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How to Prepare for a Long-haul Flight

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, get ready for a long flight.

New Zealand road trips and holiday adventures don’t always get off to the sexiest start. Your travels start with being squashed next to a stranger for several hours… Nevertheless, there are ways to make this trip across the skies a little more bearable, and dare we say fun? We’ll go through the tricks and tips in this guide on how to prepare for a long haul flight.

New Zealand is an epic country for a family getaway , honeymoon or a working holiday . The only issue is that it takes forever to get there from anywhere in the world but Australia, Fiji and a few small islands! Bearing in mind that you have to sit in an aeroplane for 13 hours or so, you might want to do a bit of preparation to help keep yourself entertained and as comfortable as you can get in a cramped economy seat.

If you haven’t already, make sure you check out How to Book a Cheap Flight to New Zealand and read Flight to New Zealand: Return Vs. Open Return Vs. One Way before booking your flight to New Zealand.

How Do You Prepare for a Long Flight to New Zealand?

You don’t want your holiday to get off to an uncomfortable and mind-numbing start. Keeping things simple, our mini-guide is split into four sections:

• Entertainment
• Comfortable clothes
• Cosmetics and medication

Entertainment on a Long-haul Flight

Prepare for the in-flight entertainment.

What’s great about many long haul flights is that they tend to have in-flight entertainment systems for each seat with an array of movies and TV programmes. Watching a couple of movies really makes the time fly by pun unintended. Airlines can provide you with headphones, albeit terrible headphones, so it’s best to bring your own.

Bring Your Own Entertainment

Maybe the choice of in-flight entertainment doesn’t meet your standards? In that case, bring your own tablet, e-reader, laptop, etc. Remember to charge them all before you set off on your epic quest. Transiting in another country for a few hours might be a good opportunity to recharge your gadgets, so put your chargers and relevant adapters in your carry-on luggage. For more tips on transiting, check out How to Kill Time During a Stopover .

If you do not have a Kindle (Amazon’s leading e-reader) or simply want to save space, download the free Kindle App on your phone it has the same selection of books available for you to read, right on your phone. And if you are a book worm, go for Kindle Unlimited , a service offering unlimited books and audiobooks right on your phone, the first 30 days of the service are free , then you are in for a small monthly fee.

Wear and Prepare Comfortable Clothes

Comfort is key.

We know what you were thinking, you were going to wear your best skinny jeans, corset, cowboy hat and stilettos Well, don’t! Comfort is key. You don’t want to have to peel away your clothes after 1324 hours of flying.

Stick to the sweat pants/shorts/leggings, your cosiest T-shirt/shirt/jumper, and trainers/sneakers (but nothing that’s going to stink the whole plane out when you take them off).

Remember to pack layers into your carry-on. Airlines typically have the air conditioning cranked up in the cabin, which can get a little chilly and stop you from being able to sleep. Although most airlines will provide a blanket, taking your own spare layers will guarantee optimum temperature control!

As for your check-in luggage, make sure you have all the appropriate clothing for a gap year in New Zealand. See more tips at What Clothes to Pack to Backpack in New Zealand .

Sleeping on a Long-haul Flight

Get a travel pillow.

Overnight flights are the worst. Airlines usually give you a blanket, which is most welcome, and a relatively useless pillow. It’s more comfortable to use a neck pillow, so purchase your own before your flight. These can be strapped to the outside of your carry-on to save room. If you need more pillows to lean on during the flight, don’t be afraid to ask the cabin crew for more. They’ll do it!

Choose the Optimum Sleeping Seat When You Book Your Flight

Getting a half-decent sleep on a long-haul flight usually needs preparation long before your flight. When choosing your seat during the booking process of your flight, choose a window seat for something to lean on other than the stranger next to you. Additionally, avoid choosing a seat in a busy area, like near the toilets, for instance.

More tips for getting a good sleep on a long-haul flight can be found in How to Beat Jet Lag in Just Three Days .

Cosmetics and Medication for a Long-haul Flight

For a long-haul flight, it’s likely that you’ll want to freshen up or use your medication at some point. However, packing cosmetic items and medication into your carry-on has been made especially painful by airline companies making packing these items a skill in itself!

Think: Travel size!

Remember to bring travel-sized cosmetics, as they are restricted items on international flights. Liquids, aerosols, gels and pastes have to be in individual containers no greater than 100ml. Even if you have almost used all of your massive tube of toothpaste, you must put the remaining paste in a small container. Put your cosmetics and any medication that you need for the journey in a transparent plastic bag no larger than 1litre.

And with that, you will not get your precious toothpaste taken away from you.

Productive Ways to Fill Your Time on a Long Plane Journey

• Read a New Zealand guidebook
• Start your travel journal
• Write a best-selling novel
• Write a list of which family and friends deserve a postcard from you
• Take pictures out of the plane window to Instagram later
• Get into the habit of talking to new people by talking to passengers sitting next to you
• Save some NZ Pocket Guide pages to read on the flight, such as New Zealand in Numbers .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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International travel requirements

Visa and border entry requirements for international travel.

