You can see the night sky perfectly from places like Mt. (Photo by huafires/Getty Images) I immediately booked award tickets in May for 60,000 miles plus about $50-$150 each way to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Wellington International Airport (WLG) via Sydney Airport (SYD), returning from Auckland Airport (AKL) via Sydney to Los Angeles. 10. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. New Zealand in winter is magical. 4nitsirk / Flickr. Jaw-dropping landscapes. Backcountry skiing at The Remarkables! Any list of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter HAS to include skiing (or snowboarding). 5-5. , Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U. ~Ice Climbing on a Glacier in Franz Josef~. To Auckland from Los Angeles. In 2019, for example, Matador Network reported that tourism around the movies, known as "Tolkien Tourism," contributed $428 million USD to. Start your day off with panoramic views of the city at the iconic Sky Tower. December is the beginning of summer in New Zealand, so the weather is usually warm (although not as warm as January or February). 3 Coromandel Peninsula. 1. Table of Contents. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Cook, while often shrouded in cloud, is stunning when he finally shows his face. The national park is a must-see for outdoor. North Island Day 3: Hobbiton and Rotorua. As the New Zealand eTA is a multiple-entry electronic visa waiver, holders may visit New Zealand various times within the 2-year validity period. Take a stroll through the heart of the city on Te Ara I Whiti/The Light path or Pink Light Path which stretches from Upper Queen. Queenstown, Wanaka, the Milford Sound, and seeing Aoraki / Mount Cook (New Zealand’s tallest mountain) all top the list, but you also have the option to add on the Southern Scenic Route, Akaroa, Abel Tasman, and the Marlborough wine. Places to Visit in New Zealand, South Pacific: See Tripadvisor's 34,55,829 traveller reviews and photos of New Zealand tourist attractions. The Southern Alps mountain range is the backbone of the island, stretching for roughly 500 kilometres from Wanaka to Arthur's Pass. Before you visit just make sure to know the basic rules of the road and be extra cautious at first. If you want a few splurges and to stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150. You certainly won’t forget your visit here, as due to the geothermal activity in the area, there is a distinct smell of rotten eggs in the air. 6 Franz Josef. The US is on New Zealand’s list of 60 visa waiver countries. The best time to visit New Zealand and Australia is during the months of September, October, March, April, and/or May. Usually these dates are June 21 or 22 to September 22 or 23. The Kepler Track, on the other hand, is a super popular hiking trail and one of the best hikes. 1. Auckland and Wellington, for example, often have. 5mi) outside the town of Hokitika will bring you to the shimmering turquoise waters and densely forested surrounds. Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. The Catlins. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Review the Country Security Report for New Zealand. Related Article: 2 Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary. Some parts of the country experience windy conditions (especially Auckland and north Canterbury in the South Island) although in general December is sunny and settled. 7. This is the most popular time to visit New Zealand as you get to experience a lovely weather along with some thrilling activities in season. Within the Waitomo Cave system is millions of little glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. The Māori word for seafood, kaimoana, is both an economic and cultural bounty in New Zealand. Tiny, out-of-the-way Stewart Island lies off the South Island at the very, very bottom of New Zealand. The best time to visit New Zealand is in the summer, between December and February. It is a stunning natural attraction where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. April 28, 2023 by Richard Barnes If you’re planning a trip to stunning Aotearoa, then our list of the best places to visit in New Zealand will help you with all. Who needs an x-ray or medical examination. You cannot make this third visit because you will be in New Zealand for a total of 7 months in the period 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 — this is the 12-month period counting back from your intended departure date. Auckland, in New Zealand's North Island, is a multi-cultural hub of food and wine, music, art and culture. It’s easy to see how Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy has transformed New Zealand’s tourism industry. It truly is a dream winter destination and you definitely don’t have to be into snow sports! We’re covering all the pros of a winter visit as well as the cons, so you can make an informed decision about whether. Summer tends to be the warmest and driest season in New Zealand. ; Queenstown: The adventure. From the volcanic landscape of the North Island to the snow-capped mountains of the South Island. January is a great time to visit New Zealand, as the country experiences a summer season from December to January. With rugged coastlines, dense forests, and pristine beaches, it is an incredibly scenic place full of epic waterfalls. [416] [417] Other outdoor pursuits such as cycling , fishing, swimming, running, tramping , canoeing, hunting, snowsports, surfing and sailing are also popular. Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand and is filled with wonders of nature. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences. The Ultimate List Of Things To Do In New Zealand. White water rafting, jet boating, kayaking, skydiving, heli-skiing… you get the idea. Duration: Fast-paced=6 days, relaxed=8 days+. New Zealand in winter is magical. New Zealand Travel Guide. January is usually the hottest month of the year. Towns and cities are also far less crowded as locals return to work and visitor numbers drop back, allowing more flexibility in. Kayak along the coast, hike the island trails, enjoy in secluded coves, and explore undisturbed forests. With average highs ranging between 61 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 21 degrees Celsius) and average lows lingering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), the temperature in October is usually tolerable, but strong winds and sudden storms can put a damper on otherwise pleasant days. Nature & Wildlife. October is a beautiful time to visit New Zealand in terms of weather and conditions, but is arguably the worst month to visit overall. Tourism News is the email update featuring news, insights, events and more. Abel Tasman National Park: gorgeous place to hike and/or kayak for one to five days. New Zealand November weather is usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching up to the high twenties and the extreme weather conditions of the previous months banished for another year. Learn how to plan your trip with tips on cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, cycling routes and more. The warmest time of year is generally late January and early February where highs are regularly around 76. Daylight hours continue to increase in November, starting out at around 14,. A. Keep left and know how to use intersections. Economy: $1,734. When listing out the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a no-brainer. However, New Zealand is renowned for having “four seasons in a day” even in summer so don’t be. Activities to Do in South Island. Don't get Caught without Travel Insurance! 1. For a packing list to match the weather in May, see Packing List for Autumn or Spring in New Zealand. The number of tourists exploring the two islands does as well! Of course, these factors go hand-in-hand (good weather brings more people; bad weather turns them away), so it’s essential to consider them simultaneously when deciding. Push your adventure limits. If you are competent drivers, it is possible to get a taste of. Find out what to see and do in each location, how to get there, and when to go. Start your day off with panoramic views of the city at the iconic Sky Tower. Pencarrow Lighthouse. Forever remembered for its "The Lord of the Rings" legacy, New Zealand’s landscapes are deserving of their big screen fame—think lush rolling hills, volcano-sculpted moonscapes, UNESCO-listed glaciers, and white-sand beaches. You might as well make the most out of your day by visiting one or both of these since they also top the list of New Zealand’s best attractions!. Exploring this land of geysers, steaming hot pools, and bubbling mud is one of the most interesting things to do on the North Island. High Season: December to February. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown follow suit, with photo-worthy scenery and a laid-back vibe. Nature crafted New Zealand with the surreal beauty of a movie set. When thinking of New Zealand, one of the first images that often comes to mind is of Hobbiton. 70 NZD/day) Total: 4,550. Lace up your hiking boots and explore New Zealand's natural beauty. This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand’s North Island. New Zealand Weather in October. Sky Tower Bungy, Auckland. Here are some things to know before going to New Zealand. - Depart from Auckland: Saturday evening. Auckland, New Zealand is a must-visit destination this summer, from the FIFA Women's World Cup to its signature attractions. July is the middle of winter in New Zealand and therefore on average the coldest month of the year. In Christchurch, visit the Antarctic Centre, see the sights, go punting, and descend on a zipline. H e re are all the great reasons to visit New Zealand. The Catlins, a hidden gem on the often-missed East Coast of New Zealand's South Island, is actually full of amazing spots to visit. The Alps have snowy tops all year round, feeding glaciers and crystal clear rivers. ~Punakaiki Pancake Rocks~. In the North Island, you can expect average daytime temperatures to range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the summer. Adventure and Adrenaline. Holger Leue / Getty Images. New Zealand in January. South Island weather: 19-23⁰C (66-73⁰F), 35-60mm of rainfall per. S. On a tight budget, you can still get warm days and hit up the best places in. 4°C. Enjoying the beauty of Abel Tasman by kayak. People love to throw around the phrase ‘natural beauty’. Check out all the places seen in this video: of two main islands, North Island and Sou. 1 Auckland and Waiheke Island. 