Moon New Zealand

by Jamie Christian Desplaces

Overview

From green forests to blackened basalt and snowy mountains to golden beaches, adventure awaits around every bend on these dramatic islands. Experience Middle Earth with Moon New Zealand. Inside you'll find:

• Strategic itineraries including a week on both the North and South Islands, designed for hikers, cyclists, adrenaline junkies, history and culture buffs, and Lord of the Rings fans
• The top spots for outdoor adventures, like surfing, mountain biking, and trekking the Great Walks, as well as tips on how to do a New Zealand road trip. Go bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet skiing in Queensland, soak in refreshing thermal pools, or embark on a multi-day trek to rugged coasts, glacial valleys, volcanoes, and fjords
• Can't-miss sights and unique experiences: Cruise the hypnotic black waters of the Milford Sound, spot wild dolphins, kiwis, and blue penguins, and explore the sprawling Waitomo Caves lit by twinkling glowworms. Sample local sauvignon blancs in Marlborough and craft beers in Wellington, or sip cider in the Shire. Learn about Polynesian culture and history, marvel at Maori carvings, and savor a traditional hangi
• How to experience New Zealand like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the indigenous culture, with expert insightfrom Aukland local Jamie Christian Desplaces
• Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color detachable map
• Reliable background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and history, as well as common customs and etiquette
• Helpful resources on COVID-19 and traveling to New Zealand
• Travel tips: When to go, how to get around, and where to stay, plus advice for seniors, families with children, visitors with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ travelers

With Moon's expert advice and local insight, you can experience the best of New Zealand.
 

About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640494084
Publisher:	Avalon Publishing
Publication date:	10/19/2021
Series:	Travel Guide
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	672
Sales rank:	307,277
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.50(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Having spent four years between Asia and Australia and with no inclination to return back home to the UK, Jamie Desplaces opted to give Aotearoa New Zealand a try. That was way back in 2012, and he’s still there.

Just a few weeks after arriving, he secured an assignment to write about the country’s fracking industry, a two-month investigation that was hailed by environmental and political organizations, and won a feature of the year award. Jamie quickly discovered the sacred connection between Kiwis and their land, a connection that he now feels. From the glistening beaches of the subtropical far north to the majestic fiords of the deep south and the volcanoes and vineyards and vast alpine backcountry that stitch it all together, he has explored every corner of this country – and continues to do so.

It’s also somewhat poetic that Jamie, having attended the same school as J.R.R. Tolkien, whose tomes of Middle-Earth tales inspired the movies that have so promoted the majesty of Aotearoa New Zealand, now has the opportunity to share its legend with others.

Jamie’s work has been published in Beats, Escape, Massive, and on USAToday.com. He has published a novel and is head writer at Verve magazine in Auckland, where he lives with his partner, Heather, and their dog, Squid.

