This page is divided into two sections. The first section contains general information about New Zealand and the second part contains information about all the cities I have been to.
General information about New ZealandĀ
New Zealand is situated in Oceania and is located southeast of Australia in the southwest of the Pacific ocean. It consists of two main landmassesāthe North Island and the South Island in addition to over 600 smaller islands. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty: jagged mountains, rolling pasture land, steep fjords, pristine trout-filled lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones.Ā
These islands form a unique bioregion inhabited by flightless birds seen nowhere else. New Zealanders have adopted the bird kiwi as a national symbol and have even taken the word Kiwi as a name for themselves. New Zealand often adds an adventurous twist to nature. It is the original home of jet-boating through shallow gorges as well as bungy jumping off anything high enough to give a thrill. The indigenous MÄori culture continues to play an important part in everyday symbolism, life and the identity of the nation, with many opportunities for visitors to understand and experience the history and present-day forms of MÄori life.
The country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, straddling the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. The plate boundary cuts through the western South Island, forming the Alpine Fault and giving rise to the Southern Alps, the main mountain range stretching most of the length of the island. As a result, New Zealand is home to significant volcanic and geothermal activity and is also prone to earthquakes. New Zealand's weather is very changeable, and even during summer you may receive all four seasons in one day. Be prepared for the weather to change from fine to showers (and vice versa) without notice.
The islands are not densely populated, the South Island even less so than the North Island, but they are easily accessible. The country has modern visitor facilities and transport networks that are reasonably well developed. The islands of New Zealand were the last large habitable land to be settled by humans. Between about 1280 CE and 1350 CE, Polynesians began to settle in the islands and subsequently developed a distinctive MÄori culture. Some sealers, whalers, traders and missionaries settled over the next 80 years, with many encountering fierce resistance from the local MÄori people. In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight and record New Zealand. In 1769 the British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to set foot on and map New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of the United Kingdom and MÄori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi which paved the way for Britain's declaration of sovereignty later that year and the establishment of the Crown Colony of New Zealand in 1841. Subsequently, a series of conflicts between the colonial government and MÄori tribes resulted in the alienation and confiscation of large amounts of MÄori land. New Zealand became a dominion in 1907; it gained full statutory independence in 1947, retaining the monarch as head of state. Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 5.25 million is of European descent; the indigenous MÄori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pasifika. Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture is mainly derived from MÄori and early British settlers, with recent broadening of culture arising from increased immigration to the country. The official languages are English, MÄori, and New Zealand Sign Language, with the local dialect of English being dominant.
New Zealand is increasingly known, both in the indigenous MÄori language and in New Zealand English, as Aotearoa, often translated as "land of the long white cloud". Originally, Aotearoa referred to only the North Island. The two main islands are officially named North Island / Te Ika-a-MÄui and South Island / Te Waipounamu. "Te Ika-a-MÄui" means "the fish of MÄui"; in MÄori legend, the North Island is a giant fish pulled up from sea by the demigod MÄui, with its head to the south. Wellington is sometimes called "te upoko o te ika" (the head of the fish") and once boasted a monthly magazine called Fishhead. An alternative (but unofficial) MÄori name for the South Island is Te Waka-a-MÄui (the canoe of MÄui).
New Zealand's economic, social, linguistic and cultural characteristics closely resemble those of Australia, but there are also noticeable differences that New Zealanders are often eager to emphasise. In particular, the indigenous MÄori culture has been woven into New Zealand's cultural fabric and is seen by most New Zealanders as an integral part of their national identity. It is important to note that the Aboriginal Australian and the New Zealand MÄori cultures are not related, although they often have common cause with respect to colonialism.
New Zealanders enjoy a high standard of living, and the country is consistently ranked among the most livable and least corrupt in the world.
The New Zealand Constitution Act was passed in 1986, ending any remnant power, the British parliament may have had to pass laws for New Zealand, although the British monarch remains the Head of State, with an appointed (New Zealander) Governor-General as his representative in New Zealand.
