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Planning
Backpackers of all ages and nationalities arrive here with specific needs and desires to fulfill. Some are drawn by specific appeal, such as our unique geographic location... the other side of the world, an exotic and a distant destination. It's safe, clean, and yet familiar.
Ask other travellers…
If you can, ask friends and acquaintances about their New Zealand experience - what did they do, where did they go, what do they regret missing out on? Go to the official New Zealand information site to find out more about our regions and what’s on offer in each one, or use their handy travel planner to make an itinerary for your trip. Use the map on our home page to browse for transport, accommodation and attractions by region.
Find out first...
About transport options, driver licensing and work permits. It will save you so much time and effort if you have everything arranged before you get here. Visas and work permits must be arranged before you arrive.
Take your time…
Often it's only after a traveller has been here that they appreciate the length of time it takes to really 'see' New Zealand. Allow at least one month for highlights, but up to 3 months to really explore the country. Stay for 6 months or longer and you will want pack up and live here.
When planning time for travelling in New Zealand, many people fall into the trap of the perception that Australia, being larger, will by mere size offer more activities to do and places to see. Backpackers, in hindsight, regret this decision. While New Zealand is geographically smaller than Australia, combine its unique microclimates and geographic diversity with its compact size, and New Zealand can actually offer backpackers more to do and see within a smaller area that is easier to traverse.
Many people go onto other destinations as well, such as Australia, Asia or Indonesia, or the tropical islands of Polynesia and Melanesia, which provides an all-encompassing South Pacific backpacking experience... the outback and the reef in Australia; the nature and adventure activities of New Zealand; and the South Pacific's tropical island culture and village experience.
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