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 gorgeous 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 (somewhat 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, 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 may 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 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 sights that we have 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 today, you possibly can solely discover it with a information, so it’s essential to ebook a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are various methods to do it:
- When you desire 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 have been offered 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 ebook.
Fortunately, there are just a few 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. Every part went properly in the long run.
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 software.
When 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 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 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 functions meticulously, so you possibly can’t simply wing it.
For instance, if you have a look at the checklist of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, picture, and itinerary. You’ll be able to technically submit an software with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get authorized. In fact, it’s endorsed that you simply add different paperwork that visa officers can use to evaluate your software particularly proof of real intent or rootedness, and proof of funds when you declare you’re shouldering the price of the journey your self.
It will be significant that you simply paint a full image of your background and your plans in New Zealand, and show that you simply intend to depart 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 software critically.
Talking of denied…
3. Not reapplying when rejected.
Let’s say your software is declined and you might be refused a visa. What now? Are you able to attraction or ask for reconsideration?
NO, when you utilized exterior 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 pal 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 payment.
However earlier than you reapply, be sure you have new supporting paperwork so as to add that might tackle the explanations for refusal. When you’ll be submitting the very same pile of paperwork, you would possibly simply be losing one other NZD 100.
When 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 pal 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 Gadgets Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s greatest industries, and the federal government does every thing they’ll to guard the atmosphere and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict in relation to what enters their border.
It will be significant that you simply’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 need to additionally concentrate on the objects that it’s essential 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 need to declare when you carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage objects like:
Danger Gadgets
- Any meals: cooked, raw, recent, preserved, packaged or dried, together with chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, immediate noodles, espresso, tea baggage, smooth 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 crops, 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, crops 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, looking, mountaineering, golf or sports activities gear
I used to be carrying sweets and different meals merchandise, so I simply declared them.
Restricted Gadgets
You’ll even be requested when you’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 best lane. It was fairly clean. 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 when you fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s dimension and distances.
Once you’re 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. When 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, will probably be impractical to imagine it solely takes just a few days to discover or that you may see all of it in every 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 just isn’t “simply exterior Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from the town middle, too.
This is the reason it’s vital to construct a strategic and strong itinerary, particularly when you’re driving.
6. Driving on the Incorrect Aspect of the Highway
Driving out of the country is commonly unnerving. However whereas in concept, driving in New Zealand ought to be straightforward as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators in every single place, there are some things that you must keep in mind earlier than you resolve to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left facet of the highway. And when you’re used to driving on the best 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 often two-lane and slim, however automobiles transfer quick right here. And as a substitute of stoplights, there are plenty of roundabouts, which is nice in minimizing visitors jams.
However know that if you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits rather a lot. 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 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 if you see one, seize the prospect and refill as a result of the subsequent 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 acquired plenty of questions on whether or not it’s attainable to discover the nation even when you don’t know the best way to drive. And the reply is YES.
They are saying that one of the best ways to discover New Zealand is to lease a automobile and drive. And I agree. It’s additionally cost-efficient when you’re a gaggle. 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 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 standard apply 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 illustration, there’s 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 possibly can 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 obtained 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 way in which, we stopped at varied vacationer spots like Lake Tekapo and Hooker Valley within the shadows of Mt. Cook dinner earlier than terminating in Queenstown.
It’s a superb 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.
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8. Skipping sunscreen.
New Zealand’s local weather is fairly delicate, and it will possibly nonetheless get cool even in summer time months, so that you would possibly assume “Sunscreen? Nah, I’m good.” And by lunchtime? Increase—your face is redder than a blushing teenager. This occurred to me. Effectively, form 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 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.
When 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 will probably 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. Might be one thing to do with wages and work-life steadiness.
Some sights 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 experience down is at 5:30PM.
We additionally observed that automotive 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 be certain that to examine working hours when constructing your itinerary.
10. Paying for water.
Faucet water in most locations in New Zealand is secure to drink. A minimum of 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, typically.
When 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 mates 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 a giant 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 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 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 truly cherished all these hostels.
We’re in all probability gonna create a separate evaluate of all these lodging choices, so when you don’t need to miss that, be certain 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 increased for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I observed is {that a} serving is often large, even after they say it’s good for only one particular person. Even their burgers listed below are ginormous. Since we have been a gaggle, 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 possibly can put together your individual meals. It’s particularly helpful for long-term vacationers. Consuming out on daily basis is probably not sustainable. If budgeting will get somewhat 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 obtained house 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 might have if we had extra moolah to spend.
New Zealand isn’t actually a stopover type 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.
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 wished to see rather a lot, 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 when you can swing it.
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That’s all for now, keep in mind, plan sensible, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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