New Zealand is a little country near Australia, ever heard of it? The country is comprised of two landmasses, the north island, and the South Island. It is one of the best places to surf, see the wildlife, the amazing landscapes there are. Even skiing is a great activity you can get done there.
Best Time to visit
New Zealand is fantastic to visit all year round because of the wide range of activities it offers. First of all, you need to remember that the season is the other way around down there, so December equals summer. Spring (September-November) is great because everything busts out with life. Summer is really hot; however, it is a great season for surfing. Autumns is the best season for hiking, kayaking, and cycling through the cities, and the landscapes get pretty unique. Winter will bring snow to the country and skiing season begins. Winter wine festivals are also great for wine lovers.
How to get a Visa
You do not need a visa if you are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, a UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months), or a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand. To get a visa you need to contact the New Zealand consulate and fill out the application forms and pay the application fee. You need a visa if you are going to stay there for more than three months.
Do I need Vaccines
No vaccines are really required to enter the country. However, hepatitis A and B are strongly recommended. Also, all routine vaccines like measles, TDAP, Chickenpox, etc. are required. You don’t need to take precautions against malaria but do take mosquito repellent.
Travel safety
New Zealand is actually one of the few countries in the world the US travel embassy marks as rather safe, in which you only need to apply normal precautions. However, always know where your embassies are and what not to do. Crimes you can be exposed to are often just petty crimes like pickpocketing, or maybe bike-theft. If you are at a remote area, don’t leave your belongings on the open. Just take normal precautions. Christchurch’s attack is the only significant threat that has happened in the country.
What to pack
New Zealand island of many adventures and outside activities, but also to a fancy restaurant and a great nightlife. So, make sure you pack for that. Some essentials for your trip are jeans, comfortable hiking pants, tennis shoes, comfortable shoes, a fancy outfit, a raincoat and a coat, some dresses and a pashmina. These things will have you covered for most of the year, and most of the activities but do consider what you want to do. If you are going surfing, then you obviously need a bathing suit. And if you are going skiing you’ll need much warmer clothes.
Essential language phrases
Well, people in New Zealand speak English, so if you speak English you are pretty safe. However, if you want to get a little into the culture you can learn Maori, the New Zealanders tribe.
Some essential greetings are: Kia ora (kee oh-ruh): Hi , and Mōrena (moh-reh-nuh): Good morning, and Haere Mai (hi-reh my): Welcome
Other useful phrases are:Ko wai to ingoa? (koh why toh in-goh-uh): what’s your name, Ko…ahau (koh … ah-hoh): My name is…, Kei te pēhea koe? (kay tee peh-he-uh ko-eh): How are you? ,
Typical costs
Accommodation can cost from $10 a night to $250 dollars a night, depending on where you are staying. Transportation will cost you in average $44, being the average cost of a rental car $40, and the average price of public transport between cities being $55, and in-city public transport costing around $6. Finally, an average meal will usually not cost you more than $40. The average daily cost is around $179.
Saving tips
One of the best ways to get around in New Zealand in hitchhiking and couch surfing. The thing is, while this is a little dangerous in most countries, New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world. If you are staying over there for a while, campervans are very famous ways to travel the country and they will save you some serious cash, there are also a lot of free campsites for you to park it. Also, substitute your alcohol for wine, wine is much cheaper than beer and other liquors. If you are on an adventure, camping-like mood, learn how to cook some food and make your own coffee, get reusable things, and drink from the tip. The overall way in which you can save a lot of money in New Zealand is by spending time in nature instead of in the city.
How to get around
Driving is the most common way to go around in New Zealand, whether you rent a car or a campervan. However, New Zealand shares more than their queen with England and that is that they drive on the other side of the road. When it comes to public transportation New Zealand offers buses, trains, and the Ferry. Domestic flights are all shorter than two hours and rather cheap. Finally, you can take tours, in which you just pay for the tour and all transportation is included.
What not to do
The first mistake almost everyone does is thinking it is like Australia, it isn’t. the country is totally unique and has very different landscapes and attractions (aka The Shire from The Lord of The Rings) from Australia. Also, have the utter and utmost respect for the Maori culture, don’t take their customs lightly. Be open to trying local food, it might not be your ideal meal but you won’t regret trying new things. And finally, don’t over plan, New Zealand is one of the few countries in which you can just go where the wind tells you and have a great time.
New Zealand is a great country that can offer you a very different holiday from the one others can. Enjoy the green land of the south and the amazing journey it can offer you.
