Vins and I just lately traveled to New Zealand. And sure, New Zealand was a dream. Like, ridiculously lovely. A kind of locations the place you begin questioning if it’s even actual. However as beautiful as it’s, touring round got here with just a few surprises, missteps, and “Wait, WHAT?” moments we didn’t precisely see coming. Now that we’re again (slightly sunburned, barely broke, however very a lot in love with the nation), we thought we’d spherical up the journey errors we personally made or virtually made, so that you don’t should.
From underestimating drive occasions to forgetting simply how intense that Kiwi solar actually is, take into account this our humble little PSA from one set of vacationers to a different. As a result of as magical as New Zealand is and the way pleasant Kiwis are, New Zealand can even humble a traveler actual fast, particularly if it’s your first time.
So earlier than you pack your luggage and say “Kia ora!” to the journey of a lifetime, proceed watching this video that includes our listing of journey errors to keep away from.
1. Reserving too late.
We virtually didn’t make it to Hobbiton. And it could’ve been such a disgrace as a result of it’s one of many largest points of interest that we have been trying ahead to earlier than the journey, and we virtually did not seize tickets.
One factor it is best to learn about Hobbiton is that as of late, you possibly can solely discover it with a information, so you have to e-book a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are lots of methods to do it:
- In the event you favor to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you possibly can simply buy a ticket.
- You may be a part of a day tour from Auckland or Rotorua, which already contains transfers. Most excursions depart from the Shire’s Relaxation, a café that serves because the gateway to Hobbiton.
Once we tried to e-book, tickets have been bought out! This was one month earlier than our goal date. We knew it was widespread, however we have been ready for everybody within the group to be granted a visa earlier than we e-book.
Fortunately, there are just a few excursions departing from Matamata iSite. We have been a bunch of 5, and by sheer luck, we have been capable of get the LAST 5 TICKETS! Discuss meant to be. All the pieces went properly ultimately.
However sure, whether or not you’re becoming a member of a tour or shopping for a ticket solely, finest to safe it prematurely.
✅ RESERVE A HOBBITON SLOT HERE!
2. Winging the visa utility.
In the event you’re required to safe a visa previous to arrival in New Zealand, like us, I’ve excellent news and unhealthy information. The excellent news is, it’s truly fairly simple to use for a customer visa. The listing of necessities isn’t too lengthy and the entire course of (100% of it) is finished on-line.
The unhealthy information is, simply because it’s simple to use doesn’t imply it’s simple to be granted a visa. This isn’t only a formality or easy e-Visas given by different much less strict nations; they actually do consider purposes meticulously, so you possibly can’t simply wing it.
For instance, while you take a look at the listing of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, photograph, and itinerary. You may technically submit an utility with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get authorised. In fact, it is strongly recommended that you just add different paperwork that visa officers can use to evaluate your utility particularly proof of real intent or rootedness, and proof of funds for those who declare you’re shouldering the price of the journey your self.
It will be significant that you just paint a full image of your background and your plans in New Zealand, and show that you just intend to go away the nation and never overstay.
We have now a separate article about it. READ: NEW ZEALAND VISA APPLICATION GUIDE! ✅
I do know individuals who have been denied a visa, so take your utility severely.
Talking of denied…
3. Not reapplying when rejected.
Let’s say your utility is declined and you might be refused a visa. What now? Are you able to enchantment or ask for reconsideration?
NO, for those who utilized outdoors New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you studying this are usually not primarily based in NZ. Right here’s an excerpt from a refusal letter that my buddy acquired.
However that doesn’t imply there’s nothing else you are able to do. What you are able to do is reapply. This implies you’ll want to start out a brand new utility and pay one other visa payment.
However earlier than you reapply, be sure to have new supporting paperwork so as to add that might handle the explanations for refusal. In the event you’ll be submitting the very same pile of paperwork, you may simply be losing one other NZD 100.
