New Zealand

What You Should Know More About New Zealand

• Q. Travel advice:

  • You can get to New Zealand by air and also by taking cruises, from international destinations.

  • Carry smart, informal, and casual clothes while travelling to New Zealand. Summers are warm and springs and winters are cold. You can visit New Zealand anytime of the year.

  • There are international ATMs available throughout New Zealand. You can use international credit and debit cards throughout the country.

  • Do not smoke in pubs, restaurants, and public areas. Smoking is banned at these places.

  • Tipping is not customary in this country. Tip only if you find the service outstanding.

  • Eat food only after it is blessed in Maori.

  • The colour red is a taboo in New Zealand. Do not wrap your gifts in red colour.

  • Do not touch the head or the hair of any person in New Zealand as it is considered a gross insult.

  • Use first name for introducing yourself, it is a norm in New Zealand.

  • Always shake hands to greet someone, and make eye contact while greeting anyone.

  • Follow the protocols of Maori culture for formal and informal occasions.

  • Open your gift as soon as you receive them.

  • While eating put your hands above the table. Keep your elbows off the table.

  • Do not be late for any appointments or make exaggerated claims about anything.

  • Do not feed seagulls at the beaches.

  • Drive on the left side in New Zealand.

  • Do visit marae, which is sacred to Maori people. Do not eat or drink anything inside a wharenui, which is a meeting house. This place is considered as sacred as any holy place and eating or drinking here is considered against the religious beliefs.

  • The locals take their sports and sports team seriously. Do not say anything bad about All Blacks when in this country.

• Q. Drinking laws

  You have to be 18 years or above to purchase alcohol. There is no minimum age limit for drinking alcohol in New Zealand.

  
  

• Q. When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

  The seasons in New Zealand are opposites to the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere and here you’ll get cooler temperatures the more south you go. This is why areas like Auckland tend to be warmer than Queenstown.

  • The warmest time usually takes place in January and February months and this summer time can be seen as the peak tourist season.
  • Another time of the year when you see massive amount of New Zealanders who are on holiday are the months of December and January. So if you want to avoid tourists, this is when you wouldn't want to plan your trip.
  • On the other hand, May and early June can be seen as low season in New Zealand when hotels and tours have maximum discounts going on. So this may be your ideal time of vacationing if you wish to have the best of relaxation time.

• Q. How to reach New Zealand?

  New Zealand is well connected to the world via multiple means of transport.

   

  By Air-

  With three international airports at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, New Zealand has non-stop overnight flights from the US and Europe and from countries on the Pacific Rim like Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan.

   

  By Sea-

  You either get onto a yacht, cruise liner or board a commercial ship or tanker. Rare case would be you having your own boat, but well, that option is open.

   

  By Train

  Auckland, Hamilton, Papakura with Wellington, Levin, Palmerston North, Paraparaumu, and Waikanae are some major North Island railway stations having capital connections. South Island stations cover places like Christchurch, Blenheim, Mina, Seddon, and more.

   

  By Road

  Auckland, Rotorua, Hamilton, Taupo, Hastings, Napier, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Waikanae are some of the major bus stops in North Island. Some of the South Island bus tops are present at Picton, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, Greymouth, Blenheim, Nelson, Dunedin, Invercargill, Kaikoura, and several others.

• Q. Do I need a visa for New Zealand? How does one get a New Zealand visa?

  There are some visa waiver countries that do not require to apply for a visa. However, India is not on the list. Whether you are going to New Zealand for a leisure trip, to study or to work, you can save your trip by applying for a visa online. To apply online, you need to have a credit card and any supporting evidence such as a copy of your passport which will be needed in an electronic file. To apply for a NZ visa, you need to pay a visa Fee which is the VFS Global Service Fee and the Bank Administration Fee.

• Q. What is the currency of New Zealand and where can I get my money exchanged?

  The currency of New Zealand is New Zealand Dollars. Internationals flyers can get their currency changed at the number of money exchangers located in different parts of the country. Every city has multiple service providers and most of the are banks. Airports also have money exchangers so you can get your currency exchanged at the airport itself in order to not face any inconvenience later.

• Q. Which are the major tourist attractions in New Zealand?

  New Zealand is a destination full of natural wonders packed together. Coastal glaciers, rainforests, fjords, fish-filled rivers, snow-capped peaks, sparkling coves and lakes; this land has it all. Here are some top tourist attractions in New Zealand-

   

  • Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island
  • Bay of Islands, North Island
  • Queenstown, South Island
  • Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island Rotorua, North Island
  • Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, South Island
  • Abel Tasman National Park and the Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, South Island
  • Napier, Hawke's Bay, North Island
  • Auckland, North Island
  • Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
  • Kaikoura, South Island

• Q. What are the things to do in New Zealand?

