Planning a Trip to New Zealand

 

Kia Ora. Welcome to your New Zealand Trip Planning Guide

We love this place. And we love sharing it with you. Since 2001 we’ve been helping visitors plan their dream holiday to New Zealand. We aim to make it effortless for you to have the holiday of a lifetime in our beautiful land.

Whether it’s fully organised group trips, personalised tours, self-driving, family or adventure holidays we’ve got all the tips and tricks to make planning a trip to New Zealand a breeze.

Check out our handy itineraries, options and expert advice. No matter what kind of holiday you’re hankering for, we’ll take care of you. Here is what you need to know to to help plan the perfect New Zealand holiday.

What you need to know before you leave home...

 

New Zealand is sensational in each season. It just depends what you want to see and do. Are you after balmy beaches or golden autumn leaves? Sun or snow? See our guide to the seasons and when to visit here.

 

We know there’s a lot to organise for your big trip. We cover things like travel insurance and how to get here. No matter where in the world you’re coming from, we’ll help you find the best option.

 

We’re experts in getting all the details sorted for your New Zealand holiday. We welcome bookings from everywhere in the world. No matter where you’re coming from, we can help you find details for arranging your visa and passport.

 

We know it can be daunting to arrive to a new country for the first time. Especially after a long flight. Let us make things as smooth as possible for you on arrival with tips on getting around Auckland.

 

We’ll advise you on how to get the basics sorted. We’ll help you with everything you need to have relaxing holiday here. There’s nothing like knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong.

 

We take a look at the pros and cons of each and help you decide.

 

Exploring these majestic rivers of frozen ice is an experience you will not forget. The Fox, Franz Joseph, Tasman and Rob Roy Glacier are our favourites.

 

Driving in New Zealand is one of the greatest things to do in our beautiful country. Stay safe and be prepared before you get behind the wheel here.

 

Explore, have fun and stay safe in New Zealand’s great outdoors with these five simple tips.

 

We know that many of you will be coming to New Zealand for a variety of experiences, so therefore your clothing and equipment needs will vary accordingly. We have compiled a list that tries to accommodate various requirements.

 

Everything you need to know about the different types of accommodation available for your New Zealand holiday from Luxury Lodges to Camping in the great outdoors 

 

Don't get us wrong: you should absolutely visit both of New Zealand's major islands if possible, but what if you don't have time? Which island should you choose for a shorter stay, and why? Our simple guide will help you decide.

 

Our holiday season peak season runs from November through to March, coinciding with summer, with absolute peak being in January and February.

 

Choosing the right vehicle is probably one of the most important decisions you can make when planning your driving holiday in New Zealand. This article has been designed to help you decide which is the best vehicle to rent for your New Zealand road trip. The rental vehicles we select from when planning your road trip are brand new, modern vehicles with an average age no older than 6 months) and the latest models, including the latest safety features.

 

Can't  Find an Answer to your Question? Go to our FAQs Page

 

What New Zealand lacks in size, it more than makes up for in diversity take a look through our location guide.

 

Browse our New Zealand Travel Guide and find out about our people, history, climate, geography and food. What things cost and how to get your phone connected. What to do if you have an accident, unique places worth a visit. Search our comprehensive FAQs section to help you find what you are looking for.

 

The map featured gives a visual representation of iconic New Zealand hot spots including the option to download a more detailed map including travel distances.

 

See our selection of New Zealand Motorhomes and Campervans. Like apartments on wheels they are designed  suite families, groups of friends and couples alike.

 

See First Light Travels selection of  rental vehicles. Our range also includes sports cars, people movers and minivans and coaches.

 

New Zealand Rental Car Insurance - Demystified

 

When planning a New Zealand self drive holiday or road trip, use our NZ Driving Time and Travel Distance Calculator to work out the best route between two towns or cities.  This calculator will give you an accurate average driving time taking into consideration obstacles like mountain passes, winding roads, single lanes etc.

 

While the very top of the country has subtropical weather during summer, the inland alpine areas of the South can be as cold as -10°C (14°F) in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures. 


Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price