Each destination may have different requirements and it is your responsibility to understand what you need to do for your entire trip,  including connecting flights, transit points and your return journey . Failure to meet these requirements may result in denied boarding at the airport. 

• Check if you need to apply for any entry visas or border declaration forms and what timeframe applications need to be completed in. 
• Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel.
• Protect yourself from unexpected medical costs by purchasing travel insurance with COVID-19 cover.

Entry requirements for Air NZ's direct destinations

We've put together these guides to help you understand the travel requirements for Air New Zealand's direct destinations. If your destination isn't listed below, you can visit the IATA Travel Centre to search visa and passport requirements.

Mainland China

• Most travellers who are not citizens of Mainland China will require a tourist or business visa.
• Passengers are no longer required to complete an Electronic Health Declaration Form.
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Mainland China have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Hong Kong .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Hong Kong have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Japan .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Japan have been removed.
• See official requirements for entering, transiting, or departing Singapore.
• All passengers must submit a digital Singapore Arrival Card with a Health Declaration via the SG Arrival Card e-Service .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Singapore have been removed.

South Korea

Passengers travelling on passports from visa-waiver countries may require a K-ETA.

If eligible, please apply for a K-ETA at least 24 hours prior to boarding.

• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to South Korea have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Taiwan .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Taiwan have been removed.
• Ensure you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for travel to and transit through Australia.
• Check if you need an  Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter or transit Australia. Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home.
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Australia have been removed.

Bali, Indonesia

Travel eligibility .

 Check you meet entry and immigration requirements for Indonesia .

Before departure:

• For customs clearance, all passengers must complete the Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) which will generate a unique code which must be presented upon arrival.
• To minimise delays during immigration clearance, we recommend all eligible passengers apply for a Electronic Visitor Visa (E-VOA) prior to arrival.
• All eligible passengers are required to pay a Bali Tourist Levy. You can pay this in advance or on entry to Bali but this may delay your arrival process.

COVID-19 health & entry requirements

• You no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Indonesia or travel domestically.

Reminder: If you're returning to New Zealand, please check the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries enhanced procedures in response to the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Bali.

New Zealand

• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for New Zealand .
• If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or a  New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) at least 72 hours before travelling  to or transiting New Zealand.
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to New Zealand have been removed.
• All passengers entering New Zealand need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration . It's free and can be completed before you travel. Passengers transiting internationally do not need to complete a declaration.
• If you are a New Zealand visa or NZeTA holder, you still need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

North America

• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Canada .
• Find out if you need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for entry or transit.
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Canada have been removed.
• Travellers transiting or entering the USA on the non-immigrant Visa Waiver Program must obtain an ESTA at least 72 hours before travel . 
• If you already hold a valid United States visa, then you do not need an ESTA.
• An ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• For check-in, all travellers need to provide their intended accommodation address in the USA, a primary and secondary phone number, and personal email address.
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to the USA have been removed.

Pacific Islands

Cook islands.

• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for the Cook Islands . 
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to the Cook Islands have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Fiji . 
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Fiji have been removed.

New Caledonia

• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for New Caledonia .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to New Caledonia have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Niue .
• Flights to Niue are only available through New Zealand. Travellers wanting to visit Niue from outside of New Zealand must meet the border entry requirements for both New Zealand and Niue.
• It is strongly advised that all visitors to Niue are covered by travel insurance.
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Niue have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Samoa .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Samoa have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Tahiti .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Tahiti have been removed.
• Check you have the appropriate travel and identification documents for Tonga .
• All COVID-19 health requirements for travel to Tonga have been removed. 

International travel requirements FAQs

Can my children travel as unaccompanied minors.

Yes, children may travel as unaccompanied minors to all Air New Zealand's direct destinations 

It is the parent or guardian's responsibility to manage any entry requirements for the child's destination and transit.

For further information, please see Children travelling alone .

What if I want to postpone my travel to a later date?

You can change your booking before the day of your flight.

All our NZ domestic and international fares come with the flexibility to make changes to your travel plans prior to departure. Refer to the fare rules of your ticket to check eligibility and note that change fees and fare difference may apply.

Air New Zealand does not require passengers to provide proof of vaccination or a pre-departure test. We do ask that if you're feeling unwell and test positive for COVID-19, please consider changing your travel plans.

How do I supply proof of a negative pre-departure test?

Most international destinations have removed the need for a pre-departure test. 

For the destinations that do require a negative pre-departure test:

• if you're departing from New Zealand, you can call Healthline on  0800 358 5453  or your doctor to find out where you can get tested.
• If you are departing from other international locations, please check your local COVID-19 government website for information on where to get a pre-departure test.