New Zealand's population remains predominantly of European descent, reflecting its colonial history and pre-1987 immigration policies that favoured settlers from Europe, North America, and Australia. As of the 2023 Census, around 68% of the population identify as being of European ethnicity. The indigenous MÄori make up a significant minority, with approximately 18% of New Zealanders identifying as MÄori.
English is the primary language of New Zealand, spoken by 96ā98% of the population. English is a de facto official language, alongside two other de jure official languages: MÄori (te reo MÄori), the language of the indigenous MÄori people, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), the language of the deaf community.
New Zealanders are generally warm and sociable, but will hold strangers at a distance. New Zealanders generally dress 'smart casual', with a prevalence of wearing black or dark clothing. You will see people in suits on weekdays only in the cities.
Electricity is supplied at 230 volts Ā±6% (typically maintained around 240 V) and 50 Hz. Outlets are the Australian AS/NZS 3112 "Type I", with two flat slanted pins for phase and neutral and a vertical flat pin below for earth. Bathrooms may be fitted with a 115/230 V shaver outlet which accepts type A (North American), C (European), and I (Australian) ā these outlets are not powerful enough to take appliances more than around 50 watts.
New Zealanders are famously passionate about sport. It is woven into the national identity like the silver fern on a black jersey. Sport is a source of pride and unity, especially for a small country that punches above its weight internationally. The All Blacks rugby team is iconic. Their haka before matches is a cultural symbol recognized worldwide. Rugby is the national sport, with deep roots and massive fan support. Cricket is the summer favourite, with strong international performances. Netball is especially popular among women, with the Silver Ferns as national heroes. New Zealand has dominated the Americaās Cup in sailing, earning global respect. Other favourites include soccer, basketball, motorsport, and rowing. Outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports are also hugely popular. The New Zealanders are also into skiing.
When it comes to cell phones you may buy data packs for New Zealand from your own provider. If not, you can use a local provider, and Spark, One NZ and 2degrees are examples of this. Prices vary slightly depending on where you buy and whether it's a physical SIM or eSIM. In addition to the above providers, you may have a look at the international providers on my page with useful links.
Tourists and visitors can easily get prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs with data. you can get the local cards at airports in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. They have SIM vending machines or stores. Visit Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees retail shops for setup and activation. Many supermarkets and gas stations sell prepaid SIM starter packs. No local ID is required, but you may need to show your passport for registration.
Travel to New ZealandĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
New Zealand is a long way from any other country, so nearly all travellers get there by plane. Flight time from the Australian east coast is 3ā4 hours, Southeast Asia 10ā11 hours, the North American west coast 13ā15 hours, and the Middle East a thrombosis-causing 17ā18 hours. Travelling by plane from European destinations takes 24ā26 hours, and involves at least one stopover in either Asia or the Americas.
If you are arriving in New Zealand and connecting to a domestic flight, you will need to collect your checked baggage, pass through customs and quarantine, and then re-drop your baggage at the domestic baggage drop. This is true even if your baggage is tagged through to the final domestic destination.
A small percentage (1.5%) of passengers enter New Zealand via boat. Cruise ships regularly visit New Zealand between October and April. Most of these depart from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane in Australia, taking three nights crossing the Tasman Sea to reach New Zealand.
Traveling within New ZealandĀ
Buses are a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly way to get around New Zealand. Services are usually only once a day, even between major towns. Most roads in New Zealand are quite narrow and winding (when compared to the highways of the USA), and travelling a long distance in a bus can be a safe and relaxing way to travel compared with driving yourself.
Domestic flights in New Zealand can be expensive; some domestic flights can cost as much as a flight to Australia. However, flying often works out cheaper than driving or taking a train, especially when crossing between the North and South Islands.
Airlines operate an electronic ticket system. You can book on-line, by telephone, or through a travel agent. Photo ID will be needed for travel.
Check-in times are usually at least 30 minutes prior to flight departure, or 60 minutes if you're connecting to an international flight. Cabin baggage and personal scanning are routinely conducted for services from the major airports that have jet landings.
You can reach most of New Zealand's sights in a two-wheel-drive car, motorcycle or even a small camper van. While public transport is usable in the cities of Auckland and Wellington, a car is almost essential to get around anywhere else, making getting around New Zealand without a car a bit of a challenge.
Traffic drives on the left in New Zealand. The State Highway network connects major cities and destinations within the two main islands and are indicated by a number inside a red shield.
Places to visit and when to go thereĀ
It can be said that in New Zealand it's the countryside that's magnificent, and perhaps no more so than the Southern Alps of the South Island. In the Mackenzie Country, the snow-capped jagged peaks rising above turquoise lakes have provided the inspiration for many a postcard.
Another region where mountain meets water with striking effect is Fiordland National Park where steep, densely forested mountains rise from the sea. The most accessible, and perhaps one of the most beautiful, spots is Milford Sound. The road in is spectacular and the view even more so when you arrive.
Glaciers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an island in the South Pacific, but New Zealand has several.
New Zealand is a geological hotspot and has many dormant and active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs. The best place to start is Rotorua, where the smell of sulphur lets you know you're close to the action. The surrounding countryside has many parks with geysers and hot springs, and Mount Tarawera, the site of one of New Zealand's more famous eruptions, lies a short drive away.
Because New Zealand has been so remote from other lands for millions of years, its plants and animals are unique and distinctive. Its wildlife evolved in isolation, in the absence of land mammals (apart from three species of bat), and the roles of mammals were taken by reptiles, giant insects, and flightless birds.
New Zealand's forests are mostly cool-temperate rainforest, resembling tropical jungle, with vines, tree ferns and a thick understorey. The most impressive native tree is the kauri, one of the largest tree species in the world.
The beaches of the South Island, particularly The Catlins and the Otago Peninsula, are good places to see marine animals such as penguins, seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. The Otago Peninsula is also noted for its albatross colony.
Northland, officially the Northland Region, is the northernmost of New Zealand's 16 local government regions. New Zealanders sometimes refer to it as the Winterless North because of its mild climate all throughout the year. The major population centre is the city of WhangÄrei, and the largest town is Kerikeri. The region is fairly desolate, and you should have a car for getting around in that region. If you're looking for wonderful empty beaches in a subtropical-like setting, this is the best area in New Zealand. The east coast of Northland has long been a well-known holiday place, and the west coast is known for its spectacular natural phenomenas: TÄne Mahuta with huge, ancient kauri trees, untouched forests in Waipoua, Warawara, Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary and Puketi, the biggest concretions in the world, and the sand dunes of the North Hokianga and Ninety Mile Beach.
Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano at the southern end of the TaupÅ Volcanic Zone and North Island volcanic Plateau. The cities Queenstown and Christchurch is situated not far from the mountain. The are several ski resorts in the area, so this is the place if you are into that.Ā
Russell, located in the Bay of Islands in Northland, is one of New Zealandās most historically rich and picturesque towns. It has quite the dramatic past. The was the first capital of New Zealand and very close to Waitangi where the treaty was signed. It was originally known as KororÄreka and was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand. The "Hell Hole of the Pacific" is a nickname given to the town in the 1830s. This name arose due to its reputation for lawlessness, with rampant drunkenness, debauchery, and a thriving prostitution trade, all fueled by the influx of whalers, sealers, and other sailors and adventurers.Ā
Places to sleepĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
In New Zealand you have several options where to sleep. Check hotels.comĀ and booking.com for hotels andĀ hostelworld.comĀ for hostels.Ā If you want to rent a private home Airbnb.com is somewhere youĀ could check out.
Money and bankingĀ
The currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar, denoted by the symbol "$" or "NZ$". It is divided into 100 cents. In this guide, the "$" symbol denotes New Zealand dollars unless otherwise indicated.
