New Zealand Vacations

New Zealand is known for its unique and vibrant culture that reflects a rich history of Māori Indigenous heritage, European colonial influence, and a modern multicultural society. New Zealand’s culture is a dynamic mix of tradition and modernity, with a strong connection to its stunning natural surroundings. This unique blend of influences has shaped a warm, welcoming, and diverse society that prides itself on its cultural heritage and inclusivity. 

What is the visiting etiquette in New Zealand?

Kiwis are proud of their culture and national identity and appreciate it when you embrace their social customs. Kiwi culture is relaxed and informal, highly valuing friendliness and humility. Standard greetings include "G'day" and "Kia ora" (hello in Māori), and a smile is always welcomed. Handshakes are customary in formal settings for both men and women, and a hongi is a common greeting in Māori culture—briefly pressing your nose and forehead to the nose and forehead of the other person—and it's used in everyday life with everyone.

Wearing shoes indoors is quite uncommon in most households, so remember to ask your host if they'd like you to take your shoes off before entering. It's crucial to remember that smoking is strictly banned in public buildings and most public areas in New Zealand. Therefore, it's important to ensure you're in a smoking-permitted area before lighting up. Not following this law can lead to legal consequences, so it's best to be mindful of this rule.

What is New Zealand best known for?

New Zealand is most known for its distinctive blend of Indigenous Māori traditions, British colonial influence, and modern multiculturalism. Māori culture profoundly shapes the country’s identity, influencing everything from the official languages—English and Te Reo Māori—to traditional arts like carving and weaving. Māori culture is also proudly present in New Zealand’s sporting culture, most famously displayed by the iconic All-Blacks rugby team who perform the haka war dance before every match.

Kiwis are also known for their love of the outdoors and adventure, paired with a do-it-yourself and innovative spirit, known as Kiwi ingenuity. New Zealand’s breathtaking natural landscapes are a playground for popular activities like hiking (tramping), surfing, sailing, and extreme sports like skydiving and bungee jumping, showcasing Kiwi’s profound connection to their stunning natural surroundings. 

What are some New Zealander (Kiwi) traditions?

New Zealand is a very welcoming country with freedom of religion protected by its constitution. While the country has no official religion and the majority of Kiwis identify as non-religious, Christianity is one of the most popular with approximately a third of the population identifying as Christians. New Zealand is celebrated for its multiculturalism so you’ll find a diverse array of cultural celebrations and events throughout the year.

Matariki marks the Māori New Year, celebrated between late May and mid-July depending on the rising of the star cluster, and Waitangi Day on February 6th commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the founding document of New Zealand. ANZAC day is another significant national holiday, memorializing the New Zealand and Australian soldiers who served in WWI, most notably at the Battle of Gallipoli, largely considered the beginning of both Australia’s and New Zealand’s national movements.

What are New Zealanders (Kiwis) like socially?

Kiwis are known for being friendly, laid-back, and approachable, embodying the country’s strong values of egalitarianism and mutual respect. Humility and humour are also highly valued as most Kiwis don’t take themselves or others too seriously, utilizing ironic and self-deprecating humour to emphasize fairness and equality. While a lot of social settings are quite informal, it’s important to remain polite by saying please and thank you.

What languages do New Zealanders (Kiwis) speak?

New Zealand’s three official languages are English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language, becoming the first country in the world to declare sign language as an official language. English-speaking travellers will have no issue using English in New Zealand, though you should learn and practice some Kiwi slang for seamless communication. Some of the most popular slang terms include Bro (brother, friend), Footy (rugby), G’day (hello, good day), Heaps (a lot), Jumper (sweatshirt), No sweat (no problem), Sweet as (very good), Ta (thanks), and Togs (swimwear).

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on your preferences and interests. Generally, New Zealand experiences mild, temperate climates, but there can be variations due to its diverse landscapes.

What is the ideal time to visit New Zealand?

