New Zealand:
Good to know
From Switzerland, no destination is farther than New Zealand – over 18,000 km away! And yet, it's absolutely worth the journey. New Zealand is a paradise for nature lovers. Despite its compact size, the landscape is incredibly diverse – golden beaches, dramatic volcanic zones, lush forests, green hills, alpine peaks, deep-blue lakes. The scenery changes constantly, making every hour on the road a new stunning experience.
Travel Tips
CamperMate App is a must-have for navigation, campgrounds, ATMs, toilets, attractions, and much more. Campervan Travel is highly recommended. It offers maximum freedom and gets you close to nature. Especially on the South Island, there are many spots that are hard to reach without a car.
Public Transport Bus:
If you prefer not to drive, New Zealand has a few coach options.
InterCity: The largest long-distance bus provider, offers Single Tickets, FlexiPass (buy travel time e.g., 60 hours and use it freely across the network) or TravelPass (fixed routes with some flexibility on dates). I travelled one month with the Flexipass on the north Island and was satisfied.
Kiwi Experience & Stray: Popular with younger backpackers. These hop-on hop-off bus tours include a driver-guide, pre-reserved dorm beds, and discounted activities. Great for solo travelers under 25 who want everything pre-arranged. Less ideal if you value independence
Train
Travel by train: Scenic trains like the TranzAlpine are beautiful but limited. Don’t rely on trains to get around the whole country.
Car & Campervan Rental
Top rental brands include Jucy and Spaceship. Highly recommended for flexibility and immersion. Don’t forget your International Driver’s License!
Food
Pies are a true New Zealand staple – warm, flaky pastries filled with all sorts of savoury goodness. From classic mince or steak & cheese to more creative fillings like butter chicken or vegan options, you’ll find them in nearly every bakery, café or even gas station. Perfect as a quick snack and so delicious!
Suggested Route (2 months):
Auckland – Paihia – Cape Reinga – Whitianga – Tauranga – Rotorua – Tongariro – Wellington – Marlborough Sounds – Christchurch – Lake Tekapo – Wanaka – Queenstown
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