Image | Pixabay
New Zealand, one of the places with the most incredible and best preserved landscapes on the planet. It is no coincidence that film director Peter Jackson chose New Zealand to recreate Tolkien's Middle-earth because of its dreamy natural settings.
It is a small country, similar in size to Japan or the United Kingdom, with a population of only four million inhabitants, so not suffering from overcrowding makes it a more attractive place if possible. Here's some useful information about New Zealand to help you plan your visit.
Where is New Zealand?
New Zealand is located in the South Pacific and is made up of the North Island, the South Island, and a small group of islands. It covers an area of 268.838 km2 and at 1600 kilometers in length it is slightly longer than that of the United Kingdom.
The North Island has golden beaches, Kauris forests, volcanoes, hot springs, and big cities like its capital, Wellington. Small and charming, the capital of New Zealand brings together kiwis and foreigners, restaurants and cafes, festivals and events, all in perfect harmony that makes Wellington have a special atmosphere. It is possibly the best city to live in the whole country, as long as the wind respects you; for a reason it is the windiest city in the world.
The South Island with its snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lush native forests, fjords, is the larger of the two, and is called "the main land" by the inhabitants of it. Its most populous city is Christchurch.
Image | Pixabay
What is the best time to go?
Although you can travel to New Zealand at any time, keep in mind that this country is located in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed compared to Europe. The best months to visit are March and April as there is good weather, the days are long and the water temperature is warm.
However, those who want to enjoy the snow in New Zealand between May and August will find the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
Finally, December to February is the perfect time for hiking and there are festivals and sporting events.
How long does it take to visit it?
To enjoy the country in its entirety, a minimum of 18 days of vacation is needed, investing 15 days in the destination plus 3 days in flights. It is not advisable to travel to New Zealand for a stay of less than 15 days, although in this time you can see the highlights if at least we spend a week on the south island, which is the one with the greatest attractions.
Image | Pixabay
What currency is used in New Zealand?
New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand dollar and one New Zealand dollar is equal to 0,56 euros. The New Zealand dollar is divided into 10, 20 and 50 cent, 1 and 2 dollar coins and 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar bills.
You can pay in New Zealand with cash or credit card. If you want to get money, in this country it will be very easy to find ATMs because they are numerous on the streets of any city.
Documents to travel to New Zealand
In order to travel to New Zealand, the passport is the basic document. However, in most cases a visa is also required. However, as long as it is as a tourist, travelers from some countries can go without requesting. This is the case of Germany, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Spain, the United States, France or Italy, among others.
The maximum stay for citizens of these countries is three months and six for the British. Likewise, all must justify sufficient financial solvency, as well as present a valid passport and a return ticket.
The tourist visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to nine months. In addition, you can study for a total of three months. This can be ordered online or in person.
On the other hand, the Working Holiday Visa is a permit to stay for a year in New Zealand. During this time, you can study and work for up to six months with a maximum of three for the same company.
Vaccinations and health insurance in New Zealand
To travel to New Zealand there is really no mandatory vaccination since we did not find significant risks of contracting any dangerous disease in any area of the territory. However, it is advisable to have the following vaccines up to date: Tetanus-diphtheria, MMR (measles, rubella and mumps) and Hepatitis A.
Regarding medical insurance, depending on the type of visa, it will be mandatory or not to contract travel insurance before entering the country. For example, for students and travelers who request the Working Holiday Visa, it is mandatory to have contracted medical insurance before entering the country, since they can request it at the airport passport control and, in the case of not having it, the Authorities can deny you entry into the country.
In the case of tourists it is not necessary, since the New Zealand Government does not require it but it never hurts to have it.