The New Zealand dollar is free-floating, however barring a major change in the international market, exchange rates are generally stable. Payment in foreign currencies is rarely accepted.
New Zealanders are among the highest users of electronic banking services in the world. Nearly all shops have terminals for debit and credit cards, so most purchases can be made electronically.
The vast majority of stores still accept cash. Many New Zealanders don't carry large amounts of cash, seeing it as a risk and bothersome compared to using their Eftpos card. As a tourist, you should still carry cash as there will be stores that don't accept foreign cards.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall' or a 'cash machine', are available in just about every town, even those without a bank.
New Zealand is a fairly expensive country for most visitors, as its relative isolation drives the cost of importing items up. Prices are comparable to neighbouring Australia, although individual items may vary both higher and lower.
Tipping is not part of New Zealand culture and is often treated with suspicion or actively frowned upon, as many people view it as an Americanism that over-compensates certain workers while others are left out. Give the waiter a smile and a thank you instead.
Vaccine and healthĀ
New Zealand has very high levels of ultraviolet radiation, around 40% more intense than you will find in the Mediterranean during summer and consequently has high rates of skin cancer. Sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended. New Zealand has high and equitable standards of professional health care, comparable with Sweden or Australia. Healthcare in New Zealand is generally of a similar standard to other developed countries. In certain situations, the government will provide subsidize medical costs.
Tap water in New Zealand is regarded as some of the cleanest in the world; it is safe to drink in all cities.
New Zealand is the only country in the world to have a universal, no-fault, accidental injury compensation scheme, run by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
Healthline, a free 24-hour hotline staffed by registered nurses, is available if you need advice on a medical condition. The phone number is 0800 611 116.
VisaĀ
All visitors, apart from Australian citizens, require an electronic travel authority or a visa in advance of travel to enter or transit New Zealand. Citizens of the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue are New Zealand citizens. However, due to differing immigration laws, citizens of these countries need to present their passport when entering and leaving New Zealand. These countries also have their own separate visa policies; see their respective articles for details if you plan to visit them.
At major international airports travellers may make use of the automated border control gates. Being able to use an eGate does not exempt you from visa requirements.Ā
All travellers, regardless of age or nationality, need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration when entering New Zealand. You can submit the declaration no earlier than 24 hours before your departure from the last foreign airport or seaport before New Zealand, and you must submit it before reaching passport control if travelling by air or your ship berths in New Zealand if travelling by sea. The declaration can be done online, on the NZTD app, or by using a paper arrival card.
To enter or transit New Zealand on a visa waiver, foreigners need to complete a New Zealand electronic travel authorisation (NZeTA). This will cost you $17 (via app) or $23 (via website) depending on the application method. You do not need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism levy if you are merely transiting at Auckland International Airport to another international destination.
Most visitors will also need to pay an additional $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time they apply for the NZeTA; citizens of most Oceanian countries and permanent residents of Australia are exempt. Approval of the NZeTA can take 72 hours or more and therefore it is critical to apply well in advance of your flight. The NZeTA and IVL are valid for two years. The total cost of the NZeTA including the IVL is $117 (via app) or $123 (via website).
New Zealand has stringent biosecurity laws. Being a long way from anywhere else in the world, many pests and diseases that are endemic elsewhere are not present in New Zealand. A significant proportion of the economy is based on agriculture, so importing even small quantities of food, and unprocessed animal or plant materials is tightly controlled. These restrictions are designed to prevent the introduction of foreign diseases and pests.
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and New Zealand Customs Service will inspect all passenger baggage. Do not assume undeclared items will go unnoticed by not declaring them; all passengers will be questioned, and all baggage will be x-rayed and opened as part of standard entry procedures, and random inspections by sniffer dogs will take place. There are amnesty bins available before the checkpoint to dispose of banned goods. If you fail to declare controlled items, even accidentally, you will be given an on-the-spot infringement fee of $400. For more serious breaches, or if you fail to pay the infringement fee within 28 days, you can be prosecuted in court, where you can face a criminal conviction, fines of up to NZ$100,000 or up to 5 years in prison. You can also be deported from New Zealand, and may appear on national reality shows such as Border Patrol or Dog Squad.
The best advice is to declare any item you think may cause problems. The worst that can happen is the border staff confiscate and destroy the item, but you will not have to pay a fine (or be deported). Even if you haven't declared an item on your arrival card or online, you can still advise staff of a controlled item when you get to the checkpoint without incurring a fine. Some items, such as wooden souvenirs, may be allowed but must undergo cleaning, sterilisation and/or fumigation before being released to you. You may be charged a fee for this.
CrimeĀ
The main emergency number in New Zealand is 111, and can be used to contact ambulance, the fire service, police, the coastguard, and rescue services. 112 works from mobile phones; 911 and 999 may work, but do not rely on them. You can call *555 from mobiles to report non-emergency traffic incidents. You can call 105 for non-emergency police, e.g. to report a theft or burglary (from overseas, you can call ā +64 4 910-5105 to reach 105).
Deaf people can contact emergency services by fax on 0800 16 16 10, and by textphone/TTY on 0800 161 616. It is possible to send an SMS to 111, but you must register with police first.
While difficult to compare directly, crime rates in New Zealand are generally similar to other Western countries. Theft and burglary are the most common crimes, typically opportunistic rather than targeted. Travellers should take standard precautions: keep valuables out of sight, lock vehicles, and secure accommodation ā even in rural or remote areas.
Violent incidents are relatively rare and most often linked to alcohol or drug use, especially in nightlife areas. Avoid rowdy bars or large groups of intoxicated people late at night, particularly in city centres or some suburban areas. New Zealanders may not appreciate jokes about their country or sports teams from loud or inebriated visitors.
Although random violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare, they do occasionally occur, typically in isolated areas with few witnesses. Most violent crime in New Zealand involves domestic violence or gang disputes, rather than tourists.
New Zealand cuisine and drinkĀ
Modern New Zealand cuisine has been influenced mainly by the country's British heritage, although immigration since the 1950s has put Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific twists to it. MÄori have their own distinctive traditional cuisine.
The evening meal, called dinner or tea, is considered the main meal of the day. Snack breaks between meals are referred to as morning/afternoon tea.
New Zealanders typically only go out for dinner at a restaurant on special occasions such as birthdays or on romantic dates; most don't eat out on a highly frequent basis, although it is becoming more common. New Zealanders typically don't ask for the restaurant bill at the table, but rather vacate the table and ask for the bill at the front counter or bar.
If you want something to bring home, manuka honey is one of New Zealand's most prized exports, which is widely available in local supermarkets. There are also numerous honey farms around the country you can visit for this product.
Generally speaking, table manners in New Zealand are in line with standard European norms.
With no point of the country more than 130 km (80 mi) from the sea, fish and seafood (kaimoana) is fresh, varied and (in most part) plentiful. Shellfish is gathered from inter-tidal rocks and beaches and inshore fish caught on a line or with nets.
The hÄngi or earth oven is the traditional way that MÄori cook food for large gatherings. Meat, seafood, vegetables and sometimes puddings are slowly steam-cooked for several hours in a covered pit that has previously been lined with stones and had a hot wood fire burn down in it. The wood used in the fire is usually mÄnuka (New Zealand tea tree), which gives the hÄngi its unique smoky flavour.
The minimum legal purchase age for alcohol in New Zealand is 18. The penalties for selling alcohol to someone underage are severe and strictly enforced.
The wine industry has developed into a significant export industry. The nation is now one of the top producers of Sauvignon Blanc; over 70% of the country's grape harvest of the variety.
Tobacco is highly regulated and taxed in New Zealand. Smoking is banned almost everywhere in public spaces, and cigarette and tobacco prices are very high.
Cities I have been to in New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland (Maori: TÄmaki Makaurau) is the largest city in New Zealand at 1.7 million citizens, and the main arrival point for visitors to the country. It is a vibrant multicultural city, set around two big natural harbours, and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. It is in the warm northern part of the North Island, on a narrow isthmus that joins the Northland peninsula to the rest of the island.
Here is a link til the above map I have made on Google maps for Auckland.Ā
It is a safe place to visit, thanks to a quality of life that ranks alongside cities like Munich or Melbourne. That said, thefts and robberies are more prevalent than in the rest of New Zealand, and aggravated assaults are not unheard of. Make sure to take all the usual safety precautions. Asking locals can give you an idea of where not to go.
Until 2010, the Auckland urban area was divided between four city councils and three district councils. In November 2010, the councils merged into a single "super city" council. The districts here are based on Statistics New Zealand's four Auckland urban sub-areas, which in turn are based on the four erstwhile city councils. The districts Aukland is made out of are central Auckland, North Harbour, South Auckland and west Auckland.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, home to 1.5 million people, nearly one-third of the country's population and more than that of the entire South Island. It is the main economic and travel hub and home to an international airport. It's lucky enough to have its own beautiful landscapes, waterways, and other attractions to draw tourists in.
Local transport options include bus, train, ferry, shuttle, taxi, and car rental. Use the Auckland Transport (AT) website to plan trips by public transport. AT also has a mobile app that can be used to find the time of the next bus, ferry or train or to find the quickest way to get to your destination using public transport. Google Maps is also reliable for directions. If you wish to do a lot of cross-city travel, or travel outside the city, it may be more convenient to hire a car.
Bus services cover most areas of Auckland. Travel by urban train is a good option, but only if you are near a train line; there are few lines, and not all suburbs are served.
Visit mount Eden (Maungawhau) in the city. Climb to the top of this dormant volcano for panoramic city views and a peek into its grassy crater. Also visit Rangitoto Island. Take a ferry and hike through lava fields to the summit or kayak there for bonus bragging rights. Visit Auckland Domain & Wintergardens. Stroll through lush gardens, tropical greenhouses, and native bush trails.
Auckland Art Gallery is home to over 15,000 works, from MÄori art to modern masterpieces. Do Auckland War Memorial Museum. Explore MÄori culture, natural history, and war memorials in a stunning neoclassical building.
Visit the Maritime Museum. Learn about Polynesian voyaging and New Zealandās seafaring legacy. At the Westhaven Promenade you can walk or bike along the marina with epic views of the skyline and Harbour Bridge. At the Sky Tower you can go up for the view ā or down with a SkyJump if you dare. The Odyssey Sensory Maze is a trippy, interactive maze full of lights, sounds, and surprises.
You can do whale and dolphin Safari in the Hauraki Gulf to spot marine life. If you donāt see any, you get a free second trip. In SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltonās Aquarium you can walk through underwater tunnels and meet penguins up close.
Waiheke Island is just a short ferry ride away, itās packed with vineyards, beaches, and boho charm. The Auckland fish market you can get fresh seafood, local eats, and a buzzy atmosphere. In the Britomart District you find trendy shops, farmersā markets, and cool cafĆ©s in the heart of the city.
WÄtÄ Workshop Unleashed is a movie effects experience in Auckland inspired by WÄtÄ Workshop, the team behind LOTR props and creatures.
Most Lord of the Rings filming happened further south of Auckland, there are still some magical experiences nearby that bring Middle-earth to life. Hobbiton Movie Set ā Matamata is situated just a 2-hour drive from Auckland, this is the crown jewel for fans. Explore the Shire, visit Bag End, and sip ale at the Green Dragon Inn. This place offers guided tours only ā some even include a banquet feast under the Party Tree.
Red Carpet Tours is based in Auckland and offers multi-day LOTR tours across New Zealand, starting in Auckland. The tours include exclusive access to filming sites, behind-the-scenes stories, and even chances to meet cast members.
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