New Zealand Travel Guide

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Ask me about my favorite country, and chances are I’ll tell you that it’s New Zealand. I’ve been to the country a handful of times, and even studied abroad in Wellington for a semester during university. I love this country for its stunning landscapes, laid-back vibes, and friendly people.

New Zealand quick facts

Population: 4.7 million

Language: English, Maori, and NZ Sign Language

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Capital city: Wellington

Country size: 103,483 sq. miles

High season: Summer (December-March)

Getting around New Zealand

The best way to get around New Zealand is by car or campervan. Roads are well-maintained, and it’s fairly easy to get from one point to another.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also get to most places by bus or train. NakedBus and InterCity are bus companies that I’ve used many times – if you book in advance you can often get good deals.

You can also fly between all of New Zealand’s major cities. Keep an eye on grabaseat for good domestic deals.

Where to stay in New Zealand

New Zealand has a nice mixture of hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to choose from, depending on your travel style and budget. Camping is also popular in NZ, with tons of campsites dotted all over the country.

Check out some of my personal recommendations in the New Zealand section of my Where to Stay page.

Booking.com

New Zealand posts

Here are all the posts I’ve published about New Zealand, arranged based on city/region. Or you can scroll down and see them all listed in reverse order from when they were published.

Misc.

The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List
6 Ways to Save Money While Traveling in New Zealand
Packing for a Trip to New Zealand
New Zealand Smackdown: North Island vs. South Island
15 Things You Might Not Know About New Zealand
5 Middle-Earth Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
Lupin-Spotting in New Zealand
DOs and DON’Ts for a New Zealand Road Trip
Things I Love (and Hate) About New Zealand
Top Things to Eat and Drink in NZ
5 Roads Less Traveled in New Zealand
Exploring Middle-Earth with Red Carpet Tours