Plan a trip to New Zealand: Tips for New Zealand travel that will blow your mind

New Zealand – it’s hard to sum up this country in one word. If I had to try, I would say it is mystical, magical, numinous, in short it is heaven on earth. NZ travel has been a popular destination for adrenaline junkies, wildlife lovers, nature addicts, cultural experiences and beach devotees. In recent times, travel to NZ has become even more favourable because they finally opened up their doors to the world. Here is your ultimate guide to help you plan a trip to New Zealand.

Visiting New Zealand is overwhelming, planning a trip to New Zealand is exhausting because of the vastness of the country and the number of things to do there. Time is always less in this beautiful country but where should one travel in New Zealand? What are the highlights you must see? How do you get around New Zealand? So many questions that you may have and which I will answer in this travel guide for New Zealand. 

How to plan a trip to New Zealand

Planning this once-in-a-lifetime trip takes a lot of research and legwork. This is why I am sharing my own New Zealand guide to help you make this process easier for you. It took me over 6 months to plan our trip. Hours of research, talking to others who have visited, joining Facebook groups, our itinerary was truly one-of-a-kind. We got to see a mix of everything. From mountains to beaches to wildlife to volcanoes to hot springs, we made the most of our 2 weeks in New Zealand and visited a ton on the North and South Islands. 

New Zealand travel cost

No matter what anyone says, New Zealand is a relatively expensive country. The New Zealand dollar is 1 NZD for 0.85 CAD or 1 NZD for 0.62 USD. Your New Zealand travel cost will comprise on a number of things:

• International Flights to get to New Zealand
• Car rental/RV/campervan charges
• Gas 
• Hotels/motels if choosing to drive
• Domestic flights if you plan to fly from the North Island to the South Island or vice versa
• Any excursions you may want to take
• Food
• Souverains and other miscellaneous costs 
• The time of the year you choose to visit
• The type of trip you want: luxury travel, budget travel or mid-range travel 

Fiji Airways launched a new route from Vancouver to Auckland in 2022. They had a sale and we were extremely lucky to find tickets from Vancouver to Auckland via Fiji for $2700 for all 4 of us. This was the deciding factor for us that we were visiting New Zealand.

We then bought tickets from Toronto to Vancouver when they were on sale and spend a total of $4300 on all international AND domestic flights. This amount is less than half of what I was finding. 

Although this country was very high on our bucket list, more than half our budget was going towards flights from Toronto and this kept pushing the country lower on our list. When I saw flights for $650/person CAD, there was no ways about it. We were going. I booked our tickets on a whim and within 20 minutes the prices started shooting up because of the number of people taking advantage of this deal.

Bonus for us: We decided to take 2 days to explore Fiji because we had this option when booking our flights without the cost of tickets jumping higher. The bummer was, after booking, when I checked, I realized that Fiji was infact two days ahead of us and that we were only getting 24 hours in the country – all good because Fiji was on my bucketlist and another country that was killing our bank so I happily decided to take the 24 hours!

All this to say, keep checking for deals! Airfare typically takes up most of your budget so wait for that deal and start looking well in advance. Tickets are the cheapest when the calendar for your dates just open up. Also use any credit card travel points you may have accumulated.

We used our points from this card and did not end up paying a $ for these flights – a BIG win for us! I couldn’t believe we were going to go to our bucketlist destination without having to pay any money from our pocket for these tickets! 

Best time to visit New Zealand

New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere. Their seasons are opposite from North America or Europe or anywhere on the Northern Hemisphere. Be mindful of this while you plan a trip to New Zealand. The weather is unpredictable and you can experience all four seasons in one day – much like Canada. 

Summer: New Zealand experiences most visitors during its summer months from December to February. You will get long, warm days during the summer making it an ideal time for hiking or visiting the beaches. 

Fall: March to May is considered shoulder months to travel to New Zealand. These months are considered Autumn or Fall. You will find fewer tourists and prices are more reasonable. You will find accommodations during these months with ease – although you should book in advance once your dates are finalized. This is the perfect time for hiking as it’s not too hot and not too cold. 

Winter: June to August are the coldest months in New Zealand. Although the temperatures never or rarely dip below zero, you may find a few places or businesses closed for the winter. This is the perfect time to visit the South Island if you are planning a trip to New Zealand for skiing or other winter activities. 

Spring: September to November is New Zealander’s favourite time of the year to get back out hiking in the backcountry. Spring is also a great time to visit New Zealand as the country is springing back to life from the cold and long winter days. 

Plan a trip to New Zealand keeping these seasons in mind. Decide what you want to do and plan to visit accordingly. If skiing or winter activities is on the agenda, visit between June and August. If you are looking to visit during the shoulder months then consider visiting during Fall (March to May) or Spring (September to November). If you want to visit during the peak summer season or lounge on the stunning beaches, then visit between December to February. 

How do you wish to get around New Zealand?

Traveling in New Zealand can be prodigious for some while it may be demanding for others. First and foremost, I want you to think of how you would like to get around the country. Your New Zealand itinerary will largely depend on how you plan to get around the country. Do you prefer a self-drive New Zealand road trip? Do you wish to relax and sit back while someone else does the driving on a guided tour? 

If you are thinking of driving, would you rather drive a car and stop at motels or hotels overnight or would you rather drive a RV or campervan? Travel in New Zealand is made for those wishing to RV across the country or rent a campervan.

There are numerous campgrounds for those wishing to go this route BUT there is no freedom camping and you cannot stop just about anywhere and camp for the night. There are options to free camp so make sure you look into those before deciding where you will be staying. This DOC website will give you more information on campgrounds. You do need to book them well in advance because they fill up relatively quickly and far in advance – especially during the peak season. 

Guided tours are a great way to let someone else do the driving while you really get to take in the views and landscapes that New Zealand is so famous for. We did a mix of self-drive and guided tours and the tours were our favourite because we got to stop at every spot worthy of a photo – which you will literally find at every corner or turn in New Zealand. 

Do some homework and think about what your preferred way is to see the country and one that would make your New Zealand vacation a success for the entire family. This vastly varies from family to family so understand your families travel style and choose what works best for you.

Driving in New Zealand

You drive on the left-hand side of the road. It may take you a day or two to get accustomed to this style of driving if you choose to drive in New Zealand. Be cautious and mindful while driving. Also note, you WILL get tickets if you are above the speed limit. There are a ton of police cars on the road so make sure you drive within the speeding limits. 

Don’t be afraid to take the scenic routes or increase your drive time – this is where you will see the best of New Zealand. Our rule of thumb was, if there is a short cut, do not take it. The longer road will take you somewhere stunning and our rule never (even once) failed us.

Also, get out of the big cities. New Zealand is filled with captivating and diverse landscapes and you will see this more once you are out of the bigger cities. 

NOTE: New Zealand drive times are longer than what google maps show. This is because of the slower one-way winding roads and also because you will want to stop often to take photos. You are allowed to stop along the road in New Zealand as long as there is a shoulder on the side of the road to stop safely. Many places also have rest stops or viewing windows where you can stop for photos. DO NOT stop in the middle of the road – remember there are a ton of police cars on the road?

Internet in New Zealand

Internet access is not the best in New Zealand. Even if you have Wi-Fi or data, you will have no trouble getting internet access in the bigger cities. Once you start driving on the smaller roads, the internet gets quite choppy. Make sure you download your maps and can use them offline – this will be a life saver! 

New Zealand itinerary

Once you have decided your budget and your preferred way of getting around the country, you will start thinking of things to do in New Zealand.

New Zealand is made up of two islands – the North Island and the South Island. Each island is so diverse and has numerous things to do while giving you a completely different experience. 

You will now need to decide how much time you have in the country and which island you want to visit or even both. Depending on the time you have and no matter how much it is, you will not be able to do and see everything this country has to offer. Now is the time to prioritize what you MUST do and see during your trip. To make it easier for you, I am going to explain a bit about each island and what there is to do on both the islands.

