New Zealand Holiday Packages & Travel Tips

A trip to New Zealand is a trip you will never forget! Home to some of the most breath-taking natural landscapes in the world, New Zealand truly is an incredible destination to add to your bucket list. From adrenalin-pumping activities to authentic Maori culture, from world-class food & wine to top-quality ski resorts. This incredible destination offers something for every style of traveler, whether you are looking for a self-drive getaway, a thrill-seeking adventure or even a world-class culinary experience; New Zealand has something for you!

Here at Entire Travel Group, our goal is to save you time and offer the “best of the best” holiday experiences possible. We have teamed up with our local hand-picked suppliers and have built a range of holiday experiences that we know you will love!

When to visit

New Zealand has something special to offer every month of the year - there is never a bad time to travel to New Zealand! It just comes down to what is it that you are after from your holiday; whether it may be hiking, skiing, less crowds, access to lots of adrenalin sports or seeing the spring blossoms or autumn foliage. We have made it easier for you by breaking it down to what each season offers:

Summer Months: December to February

Average temperature 21-25°C

Travelling during these summer months will give you some of the best weather, it’s a great time to visit beaches and to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking & kayaking. It’s also the busiest season as the locals are on holidays and so are international tourists, this results in higher prices and crowds. You should plan to book well in advance if you wish to travel in the summer months.

December is the optimal time for penguin viewing in the South.

Autumn Months: March to May

Average temperature 17-21°C

Autumn is the best time for hiking as temperatures are starting to cool down however the days are still long. Locals have gone back to work, so the trails aren’t as crowded. During this time of the year, you will see the leaves changing into the stunning autumn foliage; the bright orange, yellow and red hues are a beautiful sight. This is also a great time for Self-Driving holidays as the roads are less busy (around the Easter Holidays of course). March is when many vineyards see an abundance of lush grapes, so it makes for the perfect time for some wine tasting – keep in mind it can be the wettest month of the year.

May is when the temperatures really start to drop so make sure to remember to pack some more layers.

Winter Months: June to August

Average temperature 12-16°C

The ski season usually runs from June through to the first week of October and attracts lots of keen and beginner skiers. Once you get away from the mountain areas, the winters are relatively short and mild. There will be many days or nights where you will have clear, crisp skies. Driving throughout the high country can be hazardous due to the snow, however the snow rarely makes it down to the lowlands. The North Island tends to see more rainfall during the winter months than the South Island.

There’s also plenty of festivals to keep you busy during this season.

Spring Months: September to November

Average temperature 16-19°C

New Zealand during the spring months is in full bloom; hiking and outdoor activities become popular again as temperatures start to warm up. The white peaks are still visible on the mountain tops, creating the picture-perfect backdrop to any photo. For adventure seekers, this is the perfect time for whitewater rafting as the snow is melting from the mountains, which creates strong and high rivers.

September is New Zealand’s windiest month so make sure to pack and windproof jacket!

Helpful Information

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People and Culture

The population of New Zealand is made up of a range of backgrounds, such as European descent, indigenous Māori, Asian and non-Māori Pacific Islanders. Over three-quarters of the population live in the North Island, with one-third of the populartion living in Auckland.

New Zealanders (in other words Kiwis) are very friendly and down-to-earth people. They embrace the spirit of "Manaakitanga" which is an indigenous Māori word that translates to hospitality. It is a way that travellers are made to feel welcome when visiting New Zealand, no matter who they are of where they are from.

New Zealand's indigenous Māori people have a unique and fascinating language and culture, which plays a huge role in New Zealand life. Their culture is a very central part of life in New Zealand and it includes Māori food, language, and customs.

You should experience Māori culture by visiting a Marae (which is a sacred communal meeting space). During a visit to a Marae, you will hear Māori speeches & songs, will greet locals with a hongi (pressing of the noses) and enjoy a hāngi (feast cooked in earth ovens). It's a great way to truly immerse yourself into a different culture.

Driving in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand is a very popular way to explore this beautiful country! We wanted to point out some important facts about driving in New Zealand:

To drive in New Zealand, you must hold a valid driving licence. If your licence is not in English, you must bring an English translation or obtain an International Driving Licence.
New Zealand drivers, drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.
The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas.
Fuel is usually 30-40% more expensive than diesel, if you have the choice, we would recommend hiring a diesel vehicle – even if it costs more initially as it will likely save you money in the long run.
It can take longer than expected to drive around New Zealand, especially at certain times of the year when there are more tourists or when there are many logging trucks around.
There is a free tourist driving quiz that most large rental companies recommend tourists to complete before driving in New Zealand, this helps you understand the road rules that may be different to that of your home country.