Learn what to see on your visit to New Zealand, based on
our experiences and recommendations.
We have found travel around New Zealand to be far different than our travels in any other location, such as Europe, America and tropical locations like the Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico. Sure, you drive on the "wrong" side of the road here--that being the left side, which is no longer the wrong side to us--the steering mechanism is on the the left side of the car, camping out for weeks on end is a primary way to see the country, hitchhiking is permitted and common, and environmentalism is the country's religion.
Here's some practical advice about travelling here:
For those of you who take regular trips to Europe or someplace tropical think twice before packing your Manolo Blaniks, your best dress for dinner out, or too many versions of too many pieces of clothing. You'll not find dressing up here to be a big deal, people are very laid back and don't judge you on the quality of your clothing or the number of suitcases you've brought. Dressy is often quite casual.
Less is more in New Zealand, in all regards. That is one of the reasons the place is so damn charming! Don't bring four pairs of shoes, don't bring your entire closet, be practical!
You drive on the left side of the road. Fine, easy. However, driving around the country is completely different than driving in the U.S. or in Europe where there are major highways. The larger roads here are still two lane roads that wind and weave and never go straight. Driving from one place to another takes a great deal more time than you're probably used to. We have travelled in Ireland as well, and of all the places we would equate New Zealand driving to, it would be Ireland, for what that's worth--if you 've been there!
Take a good look at the road indicated in the picture, cuz that's what you'll be seeing in 90 percent of the country. It's 100kph maximum and patrolled either by cop cars or cameras. Pay attention to your guidebook's advice about driving in this country, and heed it! It takes longer, but it is well worth it.
There is no "Kiwi cuisine." Don't expect to come here for the food, there is no standard food. The only food you will find in abundance that I would call Kiwi are the pies; however I have come to learn that you can find these type of pies in the U.K. as well so I am not sure if even these are completely Kiwi. But with all the immigrants from around the world, you'll find a wealth of choice in most medium and large cities.
Most people travel here for the tramping and camping and outdoors. There is plenty to do in that arena, no doubt. New Zealand is also known for all its adventure sports and activites, with Queenstown being the self-described adventure capital. You can bungee jump from just about anything, even off a hot air balloon or a parasailer trailing behind a boat. There's river rafting all around, heaps of sea and river fishing, and I hear there is good hunting but I won't promote that!
New Zealand is known for tramping. We recommend you visit the Department of Conservation web site for much more information on the outdoor exploration of this country. In addition, they have sites on each of the nine Great Walks that will help you prepare for your tramp.
You can plan to travel without reservations 10 months out of the year, for the most part. If you are going to come during the summer months of January and February, we highly recommend you make some key reservations, especially at spots you really, really want to visit
You won't find 5-star hotels, or even 4-star hotels ... or sometimes even a hotel. You'll find a lot of motels, many are quite adequate for one-night stays or even multiple night stays as they usually are self-contained with a kitchen that is fully stocked. You'll need to be okay with basic accommodation outside key cities.
