Expert’s pick for your next Trip to New Zealand

What is the most enjoyable aspect of a New Zealand tour? Nature lovers say it’s travelling through fjords with 1,000-foot cliffs on either side, while foodies say it’s the wine and gastronomy. It is said by animal enthusiasts that witnessing a kiwi bird and knowing about the conservation efforts. The finest aspect of New Zealand tourism, according to culture buffs, is learning about the indigenous Maori tribes and participating in their customs.

If you’re ready to explore this stunningly varied nation, keep reading to learn all you need to know before going. This read will include hand-picked top things to do in New Zealand by the experts.

Language: English

Currency: New Zealand dollars

Moving Around: Cars and planes are the greatest ways to move about New Zealand. The magnificent sights add to the enjoyment of the journey.

When to travel to New Zealand

Seasons in New Zealand are the polar opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, while it’s winter in North America, it’s summer in New Zealand. As a result, if you’re looking for some winter sun, a trip to New Zealand is excellent.

Although the summer weather is a major appeal in the winter, there is never a poor time to visit New Zealand.

• Winter (June to August): If you don’t mind sacrificing high season crowds for temps in the 30s and 40s, this is a fantastic time to visit New Zealand.
• Fall (March to May): The shoulder season still offers warm temperatures, and is an ideal time to visit New Zealand if you like the sun, but want to beat the summer crowds (and heat).
• Spring (September to November): In the spring, cooler evenings and warmer days attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Hikers and those looking for newborn lambs and calves in the blossoming green fields will find the weather ideal.
• Summer (December to February): New Zealand’s high season is marked by a lot of sunshine. New Zealanders like travelling at this period as well, so you’ll have lots of chances to meet pleasant Kiwis.

Things to do in New Zealand – Expert’s Picks

The harsh topography and vast landscapes of New Zealand are well-known. Make time for glasses of wine, city sightseeing, and beautiful drives in between nature hikes, kayak adventures, and boat cruises. Here are the greatest things to do in New Zealand, according to our experts.

Kayak on Lake Wakatipu

At Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand’s top attractions, Queenstown’s spectacular landscape reaches its zenith. A kayak journey around the lake, surrounded by The Remarkables, makes you realise how little you are in comparison to Mother Nature. On New Zealand, this is a fantastic opportunity to capture some Instagram-worthy selfies. Another option to see Lake Wakatipu is to take a boat ride to a cattle station, where you can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at rural life and see a sheep-shearing demonstration.

Go Spelunking

One of the most unusual things to do in New Zealand is cave exploration. You’ll take a beautiful boat trip on Te Anau Lake to get to the entrance of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves in the South Island. It feels like you’ve entered another world as you cruise through the limestone grotto, illuminated up by a ton of sparkling glow worms. The Waitomo Caves, on New Zealand’s North Island, provide another opportunity to watch natural luminous animals illuminate the amazing underground complex.

Go for a scenic drive in Hokitika

Hokitika is a tiny seaside town with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning surroundings. A little road trip will allow you to view Hokitika Gorge and Lake Kaniere, two of New Zealand’s greatest sights. Begin your journey with the beautiful turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge. Then drive down the Hokitika River before turning sharply left into the Southern Alps to reach Lake Kaniere. Despite the fact that the journey is just about an hour long, you may easily spend half a day swimming, kayaking, hiking, and photographing at all of the gorgeous pull-out sites.

Sail across Milford Sound

The beautiful fjord area of New Zealand is so well-known that it has its own national park. Bask in the grandeur of Fiordland National Park’s landscape is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. With a bottle of wine in hand, travel between the 4,000-foot cliffs of Milford Sound and take in the glittering lakes, woods, waterfalls, and the majestic Mitre Peak from a boat.

Soak up the Sun in Nelson

This South Island gem gets more sun hours than anywhere else in the country. With gorgeous beaches and clear water, spending a few hours on the sand is highly recommended. Nelson is also bordered by three national parks. So, there are lots of walking trails, natural wonders, and caves to explore if you don’t want to lie about.

What to pack for New Zealand

When it comes to packing for New Zealand, it’s better to be prepared for any eventuality. In New Zealand, the weather is always changing and differs greatly depending on where you are. As a result, residents say that you may experience all four seasons in a single day! If you’re visiting New Zealand, don’t overpack; instead, bring multiple alternatives of each of the basics listed below.

• Clothing during the season: New Zealand requires a wide range of clothes, but you can’t go wrong with some lightweight, breathable base layers. If you’re visiting New Zealand during the winter, pack several warm shirts and a jacket.
• Rain Jacket: If you’re visiting New Zealand outside of the summer, carry a jacket for the nights. One can experience every sort of weather and it’s better to be prepared for anything.
• A formal look: While many activities to do in New Zealand entail being outside, it’s a good idea to bring a beautiful outfit for visiting vineyards or dining at high-end restaurants.
• Comfort Clothing: If you visit New Zealand during the summer, you’ll need to pack some warm weather gear. In certain areas, temperatures can exceed 90 degrees. Shorts and t-shirts are a must.
• Sun Protection: When visiting a location as naturally gorgeous as New Zealand, you will spend a lot of time outside. Make that you have all of the necessary sun protection products on hand, such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

A few Souvenir Recommendations

It’s difficult to choose which memento would best capture your vacation because New Zealand is known for so many things. These are the most valuable souvenirs you may take home from your trip to New Zealand, whether it was the modern culture, local customs, or breathtaking scenery.

• Pounamu Necklace
• All Blacks Jersey
• Kete Bags
• Paua Shell

New Zealand is a unique country with a great balance of culture and natural beauty. All of this being said, I’m sure you’re already planning a trip to New Zealand. Visit Pickyourtrail.com to create your own itinerary at the lowest possible price, and you’ll thank us later :))