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New Zealand Travel Guide - Explore & Plan Your Trip

New Zealand Travel Guide - Explore & Plan Your Trip

Posted on June 2, 2023

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Tourism in New Zealand has taken a major leap in the last few years. The country is a world filled with magnificent landscapes, thriving Maori culture, and exhilarating activities known as New Zealand. This island nation, well-known for its gorgeous fjords, rolling hills, and beautiful mountains, offers a really exceptional and remarkable travel encounter. Whether you're a nature lover, an adrenaline addict, or a history buff, New Zealand has something for everyone. Get ready to have your dream vacation turn into reality with Pickyourtrail and have a blast! 

Facts about New Zealand

FactDetail
Official LanguageEnglish, Maori
CapitalWellington
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Area268,021 sq km
PopulationApproximately 5 million
Time ZoneNew Zealand Standard Time (UTC+12)
ClimateDiverse, ranging from subtropical to temperate and alpine
National SymbolKiwi bird
GeographyConsists of two main islands, North Island and South Island, with diverse landscapes including mountains, fjords, lakes, and beaches

Know More About New Zealand

  • Indigenous History: For over a thousand years, the Maori people have lived in New Zealand, adding to the country's unique cultural legacy.
  • European Arrival: The arrival of European explorers in the late 18th century, especially Captain James Cook, led to an increase in colonisation.
  • The Treaty of Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi established British rule and acknowledged Maori rights. It was signed in 1840.
  • Gold Rush: The 1860s gold discovery led to a wave of immigration, which changed the economic landscape of the nation.
  • Independence: New Zealand attained self-governance in 1852 and became a Dominion in 1907.
  • Social Reforms: In 1893, New Zealand was the first nation to implement progressive changes, such as women's suffrage.
  • Present: Today, New Zealand is a diverse, thriving country that welcomes tourists with its breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality.

How to Reach New Zealand from India

  • By Air: Travelling to New Zealand from India is convenient, thanks to multiple airlines providing direct and connecting flights on the following route. Major carriers including Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates provide regular service between Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai in India and Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand. The average duration of a flight between India and New Zealand is between 17 and 20 hours.
  • Other: There is no other convenient method to travel between both destinations

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

With a subtropical climate on the North Island and a colder temperature on the South Island, New Zealand has a varied range of climates. The ideal time to visit New Zealand depends on your tastes and the activities you want to partake in. The warmer months of December through February provide comfortable temperatures and are great for outdoor activities. For those who enjoy snow activities, the winter months of June to August are perfect, as ski resorts are also available to visit.

(Note:  these are approximate average temperatures figures and can vary each year)

MonthNorth Island (Average Temperature °C)South Island (Average Temperature °C)
January20 – 2518 – 23
February20 – 2517 – 22
March 18 – 2316 – 20
April15 – 2012 – 16
May12 – 178 – 12
June10 – 146 – 10
July9 – 135 – 9
August10 – 146 – 10
September12 – 178 – 12
October14 – 1910 – 14
November16 – 2112 – 16
December18 – 2315 – 19

New Zealand Visa for Indians

Visa process for Indians to obtain a New Zealand tourist visa is not a huge hassle if you follow the steps carefully. This visa allows you to travel to the country at ease. Below are the types of New Zealand visa for an Indian Passport holder.

  • Visitor visa 
  • Business visa 
  • Work visa 
  • Family visa 
  • Transit visa

Cost of New Zealand Tourist Visa for Indians 

Below is a table with cost of two types of visas for tourists. Also, check out the official New Zealand visa website for a better understanding.  

