Exploring New Zealand On Your NZeTA: Everything You Should Know
Are you planning to visit the breathtakingly beautiful nation of New Zealand or Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand)? Referred to as 'The Land of the Long White Cloud' due to its extreme awe-inspiring natural wonders, scenic landscape, glaciers, majestic snow covered mountain ranges, the green valleys and meadows. For tourists hoping for a holiday experience in a paradise-like place that offers peace and tranquility, there is no other land that holds so much beauty.
Travelers belonging from visa-waiver countries should opt for the NZeTA for hassle-free entry into the country. Those travelers who do not belong to any visa-waiver nation should apply for a regular visa to New Zealand. Travelers entering New Zealand or transiting through New Zealand belonging to a visa-waiver nation should obtain the NZeTA.
Getting the approved NZeTa means you are granted an official entry into the country, this visa is valid for 2 years, with stays ranging from 6-months to 12-months. Travelers can apply for the NZeTA for reasons related to:
- Business travelers from visa waiver countries can use NZeTA to attend meetings, events, conferences and seminars.
- For tourism purposes to explore the beautiful places of New Zealand.
- Travelers can use NZeTA if they are transiting (or layover) through New Zealand Airport to another country.
If the traveler is entering New Zealand through a cruise ship belonging to any nation, they can also apply for the NZeTA. However the NZeTA cannot be used to visit for work, study and medical treatment, they need to apply for a regular visa based on the reason for their travel to New Zealand.
Which season is declared as the best season to Visit New Zealand?
Travelers planning to visit New Zealand, should apply for the NZeTA, but before that if you are traveling to explore the natural wonders of New Zealand and engage in adventure activities as well, should check out the best time or month to visit New Zealand.
The best season to visit New Zealand is during the summer season i.e. from December to February, when the weather is warm, opportunity to enjoy the sunrays, engage in outdoor activities, enjoy wine and delicious food, indulge in watersports, trekking, hiking or simply relax in the stunning beaches. Also, enjoy celebrating Christmas in the warm weather.
The winter months start from June to August, this is the best time to visit New Zealand if you want to enjoy skiing and tobogganing, glacier hiking, etc. Some of the best places for skiing include Queenstown, Central Plateau, Wanaka, etc.
The spring season that is from September to November and Autumn season that is from March to May, offers pleasant temperature and the weather conditions are favorable for outdoor activities.
What are the Important Places to Explore in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a favored destination for travel lovers around the world for its serene beauty and endless natural wonders. When in New Zealand, do not miss to visit the stunning places.
Fiordland National Park, South Island
Fiordland National Park is famous for its scenic beauty and glaciers (often hiked by experienced hikers). Here visitors can explore dense forests, waterfalls, lakes, and offshore islands (comprising national parks). Some of the important sightseeing places located here include the Milford, Doubtful Sounds, Dusky, etc. Visitors can also enjoy boating and sea kayaking.
Bay of Islands, North Island
Bay of Islands in New Zealand is home to 140 islands, making it one of the fascinating places for nature and adventure lovers. Indulge in thrilling activities like boating, sailing, yachting, sport-fishing, hiking, sea-kayaking, exploring the dense forested region, and visiting important sightseeing places like Cape Brett, Hole in the Rock, etc.
Rotorua, North Island
The Rotorua in North Island is perched in the midst of the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region wants you to experience the geothermal activities of the region, it comprises volcanic craters, geysers, thermal springs, mud pools, etc. Tourists can engage in adventure activities in sky-diving, mountain biking, luging and trout-fishing.
Auckland, North Island
Auckland (referred to as the City of Sails) is situated in North Island in New Zealand, and as the largest coastal city, it has two harbors, which welcomes tourists from around the world. The region is blessed with beautiful beaches, islands, scenic coves, volcanoes, and wilderness. Visitors can engage in hiking to some of the beautiful forest hiking trails.
