Tips for backpacking around New Zealand in 2022

Aotearoa: The Land of the Long White Cloud, most referred to as New Zealand. The name inspires pictures of glaciers, mountains, pristine lands, forests, and lots and lots of sheep. It is the world's adventure capital. Every activity here is geared towards getting you out there and doing something incredible.

Backpacking in New Zealand is among the most popular activities in the world, with many people making their way to the country on their round-the-world trips. If you are among these people and wish to backpack around New Zealand in 2022, this extensive ultimate backpacking guide is here to help you plan your travels so you can have an amazing time within your budget.

Get yourself a New Zealand Visa
First and foremost, for you to visit New Zealand, you will need a New Zealand tourist visa or a New Zealand working holiday visa. Visitors from many countries don't have to apply for a visa in advance and can get up to three months covered by a tourist visa on arrival. However, if you fall in love with the country and wish to spend more time there, consider applying for a working holiday visa.

Budget for backpacking around New Zealand
How much will it cost to visit and stay in this beautiful country? On a backpacker's budget, get ready to spend at least $75–$85 NZD per day. (The NZD is made up of 100 cents, which is approximately $0.70 USD). Under this budget, you will be able to stay in a hostel dorm, do free hikes, use public transportation to move around, budget your drinking, cook your food, and visit odd-paid sites.

For a mid-range luxurious stay, expect to spend about $195 NZD per day. Here, you can pay for a hotel or Airbnb, use Uber or an occasional taxi to move around, do larger activities, eat out, and enjoy more drinks.

If you wish to live largely and fully during your trip, budget around $395 NZD a day or more. With this kind of budget, you can get a nice hotel, rent a car to move around, get wine tours, hire private tour guides, and eat delicious meals from the best restaurants.

Things to see and do in New Zealand

Here comes the most interesting part about backpacking in New Zealand. The options are endless when it comes to what to do and see in New Zealand. Check out a few of them.

1. Go Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping was invented in New Zealand. Queenstown is the go-to destination for yoyo-like fun, but there are plenty of other jumps to visit too. For instance, the 500ft Nevis Bungy Jump just outside of Queenstown.

2. Try skydiving

The best place for this adventure is over Lake Taupo. It gives a stunning backdrop as you plunge into the earth from a height of 15,000ft. Other popular spots for skydiving include Lake Wanaka and Franz Josef.

3. Hot water beach

If you are a water person, then Hot Water Beach is your best bet. Hot Water Beach is among the best beaches in the world. Even though New Zealand is not famous for harbouring great beaches, this one is worth a visit. Enjoy yourself as you watch hot water bubble up from a series of geothermal springs under the beach sand. Science at its best!

4. Learn more about the Māori Culture

Get a taste of the amazing country when backpacking by exploring the Māori history and culture. Learn about the Waitangi Treaty at the major historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, in the Northland region. Head south to Rotorua and find more educational sites such as Tamaki Māori Village, Hell's Gate, and Te Puia.

5. Central Otago Cycling

For the bikers out there, get to this area to bike along the Otago Central Rail Trail through amazing old mining towns and beautiful landscapes. You can also balance the fitness with many historic pub stops and vineyards. The Otago region is simply gorgeous.

There are so many interesting activities and places to do and visit in New Zealand. You just have to pack your bags, buy that plane ticket, and travel.

Additional tips for backpacking in New Zealand

As always, take the usual precautions you would take back at home. Take care of your personal belongings, make a few copies of important documents, and inform your family of your rough itinerary.

Ensure to cover yourself and get the correct travel insurance valid for any activities and sports you plan on getting involved in. Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injuries, cancellations, and illnesses. You can also have your valuables included in the plan.

Costs in New Zealand can skyrocket when you least expect them, so be careful. Hitchhike because it is legal in New Zealand, cook for yourself in the hostel, and then carefully select your mode of transportation.

Always have layers of clothing with you. The weather in New Zealand changes so unexpectedly and rapidly that you'd have to carry extra layers around with you.

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