10 Backpacking Tips For New Zealand

We’ve put together the top ten backpacking tips for New Zealand. This backpacker guide is sure to dismiss those pre-travel nerves as we give you the low-down on what to take, do, and where to go. Get to grips with the nitty-gritty to ensure you have a fun, safe and unbelievable experience whilst backpacking around New Zealand.

1) Invest in a good quality camera
New Zealand has the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes of the world. With volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal geothermal activity, luscious bush, awe-inspiring mountains and endless stretches of beaches, make the most of the sights and snap some photos. Film makers from all over the world travel here for the stunning backdrops you just can’t find anywhere else.

2) Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals
New Zealand’s people (known as “Kiwis”) are well known for their welcoming and accepting nature. Often the locals know the best hangouts, restaurants or bars, so talk to them and ask for recommendations. They are hugely friendly and no doubt will make you their friend instantly. Backpacking is all about meeting new people, so don’t be shy!

3) Join in with the action and adventure
New Zealand is all about an outdoor adventure lifestyle. If you like sport, or even if you don’t, experience the dramatic coastline walks. When you combine this adventurous outlook with the stunning backdrop, you start to see why travellers and backpackers rate New Zealand as the action/adventure/adrenalin capital of the world!

4) Don’t forget to take warm clothes and sensible shoes
In addition to the beach culture, New Zealand is a country full of contrasts so make sure you pack warm clothes especially a jacket. This will come in handy if you’re preparing mountain walks. As hot as New Zealand can peak, nights can be chilly, so be sensible and prepared when you pack your clothing, and always pack lightly. Long journeys with heavy bags are horrendous.

5) Join a group Tour company
Enjoy epic adventures with companies such as Contiki, who will show you the best New Zealand has to offer. From bungee jumping to traditional Maori culture, Contiki shows you the ultimate sights & experiences. Adrenalin inducing, jaw dropping & all around awesome, travelling this way means backpacking is a safe and fun-filled experience, offering the chance to meet other people who want to experience New Zealand just like you.

6) Travel New Zealand by Camper-van
A unique way to travel where you like and offers loads of flexibility, allowing you to get off the beaten path. You will ultimately save you heaps on accommodation costs. If falling asleep to the sound of the surf and waking to the sunrise sounds appealing to you, then a camper-van just might be the right mode of transportation for your trip. Hop-on hop off backpacking buses are also available, if you’d rather be with other people.

7) Make sure you have enough money
Important for every trip really, be careful with your money. Don’t be scammed or ripped off just because you look like a tourist. Research how much things you want to do will cost you, i.e. how much water-sports normally cost and that particular beach hostel you wanted to stay in. It is important to budget whilst backpacking, and definitely don’t make the common mistake and spend all your money in the first few days.

8) Make the most of it
There’s no fun in lots of planning if you don’t enjoy it. Have fun and soak up the culture. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity…you don’t have to stick to your schedule exactly. Go with the flow and do things you could never imagine yourself doing, be spontaneous and meet new people.

9) Keep all your personal information scanned and kept on email
Anything can go missing or stolen on your travels; your personal information is one thing that takes precious time and money to replace. Scanning everything onto your emails before you leave for Australia is a priority. Your passport, health insurance, travel insurance, ID and anything crucial should be copied in case it goes missing. Better safe than sorry!

10) Help support the locals: buy local products.
Buy from the farmers’ markets where the food and produce is much fresher and often organic. Often tastier, you will also feel like you’ve tasted the real New Zealand.