North Island

New Zealand’s North Island enjoys a warmer temperate climate. It is known for its volcanic activity, beaches, national parks and cosmopolitan cities including Auckland. On the North Island, you will find sanctuaries and lively cities with a large serving of culture and history making this island a truly diverse experience. 

North Island is broken down into the Upper North Island, Central North Island and Lower North Island. 

Upper North Island

• Auckland: This city is the multi-cultural hub for food, wine, music, art and culture. The West coast is home to black-sand beaches, 48 volcanic cones and the Waiheke Island. Auckland is where the sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication.
• Northland and Bay of Islands: Stretching from Auckland to the very north of New Zealand, the area boosts two coastlines and remarkable vistas. Northland can be rugged or sophisticated. You can drive along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to the iconic Bay of Islands, Kauri Coast, the Far North and Whangarei. 

Central North Island

• The Coromandel: The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its pristine beaches, native forests and laid-back vibes. You can fish, hike, dive at the Coromandel. Visit the Cathedral Cover and Hot Sand beach if you are in the Coromandel Peninsula.
• Waikato: Home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the shire as well as Waitomo glow worm caves and Hamilton Gardens. Do you know, Waitomo glow worm caves was one of the inspirations for the movie Avatar? 
• Rotorua: Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity, hot springs, Māori culture, and mud pools. There are so many things to do here and multiple tours to see the Māori village. 
• Bay of Plenty: As the name suggests, there is plenty to do here. Plenty of geothermal wonders, beaches and orchards.
• Taupo: In the caldera of the Taupo volcano, you will find exciting water sports, Huka Falls, or bike through the mountain trails in Taupo.

Lower North Island

• Taranaki: Located on the Western side of New Zealand, this place is the place to be for adventure seekers on the North Island. Hike under the shadow of Mount Taranaki or explore the green fertile lowlands and artistic culture of Taranaki.
• Raupehu: Home to two national parks surrounding countryside, Raupehu provides a beautiful backdrop to many outdoor adventures.
• Hawke’s Bay: Known for wine and sunshine, Art Deco architecture and Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay is home to the world’s largest mainland colony of Gannets.
• Manawatu: Offers an authentic Kiwi experience that you don’t want to miss.
• Whanganui: Sits on the Whanganui River where you can travel down the river by kayak, jet boat or paddle steamer.
• Wellington: With a mix of culture, art, nature, history and craft beer, Wellington is said to be the coolest little capital.
• Wairarapa: Known for its vineyards and rugged landscapes, this town has its own flair and off-the-beaten-track charm.

I know these options will not make picking a few cities feasible or an easy choice. BUT, again, think of what your family would enjoy. Map it down on google and decide what is achievable in the amount of time you have. 

Now, let’s move to the South Island. If you are a nature lover, be ready to be wowed. It’s going to be impossible to pick, I can assure you that. But, do the best you can! The South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you will ever experience. From wildlife to wineries, glacial-valleys to star-filled skies, the South Island is the world’s capital for adventure seekers. 

South Island

South Island is broken down into Upper South Island, Central South Island and Lower South Island. You need to think if you want to drive down from Picton all the way south or loop around Christchurch. No matter what you choose, you will be constantly sitting open-jawed watching the incredible scenery unfold in front of your eyes.

Upper South Island

• Nelson Tasman: On the North-West of New Zealand’s South Island lies Nelson Tasman. Known for its stunning landscapes and golden beaches, Nelson Tasman is the sunniest region in New Zealand. 
• Marlborough: This largest wine growing region is home to the world-renowned sauvignon blanc. Take a wine tour or explore the Marlborough Sounds.
• West Coast: This is a wild place of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. 

Central South Island

• Christchurch – Canterbury: These areas are set against the majestic backdrops of both alps and ocean. 
• Kaikoura: This picturesque town is the perfect place for marine life encounters, coastal walks and savouring a plate of crayfish.
• Aoraki/Mount Cook: Do you even need an introduction of Mount Cook? You can climb or trek beneath Aoraki/ Mount Cook or take a scenic flight over the top of New Zealand’s largest mountain. This will be one of your most memorable activities from your trip to New Zealand – one you will remember for years after years.

