Plan
your New Zealand adventure with essential travel info, visa details,
costs, and local insights. Discover when to visit, top attractions,
and practical tips to make the most of your trip across both North
and South Islands.
Country: New Zealand
Continent / Region: Oceania / South Pacific
Capital City: Wellington
Government Type: Parliamentary Democracy & Constitutional Monarchy
Population: Approx. 5.2 million
Official Language(s): English, Māori, NZ Sign Language
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~95%
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+12 / GMT+13 (summer)
Driving Side: Left
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type I – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 23–26 hours (1–2 stops)
Best Time/Months to Travel: November–April (summer & shoulder seasons)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: NZeTA required
- Visa Duration / Cost: 6 months per visit; approx. NZD $17–$23
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in New Zealand):
Average Daily Costs: £50 / £100 / £200+
Tipping Culture: Not expected; appreciated for excellent service
Public Transport Options: Buses, ferries, trains (limited), domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: NZD $3–$5 (city bus)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees
Main Climate Type: Temperate maritime
Average Temperature: Winter 5–15°C; Summer 20–30°C
Major Cities: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin
Natural Attractions: Fjords, volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal areas, beaches, mountains
Popular Destinations: Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland, Wellington, Milford Sound, Wanaka
Main Religions: Christianity; Māori spiritual traditions
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Lamb, seafood, hangi (Māori cooking), meat pies, pavlova, hokey pokey ice cream
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Hobbiton, Milford Sound, Tongariro Crossing, Mount Cook, Wai-O-Tapu, Franz Josef Glacier
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Common Scams: Rare; occasional tourist pricing issues
Health Risks: Strong UV radiation, sandflies in some areas
Recommended Clinics: High-quality medical centres in all major towns
Insurance Recommendation: Recommended due to adventure activities
Internet Speed: Very good 4G/5G nationwide
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Milford Sound cruises, Hobbiton, Rotorua geothermal parks, Queenstown adventure sports, Mount Cook National Park
Unique Experiences: Maori cultural experiences, glowworm caves, hot spring rivers, bungy jumping, scenic helicopter flights
Hidden Gems: Abel Tasman Coast Track, Stewart Island, Catlins waterfalls, Coromandel Peninsula, Mount Taranaki
Popular Areas to Stay: Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland CBD, Wellington waterfront, Christchurch city centre
Average Hotel Prices: £40 / £80 / £160+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Auckland Viaduct, Wellington Courtenay Place, Queenstown bars
Local Drinks: NZ craft beer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, L&P soda
Entertainment: Adventure sports, live music, lakefront bars, cultural shows
Car Rental: Highly recommended; easy road networks
Domestic Flights: Frequent between major cities
Trains: Scenic tourist routes (TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer)
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Uber and Ola widely used; taxis more expensive
Best Markets: Auckland Night Markets, Wellington Cuba Street, Christchurch Riverside Market
Popular Souvenirs: Merino wool, Manuka honey, jade (pounamu), wine, artisan crafts
Local SIM Card Providers: Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Safe throughout the country
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
New Zealand has more sheep than people — around 25 million sheep vs 5 million residents.