In the event you’re presently in New Zealand, YES, you possibly can enchantment so long as you make the request inside 14 days.
However please word that what I share ought to NOT be taken as official Immigration recommendation. Consider me as only a buddy sharing my expertise. Try the official New Zealand web site or seek the advice of an immigration advisor for official recommendation or help.
4. Failing to Declare Threat Gadgets Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s largest industries, and the federal government does all the things they will to guard the surroundings and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict with regards to what enters their border.
It will be significant that you just’re conversant in gadgets which are allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and observe their insurance policies so that you gained’t run into any downside on the airport. You have to additionally concentrate on the gadgets that you have to declare.
Earlier than your journey to New Zealand, you may be required to perform the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Kind, which has two sections particularly about what you’re bringing into the nation. The primary is BIOSECURITY, and you must declare for those who carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage gadgets like:
Threat Gadgets
- Any meals: cooked, raw, recent, preserved, packaged or dried, together with chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, prompt noodles, espresso, tea luggage, mushy drinks and even snacks served contained in the airplane.
- Animals or animal merchandise: together with meat, dairy merchandise, fish, honey, bee merchandise, eggs, feathers, shells, uncooked wool, skins, bones or bugs
- Vegetation or plant merchandise: fruit, flowers, seeds, bulbs, wooden, bark, leaves, nuts, greens, components of vegetation, fungi, cane, bamboo or straw, together with for non secular choices or medicinal use
- Organic merchandise: Animal medicines, organic cultures, organisms, soil or water
- Tools: Tools/clothes used with animals, vegetation or water, together with for gardening, beekeeping, fishing, water sport or diving actions?
- Outside gear: Gadgets which were used for outside actions, together with any footwear, tents, tenting, searching, mountaineering, golf or sports activities tools
I used to be carrying goodies and different meals merchandise, so I simply declared them.
Restricted Gadgets
You’ll even be requested for those who’re carrying greater than the allowed quantity of restricted gadgets like medication and alcohol.
On the airport, the border officers simply requested what gadgets I declared and directed me to the appropriate lane. It was fairly clean. I’m guessing as a result of it’s simply goodies and snacks.
So if it’s meant to be declared, declare them. You may get fined for those who fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s dimension and distances.
Once you’re a map, it’s simple to see New Zealand as a bunch of small islands within the far nook of the Pacific, particularly when the ginormous Australia is in the identical body. It simply seems to be snack-size in comparison with its neighbor, which is a full continent, however don’t assume New Zealand is small. New Zealand’s land space is larger than the UK and only a bit smaller than the Philippines. In the event you superimpose it on Europe, you’ll discover that it stretches from Denmark all the best way to the South of France.
So no, it will likely be impractical to imagine it solely takes just a few days to discover or that you could see all of it in every week.
Identical goes for distances. Simply because Milford Sound seems to be sitting fairly subsequent to Queenstown doesn’t imply it solely takes a fast drive. To get there from Queenstown, the route goes across the mountains and takes virtually 4 hours, excluding stops and belief me, you’ll make some stops as a result of the route is simply so scenic.
Waitomo Caves, which is usually a favourite vacation spot from Rotorua or Auckland, is definitely 2 to 2 and a half hours away. Even Hobbiton is just not “simply outdoors Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from town middle, too.
Because of this it’s vital to construct a strategic and strong itinerary, particularly for those who’re driving.
6. Driving on the Mistaken Aspect of the Highway
Driving in another country is usually unnerving. However whereas in idea, driving in New Zealand ought to be simple as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators all over the place, there are some things you must keep in mind earlier than you resolve to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left aspect of the street. And for those who’re used to driving on the appropriate like the place I’m from, it’s fairly disorienting. It takes some getting used to. It’s not simply the place of the wheel contained in the car or your place on the street. You’ll should unlearn sure issues particularly when taking a flip at intersections.
I additionally observed that New Zealand’s roads deeper into the countryside are often two-lane and slim, however autos transfer quick right here. And as an alternative of stoplights, there are a number of roundabouts, which is nice in minimizing visitors jams.
