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From green forests to blackened basalt, from snowy mountains to golden beaches, adventure awaits around every bend on these dramatic islands. Dive into Middle Earth with Moon New Zealand. Inside you’ll find:

Strategic itineraries including a week on both the North and South Islands, designed for hikers, cyclers, adrenaline junkies, history and culture buffs, and Lord of the Rings fans
The top spots for outdoor adventures, including surfing, bungy jumping, mountain biking, and trekking the Great Walks, as well as tips on how to do a New Zealand road trip
The top sights and unique experiences: Cruise the hypnotic black waters of the Milford Sound, spot wild dolphins, kiwis, and blue penguins, and explore the sprawling Waitomo Caves lit by twinkling glowworms. Go bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet skiing in Queensland, or soak in refreshing thermal pools. Embark on a multi-day trek to rugged coasts, glacial valleys, volcanoes, and fjords. Sample local sauvignon blancs in Marlborough and craft beers in Wellington, or sip cider in the Shire. Learn about Polynesian culture and history, marvel at Maori carvings, and savor a traditional hangi
How to experience New Zealand like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the indigenous culture
Expert insight from Auckland local Jamie Christian Desplaces on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay
Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color detachable map
Reliable background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and history, as well as common customs and etiquette
Travel tips for seniors, families with children, visitors with disabilities, and LGBTQ travelers

With Moon New Zealand’s expert advice and local insight, you can plan your trip your way.

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Travel Guide

Travel FAQ with Moon New Zealand Author Jamie Desplaces
Q: Is New Zealand an expensive place to visit? How can I save money?
A: Though tucked away in the South Pacific, New Zealand prices are comparable to those of Europe and North America--though even visitors from these regions may still find things like alcohol and petrol to be expensive. But there are plenty of good quality lodgings for those on a budget, and heaps of bars that run happy hours and restaurants that allow you to bring your own wine, known as BYOs. Moon New Zealand has websites with last minute discounts on everything from sights to flights, while those visiting outside peak season are also more likely to score some deals on hotels and attractions. New Zealand's biggest draws--its beautiful beaches and backcountry--are all free.
Q: What sort of clothing should I pack?
A: New Zealand is pretty casual, though it doesn't hurt to pack a couple of smart shirts or dresses. Biblical downpours can occur even in the height of summer--you don't get a country this beautiful without a bit of precipitation-so always make sure you've got a lightweight rain jacket in your backpack, and an extra layer if you're hiking. Other essentials include walking shoes or good sneakers, a sunhat, and plenty of sunscreen--little air pollution and a thin ozone layer in this part of the world make for some unforgiving UV blasts.
Q: What's the best time of year to visit?
A: The hottest and generally driest time is during the peak season in summer--remember the seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, so our summer stretches from December to February. Most Kiwis take their main holiday in late December/early January, so it's a busy time throughout the country. Either side, the weather's still great during the shoulder seasons of fall and spring, with less crowds and more discounts on hotels and attractions. On South Island especially there's plenty of snow during winter--and heaps of world class ski fields that cater to all levels.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: There is currently a visitor visa waiver agreement with the US, Canada, Australia, and many European countries, meaning no visas are required. However, a proposal to introduce a one-off $35 tourist levy is proving popular and may be introduced sometime in 2019. The money would be used for maintaining tourist infrastructure and national parks, but visitors from Australia and the Pacific Islands will be exempt.
Q: What's the best way to get around? Should I rent a car?
A: Air travel can be costly, and trains are limited. There's a super nationwide bus network, and most of the more remote locations are well serviced by shuttles also. However, I would absolutely recommend renting a car or campervan. Not only is it more convenient, but you'll get to savor the joy of experiencing a country of everchanging, spectacular scenery that looks as though it was carved out especially for road tripping.
Q: Is New Zealand a safe place for solo travel?
A: Solo travelers should always take the usual precautions, but for some peace of mind it's worth remembering that in 2017 the Global Peace Index ranked New Zealand as the second safest country in the world. Kiwis are a staggering laid back and optimistic bunch who take great pride in their beautiful nation and welcoming overseas guests--scenery aside, among your fondest memories will be the people.
Q: Is tipping customary in New Zealand?
A: Kiwis certainly don't work for tips and you're pretty much guaranteed friendly service whether you tip or not. However, though tipping is not customary, it's certainly very much appreciated if you do.
Q: What should I absolutely not miss on my trip?
A: New Zealand is so magical because its wildly varied landscapes of towering mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, fiords and tropical beaches are crammed into a really manageable area that allows guests--especially those with their own transport--to pack so much into their vacation. Top of the to-dos should be: experiencing some Maori culture; cruising or kayaking the "Eight Wonder of the World" Milford Sound; visiting North Island's geothermal heart; and scaring yourself senseless in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. There's a wealth of world-renowned wineries and microbreweries where you can kick back in between the adventuring, too.

On Sale: Dec 18, 2018
Page Count: 500 pages
Publisher: Moon Travel
ISBN-13: 9781631217098

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Jamie Christian Desplaces

About the Author

Having spent four years between Asia and Australia and with no inclination to return back home to the UK, Jamie Desplaces opted to give Aotearoa New Zealand a try. That was way back in 2012, and he’s still there.

Just a few weeks after arriving, he secured an assignment to write about the country’s fracking industry, a two-month investigation that was hailed by environmental and political organizations, and won a feature of the year award. Jamie quickly discovered the sacred connection between Kiwis and their land, a connection that he now feels. From the glistening beaches of the subtropical far north to the majestic fiords of the deep south and the volcanoes and vineyards and vast alpine backcountry that stitch it all together, he has explored every corner of this country – and continues to do so.

It’s also somewhat poetic that Jamie, having attended the same school as J.R.R. Tolkien, whose tomes of Middle-Earth tales inspired the movies that have so promoted the majesty of Aotearoa New Zealand, now has the opportunity to share its legend with others.

Jamie’s work has been published in Beats, Escape, Massive, and on USAToday.com. He has published a novel and is head writer at Verve magazine in Auckland, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

Learn more about this author