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 (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 instances to forgetting simply how intense that Kiwi solar actually is, think about 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 baggage and say “Kia ora!” to the journey of a lifetime, proceed watching this video that includes our record 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 had been wanting ahead to earlier than the journey, and we virtually didn’t 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 should ebook a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are a lot 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’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 fashionable, however we had been ready for everybody within the group to be granted a visa earlier than we ebook.
Fortunately, there are a number of excursions departing from Matamata iSite. We had been a gaggle of 5, and by sheer luck, we had been capable of get the LAST 5 TICKETS! Discuss meant to be. Every part went properly ultimately.
However sure, whether or not you’re becoming a member of a tour or shopping for a ticket solely, greatest 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 really fairly straightforward to use for a customer visa. The record of necessities isn’t too lengthy and the entire course of (100% of it) is completed 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 nations; they actually do consider purposes meticulously, so you possibly can’t simply wing it.
For instance, if you take a look at the record of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, picture, and itinerary. You’ll be able to technically submit an utility with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get accepted. 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 if you happen to 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 go away the nation and never overstay.
Now we have 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 significantly.
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 attraction or ask for reconsideration?
NO, if you happen to 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 pal 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 utility and pay one other visa charge.
However earlier than you reapply, be sure you 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 may simply be losing one other NZD 100.
In the event you’re at present in New Zealand, YES, you possibly can attraction 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 pal 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 all the things they’ll to guard the surroundings and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict on the subject of what enters their border.
It is crucial 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 drawback on the airport. You should additionally concentrate on the gadgets that you should declare.
Earlier than your journey to New Zealand, you may 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 you must declare if you happen to carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage gadgets 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 baggage, comfortable 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, 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: Objects which were used for outside actions, together with any footwear, tents, tenting, looking, climbing, golf or sports activities gear
I used to be carrying candies and different meals merchandise, so I simply declared them.
Restricted Objects
You’ll even be requested if you happen to’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 suitable lane. It was fairly clean. I’m guessing as a result of it’s simply candies and snacks.
So if it’s meant to be declared, declare them. You will get fined if you happen to fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s measurement 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 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 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 a number of days to discover or that you would be able to 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 shouldn’t be “simply exterior Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from town middle, too.
Because of this it’s necessary to construct a strategic and stable itinerary, particularly if you happen to’re driving.
6. Driving on the Improper Aspect of the Highway
Driving out of the country is commonly unnerving. However whereas in idea, 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 worthwhile to bear in mind earlier than you resolve to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left aspect of the highway. And if you happen to’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 should 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 if you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits quite a bit. It’s not tough, however it simply takes some getting used to.
It’s greatest to have a navigator or a co-pilot using shotgun so you possibly can give attention to 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 prospect and refill as a result of the subsequent one is perhaps many, many miles away.
7. Pondering It’s Tough to Probe for Non-Drivers
After we began posting about our New Zealand journey on Instagram, we obtained numerous questions on whether or not it’s doable to discover the nation even if you happen to don’t know tips on how to drive. And the reply is YES.
They are saying that one of the simplest ways to discover New Zealand is to hire a automobile and drive. And I agree. It’s additionally cost-efficient if you happen to’re a gaggle. However not everybody is ready or keen to drive. For that, you possibly can take public transportation like Intercity Buses. However be sure you 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. As an example, 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 might 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 baggage. 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 possibility for non-drivers and can find yourself more cost effective than taking a roundtrip tour in the future 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 delicate, and it could actually 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. Effectively, type of. I apply sunscreen earlier than leaving the lodge however I normally 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 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 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 will likely 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. 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 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 make 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.
If 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, generally.
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 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 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 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 non-public room for two per evening.
- 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 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 bathtub. We nonetheless had an ideal keep, although. We really liked all these hostels.
We’re in all probability gonna create a separate overview of all these lodging choices, so if you happen to don’t wish to miss that, make 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 important course, however greater for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I observed is {that a} serving is normally 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 gaggle, we normally 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 normally have kitchens the place you possibly can put together your personal meals. It’s particularly helpful for long-term vacationers. Consuming out day-after-day is probably not 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’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 similar to Beyonce, she deserves your money and time. Hahaha.
The perfect locations in New Zealand are unfold out, so the drives are lengthy. They’re price 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 an inventory of sights to tick. However once we had been there, we discovered New Zealand to be a spot to decelerate, linger, and take in 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 if you happen to can swing it.
If in case you have questions, hold forth within the feedback part under 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, bear in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
The place to Keep in New Zealand
Seek for extra Auckland Accommodations!
