New Zealand Travel Guide For Hikers

Q: How long is a good time to visit New Zealand?

A week is not enough time to plan a trip to New Zealand, especially considering long travel times. Two weeks is the bare minimum, but three weeks to a month is ideal. I spent three weeks on the South Island and a few days on the North Island, which felt like a decent amount of time. To explore both islands extensively, plan as much time as you possibly can.

Q: What is the best month to go to New Zealand?

We visited New Zealand from mid-February to mid-March and found the weather to be ideal. It was warm but not too hot. Although it rained a few days, it was mostly sunny. Popular attractions were still busy, but we were able to find solitude in many places.

Q: Is it worth getting a self-contained camper in New Zealand?

Yes, getting a self-contained camper in New Zealand is worth it. Many DOC campsites require vehicles to be self-contained, and having a toilet on board adds convenience and flexibility while traveling.

Q: How safe is New Zealand?

New Zealand is a very safe country to visit. I never felt uneasy, even in downtown Auckland. The locals are friendly and welcoming. As with any destination, use normal precautions such as locking your vehicle.

This is the best New Zealand travel guide for hikers.

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand and aren’t sure where to start? I get it, I’ve been there. New Zealand is an incredibly gorgeous country with loads of outdoor activities. It’s challenging to narrow down an itinerary.

This guide is for active people who want to travel New Zealand by campervan and complete as many hikes as possible during their visit.

What Makes My New Zealand Travel Guide Different

If you know you want to do a lot of hiking (and you should if you’re visiting this country), follow along with my detailed guides. I share all the tracks my husband and I hiked during our time there.

You’ll also find tips for renting a campervan, how to book DOC campsites and backcountry huts, plus what to pack for 3 weeks in New Zealand. All you need to do is read my complete series of posts to be prepared for your trip.

My itineraries include reasonable driving times and aren’t too jam-packed that you can’t get to everything. Easily modify my lists of things to do to fit your schedule.

Planning a Trip to New Zealand? Start Here

Get an overview of what visiting New Zealand is like with my 21-Day New Zealand South Island itinerary for hikers.

Then, start packing for your trip with my list of what to pack for 3 weeks in New Zealand. It includes all the hiking gear you’ll need for your outdoor adventures.

If you’re new to international travel, take a peek at these articles:

tips for renting a campervan in new zealand

Use My New Zealand Itinerary Road Map

The following map corresponds with my complete New Zealand South Island itinerary and includes every hike, campsite, and activity we did for 3 weeks. Copy this trip exactly or modify it!

New Zealand Travel Guide FAQs

How long is a good time to visit New Zealand?

A week is not enough time to plan a trip to New Zealand. Depending on where in the world you are coming from, it might take multiple days to get there and back. Two weeks is the bare minimum, but three weeks to a month will be better.
I spent three weeks on the South Island only and just a few days on the North Island. That was a decent amount of time, but in order to travel both islands extensively, I’d plan as much time as you possibly can.

What is the best month to go to New Zealand?

We visited New Zealand from mid-February to mid-March (end of summer to early autumn) and thought the weather was perfect. It wasn’t too hot, and although it did rain several days, it was mostly sunny.
Yes, popular attractions were still crowded, but we could find some solitude at most places we explored.

Is it worth getting a self-contained camper in New Zealand?

Yes! There were many DOC campsites we couldn’t have stayed at if we didn’t have a self-contained van. It was also convenient to have a toilet on board.

How safe is New Zealand?

New Zealand is a very safe country to visit. I never felt uneasy, even in downtown Auckland. The locals are friendly, and we enjoyed striking up conversations with them. Exercise normal cautions, like locking your car or van, and you’ll be fine.