New Zealand Adventure: A Golden Autumn in "Middle-earth" (Part 1)
While other parts of the world celebrate spring or summer, the Southern Hemisphere welcomes autumn in countries like South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile. New Zealand, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and inspiration for "Middle-earth" in the Lord of the Rings film series, is a fantastic destination for those seeking a getaway during the late April/early May holiday season, as this period aligns perfectly with the golden autumn foliage.
When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?
As a friend of mine often says, every season in New Zealand is beautiful. However, two seasons stand out and conveniently coincide with holidays, making them worth considering: Spring, with its vibrant Lupin flower fields near Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and Autumn, showcasing golden trees in Glenorchy, Arrowtown, and Wanaka. The New Zealand landscape is truly special.
Early spring weather can be unpredictable, but it becomes sunnier towards the middle and end of the season. The turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are at their most stunning during this time. Aim to visit from late November to the first week of December to witness the Lupin flowers in full bloom.
Autumn tends to be rainier, especially towards the end, but sunny days are still frequent. During my two-week autumn trip, I was fortunate to experience only 3-4 rainy days, with the rest being mostly sunny. The chances of seeing the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) are also higher during autumn and winter due to the longer nights.
For me, adapting to the weather is crucial rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. The same scenery can look vastly different on a sunny versus a cloudy day, especially in the Canterbury region, such as Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Weather Apps for Your Trip
These apps and websites proved invaluable during my trip:
- NZ MetService: New Zealand's meteorological service provides real-time updates for specific locations. Its limitation is forecasts only extend for five days, but its accuracy, particularly for rainfall and wind, is commendable.
- Windy: I mainly used this app to check cloud cover in upcoming areas, especially around Aoraki/Mount Cook and Taranaki. During my 14-day trip, Windy's accuracy was around 60-70%, with only one instance of a cloudy day in Aoraki being forecasted as clear.
- Zoom Weathee/Ventusky: These apps track storm satellite paths and cloud coverage but are less accurate for future forecasts. I primarily used them for real-time weather observations.
New Zealand Visa
I would rate the New Zealand visa application for Vietnamese citizens as neither easy nor difficult. If you prepare your documents thoroughly and demonstrate strong ties to your home country, your chances of approval are high. A friend of mine made a minor mistake, but the reviewing officer emailed them for clarification.
Most New Zealand visas are typically granted for one year with multiple entries, allowing stays of 1-6 months per visit. However, some may receive visas valid for only six months with single entry or three months with single entry.
Recently, Immigration New Zealand increased the visa application fee, making it quite expensive, around 440 NZD (over $600,000 VND). You can apply online, and biometrics may not be required (I wasn't asked to provide them), saving you a trip to the VFS office. Visa processing times range from 5-10 days to a month. Create a RealMe account on the NZ Immigration website to apply.
As flights to New Zealand (especially to Auckland on the North Island and Queenstown on the South Island) can be pricey, having a multiple-entry visa is more convenient when purchasing tickets.
Flights to New Zealand
New Zealand has international flights to four major cities: Auckland (North Island's largest city), Queenstown (South Island's most famous tourist city), Christchurch (South Island's largest city), and Wellington (the capital).
If you plan to visit both the North and South Islands, you can choose to fly into Auckland or Queenstown first. However, please note:
- Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to any New Zealand city (as of 4/2025).
- Flights to Queenstown usually require a transit in Australian cities like Melbourne or Sydney.
- If you transit in Australia with a Vietnamese passport, you must obtain an Australian Transit Visa, even if you don't leave the transit lounge, according to Australian immigration regulations. This visa is free but requires online application.
- Besides Australia, you can transit in Singapore/Malaysia/Hong Kong/Guangzhou/Bali to avoid the Transit Visa hassle.
Consider these airlines for flights to Auckland:
- Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand
- Jetstar/Qantas/Virgin Australia
- Cathay Pacific
- China Southern Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
My flight from KL to Singapore to Auckland on Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand was flawless. Air New Zealand is one of the few airlines offering free Wi-Fi throughout the 9+ hour flight from Singapore, enough for messaging on Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram, but not for TikTok. I secured this round-trip ticket for around 20 million VND, including 23kg of checked baggage. For cheaper options, consider transiting in Australia via Sydney/Melbourne if you have a Transit Visa.
Domestic flights connecting New Zealand cities are mostly operated by Jetstar and Air New Zealand, so prices aren't particularly attractive. Remember to book domestic flights early after obtaining your visa.
Getting from Auckland Airport to the City Centre
There are five ways to get from Auckland Airport to the Central Business District (CBD):
- Super Shuttle: Booking online via the SuperShuttle NZ website costs $30-35. Negotiating with the driver at the airport's pick-up point is possible, but availability isn't guaranteed. I don't find it optimal. However, this is the cheapest and fastest option to go directly to your hotel if you arrive after 10:30 PM and before 5:00 AM.
- SkyDrive: Auckland's only bus service offers speed, affordability, and convenience, directly connecting to the Sky Terminal in the Auckland CBD. Buses depart every 30 minutes, and tickets cost about $25 per person. Follow the signs after exiting the arrivals hall, or book online in advance.
- Uber: Uber is the fastest, most comfortable, and effortless option, but also the most expensive. A ride from Auckland Airport to the CBD costs around $80 for a 4-seater. It's a cost-effective option for groups of two or more, as it takes you directly to your hotel. Note that the Uber pick-up point at the Domestic Terminal lacks shelter, while the International Terminal has covered areas.
- Auckland Bus and Train: Although I haven't used this method, you can reach the city center by taking a bus to Puhinui Train Station and then a train to Britomart Station. It offers a unique experience but is time-consuming and impractical with heavy luggage due to the bus-train transfer.
- Car Rental: If renting a car and choosing airport pick-up, you can collect your vehicle directly at Auckland Airport to reach the city center.
Sample Itinerary: North Island or South Island?
One common dilemma when planning a trip to New Zealand is whether to visit the North or South Island.
Based on recommendations from vloggers, YouTubers, and bloggers who have been to New Zealand, the South Island is often favored.
Having explored parts of the North Island and the southern and central regions of the South Island, I can confirm that the South Island boasts more stunning and majestic landscapes. With Mount Cook, glaciers, and large lakes, the South Island holds an advantage over the North Island, which mainly features beaches and Mount Taranaki in the south.
However, I still recommend visiting both islands, as the North Island isn't as large as the South Island. You can cover the highlights of the North Island, such as Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth (Taranaki), and Rotorua, in 5-6 days.
If you have six days or less, prioritize the South Island, as this duration is insufficient for exploring both islands thoroughly. If you have from two weeks to a month, combining both islands and traveling from north to south is highly recommended.
