For many travellers, New Zealand is the kind of destination that appears on their bucket list. It is known for its natural beauty, its friendly people and its rich culture. When a country has that much to offer, it can be difficult to plan your trip. It almost becomes overwhelming because you want to be sure you’re making the most of your time there, especially if you only have a week or two of holidays. With that said, here are four essential tips to apply when planning a trip to New Zealand.
Do You Have Your New Zealand ETA?
Before you get too excited about your trip, did you know you’ll need to apply for the New Zealand ETA? What is a New Zealand ETA? The New Zealand ETA is an electronic travel authority, which is essentially a travel visa that allows for multiple entries during your permitted travel stay. The good news is that you can apply for it online, so the process is quick and simple. This travel requirement came into effect back in October 2019.
Know the Best Time to Travel
Just like every other destination, there are ideal times to travel to New Zealand and other times you may want to avoid. Generally speaking, the summer months are the best time to visit New Zealand which is December to March. Keep in mind this is peak travel season, so you can expect more tourists at the big attractions and sights. During this time of year, temperatures range from 16°C to 24°C making it perfect for getting outdoors and exploring. This is also the best time if you plan on visiting any of the beaches.
If you visit during the winter months, just know that snow is common on the South Island and in the typical mountainous regions on the North Island. But even during the winter, the temperatures don’t dip too low so you can still be outdoors exploring. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, winter tends to be the most affordable time of year.
Consider How Far Each Destination Is from One Another
A common mistake that travellers make, especially first-time travellers to New Zealand, is to pack too much into the itinerary. You may want to see a handful of sights in different regions, but you need to factor travel time in. The more you travel around, the less time you will have in that particular area. You may wish to build your itinerary in one or two regions, and then explore other areas on a future trip.
Prepare to Unplug from the Internet
If you’re used to travelling to destinations with excellent Internet connections, you’ll be in for a surprise when you arrive in New Zealand. The country is known for having very spotty, if not lousy internet connections. So prepare to unplug, maybe not by choice.
Learning all you can about New Zealand before your trip will ensure you’re an informed traveller who makes the very best of your time there.
