The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide

This New Zealand Travel Guide aims to provide you with simple and stress-free travel planning information and inspiration for planning a trip to New Zealand.

On this regularly updated page you will find links to useful posts on The Trusted Traveller, budget information, details on types of accommodation available, information on getting around the country and more useful links to resources around the web.


Quick Facts

Capital: Wellington

Language: English

Currency: $ New Zealand Dollars which is made up of 100 cents. Coins come in 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations and notes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two or three flat pins are standard. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances can be found in most hotels.

The road to Mt Cook - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

New Zealand Itineraries

These are my comprehensive guides to exploring the various parts of New Zealand. These New Zealand itineraries have been designed to help you make the most of your time each place, whether you are here for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, you will find something here to help you with planning your dream vacation to New Zealand.

New Zealand Northland Road Trip Itinerary

Northland Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Northland New Zealand is an area of green rolling hills, farmlands and great forests. Surrounded almost entirely by water and snaked by rivers and inlets, you’ll….Read More

Driving from Christchurch to Marlborough

The beach at Gore Bay - Driving from Christchurch to Marlborough - The Trusted Traveller

The road trip part of my New Zealand adventure began in Christchurch. I’d already picked up my super comfy and spacious Mitsubishi Outlander from the….Read More

Driving New Zealand’s Wild West Coast

The Buller River at Murchison - Driving New Zealand's Wild West Coast - Things to See & Do - The Trusted Traveller

Leaving Picton or Blenheim in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand’s South Island, there are two routes you can take to reach the Wild West Coast. Both….Read More

The Spectacular Drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown

The Blue Pools - The Spectacular Drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown - The Trusted Traveller

I set off on my road trip around New Zealand’s South Island first driving from Christchurch to Marlborough, then across to the Wild West Coast. From there I made our way….Read More

Day Trip to Akaroa from Christchurch

The view from Hilltop looking down over Akaroa Harbour - What to See on a Day Trip to Akaroa from Christchurch - The Trusted Traveller

Taking a day trip to Akaroa from Christchurch is one of the must do things when your visiting Christchurch. Akaroa is perfectly positioned for both a full or half….Read More

A Self-Guided Wine Tour of the Gibbston Valley

Chard Farm - Self Guided Wine Tour of the Gibbston Valley, New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

A visit to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of its best wineries. And while we love taking a guided day trip through a wine region and think…..Read More

Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary

The road to Mt Cook - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

New Zealand’s spectacular South Island is on the bucket list of many travellers all over the world. I’ve taken many trips over the pond to visit what is one of my favourite….Read More

Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary

Lake Tekapo - The 10 Most Stunning Lakes on New Zealand's South Island - The Trusted Traveller

The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island can easily be completed in one day, just under six hours if you don’t make any stops….Read More

Christchurch Itinerary: 2 or 3 Days

Spring Time in Christchurch Botanic Gardens - The Trusted Traveller

This Christchurch itinerary will help you decide how best to spend your time when exploring this beautiful and interesting city rising from the rubble of the earthquakes….Read More

Queenstown Itinerary: 5 Days

The view from the Skyline Gondola - Things to Do in Queenstown - The Trusted Traveller

This Queenstown itinerary will help you decide how best to spend your time when exploring this absolutely breathtaking part of New Zealand’s South Island….Read More

Wanaka Itinerary: 2 or 3 Days

Wanaka Itinerary: 2 or 3 Days - The Trusted Traveller

Wanaka, a breathtaking paradise nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Surrounded by towering mountains, pristine lakes, and a plethora of outdoor….Read More

Marlborough 2 Day Itinerary

Marlborough 2 Day Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Discover the beauty of Marlborough, New Zealand, in just two days with this Marlborough 2 day itinerary. Situated at the northern tip of the South Island…..Read More


New Zealand Travel Tips

Geography

New Zealand Map - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

New Zealand is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. They stretch from north to south and are separated by the Cook Strait.

The North Island is more developed and home to the country’s two biggest cities, Wellington in the south and Auckland in the north. The island is mostly rolling green hills and farmland, with the central heartland home to geothermal activity like boiling mud pools, geysers and active volcanoes.

The South Island is much more dramatic. Think snow-covered mountains, fjords and glaciers. There are no big cities, rather Christchurch and Dunedin are more like big country towns.

New Zealand Weather

Because of the country’s length, it can, at different times of the year, experience a broad range of weather. It is subtropical in the north and more temperate in the south.

The north has no extremes of heat or cold, while the in the south, winter can be quite  bitterly cold with significant snowfalls in the mountains. The eastern parts of the country often experience drought conditions in summer and the west, particularly in the South Island, is likely to receive more rain.