However know that while you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits rather a lot. It’s not troublesome, however it simply takes some getting used to.
It’s finest to have a navigator or a co-pilot using shotgun so you possibly can deal with the driving and there’s somebody to remind you in case you get confused.
Additionally, fuel stations or petrol stations are few and much between particularly when driving between cities, so while you see one, seize the prospect and replenish as a result of the subsequent one is perhaps many, many miles away.
7. Pondering It’s Troublesome to Probe for Non-Drivers
Once we began posting about our New Zealand journey on Instagram, we acquired a number of questions on whether or not it’s attainable to discover the nation even for those who don’t know learn how to drive. And the reply is YES.
They are saying that one of the best ways to discover New Zealand is to lease a car and drive. And I agree. It’s additionally cost-efficient for those who’re a bunch. However not everybody is in a position or prepared to drive. For that, you possibly can take public transportation like Intercity Buses. However be sure to sync your itinerary with the out there bus journeys as a result of for some routes, the choices are restricted.
Some non-drivers would take the bus to a different metropolis after which take a day tour of one other attraction. Instance, a typical observe is to remain in Auckland then go on a day journey of Hobbiton after which return to Auckland. Then the subsequent day, take the bus to Rotorua.
However there are one-way excursions out there. For example, there’s an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This manner, when you’re performed with Auckland, this tour can choose you up within the metropolis, make a cease in Hobbiton so you would discover after which after, drop you off at your subsequent lodge in Rotorua. It’s like a tour and switch in a single. And sure, you possibly can deliver your baggage with you.
We bought to strive the Christchurch-Queenstown one-way tour. The shuttle picked us up at our lodge in Christchurch together with our luggage. And alongside the best way, we stopped at numerous vacationer spots like Lake Tekapo and Hooker Valley within the shadows of Mt. Prepare dinner earlier than terminating in Queenstown.
It’s an excellent possibility for non-drivers and can find yourself more cost effective than taking a roundtrip tour at some point after which boarding an intercity bus individually.
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8. Skipping sunscreen.
New Zealand’s local weather is fairly delicate, and it could actually nonetheless get cool even in summer time months, so that you may suppose “Sunscreen? Nah, I’m good.” And by lunchtime? Increase—your face is redder than a blushing teenager. This occurred to me. Nicely, form of. I apply sunscreen earlier than leaving the lodge however I often neglect to reapply.
The chilly ambiance can lull you right into a false sense of security. However the factor is: New Zealand has one of many highest UV ranges on the planet particularly beneath the crisp, clear summer time skies.
So don’t neglect to deliver sunscreen with loads of SPF and truly use it. And pack a hat, whilst you’re at it.
9. Lacking the working hours.
In the event you’re used to staying out till late night time, know that in lots of locations in New Zealand, some institutions shut a lot earlier, particularly in smaller cities. For instance, in Rotorua and even in Queenstown, most cafes have a tendency to shut at round 3 or 4pm. Some as early as 2pm. Starbucks in Rotorua closes at 5pm most days, and Starbucks Queenstown at 6pm. That’s to not say that ALL cafes are like that. You may nonetheless discover some that stay open at night time, however it will likely be more durable. However don’t fear, bars and malls are usually open a lot later than cafes.
This isn’t distinctive to New Zealand, although. We additionally observed this in some cities in Australia. Could possibly be one thing to do with wages and work-life steadiness.
Some points of interest additionally shut early. Te Puia in Rotorua is simply open till 4pm and Wai-o-Tapu till 4:30pm, understandably. Christchurch Gondola solely operates till 5pm and the final journey down is at 5:30PM.
We additionally observed that automotive rental firms shut early, except airport branches. Europcar in Auckland metropolis middle closes at 4pm on weekdays, and 12 midday on weekends. Some branches are closed on Sundays too.
So ensure to verify working hours when constructing your itinerary.
10. Paying for water.
Faucet water in most locations in New Zealand is secure to drink. At the very least in all of the locations we visited. So that you don’t really want to spend cash on bottled water on the comfort retailer or grocery store. It’s not low-cost.
When you’ve got a refillable water bottle, you possibly can simply fill it up at your lodge or when you possibly can. It’s only a matter of style, generally.
In the event you’re becoming a member of full day excursions like Milford Sound or Lake Tekapo and Hookers Valley, there’s a giant likelihood they are going to be offering a bottle of water too.
11. Underestimating Costs.
New Zealand is dear. My native buddies at all times inform me that the price of dwelling right here is fairly excessive. And so is the price of journey.
The lodging charges alone might eat up a giant chunk of your price range. There’s a purpose Auckland is the one cease the place we stayed at a correct full-service lodge. In Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown, we spent our nights at a hostel primarily due to the price.
That is how a lot we paid for a personal room for two per night time.
- Auckland: SkyCity (Resort)
NZD 170 (USD 102, PHP 5740) - Rotorua: Rock Strong Backpackers (Hostel)
NZD 147 (USD 87, PHP 4950) - Christchurch: Haka Home
NZD 183 (USD 109, PHP 6145) - Queenstown: Black Sheep Backpackers (Hostel)
NZD 215 (USD 128, PHP 7240)
Simply take a look at how a lot we paid per night time for our Queenstown room. This was already the most affordable centrally-located properties we discovered on the time — the most affordable – and this room doesn’t have its personal bathroom and tub. We nonetheless had an amazing keep, although. We truly beloved all these hostels.
We’re most likely gonna create a separate evaluation of all these lodging choices, so for those who don’t wish to miss that, ensure to subscribe to this channel, ring the bell beside it and choose ALL so that you’re at all times up to date.
For a meal, put together to shell out:
- Quick meals: NZD 15-20 (USD9-12, PHP506-675)
- Full-service restaurant: NZD 25-40 (USD 15-24, PHP 845-1350) for a fundamental course, however greater for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I observed is {that a} serving is often enormous, even after they say it’s good for only one individual. Even their burgers listed below are ginormous. Since we have been a bunch, we often simply share the meals and break up the invoice, though some eating places have a one meal per individual coverage.
One of many causes we like staying at hostels is that they often have kitchens the place you possibly can put together your individual meals. It’s particularly helpful for long-term vacationers. Consuming out each day might not be sustainable. If budgeting will get slightly tight, simply purchase one thing at a grocery store or comfort retailer and eat on the hostel.
12. Not staying lengthy sufficient.
That is one factor we’re responsible of. One of many first issues we mentioned once we bought residence from our New Zealand journey was, “That was fast.” We spent 10 days pondering it was lengthy sufficient, however we actually felt like we should always have prolonged our journey. And we might have if we had extra moolah to spend.
New Zealand isn’t actually a stopover sort of vacation spot. It’s the primary occasion. The headliner. The Beyonce of your itinerary. And very like Beyonce, she deserves your money and time. Hahaha.
The perfect locations in New Zealand are unfold out, so the drives are lengthy. They’re value it, however they’re lengthy. And there’s rather a lot to do in each vacation spot. Queenstown alone can oh-so-easily fill a week-long itinerary.
We additionally regretted not spending extra days in Christchurch. We simply didn’t anticipate it to be so stuffed with appeal. And since we needed to see rather a lot, we tumbled into the pitfall of treating our journey as a listing of sights to tick. However once we have been there, we discovered New Zealand to be a spot to decelerate, linger, and take up the environment.
So give your self not less than two weeks if you wish to discover each islands with out spiraling into an Superb Race episode. Extra for those who can swing it.
When you’ve got questions, pontificate within the feedback part under or tag us in your Instagram tales and X (Twitter) posts. It’s also possible to observe us there and on Tiktok.
That’s all for now, keep in mind, plan sensible, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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