New Zealand

Have you ever watched a great adventure movie and dreamt about being there with the protagonists to explore those wonderful lands?
Chances are that the movie was shot in New Zealand and guess what? Yes, you can visit it! No wonder why movies such as The Lord of the Rings, Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia were shot in this country. New Zealand is one of the most diverse countries on Earth in regard to landscapes. From geysers to glaciers and fjords, New Zealand is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor activities! But there’s more. Here you will learn about the traditions and habits of the Maori people, you will try the many local species of seafood while enjoying the delicious wine of Marlborough and, at the end of a long day, you will be able to camp in one of the many breathtaking landscapes that New Zealand has to offer. If the idea of another long cold winter in the UK gives you the chills, pack everything and buy a ticket for the land where December is synonymous with summer! If you are planning a holiday to New Zealand, you need to go through our guide below to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey.
Matamata
Matamata, New Zealand: A nearby farm was the location for the Hobbiton Movie Set in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. For this reason, the Visitor Center of Matamata was built accordingly.

 

 

View Mount Taranaki (Egmont) in the clear sky.

New Zealand is divided into two different islands simply called North Island, where three-quarters of the total population lives, and South Island. On the North Island, you will find the gorgeous Mount Taranaki and the famous Frying Pan Lake, a thermal lake full of steaming water! If you are here you cannot miss the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, a cave with a population of blue glowing worms that can only be found in New Zealand! The remaining part of the country, South Island, also has its natural wonders. Milford Sound is one of its most popular areas famous for its wonderful fjords and great waterfalls. Queenstown is another famous region mainly known for its gorgeous mountains. New Zealand is also home to approximately 80 volcanos and is, therefore, the perfect spot for a volcanic excursion!

Kaituna River, Rotorua, New Zealand, April 03, 2021. Whitewater rafting – Tourists being guided down the first rapid.

Kiwis frequently make jokes about the fact that in New Zealand you can experience all four seasons in one day, so be prepared! On the North Island, you will usually find subtropical weather, while some areas on the South Island can sometimes reach -10°C. However, on average, temperatures tend to be mild all year round. In general, the further south you go, the colder it gets. Lastly, we cannot forget that New Zealand is situated in the southern hemisphere and therefore seasons are reversed. But when is the best period to visit New Zealand? Most people visit the country during the summer, from December to February, when temperatures swing from 20 to 25°C. However, if you want to go during the low season, choose fall, from March to May. During this period, temperatures are between 17°C to 21°C and you won’t find too many tourists. 

 As said, New Zealand is famous for its crazy and unpredictable weather so smart layering is the only solution. Make sure to bring with you a light sweater and a rain jacket, especially at high altitudes. Remember that New Zealand is the perfect country where to experience some outdoors activities so don’t forget a good pair of trekking shoes and swimming gear! It’s always a smart idea to pack something to cover your head, such as a hat, as the sun can be very intense. In addition, don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

Perfect homemade juicy Beef Wellington, tenderloin dish 

seafood is a must in New Zealand! You will find plenty of local species such as hoki, gurnard, hake, crayfish, hapuku and paua cooked in all sorts of ways, from steamed to fried and battered. If you’re not a big fan of fish you can try the typical roasted lamb, one of their many savoury meat pies or a kiwi style burger. If you like honey, don’t miss the strong flavour of manuka honey, a type of honey produced by the nectar of the manuka tree. For a complete Maori experience you cannot miss ‘hangi’ cooking, an indigenous cooking practice that consists of using heated rocks buried in a pit oven to warm up and cook meals. In the past, fish and kumara (a local type of sweet potato) used to be cooked with this method, but nowadays you will also be able to try cabbage, lamb, pork and pumpkin. 

AUCKLAND: People walk on the streets during a night out at Ponsonby Central – a popular outdoor center of cafes, bars, and markets with gourmet food vendors in Auckland, New Zealand.

Kiwis tend to wear casual clothing for most occasions. Although some cafes and restaurants have a dress code, most of the time this tends to be smart casual. Men are rarely required to wear a suit and ties so don’t pack too much. As said, New Zealand is famous for its crazy and unpredictable weather so smart layering is the only solution. Make sure to bring with you a light sweater and a rain jacket, especially at high altitudes. Remember that New Zealand is the perfect country where to experience some outdoor activities so don’t forget a good pair of trekking shoes and swimming gear! It’s always a smart idea to pack something to cover your head, such as a hat, as the sun can be very intense. In addition, don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

Stack of different New Zealand Dollar Banknotes

The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar approximately 0.52 pounds. Prices are quite expensive and can be compared to European ones. For instance, a night in a hostel will cost you around 18.00 to 25.00 pounds, while a double room in a hotel is around 50 to 90 pounds per night. If you want to travel on a budget, you can easily find camping sites for around 10 pounds. Food prices are also close to European ones, a coffee will cost you around 2.50 pounds, breakfast is around 4.00 and a whole meal ranges from 8.00 to 16.00 pounds. A smart way of saving some money is to go off-season when prices tend to be lower. 

Wellington, New Zealand  – Sculpture of Gollum from the movie The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbits display in Wellington International Airport

In regard to languages, English is the main one spoken on both islands. However, some indigenous people, especially on the North Island, still speak Maori. A little curiosity: New Zealand was the first country that adopted sign language as an official language leading the way for many other countries. 

Waitangi, New Zeland, North Island, Maori warriors with tattoos, celebrating Waitangi Day, the anniversary of the treaty of Waitangi between the British government and the Maori

New Zealanders are pretty casual, easy-going, and friendly. They don’t like confrontation and have a hard time saying ‘no’ so try your best not to put them in this position. They love sports and they have one of the best rugby teams in the world. For them, Rugby is not just a sport but a lifestyle so make sure to watch a match during your stay! Of course, when talking about New Zealand’s culture we cannot forget the Haka dance. Haka is the traditional Maori war dance, even though nowadays it’s performed on all sorts of occasions from marriages to birthday parties and funerals. Everyone knows one form of it and it’s performed by both men and women. 

New Zealand passport with New Zealand flag, Citizenship by Investment

As a UK citizen, you won’t need a Visa to visit New Zealand, however, you will have to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). The whole process is going to cost you around 25.00 pounds and will take at least three days. Once arrived in New Zealand you will also have to satisfy the different Immigration Officer’ requirements to enter the country without a Visa, such as having a return flight ticket and proof that you have enough money for your stay. Remember that your passport needs to have at least three months validity after the date of exit from New Zealand.

White PowerPoint outlet socket (3 pins NW AUS type) with switch on and person’s fingers inserting/removing a black plug

Now you’re ready to pack! But remember, Kiwis use the type I plug outlet for their electronic devices, so make sure to buy an adapter to avoid a mental crisis in the middle of your trip!

Why travel to New Zealand?
Matamata
Matamata, New Zealand: A nearby farm was the location for the Hobbiton Movie Set in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. For this reason, the Visitor Center of Matamata was built accordingly.

 

 

Location and Geography
View Mount Taranaki (Egmont) in the clear sky.

New Zealand is divided into two different islands simply called North Island, where three-quarters of the total population lives, and South Island. On the North Island, you will find the gorgeous Mount Taranaki and the famous Frying Pan Lake, a thermal lake full of steaming water! If you are here you cannot miss the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, a cave with a population of blue glowing worms that can only be found in New Zealand! The remaining part of the country, South Island, also has its natural wonders. Milford Sound is one of its most popular areas famous for its wonderful fjords and great waterfalls. Queenstown is another famous region mainly known for its gorgeous mountains. New Zealand is also home to approximately 80 volcanos and is, therefore, the perfect spot for a volcanic excursion!

Climate and weather
Kaituna River, Rotorua, New Zealand, April 03, 2021. Whitewater rafting – Tourists being guided down the first rapid.

Kiwis frequently make jokes about the fact that in New Zealand you can experience all four seasons in one day, so be prepared! On the North Island, you will usually find subtropical weather, while some areas on the South Island can sometimes reach -10°C. However, on average, temperatures tend to be mild all year round. In general, the further south you go, the colder it gets. Lastly, we cannot forget that New Zealand is situated in the southern hemisphere and therefore seasons are reversed. But when is the best period to visit New Zealand? Most people visit the country during the summer, from December to February, when temperatures swing from 20 to 25°C. However, if you want to go during the low season, choose fall, from March to May. During this period, temperatures are between 17°C to 21°C and you won’t find too many tourists. 

