New Zealand Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Q: How safe is New Zealand for tourists?

New Zealand is very safe, with low crime rates. Just use common sense—lock cars, don’t leave valuables visible, and follow outdoor safety guidelines from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

Q: Can I drive in New Zealand with my overseas licence?

Yes, for up to 12 months, as long as your licence is in English or accompanied by an official translation. After that period, you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand driver licence.

So, you’re coming to New Zealand for the very first time? Kia ora and welcome! Whether you’re here to sip your way through world-class wineries, hike past glaciers, or chase Lord of the Rings filming locations, you’re in for a trip of a lifetime. But before you buckle up your rental car (from RaD Car Hire, naturally), there are a few insider tips that can make your journey smoother, cheaper, and infinitely more enjoyable.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials, from money and mobile data to accommodation options and common tourist mistakes, with a few local insights from our RaD teams located throughout the country, including the major hubs in Christchurch, Queenstown, Auckland, and Wellington.

What currency does New Zealand use?

New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). As of late 2025, NZD tends to sit around 0.59 USD / 0.55 EUR / 0.46 GBP (rates fluctuate daily, so check the Reserve Bank of New Zealand exchange rate data before you travel).

How many New Zealand Dollars will you get?

All figures are accurate as of 22 September 2025.

Spending tips

Cash vs. Card: Most places are card-friendly. PayWave/contactless is common even for small purchases like coffee, although you should expect a small surcharge on transactions made with credit cards and using contactless.
Tipping: Not obligatory. New Zealand has fair wages, so tipping is appreciated but never expected.
ATMs: Widely available, but fees can add up. A prepaid travel card can be a smart option.

Local insight (Auckland Branch): Our team says you’ll want a bit of cash handy for weekend markets (like the Avondale Market or Matakana Market) or rural honesty-box stalls selling fruit, honey, eggs, or flowers.

How do I stay connected with mobile data and WiFi?

There are three main providers: Spark, Vodafone (One NZ), and 2degrees.

eSIMs and Visitor SIMs are available at most major airports, including Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, and Queenstown Airport as well as high street stores for each of those providers.
Coverage is generally excellent in cities, but expect patchy service in remote areas like Fiordland or the West Coast.
Free WiFi is common in city centres, libraries, and cafes, but speeds can vary.

Local insight (Queenstown Branch): Download your maps in advance if you’re heading into Fiordland. Our RaD Queenstown crew remind travellers that GPS can cut out between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

This is a great tip no matter where you are exploring in New Zealand. Plan your trips in advance and download maps whilst connected to WiFi to save data and avoid any internet blackspots.

What are the accommodation options?

New Zealand offers something for every budget:

Backpackers & Hostels: Affordable, social, and ideal for solo travellers. Backpackers and hostels also offer private rooms if you don’t want the full dorm experience and their central locations mean they are often a great option for exploring New Zealand’s cities.
Holiday Parks & Cabins: Great for families and campervan users. These are a great way to find some amazing beachside locations. Go to sleep to the sound of lapping waters and wake to spectacular sunrises.
Motels: A Kiwi classic - clean, comfortable, and everywhere. These are probably the most popular option for many travellers as motels are found in every town, city and village throughout the country.

Airbnb and BookaBach – these have become absolute staples of the New Zealand accommodation scene, where you will find everything from a room in a house to a luxury mansion.
Boutique Hotels & Luxury Lodges: Found in hotspots like Queenstown, Rotorua, and the Bay of Islands. You will also find the major hotel chains like Hilton, Radisson, Park Hyatt, Sofitel, and the Intercontinental dotted around the major tourism hubs like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.
Farm Stays & B&Bs: Perfect for a taste of rural Kiwi hospitality. These offer a really unique insight into New Zealand life and are a great option to throw into your mix whem deciding where to stay.

When you are booking your accommodation, be sure to check out every option, as there are some hidden gems out there waiting to be discovered.

Local insight (Wellington Branch): Book early if you’re visiting during major events like the New Zealand Festival of the Arts or a big rugby test at Sky Stadium - accommodation sells out fast.