5-4. Perched on the North Island near Waitomo, the Glowworm Caves are a stunning sight to see. Best Time to Visit Best. Location: All over New Zealand. New Zealand's smallest national park still packs a lot of punch. Here are the top 10 things to do in Queenstown. North Island Temperature: 17-22°C (62-71°F) South Island Temperature: 13-19°C (55-66°F) North Island Rainfall: 90-130mm (3. Milford Sound as seen above is a true highlight if you are visiting the South Island. The best time of year to visit New Zealand depends on what you're going for. New Zealand is known for its extreme sports, adventure tourism and strong mountaineering tradition, as seen in the success of notable New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary. November is considered part of spring in New Zealand. 3″). ; Lake Tekapo: Impossibly-blue lake famous for stargazing. Yellow Door Hobbit Hole in New Zealand. Learn about Maori Culture. New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month. No mail today! Hobbiton is located on a working farm in the small village of Matamata in New Zealand’s Waikato region, which is about a 2. Before they hit the court at the ASB Classic this week, top seeds Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton studied up on another of New Zealand's most iconic sports: the famous All Blacks rugby team. Kaikoura: Spring is a great time to go whale watching in Kaikoura. Itinerary #5: Highlights of Australia & New Zealand. By Enterprise Dunedin. The small settlement in Northland's Bay of Islands is where, in 1840, Maori chiefs signed an agreement with representatives of the British crown, ceding sovereignty of their land. If the grind of daily life has got you feeling drained, you can try some of the best things to do in New. 3. Ranking of the top 12 things to do in South Island, New Zealand. Whilst you’re at the top of the Sky Tower, take on either the Skywalk or Skyjump. Not All Countries Need an NZeTA. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by car from Auckland. Spring (September, October, November) is the best time to visit New Zealand if you are looking for mild temperatures ( great for hiking!) and fewer crowds. Find more transport options >. Ash James. Begin your journey to the beautiful game in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest city with a vibrant waterfront, beaches and islands. Welcome to the NZ Forum. Our New Zealand travel itinerary involves a week on the South Island, home to some truly stunning natural scenes and a mecca for outdoorsy travelers. The Queenstown to Christchurch 1-week South Island itinerary is the shortest road trip itinerary on this list. Your perfect two-week introduction to all the must-sees awaits on this Australia and New Zealand tour. New Zealand’s first lighthouse, situated on the edge of Lower Hutt. 1. Hobbiton in Matamata. Arrowtown: Arrowtown, on the South Island, is a popular. That’s roughly one week’s travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country. New Zealand Weather in Autumn. Auckland's subtropical climate is characterized by warm, humid summers and cool, wet winters. 1. Stewart Island. When it comes to travelling to New Zealand’s South Island, you can fly to Christchurch or Queenstown. Rotorua is especially worth a visit during this time, as temperatures average around 20°C and many of the natural spas and Maori. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa is online. A waterfront bike path, which connects Mission Bay to downtown Auckland, is also perfect for walkers and cyclists, while SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is great for kids. Please note that when you book a MoaTrek tour, we can put you in touch with one of our trusted partners who can arrange flights for you. New Zealand Weather in December. See average monthly temperatures below. The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. The highlights of the trail are two spectacular swing bridges that hang above a long drop to the ground below. The bridge spans the gorge and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Katiki Point Lighthouse. 3. Visitors to the area can soak in the warm, geothermal pools at Wairakei Terraces, fish for trout in the lake's waters, or cycle along the trail that follows the edges of the lake. to 8:00 p. The weather in New Zealand isn’t the only thing to change throughout the year. 1. 5) Abel Tasman National Park. See The. Day 11: Helicopter Ride and then drive to Hokitika. Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. As long. Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. In fact, some of the best weather days I’ve experienced in Queenstown have been at the start of fall (in March). New Zealand has some of the greatest scenic drives in the world. Therapeutic Indulgence in Rotorua. Wear a seatbelt and children 7 and under need a restraint. With over 350 New Zealand tours, Discover NZ offers an unrivaled selection of North Island, South Island & nationwide tours, NZ self drives, vacations, coach tours and holiday packages. Waitangi, just north of the town of Paihia, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is known as one of the best day walks in the entire world, and is one of the most picturesque natural wonders in New Zealand. From mountains to sand dunes, turquoise seas to glacial lakes, New Zealand's stunning landscapes and natural geography is amazing whichever corner you. This 10 day itinerary in New Zealand recommends: ~ Flying in and out of Auckland on the North Island. The hottest months in New Zealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. 82 NZD (53. The landscapes alone make it a stunning place to visit, and that is before you get. Visit the Te Papa Museum.