New Zealand: The Quirks, the Beauty & the Tips That Make It All Click

Like most countries, New Zealand has its quirks — and in most cases, they’re the kind you end up finding pretty endearing (and telling stories about later).

But here’s the thing: those little quirks can catch you out if you don’t know about them ahead of time… and I’d much rather you spend your first day soaking up the views (and the flat whites), not wondering why someone just asked if you’re paying by EFTPOS. 😄

So before you fly, here are my top NZ arrival-and-getting-around tips — the small stuff that makes a big difference once you’re on the ground.

Arriving in New Zealand: I  Declare

Before you reach the airport customs hall, you’ll need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration. You can do this online or via the NZTD app, and you’ll present it on arrival.

A big heads-up: New Zealand takes biosecurity seriously (and for good reason -agriculture is a huge part of the economy). If you’re carrying anything that could be questioned eg food, outdoor gear, hiking boots, wooden items, medicines, animal products….even if it’s just a “maybe” - declare it.  It’s always better to tick the box and have them wave you through than start your holiday with a fine.

“Cash  or EFTPOS?”

At the checkout, you might get asked: “Are you paying by cash or EFTPOS?”

Here’s a strange fact -  New Zealand was the first country to widely trial and adopt direct debit payments, and they called this form of payment transaction EFTPOS. EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale).  The term is still used and sounds more technical than it is -  it simply debit card payment, allowing you to tap and go.

Don’t try to see everything

Planning New Zealand can be deceptively tricky, because on a map the distances don’t look too scary… but driving times can be longer than you expect. Roads are often winding, there are lots of one-lane bridges, and traffic builds up around the cities, all of which can slow things down.

If you’ve got two weeks, you’ll have a far better trip choosing a couple of regions and actually enjoying them.  Which leads nicely onto the next travel tip.

Go off the beaten track

There’s a classic first-timer route that does the rounds - Auckland, Rotorua, then down to the South Island highlights (Queenstown/Wanaka and surrounds) which is popular for a reason.

But some of the most memorable New Zealand moments happen when you add in a few less obvious stops: smaller towns, quiet coastlines, local wineries, tucked-away lodges, and places where the food scene punches well above its weight. You’ll often find incredible scenery, fewer crowds, and that friendly “chat-at-the-counter” vibe.

National parks and bush walks: plan like a local

Whether you’re doing a short bush walk or tackling one of the Great Walks, a little preparation goes a long way.

A few golden rules:

• Avoid the middle of the day in summer (it can get hot, and sunburn happens fast)
• Wear the right shoes for the track
• Take warm layers — NZ weather can change on a dime
• Stick to marked tracks and follow signage
• Carry water (and more than you think you’ll need)

If you want to do a multi-day walk, booking huts/tracks can be competitive in peak season - so it’s absolutely one to plan ahead.  Bookings for the Great Walks open mid to end of May for summer 20206/27.

If you’re planning,  or even just thinking,  about New Zealand, here’s your gentle nudge: it’s never too early to start planning.

As a New Zealander, I’ll admit I’m a little biased,  but honestly,  it is the best country in the world  😄 and the kind of place that stays with you long after you return home. I love helping clients put together a holiday that feels genuinely “them"   built around their interests, their pace, and the kind of moments that turn into lifelong memories. Think: the iconic highlights plus a few local secrets, hidden corners, brilliant places to eat, and those little details that make a trip feel effortless.

If this is the kind of trip to New Zealand you want, send me a rough idea of when you want to go, how long you have, and what you’re most excited about (wine, walks, beaches, wildlife, food, family time, adventure…..)  and I’ll help shape it into an itinerary you’ll enjoy travelling.

📞 T: +44 (0)20 3868 2754
📧 E: margaret.ryan@travelcounsellors.com