Frequently asked questions
Check out our FAQs for even more information about visiting New Zealand.
Q: When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
A: New Zealand is an extremely popular summer destination, both for overseas and domestic visitors. It’s recommended you book at least your first two nights accommodation during the months of January, February and March.
Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of the country. New Zealand has four quite distinct seasons - Spring (Sept-Nov), Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug).
In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include rafting, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You'll find snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.
Q: When is the best time to go trekking/hiking in New Zealand?
A: Tracks such as the Abel Tasman, Heaphy and Queen Charlotte Sounds Walkway located at the top of the South Island can be walked all year round. Tracks at higher altitudes such as the world famous Milford Track, Kepler and Routeburn are closed in the winter due to snow and are open between October and April.
Q: What's the climate like?
A: New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Don't let cold months put you off - winters tend to be short and generally fairly mild.
Q: Is it easy to have a driving holiday in New Zealand?
A: Self-driving holidays are a great way to travel New Zealand’s awesome terrain. Many of the roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.
Talk to one of our consultants about hiring a campervan then you can have your home and transport all in one! We have a full range of 2-6 berth low cost campervans. You can hit the road, take in an adventure then pull up for the night!
Q: What sort of driver license do I need?
A: You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence.
Q: How long will it take to drive the whole country?
A: Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey. All road distances are measured in kilometres.
Q: Where are the international airports located in New Zealand?
A: New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Queenstown and Dunedin.
Q: What are the passport and visas requirements to enter New Zealand?
A: All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.
Most visitors who intend to stay for less than three months do not require a visa. If you want to stay longer than three months then you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa.
Working in NZ
If you fancy soaking up more of New Zealand’s culture and topping up your travel fund talk to an STA Travel consultant about a working holiday visas which allow you to live and work in New Zealand. If you’re from the UK you can apply for a working holiday visa allowing you to stay for up to 23 months.
A: New Zealand is an extremely popular summer destination, both for overseas and domestic visitors. It’s recommended you book at least your first two nights accommodation during the months of January, February and March.
Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of the country. New Zealand has four quite distinct seasons - Spring (Sept-Nov), Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug).
In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include rafting, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You'll find snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.
Q: When is the best time to go trekking/hiking in New Zealand?
A: Tracks such as the Abel Tasman, Heaphy and Queen Charlotte Sounds Walkway located at the top of the South Island can be walked all year round. Tracks at higher altitudes such as the world famous Milford Track, Kepler and Routeburn are closed in the winter due to snow and are open between October and April.
Q: What's the climate like?
A: New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Don't let cold months put you off - winters tend to be short and generally fairly mild.
Q: Is it easy to have a driving holiday in New Zealand?
A: Self-driving holidays are a great way to travel New Zealand’s awesome terrain. Many of the roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.
Talk to one of our consultants about hiring a campervan then you can have your home and transport all in one! We have a full range of 2-6 berth low cost campervans. You can hit the road, take in an adventure then pull up for the night!
Q: What sort of driver license do I need?
A: You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence.
Q: How long will it take to drive the whole country?
A: Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey. All road distances are measured in kilometres.
Q: Where are the international airports located in New Zealand?
A: New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Queenstown and Dunedin.
Q: What are the passport and visas requirements to enter New Zealand?
A: All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.
Most visitors who intend to stay for less than three months do not require a visa. If you want to stay longer than three months then you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa.
Working in NZ
If you fancy soaking up more of New Zealand’s culture and topping up your travel fund talk to an STA Travel consultant about a working holiday visas which allow you to live and work in New Zealand. If you’re from the UK you can apply for a working holiday visa allowing you to stay for up to 23 months.
