Smart Travel

Best Time to Visit New Zealand by Month: Your 2025 Seasonal Travel Guide New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes and mild maritime climate mean there’s no “bad” time to go—only the right time for your preferred activities. Use our month-by-month breakdown to plan around weather, crowds, and seasonal events in 2025. Summer (December–February) December Average temperatures: 20–25 °C Holiday buzz in Auckland and Wellington Tip: Book beachside accommodation early for the Christmas/New Year spike. January Warmest month—perfect for hiking & water sports Rhythm and Vines music festival in Gisborne Tip: Explore Abel Tasman National Park by kayak before mid-January crowds arrive. February Stable weather; great for wine tours in Marlborough Beaches are quieter after school holidays Tip: Try the Wanaka A&P Show for a taste of rural Kiwi life. A...

NZeTA & IVL: Must-Know Fees for Your New Zealand Visitor Visa Planning a trip to Aotearoa? If you’re from a visa-waiver country, you’ll need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and pay the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) before you board the plane. Both are mandatory for short-term visits on a Visitor Visa. In this guide, learn what they are, who pays, and when to consider a different visa type for longer stays or work rights. 1. What Is the NZeTA? The NZeTA is an electronic pre-travel authorization launched in 2019. It verifies your identity, checks security watchlists, and confirms you meet health requirements. Processing takes just minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid delays. 2. Understanding the IVL The IVL is a NZD 35 levy charged per person to fund conservation projects and tourism infrastructure. It’s paid online alongside your NZeTA applicat...