Lower South Island 

• Southland: The land comprises of rugged coast and rolling plains, there is plenty to do and see in Southland. Visit the gardens in Queens Park or travel to Bluff and try the famous Bluff Oysters. 
• Wanaka: A lovely town known for its outdoor activities. Stop at the world-famous Wanaka Tree or go skiing in the winter.
• Central Otago: Known for its wine, cycling and stunning landscapes, the Pinot Noir in the region is to die for! You can explore picturesque heritage towns or cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail.
• Dunedin: Filled with Victorian and Edwardian architecture, Dunedin gets you up close to rare wildlife.
• Clutha: Clutha is known for its enchanting waterfalls, gold mining heritage, and friendly locals. 
• Fiordland: Home to the spectacular Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, you can stay in Te Anau or Manapouri to explore the breathtaking treasures of Fiordland by water, air or hiking.
• Waitaki: Impressive rock formations and abundant natural beauty, Waitaki will give you a chance to relax and explore the beauty of the Waitaki Valley as well as the mysterious Moeraki boulders. 

Itinerary thoughts

New Zealand is filled with so many unique experiences. A country that has so much diversity in landscapes, you will never run out of things to do. Queenstown is considered the world’s capital for adrenaline junkies. For families, there are so many options from wildlife encounters to volcanos, how can a lifetime be enough to explore New Zealand? 

I wanted to break this down for you so you can read through and decide what sparks your interest. We finalized an itinerary that would quench our thirst to see the natural beauty as well as give the girls a chance to see a ton of wildlife. We wanted to incorporate visiting the Māori village but also spend time on the beach. Months of research helped me prepare the perfect family friendly itinerary which I will be sharing with you all soon. 

As you all know, I strongly believe in budget travel to luxurious destinations. This gives our family an opportunity to travel more often in a year while saving where we can or what is not important to us. We love to splurge on those special experiences that the country is known for. 

Booking tips

Booking this trip is time consuming. Once you decide on the type of trip you want, it can take you hours to days to get organized and to book everything individually. Here’s where I can help you! I certified myself as a travel agent so I can help other families book their trips. You do not pay me. You pay the same amount you would see online were you to search on your own. I would help you save the time and hassle of book everything and my commission comes from the supplier YOU choose to book with.

If you are looking for a guided tour through New Zealand, I can help you find the right one! There are some fantastic tours out there ranging from smaller groups to larger groups depending on your travel style. A guided tour is a fantastic way to make new friends and travel with a group of other like-minded individuals or families. 

After travelling through Austria, South Africa, Canada, Maldives, Panama, Dubai, Ireland, and more with our girls, we have learnt that traveling with them comes with its ups and down, BUT the rewards outweigh the downs. The most important thing is to be flexible and listen to your kids. Incorporate activities that they will like to do through the day – this keeps them happy and they will cooperate with you when you need them to. 

In a country like New Zealand where drive times are higher and the natural landscapes are to die for, those little ones may not understand the beauty of it as much as adults. Make sure you allot time in playgrounds or add in more time with wildlife encounters or do a fun or cool experiences that will get them pumped. 

Final thoughts

As I write this, I remember the time we booked our tickets to New Zealand. I sat thinking how I was to plan a trip to New Zealand – to a country that had so much to offer and fit it all in in 14 days. I also remember my heart feeling that this was going to be a trip like no other. It was going to be our favourite destination to date and we were going to make the most of our time there. After all, this was a bucketlist destination for both of us. Before laying eyes on New Zealand, it was love at first sight. 

As the months went on and the more time I spend researching, I was angry at myself for not spending more time in this country. With work and limited vacation days, this was the most we could allot and I knew we had to make the most of it in this time. 

When you plan a trip to New Zealand, you are not only visiting one of the most beautiful countries in the world. You are not just going to see some of the most beautiful jaw-dropping landscapes. You are not going to wake up dreaming about those stunning beaches and spectacular views. You are going to leave a piece of your heart in New Zealand.