The islands of scenic landscape, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor exploration and adventure. From kayaking through the fjords of Milford, hiking the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, to witnessing the hissing geyser, you will not run out of ideas to enjoy yourself in the country. The vibrant nightlife in the city and the inspiring culture of Maori are also great to spend your time on. What you need is a guideline to start planning your tropical getaway. Here we go!
1. Know the Climates
Always check the climate and weather for the time of your visit. Plan your itinerary and clothes to pack accordingly. Being in the southern part of the Earth means the seasons are in the opposite cycle from the northern side. However, New Zealand’s climates are also heavily influenced by its topography.
Climates are mostly mild, with warm summers and not-so-cold winters. However, it may vary in different locations, depending on the latitude, altitude, and proximity to the sea. The North Island mostly has a subtropical climate, with high humidity and rainfall. The South Island predominantly has a cooler climate, with more snow and frost. The west coast of both islands is wetter and windier than the east coast, due to the prevailing westerly winds.
2. Weathers May Surprise You
The sky of New Zealand is full of surprises. You can wake up to a sunny morning before thunder and rain start to come out of the blue by the afternoon. Better bring an umbrella or a raincoat to mitigate this risk. Wearing layered clothing is also a practical solution to adapt to the changing temperature.
3. Plan More Nature Activities
New Zealand is famous for its natural tourism instead of city tourism. There are so many activities and natural attractions suitable for different needs/situations: casual hikes, family activities, and even more challenging adventures for people with skill and experience. Each location has unique characteristics. It is also easy to find similar activities in different price ranges, allowing you the ultimate experience regardless of your budget.
4. Research Your Transportation Options
There are so many options, but no one size fits all. Everybody has different preferences, based on their needs. So you need to decide what suits you the most. Here are some of your options:
- Renting a car is pricey, but gives you the most flexibility and convenience to go around or change plans. You also get to see all the scenic views along the roads.
- Renting a campervan is more expensive than a regular car, but it can eliminate your need for accommodation while giving you all the advantages of renting a car.
- Public transportation (buses, trains, planes, and ferries) is much more affordable and can be your most comfortable option if you want to go to popular places. However, not all the natural attractions are accessible. Plus, the schedules are rigid, so you can’t always count on it for a sudden change of plans.
5. Plan, But Be Flexible
Unpredictable weather is the most common cause of canceled activities in nature. But aside from that, there can also be something happening in nature that ruins your plan. For example, a high tide makes it unsafe for kayaking. Thus, you must revise your itinerary and go somewhere else instead. Prepare a few alternatives beforehand and be open to new options you might encounter later.
6. Locals Are Friendly and Helpful
Heavily influenced by the culture of Maori, the locals of New Zealand are very kind, so don’t hesitate to mingle and make new friends. There might be a few insider’s tips you pick up along the way. Of course, it is also worth exploring the unique Maori culture and traditions.
7. Beware of Sun and Sandflies
Sun can be very strong in New Zealand because the country’s position is close to the ozone hole. Always put on your sunscreen cream, especially during summer, around September to April. And yes, even when it is not even sunny, you should still wear your SPF when going outdoors.
Another thing to watch out for in New Zealand is the sandflies, tiny black insects whose bites may cause intense itching, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. They are most active in humid and overcast conditions. Avoid scratching when bitten. The right way to treat sandfly bites is by applying remedy cream or taking antihistamine pills.
Bonus Tips: MySecondLine Goes Along the Way
The hospitality of New Zealand people will make you want to keep in touch with them all the time. Sadly, phone calls can be expensive unless you have a New Zealand local number. But instead of buying a new SIM card, you should install MySecondLine instead. It is a virtual phone system that can give you a New Zealand local number at a low price yet a high level of security.
An ID and proof of address are enough to verify your number, so you can instantly start calling up your Kiwi friends. The calling rate is very cheap compared to conventional phone numbers in the country. And of course, there will be no roaming charges to worry about.