The bucket list for New Zealand travelers is usually full. The country offers tourists an almost endless number of excursion possibilities, activities and sights. With so much on offer, it is important to keep an overview and plan activities in advance.

Hiking in New Zealand

Traveling in New Zealand means hiking for most visitors! A hiker's paradise with thousands of kilometers of fantastic trails. The country is blessed with an enormously diverse nature that is best explored on foot. You will find untouched nature, spectacular landscapes and cinematic natural scenery on the many paths. Day and multi-day hikes are very common in New Zealand. Both in the coastal regions and inland there are various tracks, some of which are world famous. Absolute highlights are the Tongariro Crossing, the Routeburn Track and the Kepler Track. They are part of the Great Walks. The Great Walks are a series of hiking trails that are the country's most significant and important hiking trails. In addition to the Great Walks, there is something for every hiker in every region. Find out beforehand online, at a tourist information center or from locals to find the most beautiful hiking trails. Whichever paths you choose, immersing yourself in New Zealand's nature on foot is an adventure.

Queenstown

Located in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island, Queenstown is the perfect place for an adventure. The small town sits on the edge of a lake and is surrounded by towering mountains. If you're looking for an adrenaline trip to New Zealand, you've come to the right place! There are many ways to embark on an adventure. Boat trips, skiing, rafting, hiking, down hill biking, sky diving or bungee jumping are all available in the Queenstown area. But there is also a more leisurely way with wine tastings, wellness or a visit to a restaurant. Queenstown's nightlife is also active. In the city center there are many bars and some clubs, which open their doors to visitors in the evening.

Get to Know the Māori Culture

When traveling in New Zealand, you can get to know the culture and hospitality of the Māori particularly well in Rotoura, in the heart of New Zealand. Here is an authentic pre-European Māori village for a cultural show. In addition to delicious food, the hot thermal pools attract visitors from all over the world.

Star Gazing

Dark, clear skies, unique celestial features and otherworldly landscapes make stargazing in New Zealand a breathtakingly magical experience. Various regions in New Zealand are known for their stars. Due to the fact that it is particularly dark and little indirect light disturbs the eye, the sky is littered with stars. A clear night with a bright starry sky is one of the most magical moments for your New Zealand road trip.

Sports in New Zealand

New Zealand also offers some highlights and activities for sports fans. Rugby is considered a national sport. While it is usually difficult to watch the All-Blacks live, regional games from the domestic leagues can also be a successful trip. Most of the games resemble a small folk festival with a relaxed atmosphere in the stands but a highly intensive exchange of blows on the field. In addition to rugby, you can also look forward to a wide variety of golf courses, cycling routes and climbing opportunities when traveling in New Zealand.


In addition to sports on land, there are many opportunities for activities on the water . Kiwis love the water and are spoiled for choice when it comes to their preferred water activity. In addition to kayaking and surfing, sailing, rafting, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kite surfing and scuba diving are all available throughout the country. You can usually rent equipment on site. Whatever water activity you choose, it will be worth it.

New Zealand's National Parks

New Zealand’s national parks are spectacular. The unique and untouched nature offers an unusually awesome experience for every visitor. 10% of the total land mass is taken up by the 13 national parks , with more than 30,000 square km or park. There are so many beautiful hikes and amazing sights to find in New Zealand, you could spend a lifetime and still not see all that it has to offer.


The Abel Tasman National Park contains the most beautiful destination to travel to in New Zealand. The coastal paradise on the north of the South Island can be discovered by foot or in water in a kayak, water taxi or catamaran. Adventurous activities are combined with the relaxed beach atmosphere in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. A visit here is worth a least a couple of days, but you could really invest a lot of time here as well. The fine sandy beaches and many unique bays offer a true paradise. Many visitors in New Zealand say that Abel Tasman National Park was the highlight of the trip.

Tongariro National Park provides a different flare for visitors to New Zealand. This area is found in the center of the North Island and has a really dramatic scenery with lots of contrast. In the center of the park are three active volcanoes, the Tongariro, the Ngauurhoe and the Ruapehu, all right next to the other. Really well known here is also the view of the Emerald Lakes. Three are a lot of different routes on offer for people to hike here too. There are one to six day hikes through the entire park. Fans of Lord of the Rings also have a lot to enjoy here, as many scenes in the film series were filmed here. On location can you get all the information that you really need for whatever information you would like to have.

