New Zealand - Motorhome - 20 Days North + South

There aren't many places on this planet where travellers are so well catered for – in terms of both man-made enticements and splendours of the natural realm. New Zealand is bigger than the UK, with one-fourteenth the population size. Filling in the gaps are sublime forests, majestic mountains, and the stunning lakes, beaches and fiords that have made this country one of the best hiking (locals call it 'tramping') destinations on Earth. It’s renowned worldwide for having a relaxed, friendly, spacious and outdoor adventure lifestyle (think sport, walks, BBQs, and beaches). When you combine this adventurous outlook with a stunning backdrop you start to see why travellers rate New Zealand as the action/adventure/adrenalin capital of the world!

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from NZ. As there is different Visa rules and regulations for different countries (for visits of less than 3 months) it is essential for you to check Visa Free Countries and at a New Zealand Embassy to ensure that you have the appropriate Passports and Visas before leaving home.

As from 1 Oct 2019, visitors to New Zealand will now require an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before entering the country. There are 60 visa-waiver-countries, such as New Zealand the USA, Canada and all members of the EU.

Also in addition to the above travel authority, a further NZ$35 will be charged to each traveller entering New Zealand. This payment is part of the newly established International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). By paying the new levy, you will be helping to protect New Zealand's natural environment and its tourism infrastructure.

Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely, followed by American Express and Diners Club.

Banking
New Zealand banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some are also during weekends. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Air: 

Main airlines: Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways 
International Airports: Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport 
Domestic Airports: Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

We strongly recommend travel insurance for your entire overseas trip. Your insurance policy should include coverage for emergency medical situations, baggage loss or damage, expenses incurred from disrupted travel plans.

Medical and emergency services are not free to visitors; it is therefore advisable to arrange for insurance coverage before your departure. For non-emergencies, full instructions on obtaining assistance are printed in the front of all telephone directories and accommodation facilities will usually have individual arrangements with duty doctors for guests and can assist you in finding a dentist. New Zealand's medical and hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and care.

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

New Zealand cuisine is diverse, influenced by indigenous Maori culture and European settlers. Highlights include lamb, seafood, and dairy products like cheese. Maori hangi, a traditional feast cooked in an underground oven, is a must-try. Notable local drinks include New Zealand wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, and craft beers. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as - 5-10°C in winter (Jul+August), most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.

Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The far north of the country has an average temperature of about 15°C, while the deep south has a cooler 9°C average. January and February are the warmest months of the year, and July is the coldest.

New Zealand is typically an informal place so pack casually for comfort. Famous for having four seasons in one day; our advice if you are traveling even in the summer is to pack a light jacket or pashmina shawl just in case the weather turns cooler or if you're visiting higher altitudes. You can also expect some rain, so include a light raincoat.

Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. New Zealand is renowned for its outdoor activities, so make sure you take swimming gear, hiking shoes, trekking pants/ shorts, sunhat and sunglasses, as well as plenty of sunscreen. If you plan to do much walking then lightweight walking shoes or sneakers are fine.

New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia). Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.