand is on a tailor-made vacation that caters to your individual interests. Do you want to visit filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, go on whale-watching tours along the coastline, hit up the trendiest cafes of the cities of Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch, or even take a New Zealand cruise? Everyone has their own style of travel and a great travel guide can help you get the most out of your New Zealand trip. New Zealand is also an ideal place to head on an escorted vacation or explore with a small group of like-minded travellers.

Can I drink the tap water in New Zealand? 

Yes, the tap water is safe in most centres in New Zealand. In fact, New Zealand’s cities have some of the cleanest water in the world. However, in rural areas, you should check if the water is safe to drink. For instance, you’ll see signs on taps in campgrounds indicating whether the water is potable (drinkable) or not. In general, save yourself money and help the environment by travelling with a reusable water bottle. 

Do I need to tip in New Zealand? 

You don’t need to tip in New Zealand unless you want to express some extra gratitude for great service. Service charges are all inclusive in bills, so everything additional is up to you. 

What side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand? 

In New Zealand, people drive on the left side of the road. If you plan to rent a car, you’ll have to get used to the difference in roads, as well as the placement of the driver’s seat within vehicles. 

What currency is used in New Zealand? 

The currency used throughout the country is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). New Zealand has a favourable exchange rate for North American travellers. Typically, USD $1 converts to NZD $1.7. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are very common. 

Is there transportation within New Zealand?  

The best way to get around in New Zealand includes bus tours, car or motorhome rentals, or even a selection of ferries and trains for longer distances. However, you can easily fly between major cities. You can also purchase passes that cover the national Intercity coach network, the three scenic rail journeys, and the Cook Strait ferry passage. 

How welcoming is New Zealand to LGBTQ+ travellers? 

New Zealand is one of the friendliest and most welcoming nations in the world. New Zealand is well known for its diversity and has strong laws that protect travellers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Is New Zealand an eco-friendly country?

New Zealand is one of the most environmentally-conscious nations, with strong natural protections for the environment and wildlife, as well as progressive measures aimed at combating climate change. Tour operators in the country take sustainable tourism very seriously, so it's an ideal country to visit if you want to mitigate your carbon footprint.