Lake Hayes, Queenstown - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

The Nuggets - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

If you’re not visiting New Zealand for a specific seasonal reason, then the best time to visit, is October/November or March/April. This is because the weather is good and it is less crowded with other visitors and vacationing locals.

However, if it is winter sports that interest you, then you’ll want to head to the South Island from May to September when you’ll find plenty of snow.

And over summer is when the country really comes alive with tons of great outdoor activities and festivals. If this is what you’re after, then visit from November to March.

Money in New Zealand

It is always recommend to have a mixture of cash and bank/credit card with you when you travel anywhere in the world and this is no exception in New Zealand.

ATM’s are available in all cities and towns across the country and credit cards are accepted in most places too. The exception to this would be in some very small and remote towns where it is recommended to have plenty of cash on hand.

Milford Sound - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

Things to Do in New Zealand

These guides to the top things to do in New Zealand will help you pick from the best there is in each town. No matter whether you have one or many days in each of these places, you will find plenty of interesting and exciting things to do in these guides.

Things to Do in The Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

New Zealand offers you the chance to visit some amazing coastal areas and beaches, most of which are used mainly for a stroll and a good view rather than the usual….Read More

Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand

Viaduct Harbour & The Wynyard Quarter - Things to Do in Auckland - The Trusted Traveller

What’s the capital city of New Zealand? Go on, have a guess. Most of you will probably guess Auckland and up until a few years ago I thought the same thing. While it….Read More

Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand

Inside the 'Cardboard' Cathedral - Things to Do in Christchurch - The Trusted Traveller

Christchurch is one of the many cities around the world to have suffered terrible devastation over the last few years from natural disasters. The 2011 earthquake caused the…Read More

Things to Do in Marlborough, New Zealand

Marlborough 2 Day Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

The Marlborough region of New Zealand can be found in the very north of the South Island and makes up roughly 20% of the countries coastline and nearly 80% of the….Read More

Things to Do in New Zealand’s Glacier Country

Franz Josef Glacier - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

New Zealand’s Glacier Country is one area of the country you have to see sooner rather than later. Why you ask? Because the features that give this region its name are….Read More

Things to Do in Queenstown, New Zealand

The Best Queenstown Adventure Activities - The Trusted Traveller

The spectacular city of Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island, is a mecca for those who love being outdoors and those who love adrenaline pumping activities….Read More

The Best Day Trips from Christchurch

The Best Day Trips from Christchurch - The Trusted Traveller

Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and third largest in the country. A visit to Christchurch offers visitors a diverse range of things to do in….Read More

The Best Christchurch Sightseeing Tours

The Best Christchurch Sightseeing Tours - The Trusted Traveller

If you are the type of traveller that likes to maximise your time in a destination, then an organised tour can be a really great option to consider in your travel planning….Read More

9 Best Day Trips from Queenstown

The Best Day Trips from Queenstown - The Trusted Traveller

A visit to Queenstown offers visitors a diverse range of things to do in the city itself, but it is also an excellent gateway to the incredible surrounding area. Within easy….Read More

The Best Queenstown Adventure Activities

Queenstown Itinerary: 5 Days - The Trusted Traveller

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and the place where a lot of daring travellers from around the world travel specifically to, to take part in….Read More

Best Things to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand

Wanaka Itinerary: 2 or 3 Days - The Trusted Traveller

Wanaka is a picturesque town located in the heart of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. This stunning destination boasts crystal-clear lakes, snow….Read More

The Best Tours in Wanaka, New Zealand

Best Things to Do in Wanaka - The Trusted Traveller

Are you planning a trip to Wanaka and looking for the best tours to explore this stunning destination? With a plethora of outdoor activities and natural wonders….Read More

The Best Tours in Marlborough, New Zealand

The Best Tours in Marlborough, New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

Marlborough, New Zealand – a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike! Nestled at the top of the South Island, Marlborough is renowned for….Read More

Things to Do in Lake Tekapo (and surrounds)

Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

One of the most picture perfect regions of New Zealand, Lake Tekapo and its surrounds, lies roughly in the centre of the South Island between the sprawling plain of….Read More

Spring Time in The Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Spring Time in Christchurch Botanic Gardens - The Trusted Traveller

It’s no secret that I love spring and everything it comes with. I love the bright blue sky’s and mild temperatures of spring in the Southern Hemisphere . The mass planting….Read More

Sipping Sav: A Tour of the Marlborough Wine Region

Marlborough 2 Day Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

When we made the decision to take a road trip around New Zealand’s South Island, top of my list of things to do was to take a tour of the Marlborough Wine Region….Read More

