New Zealand Guide

New Zealand is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors, the ultimate dream of many travelers.
Looking for an all-in-one country? Head to New Zealand . Known for its black sand beaches , volcanic craters , and also for being Middle-earth , New Zealand is sure to charm you. The diversity of its landscapes is a delight for travelers looking for escape. You’ll also appreciate its very dynamic, human-sized cities, where life is good.

Travel to one of the countries with some of the wildest and best-preserved landscapes on the planet.

New Zealand Presentation
Surface area : 268,021 km²
Population: 5,084 millions (2020)
Capitale : Wellington
Villes principales : Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown
Official language : English, New Zealand Maori
Currency : New Zealand Dollar
National Day : February 6 (Waitangi Day)

Things to do and places to see in New Zealand
In addition to the places that attract vacationers every year, New Zealand has many pleasant places to make your stay unique . Here are some places, far from mass tourism, that should be included in your travel diary. Not only will they seduce you with their beauty, but above all, they will allow you to reconnect with nature and discover Maori culture .

The Tongariro Crossing
Tongariro National Park , a World Heritage Site, is home to one of New Zealand’s most popular day hikes: the Tongariro Crossing . The trails pass Emerald Lake, Blue Lake , and Mount Ngauruhoe , known as the mountain of doom in The Lord of the Rings. This is a great place for the more adventurous who want to experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing . If you’re one of them, just remember to bring some hiking gear and you’re ready to go.

Wai-O-Tapu for its volcanic wonders
Although there are several volcano craters in many countries, it must be recognized that Wai-O-Tapu remains one of the most wonderful . This place is unlike any other in the world thanks to its mystical landscape. Thus, during your excursion, you will find lakes dug in luminous craters . They can change color depending on the season, ranging from green to blue or even have an orange note. You will feel like you are traveling to another planet while indulging in the various activities offered there. Wai-O-Tapu is also perfect for trekking enthusiasts . This place has become the essential place to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature.

The blue waters of Lake Pukaki
Located at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Lake Pukaki is the largest in the country . You’ll love the pastel blue color it displays year-round. Majestic and ideal for various activities, Lake Pukaki will allow you to relax and de-stress far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Don’t hesitate to organize an excursion on the lake to discover its splendor . Did you know that this lake was also an element of scenery in the filming of The Hobbit series? This place offers a unique picture if you visit it in autumn . Its trees with golden leaves present a contrasting effect with its opaque turquoise lake and its snow-covered mountains. It is truly a magnificent place to see in the Pacific.

Doubtful Sound and its green mountains
Every vacationer who comes to New Zealand loves to visit Milford Sound . The reason is that it is simply one of the most extraordinary sites in the country. But, if you want to take in the sights but without the crowds, a trip to Doubtful Sound is a must. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fjord draws its charm from its green mountains , waterfalls, hiking trails and blue waters. It is larger than its famous neighbor but more difficult to access, hence its less frequented . To get there, there is nothing better than renting a car or a campervan and embarking on a road trip in New Zealand.

New Chums Beach
New Chums Beach is one of New Zealand’s many secret spots. This beach is located along the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island . Miraculously, perhaps because it’s not close to the road, it has preserved its pristine landscape, free from pollution. To reach this hidden corner of paradise, we suggest renting a campervan and embarking on a road trip to Coromandel. From there, you can enjoy a day with your feet in the water or even snorkeling in the sea. It’s not for nothing that New Chums is known as the most beautiful beach in the world.

The steepest street in the world in Dunedin
Dunedin isn’t just known for its universities, chocolate factory, or Speights beer . It’s also a place where you can take a walk that’s not as easy as it looks. To do so, you’ll have to head up the steepest street in the world : Baldwin Street. Climbing it, you’ll think you’re climbing Mount Everest, the slope is so steep. So, are you up for the challenge? Don’t miss out on trying this attraction when you’re in New Zealand. The view that awaits you once you’ve completed the challenge is a great reward.

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island . They are enormous, and on cloudy days, it’s impossible to see their peaks even from a distance. There are many tours that offer guided hikes along the glaciers. This activity is a must-do if you’re a mountain enthusiast.

Cathedral Cove in Coromandel
Also located along the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is accessible on foot, by boat, or by kayak from the small town of Hahei. In addition to its arch, which is a testament to the wonders of nature, you will also have the pleasure of walking on the white sands that lead to this idyllic spot . You will be tempted to swim in the turquoise waters that border the peninsula while enjoying the exquisite spectacle offered by the imposing rocks of the cove. To encounter a stingray or two, do not miss snorkeling in one of the sites developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Marine Wildlife Conservation .

