cruise one way to new zealand

Cruises from United States to New Zealand

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $214 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $237 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $476 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $266 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $276 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $243 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $164 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $1575 pp not included.

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Cruising from Australia & New Zealand / Aotearoa

Enjoy cruises out of these fascinating coastal cities.

Romance, family fun and great escapes begin and end in one of these unique home ports. From Aboriginal Dreamtime stories to New Zealand’s elaborate Māori tattoos, from cityscapes to breathtaking landscapes, each port possesses its own unique culture, lifestyle, excitement and charm.

Cruise from Sydney, Australia

The  Sydney Opera House  and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are just two of the welcoming sights greeting you as you approach Australia’s oldest and largest city on a  cruise from Sydney . Once you’re in town, visit the golden sands of Bondi Beach, travel to the Blue Mountains, or explore the historic Rocks district.

Cruise from Brisbane / Meeanjin, Australia

The gateway to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts,  Brisbane  is also a living museum dedicated to keeping its heritage alive with an abundance of 19th century buildings.  Learn more about cruises from Brisbane .

Cruise from Melbourne, Australia

Stroll through Queen Victoria Market, a  Melbourne  institution since 1878, and pick up gourmet goods. For cutting-edge culture, food and shopping, Federation Square offers a city block full of galleries, restaurants and stores.

Cruise from Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand

From the ancient underground labyrinth known as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to the helicopter rides over the city,  Auckland  is a city of breathtaking extremes.

Cruise from Adelaide / Kaurna, Australia

Indulge in the unhurried charms of this carefree city. Whether you prefer to take things at a slow pace or gravitate towards a day full of fun and adventure, you’re sure to discover the many delights  Adelaide  has to offer. Beyond the city and the rugged Adelaide Hills lie Barossa Valley and Mackaren Vale, the most important winemaking region in Australia.

Cruise from Perth (Fremantle) / Boorloo (Walyalup), Australia

Western Australia’s capital is a cosmopolitan mix of high rises and colonial buildings, beautiful beaches and verdant parkland, as well as the mystical yellow quartz sand of the Pinnacles Desert.

Cruise from Hobart, Australia

Hobart, capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania, combines colonial character with a sophisticated metropolitan lifestyle. Seen from its fine deep-water harbor, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mount Wellington towers in the background. Many of Tasmania's attractions are within easy reach of Hobart.

Princess® Seacations, lasting two to five days, make it easy to rekindle a romance, bond with family and friends, or recharge and reconnect. These short sailings offer great value over a typical hotel holiday, with meals, accommodation and entertainment all included in your cruise fare – and there’s no charge for unlimited doses of relaxation!

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Articles

Read about exotic isles, legendary destinations, and prepare to explore a region unlike any other on your Australia and New Zealand cruise.

Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Visit iconic landmarks in Australia, strikingly diverse landscapes in New Zealand, and the palm-fringed islands of the South Pacific.

Things to Do in Brisbane Cruise Port for Couples, Singles & Families

Find things to do in Brisbane, Australia, while you're in port.

5 Things to Bring Back from Your Australia Cruise

Wondering what to bring back from your Australia cruise?

Tauranga Shore Excursions: Maori Culture and History Comes Alive

Explore foreign lands when you embark on a Tauranga shore excursions.

10 Melbourne Travel Tips to Help Cruisers Fit in with Locals

These 10 Melbourne travel tips from Princess Cruises will help you experience the best of this iconic Australian city as only a local would.

Fiordland National Park Excursions: Experience the Majesty of New Zealand

Witness the majestic beauty of New Zealand on Fiordland National Park cruise excursions.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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One Way Cruises

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Ozcruising One Way Cruises are a great way to experience cruise travel! Cruise From Sydney and Visit your Friends in Melbourne or Cruise from Sydney and Travel to New Zealand on a One Way Cruise.

One Way Cruises and Repositioning Cruises are used generally to relocate ships throughout different months of the Cruise Season. One Way Cruises are a cost effective way to get from one port to another part of the world via a one-way route.

Passengers review future itineraries and look for options to potentially catch a cruise back to the original port, depending on the planned length of stay at the arrival cruise port. Alternatively flights can be requested to return on a preferred date. Allowing you to extend your holiday from a cruise holiday into a Land Based Journey after disembarking the cruise.

Domestic Itineraries for One Way Cruises

• Sydney to Melbourne
• Sydney to Adelaide
• Sydney to Fremantle
• Adelaide to Fremantle
• Sydney to Perth
• Melbourne to Fremantle

International Itineraries for One Way Cruises

• Sydney to Auckland
• Sydney to Los Angeles
• Sydney to Singapore
• Sydney to Hong Kong
• Melbourne to Singapore
• Fremantle to Auckland
• Brisbane to Hong Kong

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NEW ZEALAND

On a New Zealand cruise, you can experience two spectacular islands that form one unique country. Because of its remote location and millennia of isolation, New Zealand boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, many that are found nowhere else on Earth. Cruise New Zealand's Milford Sound in magnificent Fjordlands National Park. Learn about  “mana,” or “honor,” from a Maori elder. Sip a prize-winning Syrah from an Auckland winery. Visit Hobbiton, the Hobbit village where key scenes of “Lord of the Rings” were filmed and more when you cruise to New Zealand.

Auckland, New Zealand

Timaru, New Zealand

Strolling along Timaru's hilly streets and past its historic buildings, you might not guess that the city was built on the lava flows of a now-extinct volcano with the evocative name Mount Horrible. Timaru's own name comes from the Maori  Te Maru , which means "place of shelter." Chief among its charms are its parks and gardens. As if the backdrop of the Southern Alps wasn't enough, a rose garden, boardwalk and beach enliven the waterfront. Up the hill, Centennial Park offers picnic spots and walking trails. The stellar Aigantighe Art Gallery and South Canterbury Museum showcase New Zealand and Maori art.

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand

Featured shore excursions, recommended for you.

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Visitors entering New Zealand without a visa (as visa waiver visitors) must have valid onward travel arrangements when entering New Zealand (for instance a return ticket or official confirmation that a ticket is booked and paid for). 

The return ticket must be from New Zealand to a country they can enter.

Visa Waiver visitor visa

Having funds to purchase a ticket is not sufficient evidence of onward travel arrangements for visa waiver visitors. 

If you are applying for a visa prior to your travel and your visa is granted, you may enter New Zealand on a one way ticket provided that the visa clearly states "Return/onward ticket not required".

Citizens and permanent residents of Australia may enter on a one-way ticket, provided they are travelling on a valid  Australian passport or have a valid Australian Resident Return visa endorsed in their foreign passport. We advise Australian permanent residents carry a printed copy of their visa endorsement (VEVO) when travelling to New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens and residents are able to travel to New Zealand on one-way tickets. Many work and student visas also include the condition "Return and/or onward ticket not required".

Since 1 October 2019, if you are travelling to New Zealand as a visa waiver visitor you will need to hold an NZeTA before travelling.

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14 Night New Zealand Cruise

Your ship quantum of the seas.

ADVENTURE FROM EVERY ANGLE

RipCord ® by iFLY ®

Adventure Ocean ®

FlowRider ®

A celebration for your senses.

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Chops Grille℠

Coastal Kitchen

Putting the spectacle in spectacular.

Sonic Odyssey

North Star Bar

Bionic Bar ®

Day 1: brisbane, australia.

Get a 360 View

Local Cuisine

Day 2 - 4: cruising.

Bumper Cars

Day 5: Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

The Hole in the Rock

Wander Waitangi

Day 6: Tauranga, New Zealand

Hole Up in Hobbiton

Day 7: Napier, New Zealand

Zigzag Through Town

Don't Kidnap the Gannets

Queen of the Reef

Day 8: Wellington, New Zealand

See the Flowers on a Cable Car

Treasures at Te Papa

The Beehive

Day 9: Lyttelton, New Zealand

AERIAL AWAKENING

HIKE THE HILLS

KICK IT IN CHRISTCHURCH

Day 10: Dunedin, New Zealand

Little Bird

Scotland Down Under

Day 11: Dusky Sound, New Zealand

Make a Resolution

Spot the Track

Fiordland Penguins

Day 11: doubtful sound, new zealand.

