New Zealand is an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two large islands (South Island and North Island) and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is a country of incredible natural beauty, including the filming locations for the world-famous movie The Lord of the Rings, and offers a wide range of activities, including trekking up volcanoes, camping, skiing, fishing, and more.
1. New Zealand Quick Facts
Language English
Religion Catholic / Christian
Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Visa Visa free access (with NZeTA) for many nationalities
Power Plugs 230V, 50Hz, (I Type)
Capital Wellington
ATM
There are plenty of ATMs, including Westpac, ASB, ANZ, and NZ Post Office. Visa, Mastercard, and international credit cards are easily withdrawn. Fees vary depending on the card type, but are around N$4-5.
Use card
Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. However, in markets and small, privately owned shops and restaurants, debit cards and cash are often the only forms of payment accepted, so it’s a good idea to bring plenty of change.
APP
Google Maps
Track My Bus APP
AT Bus APP
UT Uber
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
Sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher
3. Transportation
Rent a Car
Outside of the city center, buses and rail are not widely available, so renting a car is a great way to get around.
Public transport
Public transportation in New Zealand includes buses and railroads. However, due to the small population compared to the large land mass, public transportation is not very well developed due to cost.
Auckland’s transportation card, the AT HOP Card (NZ$5), offers a 50% discount on youth fares for those 24 and under.
Queenstown : Bee Card (NZ$5 to get)
Christchurch : Metro Card (NZ$5 to get)
Buses
Buses are the most popular form of transportation in New Zealand, and there are various schemes in place to improve public transportation, including express buses and transit schemes.
Using a card can save you money over paying cash in most cases. Daily maximum fares apply and discounted fares are available.
Taxis
Fares from Auckland Airport to the city center (CBD) range from NZD38 to 75 depending on the type of taxi, with the base fare for an Auckland taxi being NZD1.97.
Uber is cheaper than taxis, so we recommend using the UT Uber APP.
4. Safety
New Zealand has one of the best public safety records in the world.
However, there are a lot of thieves, and they don’t leave packages outside, especially if there is anything of value in the car, they will break the window and take it.
5. Climate
New Zealand has an oceanic climate, with average temperatures of around 20°C (68°F) in January and around 11°C (52°F) in July. Temperatures decrease as you travel south, and the central North Island has cooler temperatures due to its alpine terrain and large lakes. June through September is the rainy season and winds are strong, so waterproof clothing and hats rather than umbrellas are recommended.
6. price
Vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy, and wine are inexpensive, but the overall cost of living is high. In Queenstown, a popular tourist destination, most prices are well above the New Zealand average.
Gasoline (1 liter): NZ$ 2.80
McDonald’s Combo Meal: NZ$ 14
Water (1.5 liters): NZ$ 1.80
Milk (1 liter): NZ$ 3.00
7. Travel precautions
Eating and drinking on public transportation is not allowed.
When using public transportation in New Zealand, there are special seats that have been introduced to accommodate people with disabilities. Please do not sit in them and leave them empty for those who are less able. I go on a lot of fishing trips in New Zealand and there is a limit to how much seafood you can take, so be aware of this and make sure you don’t break it.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
If you make eye contact with someone on the street or in an elevator, simply say hello.
It is impolite to overcharge for goods in New Zealand.
You should be punctual and it is considered very rude to be late.
Don’t touch children because they are cute, or you could be mistaken for a hostage taker or molester.
Tip
Generally, tipping is not required as the service charge, GST (15%), is included in the price.
9. Holidays
2024 National Public Holidays:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
2 Jan Tue Day after New Year’s Day
22 Jan Mon Wellington Anniversary Day
29 Jan Mon Auckland Anniversary Day
29 Jan Mon Nelson Anniversary Day
6 Feb Tue Waitangi Day
11 Mar Mon Taranaki Anniversary Day
25 Mar Mon Otago Anniversary Day
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
1 Apr Mon Easter Monday
2 Apr Tue Southland Anniversary Day
25 Apr Thu Anzac Day
3 Jun Mon King’s Birthday
28 Jun Fri Matariki
23 Sep Mon South Canterbury Anniversary Day
25 Oct Fri Hawkes’ Bay Anniversary Day
28 Oct Mon Labour Day
4 Nov Mon Marlborough Anniversary Day
15 Nov Fri Canterbury Anniversary Day
2 Dec Mon Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
2 Dec Mon Westland Anniversary Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
Thursday, 2 January: Day after New Year’s Day
Monday, 20 January: Wellington Anniversary Day
Monday, 27 January: Auckland Anniversary Day
Monday, 3 February: Nelson Anniversary Day
Thursday, 6 February: Waitangi Day
Monday, 10 March: Taranaki Anniversary Day
Monday, 24 March: Otago Anniversary Day
Friday, 18 April: Good Friday
Monday, 21 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday, 22 April: Southland Anniversary Day
Friday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Monday, 2 June: King’s Birthday
Friday, 20 June: Matariki
Monday, 22 September : South Canterbury Anniversary Day
Friday, 24 October: Hawkes’ Bay Anniversary Day
Monday, 27 October: Labour Day
Monday, 3 November: Marlborough Anniversary Day
Friday, 14 November: Canterbury Anniversary Day
Monday, 1 December: Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Monday, 1 December: Westland Anniversary Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day
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