| Best time | January, February, March, November… | January, February, March, November… |
| Climate | mild | cold |
| Budget | Mid-range – Premium | Mid-range – Premium |
| Trip length | 3–8 wks | 2–6 wks |
| Visa | NZeTA required for visa-waiver travelers; apply online before travel. | Argentina/Chile — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days each). |
| Currency | NZD (Dollar). Roughly 1.7 NZD ≈ 1 USD. | ARS / CLP. USD useful for some payments. |
| Language | English (and Maori). | Spanish. Limited English outside tourism. |
| Tap water | Tap water safe. | Tap water generally safe in towns. |
| Safety | Very safe. Weather and outdoor activities are the real risks. | Very safe. Wind and weather are the real risks. |