 As said, New Zealand is famous for its crazy and unpredictable weather so smart layering is the only solution. Make sure to bring with you a light sweater and a rain jacket, especially at high altitudes. Remember that New Zealand is the perfect country where to experience some outdoors activities so don’t forget a good pair of trekking shoes and swimming gear! It’s always a smart idea to pack something to cover your head, such as a hat, as the sun can be very intense. In addition, don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

Cuisine
Perfect homemade juicy Beef Wellington, tenderloin dish 

seafood is a must in New Zealand! You will find plenty of local species such as hoki, gurnard, hake, crayfish, hapuku and paua cooked in all sorts of ways, from steamed to fried and battered. If you’re not a big fan of fish you can try the typical roasted lamb, one of their many savoury meat pies or a kiwi style burger. If you like honey, don’t miss the strong flavour of manuka honey, a type of honey produced by the nectar of the manuka tree. For a complete Maori experience you cannot miss ‘hangi’ cooking, an indigenous cooking practice that consists of using heated rocks buried in a pit oven to warm up and cook meals. In the past, fish and kumara (a local type of sweet potato) used to be cooked with this method, but nowadays you will also be able to try cabbage, lamb, pork and pumpkin. 

Clothing and Dress
AUCKLAND: People walk on the streets during a night out at Ponsonby Central – a popular outdoor center of cafes, bars, and markets with gourmet food vendors in Auckland, New Zealand.

Kiwis tend to wear casual clothing for most occasions. Although some cafes and restaurants have a dress code, most of the time this tends to be smart casual. Men are rarely required to wear a suit and ties so don’t pack too much. As said, New Zealand is famous for its crazy and unpredictable weather so smart layering is the only solution. Make sure to bring with you a light sweater and a rain jacket, especially at high altitudes. Remember that New Zealand is the perfect country where to experience some outdoor activities so don’t forget a good pair of trekking shoes and swimming gear! It’s always a smart idea to pack something to cover your head, such as a hat, as the sun can be very intense. In addition, don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

Currency
Stack of different New Zealand Dollar Banknotes

The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar approximately 0.52 pounds. Prices are quite expensive and can be compared to European ones. For instance, a night in a hostel will cost you around 18.00 to 25.00 pounds, while a double room in a hotel is around 50 to 90 pounds per night. If you want to travel on a budget, you can easily find camping sites for around 10 pounds. Food prices are also close to European ones, a coffee will cost you around 2.50 pounds, breakfast is around 4.00 and a whole meal ranges from 8.00 to 16.00 pounds. A smart way of saving some money is to go off-season when prices tend to be lower. 

Language
Wellington, New Zealand  – Sculpture of Gollum from the movie The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbits display in Wellington International Airport

In regard to languages, English is the main one spoken on both islands. However, some indigenous people, especially on the North Island, still speak Maori. A little curiosity: New Zealand was the first country that adopted sign language as an official language leading the way for many other countries. 

Culture
Waitangi, New Zeland, North Island, Maori warriors with tattoos, celebrating Waitangi Day, the anniversary of the treaty of Waitangi between the British government and the Maori

New Zealanders are pretty casual, easy-going, and friendly. They don’t like confrontation and have a hard time saying ‘no’ so try your best not to put them in this position. They love sports and they have one of the best rugby teams in the world. For them, Rugby is not just a sport but a lifestyle so make sure to watch a match during your stay! Of course, when talking about New Zealand’s culture we cannot forget the Haka dance. Haka is the traditional Maori war dance, even though nowadays it’s performed on all sorts of occasions from marriages to birthday parties and funerals. Everyone knows one form of it and it’s performed by both men and women. 

Passport & Visa
New Zealand passport with New Zealand flag, Citizenship by Investment

As a UK citizen, you won’t need a Visa to visit New Zealand, however, you will have to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). The whole process is going to cost you around 25.00 pounds and will take at least three days. Once arrived in New Zealand you will also have to satisfy the different Immigration Officer’ requirements to enter the country without a Visa, such as having a return flight ticket and proof that you have enough money for your stay. Remember that your passport needs to have at least three months validity after the date of exit from New Zealand.

Electricity & Plugs
White PowerPoint outlet socket (3 pins NW AUS type) with switch on and person’s fingers inserting/removing a black plug

Now you’re ready to pack! But remember, Kiwis use the type I plug outlet for their electronic devices, so make sure to buy an adapter to avoid a mental crisis in the middle of your trip!

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