How To Get the Most Out of Your New Zealand Vacation

Globetrotting

By Meg Boyd

Product Manager

Without a doubt, New Zealand is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world, and it’s no surprise that the small country tops many travel bucket lists. Its inspiring natural wonders create some of the most memorable scenery on earth, completely unique cultural experiences, and a wide range of outdoor activities. On a New Zealand vacation, you’ll explore ancient rainforests, alpine lakes, icy glaciers, cascading beautiful coastline, marine volcanoes, and natural hot springs. Plus, with a year-round temperate climate, you can visit at any time of the year. Here are some tips for booking your New Zealand vacation:

A woman performs the Tititorea dance during a performance of traditional Maori dances in Rotorua.

What To Expect New Zealand tours offer exceptional scenery, no language barrier, great wine, beautiful art deco architecture, unusual birdlife, and a variety of outdoor experiences, from whale watching to mountain hikes. You can even visit the film sets of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. In fact, New Zealand has many claims to fame. It’s home to one of the “finest walks in the world”, Milford Walk, as well as the world’s most scenic railway, home of the bungee jump, and one of the longest names in the world - there isn’t much you can’t do on a New Zealand vacation! Home to miles and miles of beaches on both the North Island and the South Island, no matter where you are on your New Zealand tour, you will never be very far from the sea. Keep an eye out for birdlife unique to New Zealand, including the kakapo and the kiwi - after which Zealanders are affectionately named. Discover the ancient Maori culture, whose people arrived over 1000 years ago from Polynesia and now make up 15% of the New Zealand population. Learn about their fascinating heritage and their own powerful forms of song and dance (the haka).

Warm Summers and Mild Winters New Zealand experiences winter during the North American summer. A temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters makes New Zealand a vacation spot all year round. The months from March to May as well as September to November offer the best weather, with cheaper prices than peak season. With great year-round weather, there is no reason you should limit your holiday to peak season. Booking in the low season will yield the cheapest air fare, tour prices, and accommodation rates.

Best Way to Travel The best way to explore New Zealand is on a self-drive by car or motorhome, which allows you the most freedom with your itinerary. However, be aware that you travel on the left hand side of the road in this country. There are plenty of car rental companies that will provide the right car or motorhome to suit you and your travel companions. You can use your driver’s license from your home country. Allow yourself enough time to see everything you want to see on your vacation without rushing. A decent amount of time to see both the sights of the North and South Islands is approximately three weeks.

Book Early As New Zealand is a sparsely populated country, and there is limited accommodation available, it is recommended that you book your travel plans ahead of time to get the best deals on flights and tours. Book as early as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on activities and excursions. Advance bookings mean your preferred attractions won’t be sold out and may even be available at a cheaper rate.

Travel from South to North Most self-drive clients travel from the North Island to the South Island, but planning your vacation in reverse can save you money. You will get to see exactly the same things but likely get a cheaper deal on your car rental or motorhome that wouldn’t be available to southbound travellers. You could also get good deals on ferry travel between the islands.