New Zealand is small, remote and thinly populated, but it has gorgeous scenery, wide choices of outdoor activities, great festivals and good cuisine. The maori culture is also alive and very potent, as New Zealand not only recognizes its indigenous people, but also celebrates them.
In 2007, 2,2 million tourists visited New Zealand This is 40% more than the 1,6 million registered in 1996, and this means more pressure to the New Zealand environment. Environmental NGO's warn that the island's clean, green environment can be harmed by so many travelers. The eco-tour fashion led to continuous air traffic above the Franz Josef glacier, and by this time, locals are not going to certain areas because the overwhelming number of tourists.
As a measure of protection, the Department of Conservation ruled out that the nine Great walks, including Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Abel Tasman Coast Track, have to be booked in advance. The government hopes that this way the number of visitors can be controlled more easily, and there will be less damage to the environment. However, the 'eco' approach is in the mainstream of New Zealand tourism industry, restaurants cook using local food, and farmers markets also sell local products. Nevertheless, there are environmentalist voices that say this is not enough, and more drastic measures have to be taken for preserving the sustainability of the area.
The warmer high-season months (November to April) are ideal for tourists. In the summer (December thorough February) a lot of food and wine festivals, concerts and sport events are organized. If you want to visit far north in December, you should prepare for quite a few rainy days. I the winter (June thorough August), there are a lot of skiing opportunities. However, skiers will find nothing to do in the beach towns, because here almost everything is closed until spring.
New Zealand is pretty windy: you have to be prepared to see west-to-east winds ranging from gentle breezes to windstorms. Both islands are drier in the east than in the west, and usually the South Island is a few degrees cooler than the North Island. No matter where you are, New Zealand has a maritime climate, which means weather changes rapidly, so you must be prepared to all kinds of weather conditions.
From mid-December to mid-February there are school holidays in New Zealand, which mean quite a lot of hassle, if you are looking for a quiet holiday. Most places will be full with campers, and you will hardly find tourist-free tracks. October-November and April-May periods are the best if you want to have complete peace.
In recent years New Zealand dollar got stronger against international currencies like the U.S. dollar, and because of this, a vacation in New Zealand can cost more than several years ago. But those who visit the islands from the U.S. or Europe will not be overwhelmed by the prices. Extreme sports activities are most expensive, and food is not cheap either. A cooked breakfast can cost around $16, while main courses in restaurants are $30 and beyond. Food in remote places costs even more.
However, sightseeing is not expensive, and those who don't mind living in cheap motels or B&Bs and eating cooked food only 1-2 times a day will be able to live out of $150 per day per person. However, if you are planning different activities and car hire, you should expect more spending. Museums, cinemas and different tours all have cost money, but one can find several open-air attractions for free.
In 2007, 2,2 million tourists visited New Zealand This is 40% more than the 1,6 million registered in 1996, and this means more pressure to the New Zealand environment. Environmental NGO's warn that the island's clean, green environment can be harmed by so many travelers. The eco-tour fashion led to continuous air traffic above the Franz Josef glacier, and by this time, locals are not going to certain areas because the overwhelming number of tourists.
As a measure of protection, the Department of Conservation ruled out that the nine Great walks, including Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Abel Tasman Coast Track, have to be booked in advance. The government hopes that this way the number of visitors can be controlled more easily, and there will be less damage to the environment. However, the 'eco' approach is in the mainstream of New Zealand tourism industry, restaurants cook using local food, and farmers markets also sell local products. Nevertheless, there are environmentalist voices that say this is not enough, and more drastic measures have to be taken for preserving the sustainability of the area.
The warmer high-season months (November to April) are ideal for tourists. In the summer (December thorough February) a lot of food and wine festivals, concerts and sport events are organized. If you want to visit far north in December, you should prepare for quite a few rainy days. I the winter (June thorough August), there are a lot of skiing opportunities. However, skiers will find nothing to do in the beach towns, because here almost everything is closed until spring.
New Zealand is pretty windy: you have to be prepared to see west-to-east winds ranging from gentle breezes to windstorms. Both islands are drier in the east than in the west, and usually the South Island is a few degrees cooler than the North Island. No matter where you are, New Zealand has a maritime climate, which means weather changes rapidly, so you must be prepared to all kinds of weather conditions.
From mid-December to mid-February there are school holidays in New Zealand, which mean quite a lot of hassle, if you are looking for a quiet holiday. Most places will be full with campers, and you will hardly find tourist-free tracks. October-November and April-May periods are the best if you want to have complete peace.
In recent years New Zealand dollar got stronger against international currencies like the U.S. dollar, and because of this, a vacation in New Zealand can cost more than several years ago. But those who visit the islands from the U.S. or Europe will not be overwhelmed by the prices. Extreme sports activities are most expensive, and food is not cheap either. A cooked breakfast can cost around $16, while main courses in restaurants are $30 and beyond. Food in remote places costs even more.
However, sightseeing is not expensive, and those who don't mind living in cheap motels or B&Bs and eating cooked food only 1-2 times a day will be able to live out of $150 per day per person. However, if you are planning different activities and car hire, you should expect more spending. Museums, cinemas and different tours all have cost money, but one can find several open-air attractions for free.
About the Author:
Isabella is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide. Isabelle lives in Nerja Spain and runs a car hire website. To book your Car Hire New Zealand or learn more about car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
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