“New Zealand. It looks so beautiful. I will go someday“. My reply to that comment, after living 18+ years in the US is yes, it truly is stunning. You must go! My wish is by reading this blog you are motivated to leave the US and travel to New Zealand sooner rather than later.
This post is a quick high level guide to a few of the key questions I get asked when friends look to book this once in a lifetime trip. More in-depth blogs to come.
How do I get to NZ from the US?
The long haul flight from the US awaits! You will fly into Auckland, known as the City of Sails. Our largest city and built around a Harbor. You can fly from Houston, Chicago, San Francisco and LA on Air New Zealand (NZ) to Auckland. Other airlines options are Qantas, United, American.
How long is that flight?
Long. Yes it sucks. It isn’t for the faint of heart. It isn’t going to kill you either!
Around 12 hours from the US, West Coast to Auckland (AKL). Under 15 hours from Houston or Chicago to AKL. Preparation is key. Here’s a link to the blog post I wrote to help you with that! I have been flying this route for close to 20 years and have experienced economy (80% of my trips), premium economy, business class and first class (thanks airmiles!). Air New Zealand will always be the airline I recommend you fly. There is nothing like the kiwi hospitality, hearing that accent and the friendly Kia Ora (hello) when you board. PRO TIP: Air NZ serve New Zealand award winning wines and that has to get you in a New Zealand State of Mind.
How long to go for?
As long as you can! I get it. Vacation time and taking more than a week at a time isn’t the norm in the US. Throw caution to the wind and take 2 weeks and go. Don’t try to visit Australia at the same time. It is too much. Aussie is a must see… for your next trip downunder.
Are you still in disbelief you can take two weeks off work? Get over it. Work will be there when you return. You’ll be back before you know it. PRO TIP: The long haul flights give you a great chance to clear email and get caught up. You arrive back 100% up to date and ready to jump back into work. I liked to clear email every few days when I am down there and do it when my New York colleagues are sleeping so I can get in and out of the inbox with low stress.
Do I need a Visa?
Make sure to check out New Zealand Immigration site for the latest on tourist or business visas. When traveling on a US passport it’s likely you won’t need a visa (for a holiday less than 3 months) but you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority. This new requirement was announced in March 2019 and comes into effect in October 2019. Click here to check it out and remember to request at least 72 hours prior to travel.
When should I go?
NZ is the reverse of the US. When freezing on the East Coast – January to March – it is summer downunder. I like going in February. Kiwis are back at work or school. Universities start back a little later at the end of February. I normally go around Presidents weekend.
Over the Christmas break might be easier for you re getting a good solid two weeks (or more) downunder. Kiwis are on vacation then with their family so campsites, hotels, hiking tracks, roads, will be busier than normal. Weather may be a bit mixed in December as summer can be a bit late to arrive. NZ can be a bit cool in the evening especially as you head south. Or it can be damn hot! Crowded House wrote a song called Four Seasons in One Day and that is quite true! I have found February to have the most settled warm weather.
What currency is used?
The New Zealand dollar. Good news, the US dollar is a stronger currency that the NZ$. As I type this blog for 68 cents US you can buy $1NZ work. New Zealand is a paradise but not a cheap place to visit. You will find gas, rental cars, groceries and dining a lot more than the US. Tipping is not a custom in NZ unless staying in a tourist area or dining/staying at five star place. It is completely up to you and I now find it difficult not to tip. My advice is to tip around 10% if you feel you must!
Where should I go in NZ?
Everywhere looks beautiful because everywhere is. Not helpful I know! For my friends on the mainland (inside NZ joke) I agree with you and tell everyone that they must go to the South Island. It is NZ scenery on steroids! Arrowtown is a must. More to come on that. I will share with you my favorite place to stay. Book it quickly!
North Island:
Auckland City – the City of sails
New Zealand’s largest city. I will write a blog on each area so just a few comments here. The downtown harbor has a lot of restaurants and bars. There are ferries you can take for day trips to places like Waiheke Island (I like to go to Mudbrick restaurant but there are so many more – Man of War is on my list to visit next time).
Or you can just enjoy Auckland city with the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge on full displays. Mission Bay and St Heliers are little towns/villages right on the harbor/bay with small beaches to enjoy. Only 15 – 20 mins from central Auckland. Black sandy beaches near Auckland are on the West side (Piha is the beach to visit – the movie The Piano and a Taylor Swift music video were filmed in that area).
North of Auckland is the stunning Bay of Islands (Urupukapuka Island is a wonderful half day trip out from Paihia/Russell) or South East of Auckland is the Coromandel. These are truly gorgeous harbor/beach areas. Many Aucklanders have holidays homes in these areas
You could rent a car and drive down the island. Remember NZ drives on the left side of the road and the roads their are less highways and more local type roads.
Head South from Auckland
Visit the Coromandel (Whitianga, Whangamata, Hot Water Beach) and/or Tauranga/Mount Maunganui (stunning beach/surf area). Hobbiton (for Lord of the Rings fans)is on the way to Tauranga in a town called Matamata.
Spend a night in Rotorua for New Zealand Polynesian culture plus hot pools/geothermal areas. I really like Wai O Tapu, thermal wonderland, to visit for a few hours which is between Rotorua and Taupo.
Glowworm caves are an impressive sight to be seen at the Waitomo Caves, just 2 hours south of Auckland.
Taupo is in the center of the island and one of our largest lakes. A very popular place for boating, and trout fishing. The Ironman is held there every March.
Wine areas in the southern part of the North Island are the Hawkes Bay and Martinborough (near Wellington).
Wellington, the capital city, located right at the bottom on North Island is a wonderful compact city. Cafés, bars, restaurants, sporting events, museums greet you from a stunning harbor (harbour) location.
The cable car, botanical gardens, unique parliament beehive building and waterfront promenade is why I call this city my favorite little city in the world.
Wellington has the nickname Windy Wellington thanks to the winds that can arrive from the Cook Strait.
South Island
You can catch a ferry (The Picton Ferry) from Wellington to the South Island and drive. If you drive I would recommend the West Coast route (Punakaiki rocks, Seals, Fox Glacier). Or you can fly from Wellington to many locations in the stunning South Island.
Abel Tasman park (hiking, kayaking), Wine area – Marlborough area (near Blenheim) known for Sauvignon Blanc are on the top part of the South Island; in the South of the South Island is Central Otago – wonderful Pinot Noir (many good wineries to visit when you are in Queenstown area)
Christchurch is the biggest city in the South Island, where there was a tragic earthquake and the city has had to rebuild.
Where you must go!
Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Home of bungy jumping. Lots of lakes and outdoor activities. Amazing hikes. Shotover jet is a popular thing to do. Go up the Gondola in Queenstown. Great wineries (Mt Difficulty is a favorite, plus Amisfield, Wet Jacket, Chard Farm and Peregrine). Arrowtown is a cute old mining town that is popular and my PRO TIP is to stay there and not in the very tourist area of Queenstown. This entire area has gorgeous mountain ranges (The NZ Southern Alps) and very popular over the winter ski season with many ski fields. Summer is just as popular and an area not to miss.
There is so much more I have to recommend and write on this blog. This first article is a quick overview and I will do deep dives on places to visit in North Island and South Island. The rough list above barely scratches the surface.
New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and friendly people await!
Next weeks blog is all about mastering the long haul flight.
Leave a comment below if you have a specific question on visiting New Zealand. You can connect with me on Instagram @kiwlizb