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on your interests, with each season offering its own unique beauty. New Zealand’s most popular tourist season is during the country’s summer from December to February, perfect for sunny beach days and outdoor activities. New Zealand’s winter, from June to August, is the best time to enjoy the South Island’s incredible skiing. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer milder climates with stunning blooms and colourful foliage.

What is New Zealand’s peak tourist season?

New Zealand’s busiest tourist season is during the country’s summer from December to February. New Zealand is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes and summer is one of the best times to experience them, whether it’s diving and snorkelling, hiking, winery tours, whale watching, cruises, golfing, and much more. 

Which is the most affordable time to visit New Zealand?

Winter (June to August) is the least expensive time to visit New Zealand, though it still offers incredible experiences for every kind of traveller. Prices at notable ski destinations and resorts may remain quite high during the winter season, though you can secure more budget-friendly prices by booking in advance. 

How long should I plan a visit to New Zealand?

New Zealand is a relatively small and compact country, yet it’s packed with incredible experiences throughout. You can comfortably visit the country’s main highlights in two weeks but more in-depth journeys to off-the-beaten-path destinations can take three weeks or more.

What time of year would you plan a ski vacation in New Zealand?

Typically, the best time of year to plan a ski vacation in New Zealand is the winter from June to September. July and August are the peak months with the best chance for snowy conditions in the Southern Alps. Daytime highs average between 23°F and 32°F (–5°C and 0°C), so the temperature is typically great for long days on the slopes.

Where to vacation in New Zealand?

New Zealand is bursting with vacation options. The most popular sites on the North Island include Auckland, the capital Wellington, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the Bay of Islands. On the South Island, travellers will want to take in the cities of Christchurch and Queenstown and cruise Milford Sound. But this is only a start. New Zealand is an easy country to travel through with many travel options beyond the tourist trail, so get in touch with a Goway Destination Specialist to discuss a tailor-made trip today.

When is summer vacation in New Zealand?

Summer holidays in New Zealand are from mid-to-late December to late January, which overlaps with the Christmas holiday season. However, many New Zealanders will take their holidays earlier in December or later in February or March, depending on their schedules.

Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand?

You need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) when travelling to New Zealand as a tourist. Your NZeTA needs to be approved prior to departing for New Zealand. You can apply via the NZeTA mobile app.

How long can you vacation in New Zealand?

With an NZeTA, which is often used in place of a travel visa, you can stay in New Zealand for up to three months at a time. You can also return to the country later in the same year, staying for a total of six months over a single calendar year.

Australia or New Zealand: which is better for a vacation?

Due to their geographic proximity and their similar cultures, Australia and New Zealand are often compared to each other. However, each country has its own distinct appeal and both nations make for wonderful places to visit. You can read this article that breaks down some of the differences between the two nations for travellers, but you ought to visit both to experience the full wonders of Oceania for yourself.

Do I need a passport to travel to New Zealand?

Yes, you need a valid passport to travel to New Zealand as an American or Canadian. You won’t be allowed to board your plane without it.

What is the best way to see New Zealand?

The best way to explore New Zealand is on a tailor-made vacation that caters to your individual interests. Do you want to visit filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, go whale watching along the coastline, or hit up the trendiest cafes of the cities of Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch? Everyone has their own style of travel. Discover tailor-made travel in New Zealand with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist.

Can I drink New Zealand’s tap water?

Yes, the tap water is safe in most centres in New Zealand. In fact, New Zealand’s cities have some of the cleanest water in the world. However, in rural areas, you should check if the water is safe to drink (for instance, you’ll see signs on taps in campgrounds indicating whether the water is potable (drinkable) or not). In general, save yourself money and help the environment by travelling with a reusable water bottle.

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?

You don’t need to tip in New Zealand, unless you want to express some extra gratitude for great service. Service charges are included in bills, so everything additional is up to you.