  The magnificent landscapes and coastline are enough to captivate your mind in New Zealand. However, there is a list of other places you should visit and things to do that help you explore New Zealand in a better manner. Some of these things to do in New Zealand are-

   

  • Spend an evening at Blue Penguin Colony
  • Visit Victorian Precinct
  • Explore Nature’s Wonders Naturally
  • Eat seafood at Fleur's Place
  • Be a part of Pasifika festival
  • Visit Te Papa Museum
  • Discover history at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • See at volcano at One Tree Hill
  • Spot birds at Ulva Island
  • Visit Auckland Museum

• Q. What is the local food of New Zealand? Which are the best places to taste this food?

  New Zealand cuisine is a blend of local ingredients like and seasonal variations. There is a lot of Maori food which is cooked in earth ovens. The local food in New Zealand is influenced by British, Asia and Polynesia taste. Here are some favourite dishes enjoyed by the locals of this country. You should try these too…

   

  • Roast Lamb
  • M?ori h?ng?
  • Fish and Chips
  • Pavlova
  • Cheese and Wine
  • Chocolate-coated marshmallow fish
  • Jaffa
  • The Pineapple Lump

   

  This is where you can try out these dishes-

   

  • Ortolana
  • The Sugar Club
  • The French Café
  • SidArt
  • Poderi Crisci
  • Pacifica Restaurant
  • Mudbrick
  • Elephant Hill Winery & Restaurant

• Q. What is the best public transport to commute around New Zealand?

  Public transportation in New Zealand is well developed and connected internally. You can use any of the below means of transport to get from one place to another-

   

  By Bus-

  The main towns are connected by a network of reasonably priced and modern bus lines. You can buy the tickets of National Bus Line service in New Zealand online.

   

  By Train-

  The major train lines run between Auckland and Wellington, between Picton and Christchurch and between Christchurch and Greymouth. All the major towns have a stop and thus, commuting becomes easy by rail.

   

  By Air-

  If you plan on covering major cities of New Zealand, you might want to take up domestic flights in order to save some time. There are regular flights scheduled throughout the country.

• Q. What is the local language in New Zealand and which are the most commonly used greetings? (mention at least 4) (Hello, Thank you, Good morning/night, What is the price of ____?, How far is _____?)

  English and Maori are commonly spoken languages in New Zealand. These two are the official number 1 and number 2 languages respectively. Maori is considered to only be used in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. There are eight consonants in Maori similar to those in English - 'h', 'k', 'm', 'n', 'p', 'r', 't', and 'w'. Some common greetings in Maori language are-

   

  • Kia ora - Hello
  • Kia ora tatou - Hello everyone
  • Tena koe - Greetings to you (said to one person)
  • Tena koutou - Greeting to you all
  • Haere mai - Welcome
  • Nau mai - Welcome
  • Kei te pehea koe? - How's it going?
  • Kei te pai - Good
  • Tino pai - Really good
  • Haere ra - Farewell
  • Ka kite ano - Until I see you again (Bye)
  • Hei konei ra - See you later

• Q. Which are the best shopping places in New Zealand and what are they famous for?

  From gorgeous pounamu aka jade ornaments and jewellery, hand-crafted glass and local wood products, to beautiful merino or possum knitwear and sheepskins; there is a lot to look out for in New Zealand. It is easy to find souvenirs that can be taken back home and special gifts for even the hardest-to-please person. Here are some famous shopping places spread throughout the country.

   

  • Birdwoods Gallery in Havelock North
  • The Weta Cave in Wellington
  • Wilderness Gallery in Hokitika
  • Lava Glass in Taupo
  • 3D Trick Art Gallery in Rotorua
  • Christchurch Art Gallery
  • Hawkes Bay Farmers Market in Hastings
  • Nelson Saturday Market in Nelson

• Q. What are the best tips Thrillophilia has to offer for your trip to New Zealand?

  Every country is special in its own ways and so is New Zealand. Before you meet and greet the people of this place, you may want to know a little about them and their lifestyle. So here are the best tips before your trip to New Zealand.

   

  • The climate in New Zealand keeps changing every now and then, so carry clothes accordingly
  • You can use the New Zealand wifi which is available at most public areas
  • Kiwis are obsessed with coffee so do spend a day cafe hopping
  • You need a full driver’s licence and have to wear a seatbelt while driving
  • You don’t have to tip anybody in New Zealand
  • It is advisable to sort your accommodation well in advance
  • It takes longer to reach places so have buffer time
  • Plan a few days extra, this country is worth it!

• Q. Which are the best beaches in New Zealand?

