Meet The Adventure Capital of the World
If you’re looking to experience something new and exciting each day during your travels, New Zealand is one of the best places you can visit as a backpacker.
Known for unbeatable variety in its natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to pristine white sand beaches and almost every possible environment in between, New Zealand, while only a few small islands in the South Pacific, has something to offer every breed of adventurer. Whether you’re trekking through the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, kayaking the crystal-clear waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, or exploring some of the geothermal wonders in Rotorua, you’ve got something to do in almost every corner of this fascinating country.
It’s not just outdoor adventure though. New Zealand’s deep-rooted Māori culture is something we recommend every backpacker immerses themselves in to get a taste of the rich history that continues to define the islands to this day.
New Zealand’s a country that invites you to move around and explore. From vibrant cities to untouched wilderness, unforgettable experiences lie everywhere.
Culture
People and lifestyle
New Zealand locals are characterised by their easygoing, social nature. With a high cost of living for luxury goods in the country, many locals enjoy their free time out in nature with good company, helping to cement this ‘laid-back’ lifestyle that we’ve come to love.
Māori culture
Famous around the world for the Haka (a ceremonial dance used in events on the world stage), Māori culture goes so much further in New Zealand, where you’ll see influences of traditional language, art, and ways of living throughout your travels. Make sure you take some time to experience Māori culture during your trip – it’s one of the things that makes New Zealand such a captivating place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself throughout the country so don’t miss it!
Sport, music, and art
New Zealand boasts some fantastic art, taking influences from both the modern and traditional forms that have come to define the aesthetic of the island and its culture. As with all of New Zealand, there’s a fascinating blend of art types, from Māori poems told orally down through generations to modern music that still manages to capture some of the nation’s history. Sport’s also a big deal here, with the national rugby team, the All Blacks, a huge source of national pride – they’re one of the best in the world. The Lord of the Rings films were also shot here, but you probably knew that already!
Nature
New Zealand boasts more than 30,000 square kilometres of National Parks between its shores. If you’re an outdoor and nature enthusiast, there’s perhaps nowhere better in the world to visit.
From the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland with the likes of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound towering above glacial lakes with raging waterfalls straight out of Middle Earth, to rugged coastlines filled with marine life, New Zealand has it all. We’re talking rainforests to deserts, to snow-capped mountains and lush valleys and almost everything in-between here. Be sure to check out
New Zealand features some of the most pristine white sand beaches in the world, where offshore you’ll find whales, dolphins, seals and more in the waters. Along the shores live penguins, birds, and a great many plant species that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Thanks to strong conservation efforts across the country, New Zealand has been able to retain its natural beauty across both islands, with plenty of land left untouched to be appreciated but respected.
Activities
Be sure to look into the 10 Great Walks around New Zealand when you’re planning your trip. Hiking (also known as “tramping”) is one of the most popular activities you can take part in when you’re here. Thanks to established routes dotted with shelters and rest stops, you can easily plan and take on a multi-day tour around some of the country’s most famous scenery on foot. Be sure to book in advance though – visitor numbers for these walks are limited to ensure these routes can be kept sustainable and be enjoyed for years to come. You can book on the Department of Conservation’s website here.
On top of the great walks, there are loads of adrenaline-pumping activities across the islands, like kayaking in Fiordland, skydiving over lake Taupo, or white-water rafting in Rotorua.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, you can immerse yourself in rich Māori culture, soak in hot springs, or watch dolphins and whales along the coast.
There’s too much to talk about for it all to go here. Head to the activities tab above to start planning out your activities!
Entry Requirements
Visa-Free Travel
Citizens of visa-waiver countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and the EU can visit New Zealand visa-free for up to 3 months (6 for British citizens). You’ll need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) though before arriving.
Visitor Visas
If you’re not from one of the countries where this applies, or would like to stay longer, you can apply for a visitor visa. You can stay for up to 9 months when you get this.
Working Holiday Visas
For backpackers looking to work while they’re in New Zealand and extend their stay for up to a year (or 23 months if you’re Canadian, and 36 if you’re from the UK), you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa if you’re aged between 18-30 typically, although some countries allow for up to 35 year-olds to take advantage of this. There are varying requirements depending on your situation, so it’s worth checking what you’re eligible for.
Other Requirements
- You may need to prove you’ve got enough funds to support yourself during your stay, usually $1000NZD per month.
- You must have a return or onward travel ticket or show that you have the funds to purchase one.
- New Zealand works hard to protect its environment, so there are strict laws on what food, plants, and animals you can bring into the country.
Local Laws and Customs
There are a few local laws and customs you should be aware of if you’re travelling to New Zealand…
- Māori Protocol: The country is rich in Māori heritage, and respecting their customs is important. When visiting a marae (meeting ground) you should wait to be welcomed in before you enter, and you should remove your shoes when entering some buildings.
- Conservation Laws: New Zealand has strict conservation laws to protect the environment. Littering, damaging the environment or taking native plants/animals is both illegal and disrespectful to the locals who pride themselves on their country’s natural beauty. Leave no trace!
- Drinking Laws: The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18, and you’ll be asked for ID when buying alcohol if you look like you could be around or below that age. Your passport is your best bet for an ID that’ll be accepted – don’t expect your foreign driving licence to be accepted.
- Smoking: New Zealand is one of the strictest nations in the world when it comes to smoking. While not illegal, it’s heavily discouraged in society. Smoking is banned in all indoor public areas, including bars and restaurants. It’s also banned in many outdoors spaces, like beaches and parks.
- Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated for outstanding service.
- Road laws: Wearing a seatbelt and speed limits are both strictly enforced. They drive on the left-hand side of the road here, so if you’re not used to that side, be sure to take extra care.
Safety
New Zealand is generally a very safe country to visit as a backpacker, but, as with anywhere, there are a few things you need to be aware of and prepare for.
- Crime rates are relatively low, with petty crime likely to be your main concern here – such as pickpocketing. Be sure to secure your belongings and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, especially in larger cities like Wellington and Auckland.
- The sun in New Zealand is very strong, due to a thin ozone layer in this part of the world. You can burn very quickly in all weathers, but especially on hot days. Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
- Weather can change quickly in New Zealand. While it may seem sunny and pleasant in the morning, it can change in a matter of minutes. Always be prepared and check the forecast. If you’re going to be out for a while, be prepared.
- Unlike its neighbour Australia, there are far fewer dangerous animals to watch out for in New Zealand. Very occasionally you may come across a funky-looking spider, or a shark, but this is extremely unlikely.
- Speaking of sharks, they’re not your concern in the water. If you’re swimming in the ocean, watch out for riptides and strong currents.
- Roads can be narrow and winding in rural areas, and in adverse weather visibility can be poor.
- Make sure you pick reputable operators for adventure activities like bungee jumping and skydiving.
- Earthquakes do occur in New Zealand thanks to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Larger ones don’t happen often, but it’s good to be aware that they can occur. Follow local advice, and if you’re by the coast, move to higher ground in case of tsunami.
