The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand

[ad_1]

In a land far away where snowcapped mountains dot the country and rugged coastlines shape it, New Zealand is a magical place. Although a journey to get to, there are so many reasons why New Zealand should be your next backpacking destination.

Filled with world-class adventure activities such as hiking, skiing and bungee jumping, this country has become a haven for outdoor lovers and adventure junkies.

Boasting some of the most beautiful coastlines and mountains in the world, New Zealand urges to be explored.

It comes as no surprise, that it is a mecca for tourism with double-digit growth in annual visitors.

While it is also a popular destination for vacationers and honeymooners, the best way to see the country is to strap on your backpack and spend some quality time exploring.

New Zealand Country Guide. Mount Awful in Aspiring National Park, New Zealand. Photo by www.beardandcurly.com.
Mount Awful, Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com

Backpacking New Zealand is the trip of a lifetime! Check out this in-depth guide for all you need to know about travelling here.

When to Visit New Zealand

Tourism in New Zealand is very seasonal.

Unless you are looking for winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding, it’s best to visit between November and May.

The summer, from December to February, gets very busy at tourist attractions. Campsites and backpackers tend to fill up quickly during this time.

Our favorite time of the year is April and May.

The temperatures start dropping quickly, but so do the tourists. This is a great time to hike and you should still be able to access the entire country before snowfall hits.

The best time to visit New Zealand really depends on what you’re interested in doing. But in reality, there’s no bad time to visit the country!

Visa Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Visitor Visa – If you want to stay longer than three months or you are not from a visa waiver country, you must apply online before your trip. This visa is valid for up to nine months stay in New Zealand.

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa – If your passport is from a visa waiver country, you do not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving. Visas are granted for three months. Some of the visa free countries include Canada, the USA, and the UK.

Working Holiday Visa – If you are between the age of 18 and 30 and mostly want to come to New Zealand to travel, but also want the option to work or study, this may be a perfect option. The visa is valid for 12 months and requires proof of $4,200 NZD ($3,000 USD) equivalent in your bank account as well as full medical insurance.

To read more on visa options related to your country and interest, check out the New Zealand Immigration page.

New Zealand Country Guide. A waterfall in the Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
A waterfall in the Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Sim Card

Skinny Direct was our preferred mobile carrier of choice. They have the best rates for a prepaid monthly plan and very good service backed by the Spark Mobile network.

Prices are $30 ($21 USD) per month for 3GB of data or $50 ($36 USD) per month for 10 GB of date. All plans come with unlimited text and minutes.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand. It’s the one thing you should always pack. World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurers and travellers. Enter your details below to get a free quote.

 

Banking in New Zealand

If you are planning to work, you may consider opening a local bank account. We recommend a free basic checking account with ANZ Bank.

A document, such as a vehicle insurance or registration, with a local address and a working holiday visa was enough to open an account. 

This was also very useful when selling a car. We could transfer New Zealand dollars to our own bank for under $100 ($72 USD), less than any other wire transfer option. ATMs are wildly available and most establishments take credit card.

New Zealand Country Guide. Campervan in New Zealand.
Get a car that (hopefully) will not cause you any problems

Transportation

There are numerous ways to get around when backpacking New Zealand. Here are some of the popular options:

Shared Rides

Shared rides are very common with backpackers. This could include hitchhiking. The best way to partner up with another traveler is by posting on Backpacker Boards or the New Zealand Backpackers Facebook group.

Public buses

Between major cities there are some public buses, however, we felt their prices were very high considering the distances. For example, a bus from Wanaka to Queenstown cost $50 ($36 USD) for an hour drive.

Campervanfinder

One great option for finding a campervan around New Zealand is Campervan Finder.

They’ve been helping travellers and road trippers source the best deals on motorhomes, campervans and 4×4 campers since 2006 and they work with over 30 rental companies across New Zealand to help you find the best deal.

Their website works much like any booking site. Just enter your pick up & drop off locations, as well as the dates and times you’d like to rent and their algorithm will search through their 30+ partner rental companies to find the best deal.