  New Zealand is heaven for beach-lovers. It has 15,000 kilometres of coastline, so you can imagine the beauty here. To be on the best beaches of this country, go on reading and you will know-

  • Ninety Mile Beach
  • Piha
  • New Chums Beach
  • Ngarunui
  • Wainui, Eastland
  • Anchorage
  • Scott’s Beach
  • Wharariki
  • Sumner

• Q. What are the must do water sports in New Zealand?

  With big coastlines, come the opportunity for great watersports. Some incredible water sports you can practise in New Zealand are-

  • Kayak
  • Surf
  • Jet boating
  • Parasailing
  • White water rafting
  • Great white shark cage diving
  • Sailing
  • Scuba diving
  • Boating
  • Canoeing

• Q. Which are some of the best islands in New zealand?

  New Zealand is divided into two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. However, hundreds more islands off the coast of New Zealand. There is really a lot to explore in New Zealand’s waters. And to explore the waters, you need to get onto the islands first. So here are our top picks of best islands in New Zealand.

   

  • Kapiti Island
  • Stewart Island
  • White Island
  • Ulva Island
  • Great Barrier Island
  • Poor Knights Island
  • D’urville Island
  • Chatham Island
  • Rangitoto Island
  • Urupukapuka Island

• Q. What are the must do adventure activities in New Zealand?

  A paradise for adventure lovers, the land of New Zealand offer some serious adrenaline rush. There is no way you are getting disappointed or will regret to your action decisions. So just hold on and try some crazy adventure activities. Here are your options-

   

  • Sky Diving
  • Bungy
  • Jet Boating
  • Caving
  • White Water Rafting
  • Canyoning
  • Zip Lining
  • Rapeling
  • Heli Skiing
  • Off Road Driving Expeditions
  • Zorbing

• Q. Which are the best destinations for road trip in New Zealand?

  New Zealand, the land of giant glaciers and snow-capped mountains, dreamy beaches, peaceful lakes and relaxing hot springs has best well connected roads. The road network is impressively convenient and when you have this advantage, why not go on amazing road trips? Here are some crazy routes for your once in lifetime experience of having a road trip in New Zealand…

   

  Routes in North Island

   

  • Auckland and Bay of islands loop
  • Auckland to Wellington
  • Auckland to Taupo
  • Thames to Coromandel Road

   

  Routes in South Island

   

  • Christchrist to Queenstown
  • The Great Coast Road-Westport to Greymouth
  • Te Anau to Milford Sound Highway
  • New Zealand Wine Trail
  • Wanaka to Queenstown via Cardrona Pass
  • Christchurch South Loop
  • Christchurch North Loop
  • Forgotten World Highway

• Q. What are some of the most luxurious experiences in New Zealand?

  • Visit New Zealand's Marquee Golf Courses
  • Go on exclusive Walking and Hiking trails
  • Have world-class Wine and Cuisine
  • Go for a private Fly Fishing
  • Sail around over 15,000kms of pristine coastline on a superyacht
  • Take a Heli hike
  • Fly over the top of Middle- earth
  • Fly fish in our 'gin clear' waters
  • Relax in first-class Spa experiences

• Q. Which are some of the best destinations for wine tour in New Zealand?

  Except for breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand is also famous for its wineries. Here are some best destinations you can go to for a perfect wine tour-

   

  • Tasting Tour of Waiheke Island from Auckland
  • The Best of Waiheke- Wine Tasting and Vineyard Lunch
  • Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown
  • Martinborough Wine-Tasting Tour from Wellington
  • Waipara Wine Trail Tour from Christchurch
  • Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour from Auckland

• Q. Which are the famous hiking and walking trails in New Zealand?

  Hiking and walking in New Zealand is indeed the best way to see beautiful landscapes and explore the vast wilderness areas. You can totally put on your walking boots and head to the following destinations to enjoy this adventure-

   

  Trails in South Island-

   

  • Abel Tasman Coast Track
  • Heaphy Track
  • Milford Track
  • Kepler Track
  • Routeburn Track
  • Rakiura Track, Stewart Island

   

  Trails in North Island-

   

  • Whanganui Journey
  • Tongariro Northern Circuit
  • Lake Waikaremoana Track

• Q. How is New Zealand as honeymoon destination? What all romantic things can be done here?

