Ultimate Guide to Exploring New Zealand's North and South Islands + Insider Tips Revealed!

Pre-trip Essentials 📚

1. Visa Made Easy: Get Started Now
🛂 New Zealand eVisa is super easy! Prepare 1-2 months in advance and easily get a visa valid for 3-5 years.
‼️ Most importantly: You can stay up to 90 days per visit!

2. Pick the Perfect Time to Visit
☀️ Summer (Nov-Apr): 15-25°C, full of great vibes!
Best time for outdoor hiking + sea fishing + camping
⛄ Winter (May-Oct): Best value for money!
South Island ski resorts open: Queenstown + Wanaka await your adventure~

3. Must-Bring Essentials
🧾 Four key documents: Passport / Driver’s license / NZTA translation / Printed visa
🧥 Clothing guide: Windbreaker + waterproof shoes + sun protection trio (don’t forget sunglasses and a hat)
💡 Tip: Bring a Type I adapter! Some small towns only accept cash~

II. Must-Visit Iconic Spots 🏆

North Island 🎯
📍 Auckland (Queen St)
📍 Hobbiton (501 Buckland Rd)
✨ A must-visit for "The Lord of the Rings" fans! Get the same photos in 2 hours~
📍 Rotorua (Hells Gate)
🌋 Soak in mud baths while watching geysers erupt!
📍 Waitomo Glowworm Caves (39 Waitomo Village Road)
🌠 Take a boat ride to see the blue glow worm stars—remember to stay quiet~

South Island ⛰️
📍 Queenstown (Lake Wakatipu)
The big three extreme sports: bungee jumping + skydiving + jet boating for an adrenaline rush!
📍 Milford Sound (open 24h)
🌊 More spectacular in the rainy season! Key trail takes just 3 hours to reach this fairyland~
📍 Wanaka (famous lonely tree photo spot)
🎿 Just 40 minutes to Cardrona Ski Field (ski lovers, go for it)
📍 Lake Tekapo (Church of the Good Shepherd)
🌌 Dark sky reserve! Stunning lupins bloom in summer~
📍 Mount Cook (Hooker Valley Track)
🏔️ Cross 3 suspension bridges to reach the glacier! Absolutely breathtaking!

III. Foodie Guide 🍴 + Accommodation Recommendations 🏨

🍽️ Top 3 Foods:
✅ Lobster (Auckland Fish Market)
✅ Roast lamb chops (freshly grilled on the farm)
✅ Pavlova cake

🏠 Recommended Stays:
QT Auckland (33-35 Whitaker St)
The Rees Queenstown (377 Frankton Road)
Edgewater Wanaka (Sargood Drive)

IV. Transportation Tips 🚗

🚢 Island-crossing magic:
The "Bluebridge" ferry crosses between the North and South Islands in 3.5 hours!
🚘 For self-drivers:
Drive on the left + come to a complete stop at STOP signs
🚌 Money-saving tip:
Intercity buses often have special fares for 1 NZD

V. Classic Itineraries to Copy ✍️

✨ South Island 7-day Ultimate Route:
D1 Christchurch → Akaroa
D2 Mount Cook hiking
D3 Lake Tekapo stargazing
D4 Wanaka photo ops
D5 Queenstown fun
D6 Milford Sound
D7 Arrowtown gold panning

💯 North & South Islands 10-day Deep Tour:
3 days North Island + 7 days South Island — perfect~

VI. Thoughtful Tips 💝

⚠️ Go to supermarkets early! They close very punctually on Sundays
🌲 Remember to download offline maps (Maps.me) for hiking
🎫 Book popular attractions at least 1-2 weeks in advance
💰 Tips are optional; 10-15% is enough to be polite

Save this guide now! Discover 100 ways to enjoy New Zealand~💖