Planning your first trip to New Zealand? From navigating scenic roads to essential travel hacks, here are 12 New Zealand travel tips to know before you go!
Planning your first trip to New Zealand? From the breathtaking fjords of the South Island to the cultural treasures of the North, ‘the land of the long white cloud’ is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and road-trippers alike. It’s also a must-visit destination for fans of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movies.
We love New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa to the Māori people) and think that it offers something for everyone. To help you make the most of your trip, here are 12+ essential tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable New Zealand experience.
Table of Contents
1. Plan for Long Travel Times ✈️🚗
New Zealand looks small on a map, but travel times take longer than you might expect as there are few major roads or motorways outside of Wellington and Auckland. In more rural areas you’ll encounter single lane roads, winding roads, mountain passes, and unpredictable weather.
🚗 Road trips take time – Even short distances can take longer than expected. Plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid driving on unfamiliar roads after dark, especially in poorly lit rural areas.
🚆 No cross-country trains—New Zealand has limited train services, though there are three unique scenic rail journeys worth considering, including the TranzAlpine Express. There are also some suburban routes in Auckland. Buses, domestic flights, or car rentals are better for long-distance travel. You’ll also need to catch the inter-island ferry if you wish to cross over to the South or North Island.
🏔️ Give yourself extra time – Driving in mountainous areas like the South Island takes longer than expected, especially in winter.
💡 If driving, use Google Maps but add plenty of extra time for scenic stops.
2. Drive on the Left 🚗
If you’re renting a car or campervan, remember that New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. We’ve driven all over New Zealand and, as the roads are quieter than other countries, it’s an enjoyable experience. We think it’s the best – and easiest – way to discover everything that New Zealand has to offer.
✔️ Follow speed limits. Many roads have sharp turns and steep drops. Know the New Zealand road signs and the rules of the road before heading off on your road trip.
✔️ Watch for one-lane bridges—These are common in rural areas. When approaching a bridge, a sign will declare who has right of way.
✔️ Beware of sheep & wildlife – You may encounter animals crossing the road. Please slow down and patiently wait for them to move.
💡 Driving in winter? Rent a car with snow chains in the South Island
3. The Weather Can Change Fast ☀️🌧️❄️
New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable, and you can experience all four seasons in one day—especially in the South Island.
✔️ Pack layers – Summer mornings and evenings can be cool and crisp so you’ll need to pack some warm layers, even in summer. Expect snow in New Zealand in winter.
✔️ Check weather forecasts – If you’re venturing into rural areas or attempting hikes like the Tongariro Crossing or Milford Sound, make sure you check the weather forecast for the area you are visiting. If possible, continue to check the weather throughout your hike as conditions can change quickly.
✔️ Always carry a rain jacket – Sudden showers are common in New Zealand at any time of year.
💡 Summer (Dec-Feb) is generally warm, but expect crowds. This is peak season in New Zealand when families enjoy the long, school summer holidays. Winter (Jun-Aug) is perfect for skiing in Queenstown!
4. You’ll Need a Visa or NZeTA 🛂
Most visitors must apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before arriving.
✔️ Check if you need a visa – Some nationalities require one, others (such as Australian citizens) don’t. Check if you need a visa here.
✔️ Apply online several days before your trip – The NZeTA takes 72 hours to process, so don’t leave it too late!
✔️ Pay the IVL – The International Visitor Levy (IVL) is included in your NZeTA fee.
💡 Apply for your visa online at immigration.govt.nz.
5. New Zealand is Not Cheap 💰
Like most island economies, New Zealand isn’t cheap. Some visitors may find accommodation, food, tours and activities expensive. The good news is that the great outdoors is free – so get out and make the most of it!
✔️ Book early – Hotels, rental cars, and activities can sell out especially in peak season months.
✔️ Consider a campervan – A campervan gives you more freedom than public transport and is a great way to save on accommodation. Serviced campgrounds are relatively cheap and you can also use basic DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds for free or a small fee.
✔️Self-cater using local supermarkets – New Zealand brands include Countdown, New World, and PAK’nSAVE, all of which are great for groceries. Shopping for seasonal produce (such as kiwi fruit in picking season) will ensure your budget goes even further.
✔️Don’t suffer from FOMO – From white-water rafting to cooking, there’s endless activities to enjoy in New Zealand. But they don’t come cheap. If your budget is limited, our advice is to pick activities which are unique to New Zealand such as a tour of Hobbiton or dark river rafting through a cave filled with twinkling glow worms.
💡 Tipping is not expected in cafes and restaurants, but it’s appreciated for great service.
6. Nature is Everywhere – Respect It! 🌿
New Zealanders take conservation seriously, and biosecurity laws are strict.
✔️ Declare food & hiking gear at customs – In order to protect biodiversity and local agriculture, you must declare any hiking boots, tents, or food when you arrive in New Zealand. Failure to do so will lead to fines. You may be asked to clean equipment before entering the country.
✔️ Follow the “Leave No Trace” rule – If you’re on a hike or day trip, bring all rubbish away with you and dispose of it responsibly at a designated site.
✔️ Respect Māori sacred sites – Some places, like hot springs, have cultural significance and there may be rules displayed about how to behave and dress.
💡 Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for hiking & camping guidelines.
