Budget Backpacker 360
Up to 12 months or longer
from £3,749 £3,562
Seeking the ultimate adrenaline thrill ride in some of the world's most spectacular surroundings? Then look no further, for New Zealand is known as the top gap year adventure destination for a very good reason! Vast stretches of unspoilt natural beauty are just waiting to be explored on your gap travels and nothing beats a leisurely tour round this extraordinary country. Check out all of New Zealand's hidden secrets, laze on the beautiful beaches or dive in the clear blue waters. When you're well and truly chilled out, shake yourself up with some high-octane activities; plummet from a plane, bounce back from a bungee, or try a glacier trek for a full-on gap year high!
Read more in our New Zealand Travel Guide.
Up to 12 months or longer
from £3,749 £3,562
Up to 12 months or longer
from £3,449 £3,349
Up to 12 months or longer
from £8,549 £8,474
From 11 weeks from £6,249
4.5 2
19 weeks or longer
from £13,350 £13,250
An epic round-the-world adventure of a lifetime!
Cross more places off your bucket list and do some in-depth travelling to Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and the USA - all on one breathtaking Round the World trip! Uncover hidden gems, glorious beaches, great landmarks and take yourself on a once in a lifetime trip!16 weeks or more from £11,400
New Zealand’s climate is mostly temperate, and its North Island is roughly five degrees warmer than the south. While New Zealand’s north has subtropical summers and mild winters, the South Island has cool summers and cold winters – particularly in its alpine regions. This weather diversity means that there’s something for everyone in New Zealand, especially since this country experiences four seasons: just in reverse order to us, as it’s in the Southern Hemisphere!
The best time to visit New Zealand comes down to preference more than anything. While the summer months of December to February are best for exploring all of New Zealand’s outdoor attractions, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are still gorgeous. Winter in New Zealand is an amazing time of year to visit for diverse scenery, and those months of the year see the least cloudy weather and rain. We’ll let you in on New Zealand’s best-kept secret; if you visit the South Island in the winter, there’s a decent chance you might see the Aurora Australis – aka the Southern Lights!
New Zealand’s culture today is a mix of indigenous Māori and European communities. Māori culture is incredibly warm and is centred on core beliefs such as Manaakitanga (generosity), Wairutanga (balance), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Mātauranga (intellect) and Tikanga (respect). It is considered disrespectful to sit on tables or pass food over someone’s head. While New Zealand is laid back and informal, travellers are expected to be polite, punctual and pay respect to their surroundings.
British passport holders staying in New Zealand for less than 6 months do not need a visa for tourism, however you will need a NZeTA, which can be requested through the Government’s official pages and costs NZ $17-$23 at the time of writing. You will also need proof of return or onward travel.
If you are staying in New Zealand for longer, you can apply for a visa online. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival, and stay up to date on entry requirements and FCDO advice which is subject to change.
Check before travelling that you have any necessary vaccinations. British nationals on short-term visits are eligible for urgent healthcare treatment. Always purchase travel insurance before going abroad, especially since New Zealand has so many outdoor activities you’ll want to partake in. New Zealand has a low risk of crime, but general precautions are recommended. Natural hazards are uncommon but can happen. Follow the advice of local authorities in an emergency.
Flights to New Zealand from the UK typically take 24 hours and have one or two stops. One of the most common layover destinations is Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport. This gigantic, nature-themed airport has an incredible variety of activities and restaurants for you to kill time between flights.
You can expect to pay similar prices to the UK while in New Zealand. It’s possible to explore New Zealand on a budget; staying in affordable accommodation and taking public buses (you’ll find regular services almost everywhere in New Zealand!) are some of the easiest ways to save money on your trip. And with one of the highest minimum wages in the world, tipping isn’t expected of travellers either.
New Zealand is one of the best destinations for a gap year trip! With adrenaline rush activities, awe-inspiring “Middle Earth” landscapes and welcoming people, New Zealand has everything you could ask for. Imagine glacier hikes one day and exploring fjords the next, followed by glowworm caves, experiencing Māori culture, beaches or even bungee jumping in the country that invented the sport! If you’re a first-time traveller, New Zealand will make you feel right at home while still providing plenty of adventure throughout your trip. Looking to work abroad? New Zealand has one of the highest minimum wages in the world, so you’ll have the chance to travel on time off while advancing your CV. Or if you’re planning the ultimate multi-country gap year, New Zealand’s diverse scenery and laid-back vibe is a breath of fresh air.
As New Zealand is an outdoorsy destination, you’ll want to bring good hiking shoes, practical clothes and a swimsuit. There isn’t a strict dress code in New Zealand but the weather can be a little unpredictable so packing light layers and a waterproof jacket is recommended. The North Island is generally warmer than the South with an average difference of 6°C. You will need thicker layers if you are visiting in New Zealand’s winter (June to August), as well as for visiting glaciers and fjords. When travelling to New Zealand, pack essentials like your passport, credit/debit cards and New Zealand Dollars, sunscreen, any medications and a mini first aid kit. Should you run out of anything, it’s easy to top up as you’ll find shops almost everywhere in New Zealand - especially in major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.
New Zealand has one of the highest populations of native and rare animals in the world, which means that you won’t find wildlife like this anywhere else. New Zealand’s “Big 5” animals are the kiwi bird, the kākā parrot, the tuatara lizard with a third eye, the kea parrot and finally the mystical takahe bird which was rumoured to be extinct. Kaikōura is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. Dolphins and whale-watching tours are the biggest draw, but you’ll also discover seal colonies, penguins and if you’re lucky, the rare Albatross.
It’s entirely up to you. While tipping isn’t mandatory in New Zealand, tour guides will always appreciate the gesture of appreciation for their dedication to ensuring your group tour is the best it can be. So if your tour guide goes above and beyond, then tipping is one of the best ways to show your gratitude and that you had an amazing time on the trip. How much you wish to tip comes down to personal preference, but it’s common to leave a tip of NZ$5 per day or 5-10% of the trip cost.
16 trips
@gap360official | New Zealand