Table of Contents

Discover Aotearoa New Zealand 8

10 Top Experiences 12

Planning Your Trip 22

The Land of the Long White Cloud 25

Best of New Zealand in Two Weeks 28

Kia Ora: Meeting Maori 30

Aotearoa New Zealand's Great Walks 32

The Great Rides 34

The National Parks 36

Explore Middle-Earth 38

North Island 39

Auckland 40

Itinerary Ideas 45

Sights 47

Sports and Recreation 58

Arts and Entertainment 65

Shopping 68

Food 71

Bars and Nightlife 76

Accommodations 80

Information and Services 83

Transportation 84

Waitakere Ranges 87

Hauraki Gulf Islands 90

Northland 101

Itinerary Ideas 103

Whangarei and Vicinity 107

Bay of Islands 118

The Far North and Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua 130

Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and the Coromandel 138

Itinerary Ideas 142

Hamilton and Waikato 144

The Coromandel Peninsula 163

Bay of Plenty 174

Rotorua and the Volcanic Heartland 185

Itinerary Ideas 190

Rotorua 192

Taupo 214

Turangi 227

Tongariro National Park 231

East Cape and Hawke's Bay 242

Itinerary Ideas 246

Gisborne 248

Te Urewera 259

Napier and Hawke's Bay 264

Taranaki and Whanganui 279

Itinerary Ideas 284

New Plymouth and Vicinity 285

Egmont National Park 298

Whanganui 305

Whanganui National Park 310

Wellington 318

Itinerary Ideas 324

Sights 326

Sports and Recreation 335

Entertainment and Events 339

Shopping 342

Food 343

Bars and Nightlife 345

Accommodations 347

Information and Services 349

Transportation 350

Vicinity of Wellington 352

South Island 359

Marlborounh and Nelson Tasman 360

Itinerary Ideas 365

Marlborough Sounds 367

Marlborough Wine Region 379

Kaikoura 388

Nelson 395

Abel Tasman National Park 405

Golden Bay 413

Kahurangi National Park 417

Nelson Lakes National Park 421

Christchurch and Canterbury 426

Itinerary Ideas 430

Christchurch 431

The Canterbury Coast 450

Arthur's Pass National Park 456

The Mackenzie District 461

West Coast 474

Itinerary Ideas 478

Greymouth and Vicinity 480

Westland Tai Poutini National Park 489

Haast/Awarua and Vicinity 499

Paparoa National Park 502

Queenstown and Otago 508

Itinerary ideas 513

Queenstown 515

Vicinity of Queenstown 532

Wanaka 540

Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park 550

Dunedin and the East Coast 555

Fiordland and Southland 571

Itinerary Ideas 576

Fiordland National Park 578

Southern Scenic Route 596

Stewart Island/Rakiura 609

Background 614

The Landscape 614

Plants and Animals 617

History 619

Government and Economy 623

People and Culture 625

Essentials 628

Transportation 628

Visas and Officialdom 633

Festivals and Events 634

Recreation 636

Food and Drink 638

Accommodations 639

Conduct and Customs 640

Health and Safety 641

Practical Details 641

Traveler Advice 644

Resources 646

Glossary 646

Suggested Reading 648

Internet Resources 650

Index 653

List of Maps 664

Editorial Reviews

Travel FAQ with Moon New Zealand Author Jamie Desplaces

Q: Is New Zealand an expensive place to visit? How can I save money?
A: Though tucked away in the South Pacific, New Zealand prices are comparable to those of Europe and North America—though even visitors from these regions may still find things like alcohol and petrol to be expensive. But there are plenty of good quality lodgings for those on a budget, and heaps of bars that run happy hours and restaurants that allow you to bring your own wine, known as BYOs. Moon New Zealand has websites with last minute discounts on everything from sights to flights, while those visiting outside peak season are also more likely to score some deals on hotels and attractions. New Zealand's biggest draws—its beautiful beaches and backcountry—are all free.


Q: What sort of clothing should I pack?
A: New Zealand is pretty casual, though it doesn't hurt to pack a couple of smart shirts or dresses. Biblical downpours can occur even in the height of summer—you don't get a country this beautiful without a bit of precipitation-so always make sure you've got a lightweight rain jacket in your backpack, and an extra layer if you're hiking. Other essentials include walking shoes or good sneakers, a sunhat, and plenty of sunscreen—little air pollution and a thin ozone layer in this part of the world make for some unforgiving UV blasts.


Q: What's the best time of year to visit?
A: The hottest and generally driest time is during the peak season in summer—remember the seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, so our summer stretches from December to February. Most Kiwis take their main holiday in late December/early January, so it's a busy time throughout the country. Either side, the weather's still great during the shoulder seasons of fall and spring, with less crowds and more discounts on hotels and attractions. On South Island especially there's plenty of snow during winter—and heaps of world class ski fields that cater to all levels.


Q: Do I need a visa?
A: There is currently a visitor visa waiver agreement with the US, Canada, Australia, and many European countries, meaning no visas are required. However, a proposal to introduce a one-off $35 tourist levy is proving popular and may be introduced sometime in 2019. The money would be used for maintaining tourist infrastructure and national parks, but visitors from Australia and the Pacific Islands will be exempt.


Q: What's the best way to get around? Should I rent a car?
A: Air travel can be costly, and trains are limited. There's a super nationwide bus network, and most of the more remote locations are well serviced by shuttles also. However, I would absolutely recommend renting a car or campervan. Not only is it more convenient, but you'll get to savor the joy of experiencing a country of everchanging, spectacular scenery that looks as though it was carved out especially for road tripping.


Q: Is New Zealand a safe place for solo travel?
A: Solo travelers should always take the usual precautions, but for some peace of mind it's worth remembering that in 2017 the Global Peace Index ranked New Zealand as the second safest country in the world. Kiwis are a staggering laid back and optimistic bunch who take great pride in their beautiful nation and welcoming overseas guests—scenery aside, among your fondest memories will be the people.


Q: Is tipping customary in New Zealand?
A: Kiwis certainly don't work for tips and you're pretty much guaranteed friendly service whether you tip or not. However, though tipping is not customary, it's certainly very much appreciated if you do.


Q: What should I absolutely not miss on my trip?
A: New Zealand is so magical because its wildly varied landscapes of towering mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, fiords and tropical beaches are crammed into a really manageable area that allows guests—especially those with their own transport—to pack so much into their vacation. Top of the to-dos should be: experiencing some Maori culture; cruising or kayaking the "Eight Wonder of the World" Milford Sound; visiting North Island's geothermal heart; and scaring yourself senseless in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. There's a wealth of world-renowned wineries and microbreweries where you can kick back in between the adventuring, too.

From the Publisher