New Zealand Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit New Zealand?
December
High
season
January
High
season
Did you know?
The surface area of New Zealand is 104.4 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 77 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Wellington (NZ) and Washington D.C. (US) is 8750 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Wellington click here
Country Comparison
Compare New Zealand to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to New Zealand
| Miles | Auckland | Wellington | Christchurch | Dunedin | Hamilton | Fiordland National Park | Rotorua | Napier |
| Auckland | - | 307 | 475 | 661 | 70 | 705 | 120 | 217 |
| Wellington | 307 | - | 190 | 382 | 243 | 469 | 232 | 168 |
| Christchurch | 475 | 190 | - | 193 | 420 | 291 | 418 | 356 |
| Dunedin | 661 | 382 | 193 | - | 610 | 155 | 610 | 548 |
| Hamilton | 70 | 243 | 420 | 610 | - | 667 | 58 | 147 |
| Fiordland National Park | 705 | 469 | 291 | 155 | 667 | - | 680 | 636 |
| Rotorua | 120 | 232 | 418 | 610 | 58 | 680 | - | 100 |
| Napier | 217 | 168 | 356 | 548 | 147 | 636 | 100 | - |
A Brief History of New Zealand
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
600 A.D. - 1300 A.D.
First inhabitantsThe first inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori, arrive from eastern Polynesia.
1642
Tasman's expeditionDutch sailor Abel Janszoon Tasman becomes the first European to reach New Zealand.
1769
Cook's voyagesEnglish explorer Captain James Cook makes the first of his three voyages to the islands. His journals inspire other Europeans to explore New Zealand.
1840
Treaty of WaitangiThe Maori sign the Treaty of Waitangi giving control to the British in exchange for protection and guaranteed Maori possession of their lands.
1860
Maori Land WarsA decade of land wars begins between the Maoris and European settlers.
1861
Gold rushGold is discovered in Tuapeka. This leads to a gold rush.
1893
Right to voteNew Zealand becomes the first country to give women the right to vote.
1907
Self-governing colonyThe country becomes a dominion, or self-governing community, within the British Empire.
1947
Independence from BritainNew Zealand gains independence from Great Britain.
1953
On top of the worldNew Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary becomes the first person to climb to the top of Mount Everest.
1985
Sinking of the Rainbow WarriorNew Zealand no longer allows U.S. nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships to enter its ports. French secret service agents blow up a Greenpeace ship called Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbor.
1987
Rugby World CupNew Zealand hosts and wins the inaugural Rugby World Cup.
1997
First female prime ministerJennifer Shipley becomes the country's first female prime minister.
2005
Helen Clark's third termPrime Minister Helen Clark wins her third election.
2010
New Zealand's war on terrorNew Zealand sends military forces to Afghanistan for the third time at the request of the U.S.
Best Ways to Experience New Zealand
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- EUR
- GBP
- NZD
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- NZD
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in New Zealand.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
New Zealand for tourism
A visa is required but can be obtained online (e-Visa).
- Allowed stay: 3 months
- May enter using eGate.
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy must be paid upon requesting an Electronic Travel Authority. IVL not required for American Samoan citizens.
- Holders of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa may be granted a New Zealand Resident Visa on arrival permitting indefinite stay.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In New Zealand the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type I sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type IFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 124 / 231 Ranking | 4 822 233 European 71.2%, Maori 14.1%, Asian 11.3%, Pacific peoples 7.6%, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African 1.1% |
Area | 77 / 230 Ranking | 104.4 thous. mi² It is approximately 3% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 17 / 196 Ranking | 82.3 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 80.6women 84.2 |
Median age | 110 / 157 Ranking | 37.2 Average age of population expressed in years.men 36.4women 37.9 |
Population growth | 71 / 172 Ranking | 1.28% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 11 / 131 Ranking | 99% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 99% |
GDP | 28 / 194 Ranking | 44 213 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |