Vins and I not too long ago traveled to New Zealand. And sure, New Zealand was a dream. Like, ridiculously lovely. 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 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 need to.
From underestimating drive occasions 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 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 will’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 virtually didn’t seize tickets.
One factor it is best to find out about Hobbiton is that nowadays, you may solely discover it with a information, so you should guide a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are lots of methods to do it:
- In case you want to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you may simply buy a ticket.
- You may 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 guide, tickets had been bought out! This was one month earlier than our goal date. We knew it was widespread, however we had been ready for everybody within the group to be granted a visa earlier than we guide.
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! Discuss meant to be. Every little thing went properly 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 case 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 truly 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 completed 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 international locations; they actually do consider functions meticulously, so you may’t simply wing it.
For instance, once you have a look at the listing of supporting paperwork, solely three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, photograph, and itinerary. You may technically submit an software with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get authorised. After all, it is suggested 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 in case you declare you’re shouldering the price of the journey your self.
It is necessary 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 attraction or ask for reconsideration?
NO, in case you utilized outdoors New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you studying this should not primarily based 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 begin 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 might deal with the explanations for refusal. In case you’ll be submitting the very same pile of paperwork, you may simply be losing one other NZD 100.
In case you’re presently in New Zealand, YES, you may 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 good friend 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 part they will to guard the setting and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict on the subject of what enters their border.
It is necessary that you just’re accustomed to objects which are allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and comply with their insurance policies so that you gained’t run into any downside on the airport. You have 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 Type, which has two sections particularly about what you’re bringing into the nation. The primary is BIOSECURITY, and you must declare in case you carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage objects 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 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
- 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?
- Out of doors gear: Gadgets which were used for outside actions, together with any footwear, tents, tenting, looking, mountain climbing, golf or sports activities tools
I used to be carrying candies and different meals merchandise, so I simply declared them.
Restricted Gadgets
You’ll even be requested in case you’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 fitting lane. It was fairly easy. 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 in case you fail to take action.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s measurement 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 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 case 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 could 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 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 usually a favourite vacation spot from Rotorua or Auckland, is definitely 2 to 2 and a half hours away. Even Hobbiton is just not “simply outdoors Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from the town middle, too.
For this reason it’s essential to construct a strategic and stable itinerary, particularly in case you’re driving.
6. Driving on the Flawed Facet of the Highway
Driving out of the country is usually unnerving. However whereas in idea, driving in New Zealand ought to be simple as a result of most roads are paved and there are many indicators all over the place, there are some things it’s good to keep in mind earlier than you resolve to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left facet of the highway. And in case you’re used to driving on the fitting 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 need to 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 a substitute of stoplights, there are a whole lot 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 lots. It’s not tough, but it surely simply takes some getting used to.
It’s finest to have a navigator or a co-pilot driving shotgun so you may give attention to 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 once you see one, seize the prospect and refill as a result of the following one could be many, many miles away.
7. Considering It’s Tough 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 in case you don’t know the right way to 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 in case you’re a gaggle. However not everybody is ready or prepared to drive. For that, you may 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 standard apply 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. For example, there may be an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This manner, when you’re executed with Auckland, this tour can choose you up within the metropolis, make a cease in Hobbiton so you would 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 may convey your baggage with you.
We obtained to strive the Christchurch-Queenstown one-way tour. The shuttle picked us up at our resort in Christchurch together with our luggage. 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 an excellent possibility for non-drivers and can find yourself more cost effective 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 may possibly nonetheless get cool even in summer season 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, form of. I apply sunscreen earlier than leaving the resort however I often 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 season skies.
So don’t neglect to convey sunscreen with loads of SPF and truly use it. And pack a hat, when you’re at it.
9. Lacking the working hours.
In case 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 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 stability.
Some sights additionally shut early. Te Puia in Rotorua is barely open till 4pm and Wai-o-Tapu till 4:30pm, understandably. Christchurch Gondola solely operates till 5pm and the final journey down is at 5:30PM.
We additionally seen that automotive 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 be 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 actually need 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 may simply fill it up at your resort or when you may. It’s only a matter of style, typically.
In case 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 pricey. My native associates 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 funds. 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 personal room for two per night time.
- 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 night time 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 bathroom and bathtub. We nonetheless had an awesome keep, although. We truly cherished all these hostels.
We’re in all probability gonna create a separate evaluation of all these lodging choices, so in case you don’t wish to miss that, be 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 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 after they say it’s good for only one particular person. 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 particular person coverage.
One of many causes we like staying at hostels is that they often have kitchens the place you may put together your individual meals. It’s particularly helpful for long-term vacationers. Consuming out daily might not be sustainable. If budgeting will get a 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 obtained 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 should 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 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 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 stuffed with appeal. And since we wished to see lots, we tumbled into the pitfall of treating our journey as a listing of sights to tick. However after we had been there, we discovered New Zealand to be a spot to decelerate, linger, and take up 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 in case you can swing it.
If in case you have questions, pontificate within the feedback part under or tag us in your Instagram tales and X (Twitter) posts. You may as well 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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