Explore New Zealand: Best places to visit 2024

Travel Guide to New Zealand:

New Zealand, often associated with stunning landscapes and abundant sheep, is also renowned as the ultimate adventure hub worldwide. Imagine mountains, glaciers, lush forests, and untouched terrains all awaiting your exploration. It’s a place where the thrill-seekers find their haven, offering activities like hiking, skydiving, caving, bungy jumping, and skiing – a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Travelers flock to New Zealand, especially backpackers on their global escapades, drawn by the allure of this adventure-packed land. The country warmly welcomes all, whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget, a savvy traveler watching expenses, or someone ready to indulge a bit more lavishly. Trust me, New Zealand has something special for everyone.

Having visited multiple times, I’ve fallen in love with New Zealand every single trip. The warmth of its people, the sheer breathtaking beauty of the country, affordable wine, and the camaraderie among fellow travelers—it’s an experience that lingers. Rarely have I encountered anyone dissatisfied with their time in this remarkable country. Prepare yourself; leaving here will only make you yearn for a return.

And here’s the fantastic part: with a little know-how on clever money-saving strategies, exploring New Zealand on a budget is entirely doable. While it might not be dirt-cheap, it certainly doesn’t have to strain your wallet either.

So, utilize this New Zealand travel guide as your compass to plan an unforgettable journey, save those dollars, and extract every ounce of wonder from your time in this incredible destination.

Top Things to experience in New Zealand:

Fiordland Exploration:

In the breathtaking Fiordland National Park, situated in the southwest of South Island, lies the awe-inspiring Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. Wander the forest trail along Milford’s sandy shore to witness the grandeur of Mitre Peak or venture on the Chasm Walk by the Cleddau River for up-close views of powerful waterfalls. For the adventurous souls, multi-day hikes like the famous 4-5 day Milford Track await, alongside scenic flights and cruises. Exploring Doubtful Sound through a wilderness cruise costs around 199 NZD.

Heli-hike Franz Josef Glacier:

Experience the marvel of heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier. A scenic helicopter flight over the glacier leads to remote areas where you can explore on foot. Some tour packages also offer a rejuvenating soak in the Hot Pools after the strenuous 2-3 hour hike. While it’s not cheap (around 485 NZD), the experience is undeniably worth it. Alternatively, opt for a scenic flight with Glacier Helicopters for approximately 360 NZD.

Relaxation in the Bay of Islands:

Located north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands offers prime opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, beachside relaxation, swimming, boating, and savoring delicious seafood. A favorite summer and weekend getaway for Aucklanders, this area houses the historically significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Here, the treaty signing between the British and Maori, regarded as the founding document of modern New Zealand, took place. Visit two interactive museums and enjoy Maori cultural performances.

Experience Bungy Jumping:

New Zealand, the birthplace of modern bungy jumping, offers adrenaline junkies the famous 134-meter Nevis Bungy Jump outside Queenstown, pioneered by A.J. Hackett. For those seeking a less extreme leap, smaller jumps are available in Auckland and Queenstown. The thrill comes at a price, with a single jump at Nevis costing 275 NZD.

Skydiving Adventure:

Embrace the thrill of skydiving, a popular adventure in New Zealand, particularly over Lake Taupo. The picturesque backdrop enhances the experience as you freefall from high altitudes. Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers jumps from 12,000-18,000 feet starting at 279 NZD. You can even opt for a full-day course to learn solo skydiving for 499 NZD. Franz Josef and Lake Wanaka are also sought-after spots for skydiving.

Abel Tasman National Park Visit:

Situated on the South Island, this park resembles an Asian paradise with its turquoise waters, lush jungles, and balmy temperatures. Numerous multi-day hiking trails and scenic sea kayaking routes dot the park. Home to the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks, entry is free, but campsite fees range from 16-24 NZD per night, while huts cost 26-52 NZD per night. Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles offer scenic cruises for 79 NZD.

Wellington Exploration:

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, exudes an artistic vibe with captivating architecture, vibrant nightlife, top-notch restaurants, and rich cultural offerings. Visit the Beehive (Parliament), ride the cable car for panoramic city views, explore Wellington Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, or discover the art of crafting movie-quality armor at Weta Workshop. Enjoy a wine tour of the Martinborough wine region for 149 NZD. Don’t rush through—spend a few days immersing yourself in the city’s cultural delights.

