The best time of year to visit New Zealand is between October (spring) and April (fall).
New Zealand’s peak travel times are the festive season, January & February, with February traditionally being the hottest and busiest summer month. Personally, our favourite time of year is March to April, when the autumnal colours reveal themselves and the mornings, and evenings are crisp and cool.
If you would like to include the Great Barrier Reef in your journey, the best months to combine both destinations are October to December, or from the end of March to mid May. This will place your time in New Zealand during the warmer months, while avoiding Australia’s cyclone season which occurs in January and February through to mid March.
To truly experience the varied environments and depth of culture on offer, we recommend spending a minimum of two weeks (on the ground) when visiting New Zealand OR Australia. Three weeks or more is an ideal amount of time; allowing the opportunity to connect with these lands in an unhurried manner, while enjoying a balance of activities and relaxation.
Imagine a 4.5-star rated itinerary that includes comfortable accommodations, delightful dining, seamless transport, shared experiences, and convenient internal flights. To enjoy this level of travel, we recommend budgeting a minimum of $900 USD per person, per day.
For those seeking an even more upscale adventure, consider itineraries starting at $1000 USD per person, per day and up, depending on the level of accommodations and experiences you choose.
Pricing increases when travelling over the festive season (15 December to 15 January inclusive).
These guidelines will ensure you have an outstanding, unforgettable journey from start to finish.
An Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) is required for all eligible passport holders wishing to enter New Zealand and Australia. Alternately, a formal Visitor Visa application may be required as outlined by the Australian or New Zealand governments. Make sure to check the specific requirements based on your nationality and travel plans, to ensure all runs smoothly. We will also provide more information about the eTA and any other entry requirements once your journey is confirmed with Tāpoi Travel.
Yes! However please note we drive on the left side of the road in our part of the world. You will need to have a valid Full Driver's License, or an International Driving Permit. We will include driving information and a comprehensive set of road rules when finalising your travel documentation.
It is not customary to tip in our countries, and New Zealanders and Australians do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars.
However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Below is a recommended guideline to help you with your journey:
Dining: 10 – 15% of the bill.
Airport Transfers: $NZD10.00 total per transfer
Half Day Guided Activity: Between $NZD20.00 - $NZD40.00 total per guide, per activity
Full Day Guided Activity: $NZD50.00 (or more), per guide, per day
When visiting, its best to use the local currencies – New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and Australian Dollars (AUD). Embrace the journey and travel like a local!
Yes, most international mobile phones will work in both countries, however, it is a good idea to check with your service provider about international roaming charges or consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Great question! When you venture with Tāpoi Travel, we ensure you're well-prepared by providing a Pre-Arrival update before you leave your country. This includes helpful Destination Information and a detailed Packing List tailored to the season and activity level of your itinerary. Travel well!
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