New Zealand travel tips I give every first time visitor
If it’s your first time visiting New Zealand, there’s a lot to think about.
First, of course, you need to figure out where you’re going. But that’s just the beginning.
Once you have your itinerary sorted, you can think about all the other little details that go into a great trip.
Like, whether you need cash, whether or not your should tip, and what you should pack.
My top 3 New Zealand travel tips
Plan your budget so you’re not in for any surprises.
Bring walking shoes. Even if you’re not a big walker, I think some of the very best parts of New Zealand are along our walking trails. There are options for everyone, including people who use wheelchairs or parents with prams. Get out and explore some of our nature, in a calmer way than you would in a jet boat.
Useful tips for your first visit to New Zealand
1. Make sure you get your NZeta before you travel
The number one, and most important thing to do before you travel, is arrange your NZeTA.
2. Spend some time planning your road trip
Distances are bigger than you think
Other reasons to plan a little ahead of time include if you want to lock in specific activities or restaurants.
3. A Wise card is how I recommend managing your money in New Zealand
4. You very rarely need cash in New Zealand
5. Don’t be afraid to miss some of the more popular attractions
I know that we’re all driven to hit the ‘top 10’ and ‘absolute best’ of every country, but like a lot of destinations elsewhere, parts of New Zealand are really struggling under overtourism.
Look at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, but it’s popularity is taking the shine off some of its star attractions.
Truthfully, you can see alpine scenery, glaciers, and incredible mountains in other parts o fNew Zealand, with far fewer people.
Don’t feel like you have to visit a place just because it always appears in those best of lists. I promise you that no matter where you go in New Zealand, you will love it — there is natural beauty everywhere, we’re spoilt with it.
Pack layers
You’ll need to move to a new plc
You could get any weather at any time of year, so pack accordingly
Driving is the easiest way to get around
Public transport is not one of New Zealand’s strong points.
If you want to strike up a conversation with a New Zealander, talk about the weather
If you’re travelling from late December to the end of January, you’ll need to book well in advance
From Christmas through to the end of January, travelling in New Zealand can be a little bit of a nightmare.
Key takeaway: Outside of peak summer, you can be more flexible with your plans.
A SIM card is handy for using maps — but reception can be patchy
I recommend picking up a Skinny SIM card in New Zealand — they are cheap and you can get 4GB of data for your trip.
The best of New Zealand is outside towns and cities
While you can do some pretty great day trips from the main cities in New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch all have a lot to do within two hours drive), the best things to see in New Zealand are a lot more remote.
Outside of the larger towns, food options can be pretty limited
Food on the go can be a bit of a challenge in New Zealand.
You probably won’t want to eat out for two meals a day (unless you do, which is totally cool!).
A lot of cafes are closed by 3pm, so if you want a late lunch you might end up needing supplies from the supermarket anyway.
It’s even harder if you’re vegetarian or vegan, as cafes in smaller towns offer meaty options as the default. I quite often end up eating cheese scones or similar, because there’s nothing else vegetarian.
For a greasy and definitely not healthy, but reliable and still pretty good snack, I recommend Z Petrol Station pies. They have good vegan options as well.
Luckily New Zealand does have a strong hummus game.
The one thing you can get anywhere, pretty much without fail, is excellent coffee. We New Zealanders are powered by flat whites — even a coffee from a gas station in New Zealand will be barista quality.
(We only really drink espresso based coffee though, no filter here).
Key takeaway: Get used to grabbing snacks from supermarkets when you’re outside of small towns. New World’s quite often have the best bakery sections.
New Zealand essentials
SIM CARDS: I recommend getting a Skinny SIM card when you arrive
FIND WALKS AND HIKES: The DOC website is the best resource for all trails, scenic campsites, and mountain huts
BEST APPS: Campermate for finding campsites, Gaspy for saving money on petrol
LANGUAGE: English but be prepared for some local quirks
I hope these New Zealand travel tips and insights have helped you plan your trip.
