Do you need a visa for New Zealand in 2026? +
EU citizens including French travellers do not need a tourist visa for stays under 3 months but must obtain an NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) before departure. Fee: NZD 17 via the official mobile app, NZD 23 via the website. The IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) of NZD 100 has been mandatory since 1 October 2024. Total paid at once: about NZD 117-123 (€66-70). NZeTA valid 2 years, multiple stays of up to 90 days.
How many days do you need in New Zealand? +
Minimum 14 days for the South Island alone (Christchurch, Mt Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, West Coast, Abel Tasman). 21 days is the sweet spot to cover both islands without rushing: 8 days North Island (Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Tongariro, Wellington) + 13 days South Island. Under 14 days, focus on the South Island only.
When to go to New Zealand? +
December to March (southern summer) is the peak: Great Walks open, 14 hours of daylight, 18-25 °C. Tourist peak Dec-Jan, book 4-6 months ahead. April-May: stunning autumn colours, fewer crowds, still mild. June-August: ski season at Queenstown and Wanaka, short days but frequent sun on the South Island. September-November: spring with lambs and flowers, changeable weather.
When to book Great Walks like the Milford Track? +
Bookings open mid-May for the following season (October to April) on the Department of Conservation website (doc.govt.nz). Milford Track and Routeburn sell out in minutes for December-February. Budget NZD 90/night in hut, NZD 25/night camping for Great Walks. Off-season (May-September), tracks are free but bridges removed, snow on the ground, an alpine-grade undertaking.
Campervan or car rental in New Zealand? +
The campervan is the iconic experience: total flexibility, holiday park network (NZD 40/night) and cheap DOC campsites (NZD 15/night). Self-contained model required for legal freedom camping. Total cost: €55-150/day depending on model. Car + motels can be cheaper for 2-3 people (motel NZD 110-140/night) and stays more comfortable in winter. Given short South Island distances (Christchurch-Queenstown = 480 km), a compact car is more than enough.
Do they drive on the left in New Zealand? +
Yes, left-hand driving inherited from the Commonwealth. French licence valid 12 months with official translation or international permit. Roads are mostly winding two-lane, 100 km/h max, allow 30-40% more time than Google Maps suggests. One Lane Bridges (single-lane with signposted right of way) are common on the South Island.
Can you combine New Zealand with Australia? +
Yes, the most logical combo given the distance from Europe. Sydney-Auckland flight 3h, Sydney-Christchurch 3h30. Allow minimum 3 weeks, ideally 4-5 weeks (2 wk NZ + 2-3 wk Australia). Separate ETA visa required for Australia. Good tip: Air New Zealand and Qantas offer multi-stop tickets Europe-Sydney-Auckland-Europe.
Do you need to book Hobbiton in advance? +
Yes, essential. Hobbiton Movie Set at Matamata hosts 3,000 visitors/day in high season. 2-hour tour, NZD 120 adult, departures every 30 min. Book 1-2 months ahead for December-February. Evening Banquet tour (NZD 270) with dinner at the Green Dragon Inn: book 3 months ahead.
