The Lord of the Rings film trilogy brought the breathtaking surroundings of New Zealand's countryside into the international spotlight. Mix this scenery with a huge variety of recreational opportunities, and you have an outdoor fanatic's superb trip destination. Even these without a want to jump off bridges or roll down a hill in a transparent plastic ball will discover something to do--New Zealand's cities provide plenty of alternatives for positive eating, shopping and museum-going. Because a visit to New Zealand can come at nice expense, however, it is important to spend loads of time planning your vacation to make sure that it is as memorable as you hope it to be.

STEP 1
Decide what time of yr you want to go to New Zealand. Remember that it is located within the Southern Hemisphere, meaning the seasons are opposite these in the Northern Hemisphere--when it is summer time within the United States, it is winter in New Zealand. The summer season season is the busiest in New Zealand; it is also when the majority of actions are open for tourists. From May to September you will typically discover smaller crowds and in addition are more more likely to discover good deals on airfare.

STEP 2
Decide how much time you must devote to a trip to New Zealand. The larger period of time it's important to spend, the more you will be able to see. Given the quantity of journey time essential to get to New Zealand, ideally, two weeks is the minimal trip length it is best to consider. Two weeks will present adequate time to see a large a part of both the North and South Island, although you will have to regularly be on the move. For trips shorter than weeks, plan to focus on just one part of the country relatively than making an attempt to see it all.

STEP 3
Resolve on a tough funds in your trip. Your largest expense is more likely to be airfare, adopted by lodging, transportation and food. Check the websites of Air New Zealand and Qantas for specials when researching airfares. You may even be able to add an extra cease in Hawaii or Fiji on the entrance or back end of your journey with out paying an additional fee. Bear in mind to additionally take note of the cost of excursions and recreational actions, resembling bungee jumping, jet boating, zorbing, skydiving and glacier hiking.

STEP four
Put together an itinerary. The majority of international flights land in Auckland on the North Island. You possibly can choose to start out your travels here, or take a right away flight to Christchurch in the South Island. Highlights of the North Island embrace Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington. Highlights of the South Island embrace Kaikora, Christchurch, Queenstown, Te Anau, Fjordland National Park, Milford Sound, Mount Cook National Park, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the wineries of Marlborough and Hawkes Bay. Adrenaline junkies should plan to spend the majority of their time within the South Island; Queenstown is the epicenter of outdoor recreation.

STEP 5
Select a technique of transportation throughout your travels in New Zealand. Though New Zealand has an efficient bus system, a rental automobile or camper van will offer you the greatest quantity of independence. For fast Travel around New Zealand between areas, flying could also be an option, although doing so will cut deeply into your journey budget. Traveling by rail (TranzRail) is also a superb option--the TranzScenic rail line cuts by the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.