In the very south of the South Island the Fiordland National Park is found. One oft he beautiful and most influential areas of New Zealand. With more than 12,500 square km it is the largest national park in New Zealand. Belonging to the terrain here are the world famous Milford Sound and the Doubtful Sound. The scenery here offers big fjords, loads of waterfalls and snow-covered mountains. The land here is littered with ancient rainforests and shimmery lakes.


In addition to these three national parks, the other ten are also worth a visit during a trip to New Zealand. Informing yourself before the trip about all of the opportunities on your trip is a great idea. Often there are benefits to booking certain tours, kayaks or camping spots before the trip to some of these more commonly visited locations. A detailed plan is worth it when talking about the national parks of New Zealand, that you have a guaranteed opportunity to have the adventure that you are looking for.

New Zealand is blessed with breathtaking wilderness with so many worthy sights to see. Paired with the culture of the Kiwis, the Māori and all of the tourists, a certain flare shines in every view of New Zealand’s sights. We want to offer you a small picture of what your trip in New Zealand will be like. Best case scenario to see all of these spots and have the best trip, is to rent a campervan.

Auckland

In the biggest city of New Zealand , Auckland, and the surrounding area you can really find a lot to do! The Hafen provides a perfect view of Auckland’s skyline, especially the Skytower. This is a viewing tower scraping the sky, that is also used for bungee jumping. Not far from the city is the Witakere Ranges. The typical New Zealand scenery is great for walks and greets every visitor with a a wonderful sight. This region is a great spot for visitors who land in Auckland to start a road trip.

Coromandel

Coromandel is an area on the North Island where you will find some of the most beautiful coastal stretches in the country. One of these beaches is home to New Zealand’s most famous sea cave – Cathedral Cove. The area is great to explore on foot, or by hiring a kayak! This volcanic coastline offers not only cool sea caves, but spectacular beaches. The Hot Water Beach is known by many, where you can dig a big hole and then hop in as it fills with warm water.

Hobbiton

For many Lord of the Rings fans, Hobbiton is a place of special pilgrimage. As a major location in the books and films, this location is quite special! Located on the North Island, visitors can tak a guided tour and learn all about the 3,000 acre expanse. This film set is considered to be one of the most popular sights when travelling to New Zealand. It’s best to plan a tour in advance in order to get a suitable date. For fans of the books and films, Hobbiton is an absolutely must see while here in New Zealand.

Waitomo Caves

There are a lot of caves in New Zealand to discover. One of the most famous is located in Waitomo. The Waitomo Caves can be explored by boat tour, on foot or as an adventure of white water rafting!. Many fireflies live in the caves and create a magical experience where a blue starry-like sky is made inside of the cave. Fireflies are found in other caves, but not to the extent of Waitomo Caves.

Kaikoura

Found on the east coast of the South Island is Kaikoura. This region offers a wide range of coastal animals to be seen. Whales find this part of the ocean to feel quite homey, so these big 20 meter long ocean dwellers can be seen quite often here by boat tour! These giants are able to be seen the entire year in Kaikoura. Alongside these colossal giants, the Kaikoura Coast Track offers a one of a kind view of the mountains and Pacific Coast over the two day hike. This trail is worth it!

Wanaka

Wanaka is a small town on the South Island just a short drive from Queenstown with a lot of sights worth seeing. The crystal clear water of Lake Wanaka attracts sailors, kayakers and boaters alike. Coming out of the lake like a miracle is the famous Wanaka Tree . This is without a doubt the most famous tree in New Zealand.

Off the shore of the lake you can start a day hike up the 1578 meter Mount Roy . This is one of the most beautiful day hikes in New Zealand with a spectacular view of Lake Wanaka and it’s island, with snowcapped mountains all around. This hike is sure to be a great memory of the trip. Just be aware that it is closed occasionally throughout the year due to sheep herding. In case it is closed, we can suggest the Isthmus Peak hike , which isn’t far and also offers a great view of the mountains, and both lakes in the surrounding area!

Nugget Point

You can reach the Nugget Point when traveling in New Zealand with a small detour from the Southern Scenic Route on the South Island of New Zealand. The sight is like a picturesque backdrop . A white lighthouse on a hill towers towards the sky and is surrounded by a lush green coastal landscape and the endless expanse of the sea. A 5-minute walk takes you to the lighthouse, from where you have a beautiful view.


