Lonely Planet New Zealand (Travel Guide)

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The Tongariro Northern Circuit has plenty of nooks and crannies to explore including Mount Ngauruhoe to Mount Ruapehu, which is the exact mountain that Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings is based on. Don’t let the list above fool you – the North Island is also home to some amazing multi-day treks in New Zealand!

This can be a particularly budget-friendly option if you plan on camping as opposed to staying in Airbnb’s and guesthouses. New Zealand is blessed with many stunning beaches. However, make sure you pay attention to any beaches that are advising against swimming due to currents. Kayaking in Doubtful Sound is one of the coolest experiences you can have in New Zealand. STAYING CONNECTED IN NEW ZEALAND The first of these is freedom camping. In years gone by you could freedom camp almost anywhere with the expectations that people would follow basic rules such as cleaning up after yourself. New Zealand, or Aotearoa (the local Maori name) as it is known in the indigenous language, is truly one of the most beautiful countries on earth.Lonely Planet's New Zealand is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Hit the slopes in Queenstown, experience Maori culture, and explore the Bay of Islands; all with your trusted travel companion. This waterfall is easily accessed via the town of Hamilton. The Ultimate New Zealand Hiking Adventure: Both Islands! Te Araroa Trail The Routeburn offers a mix of alpine wetlands, cascading streams, lush grasslands to silver beech forests which all happen within 32 kilometres of glorious hiking. Although the ACC in New Zealand partly covers accidental injury medical bills, many travellers opt for travel insurance for extra peace of mind. Our recommended insurance is Orbit Protect, which is based in New Zealand. ID and Driving License

From Mueller Hut, there is an option to summit Mount Ollivier which was Sir Edmund Hillary’s first major climb long before he climbed Mount Everest. Lake Waikaremoana is a great walk for a reason as views never cease to let down with impressive views of Lake Waikaremoana, giant native trees, and a stunning waterfall by the name of Korokoro Falls.

While not as popular as other countries, domestic flights in New Zealand are only a good idea for travelling long distances or between the North and South Islands. Ferries The alpine crossing has its own climate as a group of mountains such as Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngaurahoe nearly all reaching over 2,000 metres bring together some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world. Generally, hotels rank from simple motel-style options up the swanky 5-star options with plenty in between. Airbnb

While not as “sexy” as a campervan, renting a car is a smart way to travel if you want something easier to drive and cheaper with a bit more freedom. See The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand for recommended companies. Plus, our Travel By Car in New Zealand Guideoffers plenty of tips. Buy Your Own Vehicle

The currency of New Zealand is New Zealand Dollars (NZD). There are ATMs in towns and cities where you’ll be able to withdraw cash. Credit cards are also widely accepted, however, there is a percentage payable with each non-New Zealand credit card transaction. Oh yeah, and New Zealanders call paying with a card paying with “ EFTPOS“. Get advice on how to pay for things in a way to save money using our guide, The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand. As a general rule of thumb, the smaller and more isolated a place is, the higher the petrol price is likely to be. A small difference here or there can help you to save if you’re here for a significant period of time. Late December and January are particularly busy in New Zealand as this is the nation’s summer holiday. This means that there will be large numbers of both international and domestic tourists. Lamb– A staple in Kiwi meals and found at almost every restaurant. Lamb is traditionally prepared with rosemary and garlic. New Zealand can experience anything from cyclones, floods, thunderstorms to avalanches and blizzards in the mountainous areas.