The Sound of Silence

Wave to Wildlife

Watch for Waterfalls

Day 11: milford sound, new zealand.

See Seal Rock

Day 12 - 14: cruising.

Chef's Table

Hot Pot at Solarium Bistro

La Patisserie

Day 15: brisbane, australia.

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Get up to 75% off your travel partner’s fare + up to $150 onboard credit per stateroom when you book before 28th April. >

FLY & CRUISE AUSTRALIA AND NZ FROM $2,289

Book your cruise and flights together.

The land of the long white cloud awaits… Fly and cruise New Zealand in luxury and from $2,289.

For a quote, or to book your cruise and flight together, call us on 0800 102 123. Or book your cruise online and call us to add your flights.

Note: Flights are an additional cost to your cruise fare and are special fares with Virgin Australia.  

Hurry, offer available until 15 July 2019. Offer is available on select Celebrity Solstice sailings departing October 2019 to April 2020.

New Zealand Fly & Cruise Sailings (Celebrity Solstice)

Departing Sydney

27 October 2019 – 12 Nights 20 November 2019 – 12 nights 7 February 2020 – 10 nights 29 February 2020 – 10 nights 20 March 2020 – 12 nights

Departing Auckland

8 November 2019 – 12 nights 2 December 2019 – 12 nights 12 February 2020 – 12 nights 10 March 2020 – 10 nights 12 April 2020 – 11 nights

VIEW SAILINGS

Call 0800 102 123 to book your flights.

Terms and conditions:

*$2,289 fly and cruise fare is based on flights for $260 and an interior stateroom cruise fare of $2,029. Airfares are in NZD based on a per person, one way flight with Virgin Australia from Auckland to Sydney/Melbourne or to Auckland from Sydney/Melbourne in Economy Class cabin based on the lowest available airfare class for “Earliest Departure Time” or “Latest Arrival Time” per Celebrity Cruises conditions to meet or depart the indicated sailing, deviations from this may result in higher fares and all fares should be quoted based on system availability. Airfare is inclusive of all taxes and fees and is correct as of 26 June 2019 and is subject to availability and may change without notice. Airfares must be paid in full at time of creation and may consist of a non-refundable portion, refer to the booking system for rules of airfare selected. Bookings must be made through Celebrity Cruises choice air with your travel agent or by calling our call centre on 0800 102 123 by 15 July 2019. Offer is combinable with all promotions and eligible for existing bookings.

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One Way Cruises

• Australian Departures
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• Fly Cruise Deals

Ozcruising One Way Cruises are a great way to experience cruise travel! Cruise From Sydney and Visit your Friends in Melbourne or Cruise from Sydney and Travel to New Zealand on a One Way Cruise.

One Way Cruises and Repositioning Cruises are used generally to relocate ships throughout different months of the Cruise Season. One Way Cruises are a cost effective way to get from one port to another part of the world via a one-way route.

Passengers review future itineraries and look for options to potentially catch a cruise back to the original port, depending on the planned length of stay at the arrival cruise port. Alternatively flights can be requested to return on a preferred date. Allowing you to extend your holiday from a cruise holiday into a Land Based Journey after disembarking the cruise.

Domestic Itineraries for One Way Cruises

• Sydney to Melbourne
• Sydney to Adelaide
• Sydney to Fremantle
• Adelaide to Fremantle
• Sydney to Perth
• Melbourne to Fremantle

International Itineraries for One Way Cruises

• Sydney to Auckland
• Sydney to Los Angeles
• Sydney to Singapore
• Sydney to Hong Kong
• Melbourne to Singapore
• Fremantle to Auckland
• Brisbane to Hong Kong

Travelling to New Zealand

Travelling to New Zealand is easy with available flights from the United States.

See travel requirements to NZ >

Getting to New Zealand is closer than you think. The average flight time is 13 hours, about the same time it takes to get to Europe from the West Coast. Hop on a plane around 9:30pm, have dinner, some New Zealand wine, and watch a movie before you fall asleep. Wake up to the smell of breakfast being served, and you’re here in New Zealand!

More ways to fly to New Zealand

Air New Zealand flies non-stop from   Auckland  to Chicago, Hawaii, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. American Airlines also has a non-stop service to LAX while United Airlines flies direct to San Francisco. 

Where do I go?

The majority of flights arrive in   Auckland  (AKL), New Zealand’s largest city located towards the top of the   North Island . Domestic flights connect Auckland with 24 other airports throughout the country.   Read about airlines and airports here .

Cruising is another popular way to get to, and explore, the country. Most   cruises to New Zealand   depart from Australia and the Pacific Islands and some are round-the-world journeys.

Need help to plan your vacation?   Contact a Travel Agent .

Travel requirements to New Zealand

Find out more about  what you need to enter New Zealand  from your country of origin, including regulations, visa requirements and health and safety guidelines. 

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Covid-19 travel safety information, visas and entry requirements, flights to new zealand, plane find & book flights.

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New Zealand Fjords & Australia Shores

12-NIGHT ONE-WAY SAILING FROM AUCKLAND TO SYDNEY

Volcanic drama on the shores of Wellington

For the best of the Southern Pacific, this one-way voyage beginning in Auckland will transport you into Wellington’s fertile lands, the quaint, soulful vibes of Timaru, and the pristine fjords of South Island’s sounds from Dunedin. Crossing the sea, make your way to Tasmania’s quirky capital of Hobart, Melbourne’s golden city, then end along the iconic shores in Sydney Harbour.

The Virgin Voyages Experience

From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

Hassle-free embarkation

Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes.

Late stays and overnights

No more rushing from A to Sea. Our itineraries feature late stays and overnights, so you can explore it all from morning to night (and morning again).

Keeping it local

We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

The places you'll go

Beaches, mountains, and a vibrant city center — Auckland is the perfect place to begin and end a journey of a lifetime.

Timaru is a quaint coastal town that’s seemingly plucked from a Hollywood romcom that offers a catalog of exciting things to do year round.

With “gingerbread” architecture, penguins, and a City of Literature status — Dunedin offers something to satisfy every mood.

Dusky Sound

Dusky Sound allows you a rare chance to connect with nature when you glide over its enthralling network of fjords.

Doubtful Sound

This fjord is undoubtedly a triumph of nature with its clear waterways, pristine islets, and wild beauty in ever direction.

Milford Sound

Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and black coral create a natural playground for local seals, whales, and bottlenose dolphins.

With its unique culture and wildlife, Tasmania is a fascinating destination to visitors from afar, or just across the sea.

With funky cafes, Aussie Football, and world-class wineries, this is a city to indulge all your favorite interests.

Gaze at the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, walk the historic Rocks district, or hit the trendy Bondi Beach.

An ocean of opportunities calling your name.

There’s nothing more liberating than having the freedom of charting your own course. No pre-assigned seating, no fixed schedules, no limited options, no nonsense — just a shipload of opportunities to rejuvenate your body and transform your soul.

WANDERLUST SATISFIED

New Zealand Fjords & Australia Shores

We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Because we didn’t build a cruise, we created a voyage.   Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off.

Book Now. Pay Monthly.

A flexible, pay-over-time solution, up to $375 in value, add a splash for your bash, limited-time cruise deals.

You deserve a vacation. And you deserve a deal. So we’re making both of those things happen. Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

Rest Your Head

These are the spots you might be calling home. Whether you prefer coffee (or cocktails) overlooking the waves, or waking up late in your own cocoon, we're holding space for you.

Always Included Luxury

Over $1000 in luxurious value included — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Everything below is included.

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.

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Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.

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We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences.

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Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

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10 Important New Zealand Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

N ew Zealand is epic, it’s beautiful, it’s exciting… and it’s a heck of a trip to plan on your own. You’re probably coming from the other side of the world and heading to a country that most people you know have never visited. That was certainly our experience.

We spent hours and hours researching everything we needed to know for our six week New Zealand trip (part of our family gap year) and mostly things went off without a hitch. But we certainly learned a lot along the way so I’ve put together these important New Zealand travel tips for you to read before you go to the Land of the Long White Cloud ( Aotearoa in Maori).

We’ll cover important topics like how to visit New Zealand on a budget, nuances of renting a car in New Zealand and driving in New Zealand, how to find the best places to stay in New Zealand and more. Ready to start planning?

First: some basic facts about New Zealand

• New Zealand is an island nation surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, which separates it from Australia.
• It’s roughly the size of Colorado but with 15% fewer people.
• The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar, abbreviated NZD – check the current exchange rate .
• New Zealand uses the same three-prong outlet as Australia and China. For typical digital electronics, this dedicated New Zealand power adapter will work or you can buy a universal international power adapter . Leave the hair dryers at home though! They require a voltage step down so you might just want to borrow or buy one locally.
• Driving is on the left side of the road. The traffic in Auckland is horrendous and you’ll be jet lagged when you arrive, so take it slow!
• The Maori people have lived in New Zealand for about 700 years, while Captain James Cook arrived 250 years ago.
• Though the ratio isn’t as out-of-balance as it used to be, there are still roughly 6 sheep for every human resident of New Zealand.

No matter how much time you visit, it won’t be enough

Road to Mount Cook, New Zealand

We spent six weeks traveling around the North and South Islands of New Zealand and still feel like we missed so many amazing places!

One of the best things about visiting New Zealand is that there’s a huge range of activities to pursue – hiking to glaciers, relaxing on beaches, snorkeling with the world’s tiniest dolphins, visiting Hobbiton and so much more. But the reality is that unless you move to New Zealand or visit for many months, there’s no way you’ll be able to see it all… or even close.

How long should you stay in New Zealand? I’d say that two weeks is enough to explore one of the two main islands if you’re planning a New Zealand road trip. For visitors who are short on time, the one place I’d recommend shorting is Auckland – it’s a sprawling metropolis but not nearly as unique as basically everything else in New Zealand. It’s a good place to recover from your jet lag and spend one or two days.

Since the drive time from Auckland to Wellington is around 9 hours (in ideal conditions), you could probably get by with spending 10 days on the North Island if you blazed through… but where’s the fun in that? The South Island takes an absolute minimum of 12-13 hours to drive and has so many nooks and crannies that you won’t want to miss, which add to that drive time.

Check out some of these books to help you prioritize the best things to do in New Zealand:

• Lonely Planet New Zealand – a good general overview guidebook to help you plan your route and most important stops
• NZ Frenzy North Island and NZ Frenzy South Island – these are specialized New Zealand outdoor guides written by a local expert
• New Zealand: Travel for kids – if you’re visiting New Zealand with kids, this book provides a great introduction to the history, geography, culture and wildlife

Everything is farther apart than you think

Ok, so those drive times above? Those are the estimates from Google Maps. They assume that you aren’t traveling in New Zealand winter (northern hemisphere summer break), that you don’t need to stop for a herd of sheep, that no one is car sick going over the hill between Tasman and Nelson and that you don’t want to stop for the seventy third photo break.

Yes, there are even your garden variety slow traffic pockets if you’re visiting during peak season.

More importantly, once you get off the main highways there are plenty of spots where the roads are just slow. In some places they’re not as modern and kept up as you might hope. In other places, they’re narrow and windy and you’re just hoping not to drive off the side of a mountain.

Watch for one lane bridges, especially on the South Island! A sign with a blue outline means you have the right of way, a sign with a red outline means that oncoming cars have the right of way. No matter which sign you see, STOP and observe before you try to cross!

You may want to bring this durable map with you to help with navigation in case you end up in an area with spotty cell service – and there are many.

New Zealand and Australia are not that close to each other

How long is the flight from New Zealand to Australia? It’s about 4 hours from Auckland to Sydney. Compared to the 13 hour haul from the west coast of the US, that’s not too bad.

But when you account for arriving to the airport several hours early since it’s an international flight, dealing with traffic in Auckland or high winds in Queenstown and then the lengthy arrivals process in Sydney… it’s easy to see how you can lose an entire day of your trip.

And even more so than New Zealand, it’s extremely hard to do Australia justice in an abbreviated visit. We were there for almost two months and still had more to explore! If you think you’ll never make it back to the region and want to combine the two countries, start planning your Australia itinerary here .

We hear people say all the time that they’re planning a 10 day visit split between the two countries and all we can say is to please reconsider.

You need proof of onward travel

This was a new one for us. New Zealand requires proof of onward travel. That means you can’t enter the country as a tourist without demonstrating that you plan to leave within 90 days. If you’re a typical traveler on a round-trip ticket, you probably only need to complete an Electronic Travel Authority , which is done online and can be ready in a few minutes or a few days. (This only started in August 2019 so we haven’t done it ourselves.)

If you plan to leave New Zealand by way of another country, make sure you purchase that outbound ticket before you try to board your flight to New Zealand. Yay, we did that right!

Except that we kind of didn’t. If you’re going to Australia next, read this . Australia requires many visitors to apply for their Electronic Travel Authority in the Australian ETA app before they arrive – including Americans. I know, we’re spoiled and don’t usually have to worry about this stuff! Your onward ticket to Australia doesn’t count unless you have already applied for your ETA.

Lucky the ETA is fast – our approvals only took about 5 minutes. They cost $20 AUD per person as of this writing. But wow was it a stressful experience to deal with at the Internet cafe in the Buenos Aires airport when we arrived for our flight to Auckland. We didn’t plan to visit Australia until six weeks later so we hadn’t thought to get our ETA so early, but it is required.

If you’re going elsewhere on a one-way ticket after New Zealand, be sure to check that country’s visa requirements before you go to the airport heading for New Zealand.

They’re really serious about not bringing in certain foods

When you arrive at airports in New Zealand, there are numerous signs on the way to customs alerting you to which foods you can’t bring in with you . Agriculture is such an important part of the local economy that there’s genuine concern about pests or diseases from other countries sneaking in.

You can’t bring any produce, meat, fish or honey. It was the last one that nearly got us in major trouble. We’d had an amazing visit to the bee farm in Boquete, Panama and picked up some lovely (expensive) creamed honey while there. What we didn’t realize was that there was still one more neatly wrapped jar hanging out in the bottom of one of our huge travel backpacks underneath a bunch of other stuff.

Not remembering that we had it, we had not declared the honey on our entry card. As we went through one set of signs after another, we discarded anything we thought might be problematic. But at the last station before exiting the airport, the backpack was scanned and a serious agent asked what was in the jar. What jar???

Sadly, our delicious honey ended up in the bin. Fortunately, she took pity on us and didn’t fine us! But many visitors are fined every year for bringing illicit foods into New Zealand! The fines can be hundreds of dollars and that’s a really crummy way to start your vacation. Consider yourself warned.

It’s really expensive

New Zealand was the first place we ever felt “expensive fatigue”, and that’s saying a lot from people who lived in LA for decades. Food is expensive, gas is expensive, Airbnbs are expensive.

The ways we managed to save money during our time in New Zealand probably deserve an entire article of their own. For now, here are a few helpful ways to visit New Zealand on a budget:

• Buy your groceries at PAKn’SAVE. It’s more basic than some of the other options, but much cheaper. The produce in New Zealand is gorgeous , even at the least expensive grocery stores. The best thing we bought during our time in New Zealand was a hard-sided cooler and a set of ice packs. When you’re packing up and moving every 3-4 days, you don’t want to be throwing away those super expensive groceries you just bought!
• For non-grocery items, you can find reasonable prices at K-Mart and The Warehouse. Neither will be as cheap as buying things in the US, as Kiwis earn a higher minimum wage than Americans.
• Definitely take advantage of the best free things to do in New Zealand: beaches, hikes, scenic drives. Honestly these were many of our favorite experiences and they didn’t cost a penny. We always made sure to pack the cooler with a picnic lunch, snacks and plenty of extra water so that we didn’t have to eat out unexpectedly.
• Book your rental car early, and then check back to see if the price has gone down as your trip gets closer. I think I must have checked nearly every month! I did end up re-booking once when the price dropped. I love booking with RentalCars.com since they make it so easy to compare rental car companies – and to cancel when you find a better rate. Make sure to check if there’s a one-way fee on your car rental. It’s also worth checking Apex if you’re on a really tight budget, but know that the cars may be very old and have high mileage – we didn’t feel comfortable with those conditions for as much driving as we planned to do out in the countryside and over big mountains.
• If you plan to do a New Zealand road trip on both islands and then fly the return leg domestically, consider flipping the order and starting in Queenstown. You may find the rental car to be cheaper and staying flexible might give you better availability for accommodations in the busiest season.

You may have to get a new rental car when you switch islands

This one was a surprise to me! We got a great deal on our rental car with Avis through RentalCars.com and booked it for our full six week journey through both the North and South Islands. We planned to pick it up at the Auckland airport and drop it off at the Queenstown airport, taking the ferry in between.

When we picked up our car, weary and bleary-eyed after an overnight flight from Argentina (which skirted the edge of Antarctica!!!!) we were told that we could only take our car as far as the ferry terminal in Wellington. The good news is that it’s not a big deal as long as you know what to expect.

The ferry terminal is structured sort of like a tiny airport. There are rental car buildings adjacent to return your car. If you have a lot of luggage (or a heavy cooler full of food), you may want to drop if off directly at the ferry building with the rest of your party. It’s not a long walk, but can be annoying if you have lots to carry – like, let’s say, an entire family’s worth of stuff for a year plus a newly purchased cooler.

Once you get inside the ferry terminal you’ll check your luggage just like on a flight! This was a little surprising but worked well. The staff even taped our cooler shut to keep our pricey groceries safe. We each just brought a carry-on backpack with us to keep our valuables safe and handle our on-board needs.

The Interislander ferry ride itself is a fantastic experience and probably deserves its own article! Suffice it to say that the ride is pleasant, pretty and generally uneventful (though seas can be rough, so bring these if you get seasick). You’ll arrive in Picton about 3.5 hours later.

As with Wellington, the Picton ferry terminal resembles a small airport terminal. But it’s small and lots of people like you had to drop off their rental cars in Wellington! And that can mean only one thing: LONG LINES.

Take my advice: send the driver from your group to the rental car desk immediately to get in line for car pick up. Getting the new car wasn’t difficult but it took close to an hour in total. Everyone else can stay inside at baggage claim to collect your luggage and hang out. Why inside? Because Picton has a huge sand fly population! In two minutes flat my feet were absolutely covered in extremely itchy bites. They won’t kill you, but they’ll sure make you miserable.

The long and short is that swapping cars when you move islands is very common and not a terrible inconvenience. It just takes time, so plan accordingly. Be sure to check your car rental company’s policy on moving cars between the islands.

Some of the smaller local car rental companies like Apex do permit you to take your rental car across the Cook Strait. What’s the catch? Depending on the length of your car rental, you may need to food the bill for your car’s ticket on the ferry. That can add more than $200 to your costs in peak season, so be prepared and factor that into your price comparison. If you’re taking a very long car rental, your company may cover the cost of the ferry.

Book your accommodations early if you plan to visit during typical vacation periods

Guys, this is one that I can’t stress enough. New Zealand does not have an adequate supply of places to stay in the most popular areas during busy season. We visited for December and most of January – it’s the best time of year in terms of weather, but also school holidays in New Zealand and Australia.

We booked most of our accommodations in New Zealand in June and July, and we still struggled in some places! We’ve never booked anything that far in advance, but I’m glad I relented and let Ronnie lock things in well in advance. We traveled much of the country with another family we met on our first day in Auckland, but at a certain point they couldn’t visit areas they wanted to see for lack of hotel rooms or apartments at any sort of reasonable price.

