101 Things To Know Before Visiting New Zealand

Whether this is your first time in New Zealand or you’re coming back for another adventure (it's impossible to visit just once ;) ), there’s a lot to know before you hit the road mountains, or beaches here. I've written a list of essential travel tips from quirky things kiwis do to important safety things to know. I hope that this list of 101 things makes your trip to New Zealand smoother, more fun and helpful!

Let's dive in to 101 things you need to know before exploring this stunningly beautiful country!

1. You may need a visa or an NZeTA — check before you fly. Read my full guide for this.
2. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do - summer for beaches and festivals, winter for snow and reflection photography, spring for stunning flowers (including the lupines everyone flocks to see in the South Island) and autumn for the gold, red and orange leaves that look so magical. I don't think there is a right time to visit - it's not a one size fits all and depends purely on your budget and what you want to see and do.
3. You’ll drive on the left hand side of the road. You'll often see big white arrows painted on the road, especially in the South Island and this is so tourists used to the right hand side of the road get gentle reminders of which side to be on. Often the rental cars have a sign on the dashboard too. it may seem silly but there have been many crashes due to tourists forgetting which side of the road to drive on! This also means that the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the road.
4. Always declare food, dirt, or outdoor gear at customs — biosecurity is huge here.
5. Public toilets are generally free and found in almost every town.
6. You don’t need to tip — it’s optional and only for great service.
7. New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world.
8. The currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
9. Tap or payWave works almost everywhere.
10. Prices already include tax (GST).
11. New Zealand can be pricey — groceries and fuel especially.
12. There’s no haggling — prices are what they are.
13. Keep a bit of cash on hand for rural honesty boxes (farm stands, car parks).
14. You can drive with your foreign license for up to 12 months.
15. Roads are narrow and windy — take your time!

16. We have one-lane bridges.
17. Petrol stations can be far apart in remote areas — top up before long drives.
18. Freedom camping rules vary by council — check before staying overnight.
19. Public transport is limited outside major cities.
20. Hitchhiking still happens — but use your judgement.
21. Tap water is safe to drink anywhere.
22. Café culture is huge — coffee here is seriously good.
23. You’ll find great food markets in most towns on weekends.
24. Many restaurants close early — plan dinner before 8 p.m.
25. BYO (bring your own wine) restaurants are common — and fun.
26. You can get a SIM card from Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees at airports or supermarkets.
27. Many cafés, libraries, and i-Sites offer free Wi-Fi.
28. Download offline maps before heading to remote areas — coverage can vanish fast.
29. New Zealand has no snakes or dangerous animals.
30. Weather changes quickly — carry layers even in summer.

31. Use the Journeys website to check routes before you go.
32. Sunburn happens fast here — wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
33. Earthquakes are rare but normal — stay calm if one happens.
34. Respect Māori culture and sacred sites (especially on hikes).
35. Leave no trace — New Zealanders care deeply about the environment.
36. Bring a universal plug adapter — NZ uses Type I plugs (same as Australia).
37. Passport might be checked when drinking — bars often card you if you look under 25.
38. Distances are bigger than they look on maps — be generous with travel time.
39. Some routes close in winter (snow, ice) — check road conditions daily.
40. Mountain pass roads have strict vehicle requirements — snow chains might be mandatory.
41. Check for car relocation deals — drive a rental from city A to B for a cheaper rate.
42. International Dark Sky Reserves — NZ has some of the clearest stargazing on Earth.
43. Sandflies are real, especially on the West Coast and in forests — bring repellent.
44. Always check DOC if doing hikes or backcountry — closures, alerts, weather warnings matter.
45. Watch for natives: kea parrots may destroy your car vents if you leave it open.

46. Kiwis are casual — flip-flops (“jandals”) are normal footwear, even in cafés.
47. Public BBQs are free in many parks and beaches — just bring your food and utensils.
48. We have some toll roads.
49. DOC huts and campsites book out fast in summer — plan early if you want to hike the Great Walks.
50. Take your shoes off when entering someone’s home — it’s considered polite and very Kiwi.
51. Fuel stations often close at night in small towns — make sure you can pay by card at 24-hour pumps.
52. Most beaches don’t have lifeguards — swim between the flags where Surf Life Saving NZ operates.
53. Tramping = hiking — you’ll hear this term a lot.
54. Supermarkets charge for bags — bring a reusable tote; plastic bags are banned.
55. “Dairies” are small convenience stores — they’re where you grab snacks, milk, or ice creams in small towns.
56. Kiwi birds are nocturnal — you’ll rarely see one in the wild unless you visit a sanctuary.
57. Many DOC huts require booking — especially popular tracks like Routeburn and Kepler.
58. There’s a strict alcohol purchase law — no sales in supermarkets after 10 p.m. and ID is required if you look under 25.
59. Farm animals can block roads — slow down; farmers often move sheep or cows between paddocks.
60. Parking meters are common — many use apps like PayMyPark, EasyPark, or ParkMate.

61. Always lock your campervan — NZ is safe, but petty theft can happen at popular car parks.
62. You’ll need a car for true freedom — public transport barely touches the national parks or remote beaches.
63. You can’t always rely on Google opening hours — small-town businesses may close early or for lunch.
64. NZers love their rugby — don’t be surprised if conversation revolves around the All Blacks.
65. Lakes and rivers can be deceptively cold — even in summer, swim with caution.
66. NZ uses metric measurements — speed in km/h, fuel in liters, distances in km.
67. Sandflies are worse at dawn and dusk — repellent is a must.
68. NZ roads often have “passing bays” — use them when traffic builds up behind you.
69. Some hiking tracks close during lambing season.
70. NZ sunrise and sunset times vary drastically by season — plan activities accordingly and by region.
71. Many waterfalls in NZ are seasonal — summer can mean low water levels.
72. “Long-drop” toilets still exist.
73. Some rivers change color after rain.
74. Public toilets may lock after hours.
75. There are more sheep than people.

76. You can dig at a beach to get hot water!
77. NZ has 2 official languages — English and Māori.
78. There are active volcanoes.
79. NZ is made up of over 700 islands (though most are tiny!).
80. Christmas is in summer.
81. Every region looks unique and different.
82. Only 2 out of 3 places in the world have both glaciers and rainforest — NZ is one of them.
83. NZ has the steepest street in the world.
84. NZ has the longest place name in the world (Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu).
85. Some roads are narrow and winding.
86. Lots of towns have cool statues.
87. Cattle stops on roads are common.
88. Kiwi humour can be dry or sarcastic.
89. Winter is actually one of the best times to travel.
90. People talk about the weather constantly.

91. A lot of shops close over Christmas, New Year’s, and even until the 1st or 2nd week of January.
92. Lots of traffic cones and roadworks!
93. On some hikes, you need to clean your boots before and after to protect native plants.
94. You can see glowworms in the forest at night in certain areas.
95. You can get black ice on the roads in certain areas.
96. NZ has strict no-drone zones and these are taken seriously.
97. You always need longer than you think to travel — it’s so beautiful, you’ll stop often.
98. NZ caves are mostly made of limestone, so you might spot ocean fossils.
99. Each region feels completely unique — every area has its own vibe.
100. Some activities require early bookings — especially Great Walks and popular attractions.
101. You won’t want to leave — and honestly, we can’t blame you!

If you go through all 101 - well done! And if you knew them all then you're going to fit in like a local!

Planning a trip to New Zealand?

We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.

Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.

Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!