{"id":106052,"date":"2018-11-30T12:08:39","date_gmt":"2018-11-30T12:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=106052"},"modified":"2026-09-17T10:29:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T10:29:34","slug":"backpacking-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/backpacking-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Backpacker guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introducing New Zealand. Two islands providing one hell of an adventure.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0land of the long white cloud is a very special place, offering backpackers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.<\/p>\n

Prepare yourself for some of the most stunning scenery in the world. We are talking epic mountain views, ridiculous National Parks, giant glaciers,\u00a0 picturesque waterfalls, natural thermal springs… The list goes on and on!<\/p>\n

If the scenery doesn’t completely win you over, how about some action-packed activities with a sprinkle of adrenaline?! The adventure capital of the world offers you world-famous bungy jumps, canyon swings,\u00a0 jet boat rides, sky-dives, white water rafting and much more!<\/p>\n

And if that’s STILL not enough for you, how about visiting famous Lord of the Rings film locations and Hobbit villages?! Not a fan? OK, well fascinating M\u0101ori culture, world-class hiking routes and ski slopes definitely seal the deal! Read on for your complete guide to backpacking in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

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    1. Best time to visit New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\n
    2. New Zealand Visa<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Getting around New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\n
    4. New Zealand accommodation<\/a><\/li>\n
    5. New Zealand backpacking budget<\/a><\/li>\n
    6. Best places to visit in New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\n
    7. New Zealand food<\/a><\/li>\n
    8. New Zealand culture<\/a><\/li>\n
    9. New Zealand travel advice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      Best time to visit New Zealand<\/h2>\n

      By Kristi Jaims<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Ever wondered when the best time to visit New Zealand is? There\u2019s no simple answer. It depends on your weather preferences and what type of experiences you\u2019re chasing.<\/p>\n

      New Zealand weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      The climate is varied throughout the country due to its differing landscapes – alpine mountain ranges, lush rainforests, desert plains and golden beaches. Temperatures decrease the further south you travel, with the yearly average for the North Island being 16\u00b0C and for the South Island 10\u00b0C. New Zealand is located between subtropical climates to the north and faces icy blasts from Antarctica in the south, so the weather can change unexpectedly and dramatically. Like a good scout, be prepared for anything!<\/p>\n

      Summer is generally the most popular time for visitors travelling to New Zealand and if you like water activities and going to the beach it might be the right time for you. Think warm, long days with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20-25\u00b0C. New Zealand benefits from daylight savings in summer, so it\u2019s often light until 9pm.<\/p>\n

      Autumn (especially March) can be a great time to travel around New Zealand as many of the summer crowds have left, tourist attractions charge off-peak rates and the weather is still warm.<\/p>\n

      Note: If you\u2019re heading to NZ on a Working Holiday Visa it is more challenging to pick up work around this time because of the low tourist numbers. <\/em><\/p>\n

      The weather starts to cool from April onwards, bringing rich red and orange autumn leaves. This time of year is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities, though it does see an increase in rainfall.<\/p>\n

      Unless you really<\/em> dislike the cold, winter can be an awesome time to travel New Zealand. The tallest mountains are covered in soft white snow and the icy-fresh mornings are seriously photogenic. Both islands of New Zealand offer world-class ski fields, so if you\u2019re into snow sports and fancy skiing on an active volcano, it\u2019s a no-brainer. The average daytime temperatures range between 10-16\u00b0C in winter.<\/p>\n

      In spring, New Zealand sees an influx of baby lambs, colourful flowers in bloom and snow on the mountains gradually fade as days turn warmer. This is a great time of year to go white water rafting and to spot more active wildlife. By November, it begins to feel like summer. This is another great month to travel before the tourists flock in from the beginning of December.<\/p>\n

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      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@takemetheretraveller<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

      Auckland weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Located up north, New Zealand\u2019s largest city Auckland<\/a> sees some of the highest average temperatures in the country. Summer days can be sticky and humid at an average high of 25\u00b0C or more, while winters are mild and damp with an average high of 16\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

      Wellington weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      New Zealand\u2019s capital, Wellington<\/a>, is located on the south coast of the North Island and nicknamed \u2018Windy Wellington\u2019 for its strong southerlies. It has a mild climate and doesn\u2019t see extreme temperatures. Summer highs average 20\u00b0C, while winter highs average 12\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      New Zealand visa<\/h2>\n

      By Maya Steiningerova<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

      To visit New Zealand, travellers need a New Zealand tourist visa or a New Zealand working holiday visa. Travellers from most countries don\u2019t have to apply in advance and can get up to 3 months covered by a tourist visa on arrival. A New Zealand visa for UK travellers can be obtained on arrival for up to 6 months.<\/p>\n

      If you fall in love with NZ and wish to stay longer, then consider the working holiday visa. The eligibility criteria you must meet to apply is as follows:<\/p>\n