  The stunning views of New Zealand clubbed with the chilled, cozy weather make it a brilliant honeymoon destination. Like the country offers a great set of things to do for backpackers, solo travellers, families, riders and other travellers, it leaves no scope for disappoint for a honeymoon couple as well. Here’s what lovebirds can do in this country-

   

  • Visit Waiheke Island off the coast of Auckland; especially for wine lovers.
  • Relax at Hahei Beach Coromandel Peninsula and do some kayaking and hiking.
  • Get adventurous at Blackwater Rafting Waitomo Caves.
  • Go for Orakei Korako Flight along with a walking excursion.
  • Do a romantic stay at Abel Tasman Region-The Vineyard Cottage stay.
  • Nature discovery with albatross and penguins at Dunedin
  • Dart River Safaris at Queenstown
  • A magical valley walk at Wanaka

• Q. Which are famous nightlife and party destinations in New Zealand?

  New Zealand has an enjoyable nightlife and there are multiple ways of how you can spend your night. Talking generally, following are the cities with fancy nightife-

   

  • Auckland
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Queenstown

   

  Now talking specifically, here’s where you can head for the night-

   

  • Loco Cantina, Queenstown
  • Rhinos Ski Shack, Queenstown
  • Vinyl Underground, Queenstown
  • Winnies, Queenstown
  • Mishmosh, Wellington
  • The Residence, Wellington
  • The Bangalore Polo Club, Wellington
  • Monsoon Bar, Franz Josef
  • Element, Taupo
  • The Camel, Auckland
  • Hababa Jone’s, Auckland
  • Lava Bar, Rotorua

• Q. Where can I do bungee jumping in New Zealand? What is the cost of bungee?

  Bungee jumping is a standout amongst the most activity pressed, adrenaline-inciting experiences one can set out on and New Zealand is a great country providing multiple destinations for your enjoyment. Here are some bungee jumping outlets. The price of this activity differs at different locations. However, you can expect NZ $150 approximately.

  • AJ Hackett Bungy Kawarau
  • AJ Hackett Bungy Auckland
  • Shotover Canyon Swing
  • Taupo Bungy & Cliffhanger
  • AJ Hackett Bungy Nevis
  • AJ Hackett Bungy Ledge
  • Agroventures Adventure Park

• Q. Where can I do skiing in New Zealand?

  South Island is home to 3 main skiing regions whereas in North Island, you can ski on an active volcano at Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand's largest commercial ski area. Some other ski locations in the country are-

   

  • Coronet Peak Ski area
  • Mt. Hutt Ski area
  • Treble Ski area
  • Harris mountain Ski area
  • Wanaka Ski area
  • Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
  • Turoa Ski
  • Porters Ski Area

• Q. Where can I experience New Zealand's Maori culture?

  Maori culture is visible is every part of New Zealand partially. However, certain parts celebrate this culture prominently and you can always be a part of this. Whether it is a Maori performance, a tour, or a stay on a Marae, a Maori activity will always include the Haka–a war dance. And this performance is fun to watch. Here are parts of New Zealand where you can engage in this culture fully and be a part of Maori lifestyle.

   

  • Rotorua
  • Bay of Islands
  • Hokianga
  • Auckland
  • Whanganui National Park
  • Wellington
  • Kaikoura
  • Christchurch
  • Franz Josef
  • Wellington
  • Hokitika

• Q. How is New Zealand as a wildlife destination? Which wildlife species I can see in New Zealand?

  New Zealand has a rich wildlife and there are many experiences you can have in its jungle, forests and sanctuaries. You can spot world's smallest penguins in their natural environment, world's largest toothed predator and other meet other inquisitive creatures. Here are a few wildlife species you can see in New Zealand-

   

  • Little Blue Penguins
  • Tailed Bats
  • Hector’s Dolphins
  • Kiwi Birds
  • Kea
  • Hamilton’s Frog
  • Yellow eyes Penguins
  • Tuatara
  • Whales
  • Seals
  • Maui Dolphins
  • Tui
  • Bellbird

• Q. What are famous cruising destinations in New zealand?

  New Zealand has many cruises and a variety of them for tourists to choose from. The clear blue waters add to the enjoyment of the fun ride. Here are the best destinations you can go to for a perfect cruising experience.

   

  • Akaroa
  • Auckland
  • Bay Of Islands
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Napier
  • Picton
  • Port Chalmers
  • Stewart Island

• Q. Which are some of the famous rail journeys in New Zealand?

  New Zealand rail travel is an exercise in relaxation and rejuvenation. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the stunning views that come along way. Some of the best Kiwirail Scenic Rail Journeys of New Zealand are-

   

  • Northern Explorer
  • Coastal Pacific
  • TranzAlpine
  • Kingston Flyer
  • Taieri Gorge Railway

• Q. How can I visit famous glaciers in New Zealand?

  New Zealand is home to some stunning glaciers. These heaps of glaciers are unique ice adventures that every tourist must take up. Here are some ways of reaching them-

   

  • Hiking
  • Kayak
  • Fly
  • Ski down
  • Dive In