This small selection of sights is by no means a complete picture of all there is to see. New Zealand is enormously diverse and offers a wide range of attractions to discover . On your route through the country you will notice that many sights are very well signposted and easily accessible. You will also discover that every time you stop to stretch your legs, you’ll see a post-card like view and a little known hike to a lookout that you’ll wonder why it’s not in every travel book about New Zealand.

In hardly any other country is it so common to rent a camper or motorhome as it is in New Zealand for a holiday . Even the locals like to camp, they tent often, have their own tow-behind mobile homes, or have converted a van into a camper! The demand for campers and motorhomes has increased steadily over the last ten years. Accordingly, the regulations have been adjusted frequently since then.


New Zealand is open to the world for tourism, and wants to stay that way. Their only requirement moving forward is that it happens in harmony, and not disfunction, with nature . Because of this, Freedom Camping regulations have continued to evolve. With a self-contained certificate, campers and motorhomes are allowed to stay in signed locations, and in some regions anywhere you’d like. br>

When travelling in New Zealand, we can recommend looking for campsites off the main tourist routes . There are lots of small camping spots throughout the country, that are also popular with the Kiwis. They are also a bit cheaper usually.


On top of the smaller spots to park and camp, Holiday Parks are a safe and comfortable way to camp. These holiday parks are classic camping parks with really nice setups. These spots are the more expensive variation of camping places. The price may be high, but you’ll always have a toilet, warm shower, kitchen and you can rent a washing machine! The costs are anywhere from $10-$40 per person.


The DOC Campsites are often time quite idyllic spots to stay in nature. DOC stands for the Department of Conservation. This organization’s aim is to care for the environment and nature in New Zealand. The DOC pitches are usually equipped with simple basics, mainly toilets, showers and other water connections. At times the DOC spots are free, but can cost up to a maximum of $20 per person.

New Zealand has a very temperate climate with lots of sun and lots of precipitation. Like Europe, there are four seasons but they occur at opposite times to countries in the northern hemisphere. July is the dead of winter and January is the heat of summer. The seasonal differences are less noticeable to many European countries or much of Nort America, as even sunny winter days can be quite warm or windy days in summer on the South Island can be a bit chilly. In general it is much warmer in summer than in winter. While traveling in New Zealand, we do highly recommend that you be ready for quick weather changes! Put simply, in New Zealand you are either on the coast or in the mountains, and quick weather changes happen often and rapidly!


The maximum and minimum temperatures in New Zealand are also not as extreme as in Europe or parts of North America. However, the intensity of the sun's rays is much stronger. It is absolutely necessary to always have sun protection in the form of a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Even in winter, travelers are likely to get sunburned.

The most common way to get to New Zealand is by plane . From Europ there are three routes. You can fly east through Singapore or Malaysia , the western route is a bit longer travelling through the USA or the southern route through Dubai or Doha . The southern route connect soften times through Sydney Australia and is usually the quickest offered route. Since the trip will require some type of stopover, it is worth considering a longer stop in the layover location. A flight from Europe will take between 24-27 hours , but can be up to 36 hours, depending on the route and flight times.


The main airports are found in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington , with numerous smaller airports spread throughout the country. The cities of Auckland on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island are usually suitable entry points for camper rentals, as most companies have depots in those two major cities. br>

Anyone entering the country after October 2019 needs an electronic visa, called an ETA . It’s an electronic entry permit that can be applied for online since July of 2019. It allows multiple entries within a 2 year period, with a maximum of 90 days per stay.

Driving in New Zealand isn’t especially difficult. Some aspects that you should keep in mind throughout your trip in New Zealand to have the best trip possible are as follows.

1.	Driving on the Left	In New Zealand, you drive on the left side of the road. This can be unusual at first and it's important to concentrate., but usually it's quick and easy to pick up.
2.	Have no Fear	Driving on the roads here shouldn't frighten you. Roads are well maintained and even if they are windy, they are well kept. Driving won't differ much from driving at home.
3.	Sightseeing	New Zealand's landscapes are beautiful. Of course you'll want to make quick photo stops, or wander for a while. Just keep in mind not to block the roads or other vehicles.
4.	Gravel Roads	There are some gravel roads in different locations in New Zealand. Simply ask the rental company at pickup if you are allowed to drive on them.
5.	Toll Roads	There are three toll roads in New Zealand, but they can all be avoided quite easily. The toll roads are in Auckland and Tauranga.
6.	One Lane Bridge	Many bridges in New Zealand only have one lane. However, traffic signs clearly indicate who is allowed to drive across first.
7.	Ferry	You can normally take the ferry between the north and south islands without issue in a camper. You should book a ticket for this in advance though, and you can do that through us!

