Pre & Post Touring
Aotearoa, New Zealand • North Island
New Zealand is full of things to do. The hardest thing for you, will be deciding what to do first. Every region will provide you with a unique experience. So stay a little longer to make sure you get to see more of 100% Pure New Zealand.
1. Auckland
Shop for designer clothes, scale New Zealand's tallest building (The Sky Tower) and savour fine food and wine in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Situated alongside three sparkling harbours and flanked by black sand beaches and native forest to the west, this multicultural hub offers the perfect mix of urban chic and outdoor excitement.
2. Hamilton
Meander through themed public gardens and along riverside trails in Hamilton. This heartland city offers an eclectic mix of metropolitan culture and rural charm and is famed for its proximity to must-do attractions like Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Caves.
3. Rotorua
Immerse yourself in Māori culture and exhilarating outdoor adventure in Rotorua. Built amidst a geothermal landscape of steaming geysers and bubbling mudpools, this tourist hotspot is home to many quintessential Kiwi experiences, from white water rafting and offroad 4WD to spine tingling Māori cultural performances.
4. Napier
Enjoy a guided wine tour through the celebrated vineyards of Hawke's Bay. The city of Napier is New Zealand's Art Deco centre and has fantastic history, a picturesque shoreline, and just the right climate for delicious orchard fruits.
5. Wellington
Dine on fine food, craft beers and world class coffee in the harbour side city of Wellington. Dubbed the "coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet, Wellington also offers top opportunities for wildlife spotting and cultural discovery at the renowned national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa.
PRE AND POST TOURING
Aotearoa, New Zealand • South Island
6. Nelson
Explore the long golden beaches, alpine lakes and enchanting forests of the Nelson region by kayak, car or bicycle. Home to three national parks, this region is a favourite holiday spot for New Zealanders and so beautiful you'll never want to leave.
7. Marlborough Sounds
Discover the many coves of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds on a cruise, or cycle through vineyards on a wine-tasting tour. A visit to Marlborough is incomparable, glorious sunshine, delicious food, and luxurious resorts make this area a joy to visit.
8. Christchurch
Picturesque Christchurch offers experiences for all tastes, from golf and hot air ballooning to punting on the Avon River and relaxing in its stunning Botanic Gardens. Reconstruction following a major earthquake in 2011has seen Christchurch emerge as a city reimagined. This newfound energy earned Christchurch a spot in Lonely Planet's 2013 Best in Travel Guide as one of the top 10 cities to visit globally.
9. Queenstown
Find inspiration amongst the unforgettable landscape of Queenstown. This four-season resort is known as the opportunity for lakeside dining, boutique shopping and tours of the region's rich gold mining history.
10. Dunedin
Broaden your mind in Dunedin, home to grand old buildings and New Zealand's oldest university. See penguins, sea lions and albatross on the nearby Otago Peninsula and experience one of the great scenic train 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 whilst the south is more temperate. The warmest months are traditionally December, January and February, and the coolest June, July and August.
In summer, the average maximum daytime temperatures range between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. You can check weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand MetService website: www.metservice.com.
Healthcare
New Zealand's public and private medical and hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and care. Medical services are not free to visitors. It's recommended you purchase travel and health insurance before you visit. No vaccination certificates are required. There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand.
Internet and Wi-Fi access in New Zealand
If you're looking to stay connected to the internet everywhere you go, it's recommended that you purchase a plan from one of New Zealand's main networks. Purchasing a plan from a network will allow you to access a mix of data, calling and texting throughout your trip to suit yourcommunication and connection needs. You will find that free Wi-Fi is available in most hotel accommodation and hospitality outlets.
Mobile telephones
Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand. Alternatively you can hire or buy mobile phones or SIM cards in New Zealand. Note that signal is not available in all rural areas.
Money
New Zealand's currency is the dollar (NZ$). You can use all major credit cards in New Zealand, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely.
Electricity
New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia).