New Zealand Travel Guide 

Important Things To Know

Currency

New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar as its currency.

National Languages

While English is the primary language used among all citizens of New Zealand, Māori is the country’s official language.

A rainbow hovers over Doubtful Sound in New Zealand. (photo via William Patino) (Photo Credit: (photo via William Patino))

Time Zone

New Zealand practices Daylight Savings Time (DST), where residents set their clocks forward by one hour. New Zealand’s DST occurs from late September to early April.

Climate And Weather

Temperatures in New Zealand can change rapidly. On our first visit to Auckland, locals warned us that you could experience four seasons in one day. It’s a popular saying there and became a prediction of our experience! Don’t worry though, as long as you keep track of predictions and have the necessary layers, you’ll be fine.

New Zealand’s summer season offers plenty of reasons to get outdoors and onto the beach. With highs of 86ºF (30ºC) and a dry atmosphere, you’ll want to keep water (and water-based activities) nearby. The summer months are from December to February

New Zealand’s winter runs from June to August with lows of 14ºF (-10ºC).

Rain occurs throughout the year in New Zealand. Northern and Central New Zealand experience winter rainfall while the rest of the country has drier winters. 

When To Visit New Zealand

Many choose to visit New Zealand in the summer. The warm weather brings in a lot of tourism from December through to February. Interestingly, summer is also the best time to spot kiwis! 

If you don’t do crowds, we recommend planning your visit around March and May to arrive during autumn. During these months, the weather is still warm around the North Island, but the crowds have moved on.

If you aren’t interested in warm weather, New Zealand’s winter starts in July and lasts until August. Winter brings with it a variety of snow sports from snowboarding to skiing!

Best Places To Stay In New Zealand

• Auckland: New Zealand’s largest city acts as the gateway to the rest of the country. No matter how you arrive, chances are you’ll arrive in Auckland. For those seeking a vibrant nightlife or a romantic night out, the many bars and entertainment venues have you covered!
• Wellington: Visiting the capital of New Zealand on your trip is a must! With beautiful beaches and ice cream on a hot day, there’s tons of fun to experience. As New Zealand’s cultural hub, Wellington is the place to learn about the history and culture of this amazing destination.
• Nelson: Nelson is New Zealand’s sunniest city, which makes it one of our favorite spots. On top of that, accommodation in Nelson is cheaper than almost anywhere else in New Zealand. If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for warmer climates, Nelson is the city for you!