7. Try These Must-Eat Kiwi Foods 🍽️
New Zealand has delicious food, with plenty of fresh seafood, homegrown fruit and vegetables, unique local dishes, and sweet treats.
🥝 Hāngī – This traditional Māori feast of fish, meat and vegetables is cooked using heated rocks buried in a pit oven, called an umu. It’s considered a special occasion so, if you’re lucky enough to take part in a hāngī do it!
🍣 Green-lipped mussels – A Kiwi speciality endemic to New Zealand
🥧 Meat pies – A cheap and tasty staple which is ideal for a snack of light lunch. We recommend steak & cheese!
🍦 Hokey Pokey ice cream – You’ll see this tasty vanilla ice cream with crunchy caramel bits throughout New Zealand in restaurants and supermarkets. It’s a perfect after dinner treat!
💡 Love coffee? New Zealand’s flat white is a must-try!
8. Pack Bug Spray for Sandflies
Sandflies are tiny biting insects found near water throughout New Zealand but especially in the Fiordland region, Milford Sound, and along the West Coast. They are most active in spring and summer between October to March. Sandflies don’t like wind so to escape them, find a windy spot – or keep moving!
✔️ Cover up near water – Wear long sleeves and long pants if you’re spending any time near water in peak season months
✔️ Use insect repellent – Use an eco-friendly insect repellent on exposed skin
✔️ Cover up at dawn & dusk – Sandflies are most active at these times so cover up if venturing out.
💡 Sandflies do not carry disease in New Zealand but they can leave irritating, itchy bites on your skin. It’s worth taking precautions against them.
9. Outdoor Adventures are a Must 🏔️
New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Some bucket-list experiences include:
🚶♂️ Hiking – New Zealand is world famous for its long-distance hiking trails such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Routeburn Track, or Abel Tasman Coast Track. If you plan to tackle any of these trails, you must do your research and be adequately prepared. Mountain huts for overnight stays get booked up quickly so you’ll need to plan ahead.
🛶 Water activities – Rent a kayak in Milford Sound, canoe on the Whanganui River or go jet boating or white water rafting in Queenstown.
🐬 Wildlife encounters – See penguins, seals, and dolphins in Kaikoura or albatross on the Otago Peninsula. Keep your eyes peeled for nocturnal Kiwis or the Kākāpō, New Zealand’s flightless parrot.
☀️ Slip, slop and slap – The sun can be strong in New Zealand even on a cloudy day so do what New Zealanders do – slip on clothes that protect your skin, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.
💡 NZ’s hiking trails can be challenging and fatalities occur every year. Plan carefully, always check the weather forecast and let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
10. WiFi & Mobile Coverage Can Be Limited 📶
Fast, reliable WiFi is widely available in cities but rural areas often have poor mobile reception.
✔️ Buy a local SIM card or an eSIM – Spark, One (formerly Vodafone) and 2degrees are the main providers. You can pick up SIM cards when you arrive at a New Zealand airport. Alternatively, add an eSIM to your phone and connect as soon as you land. We use and recommend Airalo.
✔️ Download offline maps – Google Maps or Maps.me can help you navigate remote areas.
✔️ Use public WiFi hotspots – If you need WiFi, try libraries, cafes, and visitor centres. We even found a WiFi hotspot in a disused public phone box!
💡 Mobile data is expensive, so buy a prepaid plan if you need frequent access.
11. Get Travel Insurance Before You Go 🏥
New Zealand is generally a safe country to visit, but travel insurance is essential. Plus, activities like hiking, skiing, and adventure sports come with risks so make sure you’re fully covered before attempting these sports.
✔️ Covers medical emergencies – Healthcare is expensive for non-residents. Don’t let your souvenir of New Zealand be a hefty medical bill!
✔️ Protects against cancellations – Weather can disrupt flights & tours which might further impact accommodation and transfers.
✔️ Includes adventure sports – If you’re planning bungee jumping or skydiving, check your policy. Few policies cover these sports as standard: you’ll likely need an add-on policy or pay an extra fee to ensure you’re covered.
✔️Driving – As most accidents involving tourists abroad are road traffic accidents, check you are covered to drive a car before renting one. If you plan on renting any other vehicle, such as a motorbike or quad bike, check your insurance. Most policies will not cover you if you do not have a licence for that vehicle in your home country.
💡 ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) is a New Zealand initiative which provides financial compensation and support to visitors who have suffered personal no-fault personal injuries but it does not cover medical bills for illness.
12. Respect Māori Culture 🌀
The Māori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and their culture is an important part of the country’s identity.
✔️ Learn basic Māori words – “Kia ora” (hello) is a good start!
✔️ Respect sacred sites – Behave and dress respectfully at sites such as Te Papa Tongarewa museum or Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
✔️ Don’t touch someone’s head – In Māori culture, the head is sacred.
💡 A Hāngī feast or haka performance is a great way to experience Māori traditions
Final Thoughts
New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, offering stunning scenery, adventure, and rich culture.
Whether you’re road-tripping through the South Island, exploring Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, following in the footsteps of Hobbits in Hobbiton or hiking in Fiordland National Park, you’ll be blown away by its natural beauty and by the welcome you’ll receive from New Zealanders.
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Listen to our New Zealand Podcast episodes on the Global Travel Planning Podcast