Vins and I lately traveled to New Zealand. And sure, New Zealand was a dream. Like, ridiculously stunning. A kind 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 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 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 could’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 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 you have to e book a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are lots of methods to do it:
- In the event you want to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you possibly can simply buy a ticket.
- You may 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.
Once we tried to e book, 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 e book.
Fortunately, there are a couple of excursions departing from Matamata iSite. We had been a gaggle of 5, and by sheer luck, we had been in a position to get the LAST 5 TICKETS! Speak about meant to be. All the pieces went nicely ultimately.
However sure, whether or not you’re becoming a member of a tour or shopping for a ticket solely, greatest 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 unhealthy 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 unhealthy 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, picture, and itinerary. You may technically submit an software with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get accepted. After all, it is strongly recommended 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 if you happen to declare you’re shouldering the price of the journey your self.
It is vital that you simply paint a full image of your background and your plans in New Zealand, and show that you simply intend to go away the nation and never overstay.
We’ve got 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 might be refused a visa. What now? Are you able to enchantment or ask for reconsideration?
NO, if you happen to utilized exterior New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you studying this will not be primarily based 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 software and pay one other visa price.
However earlier than you reapply, ensure you have new supporting paperwork so as to add that would deal with 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 presently in New Zealand, YES, you possibly can 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 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 Danger Gadgets Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s largest industries, and the federal government does the whole lot they will to guard the atmosphere and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict relating to what enters their border.
It is vital that you simply’re accustomed to gadgets which can be allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and observe their insurance policies so that you gained’t run into any drawback on the airport. You will need to additionally pay attention to the gadgets that you have 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 it’s a must to declare if you happen to carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage gadgets like:
Danger Gadgets
- Any meals: cooked, raw, contemporary, preserved, packaged or dried, together with chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, on the spot noodles, espresso, tea baggage, mushy 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
- 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, searching, mountain climbing, golf or sports activities gear
I used to be carrying candies and different meals merchandise, so I simply declared them.
Restricted Gadgets
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 best 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 may get fined if you happen to fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s dimension and distances.
Once you’re taking a look at a map, it’s simple 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 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 will likely be impractical to imagine it solely takes a couple of days to discover or that you may see all of it in per 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 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 the town heart, 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 Facet of the Highway
Driving out of the country is commonly unnerving. However whereas in principle, driving in New Zealand must be simple as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators in every single place, there are some things you might want to bear in mind earlier than you determine to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left facet of the highway. And if you happen to’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 car 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 often two-lane and slender, however autos transfer quick right here. And as a substitute of stoplights, there are loads of roundabouts, which is nice in minimizing 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 greatest to have a navigator or a co-pilot using 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 refill as a result of the subsequent one is likely to be many, many miles away.
7. Pondering It’s Troublesome to Probe for Non-Drivers
Once we began posting about our New Zealand journey on Instagram, we obtained loads of questions on whether or not it’s doable to discover the nation even if you happen to don’t know the right 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 car 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 ensure 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 example, there may be an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This manner, when you’re completed with Auckland, this tour can choose you up within the metropolis, make a cease in Hobbiton so you could possibly 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 possibly can carry your baggage with you.
We received to attempt 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 numerous vacationer spots like Lake Tekapo and Hooker Valley within the shadows of Mt. Cook 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 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 probably nonetheless get cool even in summer season months, so that you may suppose “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 resort however I often neglect 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 neglect 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 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 may nonetheless discover some that stay open at night time, however it will likely 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. Could possibly be one thing to do with wages and work-life steadiness.
Some points of interest 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 automobile rental corporations shut early, except for 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 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.
When you’ve got a refillable water bottle, you possibly can simply fill it up at your resort 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 an enormous likelihood they are going to be offering a bottle of water too.
11. Underestimating Costs.
New Zealand is dear. My native associates 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 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 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 have 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 rest room and bathtub. We nonetheless had an awesome keep, although. We truly liked all these hostels.
We’re most likely gonna create a separate overview of all these lodging choices, so if you happen to don’t wish to miss that, ensure 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 larger for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I observed is {that a} serving is often big, even after they say it’s good for only one individual. Even their burgers listed below are ginormous. Since we had been a gaggle, 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 day-after-day will 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 once 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 must 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.
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 stuffed with allure. And since we needed 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 at the least 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.
When you’ve got questions, pontificate within the feedback part beneath or tag us in your Instagram tales and X (Twitter) posts. You may also observe us there and on Tiktok.
That’s all for now, bear in mind, plan sensible, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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