What are the best places to book your stays in New Zealand? We stayed in twelve different places in New Zealand and I swear we booked them all on different websites! Here are the best options we found:

• BookABach – This is now part of the HomeAway family, but distinctively Kiwi. You’ll find everything from luxury condos to really simple cottages. Since many owners expect primarily domestic tourists, confirm that they’ll offer sheets and towels… because plenty of them expect you to bring your own.
• Booking – Just like anywhere else, Booking offers a great interface for scouting hotels, apartments, hostels and more. We love booking thanks to the generous cancellation policies, easy filtering and easy access to so many real-world reviews. We absolutely love this lodge but it books up extremely early. The rooms are simple but cozy and the common room is the perfect place to meet other travelers while you cook dinner and then enjoy some stargazing on a clear night!
• VRBO – Overall we had a good experience with vacation rentals in New Zealand. These were some of the best places we booked and there were often wonderful personal touches.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in New Zealand

You can experience everything from rainforests to alpine zones

Tropical forest near Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Is New Zealand a good place to visit? I’d say so, because in many ways it’s an “everything destination”.

Many visitors choose New Zealand specifically for its stunning views. Of course the most iconic scenery is of the mountains on the west side of the South Island – Mount Cook, Fox Glacier, the shear cliffs along Milford Sound. But when you head to the country’s opposite corner you’ll find a lush subtropical rainforest!

It was a little surprising to wear both winter clothes and swimsuits on the same trip, but that’s what you get in New Zealand! Pack appropriately.

But also come prepared mentally that New Zealand is so much more than what you expect! Look beyond the mountain-filled post cards and recognize that each part of the country is special in different ways, even if they aren’t all as dramatic as what you expect.

New Zealand is getting much more diverse

In the 2001 census, 80% of New Zealand’s population was ethnically European ; by 2018, that had dropped to just 70%. That’s a staggering change in less than two decades. Most of that transition has been due to an influx of Asian immigrants.

But you might only notice that diversity in the greater Auckland area and, to a lesser degree, elsewhere on the North Island. The country’s 16% Maori population is almost entirely on the North Island (86%). The country’s Asian population is around 15% now, but almost entirely focused in greater Auckland.

What does the Auckland region look like? These days, it’s less than half European in origin. You’ll find fantastic food in Auckland as a result. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, is less ethnically diverse than Auckland but still about 1/4 of residents identify as non-European.

On the South Island… well, many areas are over 90% European . It’s not just an aesthetic difference, but you may notice resulting cultural differences too.

New Zealand has a lot more than two islands

One of the most interesting things to know about New Zealand, which most people don’t realize, is that it contains more than 600 islands! However, the vast majority of these are unpopulated. The North Island is home to over 75% of the country’s population.

There are numerous islands in the Hauraki Gulf including well-known Waiheke Island (population almost 10,000). Waiheke makes a wonderful day trip from Auckland and is known for its beautiful scenery and delicious wine.

New Zealand’s third largest island is Stewart Island off the southern tip of the South Island. 85% of Stewart Island is protected as a National Park, and exploring the bush is one of the main things to do on Stewart Island – after all, there are only 400 people living there!

Hopefully this guide has left you more excited and more prepared for your journey to New Zealand! Writing this has certainly made me hunger for a return visit to explore more of the amazing experiences New Zealand has to offer.

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Still planning? Pin this article for later!

Planning your trip to New Zealand

Are you getting ready for an epic trip to New Zealand? Don’t miss these articles to help you plan:

• 2 Weeks in New Zealand Itinerary: 14 Days of Adventure, Scenery and Culture
• A Local’s Guide to 2 Days in Queenstown
• Bike the Otago Central Rail Trail
• The best things to do in Tasman, New Zealand for outdoor lovers
• Beautiful pictures of New Zealand’s North Island beaches
• Up close with Maori culture at Tamaki Maori Village
• Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga: Exploring the beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

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