What’s the best way to get around?

Without doubt: self-drive.

Public transport exists in the big cities, but if you want to see the real New Zealand, think Castlepoint on the Wairarapa coast or Nugget Point in the Catlins, you’ll need wheels.
Rental cars are the most flexible option. And yes, you guessed it, RaD Car Hire has branches at all the main entry points (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and beyond) as well as branches in 22 locations around the country, giving us some of the best coverage when it comes to renting a car anywhere in New Zealand.
For long distances, domestic flights are reliable, and Christchurch Airport and Auckland Airport are the busiest hubs.

· Exploring the South Island: A 10-Day Road Trip Guide

Common mistakes tourists make (and how to avoid them)

Underestimating travel times
New Zealand looks small on a map, but our roads are narrow, winding, and scenic, meaning a 200 km journey can easily take 3+ hours.
Not booking in advance in peak season
Summer (Dec–Feb) is busy. Book accommodation, activities, and rental cars ahead of time.
Ignoring biosecurity rules
At the border, New Zealand is strict about food, seeds, and soil. Declare everything. Fines can be steep.
Forgetting sunscreen
The New Zealand sun is harsh - UV levels are some of the highest in the world (NIWA data). Even on cloudy days, you can burn in minutes.
Driving tired or distracted
Jet lag plus left-hand driving can be tricky. Take it slow and schedule rest stops.

Local insight (Christchurch Branch): Our team often sees travellers rushing straight from long-haul flights to drive the South Island. They suggest spending a night in Christchurch before heading off.

When’s the best time to visit New Zealand?

It depends on what you’re chasing:

Summer (Dec–Feb): Beaches, hiking, vineyards.
Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp mornings, golden leaves in Arrowtown.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Skiing in Queenstown or Methven, glacier walks on the West Coast.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Lambs in paddocks, wildflowers, fewer crowds.

Must-see highlights for first-timers

Your first time to New Zealand is perhaps one of the trickiest to plan as there is so much to see and do. Your visit will completely depend on how much time you have – if you only have a limited 2 week window, you may want to focus on activities in just the North or South Island rather than spreading yourself too thin and not getting to enjoy any of the places and activities. If you have longer, then it’s definitely possible to experience all the highlights, some of which include:

North Island: Rotorua’s geothermal wonders (Rotorua), Hobbiton near Matamata, Tongariro National Park (Tongariro), Bay of Islands, wine tasting in Napier, exploring the City of Sails, Auckland.
South Island: Fiordland National Park (Fiordland), Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Tekapo (Lake Tekapo), Christchurch for its beautiful gardens, and Queenstown for adventure sports.

Local insight (Wellington Branch): If you’re short on time, spend a day exploring the capital’s Te Papa Museum, Cuba Street eateries, and the stunning waterfront before hitting the road north or south.

FAQs: New Zealand Travel Tips

Do I need a rental car in New Zealand?

Yes, especially outside major cities. Public transport is limited, and the best natural wonders are only accessible by car.

Is New Zealand expensive to visit?

It can be, but smart travellers balance splurges with free activities like hikes, beaches, and stargazing at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

How safe is New Zealand for tourists?

Very safe, with low crime rates. Just use common sense - lock cars, don’t leave valuables visible, and follow outdoor safety guidelines (Mountain Safety Council).

What’s the food like?

Fresh, seasonal, and diverse. Expect world-class seafood, lamb, and plenty of international cuisine in cities. Don’t leave without trying a meat pie or hokey pokey ice cream.

Can I drive in New Zealand with my overseas licence?

Yes, for up to 12 months, as long as it’s in English (or accompanied by an official translation).

Final thoughts

Your first trip to New Zealand will be unforgettable - whether you’re sipping sauvignon blanc in Marlborough, hiking the Tongariro Crossing, or watching penguins waddle ashore in Oamaru. With the right prep (and the right rental car), you’ll be free to explore at your own pace.

Ready to hit the road? Pick up your car at RaD Car Hire branches in one of our 22 branches around the country, including major hubs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown, and let your Kiwi adventure begin.