Below are some useful links offering practical advice to help you plan your New Zealand vacation before you leave home. Check out some basic but important information about our climate and daily weather, road conditions, internet services and more! The better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy your visit!
For a full range of outstanding New Zealand holiday packages including independent self drive tours and escorted group coach tours. Special interest self drive itinerary themes include the best of New Zealand's spectacular scenery, Lord of the Rings, New Zealand wine, cycling, active outdoors, wildlife, family fun and honeymoons.
Check out 100 of the most popular New Zealand activities, sightseeing and excursions on www.newzealandsightseeing.co.nz Instant online bookings for scenic lake and ocean cruises, spectacular mountain and volcano flights, Lord of the Rings tours, sea and lake kayaking, guided hiking, wildlife encounters, 4WD safaris, cultural experience and all good things "New Zealand".
New Zealand is geographically a small country, but drive times can be deceptive. Read about our road rules and special road conditions before you arrive so you are well prepared. Visit the New Zealand Transport Authority website for essential information.
On a New Zealand map, driving distances can look deceptively short so check out the Automobile Association's official point to point distance and drive time calculator. Plan your travel days so you have time to relax and enjoy each stunning destination!
Test your knowledge of the New Zealand road code before you leave home with the Automobile Association's Road Quiz. Keep testing yourself until you have a 100% correct score!
It's always good to know what to pack so you have the best wardrobe options in your suitcase for the weather you are likely to encounter during your New Zealand holiday. Here's some helpful information from Tourism New Zealand's website.
Check out passport and visa requirements well in advance so you have all the mandatory paperwork prepared. Everyone needs a valid passport. Visitors from many countries, including Australia, USA, Canada and UK don't need a visa, but check the rules to make sure they apply to you. Read about visitor visas here.
Staying connected is important while you're on vacation. Tourism New Zealand has the latest helpful info to make sure you can keep in touch with friends and family back home.
New Zealand is generally a safe place to travel around, but you need to ensure you engage common sense and look after yourself. For some helpful advice about staying safe.
Keep an eye on our weather before you leave home and during your New Zealand visit. Here's a great link to the New Zealand Met Service to add to your favourites for a daily check!
The free Essential New Zealand travel app from Tourism New Zealand is available from the App Store and Google Play. Download it before you leave home and make the most of your stay without the need for an internet connection while you're here.