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Home » Oceania » New Zealand Travel Tips You NEED to Know! • 2024

New Zealand Travel Tips You NEED to Know! • 2024

Famous for its rugby, its wine, and its STUNNING landscapes, New Zealand (or Aotearoa in Maori) is firmly on many backpackers’ bucket lists. And for good reason.  

New Zealand is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From majestic mountains to tropical beaches, the landscapes in this little country will blow your mind.

You know you’re travelling to a pretty cool country when there are five times as many sheep as there are people that live there. Crazy, right? You’ll see so many of those cute balls of fluff as you drive down those epic New Zealand roads.

Not only is it outrageously beautiful but it’s also full of friendly locals (sheep included) and delicious food and wine. I’ve never met a traveller who has left New Zealand unsatisfied. 

However, for most people, New Zealand seems a million miles away. Taking nearly 30 hours of travel to get to from the likes of Europe, it is a commitment and a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many. So, you gotta do it well. 

Lucky for you, you have The Broke Backpacker’s resident Kiwi (that’s me!) to give you all of my New Zealand Travel Tips. I am lucky enough to have grown up with this incredible country as my backyard and MAN, I have explored it well.

So, please. Grab a pen and take some notes, you’re going to want to remember these tips. Let’s get into it.

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1. New Zealand is made up of two islands, you should visit both

2. embrace the maori culture and language, 3. visit the local farmer’s markets, 4. protect yourself from the sun, 5. brush up on kiwi slang, 6. hike, hike, hike, 7. be prepared for “four seasons in a day”, 8. hostels are the best way to meet other travellers, 9. you can drink tap water (nearly) everywhere in nz, 10. east vs west coast beaches, 11. try your hand at surfing, 12. you’re in the home of wine, make the most of it, 13. food ain’t cheap, 14. trains aren’t really a thing, 15. no need for cash here, 16. visit hobbiton, then move on, 17. give yourself enough time, 18. campervans are the best way to experience nz, 19. you can’t just camp anywhere in nz, 20. always travel with insurance, 21. if you ski, head to the south island, 22. no shoes, no worries, 23. visit stewart island, 24. don’t stay in auckland too long, 25. visit one of the many craft beer breweries, 26. stay in a remote airbnb, 27. nz has some of the best coffee in the world, 28. don’t go chasing waterfalls, 29. eat fish’n’chips at the beach, 30. connectivity isn’t nz’s strong point, final thoughts on new zealand travel tips.

New Zealand is made up of two main islands, North and South. Both are bloody amazing but very different. The North Island is the more “tropical” of the two, and it flourishes in summer. You’ll find beautiful beaches, Maori culture, and some pretty epic geothermal activity hot spots.

The South Island is more “rugged” and much less populated. It’s home to around 1/5 of the entire population of New Zealand (which is only 5 million in the first place!). You’ll find some of the most incredible landscapes in the world on the South Island of New Zealand. Some of the most famous spots to visit include Queenstown and Milford Sounds.

My first tip for travelling to New Zealand is to visit both islands. Obviously, time may be a constraint but if you have more than 3 weeks in New Zealand – try to explore a bit of both (more on time constraints in tip #17).

No bridge connects the two islands. You can either catch the Inter-islander ferry (yes, you can take your car on the ferry) from Wellington to Picton, or you can jump on a plane.

Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and from the moment you arrive at the airport, you’ll see the language and culture everywhere. Many of you will recognise and know of the infamous All Blacks Haka, this stems from Maori culture.

A top New Zealand travel tip is to brush up on a few Maori words. Unfortunately, it is not as widely spoken in New Zealand as it once was. However, many of the cities and towns in New Zealand are Maori names and you will see many uses of Maori language all over the place.

Here are a couple of greetings that you can use:

• Kia ora: Hello
• Morena: Good Morning

You’ll see that many locals, particularly Maori, wear a Pounamu (or a Greenstone) around their necks. A Pounamu is steeped in Maori history, culture, and beliefs. They are beautiful pieces of art and come in many different designs each with a different meaning. Don’t be afraid to ask others about their Pounamu meaning and to find your own that best resonates with your values.

One of the best places to learn about Maori culture is to head to Rotorua (in the North Island). The Mitai Maori Village has an awesome Maori Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet where you can learn more about the history and culture.

On either a Saturday or Sunday, across the country, you’ll find epic little farmers markets to explore. From locally made feijoa wine and roasted coffee to baked treats and rich oils. You’ll come across plenty of incredible locally-produced goods at the New Zealand farmer’s markets

Not only do they have some delicious local products, but they often also have fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers. You’ll leave these farmer’s markets with a happy, full tum and maybe a few treats to take home. It’s one of the best things to do in New Zealand , especially when exploring small towns.

My top picks for markets to visit in New Zealand are:

• Matakana Village Market
• Keri Keri Weekend Market
• Clevedon Sunday Market
• Hawkes Bay Farmers Market
• Wellington Underground Market
• Otago Farmers Market

There is no beating around the bush here, the sun is harsh. Especially if you’re staying in New Zealand over the summer.