Queenstown, South Island
Queenstown is another important city and tourist place of New Zealand, perched in between the Remarkables Mountains and beside the shore of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Tourists can visit the Skyline Gondola, Skippers Canyon, Milford Sound, Coronet Peak, etc. Some of the enthralling activities the region offers are bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing, boating, skiing (in winter), etc. Daring adventure lovers can opt for bungee-jumping from the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.
Napier, North Island
Napier is a beautiful place offering the best gourmet food and is a popular tourist destination for art. The must visit places include the Napier beach, architectural design of Art Deco and Spanish Mission style design.
If foreign travelers from visa-waiver countries want to explore the breathtaking wonders of New Zealand, should apply for the NZeTA, at least 72 hours before your flight to New Zealand.
Top Things to Do In New Zealand
New Zealand is blessed with natural wonders, scenic views, green valleys, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges, rich vegetation and wilderness, beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers. Whether you are traveling with friends or family, or as solo travelers or couples, tourists can indulge in endless activities and visit many places. To make your travel plan easy we have listed the top things to do in New Zealand:
- Indulge in climbing the volcano in Rangitoto Island (the youngest volcano in New Zealand) and enjoy scenic views of the city of Auckland and its nearby islands.
- Enjoy kayaking or boat ride through the waters of Bay of Islands and get a glimpse of the gigantic whales, penguins, fur seals, and dolphins.
- Opt for trekking to the volcano cave in Aucklands (situated at the highest altitude in New Zealand). Here get a glimpse of the ancient relics of the Māori village, and on your way back from visit the Eden Gardens.
- Explore the Cathedral Cove (made of rock formations) located in Coromandel Peninsula. Visitors can opt for kayaking around the Coromandel Peninsula.
- To witness glowing worms, visit the enchanting Glow Worm Caves at Waitomo
- To simply relax and get rid of your stress, enjoy a spa at the Hot Water Beach (a natural spa spot).
- Enjoy a breathtaking sailing experience in Milford Sound, witnessing the surrounding beauty of the region.
- Those who love sports, can go to watch the rugby game.
- Visit the Southern Alps to get a glimpse of the snow covered mountains and secluded lakes situated here.
First-time visitors to New Zealand should definitely visit these fascinating places and indulge in endless adventure activities. So, if you are excited to visit New Zealand, you are requested to apply for the NZeTA in advance.
What is the Budget or Mid-Cost required to Stay in New Zealand?
Foreign travelers from visa-waiver countries planning to visit New Zealand should apply for the NZeTA. But to confirm entry into New Zealand, travelers will need to have sufficient funds and accommodation.
To book your accommodation in New Zealand, the options available vary from 5-star hotels to hostels, dorms and hiker cabins. Travelers can expect lodging between $150 TO $230 (which is 160 NZD to 240 NZD) for double occupancy accommodation. For 5-star stays, the price would be higher, but it is worth the experience, enjoying a pampered stay in New Zealand.
Important information: Before You Travel to New Zealand
Foreign travelers from visa-waiver countries planning a visit to New should apply for NZeTA to visit New Zealands. like, if you are traveling for tourism, or business, or transiting through the country, you should apply for the NZeTA. Travelers who are not from visa-waiver countries should apply for a regular visa to New Zealand.
Whether you are traveling by air or cruiseship,you need to apply for the NZeTA. Before you apply for the NZeTA, make sure you are from a visa-waiver country, have a valid passport, recent passport photo, valid debit or credit card to pay the NZeTA fees, date of travel, return, accommodation, health and character Information, etc.
The NZeTA offers travelers to stay in New Zealand for a limited period of 3 months (90 days) each time they visit. The NZeTA is valid for 2-years with multiple-entries, but the stay should be limited to 3 months (i.e. 90 days) for each visit. Interested travelers should apply for the NZeTA at www.nz-visa-online.org.
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). Polish citizens, Canadian citizens, Japanese citizens, German citizens and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA.