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Vins and I just lately 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 couple of surprises, missteps, and “Wait, WHAT?” moments we didn’t precisely see coming. Now that we’re again (just a little 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 instances 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 can even humble a traveler actual fast, particularly if it’s your first time.
So earlier than you pack your baggage 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 nearly didn’t make it to Hobbiton. And it could’ve been such a disgrace as a result of it’s one of many greatest sights that we had been wanting ahead to earlier than the journey, and we nearly didn’t seize tickets.
One factor you must find out about Hobbiton is that lately, you’ll be able to solely discover it with a information, so you should ebook a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are numerous methods to do it:
- In the event you want to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you’ll be able to simply buy a ticket.
- You’ll be able to 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.
After we tried to ebook, tickets had been offered out! This was one month earlier than our goal date. We knew it was in style, however we had been ready for everybody within the group to be granted a visa earlier than we ebook.
Fortunately, there are a couple of excursions departing from Matamata iSite. We had been a bunch of 5, and by sheer luck, we had been in a position to get the LAST 5 TICKETS! Speak about meant to be. Every part 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 prematurely.
✅ 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 unhealthy information. The excellent news is, it’s really fairly straightforward 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 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 international locations; they actually do consider purposes meticulously, so you’ll be able to’t simply wing it.
For instance, if you have a look at the listing of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, photograph, and itinerary. You’ll be able to technically submit an software with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get accepted. After all, 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 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 software severely.
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 enchantment or ask for reconsideration?
NO, for those who utilized exterior New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you studying this aren’t based mostly in NZ. Right here’s an excerpt from a refusal letter that my good friend 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 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 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 at present in New Zealand, YES, you’ll be able to enchantment so long as you make the request inside 14 days.
However please notice that what I share ought to NOT be taken as official Immigration recommendation. Consider me as only a good friend 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 Gadgets Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s greatest industries, and the federal government does every part they will to guard the surroundings and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict in terms of what enters their border.
It will be significant that you just’re acquainted with objects which might be allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and comply with their insurance policies so that you gained’t run into any drawback on the airport. It’s essential to additionally pay attention to the objects that you should 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 important to declare for those who carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage objects like:
Threat Gadgets
- Any meals: cooked, raw, contemporary, preserved, packaged or dried, together with chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, instantaneous noodles, espresso, tea baggage, delicate 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
- Crops or plant merchandise: fruit, flowers, seeds, bulbs, wooden, bark, leaves, nuts, greens, elements 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 have been used for out of doors actions, together with any footwear, tents, tenting, searching, mountaineering, golf or sports activities tools
I used to be carrying sweets 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 objects like medication and alcohol.
On the airport, the border officers simply requested what objects I declared and directed me to the proper 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 may get fined for those who fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s measurement and distances.
Whenever you’re taking a look at a map, it’s straightforward 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 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. 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 couple of days to discover or you can 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 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 usually a favourite vacation spot from Rotorua or Auckland, is definitely 2 to 2 and a half hours away. Even Hobbiton shouldn’t be “simply exterior Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from town heart, too.
Because of this it’s essential to construct a strategic and strong itinerary, particularly for those who’re driving.
6. Driving on the Fallacious Facet of the Highway
Driving in another country is usually unnerving. However whereas in idea, driving in New Zealand ought to be straightforward as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators in all places, there are some things you should keep in mind earlier than you determine to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left facet 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 automobile or your place on the street. You’ll must unlearn sure issues particularly when taking a flip at intersections.
I additionally seen 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 whole lot of roundabouts, which is nice in minimizing site visitors jams.
However know that if you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits lots. It’s not tough, however it simply takes some getting used to.
It’s finest to have a navigator or a co-pilot using shotgun so you’ll be able to concentrate on the driving and there may be somebody to remind you in case you get confused.
Additionally, gasoline stations or petrol stations are few and much between particularly when driving between cities, so if you see one, seize the possibility and replenish as a result of the following one is perhaps 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 acquired a whole lot of questions on whether or not it’s potential 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 simplest ways to discover New Zealand is to lease a automobile and drive. And I agree. It’s additionally cost-efficient for those who’re a bunch. However not everybody is ready or prepared to drive. For that, you’ll be able to take public transportation like Intercity Buses. However be sure to sync your itinerary with the accessible 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 accessible. As an example, there may be an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This fashion, when you’re completed with Auckland, this tour can decide you up within the metropolis, make a cease in Hobbiton so you might discover after which after, drop you off at your subsequent resort in Rotorua. It’s like a tour and switch in a single. And sure, you’ll be able to carry your baggage with you.
We received to strive the Christchurch-Queenstown one-way tour. The shuttle picked us up at our resort in Christchurch together with our baggage. And alongside the way in which, 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 a great choice for non-drivers and can find yourself less expensive than taking a roundtrip tour sooner or later after which boarding an intercity bus individually.
Whether or not you’re reserving excursions or motels, 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 may 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, type of. I apply sunscreen earlier than leaving the resort 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 underneath the crisp, clear summer time skies.
So don’t overlook to carry sunscreen with loads of SPF and truly use it. And pack a hat, when 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’ll be able to 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 seen this in some cities in Australia. Might be one thing to do with wages and work-life stability.
Some sights 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 trip down is at 5:30PM.
We additionally seen 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 ensure 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 actually need 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’ll be able to simply fill it up at your resort or when you’ll be able to. 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 an enormous probability they are going to be offering a bottle of water too.
11. Underestimating Costs.
New Zealand is dear. My native mates at all times inform me that the price of residing right here is fairly excessive. And so is the price of journey.
The lodging charges alone might eat up an enormous chunk of your finances. There’s a purpose Auckland is the one cease the place we stayed at a correct full-service resort. 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 non-public room for two per evening.
- Auckland: SkyCity (Lodge)
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 affordable centrally-located properties we discovered on the time — the most affordable – and this room doesn’t have its personal rest room and tub. We nonetheless had an amazing keep, although. We really beloved all these hostels.
We’re most likely gonna create a separate overview 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 major course, however greater for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I seen is {that a} serving is often big, even once they say it’s good for only one particular person. Even their burgers listed here are ginormous. Since we had been a bunch, we often simply share the meals and break up the invoice, though some eating places have a one meal per particular person coverage.
One of many causes we like staying at hostels is that they often have kitchens the place you’ll be able to put together your individual meals. It’s particularly helpful for long-term vacationers. Consuming out day-after-day might not be sustainable. If budgeting will get just a little 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 after we received 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’d have if we had extra moolah to spend.
New Zealand isn’t actually a stopover sort of vacation spot. It’s the principle 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 price it, however they’re lengthy. And there’s lots 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 allure. And since we wished to see lots, we tumbled into the pitfall of treating our journey as an inventory of sights to tick. However after we had 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 Wonderful Race episode. Extra for those who can swing it.
When you’ve got questions, hold forth within the feedback part beneath or tag us in your Instagram tales and X (Twitter) posts. You can too comply with us there and on Tiktok.
That’s all for now, keep in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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