Waitomo Glowworm Underground Caves
The Waitomo Caves are home to the famous glowworms that attract tourists to the area every year. The best and only way to explore them is by taking an underground boat tour after descending into the bowels of the earth. It takes a good hour in total, during which you’ll feel like you’ve entered a magical world .

The mysterious rocks of Moeraki
These strange rocks are found on the shores of Koekohe Beach on New Zealand’s southeast coast . Shell-like yet smooth, they can reach up to 1 or even 2 meters in height, perfect for capturing in a photo. You can create your own Moeraki postcard with these rocks, which fire imaginations and are the subject of numerous theories.

The Hidden Shores of Tunnel Beach
There are many hidden beaches in New Zealand, and Tunnel Beach is one of them. Located a few kilometers from Dunedin, this white sand beach is simply stunning with its turquoise waters and towering cliffs . And as the name suggests, you’ll have to go through a secret tunnel to reach this well-protected spot.

The dunes of Cap Reinga
Cape Reinga is located at the very top of New Zealand, where two seas meet: the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Not only are the views from the Cape Reinga Lighthouse incredible, but there are also dunes nearby where you can rent a board and ride down them. A real treat for those who love adrenaline thrills.

The black sand beaches of the west coast
New Zealand is well known for its black sand beaches. Most of them are located along Auckland’s west coast . If canyoning or excursions aren’t on your bucket list, you’ll definitely find something to suit you on one of its beaches. Most are ideal for swimming and relaxing , but some are just for photos, like Piha Beach, where the currents are too strong for swimmers.

Christchurch Restart Mall
In 2011, the bustling city of Christchurch experienced a devastating earthquake. In true Kiwi spirit  ,  residents built a temporary shopping mall out of shipping containers. To this day, this open-air store continues to attract the attention of travelers visiting New Zealand. It demonstrates the sense of solidarity among the city’s residents.

When to go to New Zealand?
If you want to discover New Zealand and its people, consider planning your trip from December to March. This is the time of year when the temperature is warm and there is less rainfall. It is therefore the ideal time to discover New Zealand’s Indian summer. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the ski slopes , it is best to travel between June and August. You should also know that the climate is not at all the same between the two islands. The southern one is much more humid than the northern one.

What documents are required for a trip to New Zealand?
To fully enjoy your trip to New Zealand, here is a list of documents to have with you:

A passport valid for 3 months after your return to France
A round-trip plane ticket
An exit permit for children under 18 if you are traveling as a family
A visa if your stay exceeds three months . You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient income to cover the days you will be staying in New Zealand.
An NZeTA or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is available for citizens of countries such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. You can use an agency to facilitate the formalities involved in obtaining this document.
A tourist tax for nature preservation

Which accommodation should you choose when traveling to New Zealand?
Even if you plan to stay in a 5-star hotel during your trip, choose van transport to explore New Zealand. Not only will you have the comfort of a room with all the amenities, but also a car to travel the country. Since New Zealand has a large number of campgrounds, you will have no trouble finding a place where you can spend the night under the stars. You also have other options like youth hostels and bed and breakfasts, establishments very popular with travelers who come often to New Zealand. Not only are these options economical and practical , but also ecological . Indeed, most of these places rely on the ecolodge spirit to give you a tourist experience while respecting nature.

Transportation in New Zealand
The plane
This is the means of transportation that allows you to reach the country. Domestic flights are also plentiful. They connect major cities as well as shorter destinations. However, if you want good prices, you should book in advance.

The bus
There are companies operating on both islands. It’s worth considering passes like the Intercity Flexi Pass , which is valid for one year on both islands and offers great discounts. Passes with predetermined routes are also available. The Travel Pass offers 15 bus routes, including a ferry connection between the two islands.

The boat
Depending on your tour itinerary, you won’t be able to avoid the boat , unless you’re flying. We tend to recommend the sea route to get from Wellington to Picton because the crossing, which takes about 3.5 hours, is simply sublime .

The train
Of course, there are trains in New Zealand, but it’s not necessarily the best option because the network isn’t very developed and the fares aren’t the most advantageous. In fact, you only have three main lines. The first connects Wellington to Auckland . The second connects Christchurch to Picton , and the last one connects Christchurch to Greymouth.

The car or van
It’s no secret that vans and campervans are among the best ways to explore New Zealand, provided you have the time, as the roads crisscross mountains and hills. Forget the highways; you’re off on a real road trip . But the good news is that there are campsites everywhere.

Please note that you will need your international driving licence to drive, that driving is on the left and that speed and alcohol controls are very strict.

Otherwise, you still have the option of cycling. New Zealanders love it, and more and more travelers are opting for this healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation. The roads are safe and the traffic is relatively quiet. However, be prepared for the many bumps.