New Zealand is popular among tourists. Earlier in July, tourist arrivals in New Zealand rose by 344.2%. That’s more than 100,000 visitors. This is not so surprising given how beautiful the country is. There are natural sceneries and picturesque mountain trails such as The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Wānaka.
With so much to do and see, you’re probably itching to book your next trip to New Zealand as soon as possible. To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up the five things you must know before traveling to New Zealand.
New Zealand experiences different summer months
The best season to enjoy New Zealand’s scenery is in the summer. Yet since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, the country’s sunnier days are from December to February. Take note of this so you can set your New Zealand trip during sunny days.
New Zealand performs thorough customs check
New Zealand’s customs authorities are strict. They will go through your luggage to check for banned items. For instance, drug paraphernalia, knives, controlled drugs, and weapons are not allowed beyond the airport. However, prescription medicines get a pass so long as you present a doctor’s prescription. Meanwhile, items like food, fruits, seeds, wooden objects, or animal products have to be declared. Otherwise, you can get fined or prosecuted. It’s imperative that you know these, as they can prevent unnecessary issues that can ruin your New Zealand trip.
New Zealand has strict smoking laws
New Zealand strictly bans smoking, so smokers should consider bringing smokeless alternatives like nicotine pouches and gum. Nicotine pouches are great smokeless and odorless alternatives that come in small sacs. You place these between your gum and cheek for a few minutes. These pouches also don’t contain any tobacco at all. The Rogue pouches showcased on Prilla use state-of-the-art steam extraction technology to collect nicotine extract from freshly-harvested tobacco leaves. This way, you can still get nicotine without the effects of tobacco and cigarette smoke.
Similarly, nicotine gum is smokeless and odorless. The nicotine gum sold by Lucy even comes in flavors like cinnamon, wintergreen, and pomegranate to accommodate various preferences. With nicotine alternatives, you can easily comply with New Zealand’s smoking rules without foregoing nicotine.
New Zealand follows left-hand side driving
We mentioned in our article on things to know before leaving for Australia that the country requires you to drive on the left-hand side of the road. The same applies in New Zealand, so this knowledge is crucial if you’re considering driving yourself around during your trip. This way, you can prepare accordingly. If you’re used to driving on the right-hand side, you can use driving simulators to get used to driving on the left. Once you arrive in New Zealand, you can also consider renting a car with a familiar make so you won’t have to make major adjustments as well.
New Zealand offers great nature activities
Enjoy the country’s rich natural offerings through various outdoor activities. Try camping at one of the Department of Conservation’s campgrounds, which are split into several categories. Among these are the Great Walk campsites are placed alongside New Zealand’s iconic picturesque trails. These even offer activities other than camping.
If you’d prefer a water adventure, you can opt to paddle along the Whanganui River by embarking on a trail sharing the same name. Meanwhile, animal lovers may enjoy encounters with local wildlife through the Abel Tasman Coast Track, where you also get to see stunning rock formations and pass through suspended bridges. These outdoor activities each offer a unique way of experiencing New Zealand, and knowing about all these can help you decide on what to do once you get there.
Visiting New Zealand can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. To make the most out of your time there, it’s best to follow these rules and tips.
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