Cruising Marlborough Sounds on a Mail Boat

Marlborough 2 Day Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

I’m always looking for a different way to explore a new destination. I’ve pounded pavement in my trusty walking shoes in cities around the world, seen some of….Read More

The 10 Most Stunning Lakes on New Zealand’s South Island

Lake Te Anau - The 10 Most Stunning Lakes on New Zealand's South Island - The Trusted Traveller

After multiple visits to New Zealand’s South Island, I am 100% convinced that the place is heaven on earth. And one of the things that has truly blow me away is the….Read More

7 Easy Walks in The Catlins, New Zealand

Purakaunui Falls - 7 Easy Walks in The Catlins, New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

The Catlins is the most southerly region of the New Zealand South Island and is an adventure and outdoor lovers paradise. As part of the Southern Touring Route, The….Read More

A Walk Around Lake Matheson – In Photos

Lake Matheson - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Have you ever been somewhere so immensely breathtaking that all you could do was sit in silence and let your eyes drink in the view? This is how I felt on my….Read More

Journey to Milford Sound – In Photos

The Best Day Trips from Queenstown - The Trusted Traveller

When we decided to road trip around New Zealand’s South Island there was one place that we absolutely knew we couldn’t miss out on visiting, Milford Sound….Read More

The Best Tours in Lake Tekapo (and surrounds)

The Best Tours in Lake Tekapo (and surrounds) - The Trusted Traveller

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Tekapo stands as a jewel in the crown of nature’s grandeur. This stunning alpine haven seamlessly….Read more


Getting To New Zealand

Auckland - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

A selection of major and budget airlines fly direct to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, from a few cities in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, the Middle East and the US. If you are travelling from further afield, you’ll easily be able to find connecting flights through major hubs in Australia, Asia, the Middle East and east coast USA.

Remember, New Zealand is a long way from most other parts of the world. It takes pretty much 24 hours (with a short stopover) to get from the UK and Europe, and 12+ hours from the US. Asia is a little closer with Singapore and Bangkok about 9-10 hours away.


Getting Around New Zealand

New Zealand is a relatively small country making it easy to get around, especially because of the excellent infrastructure they have in place.

Flying

Air New Zealand is the country’s national airline and they fly between all the major cities and towns around the country including destinations popular with visitors like Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, Queenstown and Nelson.

The budget airline, Jetstar, also operates a smaller choice of flights between the above and more cities too.

Because it is a small country, the longest flight time you’d encounter would be up to two hours flying between Auckland and towns in the far south of the South Island.

Doing plenty of research on the cheapest flight routes will help you keep your New Zealand trip costs down. As mentioned earlier, New Zealand isn’t the cheapest country to travel to and the cost of lots of flights can really add up. The alternative means of transport below may be a cheaper option in some case if you are travelling around a lot.

I use and recommend Expedia for researching and booking flights all around the world.

Lake Wanaka - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller
Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

Driving

New Zealand is an excellent place for a road trip. The roads are well maintained, routes scenic and you’ll often find that, in some parts of the country, you won’t come across another car for ages.

All of the major car and camper van rental companies are represented in major cities and towns across the country, with outlets in all airports and some city centres. This makes it easy for collecting your vehicle at a time that is convenient to you.

On the South Island especially, we’ve always found having a larger vehicle, like an SUV, more comfortable. The island is very mountainous, so having a larger car has made us feel more safe and it also gives us lots of space to be comfortable for longer driving days.

I use and recommend Expedia for researching and booking car hire all around the world.

Bus

For those on a budget, buses are a great way to get around New Zealand and meet lots of like-minded people.

InterCity – These guys cover pretty much every place a visitor might want to visit on both islands. InterCity services run more frequently then the other bus services in the country.

Naked Bus – Similar to InterCity only Naked Bus generally has cheaper fares with one way fares starting from just $1. They follow much the same routes and might run a little less often. This is an excellent option for those on a really tight budget, who know where they want to go.

KiwiExperience & Stray – These are hop-on-hop-off style buses geared towards backpackers. Passes can be purchased for an amount of trips or for a specific route around the one or both islands. You can hop off and stay however long you like before joining up with the bus again when it passes through town.

Lake Matheson and Mt Cook - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller
Kaikoura - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

Rail

New Zealand has only three rail lines all of which are more like scenic trains rather than a means to get form one destination to another.

The Northern Explorer bisects the North Island running from Auckland to Wellington showing off the diverse countryside.

The Coastal Pacific Train runs along the coast between Christchurch and Picton. It offers spectacular coastal, mountain and farmland views on the journey through this stunning part of the country.