Visitor Visa Rs 7935 
Transit Visa Rs 6768

Travelling Around New Zealand

New Zealand has an excellent transport system, which makes it simple to travel across the nation. Here are a few popular methods of getting around New Zealand:

  • Rental Cars: By renting a car, you can travel at your own leisure and find hidden gems all across the nation.
  • Camper Vans: Travelling in a camper van, which serves as both a vehicle and a place to stay, offers the ultimate independence. For an enjoyable vacation, New Zealand has several campsites that are well-equipped.
  • Buses and Coaches: InterCity and GreatSights are famous bus services that connect major cities and tourist areas. They provide practical timetables and comfortable travel options.
  • Trains: New Zealand's picturesque rail routes, such the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific, provide a charming way to experience the country's breathtaking scenery.
  • Domestic flights: Domestic flights are available between major cities if you are short on time or want a quick means of transportation.
  • Ferries: A gorgeous and enjoyable ride connects the North and South Islands via the Cook Strait boat service.

Places to Visit in New Zealand

  • Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Tongariro National Park
  • Bay of Islands
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Mount Cook National Park
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Waiheke Island
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata
  • Wellington
  • Kaikoura
  • Coromandel Peninsula
  • Napier and Hawke's Bay
  • Nelson
  • Stewart Island
  • Mount Taranaki
  • Dunedin
  • The Catlins

Things to Do in New Zealand

  • Go for a Bungee jump from Queenstown's iconic Kawarau Bridge
  • Visit Waitomo's enchanted glowworm tunnels
  • Take a spectacular walk over volcanic terrain on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  • Fly in a helicopter and enjoy the view of Franz Josef Glacier
  • Go kayaking in the beautiful waters of Abel Tasman National Park
  • Visit a typical Maori village to discover more about the culture
  • Take a cruise in the breathtaking Milford Sound to see its magnificent waterfalls
  • Take an exciting jet boat ride in Queenstown
  • Travel to Wellington and visit the lively Te Papa Museum
  • Bathe in Rotorua's natural hot springs
  • Visit Marlborough and take a wine tour, which is well-known for its Sauvignon Blanc
  • Watch whales in Kaikoura
  • Learn about Nelson's enchanting community and thriving cultural scene
  • Discover Wai-O-Tapu's geothermal marvels in Rotorua
  • Participate in adventurous activities like zorbing, skydiving, or white-water rafting
  • Unwind on the Coromandel Peninsula's gorgeous beaches
  • Take in the scenery as you travel the Great Ocean Road
  • On the east coast of the South Island, visit the unusual Moeraki Boulders
  • Visit seals, dolphins, and penguins by going on a wildlife cruise
  • Enjoy a traditional hangi feast while sampling authentic Maori food

Pick Your Trail to New Zealand

New Zealand is a place that perfectly combines adventure, natural beauty, and cultural legacy. New Zealand tourism creates a lasting impression on every traveller with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. Pack your bags, book New Zealand tour packages or book New Zealand honeymoon packages to travel with your loved one from Pickyourtrail, customize your New Zealand itinerary and let the wonders of New Zealand unravel before your eyes.

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Snekha K-Profile

Snekha K

Reviewed on: 03 Aug 2025

We had an amazing trip to Bali, all thanks to Nabeel! Nabeel planned our Bali trip exactly the way we imagined it! The itinerary was spot-on and matched our interests perfectly. From airport pickup to villa stays, activities, and local tips everything was planned with great care and detail. Nabeel was available throughout the trip whenever we needed any help or suggestions, and that made our experience smooth and stress-free. We especially loved the stay at Daun Lebar Villas a great recommendation!

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Devils Rocker

Reviewed on: 03 Aug 2025

Had an amazing experience with PickYourTrail for our honeymoon trip to Bali (7 nights / 8 days). The itinerary was beautifully planned, covering all the must-visit spots with perfect pacing. Our cab driver/guide was extremely professional, polite, and punctual. The vehicle provided was super clean, well-maintained, and always had a pleasant fragrance made our journeys even more comfortable. Though we missed visiting Tanah Lot due to time constraints, everything else was absolutely perfect, so pls check once if enough time is there to reach from one activity to other. The package might feel slightly expensive, but its completely worth it for the smooth service and support they offer. Tip for fellow Indian travelers: Carry some ready-to-eat meals, as Indian food options are limited and local food may not suit everyone's palate. Overall, I would rate PickYourTrail a solid 10/10 for their excellent planning, prompt communication, and a hassle-free experience from start to end. Highly recommended! Regards Subbaraman Ganesh

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Aditya Vashi

Reviewed on: 03 Aug 2025

Picking Pick Your Trail has been one of the best decisions we took for our Europe trip. From start to finish, it has been a smooth experience. Mithun has been outstanding communicator during initial planning stage of the trip, very patient and accommodative of our requests. During the trip, 24/7 chat was so handy and efficient. The hotels picked were all great and conveniently located. We had to cancel one of the activities booked and it was hassle free with refund processed swiftly. All vouchers in digital form within the app is a neat feature too. The reminders 24 hr prior with all the required details was also a nice touch. All in all, I cant fault the customer service and experience provided by PYT. We will use PYT again and highly recommend them.

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Chandni Sarfroz

Reviewed on: 27 Jul 2025

Lipi Jain was our tour coordinator for Thailand trip covering Bangkok and Pattaya of 4 days. It was a sudden plan from our side and she did her best and was always available on our request for planning and coordinating the itinerary all time on wassup. Really appreciate her efforts. Thank you pickyourtrail Looking forward to plan more holidays with your team .

Sasi Priya-Profile

Sasi Priya

Reviewed on: 27 Jul 2025

Very wonderful experience. Smooth planning and journey. Excellent guide and hotels. Enjoyed a lot in bali.

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Asif Malik

Reviewed on: 27 Jul 2025

My name is Asif Mallick i travel to Maldives with my family from Pickyourtrial and my co-ordinator was Sakshi. I can say that this trip was amazing and wonderful, from the start to end Sakshi from Pickyourtrail she was there and made my journey very smooth. We got Sun Siyam Olhuveli and the resort was too good with proper amenities and good staff. I recommend first Pickyourtrail and of you got Sakshi then your trip definitely without any hassle.

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Pavi Daisy

Reviewed on: 24 Jul 2025

. Ms Satya Thank you so much for assisting us throughout the days we spent in Bali; each and every day we received your text, which made us feel safe. Like a friend , you texted and ensured that everything is going well . Tracked our flights and was in touch until we arrived in India .

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Vinay J Rao

Reviewed on: 24 Jul 2025

We recently returned from an amazing trip to Bali, and I have to give a huge shoutout to PickYourTrail for making it absolutely seamless and memorable! From the moment we landed to the day we flew back, everything was perfectly taken care of flights, accommodation, airport transfers, activities, and even entry tickets to key attractions. The itinerary was well-curated with the right balance of adventure, relaxation, and local culture. What stood out the most was the attention to detail and how effortlessly everything fell into place. We never had to worry about logistics just focus on enjoying each moment! I highly recommend going with PickYourTrail.

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Bala Aramvalarthaan

Reviewed on: 24 Jul 2025

We had booked a Trip to Bali thru' Pickyourtrail and had a lovely vacation. The drivers, easily identifiable in Pickyourtrail uniforms and labeled cabs, were punctual, courteous, and flexible to our preferences and limitations. The hotels and activities they recommended were really good. Pickyourtrail is also flexible and accommodated our request to include a two-day stay in Malaysia as part of the itinerary. (Cant be done thru' online though) During the trip, Team was in constant touch with us thru' whastapp, sharing driver details a day in advance and ensuring everything went smoothly. Special thanks to Melchi from the team, who guided us during the planning phase. His clear and patient explanations helped us immensely, especially since we had no prior knowledge of Bali. Overall, we found the Pickyourtrail team to be highly professional and efficient in organizing our trip

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Vijaya Bharathi

Reviewed on: 23 Jul 2025

It was great experience traveling to Bali which was organized by Pickyourtrail. They catered all the needs perfectly and planned it good. Well organized itenary and good staffs. Thank you PYT

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