It is important to stay calm while driving. Knowing that there are many tourists in the country, New Zealanders are often considerate. In the cities, the streets are busier. In the more rural areas, driving is very relaxed and risk-free.

The two main islands of New Zealand are the North and South Islands . However, there are numerous other small islands to explore. The largest island is Rakiura , which is also known as Stewart Island . It is located in the extreme south of the country. The island can be reached by a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff or by propeller plane from Invercargill. The island is known for being home to many kiwis. Here you are most likely to see one of the typical New Zealand animals in the wild when traveling in New Zealand. On the island you can go on beautiful hikes through the Rakiura National Park. Other important islands dedicated to protecting wildlife are Kapiti north of Wellington and Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf.


You can also visit a very special island from the Bay of Plenty . The White Island is a particularly adventurous island. Visiting the island feels surreal and almost like being on another planet. You can reach the island with a boat tour and take part in a guided tour there. It is an active volcanic island. The island's name comes from explorer Captain Hook. He didn't know it was an active volcanic island, but named the island that because it was constantly surrounded by white smoke. The ground on the island is very hot. Accordingly, you should always stick to the tour guide. In addition, the acrid smell of sulfur is unpleasant. This is counteracted with a breathing mask. A visit to White Island is an adventure and one of the top places to visit if you want to see an active volcano up close.

From Auckland you can also reach some inhabited islands by ferry. These include the islands of Waiheke and the Great Barrier . Waiheke is just 14km from bustling Auckland. On the island one can find galleries, handicraft boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The island is also a great destination for wine lovers. You'll find pristine beaches, native bushland and rare bird species on beautiful Great Barrier Island. Here you can surf, hike and just relax. The two islands are particularly suitable for relaxing after a long flight.


Further north is the Bay of Islands, a beautiful natural area of ​​offshore islands. Here it is worth renting a boat and exploring the islands on your own. You can also discover a lot on the water and explore the islands by kayak.

Food in New Zealand is like nature - diverse. The traditional dishes are varied, fresh and delicious.


Fish and seafood are particularly popular. The New Zealand green-lipped mussel from the Marlborough region is world-renowned – not least because of its health-promoting properties. In addition, the pearls of the south, the Bluff Oysters , among the best oysters in the world. A separate Bluff Oyster Festival is dedicated to the dish. Fish and chips are not originally from New Zealand, but the heritage of the British . The quick and tasty dish is very common in New Zealand. It is one of the favorite dishes of all age groups. Especially with freshly caught fish and homemade fries, the snack quickly becomes a culinary highlightbr>

Meat Pies are a hearty traditional dish in New Zealand as well. Consisting of handmade puff pastry, the small cake-like shape encases its contents. This is then filled with meat and/or vegetables. Meat pies are widespread throughout New Zealand and are a quick snack for in between meals. There are also some specialties from the Maori kitchen. The Maori still like to prepare their meals in the traditional way. A popular way of preparation is called Hangi . A pit is dug and stones are heated in it. Once the pit reaches a certain temperature, vegetables and meat are added to potatoes, and then covered with leaves. Depending on the dish, it can take up to 4 hours before the food is ready. But the wait is worth it!


New Zealand is also a wine country . If you drive your camper through the countryside, you'll notice lots of wineries in a lot of different regions. Particularly well-known and larger wine regions are the Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and Canterbury.

The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. You can easily pay here with all major credit cards. The largest supermarket chains are Pack'n Safe, Countdown and New World. The cheapest option is normally Pack'n Safe. Credit cards and debit cards normally work at all ATM's as well. Depending on the bank or credit card company, there may be fees to withdraw cash. We recommend speaking with your bank prior to travelling.

With the European settlers, many new species of flora and fauna came into the country. Even the famous sheep , of which there are a lot of in New Zealand today, are not native animals. Many forests have given way to green meadows, which are now used as grazing land. And some introduced species, such as the possum, cause problems for the New Zealand ecosystem because there are no natural enemies and they threaten the native animals.

There is also a lot to see in and around the water when traveling in New Zealand. Whales and dolphins cavort here, also sharks from time to time. And the penguins and seals are also absolute crowd pullers. If you are not too afraid of water, you can also pick one or two paua shells. These mussels often grow on large rocks that are only gently washed by the water at low tide. They have tasty flesh and beautiful shells. The number that can be collected per person is posted on beaches to ensure stocks. Paua is used in making traditional Maori jewelry.

