Vins and I not too long ago traveled to New Zealand. And sure, New Zealand was a dream. Like, ridiculously lovely. A type of locations the place you begin questioning if it’s even actual. However as beautiful as it’s, touring round got here with a number of surprises, missteps, and “Wait, WHAT?” moments we didn’t precisely see coming. Now that we’re again (a bit of 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 nearly made, so that you don’t must.
From underestimating drive occasions to forgetting simply how intense that Kiwi solar actually is, contemplate 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 also can 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 checklist of journey errors to keep away from.
1. Reserving too late.
We nearly didn’t make it to Hobbiton. And it might’ve been such a disgrace as a result of it’s one of many greatest points of interest that we have been wanting ahead to earlier than the journey, and we nearly did not seize tickets.
One factor it is best to find out about Hobbiton is that as of late, you possibly can solely discover it with a information, so you need to guide a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are lots of methods to do it:
- In the event you desire to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you possibly can simply buy a ticket.
- You possibly can be 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.
After we tried to guide, tickets have been offered out! This was one month earlier than our goal date. We knew it was fashionable, however we have been ready for everybody within the group to be granted a visa earlier than we guide.
Fortunately, there are a number of 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 effectively in the long run.
However sure, whether or not you’re becoming a member of a tour or shopping for a ticket solely, finest to safe it upfront.
✅ RESERVE A HOBBITON SLOT HERE!
2. Winging the visa software.
In the event you’re required to safe a visa previous to arrival in New Zealand, like us, I’ve excellent news and dangerous information. The excellent news is, it’s truly fairly simple to use for a customer visa. The checklist of necessities isn’t too lengthy and the entire course of (100% of it) is finished on-line.
The dangerous 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 international locations; they actually do consider purposes meticulously, so you possibly can’t simply wing it.
For instance, whenever you have a look at the checklist of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, photograph, and itinerary. You possibly can technically submit an software with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get accredited. In fact, it’s endorsed that you just add different paperwork that visa officers can use to evaluate your software 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 is crucial that you just paint a full image of your background and your plans in New Zealand, and show that you just intend to depart the nation and never overstay.
We’ve a separate article about it. READ: NEW ZEALAND VISA APPLICATION GUIDE! ✅
I do know individuals who have been denied a visa, so take your software significantly.
Talking of denied…
3. Not reapplying when rejected.
Let’s say your software is declined and you’re refused a visa. What now? Are you able to attraction or ask for reconsideration?
NO, for those who utilized exterior New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you studying this should not based mostly in NZ. Right here’s an excerpt from a refusal letter that my buddy obtained.
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 begin a brand new software and pay one other visa price.
However earlier than you reapply, be sure to have new supporting paperwork so as to add that would tackle the explanations for refusal. In the event you’ll be submitting the very same pile of paperwork, you would possibly simply be losing one other NZD 100.
In the event you’re presently in New Zealand, YES, you possibly can attraction so long as you make the request inside 14 days.
However please observe 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 Danger Objects Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s greatest industries, and the federal government does the whole lot they’ll to guard the atmosphere and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict in the case of what enters their border.
It is crucial that you just’re acquainted with gadgets which can be allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and observe their insurance policies so that you received’t run into any downside on the airport. It’s essential to additionally concentrate on the gadgets that you need to declare.
Earlier than your journey to New Zealand, you can be required to perform the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Type, which has two sections particularly about what you’re bringing into the nation. The primary is BIOSECURITY, and it’s important to declare for those who carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage gadgets like:
Danger Objects
- Any meals: cooked, raw, contemporary, preserved, packaged or dried, together with chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, immediate noodles, espresso, tea luggage, smooth drinks and even snacks served contained in the aircraft.
- 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?
- Out of doors gear: Objects which were used for outside actions, together with any footwear, tents, tenting, searching, mountaineering, golf or sports activities gear
I used to be carrying goodies and different meals merchandise, so I simply declared them.
Restricted Objects
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 proper 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 measurement 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 appears 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 way in which to the South of France.
So no, it is going to be impractical to imagine it solely takes a number of days to discover or you can see all of it in per week.
Similar 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 nearly 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 commonly a favourite vacation spot from Rotorua or Auckland, is definitely 2 to 2 and a half hours away. Even Hobbiton will not be “simply exterior Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from town heart, too.
That is why it’s essential to construct a strategic and strong itinerary, particularly for those who’re driving.
6. Driving on the Incorrect Facet of the Street
Driving abroad is commonly unnerving. However whereas in principle, driving in New Zealand ought to be simple as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators in all places, there are some things you have to 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 proper 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 must 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 slender, however automobiles transfer quick right here. And as an alternative of stoplights, there are lots of roundabouts, which is nice in minimizing site visitors jams.
However know that whenever you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits quite a bit. It’s not troublesome, however it simply takes some getting used to.
It’s finest to have a navigator or a co-pilot driving shotgun so you possibly can deal with the driving and there may be 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 whenever you see one, seize the prospect and replenish as a result of the following one may be many, many miles away.
7. Considering It’s Troublesome to Probe for Non-Drivers
After we began posting about our New Zealand journey on Instagram, we obtained lots of questions on whether or not it’s potential to discover the nation even for those who don’t know drive. And the reply is YES.
They are saying that one of the simplest ways to discover New Zealand is to hire 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 apply is to remain in Auckland then go on a day journey of Hobbiton after which return to Auckland. Then the following day, take the bus to Rotorua.
However there are one-way excursions out there. As an illustration, there may be an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This manner, when you’re accomplished 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 carry your baggage with you.
We received 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 way in which, 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 a very good possibility for non-drivers and can find yourself less expensive than taking a roundtrip tour at some point after which boarding an intercity bus individually.
Whether or not you’re reserving excursions or resorts, redeem our unique low cost voucher by visiting www.thepoortraveler.web/klook or use our promo codes TPTKLOOK5 for as much as P500 OFF or THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for as much as P300 OFF. These codes might change sooner or later, so verify the outline or pinned remark for the up to date codes and hyperlinks.
8. Skipping sunscreen.
New Zealand’s local weather is fairly gentle, and it could possibly nonetheless get cool even in summer season months, so that you would possibly suppose “Sunscreen? Nah, I’m good.” And by lunchtime? Increase—your face is redder than a blushing teenager. This occurred to me. Properly, kind of. I apply sunscreen earlier than leaving the lodge however I often overlook to reapply.
The chilly environment 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 below the crisp, clear summer season skies.
So don’t overlook to carry 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 evening, 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 possibly can nonetheless discover some that stay open at evening, however it is going to be more durable. However don’t fear, bars and malls are typically open a lot later than cafes.
This isn’t distinctive to New Zealand, although. We additionally observed this in some cities in Australia. May very well be one thing to do with wages and work-life steadiness.
Some points of interest additionally shut early. Te Puia in Rotorua is barely 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 automobile rental corporations shut early, excluding airport branches. Europcar in Auckland metropolis heart closes at 4pm on weekdays, and 12 midday on weekends. Some branches are closed on Sundays too.
So be certain to verify working hours when constructing your itinerary.
10. Paying for water.
Faucet water in most locations in New Zealand is protected 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.
In case you have 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, typically.
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 all the time inform me that the price of residing right here is fairly excessive. And so is the price of journey.
The lodging charges alone may 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 non-public room for two per evening.
- Auckland: SkyCity (Resort)
NZD 170 (USD 102, PHP 5740) - Rotorua: Rock Stable 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 have a look at how a lot we paid per evening for our Queenstown room. This was already the most cost effective centrally-located properties we discovered on the time — the most cost effective – and this room doesn’t have its personal rest room and bathtub. We nonetheless had an incredible keep, although. We truly beloved all these hostels.
We’re in all probability gonna create a separate evaluate of all these lodging choices, so for those who don’t wish to miss that, be certain to subscribe to this channel, ring the bell beside it and choose ALL so that you’re all the time 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 primary course, however greater for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I observed is {that a} serving is often enormous, even once they say it’s good for only one individual. Even their burgers listed here 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 a bit of 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 after we received dwelling from our New Zealand journey was, “That was fast.” We spent 10 days considering it was lengthy sufficient, however we actually felt like we should always have prolonged our journey. And we’d have if we had extra moolah to spend.
New Zealand isn’t actually a stopover form 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.
One of the best locations in New Zealand are unfold out, so the drives are lengthy. They’re value it, however they’re lengthy. And there’s quite a bit 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 filled with attraction. And since we wished to see quite a bit, we tumbled into the pitfall of treating our journey as a listing of sights to tick. However after we have been there, we discovered New Zealand to be a spot to decelerate, linger, and take in the environment.
So give your self at the very least two weeks if you wish to discover each islands with out spiraling into an Superb Race episode. Extra for those who can swing it.
In case you have questions, pontificate within the feedback part beneath or tag us in your Instagram tales and X (Twitter) posts. You too can observe us there and on Tiktok.
That’s all for now, keep in mind, plan good, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
The place to Keep in New Zealand
Seek for extra Auckland Motels!
