When planning a vacation in New Zealand, there are several things you need to consider. You should know how much a trip will cost, when to go, and which islands are worth seeing. Then, you’ll be prepared for any issues that may arise during your trip. In addition, you’ll want to include some time to stop and enjoy scenic views along the way.
Highlights of a Vacation In New Zealand
New Zealand is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, ranging from massive glaciers and underground cave systems to stunning cities and hidden nooks and crannies. It also has amazing wildlife, including flightless birds such as kiwi and kakapo. This beautiful country has something for everyone to experience.
Auckland is home to the iconic Sky Tower, which rises 192 meters above the ground. The city is also home to the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, which is the only bridge you can climb in New Zealand. Blockbuster films are also a big business here.
Film lovers can check out the Weta Workshop Unleashed, an interactive filmmaking museum, in the entertainment precinct Skycity. It features interactive exhibits, including an alien autopsy.
The Coromandel Peninsula is also an excellent destination. The region features picturesque beaches and rocky shorelines.
The peninsula also has volcanic hills that rise out of the sea. It is a perfect location for a scenic hike, and there is a breathtaking waterfall here. You’ll also get to see the famous Mitre Peak, which towers over the bay.
While in the country, hikers can also go on a guided hike to the iconic Split Apple Rock. The hike takes three days, and the accommodation can vary from rustic huts to plush private lodges. Alternatively, you can hire a sea kayak to explore the coastline.
If you’d like to take a more adventurous trip, you can also visit the stunning Aoraki National Park. Aoraki, or Mount Cook, is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, and the Tasman Glacier is located within it. This park is also the site where Sir Edmund Hillary trained.
The North Island of New Zealand is known for its picturesque landscape, while the South Island is an adventure paradise.
If you’re traveling with your family, Queenstown is a great destination for you. Christchurch is home to some of the country’s best street art. Queenstown, on the other hand, is a fantastic spot to go hiking or taking the scenic TranzAlpine train.
The city of Auckland is another must-see on any trip to New Zealand. This city is home to the country’s largest airport and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s a great place to try out some water sports or take a boat ride to see some wildlife. It’s easy to get around, and the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Cost of a trip to New Zealand
There are many ways to cut the cost of a trip to New Zealand. First, you can opt for self-catering accommodation, if possible. Alternatively, you can choose a hostel with a shared kitchen. It is important to note that eating out every night can really cut into your travel budget.
As a result, a budget of $35 per day would be an appropriate amount to spend on food, with room for occasional splurges. In addition, alcohol is expensive in New Zealand, so add a little extra for this.
While many tourists flock to New Zealand for its free-spirited nature and gorgeous scenery, the country can also be expensive. Adventure sports like bungee jumping and white-water rafting can set you back hundreds of dollars. However, hiking and exploring natural sights is a great way to save money without sacrificing comfort.
As New Zealand is far from major transportation hubs, flights can be expensive. However, you can reduce your costs by travelling outside of high season, during a less busy time of year, or by choosing a more economical month to fly. The cheapest month to fly to New Zealand is May.
Another way to cut the cost of a trip to New Zealand is by using credit cards to offset your costs. The best thing you can do is to plan your trip ahead of time and apply your credit card rewards to your trip. It will not only cut your costs, but will also give you more choices.
The cost of a trip to New Zealand depends on where you are coming from and how long you want to stay in the country. A standard economy class ticket to New Zealand will cost you around $1300 – $1900 NZD (US) per person, return. You should also keep in mind that flights are generally more expensive during holiday and high seasons.
While New Zealand is not cheap, you can make your trip affordable by cooking your own food, choosing your accommodation wisely, and travelling slowly. This way, you can explore a place in more depth. Moreover, you can enjoy the country’s breathtaking landscapes and attractions while staying within your budget.
Best time of year to visit
The summer season in New Zealand is the most popular time of year to visit, but there are several other good months to visit. While March and April are warm and pleasant for the most part, September and October can still be cold and wintry.
These months are less crowded than spring and summer, and are also the time when you can find lower airfare and lower prices. You can also catch the autumn colors in Central Otago and Christchurch.
Summer in New Zealand can be very hot, but it’s rare that you’ll feel uncomfortable in this climate. The temperatures can climb up to a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but they’re still comfortable. The temperature is also mild during the evenings, with temperatures ranging between 15C/59F and 8C/39F.
September and October have moderate temperatures, but there’s a low chance of a freak snowstorm during these months.
October also has a high number of sunny days, making it an excellent time to enjoy the countryside and the beautiful views. For photographers, October is also a good time to snap the scenery rejuvenated by spring. However, the high rainfall during this time makes it difficult to travel by road.
Autumn in New Zealand is milder than summer and offers long evenings. It’s also a great time to explore the mountainous parts of the country, since temperatures are much cooler than coastal areas and lower elevations. However, summer can be too hot for some travelers, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
December is another month with warmer temperatures. While many people come to New Zealand for the New Year, you can avoid the busy end of December.
This is also when the country celebrates Boxing Day, which is a New Zealand holiday. In December, the wildflowers and lupins are still in bloom.
In the spring, temperatures remain relatively mild, although temperatures drop faster in the South. However, summer temperatures can be unpredictable, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Although temperatures are still comfortable, you’ll find that the crowds are much smaller than during July and August. Moreover, you’ll have better weather and fewer people, which is especially beneficial for photographers.