Dolphin and Whale Watching:

Whether from the Bay of Islands, Auckland, or South Island, New Zealand offers a prime location within migratory routes for dolphins and whales. Boat tours lasting around 4 hours cost 135-160 NZD per person. Witness sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales—best seen from October to March.

Skiing Excitement:

Winter months bring snow-covered mountains in the South Island, particularly around Queenstown and Wanaka, offering exceptional skiing experiences. Lift pass prices range from 105-140 NZD, varying based on location, transportation, equipment rentals, and duration.

Wellington Botanic Gardens Exploration:

Among the country’s most beloved gardens, the Wellington Botanic Gardens beckon with a vast native forest, an impressive international plant collection, a delightful rose garden, and landscaped areas featuring a duck pond, sculptures, a playground, and a café. Established in 1868, this sprawling 25-hectare (60-acre) park offers a serene setting for leisurely strolls or peaceful reading sessions. Entry is free, inviting visitors to revel in its natural beauty.

Christchurch Gondola Ride:

In Christchurch, indulge in a gondola ride up Mount Vaendish, providing a breathtaking panorama of the city. The 10-minute journey unveils unparalleled views. At the summit, a restaurant awaits for those seeking a bite amidst the stunning scenery. Many opt to walk back down (or up, for the fitness enthusiasts), a 45-minute endeavor. Tickets for the round trip cost 35 NZD. Wellington and Queenstown also offer gondola rides boasting magnificent city vistas.

Queenstown Enjoyment:

Dubbed the adventure capital, Queenstown is vibrant city bursting with thrilling outdoor activities, including the immensely popular bungy jumping. Its array of amazing restaurants and lively nightlife make it an irresistible destination. Fergburger, known for the best burgers in the country, is a must-visit. Prepare to extend your stay—Queenstown captivates everyone who ventures here.

Maori Cultural Show:

Understanding Maori culture, the indigenous people who settled in New Zealand from Polynesia in the 14th century, is integral to comprehending life in the country. Approximately 16% of New Zealand’s population is Maori, and their influence is evident in symbols and language throughout the country. Witness a Maori cultural show, often found in Rotorua, costing 150-245 NZD per person, encompassing a 3-4 hour experience with a meal.

Milford Sound Exploration:

Nestled in Fiordland, Milford Sound stands out as a majestic fjord showcasing the iconic Mitre Peak and lush rainforest surroundings. Waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls cascade down the mountains, while seal colonies and penguin habitats dot the fjord. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins. Explore by boat, visit the Milford Discovery Centre, and experience the Underwater Observatory to marvel at rare black coral and marine life. Cruises start from 59 NZD.

Wanaka Visit:

Wanaka, a resort town on South Island, sits by Lake Wanaka, embraced by snow-capped mountains. Explore Mount Aspiring National Park from here, featuring glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Wanaka Lake itself offers ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Nearby ski resorts like Treble Cone and Cardrona cater to skiers and snowboarders. For quirky fun, visit Puzzling World—a maze and sculpture gallery outside town.

Journey to Hobbiton:

Embark on a Middle Earth adventure with a visit to the Hobbiton movie set, famed for its role in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Tours, starting at 89 NZD, offer a drive through a sprawling sheep farm with stunning views over the Kaimai Ranges. Explore Bag End, wander among the charming hobbit holes, and savor the atmosphere at the Green Dragon Inn. A must-visit for LOTR enthusiasts despite the expected crowds.

Stewart Island Exploration:

Situated 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the South Island, Stewart Island boasts Rakiura National Park, covering over 85% of the island and drawing visitors for its hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Despite having only 28 kilometers (17 miles) of road, the island features 280 kilometers (175 miles) of walking tracks, ideal for short strolls, day hikes, and multi-day adventures. Traverse the three-day Rakiura Track to immerse yourself in Stewart Island’s natural beauty. Nearby Ulva Island serves as a predator-free bird sanctuary housing numerous native species. Accessing Stewart Island requires a ferry ride costing 89 NZD for a one-hour journey or a 15-minute flight from Invercargill, priced at 230 NZD for a return trip.

Scenic Rail Journey Relaxation:

New Zealand’s challenging landscapes have paved the way for remarkable rail journeys. Routes like the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine showcase remote national parks, picturesque coastlines, and rugged volcanic terrains. The TranzAlpine, which I experienced and highly recommend, takes you through mesmerizing landscapes—rivers, mountains, gorges, and vibrant green farmland. Tickets range from 169-219 NZD for a one-way journey, depending on the route and distance covered.

