New Zealand:
Good to know
Nature at the End of the World
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
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CamperMate App is a must-have for navigation, campgrounds, ATMs, toilets, attractions, and much more.
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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:
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Single Tickets
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FlexiPass: Buy travel time (e.g., 60 hours), use it freely across the network.
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TravelPass: Fixed routes with some flexibility on dates. Reliable service, decent comfort, and even free Wi-Fi (when it works).
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