And finally the Tranz Alpine train cuts right through the centre of the South Island running between Christchurch and Greymouth. It is the most spectacular of the three journeys because it traverses the towering Alps.

Check out KiwiRail for more details.

Getting Around Guides

These guides will give you in-depth knowledge on how to get around some of the bigger cities in New Zealand.

How to Get Around Christchurch

The Best Tours in Marlborough, New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

This is your essential guide on how to get around Christchurch’s transportation system and exploring all that it has to offer. Christchurch is a sprawling city….Read More


Where to Stay in New Zealand

New Zealand caters for everyone when it comes to accommodation. Here is a list of the types of accommodation you’ll find in New Zealand and then below that my posts which will help you pinpoint the exact properties to stay at for your next New Zealand Vacation

Camping/Caravans/Cabins – Most National Parks have at least one campsite and every second or third town has a holiday park with campsites, caravans and cabins available. Free camping is also available in some areas.

Hostels – Take your pick from the range of private and chain hostels located in major cities and popular towns around the country. Accommodation in hostels ranges from multi-bed dorm rooms to private single, double and family rooms, with or without shared facilities.

Budget Motels/Hotels – This type of accommodation is quite popular in New Zealand and you’ll find at least one or two budget motels/hotels in just about ever town in the country. Most will be clean and functional with private facilities and basic amenities.

Hotels/Apartments – You’ll find chain style hotel brands the country’s bigger cities and towns. The good thing about this type of accommodation is in most cases you know what you are going to get, a clean, comfortable and modern room with a decent array of facilities in the room and on the property. Apartments are great for longer stays as they allow you a bit more space and the option to self cater.

Luxury Hotels & Resorts – Every capital city and popular tourist area in New Zealand has its share of 5 star properties, some of which have been named in top lists of accommodation around the world.

B&B’s – Small family run style accommodation like B&B’s can be found all over the country in small towns and popular rural locations. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the experience usually comes with friendly hosts and a home cooked breakfast each morning.

I use and recommend Booking.com for researching and booking hostel, motel, hotel, apartment and resort accommodation around the world.

Where to Stay in Christchurch

Where to Stay in Christchurch - The Trusted Traveller

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, choosing where to stay in Christchurch can make all the difference in making your trip a memorable….Read More

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Where to Stay in Queenstown - The Trusted Traveller

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, choosing where to stay in Queenstown can make all the difference in making your trip a memorable….Read More

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Where to Stay in Wanaka, New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, choosing where to stay in Wanaka can make all the difference in making your trip a memorable one….Read More

Where to Stay in Marlborough

Where to Stay in Marlborough - The Trusted Traveller

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, choosing where to stay in Marlborough can make all the difference in making your trip a memorable….Read More

Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo

Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo - The Trusted Traveller

As you embark on your journey to Lake Tekapo, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make is where to stay in Lake Tekapo. In this blog post, I will guide you to exploring the best…..Read More


Eating Out in New Zealand

A remote property in Marlborough Sound - New Zealand Travel Guide - The Trusted Traveller

Eating out in New Zealand can be expensive in comparison to some other regions of the world. There are ways around this, especially if you willing to stay in self catering accommodation and do some simple cooking from time to time.

Supermarkets  New Zealand has quite a few supermarket brands. Countdown will be in every major town while you’ll find a Four Square in just about every town, big or small. New World and Pack’N Save are two more to lookout for because they generally offer cheaper prices.

Fast Food / Take-away Chain fast food stores are in all major centres of the country. If you’re looking for a cheap and tasty fast food meal, skip the chains like McDonalds and go for a local family owned hamburger or fish and chip shops instead. You’ll find at least one of this style of take-away store in every city and town of the country.

Cafes – Cafes can vary greatly in price and quality depending on the city/town or area of a city/town. Meals range from simple sandwiches and salads to hot dishes made fresh or served from a food warmer. Cafes offer the chance to have a large hot meal at lunch time so in the night-time you’ll only need a snack.

Pubs – Every city or town in New Zealand has a decent pub or two. A beer and a meal at a Kiwi pub is just part of the way of life in New Zealand. Pubs can vary widely in price these days as a lot in the major cities have been converted to trendy venues serving food that can rival some four start restaurants. However in country towns the meals are cheap and usually made using local produce.

Restaurants – You’ll find a reasonably wide range of cuisines in restaurants across the country. Prices in restaurants can vary greatly depending on the location and quality of the food but there are some good cheap ones out there, you just need to dig a little deeper.

Fine Dining – New Zealand is blessed with incredible local produce and this is showcased at it’s best in fine dining establishments across the country.

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