---
title: "New Zealand: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to New Zealand? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/raquel-moss-NDN03RNTUGk-unsplash%20(1)-1.jpg
---

- TRAVEL
  
    - [![Find a Trip](https://21025004.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21025004/website%20images/flight_icon.svg)
      
      Find a Trip
      
      
      
      ](https://trovatrip.com/trips)
    - [Read Reviews](https://trovatrip.com/trip/reviews)
    - [What is TrovaTrip](https://trovatrip.com/trip/group-travel-benefits)
    - [Traveler Support](https://help.trovatrip.com/en/collections/6193390-traveler-support)
- HOST
  
    - [![Host a Trip](https://21025004.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21025004/website%20images/host_icon.svg)
      
      Host a Trip
      
      
      
      ](https://trovatrip.com/host)
    - [Host Testimonials](https://trovatrip.com/host/host-testimonials)
    - [Host Support](https://help.trovatrip.com/en/collections/3069035-host-support)
    - [Itinerary Library](https://trovatrip.com/host/itineraries)
    - [Referral Program](https://trovatrip.com/host/referral-program)
- [ABOUT](https://trovatrip.com/about)
- [BLOG](https://trovatrip.com/blog)
- [Log in](https://my.trovatrip.com/login)
- [Become a Host](https://trovatrip.com/host/onboarding)

# New Zealand: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Print this page as PDF.

![New Zealand: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/raquel-moss-NDN03RNTUGk-unsplash%20(1)-1.jpg)

### About New Zealand

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/australia-oceania/new-zealand#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

Hike steep mountain passes, or leisurely trails, and enjoy rugged coastlines, river valleys and untouched wilderness. The glaciers, geysers and geothermal pools, ancient forests and snow-capped mountains may have you believing that Middle-Earth is a very real place! You'll discover that New Zealand is more than just the Lord of the Rings, you watched as a child. On this island, you'll not only experience adrenaline and adventure, you’ll encounter Maori culture and Kiwi-kindness, as well as animal and birdlife only found in New Zealand.

 

**Capital City:** Wellington

**Population:** 5.123 million (2021 est.)

**Currency:** New Zealand Dollar

**Time Zone:** GMT +12

**Emergency Number:** 111

**Outlet: **Type I

![New Zealand forest and stream](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/werner-sevenster-1Bkgk9mfuNo-unsplash.jpg)

![Mt-Taranaki](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Mt-Taranaki.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for long days on your feet and comfort on those trails.

**Hiking Boots** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails, and more! For hiking, we recommend sturdy and supportive hiking boots. Our go-to is Goretex, but any waterproof brand will do.

**Long Sleeve Shirts** - Keep warm when it's nippy out and protect yourself from the sun!

**Warm Fleece** - Wool or Synthetic Fabrics are best in case you get wet!

**Shorts/Pants for Hiking** - Lightweight material for hiking will keep you comfortable on the trail.

**Waterproof Jacket & Pants ** - Stay dry when it's wet! We recommend Gore-tex but any waterproof brand will do.

**Hiking Socks** - Merino wool socks are recommended but any comfortable hiking sock will do. Make sure you don't get any blisters!

**Warm Hat/Beanie** - Keep your head comfortable and warm!

**Swimsuit ** - We'll be hitting the beach!

**Towel** - Quick dry is our go to.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a lobster sunburn. Protect your skin from unwanted damage by loading up on SPF. Make sure you buy Reef Safe too.

**Protect Your Tummy ** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness!

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Day Packs** - Great for long adventure days.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay. We recommend a 1-2 liter water bottle.

**Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.

**Hand Sanitizer ** - Need I say more?

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Portable Chargers** - Stay juiced my people.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes!

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank ** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Sun Glasses** - A must have!

**Hiking/Walking Poles** - Optional but always helpful!

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

There are two official languages in New Zealand: English and Maori

 

- Hello - Hello
- Goodbye - Kia koa
- Thank you - Kia mihi
- I (don’t) understand - Kaore au e marama
- How are you? - me pēhea koe?
- I’m fine, thank you - kei te pai taku mihi ki a koe
- What’s your name? - he aha te tou ingoa
- My name is… - Toku ingoaa….
- Where is... - Kei hea...  
    
    - the bathroom - ko te kaukauan
    - ATM - atm

**Google Translate:** Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![New Zealand valley](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/roell-de-ram-2DM7eOR5iyc-unsplash.jpg)

#### Weather

[WELLINGTON WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/n41d29174d78/wellington/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- New Zealanders get their nickname from their native flightless bird, the Kiwi. Ironically, the New Zealand Air Force logo seen on aircraft carriers, planes, and helicopters is the same flightless Kiwi-bird.
- New Zealand became the first country in the world to give women the right to vote in 1893. New Zealand is amongst the lowest countries in the world in terms of the gender pay gap at 9.3%. 
- According to the Corruption Perception Index, New Zealand is tied with Denmark as the least corrupt country in the World.
- New Zealand is a secular country with nearly 50% of the population registering as 'no religion.' However, a small percentage of the population (50,000 people) are 'force' believers and have listed 'Jedi' as their faith.
- New Zealand is the only country in the world where all the top positions are simultaneously held by women. The Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice, the Governor-general and the Queen (NZ is a commonwealth).

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Your Guide will also often be your driver throughout your trip. In this case we recommend tipping the combined amount ($20-30) per person/per day.

 

| **Guides** |  | USD $10-15 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $10-15  per person/per day |
|   |   |   |

 

#### FAQ

 

**How much should I tip at restaurants in New Zealand?**

Tipping at restaurants is not customary or expected in New Zealand however if the service or experience you encountered was exceptional and you wish to reward someone for a job well done a small gratuity would be welcomed. Any kind of recognition is very much appreciated.

 

**Where can I find information on travel safety?** Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/new-zealand-travel-advisory.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling 

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Yes, unless otherwise noted as non-potable.

 

**Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, click [here](https://www.newzealand.com/us/visas-and-immigration/). Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here](https://www.newzealand.com/us/covid-19-travel-safety-information/).

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like?** Buses are the cheapest and most common form of public transportation available for traveling within towns and cities. Some areas also offer trains, ferries, or trams.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available?** While Lyft is not available in New Zealand, Uber and another local rideshare program called Zoomy.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

### Book With Confidence

[![USTOA-Member-Logo-gray](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Footer%20Associations%20Logo/USTOA-Member-Logo-gray.png?width=200&name=USTOA-Member-Logo-gray.png) ](https://ustoa.com/)