Hop-on/Hop-off Bus

There are two major companies in New Zealand, Kiwi Experience and Stray Travel. Prices range from $650 NZD ($470 USD) for a two-week package to $1200 NZD ($860 USD) for a 6-week package. These services gear towards a younger backpacker crowd.

Rent a Vehicle

Renting can get expensive, but is the best choice for those coming for only a few weeks or one month. New Zealand is perfect for self-driving enthusiasts and having your own vehicle allows the freedom to create your own itinerary.

If you are looking for a smaller campervan, check out Wicked Campers and Jucy.

Costs range from $700 ($500 USD) to $1,500 ($1,080 USD) for one month. They come stocked with beds and cookware.

For those looking for a larger motorhome, check out Maui Rentals with prices ranging from $2,000 ($1,440 USD) to $6,000 ($4,300 USD) depending on the camper size.

Buy a Vehicle

If you’re staying for more than two months, buying a car or campervan is the most economical option.

This is very popular in New Zealand and a great way to save money. Try to find a vehicle with good resale value and consider the timing of buying/selling.

It is common to buy in the summer and sell just before winter. Depending on when you sell there is sometimes potential for a serious loss.

We recommend buying a station wagon such as a Nissan Wingroad. The seats fold flat and can sleep two, they are much better on petrol, and have a better resale value.

There is a lot of information to read in advance before making a purchase. Check out Beard and Curly’s article the Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Buying a Campervan in New Zealand.

Self-Contained Vehicles

Many areas of New Zealand allow freedom camping.

There are approximately 350 free campgrounds that are allocated only for self-contained vehicles. Although not as plentiful, there are free options for regular campervans.

There is a large cost increase to purchase a self-contained vehicle, but you can almost always find a free campsite to sleep at. For more on self-containment, check out the NZ Motor Caravan Association.

New Zealand Country Guide. Camping essentials are important to stock up before a road trip in New Zealand. Photo by www.beardandcurly.com.
Some camping essentials. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

☞ Click here for more free travel guides!

Accommodation in New Zealand

There are lots of options for accommodation, many of which are great for budget backpackers.

Campsites 

A great option to cut down on costs is to camp. Campsites are either private or run by the Department of Conservation. They can range from basic with only vault toilets and no running water to full kitchens and shower/laundry facilities.

Costs range from $6 to $18 ($4 to $13 USD) per person. There are also a decent number of free campsites for both self-contained vehicles and non-self-contained vehicles.

In cities, there are limited campsites available and freedom camping is almost always prohibited.

Holiday Parks

If you are looking for an upgrade from camping, holiday parks are your best bet. They usually come stocked with wifi, electric hookups, showers and laundry facilities. Prices typically range from $40 to $60 ($28 to $43 USD) per camper.

Backpackers 

In cities, backpackers are a great choice to meet other travelers and to stay right in town.  Check out Base Backpackers or Nomads, both have hostels in major cities. Backpackers charge between $20 and $30 ($14 and $21 USD) for a dorm bed.

Airbnb 

We stayed at AirBnB’s while we were in a few of the major cities. As a couple, we often found prices lower than staying at a backpackers hostel. You can find a nice private room for $30 – $40 ($21 – $28 USD). Click here to check out Airbnbs in New Zealand, and click here to get your discount coupon.

Hotels 

Not many backpackers stay at hotels while in New Zealand, but if you want to splurge, hotels start from $100 ($70 USD) per night.

☞ Click here to compare costs of hotels in New Zealand on Booking.com

Must-Have App For New Zealand

Before going to New Zealand, download the Campermate App on your mobile device. It is crucial and we used it daily.

It provides information such as top things to do, wifi hotspots, toilet locations, supermarket locations, and most importantly, campsite information. The user reviews and comments are also helpful, especially when picking between campsites.

Recommended Campsites

There are hundreds of campsites in New Zealand, but these stuck out to us as a great deal or just an overall amazing campground:

Whatipu campground – $7.50 ($5 USD)
Earl’s Paradise Coromandel – $10 ($7 USD)
Mangaowkewa Gorge Scenic Reserve – Free
Kidd’s Bush Lake Hawea – $8 ($5.75 USD)
Lake Pukaki Reserve – Free
Mrs. Woolly’s campground Glenorchy – $16 ($11.50 USD)
Moke Lake – $13 ($9 USD)
Lumsden parking area – Free
Milford Sound Lodge – $27 ($19 USD)

Wwoofing

Wwoofing is an opportunity to work on a farm in exchange for housing and food. Although typically unpaid, during high season, paid jobs may be offered.

This is one of the top travel jobs for backpackers! Check out more information at www.wwoof.co.nz.

What to Eat in New Zealand

Restaurants are expensive in New Zealand and are not ideal for most backpackers. In cities such as Wellington or Queenstown there are some more affordable and great cheap eats for dishes under $12 ($8.50 USD).

New Zealand Country Guide. Great Backpacker Food Options. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Great Backpacker Food Options. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Takeaway is widely available throughout New Zealand and is typically fish and chips, Chinese food, or burgers. Takeaway can be cheap with meals for $6 ($4 USD), but at times could creep up to $10 ($7 USD).

Cooking for yourself is the best idea since most campervans come equipped with a stove and cookware.

Where to Stock Up

Four Square – small convenience store size supermarkets with all basic needs. Slightly higher priced, but not by much, sometimes with cheap veggies
Countdown – large supermarket chain, often with the best prices
New World – more upscale supermarket with good quality products, some prices are good
Pak’N’Save – only located in larger towns and cities, has very good prices and good options for dry food and bulk
The Warehouse – some stores carry dry food, cheapest option for canned chickpeas, four bean, peanut butter, chocolate, and candy
Bunnings or Mitre 10 – building supplies stores (fuel and kerosene options)

Specialty Stores

Fruit and Veg – there are many fruit and veg stores throughout NZ, especially located within proximity to farming areas. There are also often fruit and veg stalls or fresh produce sold directly from farms with signs on the road.
Asian – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and some other cities have good Asian supermarkets with great specialty Asian/Indian items.

Awesome Food Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Cheese – Mainland Vintage Cheddar 1kg $11.49 ($8.25 USD)
Tuna pouches – Sealord Lemon, Sesame & Ginger Tuna pouch $2.50 ($1.80 USD)
Soba noodles – Hakubaku organic noodles from $3 ($2.15 USD)
Indian spice mixes – Mother’s pre-made sauce and spice mixes $1.79 ($1.29 USD) (Only saw these in Auckland so stock up)
Watties WOK creations – Thai Coconut Chili and Lime, Ginger and Sesame 3 for $5 ($3.60 USD)
Pad Thai noodles –  Erawan noodles from $2 ($1.45 USD)
Thai curry paste –  Mae Ploy green curry paste (spicy) $1.50 ($1.10 USD)
Ramen: Just Noodles – Mexican Salsa, Indian Butter Chicken $6 for 5 packets ($4.30 USD)
Bars – Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slice bars, Afghan and Sultana & Manuka honey flavors 2/$6 ($4.30 USD)
Dehydrated Peas –  Continental Surprise Garden Peas $6 large bag ($4.30 USD)
Hot Sauce –  Mr Number One Sriracha hot chili sauce $6 ($4.30 USD)

New Zealand Country Guide. Our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com
Our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com

How Much Time Is Needed?

The more time the better. We spent three months in New Zealand, with one month in the North and two months in the South Island.

We could have stayed much longer.

While it is not always possible to come for several months, we do not recommend going less than two weeks. With less time, focus on a smaller area such as Mount Aspiring and the Fiordlands on the South Island.

How Much Will Backpacking New Zealand Cost?

New Zealand can be an expensive country to visit, but road trips and epic hiking does not have to be expensive. Renting a vehicle will be the biggest expense, but if you are staying long enough to buy a vehicle, this can significantly cut down costs.

To save money, cook your own meals and try to stay at free campsites.

If you enjoy hiking, especially multi-day hikes, consider the DOC Hut Pass. It costs $92 ($66 USD) and covers any hut aside from Great Walks and a few others.

We spent on average $85 ($60 USD) per day between two people, and sold our car the same price we bought it for, making New Zealand an affordable destination for us.

For more budget tips and ways to save money when travelling in New Zealand, check out this 3 week road trip itinerary for budget travellers.

Typical Costs when backpacking New Zealand

Total Daily Budget – $60 to $100 ($42.50 – 70 USD) per couple, not including cost of renting/buying a vehicle

Basic Campgrounds – $6 – $10 ($4 – 7 USD) per person

Dorm Rooms at a Backpackers – $20 ($14 USD) per bed

Fuel/Petrol – $1.70 – $2.20 ($1.20 – 1.55 USD) per liter

Eating – $5 – $15 ($3.50 – $10.50 USD)

Alcohol – $8 ($5.70 USD) pints at a bar, $12 ($8.50 USD) for a six-pack at a supermarket, $8 – $12 ($5.70 – 8.50 USD) bottle of wine or $20 ($14.20 USD) box of wine at supermarkets

Things To Do in New Zealand

There are many amazing things to do and places to visit in New Zealand. Here are some of the best.

New Zealand Country Guide. Road Trippin in New Zealand.
Road Trippin in New Zealand

Road Trip

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without an epic road trip. Whether you plan to search for the best surf spots, waterfalls, mountain hikes, or complete the drive from Cape Reinga down to Bluff, road-trippin’ should be #1 on your list. It is a perfect way to explore New Zealand.

For the best road trip, we recommend starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. Spend more time on the South Island. There is much more to see!

Go Surfing

New Zealand has some stunning coastline. While the water is cold, it does have some pretty good surf.

Some of the popular surf spots are Raglan, Piha, Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara Bay, Fitzroy Beach, St Clair Beach, Kahutara, Westport and Colac Bay. Don’t forget to bring a wetsuit!

Adventure Activities

Take your pick at one of the ohh so many adventure activities. Queenstown is a perfect base and known as the adventure capital of the world.

Choose between bungee jumping, skydiving, white river rafting, canyoning, cave exploring, jetboat tours, and for those craving some fresh winter snow, nothing tops heli-skiing.

Activities are very expensive in New Zealand and can range from $100 ($70 USD) to several hundred for tours. Heli-skiing starts at $1,000 NZD ($700 USD) per person.

New Zealand Country Guide. Hiking the Kepler Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Hiking the Kepler Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hiking

Great Walks – There are nine Great Walks in New Zealand (soon to be 10) and these are the most popular tracks in the country. They are marketed by the DOC and have world-class infrastructure and huts. Because of their popularity, they can feel like a highway at times and are not good for solitude.

We recommend the Tongariro Northern Circuit, the Routeburn track, the Kepler track, and the Milford Sound.

These hikes require bookings in advance and cost between $30 and $70 ($21.50 and $50 USD) for a bunk. Read Beard and Curly’s full article on the Nine Great Walks of New Zealand for more information.

Hut System – With over 1,000 huts across New Zealand, this is a perfect way to explore the outdoors and immerse yourself into some Kiwi culture. The DOC manages 950 huts, most of them are very affordable.

Buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for $92 ($66 USD) for 6 months which covers your stay at nearly all the DOC huts. There are only a few popular huts which are excluded from the pass in addition to the Great Walk huts.

New Zealand Country Guide. Brewster Hut. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Brewster Hut. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Day Hikes – There are so many day hikes with views that are completely out of this world. Our favorite day hikes were Mount Taranaki, Roys Peak, Isthmus Peak, Diamond Lake, Mueller Hut, Ben Lomond, Gertrudes Saddle, Key Summit, Lake Marian, and Avalanche Peak.

Multi-Day Hikes – Where to begin. One of the main reasons we went to New Zealand was for this alone. While it does require more gear (portable stove, sleeping bag, camping gear), it is completely worth it. Our best memories of New Zealand were days in the middle of the mountains with no people or towns in sight.

Our favorite multi-day hikes were the Tongariro Northern circuit, Travers-Sabine circuit, Cascade Saddle, Gillespies Pass, Mount Brewster, Copeland track, Routeburn track, Kepler track, and the Milford Sound track.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Trekking & Camping the “O” Circuit, Paine del Grande Chile

Places To Visit in New Zealand – North Island

New Zealand Country Guide. 90 Mile Beach, Northland. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
90 Mile Beach, Northland. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Northland

The northernmost region of New Zealand has stunning coastline and many places to see. The drive through the Northland on its own is worth it. Check out the Bay of Island, 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.

New Zealand Country Guide. Piha Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Piha Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Waitakere Regional Park

Piha is one of the country’s most popular black sand beaches and great for photos. Our personal favorite beach was nearby Whatipu with very few people and a great coastal walk called the Omanawanui Track.

New Zealand Country Guide. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Coromandel

One of our favorite spots on the North Island, Coromandel has white sand beaches and the famous Cathedral Cove. Check out New Chumms Beach, Hot Water Beach (low tide only), Cathedral Cove (low tide), and the Karangahake Gorge.

New Zealand Country Guide. Rotorua geothermal springs. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Rotorua geothermal springs. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Rotorua

Bursting with volcanic activity and geothermal hot springs, Rotorua is one of the most popular and expensive tourist destinations in New Zealand. Wai’o’tapu is the main attraction, but Hellsgate Geothermal Park and Kuirau Park are other options.

Entry prices are around $30 ($21.50 USD) per person. Also, check out the Redwood Forest for some short hikes and world-class mountain biking trails. If on a budget, soak in the free natural hot springs, kerosene creek and secret spot.

New Zealand Country Guide. The Emerald Lakes, Tongariro. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
The Emerald Lakes, Tongariro. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

There are numerous hot pools (both natural and manmade) around the North Island. There’s no better way to relax your aching muscles after backpacking and hiking around New Zealand. Check out this epic list of 40 pools that can be found in and around Aukland.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro is known for its famous alpine crossing, the most popular day walk in New Zealand. This hike is truly something special. The Lord of the Rings has made this location even more famous.

Mount Ngauruhoe, the main volcanic peak on this track was filmed as Mount Doom. The stunning emerald lakes alone are reason why this is a must-stop for all visiting New Zealand.

New Zealand Country Guide. Puakai Tarns, Mount Taranaki. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Puakai Tarns, Mount Taranaki. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Taranaki

This volcanic peak stands alone and on a clear day can be seen from hundreds of kilometers away. It is strikingly beautiful and one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. It also is one of the hardest, so for those not able to make it to the summit, a hike to the Pouakai Tarns is much easier and might have a better view.

New Zealand Country Guide. Castlepoint. Photo by @mitchperfect.nz.
Castlepoint Lighthouse. Photo by @mitchperfect.nz.

Castlepoint

One of the most stunning coastal areas and New Zealand’s best lighthouse resides at Castlepoint. It is only a 45-minute walk out to the lighthouse which comes with amazing views along the way.

New Zealand Country Guide. Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Cape Palliser

Check out the seal colony on the way to the Cape Palliser lighthouse. The nearby Pinnacles is a great 1 hour walk through unique rock formations that were featured in a scene of the Lord of the Rings.

<img class="size-medium wp-image-41955" src="https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/GOPR5753-720×460.jpg" alt="New Zealand Country Guide. Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wellington

Ferries between the North and South Island depart from Wellington, so this likely will be in your travel plans. With that said, it was our favorite city in New Zealand.

There are so many great cafes to lounge during the day and hipster bars for the evening. The Te Papa National Museum is one of the best in the world (and free), and still to this day talk about our two for $40 ($28.50 USD) offer on large pizzas at Tommy Millions.

Places to Visit in New Zealand – South Island

New Zealand Country Guide. Abel Tasman National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com
Abel Tasman National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Abel Tasman

One of the most popular national parks in New Zealand, Abel Tasman has stunning coastline and emerald water. Boats offer shuttles to nearly any beach in the park.

As a result, the coastal track which is a Great Walk, is like a superhighway. We recommend skipping the walk and sticking to a kayak rental with R&R Kayaks starting from $60 ($43 USD).