Without sunscreen, you will get burnt and it will hurt. Aloe Vera will become your best friend. But prevention is always better than cure. So, as the Kiwis say “Slip, slop, slap” that sunscreen on when you head out into the sun.

If you’ve ever had a chat with a Kiwi before, you’ll have noticed that we use some pretty random words. My pro New Zealand travel tip is to brush up on Kiwi slang. Here are some common ones that you should know before you go:

• Jandals – Flipflops
• Togs – Swimsuit
• Dairy – Cornershop
• Bach – Beachhouse
• Sweet as – No worries
• Yeah nah – No
• Nah yeah – Yeah
• Chur – Thanks

When a Kiwi says “Six” or their “Deck”, you may have a chuckle before you realise what they are saying. Our accent often mixes up ‘e’s and ‘i’s…

Kiwis also love to add “aye” after everything they say. Exhibit A(ye): “It’s pretty hot today, aye”. But you’ll get used to it and I bet you’ll start picking up the Kiwi slang in no time.

Good lord, New Zealand is a hiker’s dream. From the top of the north to the bottom of the south island, New Zealand is packed with hikes . Some of my favourite hikes are on the south island but that doesn’t take away from the north – they’ve got some goodies too.

My favourites are The Abel Tasman and the Tongariro Circut. New Zealand also has some epic shorter/ day hikes such as Roys Peak down south or The Pinnacles up north.

So, don’t forget to pack your favourite hiking boots because attempting some of these walks without good shoes, ain’t going to be pretty. My go-to hiking boots are the KEEN Targhee II Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots , they’ve got me through some pretty tough terrains.

Important information: Kaori Dieback is a disease that is killing the native Kauri trees in New Zealand. It spreads through the soil carriers by shoes, vehicles, equipment and animals. DOC has a protection programme in place: clean your shoes at the stations at the start and end of tracks, follow signage and stay on the sticks.

Ok, this is a real thing. You’ll be relaxing in a T-shirt and shorts one minute and the next you’ll see the clouds start rolling it. The unpredictability of the weather means that you should always be one step ahead. My top New Zealand tip is to make sure you add a jacket to your packing list .

You know that moment before you leave the house where you consider picking up a jacket but think “Nahh, it’ll be right”. I tell you now, pack that jacket!

So, be sure to have a good quality travel jacket on your packing list. My favourite travel jacket is the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket – it’s warm and stylish AND it packs down into a small down so it’s super easy to travel with. Top bloody notch.

If you’re a solo traveller in New Zealand and not so keen on camping or using a campervan route, hostels are your best bet. It’s a great way to meet travel buddies who you can then explore with.

New Zealand has loads of great hostels to stay at. Especially when staying in bigger cities and tourist hot spots, like staying in Wellington, Auckland, Queenstown, etc.

My favourite hostel on the north island is The Marion in Wellington (seriously, one of the best hostels ever). With some of Wellington’s best entertainment venues on Courtenay Place and Cuba Street at your doorstep. It’s a bit pricer than others around, but it’s well worth it.

The best hostel on the south island (in my humble opinion) is Absoloot Hostel, Queenstown . This hostel is something of a flashpacker hangout, with Playstation, X-Box, and Wii. Plus, you’ll have god damn epic views of the lake and mountains.

New Zealand is blessed with some pretty incredible water from the rivers and lakes. You can expect that most of the places that you travel to will have beautiful drinking water readily available from the taps.

However, not all spots will. If you go really “off-grid” you may find the water is not treated. The best thing to do is to get a water bottle that filters water for you, like the Grayl Geopress – then you don’t have to worry about a thing. If you are travelling with a cooker or kettle, you can also boil water to ensure it’s safe before drinking.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Do you dream of white sand beaches, or do you prefer the ruggedness of a rocky, rough beach? Well, you’re in luck because New Zealand offers the best of both worlds.

East Coast, northern beaches are some of the best beaches in NZ . My favourites are those along the Coromandel Peninsula (there is a great road trip route along here). From Whangamata to Kuatounou, you’ll find some pretty stunning spots to relax on golden sand beaches.

Whereas, the west coast beaches such as Piha or Muriwai (just north of Auckland) are often black sand and more rugged. The west coast often has a bigger and more consistent swell than the east, making the seas often rougher. If you head to Muriwai, check out the Muriwai gannet colony that hangs out there from August to March. They are smelly but pretty epic to see.

I like a smaller wave and a big board, so the East Coast is my best friend. Beaches like Mount Maunganui or Kaikoura are great surf spots, they are less consistent than the west but on a good day, they are lots of fun. 

If you’re more of a pro, you can head to the rugged west coast – Raglan is an epic surf town to check out and gets pretty consistent surf. Now, for the very beginners, or those who just want to brush up on their skills you can join a surf lesson in Raglan . You’ll be riding like a pro in no time!

Another epic spot up north is Apihara, with few people around, you can often score a shit load of waves here. Apihara is home to one of the best left-hand breaks in New Zealand. The sunsets here are also STUNNING.

If you head down south to surf, be prepared to be cold. Especially in winter, you’ll probably need to layer up in wetsuit booties and a hood. If you head down to surf at the Catalans, you may even surf with a sea lion or two. They are pretty safe, but they do like to play!

As many will already know, New Zealand is famous for its wine. Their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in particular. They do make a bloody good drop!

So, it’s no surprise that the country is packed with wineries. There are specific hot spots around the country that are packed with them. Most New Zealand wineries offer tastings and winery tours at a pretty affordable rate! They do hope you’re going to buy a bottle at the end, but no biggie if you don’t.

My favourite spots to visit are:

• Waiheke Island
• Marlborough

Waiheke is one of the most visited due to its proximity to Auckland and man it’s a fun day out. I’d 10/10 recommend jumping on a Waiheke Island Wineries’ Tour and sipping your way across the island.

In fact, not a lot in New Zealand comes cheap. New Zealand is pretty expensive to travel. However, all hope is not lost. There are ways that you can save while you travel – especially when it comes to how you feed yourself. Here are a few tips to save on food in New Zealand:

• Book accommodation with a kitchen . Most hostels have a kitchen so you can whip up your own meals. Going out is mighty expensive, especially when you go out for most meals.
• Shop seasonally. Fruit and vegetables can be mega-pricey as they are highly seasonal. You find cucumbers for 1USD when they are in season and 6USD when they aren’t. So, find out what’s in season and shop accordingly.
• Shop at Pak’n’Save. There are only three big supermarkets in New Zealand and they are known to be pretty expensive. Pak’n’Save (the big yellow one) is the cheapest by a mile, so I’d recommend doing the bulk of your shops there.

Sure, you have some unreliable trains in Auckland and a few other lines here and there. But trains aren’t a mode of transport used to get around the country. You’re better off jumping in a car or van (as mentioned in tip 3) to explore the country. Or, buses will be your best friend.

The main bus company is Intercity and they have loads of routes all over the country. They are a pretty cheap and easy way to get between cities.

If you’re up for meeting new people, you could also try sticking your thumb out and hitchhiking . Who knows who you might meet along the way? From truck drivers to family campers, hitchhiking adds to the adventure. New Zealand is pretty safe, however, as always take precautions and be a safe hitchhiker.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Never fear, you won’t have to worry about running around trying to find the closest ATM here. New Zealand is not a country that requires you to carry cash around.

Even these little islands at the bottom of the world have tap-and-go. Rarely, do you find somewhere that is cash only! (Unless you’re at the local markets that I mentioned in tip #3 – I’d take cash to those).

However, you may still have to insert that card every now and then. I wouldn’t rely solely on Apple Pay unless you’re in the thick of the city. I’d recommend carrying your debit/ credit card with you just in case.

Loads of people travel to New Zealand to see Hobbiton. I am one of those crazy Kiwis who has never seen the movie (please don’t hurt me). I will get around to it one day, I swear.

But apparently, it is such a good movie that people travel from all over the world to visit the movie set – I’ve heard some people have even gotten married there! So, it’s definitely worth booking a tour of the Hobbiton movie set .

The reason the travel tip for New Zealand #16 is “visit Hobbiton, then move on” is because as cool as Hobbiton is, there’s nothing else around it. Hobbiton is located in a small, farming town in New Zealand called Matamata and it doesn’t have a lot going for it. Except Hobbiton.

So once you’ve seen and experienced Hobbiton, hit the road to your next spot. One town that is close by, is one of the coolest, surfy towns in New Zealand, Mount Maunganui (just an hour’s drive from Matamata). If you’re travelling in summer, this is a must-visit hot spot to add to your list.

One mistake that loads of people make is not allowing enough time in New Zealand. To make the most out of your adventure, you need to slow down your trip . You’ll be hard-pressed with just a week to see what this epic little set of islands has to offer.

Creating a realistic itinerary for New Zealand is important. If you’ve only got two weeks, I’d recommend choosing either the north or the south island. In an ideal world, you would have at least four weeks to spend here to really get the most out of your trip.

I’ve done a van trip on the south island of New Zealand over two weeks before and honestly, I wish I had a week or two more. We did it and it was goddamn incredible! But it was a lot of driving to make sure we got to see everything on our list.

New Zealand is pretty remote and getting there is no easy mission. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many. So, my New Zealand travel tip is to save your trip until you have the time to do it well.

Without a doubt, a road trip is the BEST way to experience New Zealand. Some of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand are pretty remote , and having your own mode of transport and place to stay is the best.

When it comes to campervanning in New Zealand, you’ve got a couple of options:

Option 1: Rent a van! This is definitely the easiest way to do it and the most common. JUCY Rentals are my absolute favourite, they are pretty iconic vans in New Zealand. With their bright green and purple branding, they really pop on the roads! Most of the time, you can pick up in one location and drop off in another (however, you’ll pay a bit more for this).

Vanlife seems like a low-cost adventure, but the cost of hiring a van can add up pretty quickly. Vans can vary from $50NZD to $500NZD a night depending on the season, the length of the rental, and the type of van you decide to go with. For more of a cost breakdown, check out our full guide on campervanning in New Zealand .

Option 2: Buy a van when you arrive, explore the nation, and sell it when you leave! Assuming you can find someone to buy it at the end of your trip, this is the cheapest option as (ideally) you will get your money back. If you’re going to be in New Zealand for at least a couple of months, I would definitely look into this option.

However, once it’s yours it’s yours (and so are its problems)! Be sure you check it over properly (ideally with a mechanic) before you buy. This van will be your little home on wheels in New Zealand. It’s a big investment, and you want to make sure it’s perfect for you!

A few tips for campervanning and driving in New Zealand:

• We drive on the left side of the road. So, don’t be a noob and drive on the right. That will be very dangerous.
• If you do buy a van to travel in, note that you will need to make sure it has a blue self-contained sticker. A blue sticker means that your van is verified “self-contained” which will allow you to use the freedom camping spots.
• If you rent a van, be sure to get yourself the right insurance. I recommend using Rental Cover .
• If you do go off-grid, make sure you have enough fuel! Take a look before you head off where the petrol stations are, there are some long stretches in New Zealand where you may not see a gas station for miles.
• Drive safe. New Zealand is renowned for having some pretty windy roads. Beautiful, yes. But windy.

New Zealand is an epic place for freedom camping, but sadly, some campers have taken the piss over the years. So, New Zealand has become pretty strict in what you can and can’t do when it comes to freedom camping around the country.

So if you’re going to freedom camp, please be a responsible traveller . The only thing you should leave at your campsite is memories and maybe a few footprints. Pick up your rubbish and leave the place nicer than when you arrived.

I would 10/10 recommend anyone travelling to New Zealand to give freedom camping a try. It’s a great, cheap way to travel around New Zealand. But you’ll need to keep in mind the following:

Vanlife: If you’re in a campervan, be sure that it has a blue self-contained sticker. This is what the government has introduced to make sure that those who are in vans are self-contained. You’ll need to have things like a sink, a toilet, etc.

Camping: The government has DOC (Department of Conversation) campsites across the country. They often are areas of grass with a long drop and maybe a sink where you can pitch your tent for a few bucks. They are often pretty remote and in beautiful spots around the country.

If you’re after the best backpacking tent to travel with, my absolute fav is the MSR Hubba Hubba tent. It’s super lightweight to carry around and mega durable.

When backpacking, you never know what can happen. While travelling, I’ve had several unfortunate accidents where travel insurance would have saved me so much anxiety and trouble.

Take it from me, make your New Zealand trip anxiety-free and get solid travel insurance .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

For all you ski bunnies out there, staying in Queenstown and Wanaka are the spots for you. With four main ski fields here, you’ll be in a snow-lovers heaven. From Cardrona and Treble Cone to Coronet and the Remarkables, you’ll have your pick of ski fields to choose from. As a skier, I love Treble Cone but my snowboard buddies love Cardrona.

If you’re in the North Island, you’ll find Mount Ruapehu, which is close to Taupo. The snow is not as consistent here, but when you get it on a good day – it’s pretty on.

My favourite spot to stay when I go skiing down south is, The Canyons B&B . It’s in a great location for getting to the ski field and it has a hot tub – an absolute dream to relax in after a day on the mountain.

Top tip: Don’t miss out on a post-ski feast at Ferg Burger . Literally, THE best burgers in the world. You’ll need to join the queue but it’s worth the wait.

Although you’ll see many Kiwis kicking about in their jandals (remember, tip #5 jandals are flip-flops), you’ll also find many of them with no shoes at all. Yes, even in places like the supermarket.

Obviously, in winter it’s a lot less common, who wants cold toes? But in summer, don’t be surprised to see lots of shoeless Kiwis around. If you’re feeling wild, why not join em’?

If you want to see the iconic Kiwis (the flightless bird, not the humans) and experience authentic, rugged New Zealand life. The island is located 30km from the bottom of the south island and is the perfect spot to have an “off-grid” escape. Surrounded by nature, you’ll get to experience a slower pace of life.

You can get to Stewart Island either by sea or by air. Whether you want to hike, spot kiwis, or just explore the island, it’s a cool place to visit. Taking a Village and Bays Tour of Steward Island is a fun way to see what goes on in the southernmost community of New Zealand.

As I’ve mentioned in travel tip #17, many people don’t get themselves enough time – so Stewart Island is often missed. But if you do, Stewart Island should take a firm spot on your New Zealand bucket list.

