Vins and I 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 gorgeous as it’s, touring round got here with a couple 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 virtually made, so that you don’t must.
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 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 virtually didn’t make it to Hobbiton. And it will’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 didn’t seize tickets.
One factor you need to find out about Hobbiton is that as of late, you may solely discover it with a information, so it’s essential to e book a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are various methods to do it:
- For those who favor to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you may simply buy a ticket.
- You’ll be able to be a part of a day tour from Auckland or Rotorua, which already consists of 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 common, however we have been ready for everybody within the group to be granted a visa earlier than we e book.
Fortunately, there are a couple of excursions departing from Matamata iSite. We have been a gaggle of 5, and by sheer luck, we have been capable of get the LAST 5 TICKETS! Speak about meant to be. All the things went nicely ultimately.
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 utility.
For those who’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 really fairly straightforward 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 straightforward to use doesn’t imply it’s straightforward 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 functions meticulously, so you may’t simply wing it.
For instance, once you take a look at the checklist of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, photograph, and itinerary. You’ll be able to technically submit an utility with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get authorized. In fact, it’s endorsed 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 is vital 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’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 are usually not based mostly 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 deal with the explanations for refusal. For those who’ll be submitting the very same pile of paperwork, you may simply be losing one other NZD 100.
For those who’re at present in New Zealand, YES, you may attraction so long as you make the request inside 14 days.
However please be aware that what I share ought to NOT be taken as official Immigration recommendation. Consider me as only a buddy sharing my expertise. Take a look at the official New Zealand web site or seek the advice of an immigration advisor for official recommendation or help.
4. Failing to Declare Threat Objects Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s largest industries, and the federal government does the whole lot they’ll to guard the setting and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict in relation to what enters their border.
It is vital that you just’re conversant in objects which are allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and comply with their insurance policies so that you gained’t run into any drawback on the airport. You have to additionally concentrate on the objects that it’s essential to declare.
Earlier than your journey to New Zealand, you can 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 it’s a must to declare for those who carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage objects like:
Threat Objects
- Any meals: cooked, raw, contemporary, preserved, packaged or dried, together with chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, instantaneous noodles, espresso, tea luggage, comfortable 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 spiritual 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: Objects which have been used for outside actions, together with any footwear, tents, tenting, looking, climbing, golf or sports activities gear
I used to be carrying sweets 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 objects like drugs and alcohol.
On the airport, the border officers simply requested what objects I declared and directed me to the suitable lane. It was fairly easy. I’m guessing as a result of it’s simply sweets and snacks.
So if it’s meant to be declared, declare them. You will get fined for those who fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s dimension and distances.
Once you’re taking a look at a map, it’s straightforward to see New Zealand as a gaggle 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 greater than the UK and only a bit smaller than the Philippines. For those who superimpose it on Europe, you’ll discover that it stretches from Denmark all the best way to the South of France.
So no, it is going to be impractical to imagine it solely takes a couple of days to discover or that you could 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 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 commonly a favourite vacation spot from Rotorua or Auckland, is definitely 2 to 2 and a half hours away. Even Hobbiton isn’t “simply exterior Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from town middle, too.
Because of this it’s necessary to construct a strategic and strong itinerary, particularly for those who’re driving.
6. Driving on the Flawed Facet of the Highway
Driving in another country is commonly unnerving. However whereas in concept, driving in New Zealand must be straightforward as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators all over the place, there are some things it’s good to bear in mind earlier than you resolve to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left facet of the highway. And for those who’re used to driving on the suitable 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 automobile or your place on the highway. 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 normally two-lane and slender, however autos transfer quick right here. And as a substitute of stoplights, there are numerous roundabouts, which is nice in minimizing visitors jams.
However know that once you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits rather a lot. It’s not tough, nevertheless it simply takes some getting used to.
It’s finest to have a navigator or a co-pilot using shotgun so you may give attention to 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 once you see one, seize the possibility 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
Once we began posting about our New Zealand journey on Instagram, we acquired numerous questions on whether or not it’s attainable to discover the nation even for those who don’t know the way to drive. And the reply is YES.
They are saying that one of the best ways to discover New Zealand is to hire a automobile and drive. And I agree. It’s additionally cost-efficient for those who’re a gaggle. However not everybody is in a position or keen to drive. For that, you may take public transportation like Intercity Buses. However be sure to sync your itinerary with the obtainable 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 following day, take the bus to Rotorua.
However there are one-way excursions obtainable. For example, there may be an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This manner, when you’re finished with Auckland, this tour can decide you up within the metropolis, make a cease in Hobbiton so you may 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 may deliver your baggage with you.
We obtained 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 varied 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 less expensive than taking a roundtrip tour someday after which boarding an intercity bus individually.
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8. Skipping sunscreen.
New Zealand’s local weather is fairly delicate, and it might nonetheless get cool even in summer time months, so that you may assume “Sunscreen? Nah, I’m good.” And by lunchtime? Increase—your face is redder than a blushing teenager. This occurred to me. Properly, form of. I apply sunscreen earlier than leaving the lodge however I normally overlook 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 below the crisp, clear summer time skies.
So don’t overlook to deliver sunscreen with loads of SPF and truly use it. And pack a hat, when you’re at it.
9. Lacking the working hours.
For those who’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’ll be able to nonetheless discover some that stay open at night time, however it is going to be tougher. 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. Might be one thing to do with wages and work-life steadiness.
Some points of interest additionally shut early. Te Puia in Rotorua is just open till 4pm and Wai-o-Tapu till 4:30pm, understandably. Christchurch Gondola solely operates till 5pm and the final experience down is at 5:30PM.
We additionally observed that automobile rental corporations shut early, except for 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 be sure that to verify working hours when constructing your itinerary.
10. Paying for water.
Faucet water in most locations in New Zealand is protected to drink. No less than 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 may simply fill it up at your lodge or when you may. It’s only a matter of style, typically.
For those who’re becoming a member of full day excursions like Milford Sound or Lake Tekapo and Hookers Valley, there’s an enormous likelihood they are going to be offering a bottle of water too.
11. Underestimating Costs.
New Zealand is pricey. My native buddies all the time inform me that the price of dwelling right here is fairly excessive. And so is the price of journey.
The lodging charges alone may eat up an enormous chunk of your finances. There’s a motive 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 associated fee.
That is how a lot we paid for a personal room for two per night time.
- Auckland: SkyCity (Lodge)
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 cost effective centrally-located properties we discovered on the time — the most cost effective – and this room doesn’t have its personal bathroom and tub. We nonetheless had an amazing keep, although. We really cherished all these hostels.
We’re in all probability gonna create a separate evaluation of all these lodging choices, so for those who don’t wish to miss that, be sure that 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 foremost course, however greater for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I observed is {that a} serving is normally large, even after they say it’s good for only one individual. Even their burgers listed below are ginormous. Since we have been a gaggle, we normally 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 normally have kitchens the place you may put together your personal meals. It’s particularly helpful for long-term vacationers. Consuming out each day will 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 stated once we obtained house from our New Zealand journey was, “That was fast.” We spent 10 days pondering it was lengthy sufficient, however we actually felt like we must always have prolonged our journey. And we might have if we had extra moolah to spend.
New Zealand isn’t actually a stopover form of vacation spot. It’s the principle occasion. The headliner. The Beyonce of your itinerary. And very similar to Beyonce, she deserves your money and time. Hahaha.
The most effective 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 count on it to be so filled with appeal. And since we wished 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 in the environment.
So give your self at the 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 may as well comply with us there and on Tiktok.
That’s all for now, bear in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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