Travelling to New Zealand is a great idea any time of the year. It’s a country with a mild climate and distinct seasons. During each season there will also be variations, depending on which part of New Zealand you are visiting. One of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand is Rotorua which is situated in the Bay of Plenty region in the eastern central part of the North Island.
There is a huge range of holiday accommodation to choose from in Rotorua and it’s the ideal place to holiday with friends and family. Rotorua has a wide variety of options for visitors, from Maori cultural displays to exciting geothermal activity at places such as Wai-o-Tapu and Hell’s Gate. The lakes in the region, including Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoehu, are ideal for a range of water sports such as fishing, water skiing and canoeing. Rotorua is also a fabulous place to visit if you want to see New Zealand’s flora and fauna. Rainbow Springs is a great place to see Kiwi and trout as well as many other animals and birds in a natural setting. Rotorua also has plenty of adventure activities, from the luge going down Mt Ngongotaha to mountain biking through Whakarewarewa Forest.
Visitors to New Zealand and Rotorua need to plan ahead. As well as planning your holiday accommodation in Rotorua you will need to think about the best times to travel. You’ll spend more time outdoors in the summer months, but winter is a great time for some spectacular scenery and there are still many days when you can enjoy the outdoors during the colder seasons.
Christmas is celebrated in summer time in New Zealand and this is also the time when New Zealand schools are closed for several weeks, so it’s a time when a lot of tourist activities are busy. Some of the best times to holiday in New Zealand and Rotorua include November, February and April. If you are travelling to Rotorua in the summer, remember to use sunscreen and insect repellent if you want to avoid getting burned by the UV rays and bitten by mosquitoes and sandflies.
New Zealand’s borders have strong restrictions on what you can bring into the country. This includes animal products, fruit, plant material and food. It’s best to avoid bringing anything of this nature into New Zealand. Medications will need a doctor’s certificate if you want a smooth path through Customs. The money system is based on the New Zealand Dollar and you can easily exchange other currencies at banks and airports around the country. New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and daylight saving comes into effect on the first Sunday of October each year when clocks are put forward one hour. Clocks are put back to standard time on the last Sunday in March each year.
New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road. There are many windy roads so it’s important to be alert while driving. Cellphone use while driving is prohibited, except for hands free units. Tipping is not required, but it is certainly appreciated if you do receive great service during your travels.