backpacking in new zealand

New Zealand is a dream place in which to travel in the backpacking style. This is a compact country with sweepingly different scenery between the main towns and cities. Getting around is simple, and better still, your choice of routes, activities and accommodation is as wide as the Pacific Ocean horizon.
Getting Around



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Transport is as flexible as you like. Roads in New Zealand are well maintained, it's hard to get lost, traffic is minimal and there are plenty of places to picnic or stop for a break. So travelling by campervan or rental car is a hugely popular choice.
Campervans are great fun - and a cost-effective option for groups of people travelling together. So many people want to pick up a hire vehicle in the North Island and drop it off in the South Island, or vice versa, that rental companies offer excellent ‘relocation rates,’ generally from south to north.

If you want to skip around the country quickly, hop on a plane - New Zealand has a comprehensive domestic flight service. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable domestic air travel is and booking online makes it even cheaper, and simpler too. Air travel is now the new, affordable way to experience New Zealand.

But let’s not forget the traditional backpacker mode of transport: buses. You can use Flexi Passes to buy travel by the hour on the nationwide network of Intercity buses. Or try the convenience of a Travelpass to go directly from A to B but get on and off as you like.

Magic Travellers Network and Kiwi Experience buses take you off the main routes and also allow you to get on and off as you choose (even taking you to the door of local hostels). With Magic Bus you can even tag on a train journey such as the spectacular TranzAlpine or TranzCoastal. Then there are the smaller bus operators like Bottom Bus in the lower South Island that let you get into some of the wildest scenery in the country.

Accommodation for Backpackers



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Choice is unlimited in every way, including the kind of place you stay on your travels.
Backpacker hostel accommodation ranges from private rooms with ensuite bathrooms or single, double, twin and family room options to more simple style.

And every hostel is different: some are vibrant, lively places, others peaceful. Some have luxury facilities and others are more rustic. Many have internet, TV lounges and self-catering kitchens. However, all hostels are in prime locations whether in city centres or in beautiful National Parks.

Naturally, hostels are social places to stay. You’ll no doubt make some new friends and certainly learn more about New Zealand from other travellers. Staying in hostels is a great way to get the ‘inside-info’ on backpacking - and many have travel centres and/or booking services.

Adventure Activities



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Go skydiving, bungy jumping or white water rafting in Queenstown, climb the Harbour Bridge in Auckland, take a wine tour in Hawke's Bay, try kiwifruit in Bay of Plenty or gasp at an explosive geyser in Rotorua.
Most backpackers make sure they do a glacier walk. There are many guided and non-guided bush walks and treks that are truly unique. Growing in popularity are guided walks with a contemporary cultural emphasis where you learn about the history and spiritual significance of the place you’re visiting such as the Whirinaki Rainforest walks. Black water rafting is great fun, as is caving. And, since the jetboat was invented by a New Zealander, you must go jet boating - or the more relaxed option of sailing.

Quality Information

Look for the Qualmark® logo - it's your sign that accommodation, activities, services or transport have been independently quality assessed. And to find out more about any aspect of your travel, you'll find great information from regional tourism offices, i-SITES in all notable areas, plus don’t forget to check out travel magazines and guidebooks.

At the same time, if you stand still for long enough in a town or city, someone is bound to ask you if you need help or directions! New Zealanders are friendly, helpful people - and you'll meet many on your backpacking holiday.

New Zealand offers so many great experiences - and backpacking is the authentic way to enjoy them.

pair of frogskins

They're back and harder to find than ever!
The original Frogskins retailed $40 USD back in the day and were released in over 50 color-ways. They were the classic sunglasses that put Oakley on the map and are truly one of the best ways to represent the 80's. Now over 20 years later, the Oakley Frogskins have been re-issued for a new generation to embrace, so if you missed out last time... here's your chance. They are being re-released in limited numbers (3,000 for most models) through selected retailers. There's no question that the unmistakable frame and bold colors are still in demand and more popular than ever.

Oakley Frogskins advertisement Copyright © Oakley, Inc.


Oakley began in the the mid 1970’s by founder Jim Jannard as a small scale “garage” brand that focused on producing cutting-edge motocross handgrips. It was a small operation but by focusing on quality and innovation, his products soon led to goggles and eyewear, which Oakley is most known for today.

Oakley sunglasses were introduced in 1984, with several sport-specific models slowly being adopted by the key athletes of the time. Greg LeMond wore Oakley sunglasses during his performance in the 1984 Tour de France. Quite a different look from the shades Lance Armstrong wears today.

The appeal of Oakley as an innovative eyewear brand soon developed with the mainstream and caught on like wildfire. In 1985, the Oakley Frogskins were released as all-around performance sunglasses (seriously) that had a one of a kind design and cutting-edge technology that Oakley was known for with their iridium-finish lenses and Serilium™ based frames. Oakley dominated the 80's eyewear revolution and are still at the forefront of the eyewear industry today.

Although the re-released shape and colors are similar, there are some significant differences between the original Oakley Frogskins and limited edition models being sold today. The first generation Oakley Frogskins used metal hinges on their earstems, had the Oakley logos screenprinted to the side of the glasses (rather than the raised Oakley emblem), and were made in Japan. Another generation of Oakley Frogskins was released in the 90’s, which used integrated molded hinges and had raised Oakley logos on their earstems. The newer models were made in the USA. Yes!

The current re-released Oakley Frogskins use nylon based O-Matter as well as all the technical lens geometry found on modern Oakley products. Furthermore, the hinges on the re-released models are beveled rather than cylindrical in order to improve strength and flex. They actually are very lightweight and somewhat flimsy. Many people mistake authentic Oakley Frogskins as fakes due to the changes in manufacturing.

Oakley Frogskins were made available in over 50 different color-way and lens combinations, while finally being discontinued in the mid 90’s. In late 2007 they were re-introduced and have since been made available in limited numbers. Only 3000 editions per colorway are released at a time through key retailers as Collectors Edition glasses. They are also doing smaller releases as well by collaborating with companies such as SUPREME, Grenade Gloves, and Gentei.... these editions are ultra rare. Once supplies are gone, they’re gone forever. Get them while you can.