Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are recommended for New Zealand travel, like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP). Hepatitis A and B shots are advisable if you’re planning to spend time in rural areas or eating street food. If you’ve got an adventurous agenda, consider a flu vaccine, especially in winter. No special vaccinations are mandatory, but check local updates before you go.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in New Zealand, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for New ZealandCulture & Customs
Respect Maori culture; attend a *powhiri* (welcome ceremony) if invited. Remove shoes before entering homes. Use ”please” and ”thank you” often; Kiwis appreciate politeness. Avoid sitting on tables, as it’s considered disrespectful. LGBTQ+ travelers generally face no issues; New Zealand is LGBTQ+ friendly. For women, hitchhiking is common but stay aware; trust your instincts. Don’t compare New Zealand to Australia; they’re sensitive about it. Always follow *Leave No Trace* principles when exploring nature.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for New Zealand.
- Hāngi: A traditional Māori method of cooking using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. It’s usually reserved for special occasions and gives meat and root vegetables a distinct smoky flavor. Experiencing a hāngi is a cultural deep-dive into Māori traditions.
- Pavlova: A meringue-based dessert with a crispy crust and soft inside, often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. There’s a friendly debate with Australia over its origins, but regardless, it’s a staple at Kiwi celebrations.
- Fish and Chips: While not unique to New Zealand, the local twist with fresh, locally caught fish makes it a must-try. Best enjoyed wrapped in paper on a beach, it’s a quintessential Kiwi experience.
- Lamb: New Zealand is famous for its high-quality lamb. Grilled or roasted, it’s often accompanied by mint sauce and seasonal vegetables. It’s a go-to for a classic Kiwi meal.
- Kumara: This sweet potato is a staple in many New Zealand dishes. Often roasted or included in a hāngi, it’s a versatile and beloved part of the local diet.
Yes, tap water in New Zealand is generally safe to drink and locals do drink it. It’s usually fine for tourists too, but if you’re heading to remote areas or smaller towns, you might want to stick to bottled or filtered water just to be cautious. Always check for any local advisories or boil orders if you’re unsure.
English is the predominant language spoken in New Zealand, making it easy for travelers to communicate and navigate the country. Approximately 95% of the population speaks English, and it is the primary language used in government, education, and media. While New Zealand English has its unique accent and some local slang, visitors will find that most New Zealanders are friendly and willing to help with any language barriers.
In addition to English, Māori, the language of the indigenous Māori people, is also an official language and is increasingly incorporated into everyday life, place names, and public signage. Some locals may speak Māori, but English remains the common mode of communication.
Overall, travelers will feel comfortable using English throughout New Zealand, whether in urban centers like Auckland and Wellington or in more remote areas. The widespread proficiency in English, combined with the welcoming nature of New Zealanders, ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for English-speaking visitors.
Money & Payments
The local currency of New Zealand is NZD ($).
ATM Access: ATMs are pretty widespread in New Zealand, even in smaller towns. However, some remote areas might not have one, so plan ahead if you’re heading to the sticks.
Cash vs. Cards: Cards are widely accepted, but it’s always smart to carry a bit of cash for small purchases or in case you hit a card minimum. NZD is the way to go; save your dollars or euros for another trip.
Card Acceptance: Most places take Visa and Mastercard. American Express is hit or miss, especially in smaller establishments.
Currency Exchange: Exchange rates at airports can be a rip-off. Use them only as a last resort. Banks and dedicated currency exchange offices in cities offer better rates. Or even better, just withdraw NZD from an ATM using your debit card as fees can be lower than exchange services.
Tipping in New Zealand isn’t mandatory and isn’t as common as in other countries. Service charges are typically included in the bill, but if you receive exceptional service, leaving a tip of about 10% is appreciated. In casual dining or cafes, rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.