A guide to visiting New Zealand covering costs, culture and more travel tips

New Zealand is renowned for providing stunning backdrops for many blockbuster films. With a mix of serene beaches, rugged mountains and a vibrant culture, it’s no wonder it has become a popular travel destination. Whether travelers are seeking the quaint charm of the North Island or the breathtaking dramatic views of the South Island, adventures can be found everywhere. Visitors can expect unexpected adventures and lasting memories on their trip if they have chosen New Zealand as their destination. Whether to observe the breathtaking scenery, delve into the Māori culture or enjoy some of the best wines in the world, having a plan can help your trip be as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Predominant language spoken: English
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD) $
Electricity: Type 1 plugs. These include three flat pins in a triangular pattern.
Travel requirements: Unless a New Zealand or Australian citizen, a valid passport is required. A visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) may be required.

New Zealand, a favorite spot for filming, offers diverse scenery from majestic glaciers and rugged mountains to narrow sea inlets called fjords and sandy beaches that dot the coastline. The country is in the South Pacific Ocean and comprises two islands divided by the Cook Strait.

The North Island is the more urbanized of the two, with the country’s two biggest cities, Wellington and Auckland. It presents a pleasant view of rolling green hills and farmland. Unique features of this island include geothermal areas with geysers, bubbling mud pools, hot springs and active volcanoes. The Lost Spring in Whitianga has 16,000-year-old geothermal mineral water and is just one of the hot spring locations on the island.Tall mountain ranges adorn its middle with lush farmland on either side. It also has an active volcanic and thermal area in its central part. The South Island boasts the magnificent Southern Alps. This island also offers sights of rolling farmland and flat expanses known as the Canterbury Plains.

New Zealand consists of a diverse coastline. The North Island features sandy beaches perfect for swimming and various water activities. The northern part of the South Island also offers charming and smooth beaches, while the rest of its coastline is more rugged and not as desirable for beach activities.