New Zealand is awe-inspiring and spectacularly beautiful, with varied terrain, crystal clear waters, world-class cuisine and rich Maori culture. Of course, taking the trip “down under” requires significant effort and planning, so you need to make sure you do it right. To that end, Amy Louise Bailey, a Kiwi currently living in New York, has 10 mistakes to avoid when traveling to New Zealand, from logistics to local etiquette.
Visit only in winter.
Sure, New Zealand has some great ski slopes, but if you're traveling to this remote corner of the world, you'll want to enjoy the great outdoors in all its glory – and the best time to do that is summer. You can swim on beautiful beaches, waterski on lakes, enjoy alfresco dining at world-class wineries, and explore stunning walkways in the South Pacific sun.
New Zealand is expensive, so consider visiting during the shoulder season – March to May and September to November; you can still enjoy the outdoors and warm weather, but with fewer tourists and lower hotel prices. And don't forget: the seasons are the exact opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, so the best weather conditions (and peak season) are between November and March.
Do not rent a car.
The best way to tour New Zealand is by car. Things to do and places to see are often scattered without the possibility of direct public transportation. Plus, there are plenty of fantastic road trips that are much better experienced in your own car than on a tour bus. Keep in mind that the terrain can be rough in New Zealand and there are lots of mountains, so rent a car with a bit of power. The weather can also be unpredictable, meaning you'll want to avoid reserving a convertible (as fun as it can be for traveling along the coast in summer). Finally, like most Commonwealth countries, New Zealand drives on the left, so get used to it before you hit the road.
Overlooking the North Island.
No trip to New Zealand is complete without exploring the North Island. It's as naturally beautiful as the South Island, but in a very different way. The North Island has stunning black and white sand beaches, sprawling islands and waterfalls, while the South Island is defined by spectacular mountains and alpine landscapes. During your stay on the North Island, spend a few nights in the country's largest city, Aucklandknown as the City of Sails. Here you can discover world-class restaurants, shopping and art galleries; take a boat to Waiheke for a long lunch at one of the elegant wineries; head north to the Bay of Islands for maritime activities; and discover some of the cultural attractions of the nation's capital, Wellington.
Mainly packaging casual clothing.
New Zealand is indeed a place to embrace nature and explore incredible peaks, forests and beaches. But unless hiking through the mountains is the only thing you'll do, pack like you're going somewhere in Europe where urban cool meets the great outdoors.
New Zealand has a vibrant local fashion scene, and while you won't find any black-tie establishments, there are plenty of sophisticated bars and restaurants where you'll want to look stylish. Avoid heels, but bring shoes other than hiking shoes that you can wear on wine tours, for example. Be sure to pack a day bag to carry everything you'll need for excursions, including sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit if the opportunity arises for a swim. Pack a jacket even if you travel in summer, as it can get chilly in the evening.
Stay in your comfort zone.
Where else can you take a hot air balloon with champagne to start the day, a jet boat through canyons at 50 mph, or a helicopter to an island for a long lunch? New Zealand offers plenty of activities that cater to different tastes, from adventure sports to incredible hiking trails to unique luxury excursions. New Zealand is the perfect place to get out of your comfort zone. After all, you've traveled halfway around the world; What better time than your vacation in New Zealand to enjoy a uniquely invigorating experience?
5 Best Countries for Solo Travelers
Do not plan your route in advance.
Whether you need to reserve a car for certain dates or have decided to embark on an adventure activity, it's important to plan your itinerary in advance when traveling to New Zealand. The towns and villages are quite scattered; you don't want to arrive somewhere and find that the few accommodations are already booked for the night. Restaurants are also worth saving in advance as they can book up, especially on weekends (and restaurants in New Zealand are not something to miss).
Do not buy a local SIM card.
Roaming prices can be exorbitant in this corner of the world. Purchasing a SIM card at Auckland Airport (where the majority of international arrivals land) or once in Auckland city center is the way to go; Convenience stores, supermarkets, and some gas stations all sell SIM cards. Don't forget to stick your original SIM card inside your phone case so it doesn't get lost.
Reduce your trip to less than two weeks.
You could easily spend more than two weeks, but you need at least 14 days to visit New Zealand, not including travel days. Divide your time between the North and South Islands depending on your interests; the North Island is more beachy and the south has more alpine scenery.
Every road is scenic in New Zealand, and there are fantastic viewpoints and pretty townships worth stopping, so be sure to allow extra time for walking if you're driving. And if Oceania is a one-time trip that you're unlikely to repeat, consider taking a break Sydney on the way back, it's an amazing city and a great way to break up the long haul flight.
Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure
Forgetting your motion sickness pills.
The waters can be rocky and the roads windy. Get a head start by stocking up on motion sickness pills before you hit the road. And if you get nauseous in precarious travel conditions, keep your eyes up and off your phone, and don't sit back if you can avoid it (this really applies everywhere).
I don't talk to locals.
New Zealanders are down-to-earth and friendly, and a smile goes a long way. You should definitely ask for directions and recommendations; people will be happy to put you on the right path, whether it's a good latte or a restaurant with a good atmosphere. Keep in mind when asking for directions that New Zealand uses the metric system, so distances will be given in kilometers rather than miles (similarly, weather is measured in degrees Celsius instead of Fahrenheit).
