New Zealand is every outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Comprised of two main large islands (aptly named the North Island and the South Island) and many other smaller islands, New Zealand crams an incredibly diverse landscape into a small area.
Located east of Australia, New Zealand sits isolated between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It’s remote development has given it a unique biodiversity of plants and animals (mostly consisting of birds), with bats being the only native mammals. If you’re afraid of snakes, you’re in luck, as none exist in New Zealand at this time! Straddling the Pacific and the Indo-Australian tectonic plates, the South Island of New Zealand boasts towering mountains, glaciers, rugged coastlines, and fiords. The North Island on the other hand, entices visitors with it’s rolling green hills, volcanoes, hot springs, and glow worm caves.
Divided into 16 regions and 53 districts, New Zealand has a small population of around 4.7 million people, with about 86% of the population living in urban areas. The climate is generally temperate as most of the country lies near the coast. The top of the North Island does have a subtropical climate in the summer, and the inland alpine regions on the South Island can get particularly cold and snowy in the winter. The warmest months to visit New Zealand are in summer between December and February, while the coldest months are in winter between June and August.
The following are a list of recommended vaccines from the CDC. However, it is always recommended that you check with your primary care physician to meet your specific needs and ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before you travel.
Hepatitis A: can be transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B: transmitted through sexual contact, blood products, or contaminated needles.
Routine Vaccinations: be aware that New Zealand did have an outbreak of mumps in 2017. Ensure you are up-to-date on your Measle, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines.
With such a diverse landscape, travellers to New Zealand should pack appropriately for the areas they are visiting and the activities they are engaging in. Known as the “Land of the Long White Cloud”, New Zealand experiences a decent amount of rain, (particularly in the fiordlands where the rainfall is measured in meters!). Travellers should pack appropriate rain gear and wear appropriate footwear. The sun can also be very hot and intense in New Zealand, as the country is affected by depleted ozone and sits near the ozone hole over Antarctica. So remember to drink plenty of water and wear protective clothing during the day and sunscreen with at least 15 SPF with both UVA and UVB protection. If you plan on doing any hiking or travelling around the South Island in particular, bring appropriate footwear and a warm jacket as temperatures can be cooler (especially near the Southern Alps). Utilize caution with any natural hot springs you may come across and ensure you keep your head above the water if swimming, as the risk for amoebic meningitis does exist. Stick to marked paths and respect the local wildlife and environment by utilizing a hands-off approach during your travels.
Due to the volcanic and geological nature of New Zealand, I also suggest travelling with a small medical kit, and being prepared with an emergency plan should you get caught in an earthquake. I have been to New Zealand twice and managed to experience both the large Christchurch quake and the Kaikoura quake! While this certainly doesn’t mean anything will happen, it certainly does help to have a plan in place for emergencies!
Can I drink the water? Yes, the tap water in New Zealand is generally considered safe to drink. However, if you are getting any water from streams or lakes when hiking, utilize a method to treat the water before drinking it.
Is it wheelchair accessible? Wheelchair accessibility tends to be very good in New Zealand. Cities are very wheelchair friendly, the only difficulty you may encounter could be when visiting rural areas.
How do I best avoid mosquito bites? Sandflies and mosquitoes are both present in New Zealand. To avoid bites, it is best to stay inside during dawn and dusk. Remember to apply repellant with at least 30% DEET and stay in accommodation with screened windows.
What medications should I bring? It is always recommended to bring any prescribed medications with you. New Zealand has more of a universal healthcare system and tends to have high quality care. Should you need any medications urgently, visit a local physician or hospital. Those visiting on a working holiday visa have the option of getting specific travel health insurance plans at very affordable rates and I recommend that you get one. It is also recommended to travel with a small medical kit, and a healthy travel packing list can be found here.
Are you a Registered Nurse interested in working in New Zealand but don’t know how to navigate getting a New Zealand nursing license? Fear not! I’ve been through the process myself and share my experience and recommendations to help you get your own license here.
Important Numbers:
Police/ Ambulance/ Fire: 111
Emergency services for the hearing impaired: 0800 16 16 16
New Zealand country code: +64
Hear from a local
Read what locals have to say about health in their country here.
*The content above is for informational purposes only and reflects my own personal opinion and experiences. Other sources for information utilized in creating this content include the CDC, WHO, and Yellow Book. Please refer to your attending physician for all health advice
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