10 Reasons to visit New Zealand

Check the Covid-19 website

So that you have the full picture of what to expect when travelling to New Zealand take a quick look at the official Covid-19 website which has plenty of great resources from up to date media conference information to region-specific updates.

This is official government information, so it’s the best place to find the most accurate guidelines. Be sure to also check for updates to your tourism providers travel policies too.

Things to expect when you travel

New Zealand currently has several steps in place for travel. Here are some of the things you may expect before and during your visit:

Before your visit:

• Complete a travel declaration form. This standard form is used to establish what your travel plans are and is also used to gather your contact details in case they are needed.
• Make a pre-departure health declaration. When you check-in for a flight you may need to answer some questions on whether you have any Covid-19 symptoms.
• Consider a back-up plan for interruptions. If anything changes with alert levels whilst you are travelling in New Zealand, you may need to make plans in case your return to Australia is delayed.

Once you arrive:

• Using the Covid-19 tracing app. You may be required to use the official Covid-19 app to keep track of locations you have visited.
• Practising good hygiene. If you are using public transport on your holiday in New Zealand, you may be required to wear a face covering. It’s also backupgood to keep up good hygiene practices like washing hands and seek medical attention if you feel unwell. Pop a small bottle of hand sanitiser in the campervan to be safe on your travels!

Now let’s get on to the fun part of building your bucket list! Here are 10 reasons to visit New Zealand in 2021.

Central North Island

The Hamilton and Waikato Region has plenty to offer nature lovers. Hit the Waitomo Caves for black water rafting, the geothermal pools for a heavenly soak or try out the Tongariro crossing if you love hiking.

Fiordland

Made famous for its stunning scenery, you’ll find beautiful vistas all year round in the Fiordland region. Travel to Wanaka for unbeatable lake views, then on to Queenstown past snow-capped Mount Cook and the Remarkables.

Enjoy some of our Great Walks and immerse yourself in Nature - check out Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks. A cruise around Milford Sound is not to be missed.

There’s natural beauty to be found no matter where you wander. Follow your bliss (and the advice of the locals) to discover hidden gems whenever you travel in your Maui Camper.

3. Drink some of the best wine in the world

With wines that are famous the world over, you have to visit some of the many wineries around the country, and enjoy a bite to eat while you are there!

Hawkes Bay and Gisborne

Travelling the east coast of the North Island you will find many wineries in this delightfully warm part of the country. Established bike trails help you to make a day of it working your way through the vineyards - remember to add bike racks to your motorhome hire!

South Island Wineries

Nelson

Starting at the top of the South Island you have sunny Nelson. With a 200 year long history of winemaking in the region, they know what they are doing with their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Aromatic varieties.

Otago

Otago is the world's southernmost wine growing region - that has to be worth a visit! Best known for their Pinot Noir, Otago combines delightful tasting with stunning mountain views.

Whether you love a dry sauvignon blanc or a fruity pinot noir, there’s sure to be a glass that pleases your pallet. With all the wine tasting going on, why not make the most of it and book a winery stay!

4. Experience some of New Zealand's great walks

If you want to take in the sites at your own pace, New Zealand walks have everything you could want from basic bush walks suitable for families, all the way through to the more advanced options for keen trampers.

If you just want somewhere to stretch your legs, try one of the many short walks around - the locals are always happy to reveal where their favourite spots are!

Many walking tracks have campsites near them too, so you can park up and secure your belongings while you take a hike.

5. Stand in awe of New Zealand's incredible mountains

We are a small country, but we do have some incredible mountains to show off. Whether you want to park up the motorhome and climb to the top of one or see one from the sky, there are plenty that are worth a visit.

Here are our favourite picks from around the country:

North Island mountains

Mt Ruapehu

Mt Ruapehu is the largest active volcano in New Zealand, located in the centre of the North Island. With two ski areas to choose from, it’s a hot spot for cold-weather adventurers and home to New Zealand’s longest gondola, the Sky Waka.

Mt Taranaki

This volcanic mountain sits in Egmont National Park and is 120,000 years old. Hiking to the summit should be left to experienced hikers, but there are shorter walks around the base that can be done in an afternoon. Try the York road loop track and you’ll find stunning rainforests along the way.

South Island Mountains

Aoraki Mt Cook

Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain which is surrounded by unimaginable glaciers and ice formations, making it an ideal place to experience a helicopter flight, or even land on the mountain via a ski plane.

Mt Tasman or Horokau

Even though it is New Zealand’s second-highest peak, the hiking tracks at Mt Tasman are better suited to those looking for something more challenging.

Roys Peak

For panoramic views over glacial lakes, head to Roys Peak in Wanaka to really stretch your legs. You’ll walk through tussock grasslands before winding your way up and be rewarded with a moment to snap a truly envy-inducing picture from the top.

6. Wake up to some of the best views in the world

When you take your bed with you, you get to wake up to the best views you can find.

Whether you want to wake up at the base of a mountain, to waves kissing the coast or in lush tropical forests, your maui camper will get you there.

7. Sleep under some of the brightest stars

Not only is waking up a dream, but bedtime isn’t too bad either! See the milky way, the southern cross, and a few shooting stars if you’re lucky.

Here are some of the best stargazing spots in NZ.

Aoraki National Park

Park the motorhome up at the nearby White Horse Hill campground, and stargaze among the alpine views.

Mt John Observatory

Head to the Mt John Observatory and enjoy New Zealand’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary where you can see the stars and the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula offers astronomy tours where you can use their research-grade telescope, and they will even show you how to identify constellations.

Not only are NZ skies a stargazer and night photographers dream, but they make for some pretty spectacular evening entertainment on the road.

8. Keep cosy in winter, there's lots to do!

Embrace the cosiness winter brings. Explore delicious laneways in Wellington, cosy up in hot springs, celebrate Matariki (Maori New Year) around the country and check out the local wildlife. Take a Whale watching tour in Kaikoura, visit Zealandia or Auckland Zoo to get up close and personal with Kiwi critters.

9. Kiwis like to celebrate! Check out a festival or two

In summer head to big music festivals like Laneway, Soundsplash or Splore to see in the new year. You’ll find Jazz festivals, Art and Film Festivals and more.

For the food lovers, head to regional food, wine and beer festivals. For sports fans, there’s a tonne of sports events to watch (or join!).

Other notable events include Taranaki Light Festival, Queenstown Winter Festival and Napier Art Deco Weekend.

10. Chase the adventure

With New Zealand being the adventure travel capital of the world you can enjoy exhilarating experiences around every corner!

Here are a few of our favourite heart-pounding activities:

Bungy

Given that bungy jumping was invented by a Kiwi, we know what we are talking about when it comes to outdoor thrill. With bungy spots in Rotorua, Queenstown and Taupo to name just a few, you can get your heart racing almost anywhere!

Jet Boating

Can’t quite bring yourself to jump off a bridge on a bungy? Why not try jet boating and leave the thinking to the driver! Packed into a boat with other adventure-seekers you’ll fly down rivers like Waimakariri at speed, enjoying the pre-planned twists and turns on the way.

Rafting

There are no crocodiles to worry about here in New Zealand, so take the plunge (literally!) and try out rafting in rapids that sit on beautiful rivers. For extreme rafters, check out the 7-metre high waterfall in Rotorua!

Get Going

Inspired to go on a splendid New Zealand adventure? To get started on this journey, book a maui campervan today, we have branches in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. You can also check out our latest deals and specials. Keen to explore more scenic routes and must-do itineraries around New Zealand? Check out our recommended routes.