Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to New Zealand

Updated on Feb 07, 2023 | New Zealand eTA

So you're arranging an excursion to New Zealand or Aotearoa aka Land of Long White Cloud. It's an extraordinary little nation to have an undertaking in. Regardless of whether you need to evaluate some of New Zealand's experience sports, visit a portion of the nation's striking wineries, experience the prevalent rugby culture, climb probably the most wonderful tracks on the planet, or essentially become mixed up in the zone's "no stresses" frame of mind, there's adequate adventure in store for you.

In any case, with such huge numbers of choices, how would you pick what to see, where to go, and what to do? Once you have secured you New Zealand eTA visa (NZeTA) as a first time visitor you may want to explore these cities.

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city. It's regularly alluded to as "the City of Sails" because of its enormous harbor and tremendous number of boats that can be seen on the water during the great endured months (which are numerous in this northern city). Investigate the city by transport or by walking, making a point to visit the waterfront and go for a walk down Queen Street.

Derailed

For a really interesting day trip, pursue a visit to "Hobbiton," the film set that was utilized in Peter Jackson's "Ruler of the Rings" set of three. Situated in the community of Matamata, Hobbiton is a simple 2-hour drive from Auckland. On the off chance that you book through Red Carpet Tours, expect a lot of off camera stories and impressions.

Rotorua

Situated close to the focal point of New Zealand's north island, Rotorua is best known for its geothermal movement and Maori social contributions. Book a visit to Wai-O-Tapu and the Lady Knox Geyer to get your fill of regular marvels, and after that visit Tamaki Village or Te Puia for a Maori social festival and customary hangi – supper that is smoked in an earthen broiler.

On the off chance that you have time, make the short voyage to Taupo from Rotorua. Taupo is a little city that sits on the shore of the incomparable Lake Taupo, with perspectives on three of New Zealand's most remarkable volcanoes – Mt. Tongariro, Mt. Ruapehu, and Mt. Ngauruhoe. Taupo and its encompasses are said to have probably the best trout angling on the planet.

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand's political and social capital. The city is arranged appropriate on the southern tip of the nation's north island, and is portrayed by its energetic harbor, bumpy scene and peculiar environment. Go through an evening finding out about New Zealand's history at Te Papa – the nation's (free!) national historical center – at that point head further downtown for a voyage through the nation's Parliament structures, one of which is nicknamed "The Beehive."

Get something to eat on the socially imbued Cuba Street, go for a walk along the waterfront, and head to Courtenay Place after dull for an enthusiastic nightlife scene. For a bird's-eye perspective on the city, either take the memorable link vehicle up to the greenhouses, or take a transport to the post on Mount Victoria.

Christchurch

Christchurch, the biggest city on New Zealand's south island, is regularly alluded to as "the Garden City." The city is flooding with greenery and blossoms, alongside a lot of fascinating places of worship and engineering. Visit Cathedral Square, take a trolley voyage through the city, or even go punting (have a similar outlook as a gondola ride) on the waterway Avon. After you have received a New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) here is what you need to know before you visit our beautiful country.

New Zealand’s Weather

New Zealand's climate is broadly unusual, and local people say you can get 4 seasons in a single day. Fortunately whenever is the "best time" to visit – regardless of whether you need to go surfing in summer or skiing in the winter, there's bounty to see and do whenever of year.

Spring: September to November. Normal temperature: 16–19 °C.
Summer: December to February. Normal temperature: 20–25 °C.
Harvest time: March to May. Normal temperature: 17–21 °C.
Winter: June to August. Normal temperature: 12–16 °C.

Cost to Stay and Lodge

In New Zealand you can locate a wide scope of facilities, from hiker cabins to five-star inns, however you can hope to pay somewhere in the range of S$150 and $230 (160–240 NZD) for a twofold room at a mid-extend lodging. A fundamental course at a mid-run café will normally run from S$18 to $30 (20–32 NZD). Your movement spending plan should contemplate these normal expenses.

You may want to pursue the following pastimes after you are visiting New Zealand for the first time on your New Zealand eTA (NZeTA).

 

Rugby

Rugby is New Zealand's national game, and the kiwis are strong cheerers of their national group. In the event that you've never observed rugby played, get situated by observing one of the world's best groups in real life.

Sail through Milford Sound

Regardless of whether you visit this characteristic marvel on a uniquely sunny morning or on an increasingly regular wet one, Milford Sound is staggering. Tall mountains ascend out of the ocean, and, when it's sprinkling, several cascades empty down into the dull water. At the point when it's bright, the blues and greens will blow your mind.

Fly over Southern Alps

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound (or the other way around), taking in the snow-topped pinnacles and completely clear mountain lakes. It makes for a costly evening, yet I guarantee it's justified, despite all the trouble.

Road Tripping

Take an excursion from Dunedin to Invercargill, being certain to wind along the bank of New Zealand's south island through the Southern Scenic Route. You'll go through a region known as the Catlins, where wind-cleared beach front scenes will rapidly deplete your camera battery.

You may want to indulge in the Adventure Sporting capital of the world after you New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) has been emailed to you and your bags are packed for New Zealand.

Adventure Sports

Zorbing, Bungee, Skydiving, White water surfing

This insane game was purportedly imagined in New Zealand, and A.J. Hackett bungee administrators won't let you overlook it. There are various spots to bungee crosswise over New Zealand, however for the first detect (the Kawarau Bridge) and some really alarm inciting locales, head to Queenstown.

Head to Rotorua for this kooky experience. You jump into what resembles a goliath plastic hamster ball, and after that you tumble down a slope. It's an impact.

Dash through tight ravines at high speeds and draw 360-degree turns in a pontoon that skims along the highest point of the water. Once more, you can jetboat the whole way across New Zealand, however the best activity is the Shotover Jet in Queenstown.

Need to hop out of a plane? New Zealand offers a lot of chance to do only that. Some prominent spots to skydive are the Bay of Islands, Taupo with its lake and volcanoes, picturesque Wanaka, and, obviously, Queenstown.

Disregard wilderness boating. Rather, coast over those rapids on a changed boogie-board. This Queenstown-based experience game isn't for the physically unfit, however it's unquestionably a surge!

Please remember to apply for a New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) 72 hours in advance of your flight or cruise ship departure at this online form and apply online.

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements as mentioned here and have a credit card, debit card or paypal account to pay online.

American Citizens can check their eligibility for New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) at Eligibility for US Citizens and Cruise Ship passengers can check their eligibility at Eligibility for Cruise Ship passengers.


Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, Canadian citizens, German citizens, and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.

Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.