Ahh Auckland! The place you’ll probably fly into and the city I called home for 6 wonderful years. It’s actually a pretty vibey city and is surrounded by some cool nature spots. There are quite a few beaches around the place and it’s built on 52 volcanoes so you’ll always have a hill to walk up nearby.

But who travels to New Zealand for the cities? People travel from all over the world to visit New Zealand to bask in the OUTRAGEOUSLY beautiful landscapes!

So, my tip for travelling New Zealand #24 is to stay in Auckland for just a couple of days – head for a night out on K road, catch a rugby game, walk along Mission Bay and do some shopping in Ponsonby.

Then, once you’ve ticked off the best things to do here, skip, hop, and jump out of there and get yourself closer to New Zealand’s beautiful outdoors.

Every other man and his dog seems to have a brewery in New Zealand, and I’m not complaining. Craft beers are everywhere and they are damn delicious. You’ll find most of the breweries in Wellington, Auckland, and Dunedin.

Some of my favourite brews are Emersons (Dunedin), Garage Project (Wellington), Parrotdog (Wellington) and Monteiths (Greymouth). Most of the breweries in New Zealand have funky bars to go and enjoy a brew in.

Plus, many of them offer tours showing how they make their liquid gold. If you’re heading to Greymouth, check out Monteith’s brewery tour and beer tasting .

Staying in a remote Airbnb is an epic way to embrace nature during your stay in New Zealand. And there are some pretty awesome places to choose from. From New Zealand baches (remember tip #5, a bach is a beach house) or cabins in the mountains, you’ll have many to choose from.

My favourite remote Airbnb on the north island is The Treehouse: Off-grid Retreat . Want to know why? Because you can live out your childhood dream of staying in a (luxury) treehouse that has a HUGE slide! I don’t believe anyone who says they haven’t dreamed of staying somewhere like this. It’s so bloody cool.

On the south island of New Zealand, there are so many incredible Airbnbs to stay in. I couldn’t resist highlighting this gem: Luxury Wilderness Cabin on Private Lake . You get to stay nestled into the wilderness of Franz Josef in a luxury cabin with some of the most incredible views EVER .

I may be biased as I grew up on this liquid gold, but I truly think New Zealand is home to some of the best coffee roasters in the world . From small-town such as Raglan Roast to big-city roasters such as Ozone.

There are more coffee roasters in New Zealand than craft breweries… and that says a lot! (more to come on the craft breweries in tip #25)

We Kiwis take pride in our coffees and you’ll find the country has a massive cafe culture. So, why not join in? Grab yourself a delicious locally roasted coffee from your local roastery. Relax and enjoy every sip!

Don’t listen to TLC, make sure you chase as many waterfalls as you can ! New Zealand is chocker with them. From small ones to HUGE ones, you will find them all over the country – you just need to know where to look. Luckily you’ve got me, your local Kiwi guide here with all the tips.

My absolute favourite waterfalls in New Zealand are:

• Wairere Falls – This one is huge! It’s the biggest in the North Island.
• Acland Falls – Just outside of Christchurch.
• Bridal Veil Falls – In the Waikato.
• Devils Punchbowl – Near Arthurs Pass.
• Huka Falls – Near Taupo, this one is HEAVY! You can’t swim here but you can jump in a speed boat trip at get up close and personal with the falls.

No mushy peas or curry sauce is to be seen here. Just fresh fish and salty delicious chips (or ‘chups’ as the Kiwis say). Wrapped in old newspapers, this delicacy is very popular on Friday evenings at the beach across the country.

So, my top tip for travelling New Zealand #29 is to ask around the locals for the best Fish and Chip shop in town and enjoy them at the beach. Don’t forget to bring your tomato and tartare sauce from home!

Having a SIM card is a life-saving New Zealand travel tip! I recommend getting an international eSIM ahead of time.

You’ll be adventuring on some pretty rugged paths that you may need the internet’s help to navigate. You don’t want Google to be “rerouting” with no connection!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

As you can probably tell, I’m slightly biased and completely obsessed with the land I call home. I’m lucky enough to have travelled to many INCREDIBLE places around the world but nothing quite compares to New Zealand.

From the heights of the snowy mountains down south to the tropical beaches up north, there is such variety in what you can see and do in New Zealand. Whatever time of year you decide to visit.

I hope that my 30 New Zealand Travel tips have been helpful. Print them out or scribble them down in your notebook – I know they will come in handy.

No matter what you do and where you stay on your trip, I know you’ll be welcomed by friendly Kiwi faces who will help you out along your travels.

• Become a MASTER traveller with our epic travel tips.
• Embrace your backpacker spirit and travel off the beaten path , because… why not?
• Our killer guide to living in hostels will transform your stay. Check it out!
• Get off the couch and into the great outdoors with our hiking guide .
• Or… dive in the deep blue in the best scuba sites in New Zealand .
• Here’s exactly the best time to visit New Zealand .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Air New Zealand announces short haul shakeup, ditches 'seat + bag' option

Air New Zealand is changing up the airfare structure for its flights between Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

The new structure kicks in in June and will see every passenger have access to in-flight entertainment and snacks or a meal, as well as adding the option of paying for flexibility in all cabin classes or leaving it off to keep the price down.

The airline said its 'Seats to Suit' changes are based on customer feedback and offer a "simplified" set of options.

From June 11, Air NZ's short haul fares will include:

• Economy: seat
• Economy: the works
• Economy: the works flexi
• Premium economy
• Premium economy flexi
• Business flexi.

That will replace the current offerings of:

• Economy: seat only
• Economy: seat plus bag
• Economy: works deluxe (narrowbody aircraft only)
• Premium economy (widebody aircraft only)
• Business (widebody aircraft only).

"We want every customer to have an exceptional experience onboard," said the airline's general manager short haul Jeremy O'Brien.

"Works customers will continue to receive the same great inclusions currently on offer including one checked bag, a full meal and drinks, entertainment and free standard seat selection.

More from Newshub

"Our customers have told us affordable flexibility is important, especially for many of our frequent fliers, so we're introducing a new fully flexible and refundable fare option in each cabin. We're excited to make these a reality for those jumping onboard for short haul international travel and can't wait to see them introduced in June."

If a customer wishes to add a checked bag to the new seat only option, it will cost them $30 each way.

As the snacks and soft drinks are free in the new structure, passengers won't be able to buy them onboard, but the option to purchase alcohol will still be there on some airfares. However, buying vouchers at the airport to use onboard is being axed, meaning only a credit card or Airpoints will be accepted.

The announcement was made on the same day Air NZ announced a drop in its profit forecast for the 2024 financial year of $40 to $50 million.

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New federal rules on airline refunds require cash instead of vouchers

Airline canceled your flight? The plane arrived hours late after a maintenance issue? The inflight Wi-Fi didn’t work?

New federal rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline – not vouchers or travel credits.

“From now on when your flight is canceled for any reason, you are entitled to an automatic cash refund and it has to be prompt,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told CNN’s John Berman on Wednesday.

“If you get delayed significantly, that means three hours domestically, six hours internationally, or if there’s another significant change to your itinerary — like maybe you were going to go into one airport, they actually changed the airport on you or something like that — you’re going to get your money back.”

The rules, announced by the Transportation Department on Wednesday, also require airlines to provide upfront information about fees for baggage and changing flights.

Although many airlines have done away with change fees and disclose fees on their websites, Buttigieg estimated more transparency with some airlines and websites would make it easier for travelers to shop around – ultimately saving consumers millions every year.

The rule would formalize the requirement he referred to that passengers receive refunds if a domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours or if an international flight is delayed by more than six hours.

It would also require a refund of any baggage fees for bags that arrive more than 12 hours late, and a refund of the fee for a purchased service like Wi-Fi or upgraded seating if the airline doesn’t deliver.

‘Without headaches or haggling’

“Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers,” Buttigieg said in a statement, saying the refunds were due “without headaches or haggling.”

Buttigieg gave the example Wednesday morning of travelers who have been forced to buy an additional ticket on a different airline in order to make it on time to events happening in their destinations.

“But then you go back to your original airline, and they say, ‘Well, look, we didn’t cancel the flight, so you’re not getting your money back.’ Now you’re out the original airfare and the extra money it cost to get this new ticket,” Buttigieg said.

“That’s just one example of the kinds of scenarios that we hear from passengers time and time again. We’re putting a stop to it now,” he said.

There’s also a provision for travelers frustrated with call center hold times or filling out online claim forms.  The rules require the fees to be automatic and prompt: Within seven days for a credit card refund and 20 days for other forms of payment.

Airlines for America, which represents the country’s largest passenger carriers, said its airline members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown.”

“U.S. airlines are committed to providing the highest quality of service, which includes clarity regarding prices, fees and ticket terms,” the group said in a statement.

Surge in complaints in 2022

The Biden Administration proposed its change to the refund rules in 2022 after a surge in complaints about refunds when the coronavirus brought air travel to a standstill.  That year, DOT received nearly 47,600 complaints, more than double the number of complaints received in 2021.  More than half of the complaints involved flight disruptions or refunds.

Many travelers complained at that time that airlines pushed noncash flight credit or required extended time on customer service phone lines to request a refund.  Some of those credits expired long before the effects of the virus receded and travel returned to more normal levels.

This spring, DOT and other executive branch agencies are finalizing key rule changes from Biden’s term in office in case Republicans take control of Washington in November’s election.  A federal law allows Congress to unravel recently implemented executive branch rules.

The cutoff date depends on the House and Senate legislative calendar but is likely to fall in May, meaning rules finalized before that date are not eligible for review under the Congressional Review Act.

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