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 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 little bit 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 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 may 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 listing of journey errors to keep away from.
1. Reserving too late.
We virtually 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 virtually didn’t seize tickets.
One factor you need to learn about Hobbiton is that today, you possibly can solely discover it with a information, so you have to ebook a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are numerous methods to do it:
- When you want to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you possibly can simply buy a ticket.
- You possibly can be 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 ebook, tickets have been offered out! This was one month earlier than our goal date. We knew it was fashionable, however we have 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 have been a gaggle of 5, and by sheer luck, we have been in a position to get the LAST 5 TICKETS! Speak about meant to be. All the things 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, finest 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 dangerous information. The excellent news is, it’s really fairly simple 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 dangerous 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 nations; they actually do consider purposes meticulously, so you possibly can’t simply wing it.
For instance, once you take a look at the listing of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, photograph, and itinerary. You possibly can technically submit an software with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get authorised. 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 when you declare you’re shouldering the price of the journey your self.
It can be crucial 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.
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’re refused a visa. What now? Are you able to enchantment or ask for reconsideration?
NO, when you utilized outdoors New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you studying this aren’t 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 price.
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 at present 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 Threat Objects Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s greatest industries, and the federal government does the whole lot they’ll to guard the atmosphere and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict in relation to what enters their border.
It can be crucial that you simply’re aware of objects which are allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and observe their insurance policies so that you received’t run into any downside on the airport. It’s essential to additionally concentrate on the objects that you have to declare.
Earlier than your journey to New Zealand, you’ll 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 must declare when you 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, prompt noodles, espresso, tea luggage, 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
- Vegetation or plant merchandise: fruit, flowers, seeds, bulbs, wooden, bark, leaves, nuts, greens, components 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
- Gear: Gear/clothes used with animals, crops or water, together with for gardening, beekeeping, fishing, water sport or diving actions?
- Out of doors gear: Objects which have been used for out of doors 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 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 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 when you fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s dimension and distances.
If you’re 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. When you superimpose it on Europe, you’ll discover that it stretches from Denmark all the best way to the South of France.
So no, will probably 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 shouldn’t be “simply outdoors Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from the town middle, too.
That is why it’s necessary to construct a strategic and strong itinerary, particularly when you’re driving.
6. Driving on the Improper Aspect of the Highway
Driving out of the country is commonly unnerving. However whereas in concept, driving in New Zealand must be simple as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators in all places, there are some things you might want to keep in mind earlier than you determine to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left aspect of the street. And when you’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 normally two-lane and slender, however autos 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 once you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits so much. It’s not troublesome, however it simply takes some getting used to.
It’s finest to have a navigator or a co-pilot driving shotgun so you possibly can 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 once you see one, seize the prospect and replenish as a result of the subsequent one is likely to be many, many miles away.
7. Pondering It’s Tough to Probe for Non-Drivers
Once we began posting about our New Zealand journey on Instagram, we acquired plenty of questions on whether or not it’s potential to discover the nation even when you don’t know how you can drive. And the reply is YES.
They are saying that the easiest way 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 keen to drive. For that, you possibly can take public transportation like Intercity Buses. However be sure you 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 subsequent day, take the bus to Rotorua.
However there are one-way excursions obtainable. As an example, there may be an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This manner, when you’re performed 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 lodge in Rotorua. It’s like a tour and switch in a single. And sure, you possibly can carry your baggage with you.
We acquired 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 sooner or later after which boarding an intercity bus individually.
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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 would possibly suppose “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 neglect 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 neglect to carry sunscreen with loads of SPF and truly use it. And pack a hat, whilst 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 possibly can nonetheless discover some that stay open at evening, however will probably be tougher. 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. May very well 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 seen that automobile rental firms shut early, excluding 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 ensure to test 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.
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 an enormous likelihood they are going to be offering a bottle of water too.
11. Underestimating Costs.
New Zealand is dear. My native pals 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 price range. 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 price.
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 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 cost effective centrally-located properties we discovered on the time — the most cost effective – and this room doesn’t have its personal bathroom and bathtub. We nonetheless had a terrific keep, although. We really liked all these hostels.
We’re in all probability gonna create a separate assessment of all these lodging choices, so when you don’t wish to miss that, ensure 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 predominant course, however larger for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs
However one factor I seen is {that a} serving is normally big, even once they say it’s good for only one particular person. 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 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 individual meals. It’s particularly helpful for long-term vacationers. Consuming out each day might not be sustainable. If budgeting will get a little bit 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 acquired dwelling 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 type of vacation spot. It’s the primary 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 price it, however they’re lengthy. And there’s so much 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 stuffed with attraction. And since we needed to see so much, we tumbled into the pitfall of treating our journey as an inventory of sights to tick. However after we have been there, we discovered New Zealand to be a spot to decelerate, linger, and take up the environment.
So give your self a minimum of two weeks if you wish to discover each islands with out spiraling into an Wonderful Race episode. Extra when you can swing it.
If in case you have questions, pontificate within the feedback part beneath 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, keep in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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