Kia Ora!
For the end of 2023, we plan to travel to New Zealand. We celebrate New Year’s Eve in Auckland and fly to Queenstown in early January. We will pick up a rental car and drive north to Auckland. We also booked the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s multi-day hikes named Great Walks. Have fun reading our preparation blog post for New Zealand!
Cheers,
Alicia & Marco
New Zealand: A Pristine Paradise
- Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling to New Zealand. We took the NZeTA by mobile app for NZD $17 + NZD $35 TVL-fee. Check out the NZeTA here: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
- Currency: The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
- Language: English and Māori are the official languages.
- Climate: We travel New Zealand in January so it is summer. Weatherspark offers a good overview of our route: Weather in New Zealand
- Public Transport: New Zealand is a very backpacker friendly country. We took a rantal car because we plan to travel New Zealand with some guests we meet in New Zealand.
- Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
- Flying a Drone: New Zealand also has drone regulations. Always follow the rules and respect no-fly zones.
Highlights along our Trip
New Zealand, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, has breathtaking natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and a rich Maori heritage. This island nation, often called the “Land of the Long White Cloud,” offers travelers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Here’s a brief overview of some highlights along our route:
Fiordland National Park: Located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland National Park is renowned for its breathtaking fjords, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. These dramatic, glacier-carved landscapes feature towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Visitors can explore the park by taking scenic cruises, hiking the many trails, and immersing themselves in the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park: This park is home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook, which stands at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet). The park offers outstanding alpine scenery, including glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and clear turquoise lakes. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, mountaineering, stargazing, and scenic flights.
Heaphy Track: Located on the South Island’s West Coast, the Heaphy Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and offers a fantastic multi-day hiking experience. This 78.4-kilometer (48.7-mile) track takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, expansive tussock grasslands, and rugged coastlines. Hikers can expect to encounter diverse wildlife and enjoy stunning panoramic views.
We are very happy to have the possibility to explore New Zealand on our own in January. See you soon!
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