New Zealand
Oceania - Self-drive
Itinerary idea: Christchurch, Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, glaciers, Abel Tasman, Wellington, Tongariro, Rotorua, Auckland
Strengths: Extraordinary landscapes, low season with cheap rentals
Weaknesses: Cold winter, short days, flight of over 26 hours
Children and safety: Reduced winter opening hours, cheap off-season rentals, ski fields
Weather: Winter, days 8-14 °C, snow on passes
Book ahead: 3-6 months
Key facts
- Best time to go: December to March
- Flight from Milan: about 26 hours
- Rain days in August: 12
- Daylight hours in August: 10
- Driving: on the left
- Malaria: none
- Visa (EU citizens): NZeTA required
- International licence: Yes
- Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Language: English
- Roads: Paved, ice on mountain passes
- Vaccinations: None specific
Ratings (1 to 5)
- Ease of getting around: 4
- Child friendly: 4
- Scenery and wildlife: 5
- August weather: 2
- Logistics ease: 5