What side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, people drive on the left side of the road. If you plan to rent a car, you’ll have to get used to the difference in roads as well as the placement of the driver’s seat within vehicles.

What is the official language in New Zealand?

The official languages of New Zealand are English and Māori. Signage and place names throughout the nation are often bilingual. 

What currency is used in New Zealand?

The currency used throughout the country is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). New Zealand has a favourable exchange rate for North American travellers. Typically, USD $1 converts to NZD $1.7. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are very common.

Is there transportation within New Zealand?

The best way to get around New Zealand include travelling by a tour bus, car or motorhome rental or even a selection of ferries and trains for longer distances. However, you can easily fly between major cities. You can also purchase passes that cover the national Intercity coach network, the three scenic rail journeys, and the Cook Strait ferry passage.

How welcoming is New Zealand to LGBTQ+ travellers?

New Zealand is one of the friendliest and most welcoming nations in the world. New Zealand is well known for its diversity and has strong laws that protect travellers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

New Zealand offers a delectable culinary experience that reflects its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. New Zealand’s cuisine emphasizes farm-to-table freshness and is known for its high-quality seafood, lamb, and dairy products, Māori food traditions, such as hāngī (earth-cooked meals), and a strong café culture with a focus on artisan coffee and baked goods. New Zealand is also famous for its world-class wines and growing craft beer scene, ensuring delicious dining experiences.

What is New Zealand’s traditional cuisine?

New Zealand’s cuisine is defined by its natural, fresh, and diverse dishes and ingredients, drawing inspiration from its Māori, British, and Pacific Islander history. 

Hāngī is a traditional Māori method of cooking involving slow-cooking meat and vegetables in an earth oven, creating a smoky, flavourful feast. Seafood is another staple of New Zealand cuisine thanks to its extensive shoreline and pristine waters teeming with green-lipped mussels, Bluff oysters, succulent crayfish, and more. 

Wash it all down with some Kawakawa tea, a traditional Māori drink made from native Kawakawa leaves. You could also indulge in the world-famous New Zealand flat white, a coffee beverage that perfectly balances espresso and velvety steamed milk. 

What is the dining etiquette in New Zealand?

It’s polite to wait for everyone to be served before eating in New Zealand; meals are mostly family-style. Table manners are typically Continental, where you hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating, and you should lay your cutlery parallel on your plate to signal when you’re done eating. 

Māori dining etiquette varies slightly, as you typically should not eat until the food has been blessed or acknowledged by an elder of the home. Getting to know your host by sitting amongst them during your meal is common, and younger people will serve the elders who usually prepare the meal. 

What is the drinking etiquette in New Zealand?

Consuming alcohol is a common part of New Zealand society and is widely available at bottle stores, grocery stores, and restaurants and bars. The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18 years old and most Kiwis love to socialize over a drink at bars, restaurants, parties, and barbecues, and non-alcoholic options are often available. 

New Zealand is renowned globally for its wine from Auckland, Northland, Gisborne, Wairarapa, and Hake’s Bay in the North Island and from Marlborough, Nelson, Central Otago, Waitaki Valley, and North Canterbury in the South Island. Sauvignon Blanc is the country’s most commonly planted grape, and several vineyard and wine-tasting tours are available throughout the country.

Does New Zealand cater to dietary restrictions?

New Zealand is very accommodating to dietary restrictions, especially in major cities and popular tourist destinations. You'll find a rich variety of dietary options in cities like Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Queenstown from vegetarian and vegan to halal and kosher, and even lactose and dairy-free, and gluten-free. Most restaurants and grocery stores cater to these dietary restrictions, though it’s always advisable to check beforehand when possible. Options may be more limited in more rural areas of the country but still available with proper planning.

What do meals typically cost in New Zealand?

A typical meal in New Zealand will cost around $12 to $24 USD at most restaurants, while higher-end dining can range from $60 to $100 USD per person. Tipping is optional in New Zealand but is appreciated for exceptional service.