Travelling New Zealand Info

New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws and measures in place. Please check with your airline for current information about what restrictions apply.

Fines of $450 apply for breaches of New Zealand biosecurity laws, so its worth your time to understand these and declare anything that may be in breach to NZ Customs.

New Zealand offers high-quality medical and emergency facilities for visitors, but understanding how the system works is essential for planning your trip. Below is a comprehensive guide covering available services, quality of care, costs, and the importance of travel insurance.

Services & Quality

• Hospital Care:
  New Zealand has around 40 public hospitals located mostly in urban centres such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. These facilities are modern, clean, and equipped with up-to-date technology. Hospitals provide emergency, accident, and specialist care, and are open 24 hours. Some regions also offer after-hours urgent care clinics, supported by recent government investment to improve access nationwide.
• Primary Care:
  For non-emergency issues, visitors can access general practitioners (GPs) and walk-in clinics. These are readily available in cities and larger towns and can address a wide range of medical needs, from minor illnesses to necessary prescriptions.
• Emergency Services:
  Ambulance services and emergency rooms operate to high standards. In major cities, ambulance response times for top-priority calls are strong, although rural and remote areas may experience longer waits. The overall system aims for safe, prompt, and effective pre-hospital and hospital emergency care.

Costs for Foreign Visitors

• Hospital Treatment:
  Non-residents are charged the full cost of treatment at public hospitals. The average daily rate for hospital care is around NZD $500, with extra fees for surgery or intensive interventions.
• GP Consultations:
  Seeing a doctor (GP) generally costs between NZD $75 and $100+ for visitors. Charges for prescriptions are not subsidised for most visitors, and you will pay the full retail price for medicines unless from a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement (Australia, UK).
• Ambulance Fees:
  Ambulance transport is available nationwide, but the fees can be expensive for non-residents, often several hundred dollars per trip.
• Accident Cover:
  In the event of an accident, all visitors are eligible for emergency treatment under the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme, which partially subsidises treatment for accidental injuries. However, this does not cover illness, nor all associated costs (such as ongoing care or rehabilitation).

Travel Insurance: Essential for Visitors

• Requirement:
  Most foreign visitors will not be covered by New Zealand’s public healthcare system, and hospital/medical costs can be significant. The New Zealand government strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance with good medical cover for all visitors—even those from countries with reciprocal arrangements—for peace of mind and financial protection.
• What Good Insurance Should Cover:
  • Unexpected medical care (including hospitalisation and GP visits)
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • Dental emergencies and accidental injury
  • Personal liability and property loss
• Insurance Providers:
  Travel and medical insurance for New Zealand can be arranged with international or specialist NZ providers. Look at plans designed specifically for visitors and ensure they meet your needs for medical coverage while travelling.

Summary Table

Key Points and Advice

• New Zealand’s healthcare system is excellent, but foreign visitors must pay full costs unless covered by a reciprocal agreement.
• Emergency and urgent care facilities are widely available but more limited in remote areas.
• Do not travel without comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical cover, emergency repatriation, and accident care.
• Carry proof of insurance and your passport when seeking medical attention.

Being prepared ensures you’ll have access to world-class care without unwanted surprises during your New Zealand adventure.

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 240 volts via a slant pin outlets. Hotels often provide a 110 volt socket for electric shavers only. For all other equipment, an adaptor and a converter are necessary. Slant pin adaptors used in Australia can be used in New Zealand and vice versa. You can get these at airports, chemists and electronics stores.

The Best Time to Ski in New Zealand

New Zealand’s ski season runs from mid-June to mid-October, with the best conditions typically found in July and August. Here’s what you need to know for planning an epic ski trip:

Month-by-Month Overview

Key Details

• Peak Snowfall: July and August are considered the prime months for snowfall and reliable ski conditions across major resorts on both islands.
• Spring Skiing: September offers warmer days, longer daylight, softer snow, and fewer queues. Some resorts maintain excellent cover well into October—perfect for relaxed skiing and family-friendly adventures.
• Season Dates: Opening and closing dates vary by resort and snow conditions, but most major fields open in mid-June and close by mid-October.

