Accommodation

Climate

Driving in New Zealand

Entertainment

Health And Safety

Important Dates

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Time Zone

Accommodation

From luxury hotels to stylish country lodges and friendly backpackers hostels, New Zealand offers you a range of accommodation choices for every budget.

It's a good idea to book at least your first two nights in advance, especially during the busy summer period in New Zealand - from December to February.

Wherever possible we have used the New Zealand official Qualmark rating - Qualmark is New Zealand's quality rating system for accommodation and activities & attractions. Properties displaying the Qualmark sign are visited annually by professionally trained assessors.

Such ratings are only a guide and there is a difference between the styles of accommodation, for example 5 star hotels will not have the same level or services as 5 star motels.

Qualmark Accommodation Rating System

The Qualmark system operates on a 1 to 5 star scale:

  Acceptable. Meets customers' minimum requirements. Basic, clean and comfortable accommodation.

  Good. Exceeds customers' minimum requirements with some facilities and services.

  Very good. Provides a range of facilities and services and achieves good to very good quality standards.

  Excellent. Consistently achieves high quality levels with a wide range of facilities and services.

  Exceptional. Among the best available in New Zealand.

Exclusive. In this Exclusive category you'll discover the finest accommodation available in New Zealand.

Applied for: Indicates a property has not been assessed and/or the grade has not been finalised.

Qualmark Activities & Attractions Rating System

Endorsed. Service providers are professional and trustworthy.

Cadabra Accommodation Rating System

For the accommodation that has not been rated by Qualmark, we have used the Cadabra accommodation rating system.  Our objective quality ratings give you an indication of accommodation standard, cleanliness and ambience.

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Climate

Seasons
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.

In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website.

While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.

Recommended Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.

In summer a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.

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Driving in New Zealand

Self-driving holidays are one if the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.

Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of inter