12 Journey Errors You Should not Make in NEW ZEALAND


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 a number 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 virtually made, so that you don’t should.

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BlogDisclaimer

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 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 checklist of journey errors to keep away from.


WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

1. Reserving too late.

We virtually didn’t make it to Hobbiton. And it could’ve been such a disgrace as a result of it’s one of many largest sights that we have been wanting ahead to earlier than the journey, and we virtually did not seize tickets.

One factor you must learn about Hobbiton is that as of late, you possibly can solely discover it with a information, so you have to ebook a Hobbiton Film Set Tour. There are various methods to do it:

  • If you happen to desire to drive or take a public bus by yourself, you possibly can simply buy a ticket.
  • You’ll be able to 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.

After we tried to ebook, tickets have been bought 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 number of 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 little thing 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 utility.

If you happen to’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 simple to use for a customer visa. The checklist 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 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 functions 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’ll be able to technically submit an utility with simply these three attachments. However that doesn’t imply you’ll get authorized. After all, 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 for those who 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 now 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, for those who utilized outdoors New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you studying this usually are not based mostly in NZ. Right here’s an excerpt from a refusal letter that my pal obtained.

New Zealand Visa Refusal Letter ReconsiderationNew Zealand Visa Refusal Letter Reconsideration
Right here’s an excerpt from the Refusal Letter {that a} pal obtained when she was denied a New Zealand visa.

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, ensure you have new supporting paperwork so as to add that might tackle the explanations for refusal. If you happen to’ll be submitting the very same pile of paperwork, you may simply be losing one other NZD 100.

If you happen to’re at present in New Zealand, YES, you possibly can attraction so long as you make the request inside 14 days.

New Zealand Visa ReapplyNew Zealand Visa Reapply
This screenshot is from the official New Zealand Immigration web site

However please be aware 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 Objects Upon Entry

Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s largest industries, and the federal government does all the things they will to guard the setting and guarantee biosecurity. That’s why they’re very strict relating to what enters their border.

New Zealand BIOSECURITYNew Zealand BIOSECURITY

It is necessary that you just’re conversant in objects which are allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and comply with their insurance policies so that you received’t run into any drawback on the airport. You could additionally pay attention to 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 Type, which has two sections particularly about what you’re bringing into the nation. The primary is BIOSECURITY, and it’s a must to declare for those who carry in your hand baggage or check-in baggage objects like:

Danger Objects

New Zealand RISK ITEMSNew Zealand RISK ITEMS
Screenshot of a web page on the official web site
  • Any meals: cooked, raw, recent, preserved, packaged or dried, together with chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, on the spot noodles, espresso, tea luggage, comfortable 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 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?
  • Out of doors gear: Objects which have been used for outside actions, together with any footwear, tents, tenting, searching, mountain climbing, golf or sports activities gear

I used to be carrying goodies and different meals merchandise, so I simply declared them.

Restricted Objects

You’ll even be requested for those who’re carrying greater than the allowed quantity of restricted objects like drugs and alcohol.

New Zealand Airport RESTRICTED ITEMSNew Zealand Airport RESTRICTED ITEMS

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 goodies and snacks.

So if it’s meant to be declared, declare them. You will get fined for those who fail to take action.


5. Underestimating New Zealand’s measurement and distances.

Once 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 greater than the UK and only a bit smaller than the Philippines. If you happen to superimpose it on Europe, you’ll discover that it stretches from Denmark all the way in which to the South of France.

New Zealand Size ComparizonNew Zealand Size Comparizon
© “New Zealand Superimposed over Europe” by Hazhk, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

So no, will probably be impractical to imagine it solely takes a number of days to discover or you could 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 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 shouldn’t be “simply outdoors Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from the town middle, too.

This is the reason it’s vital to construct a strategic and stable itinerary, particularly for those who’re driving.


6. Driving on the Unsuitable Facet of the Street

Driving in another 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 you have to bear in mind earlier than you resolve to take the wheel.

First, New Zealand drives on the left facet of the street. And for those who’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 street. 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 slim, however autos transfer quick right here. And as an alternative of stoplights, there are a whole lot of roundabouts, which is nice in minimizing visitors jams.

New Zealand RoundaboutsNew Zealand Roundabouts

However know that whenever you’re utilizing Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits rather a lot. It’s not tough, nevertheless 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, gasoline stations or petrol stations are few and much between particularly when driving between cities, so whenever you see one, seize the prospect and replenish as a result of the subsequent one is likely to 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 obtained a whole lot of questions on whether or not it’s potential to discover the nation even for those who don’t know how one can drive. And the reply is YES.

They are saying that one of the best ways to discover New Zealand is to hire a car and drive. And I agree. It’s additionally cost-efficient for those who’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 ensure 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 standard follow 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 fashion, when you’re accomplished with Auckland, this tour can decide you up within the metropolis, make a cease in Hobbiton so you might 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.

Auckland Hobbiton Rotorua One Way TourAuckland Hobbiton Rotorua One Way Tour

RESERVE A SLOT HERE!

We bought to attempt 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 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 sooner or later after which boarding an intercity bus individually.

Klook Christchurch Queenstown One Way TourKlook Christchurch Queenstown One Way Tour

RESERVE A SLOT HERE!

Whether or not you’re reserving excursions or motels, redeem our unique low cost voucher by visiting www.thepoortraveler.internet/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 may well 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, form of. I apply sunscreen earlier than leaving the resort 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 below the crisp, clear summer time skies.

So don’t overlook to carry sunscreen with loads of SPF and really use it. And pack a hat, when you’re at it.


9. Lacking the working hours.

If you happen to’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’ll be able to nonetheless discover some that stay open at night time, however will probably be tougher. 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 barely 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, apart from 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 that to verify working hours when constructing your itinerary.


10. Paying for water.

Faucet water in most locations in New Zealand is protected 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 have 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, generally.

If you happen to’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 pals at all times 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 resort. 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 personal room for two per night time.

  • 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 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 bathroom and bathtub. We nonetheless had a terrific keep, although. We really beloved all these hostels.

We’re in all probability gonna create a separate assessment of all these lodging choices, so for those who don’t need to miss that, ensure that to subscribe to this channel, ring the bell beside it and choose ALL so that you’re at all times 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 fundamental course, however greater for extra premium dishes like steak or ribs

However one factor I observed is {that a} serving is normally enormous, even once they say it’s good for only one particular person. Even their burgers listed here are ginormous. Since we have been a gaggle, we normally simply share the meals and cut 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 daily might 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 mentioned after we bought 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 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 very best locations in New Zealand are unfold out, so the drives are lengthy. They’re price 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 count on it to be so stuffed with allure. 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 up 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 for those who can swing it.

When you have questions, pontificate within the feedback part under or tag us in your Instagram tales and X (Twitter) posts. You too can comply with 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

SkyCity Hotel AucklandSkyCity Hotel Auckland
SkyCity Resort Auckland

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