Lonely Planet New Zealand (Travel Guide)

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READ MORE: Don’t miss out on all these incredible New Zealand itineraries when travelling around the country! Tongariro Northern Circuit If you are going to be visiting New Zealand for an extended period of time then renting is not a sensible financial decision. 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

For many travellers, you’ll need to make the heartbreaking decision between the North Island and the South Island. If we had to sum up their differences, the North Island is best for culture and volcanoes while the South Island is best for wilderness, wildlife and, well, more scenery. Take a look at our North Islands Vs. South Island comparison for details. As well a being fitted with the latest mod cons, the larger camper van will also be self-contained. If you’re taking the camper van option then you will be spending the majority of your time in holiday parks. Kayak Doubtful Sound. You won’t get a more authentic and raw natural experience in New Zealand than getting out on the Doubtful Sound for a good paddle.New Zealand is one of the safest places to go trekking in the world. But you should always be prepared for any conditions. An uneasy coexistence between Maori and European societies informs the current wrangles over cultural identity, land and resource rights. The British didn’t invade as such, and were to some degree reluctant to enter into the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, which effectively ceded New Zealand to the British Crown while guaranteeing Maori hegemony over their land and traditional gathering and fishing rights. Basic camper vans will be small 2 berth campers that are often old Mazda vans, or people carriers converted into a home on wheels. Many travellers rent large campervans, despite have little experience of driving a vehicle of such size.

The trek requires 24 kilometres a day if you want to meet the 4 month time period however hikers generally move at their own pace due to the length of the walk. Pavlova– A meringue dessert that has caused much dispute over whether it was originally created in Australia or New Zealand. In recent years tourism numbers to New Zealand have surged. Whilst this has brought economic opportunity up and down the country, it has also lead to a number of challenges. Water – on most New Zealand hikes you will find places to refill quite regularly. 4 to 5 litres must be on you at all times Hiking in Tongariro National Park has been compared to hiking on Mars or in Iceland, and that’s a good thing!

What to Pack for New Zealand

New Zealand is the absolute definition of 4 seasons in a day. Therefore whenever you’re heading out on a hike make sure you bring the appropriate clothing just in case the weather changes. 6. Hayfever Issues One of the most stunning hikes in the North Island which can be quite demanding at times but well worth the views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Kitesurf in Taranaki. The wind is epic and harnessing it in a kitesurfing sail is going to lead to one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities in New Zealand! However, there are spectacular hotels and guesthouses throughout the country that are a great excuse to splash some cash.

Hangi– A traditional Maori method of steaming meats and vegetables where the food is wrapped in leaves and buried to cook on heated stones in holes in the ground. Undertaking Te Araroa presents all of New Zealand to you over a period of 4 months with beaches, cities, forests, mountains and even the odd volcano!

Reclaimed and renamed: 8 places that have restored their indigenous identity

Generally much cheaper than renting a campervan, both in terms of rental fees and fuel consumption. If you’re here on a short visit then renting a car may be a better option than renting a campervan. So it is best of to leave Cape Reinga in spring which should give you plenty of time to pass through the South Island before winter arrives. This is the way most travellers get around. Many have wonderful memories of pulling up in their campervans on edge of a lake, a deserted beach, or just stopping on a quiet road to admire the view.