Most plants in New Zealand are evergreen . Travelers can admire the dense vegetation in the New Zealand jungle at any time of the year. This is characterized by some exotic tree species such as the giant kauri trees or the Rimu with its wonderful wood. Plants thrive in New Zealand due to the high amount of precipitation and the many hours of sunshine. This is reflected in an extremely dense undergrowth and a lot of moss growth, which makes the forests look enchanting and fairytale-like .


Countless bird species populate the land and create an exciting background noise with their screams and songs. New Zealand was not home to any land mammals prior to European settlement, leaving many bird species devoid of natural predators. This resulted in some species becoming flightless. However, the extinct moa, which could grow up to 3 meters tall, was often fatal when it fell into holes and ditches from which it could not get out. It has not harmed the kiwi, which is also unable to fly. He even managed to become the symbol of New Zealand.

There are no specific vaccination requirements for New Zealand. In principle, however, it is advisable to up to date with the basic vaccinations, which are also recommended in much of Europe and North America. Vaccination for hepatitis A and B, rabies, tetanus, polio and diphtheria should be available when traveling to New Zealand.
Medical care is good in New Zealand. Medical care is guaranteed in both rural and urban areas. The hospitals are well equipped and employ qualified doctors. Standard of care and hygiene are comparable with those of Western European countries.


It is advisable to find out about international health insurance and, if necessary, take one out. Health insurance comapnies often offer programs for travel insurance for their customers. If you take medication regularly, you should take your perscription and enough meds with you. English certificates are also helpful if you have a reason to take meds and come from a non english speaking country.

New Zealand has been an immigration country from the start. For a long time the country was inhabited only by animals. But about 1000 years ago the first people came to the country. The South Pacific Islanders who came to New Zealand in sea canoes. They settled there and founded the Maori culture, which is still alive in New Zealand today. After Abel Tasman came to New Zealand as the first European in 1641, the country also became an emigration destination for Europeans. They farmed and initially had to be very daring and inventive to build a life in the largely unspoilt land. The British made New Zealand a colony, which was associated with many disputes between the Maori and the "Pakeha".

Today, Pakeha, Maori and many other immigrants, mainly from Asia and European countries, and also Polynesians, live together peacefully and naturally. Today, New Zealanders are proud of the cultural diversity in the country, which is reflected in traditional handicrafts, but also in modern art, fashion, films and many innovative inventions. With only 4.5 million inhabitants, New Zealand is very sparsely populated. Most people live in the big cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.


New Zealand lives mainly from agriculture and tourism. Sheep farming, dairy products and the cultivation of fruit and vegetables ensure ample exports. The incomparable landscape with its numerous leisure opportunities attracts over two million visitors to the country every year.

New Zealand is well prepared for the tourists. In almost every town there is a tourist information office where you can get maps of the area, suggestions for activities, accommodation and much more. Popular hiking trails require pre-booking and are open to a limited number of visitors each day, so even in high season there is no feeling of being on a demonstration rather than in the wilderness. Thanks to the variety of sights and the sparse population, you never feel cramped..


There are three official languages ​​in New Zealand: English, Te Reo Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. In fact, English is spoken almost exclusively, although New Zealand English has some special features, especially when it comes to pronunciation. Some terms borrowed from Te Reo Maori also distinguish New Zealand English from other variants.

Te Reo Maori is the language of the Maori , which is no longer spoken by large parts of the Maori population. However, the language can now be learned in schools, so that it is increasingly spoken and understood, especially among the younger population, albeit in addition to English and hardly as everyday language. The New Zealand Sign Language is only spoken by a very small part of the population. About 0.6% of people can communicate in this way, which is well below the number of hearing impaired people in New Zealand. The elevation to the status of official language is therefore only of a symbolic nature.

New Zealand's political system is based on a constitutional monarchy modeled on the British system of Westminster. The country is considered a full democracy and has always occupied one of the top 10 places on the World Democracy Index since 2018. The capital and seat of government is Wellington, which is the second largest city in the country. It is also the southernmost capital in the world.


New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce women's suffrage in 1893 . The country sees itself as a reform-loving and modern democracy.There is radio, television and newspapers in the Maori language. There are seven reserved seats in Parliament, with representatives elected in special Maori constituencies.