New Zealand Country Guide. Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Golden Bay

The cute hippy town Takaka is a great stop for some grub on the way to our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach.

Come in the afternoon for sunset. From the seal pups, caves, rock arches, and reflections, this might be one of the most photogenic beaches in the world.

New Zealand Country Guide. The Pier at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
The Pier at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Nelson Lakes

The pier at Lake Rotoiti is one of the best in New Zealand for photographs, but aside from this, the national park is best explored by hiking.

Mount Robert is a good day hike and with time, stay at Angelus Hut for some spectacular views. If into trekking, a visit to the Blue Lake is a must. It is considered the clearest lake in the world. It takes a couple of days to hike to Blue Lake, usually part of the Travers-Sabine circuit, a 7-day hike.

New Zealand Country Guide. Hokitika Gorge. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Hokitika Gorge. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hokitika Gorge

This glacier-fed river cuts through a forest creating the Hokitika Gorge. The short walk over a suspension bridge is a must. This is some of the brightest emerald green water we have ever seen.

New Zealand Country Guide. Lake Matheson, West Coast. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Lake Matheson, West Coast. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

West Coast

When driving down the West Coast, the main attractions are the glaciers. We felt these are over-hyped. These glaciers have receded significantly in the past twenty years. For those not intending to do hiking in the South Island, it is worth the one hour walk at Franz Josef Glacier.

For those intending to hike, skip this altogether. Head up to Brewster Hut and get up close to the Brewster Glacier or save your glacier moments for while at Mount Cook. The best sight near the glaciers is not the glaciers themselves, it is Lake Matheson.

New Zealand Country Guide. Roys Peak, Wanaka. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Roys Peak, Wanaka. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wanaka

Wanaka was our favorite town in New Zealand. A smaller more laid-back version of Queenstown nestled on a picturesque lake with mountains towering in the backdrop.

Some of the best day hikes in New Zealand are around Wanaka. The incredible Roys Peak hike is only 6km from town. Nearby Lake Hawea is maybe even more picturesque and is much quieter. Check out Isthmus Peak for a similar hike but a tenth of the crowds of Roys Peak. Don’t forget a picture of that Wanaka Tree.

New Zealand Country Guide. Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Aspiring

Mount Aspiring National Park was our favorite for multi-day hikes.

From Wanaka, head over to Rob Roys Glacier where there is an abundance of hikes to Aspiring Hut, French Ridge, Livermore Hut, or our favorite hike in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle over to the Rees Dart Track.

This climb is not technical, but it is challenging and is a deathtrap in poor weather conditions. On clear days, this may be the best mountain shot in New Zealand.

New Zealand Country Guide. Mount Cook. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Mount Cook. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Cook

Ohh Mount Cook. Where to begin. The tallest mountain in New Zealand has its own national park.

The drive in from Lake Pukaki is one of the most scenic, and arriving into Mount Cook village truly has a special feel. Massive peaks, glaciers, jagged ridgelines, and the glacier-fed lakes beneath Mount Cook are stunning.

There are several great hikes in the park. Mueller Hut is one of the best day hikes in the country, and if you score a reservation, you can stay the night watching the last sunlight on Mount Cook. The complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience.

New Zealand Country Guide. Hiking on the Routeburn track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Hiking on the Routeburn track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Queenstown – Glenorchy

Queenstown has become very popular and is the most touristy city in New Zealand. From hiking the Ben Lomond or skiing the Remarkables in the winter, Queenstown is a must-stop on the South Island. It is the adventure capital of the world and every other storefront is selling tours.

The drive to Glenorchy is considered one of the best in the world, and the surrounding area has endless spots that leave you in awe. The famous Routeburn track begins near Glenorchy.

New Zealand Country Guide. McKay Falls on the Milford Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
McKay Falls on the Milford Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Te Anau – Milford Sound

Te Anau is a small town that is the last frontier of the wild Fiordlands National Park. From here, the Milford Sound road leads you on a two-hour journey of one of the most picturesque drives we ever experienced.

Finishing at the Milford Sound is the icing on the cake. Mountains rise vertically from the glacier-carved fjord. It is a magnificent sight.

New Zealand Country Guide. Nugget Pount, Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Nugget Point Lighthouse, Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Catlins

The Catlins Forest Park is a large area, mostly uninhabited, with coastal rainforest and stunning, rugged beaches. It is also home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Known for waterfalls, check out McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and the Matai Falls. One of the most beautiful rocky coastlines is at Nugget Point.

New Zealand Country Guide. A rainy morning at Moeraki Boulders. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
A rainy morning at Moeraki Boulders. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Dunedin & East Coast

Dunedin is a college town with some good nightlife and proximity to amazing nature. Tunnel Beach is a famous sunset location, the rugged coastline near Sandymount has a great walking track to view the Chasm and Lovers Leap, and there are heaps of animals including seals and penguins. Just north of Dunedin are the famous Moeraki Boulders.

New Zealand Country Guide. Driving to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Photo by beardandcurly.com.
Driving to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Banks Peninsula

Christchurch was our least favorite city in New Zealand, so instead head out to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is a charming little town with a French influence and a perfect city getaway for those looking for a romantic B&B.

Looking for something more rugged? Check out the Packhorse Hut and hike up to Mount Herbert.

The Pros of Backpacking New Zealand

Nature – OK I know it has been stated several times already. But the truth is, there are few places in the world like New Zealand. If you enjoy the outdoors and immersing yourself in nature, your vacation or extended holiday probably will turn into a research project on how to immigrate to New Zealand. 

Hiking – This is one of the best places in the world for hiking. Not only can you get lost in the mountains completely alone and get connected with nature, but you can also do so with access to an amazing hut system.

For beginner hikers, it is also very special because a short hike can result with amazing alpine views. If hiking is your thing, New Zealand will leave you wanting more.

Road Trips – For self-driving enthusiast, pack your gear and hit the road. The scenery is stunning from the rugged coastlines to the Southern Alps. Driving is safe and easy in New Zealand, resulting in a top destination for a perfect road trip.

New Zealand Country Guide. Hiking can bring you to amazing places. For example...glaciers. Photo by beardandcurly.com
Hiking can bring you to amazing places. For example…glaciers. Photo by beardandcurly.com

The Cons of Backpacking New Zealand

Weather – Not only is the winter very rough and cold, but the weather in general is also completely sporadic. Because New Zealand is in the middle of the ocean, the subtropical weather can change very quickly. In our three months, we experienced two major cyclones.

The weather in the mountains can change in a matter of minutes. Every day in New Zealand we looked up weather reports and we always found ourselves chasing the good weather.

Costs – New Zealand is an expensive country. We made it cheaper by spending 30 nights in huts while hiking, and always looked for free campsites. Most of all, we never went out to restaurants or bars.

Staying in backpackers hostels and doing some of the activities in New Zealand will add up quickly, making it very easy to blow a budget. Because of this, we recommend trying to do all activities independently.

Lots of Tourists – The downside of how beautiful New Zealand is, is the number of tourists flocking in each year. Because the tourist season is short, the summer is just straight up hectic. I

t is not a large country. We would see people on the North Island and bump into them two weeks later somewhere on the South Island. As a result of the crowds, we recommend going in autumn to avoid the summer crowds.

What our picture looks like:

New Zealand Country Guide. Tongariro National Park. Picture by beardandcurly.com.

Reality:

New Zealand Country Guide. Tongariro National Park. Picture by beardandcurly.com.

Should You Visit New Zealand?

Our experience in New Zealand was incredible. We met some amazing people, saw some epic landscapes, and had a killer time with one of our favorite passions, hiking.

After spending forty-five days hiking over 800 kilometers, we still to this day dream of going back to hike some more.

We never thought we would fall in love with a place so much that it was truly hard to leave. New Zealand was definitely that place for us. It is time to book your flight and pack your bags. New Zealand is waiting…

SaveSave

Like This Article? Pin it!

“Travelling to New ZealandUltimate Guide To New Zealand“Ultimate Travel Guide To New Zealand

 

The post The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand appeared first on Goats On The Road.

[ad_2]