Travel Blog

New Zealand is a popular destination all year round due to the fact summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of the country.

Should I bring smart clothes?
Dress is generally informal; bring smart casual clothes if you plan on visiting restaurants and clubs.

Are there any poisonous animals in New Zealand?
There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals.

What is the voltage of electricity supply in New Zealand?
Electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Power outlets only accept flat three or two‐pin plugs (depending on whether an earth connection is fitted) so bring an adapter/converter.

What accommodation is available in New Zealand?
There is a wide range of accommodation including top-class hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, guest houses, home stays, holiday parks and backpacker hostels.

Campervans are also available to rent which generally include a microwave, shower and refrigerator. Vehicles are driven on the lefthand side of the road.

Hiking
Take advantage of the guided tours or find your own route; either way there is plenty to see. If you’re planning on hiking over several days you can ‘rough it’ in communal hikers’ huts or plan a route to stay in luxury lodges.

Mountain biking
You can pick up a mountain bike for around £30 (3 day hire) and take to the hills. Some locations include Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland and Picton.

Zorbing
Rolling down the hillside in a plastic ball.


Bungee jumping
Whether from a specially constructed platform or a bridge, New Zealand has many structures to bungee off. Why not try it at night, or with a partial immersion in water.

Jetboating
Some of the most exhilarating trips are available near Queenstown and Canterbury, where you will power through narrow river gorges and weave through shingle banks.

Skydiving
On a tandem skydive, strapped onto a qualified instructor you will have plenty of time to take in the view of the mountain scenery and national parks.

Other activities include:

• Rock climbing
• Caving
• Scuba diving
• Hot air balloon flights
• Kayaking
• Rafting
• Wind surfing
• Bird/whale/dolphin watching
• Fishing
• Heritage attractions
• Skiing
• Horse treks

Currency
New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$) and foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres. All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand and travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. ATMs are widely available.

How far will your money go?
Approx
A hotel breakfast                                               NZ$10‐ $25
Lunch snack/sandwich                                   NZ$5 ‐ $10
Cafe lunch                                                             NZ$10 ‐ $15
A postcard stamp to anywhere abroad    NZ$1.50
Big Mac Hamburger                                          NZ$3.95

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but can be carried out at your discretion for any good service you receive.

ChristchurchHome to many scenic gardens and parks and its close proximity to the ski‐fields and other attractions in the Southern Alps make it a popular destination.

KaikouraKaikoura is well known for its whale watching and opportunities to swim with dolphins. It has a beautiful setting at the base of the Kaikoura mountain range with numerous tracks leading up through the mountains.

QueenstownThis is very much the adventure capital of New Zealand and is well worth a visit. Activities on offer include: jet boating, bungee jumping, paragliding, white water rafting, sky diving, mountain biking and much more.

The West CoastThe South Island’s West Coast is full of natural beauty. Taking a walk up the Franz Josef Glacier, which changes almost daily due to its unusually fast flow is just one day well spent in this astonishing landscape.

Auckland

This is the largest city in New Zealand and is packed with culture and diverse scenery; from volcanic hills to bays and beaches. It is known as “City of Sails” because of its placement between two harbours; home to hundreds of yachts and the Auckland harbour bridge. Day and night, you won’t be short of things to do in Auckland.

Mount Maunganui

Known as ‘The Mount’, the town itself is located on top of a sand bar that connects it to the mainland. It is well‐known for surf culture, hosting the Northern Regional Surf Championships (NRC’s), though parts of the beach are notoriously dangerous.

PaihiaThis is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island. The bay is a 16km‐wide natural habour and is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country.

RotoruaThe thermal activity here is at the heart of much of Rotorua’s tourist appeal. Geysers, mud‐pools, hot thermal springs and the Buried Village (Te Wairoa) which was buried by the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, all within easy reach from the city.

Taupo
The panoramic views over the lake and across to the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park will take your breath away. You could also try some of the activities on offer here, including: jet boating, sky diving, bungee jumping and paragliding.

Waitomo
The area is known for the popular limestone Waitomo Caves with amazing stalactite and stalagmite displays and the presence of glow worms.

Wellington
New Zealand’s capital city is host to a vibrant arts scene, café culture and some excellent nightlife as well as the Museum of New Zealand ‐ Te Papa Tongarewa.