New Zealand is an incredible country of contrasts, and that helps to make it such a popular tourist destination. From hot springs to glaciers, mountains, and even a network of fjords, it has the most diverse set of natural sites imaginable. There are impressive man-made tourist attractions too, while NZ is also known for its extreme sports. Whatever you travel here for, there are some essentials you need to know before you arrive.
Gaining Entry
Unless you are resident in a country that has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, you will need this documentation to gain entry to the country. Those who are here for a short holiday should complete an online visa application via the official website, and make sure you do this well in advance of your trip.
Visitors should also ensure that their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their departure date. Those who live in a country where that visa waiver is in place will need to complete a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority request.
All of the relevant information is contained on that official website, and applications must be made there.
Look Beyond the Obvious
New Zealand has those amazing natural wonders, but there are some surprises along the way. In recent years, for example, the country has developed into one of the most popular destinations for casino players. The rise in casino play can be associated with New Zealand’s overall popularity, and as one of the more recent countries to embrace online platforms, there is a curiosity factor too.
SkyCity Hamilton is one of the most impressive venues in the country, they offer all of the games you’d expect, priding themselves on their poker offering. Their Ultimate Texas Hold’em table opens from 4pm daily, while Three Card Poker is available from 6pm, Thursday to Sunday.
So, a poker table in NZ is relatively easy to locate, both online and in a land-based venue. Online play has grown in popularity all over the world and New Zealand is no different, but venues like SkyCity Hamilton are doing their best to stave off the competition to attract players, their facilities include a bowling alley, air hockey and pool, as well as food and a bar, so aside from gambling, there’s plenty to do.
Getting Around
Away from the main cities, travel around New Zealand can be complicated. Public transport is relatively sparse, so it’s recommended to hire a car or campervan. There are internal flights between destinations such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, while NZ also has a rail network. For travel between the North and South Islands, there is a ferry service available.
Because some of the best natural sites are in remote areas, public transport is not always an option, so it’s worth looking into vehicle hire before you travel. In contrast, accommodation is plentiful no matter where you happen to be. There are hotels, guest houses and hostels waiting to host heavy tourism each year. Many will have vacancies on the day, but it’s always recommended to book in advance. Camping is also a possibility, but be aware that each region has its own laws on where you can and cannot park. Look for registered camping sites as a safer option.
Trying to Take it all in
There’s so much to do in New Zealand, and for most tourists it will be impossible to pack everything in. The country has some of the most incredible natural sights on earth, and that’s why many people come here.
It’s tricky to make a list of ‘must-see’ locations as there are so many of them, but you may want to put Milford Sound at the top of your list with its fjords and glaciers. Mount Cook, the Franz Josef Glacier, Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Tekapo are also highly rated by tourists. Queenstown in the South Island is the best location for extreme sports, so if you’re into bungee jumping and parachuting, amongst other things, this is the place for you.
For more sedate sports, New Zealanders are fanatical about their cricket and rugby, and there are iconic stadiums showcasing the top events.
New Zealand is also great for stargazing. As a country with relatively low light pollution, you’ll see much more than in most countries. NZ is also home to two of the world’s 22 Dark Sky Reserves. In contrast, there aren’t so many man-made places of interest, but New Zealand still hosts some memorable museums and galleries. There’s also a multitude of zoos and one of the best aquariums in the world at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life in Auckland. Whatever your preference as a tourist may be, New Zealand is likely to have you covered.
There are some points to remember, but each of these tips is designed to ensure you make the most of your New Zealand holiday. Having the right documentation in place avoids unnecessary delays and even cancellations, so it’s vital to plan in advance.
Being aware of limited public transport is something that many tourists can overlook, so be sure to look into other options. There’s a lot to take on board, but acting on this information means you can concentrate on enjoying your holiday in this magical country.