10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Trip to New Zealand, According to a Local

New Zealand is awe-inspiring and spectacularly beautiful, with varied terrain, crystalline waters, world-class cuisine, and a rich Māori culture. Of course, making the trip "down under" requires significant effort and planning, so you'll want to ensure you're doing it properly. To that end, Amy Louise Bailey, a Kiwi currently living in New York, suggests 10 common mistakes to avoid when traveling in New Zealand, from logistics to local etiquette.

Only visiting during winter.

Sure, New Zealand has some great ski slopes, but if you're journeying to this far-flung corner of the world, you'll want to enjoy the great outdoors in all its glory — and the best time for that is summer. You can swim at beautiful beaches, waterski on lakes, enjoy alfresco dining at world-class wineries, and explore some stunning walkways under the South Pacific sun.

Don't forget, New Zealand's seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, so summer is from December through February, which is also the high season. Since the country is expensive, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons — March through May and September through November. You can still enjoy the outdoors and warm weather but with fewer tourists and lower hotel prices.

Not renting a car.

The best way to visit New Zealand is by car. Things to do and places to see are often spread out with no direct public transport option. Plus, there are so many fantastic road trips that are much better experienced with your own car rather than on a tour bus. Keep in mind the terrain can be rough in New Zealand, and there are a lot of mountains, so rent a car with a bit of power. The weather can also be temperamental, which means you'll want to avoid booking a convertible (as fun as it may be for traveling along the coast in the summer). Lastly, like most Commonwealth countries, people drive on the left-hand side in New Zealand, so familiarize yourself before hitting the road.

Overlooking the North Island.

No trip to New Zealand is complete without exploring the North Island. It's just as naturally beautiful as the South Island but in a very different way. The North Island has stunning black- and white-sand beaches, sprawling islands, and waterfalls, whereas the South Island is defined by dramatic mountains and alpine scenery.

During your North Island sojourn, spend a few nights in the country's largest city, Auckland, to check out the world-class restaurants, shopping, and art galleries. You can also take a boat over to Waiheke for a long lunch at one of the elegant vineyards. Head up north to the Bay of Islands for maritime activities, or travel south to see cultural attractions like the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in the nation's capital, Wellington.

Packing mainly casual clothes.

New Zealand is indeed a place to embrace nature and explore incredible peaks, forests, and beaches. But unless hiking through the mountains is the only thing you'll be doing, pack as if you were heading somewhere in Europe where urban cool meets the great outdoors.

New Zealand has a vibrant local fashion scene, and while you won't find any black-tie establishments, there are many sophisticated bars and restaurants where you'll want to look sharp. Skip the heels, but do bring some shoes other than hiking boots that you can wear on visits to wineries, for example. Be sure to pack a day bag to carry everything you'll need for excursions, including sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear should the opportunity to take a dip arise. A jacket is essential even if you're traveling in summer, as it can get chilly in the evenings.

Staying within your comfort zone.

Where else can you start the day with Champagne in a hot-air balloon, jet boat through canyons at 50 mph, or helicopter over to an island for a long lunch? New Zealand offers many activities that cater to different tastes, ranging from adventure sports to incredible hiking trails and unique luxury excursions. This is the place to get out of your comfort zone. After all, you've traveled to the other side of the world; what better time than your New Zealand vacation to tick off an invigorating once-in-a-lifetime experience?

Not planning your itinerary in advance.

Whether you need to reserve a car for certain dates or you've decided to embark on an adventure activity, it's important to plan your itinerary in advance when traveling in New Zealand. Cities and towns are quite spread out; you wouldn't want to arrive somewhere and find that the few accommodations are already booked for the night. Restaurants are also worth reserving ahead of time as they can book up, especially on weekends (and the restaurants in New Zealand are not something you want to miss).

Not buying a local SIM card.

Roaming rates can be extortionate in this corner of the world. Buying a SIM card at Auckland Airport (where the majority of international arrivals land) or once in Auckland city center is the way to go; convenience stores, supermarkets, and some gas stations all sell SIM cards. Remember to tape your original SIM to the inside of your phone case so it doesn't get lost.

Condensing your trip into less than two weeks.

You could easily spend longer than two weeks, but you need at least 14 days to see New Zealand, and that's excluding travel days. Divide your time based on your interests — the North Island is more beachy and the South Island has more alpine landscapes.

Every road is scenic in New Zealand, and there are some fantastic lookouts and lovely townships worth stopping in, so be sure to allow extra time to wander if you're driving. And if Oceania is a one-off trip that you're unlikely to repeat, consider pausing in Sydney on the way back — it's an incredible city and a great way to break up the long-haul flight.

Forgetting your motion sickness pills.

The waters can be rocky and roads can be windy. Get ahead of it by picking up some motion sickness pills before you hit the road. And if you feel nauseous during any precarious travel conditions, keep your eyes up and off your phone, and don't sit backward if you can avoid it (this applies everywhere, really).

Not speaking to the locals.

New Zealanders are down-to-earth and friendly, and a smile goes a long way. You should absolutely ask for directions and recommendations; people will be happy to set you on the right track, whether it's where to get a decent latte or a dinner spot with a good atmosphere. Keep in mind when asking for directions that New Zealand uses the metric system, so distances will be given in kilometers rather than miles (likewise, the weather is measured in degrees Celsius instead of Fahrenheit).