Regional Highlights

• South Island (Queenstown, Wānaka):
  • Best snow in July and August, with spectacular mountain terrain.
  • Treble Cone and Cardrona are top picks for powder; September brings spring sunshine and fewer crowds.
• North Island (Mt Ruapehu):
  • Slightly later start, but July–August is still prime time.
  • Can offer late-season skiing with snowmakers and higher elevations^[1].

Tips for a Great Trip

• Book early for mid-July and August, as these months are popular and coincide with New Zealand school holidays.
• Shoulder seasons (June, September) offer deals, quieter slopes, and more choice for accommodation—great for those avoiding peak crowds.
• Always check individual resort opening dates and local snow reports before locking in travel^[5].

In summary:
If you want the most reliable snow and vibrant ski atmosphere, aim for mid-July to August. For mellower vibes and spring skiing deals, consider September. New Zealand’s ski season has something for every type of ski traveler.

Reflecting New Zealand’s famously relaxed approach to life, casual dress is appropriate for most occasions, from exploring vibrant cities to visiting local attractions. You’ll generally only need a jacket or smarter attire if you plan to dine at high-end restaurants or attend evening performances.

Due to the country’s changeable weather, it’s wise to carry a waterproof jacket, umbrella plus sunscreen and a sunhat for whaen the sun reappears. Remember, the South Island is notably cooler than the North Island, particularly during the winter months, so pack accordingly if your travels include southern destinations or higher altitudes.

The prime time for a New Zealand motorhome adventure is late spring to early autumn—typically from November to April. During these months, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, longer daylight hours, and mostly settled weather, making travel comfortable and scenic. Summer (December to February) offers the warmest conditions, perfect for outdoor activities and swimming at beaches or lakes. However, this is also peak holiday season, so expect higher tourist numbers, busier campgrounds, and the highest motorhome hire prices.

For those seeking fewer crowds and better value, the shoulder seasons—late spring (November) and early autumn (March to April)—are ideal. These periods still deliver mild weather, especially in the North Island, with cooler but manageable temperatures in the South. Motorhome rental rates are usually lower, and attractions are less crowded, offering a more relaxed holiday experience. If you prefer solitude and significant savings, consider late autumn or early spring, bearing in mind that temperatures, especially in the South Island, can be cooler and conditions more variable.

Yes, this is the only way to get your motorhome from one island to the other.

There are two ferry companies that operate between the North and South islands with similar pricing.  Ideally book your ticket as much in advance as possible to ensure you obtain the date that you wish to travel between the islands on. Our tickets are fully transferable at no extra charge, subject to availability.

If you do intend to start your New Zealand travels in one island and end them in the other island, we recommend hiring one campervan for the whole trip and taking it across on the ferry. The price is very reasonable, and the benefits are many.

Why take the Ferry?

• Enjoy the natural beauty - Take an adventure on the amazing waterways of the Marlborough Sounds and the surrounding areas which have views that are not accessible by land.

• Travel in comfort and style - Each vessel has modern technology, comfortable lounges, food areas & observatory decks to ensure a pleasant & most enjoyable journey.

• Save on domestic flights - The cost of domestic flights as apposed to travelling on the ferry can be quite surprising.

• Unpack once and relax - There's no need to pack and unpack when you take the ferry and your vehicle with you.

• Continue your journey - Have the opportunity to keep travelling in the direction you want to without needing transfers, queuing and checking-in at the airport.

Choice of times & vessels

Bluebridge offers daily ferry services across Cook Strait, linking New Zealands North and South Islands. Cruise across on Connemara, Livia or the Strait Feronia in 3 hours. Choose from of any of the up to four departure times daily. All vessels carry passengers and vehicles. The travel cost is the same for all the ships.

Wellington and Picton Terminals

Bluebridge vessels travel between Wellington and Picton. Both ferry terminals are centrally located and have great facilities.

Making it Simple

At New Zealand Motorhomes, we want to make it simple for you to complete your holiday arrangements. We can make your ferry reservation for you, even if you do not have a motorhome booked with us, and remember our Flexi-Sail ferry tickets are amendable, meaning they can be changed to a different date or time up to 1 hour from departure (subject to availability) at no extra cost.