New Zealand travel guide.

New Zealand, with its breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and unique culture, beckons Australian travellers seeking an unforgettable escape. Whether you're dreaming of hiking through pristine national parks, skiing down snow-capped mountains, or indulging in world-class food and wine, New Zealand has something for everyone.

This guide addresses the top questions Australians have about travelling to New Zealand, helping you plan your perfect Kiwi adventure.

Travel Insurance | 5 minute read | 26 November 2024

New Zealand travel tips for Aussies.

Do I need a visa? 

Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or visitor visa. However, it's always a good idea to double-check the latest requirements, as rules can change.

What is the best time to visit New Zealand?

  • Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn): Offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
 
  • Summer (December-February): Ideal for swimming, hiking, and outdoor activities, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
 
  • Winter (June-August): Perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the South Island, but some areas may be inaccessible due to snow.

Everyday Travel Insurance coverage for New Zealand.

Everyday Travel Insurance offers a range of plans that may suit your needs, from basic cover to comprehensive options with higher coverage limits for medical expenses, cancellations, and more.

What is included in the cover.

Overseas medical expenses.

Luggage and personal effects.#

Medical evacuation and repatriation.

Rental vehicle excess.~

Emergency travel & accommodation expenses.

Travel delay.

Replacement passport and travel documents.

Cancellation or holiday deferment costs.~

Subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover. Above is a summary only. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply.


Consider a Travel Insurance policy that suits your trip.

New Zealand accommodation.

Where to stay in New Zealand?

New Zealand caters to every taste and budget, from hotels, motels, holiday homes, backpacker hostels, and luxury lodges to suit your budget and travel style. Consider your itinerary and desired activities when choosing your base. 

City stays.

Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch offer vibrant city life with cultural attractions, dining, and shopping .                                                                         

City Stay

Nature escapes.

Queenstown, Wanaka, and Taupo are perfect for adventure activities and exploring national parks.                                                                               

City Stay

Coastal retreats.

Nelson, Bay of Islands, and the Coromandel Peninsula offer stunning beaches and relaxed vibes.                                      

City Stay

New Zealand must-see attractions and activities.

What are the must-do activities and attractions in New Zealand? 

 New Zealand offers a playground of exciting activities for every type of traveller. From epic road trips and challenging hikes to cultural encounters and adrenaline-pumping thrills, here are some must-do experiences to add to your itinerary:

Road tripping.

Hit the open road and explore New Zealand at your own pace. Popular routes include the Southern Scenic Route and the Thermal Explorer Highway.

Discover hidden gems, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes as you navigate the roads.

TIP:  Download offline maps and navigation apps, as you may encounter areas with limited service

 

Hiking the Great Walks.

Challenge yourself on one of New Zealand's Great Walks, multi-day hikes through some of the country's most spectacular scenery.

Immerse yourself in the wilderness, traversing diverse terrain, from volcanic landscapes and alpine meadows to pristine forests and coastal trails

TIP: Pack for all weather conditions, as New Zealand's weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key!Check track conditions and weather forecasts before you go, and be prepared for challenging terrain.

Skiing and snowboarding.

Head to the South Island for world-class skiing and snowboarding in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Canterbury.

New Zealand's ski season typically runs from June to October, with the best snow conditions found in July and August.

TIP: Consider a lesson if you're a beginner or want to improve your skills. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm, even on cloudy days.

Everyday Travel Insurance offers snow sports cover as an add-on option, available exclusively for those who have purchased the Comprehensive or Frequent Traveller plans.

 

Experiencing Māori culture.

Learn about Māori traditions, history, and art through cultural performances, visits to marae (meeting houses), and encounters with local Māori communities.

Gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's indigenous culture, its connection to the land, and its rich artistic heritage. Many Māori cultural experiences offer the chance to participate in traditional activities like weaving, carving, and cooking.

TIP: Attend a cultural performance to experience Māori music, dance, and storytelling.

Indulging in food and wine.

Embark on a culinary journey, sampling fresh seafood, award-winning wines, and local delicacies in regions like Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Central Otago

Discover diverse flavours, from gourmet restaurants and vineyard cafes to casual eateries and food trucks.

TIP: Embark on a wine tour in regions like Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, or Central Otago to sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process. Try a hāngī, a traditional Māori feast cooked in an underground oven.

Travel Insurance that can land you rewards.

Come home to a treat. Get $20 to stock your fridge when you return.

Return from your trip and top up your fridge or pantry with a $20 reward from Everyday Travel Insurance when you spend $180+ with Direct to Boot/Pick Up at Woolworths Online after your Travel policy expires. T&Cs apply.►

grocery

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Important information.

~ Subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of your policy.

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►When: Offer applies for up to 14 days after your associated travel policy expires.

Where: At Woolworths Online only when selecting Direct to Boot, Direct to Boot Now or Pick up only. Offer is not available in-store at Woolworths supermarkets, Woolworths Metro, via MILKRUN, or on items purchased from Everyday Market from Woolworths.

How it works: To redeem $20 off your order you must have an eligible Everyday Insurance Travel Insurance policy during the offer period, spend $180 or more (the qualifying amount) at Woolworths Online in a single transaction using Direct to boot, Direct to boot Now or Pick up for up to 14 days after your associated travel policy expires and enter the promo code found on the “Your $20* welcome home saving” email, online at checkout before completing your transaction. Promo code valid only once and can only be redeemed by the customer targeted with this promotion. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion code.

Exclusions: This offer does not apply to Everyday Insurance Travel Insurance policies purchased through the Everyday Insurance call centre, or to policyholders who have not linked their Everyday Rewards Card to their Travel Insurance Policy. Offer does not apply to Everyday Car, Home, Landlords, Pet Life and Funeral insurance policies, or Roadside Assist and VetAssist services.

Qualifying amount excludes any vouchers or offers, delivery, shipping or service charges, bag fees, subscription or account fees for Delivery Unlimited, Everyday Market from Woolworths items, MILKRUN items, tobacco/smoking products, gift cards, egift cards, mobile recharge, travel cards and tickets and Pre-order Kiosks.

This offer is subject to available Pick up & Direct to boot locations, available windows, order cut-off times and dates. Click here for full T&Cs and exclusions. Direct to boot and Pick up is not available at some Woolworths and Woolworths Metro branded stores. Remember to take your order confirmation number and personal ID when collecting your groceries. In addition to the above terms and conditions, the Woolworths Online terms and conditions apply. Your trip must be for a minimum of seven days from trip start date, and trip end date must be within the end of the offer period. This offer applies to the first active policyholder that qualifies for this offer irrespective of the number of people listed on the policy.

Your Everyday Travel Insurance policy subject to the Everyday Travel insurance Product Disclosure Statement. Please consider the Everyday Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide  and Target Market Determination available to determine if the product is right for you. Woolworths reserves the right to vary or remove the terms of this offer at any time and will provide reasonable notice of any adverse changes.

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† For up to 12 months after the illness or injury first occurs.

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# Sub-limits apply.