Understanding:
New Zealand’s history dates back to almost one thousand years ago when Polynesian explorers settled these deserted islands. These early settlers (the Maori) brought their culture and traditions and established thriving communities. They built fortified villages, known as “pa”, and developed sophisticated agricultural techniques to cultivate the land.
A Dutch explorer (Abel Tasman) was the first European to reach New Zealand in 1642, but only by the late 18th century the country became a target for colonisation. In 1769, British explorer James Cook made his first of three voyages to New Zealand and, during his second voyage, he claimed the islands for the Crown. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, established British sovereignty over New Zealand while guaranteeing rights and ownership of lands and resources for the Maori.
However, the relationship between the British and Maori was often strained. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a growing sense of national identity began to emerge among New Zealanders. This was fueled by events such as the country’s participation in the WW1, as well as its economic progress. In 1893, New Zealand became the first territory to grant women the right to vote, cementing its reputation as a socially developed and progressive nation. Finally, in 1948, the country became fully independent from Britain.
The archipelago’s economy continued to boom in the 20th century, with the development of manufacturing, tourism, and services sectors. Today, New Zealand is a modern and multicultural country with a diversified economy and a rich cultural heritage.
Geography:
New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands (North Island and South Island), as well as numerous smaller islands. The country’s geographic location, on the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, makes it a highly active seismic region. It experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity is also present in some areas.
The climate is maritime temperate and influenced by its location in the Southern Hemisphere as well as the involving Pacific Ocean. Weather patterns can change quickly due to the proximity to the ocean and also to the irregular, mountainous terrain. The average temperature in Summer (December to February) ranges from 20-30°C, while in Winter (June to August) ranges from 10-15°C in the North Island and 0-10°C in the South Island.
Rainfall patterns vary across the country, with the western and southern regions experiencing higher rainfall due to prevailing westerly winds. Fiordland National Park is one of the wettest places on Earth, and the rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year. The northern and eastern regions tend to be drier, with some areas experiencing drought conditions in the summer.
Basic info:
- Capital: Wellington
- Population: 5.1 million (2021 estimate)
- Language: English, Maori
- Religion: 37% Catholic; 49% unaffiliated
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD). As of February 2023:
- 1 EUR = 1,72 NZD
- 1 USD = 1,62 NZD
- Plugs: type I (also used in Australia and the South Pacific)
When to go:
The best time to visit New Zealand depends on your interests and on what you plan to do. The weather is variable, and there’s the chance to experience the four seasons in one day.
Spring (September-November) is a good time to visit New Zealand as the weather starts to warm up, and the flowers and wildlife begin to emerge. These are good months for outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling.
Summer (December-February) is the peak season to visit New Zealand, and campsites may be a bit crowded. Days are long, and the weather is generally warm and sunny.
Autumn (March-May) is also a great option to visit, with cooler temperatures and vibrant colours as the leaves change. Just as Spring, these still are good months for outdoor activities.
Winter (June-August) is a good time to visit New Zealand for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Visa policy (simplified):
Most western countries benefit from a 3 to 6 months visa-free entry. Citizens from countries that have a visa-free entrance agreement with NZ generally need to apply for a NZeTA (New Zealand electronic travel authorisation) before arrival. You can apply for it online here. It costs 24NZD online and 17NZD on the free app (we downloaded the app and applied there).
Money:
Almost every business is expected to have a card terminal, which makes pre-paid cards such as Revolut really handy and capable to process every transaction. We bought some New Zealand Dollars on arrival because we knew we’d be on remote locations, but we honestly don’t remember any place where we had to use them.
Restaurants are often as expensive as in Europe, with an average meal costing around 20-30NZD. As our campervan was equipped with a stove, we usually had one of the main meals in a restaurant and cooked the other one.
The average price for a night in a mid-range hotel in New Zealand varies from 150-250NZD. A bed in a dormitory-style bedroom of a hostel may set you back 20-35NZD/night, and a private room around 60-120NZD/night.
SIM cards:
There are several options for purchasing SIM cards at Auckland Airport, including the Vodafone, Spark, and 2degrees stores located in the international terminal. Vodafone and Spark kiosks may also be found in the domestic terminal at Christchurch Airport.
A valid alternative is to buy a virtual eSIM card. We did that successfully by using the app Airalo. Ten gigabytes of data currently cost 31,50USD and probably can cover your full stay in the country.
What to wear:
There are no religious-driven restrictions in New Zealand whatsoever.
It very important to notice that the weather is very unpredictable in New Zealand, mainly in the Fiordland National Park, where no seasonality is observed in rainfall.
Safety:
New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries on the planet, with a welcoming population and a low crime rate. The terrorist attack in Christchurch, perpetrated by a far-right extremist, is a notable exception.
New Zealand is prone to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe weather conditions. It’s important to follow local authorities’ instructions in case of an emergency.
Road safety is also a problem in NZ. New Zealand has narrow, winding roads, and tourists may not be familiar to driving on the left side of the road.
Tipping:
Tipping is not a common practice neither expected in many fields of services. However, if you receive exceptional service, you may choose to leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation. It is not considered rude or disrespectful to leave a tip if you wish to do so.
Accommodation:
New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. We did both North Island and South Island on a campervan, and whenever possible we slept on public and free campsites. It may be the cheapest way to do it, as other lodging options are frequently expensive and overpriced.
The average price for a night in a mid-range hotel in New Zealand varies from 150-250NZD. A bed in a dormitory-style bedroom of a hostel may set you back 20-35NZD/night, and a private room around 60-120NZD/night.