Spend your fall, winter, or spring in New Zealand: Is New Zealand a good snowbird location?

New Zealand is a beautiful country, made up of two large landmasses, The North and South Islands, and many other smaller islands. The terrain ranges from imposing snow-capped mountains to breathtaking forests to splendid beaches. Like its two islands, New Zealand's culture is a combination of Maori and British traditions. The capital is Wellington. A town on the southwestern tip of the Northern Island. The largest urban area, Auckland, is also on the Northern Island. The official languages are English and Maori.

Where is New Zealand located

New Zealand Map

North Island

South Island

Why should people stay in New Zealand

First of all, winter in the northern hemisphere means summer in the southern hemisphere. And New Zealand is a nature lover's heaven, with clean unspoiled lands. Across the coasts are vast harbors, wonderful coastal views, and thanks to the ocean, you also get to enjoy delicious seafood.

From horse treks, golfing, cultural experiences, a variety of gardens, museums, delicious coffee, and the best beaches, New Zealand isn't short on options for snowbirds visiting the country.

Transportation around the islands is well above average with taxis, car rentals, buses, rail travel, ferries & water taxis, and domestic flights available. New Zealand also offers world-class healthcare services and affordable housing. Snowbirds can have all the fun they want, live comfortably, and stay healthy.

Climate

The Climate in New Zealand varies across the islands. Up North, there's subtropical weather during New Zealand's summer, and meanwhile, the inland alpine areas on the Southern island could have a temperature of about 14°F (-10°C) during New Zealand's winter. However, the country experiences mild temperatures throughout the year.

Autumn in New Zealand lasts from March to May and the weather is still fairly warm. There are fewer crowds around this season, so you can enjoy great deals on accommodations and fun activities. During spring, the weather begins to warm up, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities. 

For more climate information visit Meteoblue

Safety

New Zealand is a safe country. For tourists exploring the wild, they don't have to worry about wild dangerous animals, as there are none. However, like most countries, crime exists in the country and the government warns tourists against hitchhiking. It is also important for snowbirds, that they shouldn't be traveling alone. They should at least be in the company of a tour guide, or a fellow snowbird.

Communication, internet, and cellphone in New Zealand

Seeing as New Zealand was colonized by the British, English is spoken across the country. However, the indigenous language, Maori, is also spoken commonly.

As roaming costs can be really expensive, it is advised to buy a local sim card for your phone.

Wintersun Locations in New Zealand

New Zealand has many perfect locations for your trip. Some examples on North Island:

• Bay of Islands: In the north, you will find one of the favorite locations the bay of islands. Beautiful beaches, warm water for swimming, you can go sailing and join a dolphin tour. Also check New Zealand's most northern point, Cape Reinga with the big massive sand dunes and the Giant Kauri Trees.
• Auckland: In and near the capital Auckland is a perfect snowbird location. Close to Auckland, you find the Hauraki Gulf with some beautiful and unique Islands to visit, like Waiheke Island.
• Rotorua: Often seen as the culture and spa spots, Rotorua is the place where you can experience Maori Cultural. You will find natural spas and springs with water that has been heated by underground geothermic vents.
• Gisborne: One of the most eastern locations in New Zealand, and home to the Rhythm and Vines event when Gisborne hosts all types of music.

Things to see in New Zealand

New Zealand has an abundance of so many things to see in the country. From nature parks to museums, and other interesting sites. Here are a couple of suggestions in no particular order:

• Milford Sound: The site boasts of incredible waterfalls, seals & penguins, and famous Mitre Peak. It is one of New Zealand's most famous tourist attractions.
• Bay of Islands: On the North Island of New Zealand, the bay of islands is most popular for big game fishing, sailing, and Maori sites.
• Waitomo Glowworm caves: It is a cave at Waitomo on the north island of New Zealand. It is a popular attraction because of a glowworm species that are exclusively found in New Zealand. There are organized tours that include boat rides to experience the glowworms.
• Te Puia: This location has a Maori Museum & geothermal geyser that attracts a great number of tourists all year round.
• Vulcanos: New Zealand has several active volcanoes you can visit.
• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
• Doubtful Sound
• Auckland War Memorial Museum
• White Island
• Larnach Castle
• Hamilton Garden
• Canterbury Museum
• Dunedin Railways
• Otago central rail trail

Activities in New Zealand

For snowbirds, there are so many activities during the summer in New Zealand. Some of these activities are free, while others may cost you some money. Here are some examples

• Whale watching: you can get to see humpback & blue whales migrating.
• Visit Orchards and Gardens
• Experience Maori Culture: You can get to see some traditional dances, villages, or other ceremonies.
• Visit active volcanoes
• Cycling: If you are interested in cycling, you can cycle through the towns while experiencing nature.
• Golfing: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy some interesting and beautiful golf courses.
• Shopping: There are many options for shopping activities.
• Visit Film Locations: you can take tours to see movie locations like the famous Hobbit village from the Lord of The Rings Movies.
• Enjoy the best beaches: The coast of New Zealand has beautiful and sometimes secluded beaches.
• Wellington Cable Car: You can enjoy a scenic train ride through town.
• Taste of Auckland Food Festival.
• Hokitika wild foods Festival.
• Marlborough Food & wine festival.
• Stargazing at Mount Cook and Canterbury: Watch the skies come alive with twinkling in the darkest night skies.
• Hot Pools and health spas.
• Watch oceans battle at Cape Reinga.

Shopping + Restaurants

New Zealand offers really good shopping and dining options across the country. Some of these locations might not be open during the winter, but you need not worry. Many other shops stay open throughout the year. Unlike most stores in the U.S or Europe, you can find things to be cheaper.

Restaurants offer delicious food and local delicacies like Lamington, Chocolate fish, 'Ota 'ika, sausage sizzle, blue grenadier, Muesli, White Bait, Anzac biscuit, Rewena bread, Pavlova, etc. In some of these restaurants, reservations may have to be made.

Transport

With so many activities to do and wonderful places to see, it is important to choose the right means of transportation that is convenient for you. Making the choice will depend on how quickly or comfortably you want to get from A to B. You could rent a car to drive yourself on your various trips, or take a bus trip.

To move between New Zealand's islands, you could board domestic flights. There are daily flights available between domestic airports. Auckland Airport is New Zealand's largest international airport and typically the busiest. Followed by Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, and Dunedin Airports.

Ferries also offer services between the North, south, and other islands. Snowbirds can also enjoy rail journeys to many locations in New Zealand and explore beautiful breathtaking landscapes in comfortable cars. However, the rail network isn't broad.

Health

New Zealand's public and private Healthcare are of excellent standards. Taxes fund the public care system. New Zealand offers permanent residents access to free or greatly subsidized health care. For tourists, however, they will have to register with a doctor before receiving care. There might also be long waiting periods in public hospitals. The private sector could be an alternative. It offers faster services but as expected, it is more expensive than public care.

On the bright side, without medical issues, it is unlikely that during your stay you will be visiting the doctor. New Zealand has few deadly animals so you may not encounter any dangers as you explore the country. Doctors are very well trained. There are also dentists available in hospitals and clinics. These doctors and other health practitioners all speak English and Maori.

Accommodation

Options for accommodation in New Zealand are diverse. You can easily find something that fits your level of comfort and budget. Top-quality accommodation can be found in most city centers but their prices are usually on the high side. You could opt to stay in smaller towns or other scenic and secluded locations for a cheaper price rate. Various options are available for housing such as Pet friendly, beachfront, lakeside, romantic retreats, etc.

Prices start from $170 (approx. €153, £129, $231 CAD, $254 AUD) for two bedroom houses, $260 (approx. €235, £198, $353 CAD, $388 AUD) for 3 bedrooms and $300 (approx. €271, £229, $407 CAD, $448 AUD) for 5 beds per month. For more information and booking, you can check the following sites: Airbnb, Bachcare, Book a Bach, and Holiday houses.