PRE AND POST TOURING
Aotearoa, New Zealand ā¢ North Island
New Zealand is full of things to do.Ā The hardest thing for you, will beĀ deciding what to do first. EveryĀ region will provide you with a uniqueĀ experience. So stay a little longer toĀ make sure you get to see more ofĀ 100% Pure New Zealand.
1. Auckland
Shop for designer clothes, scale New Zealandās tallest buildingĀ (The Sky Tower) and savour fine food and wine in Auckland,Ā New Zealandās largest city. Situated alongside three sparklingĀ harbours and flanked by black sand beaches and native forestĀ to the west, this multicultural hub offers the perfect mix ofĀ urban chic and outdoor excitement.
2. Hamilton
Meander through themed public gardens and along riversideĀ trails in Hamilton. This heartland city offers an eclectic mixĀ of metropolitan culture and rural charm and is famed for itsĀ proximity to must-do attractions like Hobbiton Movie Set andĀ the Waitomo Caves.
3. Rotorua
Immerse yourself in MÄori culture and exhilaratingĀ outdoor adventure in Rotorua. Built amidst a geothermalĀ landscape of steaming geysers and bubbling mudpools,Ā this tourist hotspot is home to many quintessential KiwiĀ experiences, from white water rafting and offroad 4WD toĀ spine tingling MÄori cultural performances.
4. Napier
Enjoy a guided wine tour through the celebratedĀ vineyards of Hawkeās Bay. The city of Napier is NewĀ Zealandās Art Deco centre and has fantastic history,Ā a picturesque shoreline, and just the right climate forĀ delicious orchard fruits.
5. Wellington
Dine on fine food, craft beers and world class coffee inĀ the harbour side city of Wellington. Dubbed the ācoolestĀ little capital in the worldā by Lonely Planet, WellingtonĀ also offers top opportunities for wildlife spotting andĀ cultural discovery at the renowned national museum, TeĀ Papa Tongarewa.
PRE AND POST TOURING
Aotearoa, New Zealand ā¢ North Island
6. Nelson
Explore the long golden beaches, alpine lakes and enchantingĀ forests of the Nelson region by kayak, car or bicycle. Home toĀ three national parks, this region is a favourite holiday spot forĀ New Zealanders and so beautiful youāll never want to leave.
7. Marlborough Sounds
Discover the many coves of the beautiful MarlboroughĀ Sounds on a cruise, or cycle through vineyards onĀ a wine-tasting tour. A visit to Marlborough isĀ incomparable, glorious sunshine, deliciousĀ food, and luxurious resorts make this areaĀ a joy to visit.
8. Christchurch
Picturesque Christchurch offers experiences for allĀ tastes, from golf and hot air ballooning to punting on theĀ Avon River and relaxing in its stunning Botanic Gardens.Ā Reconstruction following a major earthquake in 2011has seen Christchurch emerge as a city reimagined. ThisĀ newfound energy earned Christchurch a spot in LonelyĀ Planetās 2013 Best in Travel Guide as one of the top 10Ā cities to visit globally.
9. Queenstown
Find inspiration amongst the unforgettable landscapeĀ of Queenstown. This four-season resort is known as theĀ opportunity for lakeside dining, boutique shopping andĀ tours of the regionās rich gold mining history.
10. Dunedin
Broaden your mind in Dunedin, home to grand oldĀ buildings and New Zealandās oldest university. SeeĀ penguins, sea lions and albatross on the nearby OtagoĀ Peninsula and experience one of the great scenic trainĀ journeys on the Taieri Gorge Railway.
PRE AND POST TOURING
New Zealand: what you need to know
Climate
The far north of New Zealand is subtropical whilstĀ the south is more temperate. The warmest monthsĀ are traditionally December, January and February,Ā and the coolest June, July and August.
In summer, the average maximum daytimeĀ temperatures range between 20ā30ĀŗC and inĀ winter between 10ā15ĀŗC. You can check weatherĀ conditions in New Zealand on the New ZealandĀ MetService website: www.metservice.com.
Healthcare
New Zealandās public and privateĀ medical and hospital facilities provideĀ a high standard of treatment and care.Ā Medical services are not free to visitors.Ā Itās recommended you purchase travelĀ and health insurance before you visit.Ā No vaccination certificates are required.Ā There are no snakes or dangerous wildĀ animals in New Zealand.
Internet and Wi-Fi access inĀ New Zealand
If youāre looking to stay connected to the internetĀ everywhere you go, itās recommended that youĀ purchase a plan from one of New Zealandās mainĀ networks. Purchasing a plan from a networkĀ will allow you to access a mix of data, callingĀ and texting throughout your trip to suit yourcommunication and connection needs. You willĀ find that free Wi-Fi is available in most hotelĀ accommodation and hospitality outlets.
Mobile telephones
Check with your phone company before leavingĀ home about international mobile roam facilitiesĀ available in New Zealand. Alternatively you can hireĀ or buy mobile phones or SIM cards in New Zealand.Ā Note that signal is not available in all rural areas.
Money
New Zealandās currency is the dollarĀ (NZ$). You can use all major creditĀ cards in New Zealand, with Visa andĀ MasterCard accepted most widely.
Electricity
New Zealandās electricity supply runs atĀ 230/240 volts, and we use angled two orĀ three pin plugs (the same as Australia).