{"id":4926,"date":"2021-12-03T16:33:21","date_gmt":"2021-12-03T16:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/martak.sg-host.com\/?page_id=4926"},"modified":"2024-12-16T10:39:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T09:39:09","slug":"new-zealand-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4c656c95 gbp-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1bbc949 gbp-section__inner\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-69ac30d0\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-29ba1c4c gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\">New Zealand Road Trip Itineraries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-8e9eec2a gb-headline-text gbp-section__text\">From a one-week highlight tour across the South Island to an eight-week detailed plan for those who want to see every corner of New Zealand<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c02eee9c\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-75b87775 gb-button-text gbp-button--secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-itineraries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Plan your road trip<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4836c6c0\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-c344d4dd\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-c344d4dd\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Cook-Road-St.Peters-Lookout-3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0334002c gbp-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d2a810aa gbp-section__inner\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-a6b58b9a\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6ee3e4fc gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\">Hiking &amp; Backpacking in New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-40c435d2 gb-headline-text gbp-section__text\">Explore the endless hiking possibilities that New Zealand offers, from famous day hikes on the South Island to multiday hut-to-hut treks known as the New Zealand Great Walks.&nbsp;<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-218f6535\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-cd5787c7 gb-button-text gbp-button--secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-hiking-and-backpacking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Choose you trek<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1a3c299c\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-95fce39e\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-95fce39e\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Roy&#039;s Peak Lake Wanaka-7\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-7.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-7-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-f97756f7 gbp-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1296f743 gbp-section__inner\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b25bc7dc\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-dd36a1b3 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\">Photography in New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f4212bec gb-headline-text gbp-section__text\">There is a good reason why New Zealand is such a beloved destination amongst professional landscape photographers. Discover the best locations to capture the perfect shot worth printing onto your wall.&nbsp;<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e18df281\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-68f48179 gb-button-text gbp-button--secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-photography\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pick a location<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b3e2e95f\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-b492651d\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-b492651d\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-Sun-Beams.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Milford-Sound-Sun-Beams\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-Sun-Beams.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-Sun-Beams-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-Sun-Beams-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Milford-Sound-Sun-Beams-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-45323612 gbp-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-61ab7ce4 gbp-section__inner\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-69e99303\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ad2bb68e gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\">New Zealand Travel Tips &amp; Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-0b7fd1dc gb-headline-text gbp-section__text\">From walking through active geothermal areas to bungy jumping in the country that first created this activity. Explore the adventurous side of New Zealand.<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-258d38f1\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-a5184b04 gb-button-text gbp-button--secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/category\/new-zealand-travel-tips-and-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Choose your adventure<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5d45cd31\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-40069a21\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-40069a21\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Bungy-Jumping-Queenstown-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Bungy-Jumping-Queenstown-5\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Bungy-Jumping-Queenstown-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Bungy-Jumping-Queenstown-5-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Bungy-Jumping-Queenstown-5-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Bungy-Jumping-Queenstown-5-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-82484cfb gbp-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54436d58 gbp-section__inner\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fbb6821e\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-514f73ff gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\">Frequently asked questions about travelling in New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-06ac0ae6\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b5982cf9 gb-accordion\" data-accordion-multiple-open>\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be7f9860 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-14939ab4 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-14939ab4\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What is the best time of the year to travel around New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-68a951c8\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-68a951c8\">\n\n<p>The official hiking season stretches between November and April&nbsp;and if you&nbsp;chose&nbsp;New Zealand as your next holiday destination. you probably&nbsp;did so because of&nbsp;its access to the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My&nbsp;favourite time is autumn&nbsp;and in this part of the world autumn is in&nbsp;March, April and May. It\u2019s also somewhat quieter in comparison to the busy summer season. Extrapolating from what I said earlier&nbsp;it\u2019s best if you aim for March and April&nbsp;when planning a New Zealand road trip.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fall foliage in New Zealand comes to life&nbsp;in April in an array of golden hues and oranges. Mornings can be cold but days can still be as hot as 20C (68F). The first snow will fall in the mountains but won\u2019t linger for too long.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Winter in New Zealand&nbsp;is quite short and mild, it lasts&nbsp;from June until August. It\u2019s still certainly possible to do a road trip maybe just&nbsp;not in a campervan. The nights in the mountains&nbsp;can go below freezing but during the day the temperatures are bearable.&nbsp;June and July are the snowiest months which will please skiers, snowboarders and photographers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spring&nbsp;begins in September and lasts until November.&nbsp;This is a great time to road trip&nbsp;as the warm weather starts to come back and several different species of wildflowers start to bloom. Again though&nbsp;if you plan on hiking&nbsp;then hold your horses until at least&nbsp;November!&nbsp;Another downside to travelling in&nbsp;spring&nbsp;is that it also&nbsp;tends to be the&nbsp;wettest season.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lupin flowers, for which New Zealand&nbsp;is&nbsp;photographically famous for, start to bloom in early December reaching peak around Christmas time. That\u2019s also when the summer really kicks in. The days are long and the temperatures can be as high as 25C (77F).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>December, January and February is summer in New Zealand.&nbsp;It\u2019s hot and humid in the tropical north. The air is much crispier in the mountainous south island, especially when south easterlies blow in from Antarctica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the ideal road trip time, especially if you plan to do it in a campervan. Be warned though, New Zealand isn\u2019t exactly a well-kept secret anymore. Book your campervans and hotels months in advance, and avoid spending Christmas and New Years here as it gets insanely busy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3d0b242b gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-86aba5e5 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-86aba5e5\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What is NZeTA and IVL?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-21e36211\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-21e36211\">\n\n<p>We all hate bureaucracy but before you&nbsp;board your flight (or cruise) to New Zealand you will need to do two things:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Apply for the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Pay the IVL (International Visitor Tourism and Conservation Levy)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t panic if you didn\u2019t know about it and there are only a few days left before your trip begins!&nbsp;The processing time can&nbsp;take as little as 10 minutes&nbsp;and can be done online or through an app, with the latter being a slightly cheaper option ($9NZD vs. $12NZD). To be on the safe side however allow at least 72 hours for processing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The IVL currently costs $35NZD&nbsp;and is&nbsp;paid when you apply for the NZeTA. There are also a lot of rules and exemptions to who actually has to apply and it\u2019s specific to your home country. It\u2019s best if you check&nbsp;directly&nbsp;with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.immigration.govt.nz\/new-zealand-visas\/apply-for-a-visa\/about-visa\/nzeta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NZ Immigration website<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5d286122 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-a59e11a0 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-a59e11a0\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What is the best road trip itinerary for New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-4b24c83e\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4b24c83e\">\n\n<p>When you start planning your New Zealand road trip, stand in front of the mirror first and repeat this to yourself a few times:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI won\u2019t be able to see everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a sad truth. Even after 15 months spent in New Zealand, I still have a long list of things I would like to see there, so if you are coming for 1-2 weeks or even two months, trying to see everything will leave you stressed, tired and even frustrated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t fall into the trap of seeing&nbsp;the country from&nbsp;the window of a rental car. Plan enough time to explore on foot, do a few hikes, hang out by the lake or on the beach, or rent&nbsp;a kayak or cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I designed&nbsp;<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">five different itineraries, from one to eight weeks long, which you can find in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/road-trip-itineraries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">road trip section<\/a>&nbsp;of my New Zealand Guide. I am sure you will find one that best suits your interests<\/span>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">If I were<\/span> to pick my favourite out of the five, it would be this two-week loop around the South Island, which is aimed at photographers and hikers, both activities I\u2019ve grown to love over the years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-32bbc341 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-612a1d30 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-612a1d30\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What airport should I fly into when coming to New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-4bac1d10\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4bac1d10\">\n\n<p>This is probably one of the most essential advice I can give you:\u00a0plan your road trip first and book your flights after!\u00a0 From the many comments I receive, my readers often get stuck with planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, they only have two weeks, but they have already booked the in- and outgoing flights from Auckland and want to see both islands. This means they will either have to book more internal flights or spend many hours driving back and forth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Auckland is not the only international airport in New Zealand. Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown are also places to visit. You can, for example, fly into the North Island and exit the country on the South Island.\u00a0If you choose one of my itineraries, it will tell you exactly which airport you should fly into and out of!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-65f34b99 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-33e9eb52 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-33e9eb52\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Is freedom camping allowed in New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-8f72bc75\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8f72bc75\">\n\n<p>In theory&nbsp;yes it is!&nbsp;People who tell you freedom camping is not allowed aren\u2019t right. The thing is you can\u2019t do it wherever you please.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the most part,&nbsp;in national parks freedom camping is allowed as long as you are over&nbsp;200 meters away from any paths, trails, huts and water sources&nbsp;and you should still inform the DOC (New Zealand Department of Conservation) of your intentions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some exceptions apply, for example on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/backpacking-milford-track\/\">the Milford Track<\/a>, where your only choice is staying in the huts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Restrictions regarding freedom camping in cities are&nbsp;now often in place as previous freedom campers abused the privileges they were once bestowed. Now,&nbsp;you\u2019ll find it tough to find legal freedom camping spots in any touristy town or city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a&nbsp;self-contained campervan or motorhome (with a toilet)&nbsp;you have much&nbsp;more freedom&nbsp;about where you can stop and sleep but still can\u2019t do it everywhere. There are parking lots designated for such vehicles and you can find them with the help of travel apps&nbsp;such as the&nbsp;Camper Mate&nbsp;or&nbsp;Park4Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Non self-contained campervans (without a toilet) will have to stay in designated (normally paid) campsites.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-32d0b3ac gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-b4d08e4c gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-b4d08e4c\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What are the most photogenic places in New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-f69b221a\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-f69b221a\">\n\n<p><strong>There are&nbsp;lots.<\/strong>&nbsp;Far too many to enlist here. If you want to know where the top photography spots are, my articles on photography on the North and the South Island will help you lots. See them all below.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/photography-spots-north-island-new-zealand\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"684\">Photography Spots on the North Islands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-photography-spots-new-zealand-south-island\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"739\">Photography Spots on the South Islands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-photography-spots-queenstown\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"736\">Top Photo Spots in Queenstown<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"692\">Top Photo Spots in Wanaka<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-108f45ca gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-eff6c0de gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-eff6c0de\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can I fly my drone in New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-3225dfe5\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3225dfe5\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b02d2ee8 gb-headline-text\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since drones became popular in recent years, new sanctions have been imposed on the operators of such devices. Drones are now banned in all national parks unless the pilot has a permit to fly them, and permits are&nbsp;pretty much impossible to come by for recreational use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside of national parks some local councils still prohibit flying drones.&nbsp;Places such as Queenstown are totally a \u201cNo Drone Zone\u201d. By doing some research I\u2019ve found the latest rules for drones under 25kg:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No drones above 70m<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can\u2019t fly over people unless you have their permission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can\u2019t fly over private land without the owners permission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can\u2019t fly within 4km of restricted airspace (i.e next to an airfield, helipad, airport)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must remain in direct eye sight of your drone at all times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some, BUT NOT ALL, of the restrictions in place. For a full breakdown of regulations contact the CAA in NZ.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2288604d gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-d9f51c88 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-d9f51c88\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Which island is better?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-70c30be6\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-70c30be6\">\n\n<p>FYI There are a lot more islands in New Zealand than two, but most travellers stand between&nbsp;one choice:&nbsp;should I go North or focus on the South Island?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well you probably won\u2019t be surprised when I say both are awesome!!!! But again&nbsp;it depends what you like.&nbsp;For beaches, the sun, surfing, tropical rainforests and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/maori-cultural-experience\/\">Maori culture<\/a>&nbsp;visit the North Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For mountains, adventure activities, fjords&nbsp;and scenic roads visit the South Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Islands are awesome for road trips and are famed for their friendly locals. Whichever you decide to choose, you\u2019ll have a great time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure and have to pick only one I&nbsp;personally prefer the South Island and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/2016\/11\/15\/one-week-new-zealand-travel-itinerary\/\">this&nbsp;one week itinerary<\/a>&nbsp;packs one heck of a punch!&nbsp;Make sure to check it out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2b75e103 gb-accordion\" data-accordion-multiple-open>\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-728cc007 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-9da7efb0 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-9da7efb0\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What are the best hikes in New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-7bfc3e89\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7bfc3e89\">\n\n<p>Again, there\u2019s so many hikes here it\u2019d be impossible for me to write them all down on this&nbsp;page.&nbsp;You could spend a lifetime hiking on these islands and still not see everything. If you\u2019re a keen tramper, my articles&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/hiking-and-backpacking\/\"><strong>hiking in New Zealand<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;will help you out a lot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"696\">Top Hikes On The South Islands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"689\">Top Hikes On The North Island<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/seven-best-day-hikes-around-queenstown\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"737\">Best Hikes in Queenstown<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-hikes-wanaka\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"685\">Best Hikes in Wanaka<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mount-cook-national-park-guide\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"682\">Hiking in Mount Cook National Park<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7d16d4da gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-835fe155 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-835fe155\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Is New Zealand expensive to travel?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-6a264ac9\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-6a264ac9\">\n\n<p>Yes, there is no need to sugarcoat it. New Zealand is expensive. However&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;not any more expensive than travel around North America or Europe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all it\u2019s a small island nation with small population. A lot of the things need to be imported. A meal in a restaurant will easily set you back $20 NZD. A takeaway coffee costs $5NZD&nbsp;and a liter of gasoline costs more than $2NZD.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your budget is limited then choose campsites over hotels. Cook for yourself instead of going out for meals. Go hiking instead of spending hundreds of dollars on activities. That\u2019s just a few ways to save money.&nbsp;The&nbsp;most inexpensive way to travel around NZ is to rent a&nbsp;compact&nbsp;car and live out of a tent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However don\u2019t be scared to occasionally splurge on something. Go on that scenic flight or do that bungy jump, especially if it\u2019s been on your NZ bucket list for a long time!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ff5a2274 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-4697134f gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-4697134f\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What are good travel resources for booking my holiday in New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-d71325e9\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d71325e9\">\n\n<p>A seasoned traveller like myself always has a few favourite booking sites making my life easier:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For renting a compact car&nbsp;I always recommend&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand?a_aid=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Discover Cars<\/a>.&nbsp;It\u2019s a price comparison website with access to hundreds of different rental companies across New Zealand.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The most thorough and competitive motorhome comparison site&nbsp;is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand\/christchurch-motorhome-rental\/?affiliate=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Motorhome Republic<\/a>. Save time from browsing individual companies and use this search engine for small campervans and big RV\u2019s.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/booking?aid=inafarawayland&amp;campaign=inafarawayland-newzealandtravelguide&amp;product=lma&amp;habl=true&amp;isinc=true&amp;sid22=f75dbbe9-fe87-4b3d-a0a2-563461e187e4&amp;source=direct&amp;medium=deeplink&amp;address=New+Zealand&amp;link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Findex.html%3Faid%3D1188554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Booking.com<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;My no.1 accommodation booking page. Lots of hotels in New Zealand have self contained apartments on offer and that\u2019s the choice I often recommend to my readers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/discovery\/s?q=New%20Zealand&amp;searchSource=2&amp;partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=info%40inafarawayland.com&amp;placement=content-middle&amp;cmp=New_Zealand&amp;deeplink_id=baceb5ce-8d83-5992-bc19-b1813d18aa73&amp;page_id=3edf7019-1542-53f5-bcda-064d18a967fe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get Your Guide<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 A very convenient website, where you can&nbsp;book all your tours, activities and attractions.&nbsp;No more searching for confirmations through your emails. Now you can keep them all in one place and pay in any currency you want!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Now comes the moment when I ask for your support! If you found my New Zealand guide in any way useful and would like to show some love for it, you can! By using the links above for every booking you make I receive a small commission which costs you absolutely nothing! In fact it will save you time and money in the long run so it\u2019s a win win for all of us!&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-05b9ea6f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ef17f3a4 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ef17f3a4\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Should I rent a car or a campervan for my New Zealand road trip?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-fba2ea2b\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fba2ea2b\">\n\n<p>That\u2019s completely up to you.&nbsp;You have to ask yourself,&nbsp;what do you want to do in New Zealand?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to&nbsp;experience the outdoors&nbsp;as much as possible&nbsp;then rent a car, bring your tent&nbsp;or try to&nbsp;stay in as many&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/best-backcountry-huts-in-new-zealand\/\">backcountry huts<\/a>&nbsp;as possible!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like&nbsp;the comfort of having a \u2018real\u2019 bed&nbsp;but still want to be outside, then&nbsp;get a decent campervan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not a camping enthusiast,&nbsp;rent a car and book hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t force yourself into doing something you know you won\u2019t enjoy! Is your mind set on travelling in a campervan? Here is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-travel-information\/\">everything you should know about motorhome travel in New Zealand.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d95ad909 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-306eb60e gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-306eb60e\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How much should I budget for a road trip around New Zealand?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-7f0d9356\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7f0d9356\">\n\n<p>You can probably travel on less than 20NZD a day if you hitchhike everywhere, freedom camp and&nbsp;eat&nbsp;noodle soups for breakfast lunch and dinner,&nbsp;but let\u2019s be realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I like to break down my budgets into&nbsp;3 groups: budget, midrange and luxury.&nbsp;These prices do not include costs encountered before arriving to New Zealand such as flights, insurance or applicable visas. It\u2019s also aimed at short term travellers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Budget \u2013 100 \u2013 150NZD$ per person per day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes a spot in a rental car shared between a group or couple, split petrol costs, food and mainly campsite accommodation or hostel dorms. Activities include awesome free stuff like hiking and photography and a couple of paid activities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Midrange \u2013 250 \u2013 400 NZD$ per person per day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes a decent campervan with powered campsites, or a low budget hotel stays, a mix of restaurants and self made meals and petrol. Activities include cheaper adrenaline sports such a jet boating, scenic cruises (i.e Milford Sound), hiking, photography, wildlife cruises etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Luxury \u2013 $500NZD + per person per day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Basically there is no upper limit! The luxury type traveller can afford a luxury rental car with 4+ star hotel accommodation, meals in restaurants and world class adventure activities including bungy jumping, sky diving, the occasional overnight cruise, scenic day cruises and flights. Of course you can still do all the awesome free stuff!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-16daa92a gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-d81a4f56 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-d81a4f56\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What are New Zealand&#8217;s &#8220;Great Walks&#8221;?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-05781361\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-05781361\">\n\n<p>The Greats Walks are&nbsp;10 backpacking excursions&nbsp;on New Zealand\u2019s North, South and Stewart Island.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In alphabetical order they are The Abel Tasman Coast Track, The Heaphy Track,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/kepler-track-hiking-guide\/\">The Kepler<\/a>, Lake Waikaremoana, The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/backpacking-milford-track\/\">Milford Track<\/a>, The Paparoa Track, The Raikoura Track,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/routeburn-track-information\/\">The Routeburn<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/\">The Tongariro Northern Circuit<\/a>&nbsp;and The Whanganui River Journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have been designated as having outstanding beauty and\/or of special importance. If you want to book one, make sure you do so far in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When bookings open for Milford track, the most popular hike, most of the spots for the entire season are gone within the first few hours. Cancellations are still common though so checking daily with the online reservation system can be advantageous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices for these great walks are also considerably more expensive than normal backcountry campsites or huts. A regular serviced DOC hut can cost as low as 5$ whereas an overnight stay in a hut on the Milford Track is now 140$ for international visitors!<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0ad23dd8 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-e9fdb636 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-e9fdb636\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Is travelling in New Zealand safe?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-61ab7d7f\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-61ab7d7f\">\n\n<p>Definitely. It\u2019s voted one of the safest countries in the world.&nbsp;Serious crime is pretty much non existent here and the majority that does take place, takes place in and around Auckland. A city I recommend you leave as soon as you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In every house I lived here I never even owned a house key, we just left the door unlocked. Whenever I tell that to my friends back home they just can\u2019t believe it!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only crime that happens are car break ins on the trailheads. Just use common sense.&nbsp;Leave your valuables in a hotel or lock them away in the trunk of your car and out of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t become paranoid though! They don\u2019t occur on a daily basis. I\u2019ve left my car parked on trailheads more times than I can count, often overnight and&nbsp;never encountered any problems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-dfad4766 gbp-section__inner\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4c1afa00\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-1adb08d7 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\">Do you still have more questions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2ead4e03 gb-headline-text gbp-section__text\">Schedule a one-on-one call with me, and I can help you plan your New Zealand road trip.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-2b722036 gb-button-text gbp-button--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/trip-planning-advice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See how it works<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Zealand Road Trip Itineraries From a one-week highlight tour across the South Island to an eight-week detailed plan for those who want to see every corner of New Zealand Hiking &amp; Backpacking in New Zealand Explore the endless hiking possibilities that New Zealand offers, from famous day hikes on the South Island to multiday &#8230; <a title=\"New Zealand Travel Guide\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about New Zealand Travel Guide\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12098,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4926","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4926"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29657,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4926\/revisions\/29657"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12098"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}