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Planning a trip to New Zealand? Here you'll find our 2 day-by-day itineraries (North Island: volcanoes, geysers and Maori, South Island: Alps, fjords and glaciers), plus all the practical info to organise your journey: currency, visa, e-SIM, health, plugs and useful numbers.
The seasons are reversed compared with Europe and the climate is temperate oceanic, changeable ('four seasons in one day'). The southern summer (December-February) is the high season, warm and ideal for hiking; spring (with the lupins in bloom at Tekapo) and autumn are splendid and less crowded; winter is the ski season. Fiordland (Milford Sound) is one of the rainiest places in the world. Always bring layers and rain gear.
Updated: June 2026
You need a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure. No tourist visa is needed, but the electronic NZeTA authorisation is COMPULSORY, to be requested online at least 72 hours before departure (it lasts 2 years and includes the IVL tourist levy). You must also complete the New Zealand Travel Declaration (NZTD), via app within 24 hours before arrival or on paper on board. Check the requirements if you hold another nationality.
New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity controls in the world to protect its unique ecosystem: on arrival you must DECLARE any food (fruit, seeds, honey, meat), plant or animal products, wooden items and used outdoor camping/hiking gear. Boots and tents must be cleaned of soil and seeds. Not declaring means heavy fines (hundreds of dollars) and confiscation. When in doubt, always declare: it is free and saves you trouble.
The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). New Zealand is almost entirely cashless: you pay by card or smartphone (contactless) practically everywhere, even for small amounts and in remote places, so you need very little cash. ATMs are in the cities. It is an expensive country: budget high for accommodation, food, activities and excursions.
The official languages are English and Maori (te reo Maori); English is spoken by everyone. Learning a few Maori words is appreciated: 'kia ora' (hello/cheers), 'Aotearoa' (the Maori name of the country, 'the land of the long white cloud'). New Zealanders (Kiwis) are relaxed and friendly.
No mandatory vaccine and no tropical diseases. The health system is good in the cities, less so in rural areas; care for foreigners is very expensive, so insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is essential. There are no snakes or dangerous venomous animals: the main risk is tied to outdoor activities (hiking, adventure sports) and the fast-changing weather. The sun is very strong (ozone hole): always use good sun protection.
The main operators are Spark, One NZ and 2degrees: a tourist SIM with data is easily bought at the airport or in town. Alternatively an eSIM. Coverage is good in populated areas and along main roads, but disappears in remote areas, on mountain passes and in many national parks (part of the adventure). Download offline maps (very useful for self-driving) and bookings.
Power is 230V/50Hz with type I sockets (two or three slanted flat blades, the same as Australia): European plugs do NOT fit, you need an Australian/New Zealand-type adapter.
New Zealand is at UTC+12 (UTC+13 with southern summer daylight saving): it is one of the first countries to see the dawn, about 10-12 hours AHEAD of central Europe. It is literally on the other side of the world: the flight takes 24-28 hours.
💡 New Zealand is on the other side of the world (a 24-28 hour flight) but rewards every hour of travel. Request the NZeTA before leaving, prepare the NZTD declaration and remember the very strict biosecurity: declare all food and clean your boots. Hire a car or campervan (you drive on the left) and don't rush: distances are long and every bend is a panorama. Bring layers, rain gear and good sun cream, and let yourself be enchanted by Aotearoa.
