New Zealand is one of the most fascinating places and a country that has been added to many people’s bucket lists for years – including mine! It has incredible landscapes and stunning scenery, but there is so much more to it than meets the eye.
There are also incredible cities and some wonderful towns full of character and charm, and plenty of attractions including the famous Hobbiton. After all, you can’t head to New Zealand without fully embracing the Lord Of The Rings film franchise when so many of those iconic films were shot in the country.
There are two islands, the North and the South Island. Both of which have plenty to do to keep you occupied. I wanted to share with you some essential tips and advice on how to make the most of a trip to New Zealand.
While this isn’t a strict three week itinerary, what you will find is plenty of suggestions to help you plan your New Zealand itinerary to make the most of your next trip. If you have less time, check out this two week New Zealand itinerary instead.
Best time to visit New Zealand
The seasons are in reverse in New Zealand, so when it is summer in the UK it is winter over there. So naturally, the best time to attend would be their summer time which falls between December and February.
The best month to visit New Zealand is likely be January right in the heart of the summer season. The spring, which is around September through to November, is also a lovely time. However, it may not be as warm as you might expect.
New Zealand sits far down below the equator, so while you may get brighter days, they may not be too warm.
During the summer months, you can expect temperatures from around 16 to 24 degrees celsius which are pleasant temperatures to enjoy sightseeing which is effectively the reason to head to New Zealand.
This isn’t a holiday that you might associate with days relaxing on a sun lounger. You will want to get up and get out to explore as much as possible.
New Zealand weather
Traditionally New Zealand has quite a similar climate to us here in the UK. They sit below the equator with the next stop being Antarctica, so you can expect quite diverse weather conditions.
Their summer months are the driest of the year and you can expect temperatures of up to 24 degrees celsius. However, there is still a chance of rain and fog, given where the islands are.
The winters can be quite extreme but the temperatures can still be quite mild. You can expect snow and rain, but it isn’t much different than what you may expect at home. Late spring, summer, and early autumn are great times of the year to make the most of the dry weather.
The North Island
The north island is likely to be the first stop on your tour of New Zealand and there are so many exciting places here to visit. Head to the capital of the north island and the main city, Wellington, first.
It is the official capital of New Zealand. It is a very quirky place and the perfect spot if you consider yourself a bit of a foodie. While the capital might be your base, there are so many incredible experiences that you can have here. Here are just a few that you may want to add to your itinerary. Auckland is another bustling town on the North Island and one of the ones that you should visit while you are there.
Explore the Waitomo Caves
If you have a sense of adventure then visiting the Waitomo Caves should be on your list of places to go. Here you can explore a maze of limestone caves and feel like you’re in the heart of nature. You can do a guided walk, take a boat tour, or even have a black water rafting experience. The choice is yours, but this should definitely be on your list.
Walk the Pouakai crossing
If you fancy being more active then taking on this trail will give you some of the most spectacular views in New Zealand. It highlights the Egmont National Park perfectly and gives you a chance to experience Mount Taranaki.
You will also want to make sure you have your camera with you as there are plenty of opportunities to capture some perfect memories of your trip.
Head to Cathedral Cove in Coromandel
New Zealand beaches are some of the best in the world and Cathedral Cove is one of those places that will rival any. It is the limestone archway that sets this cove apart. You can access it by a coastal route or you can look at kayaking there if you prefer.
Hobbiton
You cannot visit New Zealand without embracing the Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit films as they were filmed there. Hobbiton is where the hobbits lived and the sets are still there for you to explore. You can experience the hobbit houses and the Shire in all its glory.
The South Island
The South Island is just as much fun with plenty for you to see and do. Your first stop should be Christchurch, the main city on the south island.
Queenstown is another fabulous town to experience with lots of bars and restaurants and plenty of sites to behold. In fact, it’s known as the adventure capital of the world, and for good reason.
Christchurch is the place to go if you visit New Zealand in the winter as you will be able to experience skiing and the stunning landscapes covered in snow.
Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park
One of the highlights of the South Island is a cruise or sightseeing tour of Milford Sound. It is a fjord in the southeast part of the south island and is simply spectacular. Rainforests, waterfalls, and mountainous peaks surround it.
You can visit the Fiordland National Park and take a boat trip, sightseeing tour from the sky, or set off on one of the many walking trails available.
Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds is another region to the south of the island where you will see sunken river beds that have been filled with waters from the Pacific Ocean. Some of the best New Zealand holidays are spent on the South Island exploring the beautiful countryside.
Head to Maunganui
Finally, heading to Maunganui will give you more spectacular experiences. You have Mount Maunganui which is surrounding by forests and lakes with plenty of walking trails.
Heading out on the water will give you a chance to go dolphin spotting, but it’s not just any dolphins that you’ll see. Here you will see Hectar dolphins which are native to New Zealand and cannot be found anywhere else in the world – a truly unique experience.
Hopefully, this has given you a greater knowledge of what to do and where to go when visiting New Zealand.