Wine Country Exploration:

New Zealand’s wine regions, spanning from sub-tropical Northland to Central Otago, host a variety of vineyards. Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, and Central Otago stand as signature wine regions. Opt for the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail—a tasting adventure across the grape-growing heartlands. Bus or bicycle tours are available if you don’t have a vehicle, priced around 120-170 NZD for half-day tours and starting at 200 NZD for full-day experiences.

Mount Cook National Park Visit:

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park houses towering mountains and extensive glaciers. The park, easily accessible via State Highway 80 to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village by Lake Pukaki, showcases 23 peaks over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) high. Stargazing here is exceptional, forming part of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. The area caters to mountaineers and offers enjoyable hikes with stunning vistas. Admission is free, allowing you to immerse yourself in this natural marvel.

Estimated tour cost:

Accommodation:

Hostels: Dorm beds range from 25-40 NZD per night, while private rooms start at 75 NZD, often closer to 100 NZD. Free Wi-Fi is common, but few hostels offer free breakfast. Many have kitchen facilities.
Budget Hotels: Starting around 75 NZD per night, but cheaper options might be farther from city centers or lack private bathrooms.
Airbnb: Private rooms start at around 65-85 NZD per night, while entire homes/apartments cost at least 120-150 NZD. Prices might double without advance booking.
Camping: Campgrounds begin at around 15 NZD per night. Department of Conservation sites often need advanced booking, especially during summer. Couchsurfing is prevalent.

Food:

Local Cuisine: Seafood, fish and chips, meat pies, and Maori hangi are common. Veg-friendly options are widespread.
Restaurant Meals: Inexpensive meals cost around 20-25 NZD, while a nicer dining experience with a drink might be around 50-60 NZD.
Fast Food: Combo meals like McDonald’s cost about 14 NZD, while Chinese, Thai, and Indian meals range from 15-20 NZD. Takeaway pizzas are around 10-15 NZD, and fish and chips cost 10-15 NZD.
Drinks: A beer is 9-10 NZD, a glass of wine is 12-15 NZD, a cocktail is 13-18 NZD, and a latte/cappuccino costs about 5 NZD. Bottled water is around 3 NZD.
Cooking Your Own Food: For self-cooked meals, plan to spend around 60-80 NZD per week on basics like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish. PaknSave is usually the cheapest supermarket, mainly found in big cities.

Getting around New Zealand:

Public Transportation: Buses are common in most towns and cities, with one-way fares starting from 2-3 NZD. Look for transit cards like Wellington’s Snapper card or Auckland’s AT HOP card to save on fares.
Backpacker Bus: Kiwi Experience and Stray Tours offer flexible hop-on/hop-off services for travelers. Prices vary based on tour duration, ranging from 85-4,999 NZD.
Trains: Three scenic train lines exist—Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. Though they offer picturesque journeys, they’re not the most practical for frequent travel. Ticket prices range from 99-219 NZD.
Buses: The best and most affordable way to travel. InterCity buses cover all towns with frequent departures. Booking in advance reduces costs significantly.
Flying: While not always cheap, Air New Zealand and Jetstar dominate domestic flights. Prices vary based on routes, typically ranging from 45-140 NZD for popular destinations.
Campervans and Car Rentals: Popular, especially for exploring the South Island’s natural beauty. Rental prices fluctuate depending on pickup/drop-off locations, duration, and booking timing, doubling during peak seasons.
Hitchhiking: Easy and common in NZ. Hostels are good places to find rides, and online resources like Carpool New Zealand and HitchWiki offer guidance and tips for hitchhikers.

Best time to visit New Zealand:

Summer (December-February): High season. Long sunny days, mild nights. Popular, with crowded attractions and higher prices. Average daytime temps: 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Fall (March-May): Ideal. Crowds thin out, prices drop, and weather remains pleasant. Some areas, like Auckland, still enjoy warm temperatures.
Winter (June-August): Great for snow sports enthusiasts. Queenstown and Central Plateau offer winter wonderlands. South Island temperatures can dip to 0°C (30°F).
Spring (September-November): Pleasant, especially in the South Island. No particular bad time to visit, depends on preferred activities.

Consider the shoulder seasons (fall and spring) for budget-friendly travel due to reduced crowds and costs, even though New Zealand can be expensive overall.