Do you feel like you are more than ready to explore an absolutely new world? Do you feel like you have energy, ideas, a vision that need to be unleashed?
Then, you need to discover more about New Zealand and add visiting this place into your bucket list.
Best places to visit in New Zealand
Auckland and The Northland
Auckland and the Northland have lots to offer. Take to the water in the ‘City of Sails’ and enjoy 360˚ views with a drink at Auckland’s Sky Tower or do the Sky Jump and get your adrenaline pumping. Zip Line through Waiheke Island or get your hiking boots on and explore Waitakere Ranges. Swim with dolphins at the Bay of Islands and venture to Cape Reinga to see two oceans collide.
Wellington and Marlborough
Wellington is New Zealand’s culinary and cultural capital and boasts the most visited museum in the southern hemisphere, Te Papa. Ride the old-school Wellington Cable Car, then sit back, relax and pour yourself a nice glass of New Zealand’s finest wine. Explore the Marlborough region and take the ferry through Marlborough Sounds to the South Island for spectacular views.
Hobbiton and Rotorua
At Hobbiton you can step into the Shire and get in touch with your inner Frodo at the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie set. Or give your skin a break from all that sunbathing and soak in the hot springs and mud pools of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia to learn more about Maori culture or put your swim vest on for the highest raft-able waterfall at the Kaituna River.
Queenstown and Milford Sound
There are many different ways to get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown: hang-gliding, skydiving, rafting or mountain biking are just a few of them. Hike up Bob’s Peak and ride the Skyline Gondola for picturesque vistas. The town is also popular amongst skiers and snowboarders during winter. At Milford Sound you can spot playful seals and dolphins from a catamaran and trek through Fjordland.
Fast facts
Language – English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. You may also hear other languages spoken, including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand.
Currency – People use New Zealand dollars. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers’ Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks, and some stores.
Get about – You can easily catch a taxi, but a trusty Uber is the better option.
Public transport – Buses are the usual mode of transport used to get around any city in New Zealand, and the average price of a one-way ticket is $2.
Places to stay – In New Zealand hostels average cost is around $20-$30 per night. Staying at the hotel a nightly rate will be starting at $120.
New Zealand Hour – New Zealand time is 12 horas ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight savings occurs from the end of September to the end of March where the clock is put forward, and hour during these months.
Driving in New Zealand – It is important to remember that in New Zealand you drive on the LEFT side of the ride. Most car rental companies will ask you for an international driver’s license and will only hire vehicles to those over 21.
New Zealand Health, Medical, and Insurance – Before traveling to New Zealand review the following health and safety facts. New Zealand is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. However, you are advised to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home. It is recommended to invest in comprehensive travel insurance before departing.
Shopping Hours – Shops are generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm from and on Saturdays from 10am a 2pm. Some shops are open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays (Late night shopping).
Banks – Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30 pm. There are some banks that open on Saturday morning too.
Climate – New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. New Zealand’s climate is dominated by two main geographical features: the mountains and the sea.
Arrivals and Departures – New Zealand’s international airports are at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown, and Dunedin.
New Zealand Shopping and Entertainment – New Zealand has many vibrant shopping malls, markets, and towns. We have a vast variety of music, concert, and theatre entertainment to suit everyone. New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores.
Visas – At the moment, citizens from over 50 countries do not require a visitor’s visa to New Zealand if they plan to stay for less than 3 months.
Some important details on how to visit New Zealand
In order to feel secure about everything, it is always better to know all the details and conditions in advance. In order to enter the country, you will have to get a visa.
According to the different purposes of traveling, there are several visa types offered by the government.
- visit
- study
- work
- live permanently
- join a family
- start a business or invest
The application process
1. Gather documents
Preparing an application varies in complexity. For most visas, you’ll need to get all the evidence together before you submit your application.
2. Submit application
Many visas can be applied for online. Others need to be sent to the government with the application forms, your passport, and other supporting documents.
3. Wait for a visa decision
Your application will be assessed as soon as we can. You may be asked for more information if needed and will let you know about your visa as soon as it’s decided.
4. Arrive in New Zealand
If you’re not already in New Zealand you can now come to visit, invest, work, study or live permanently.
New Zealand is a beautiful country and a must-do for any travel holiday.
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