It’s hard not to fall in love with New Zealand. A popular travel destination for solitary explorers and adventure companies alike is among our favorite places to go as a couple, the country knows how to enchant its visitors with the right amount of kindness. Obviously, a little planning will make your trip much easier. We’re here to make sure you don’t make cultural mistakes or logistical confusions: just follow these tips to save lives and enjoy the Kiwi experience.
Emergencies and general security
Compared to many places in the world, New Zealand is incredibly safe. But that doesn’t mean that the general rules don’t apply: always lock up your valuables, avoid walking alone at night, and when possible, make sure you know which places to leave unexplored.
In case of emergencies, dial 111 to connect with ambulance services, the fire department, or the police. When you call that number, you will be asked to indicate what service you are looking for before being referred to a dispatch operator, and yes, you can choose more than one if necessary.
I-Local sites: the savior of a tourist
Each town or city will have its own i-Site. As you can probably guess by the name, this is where you’ll find maps, brochures and essential details about the location you’re passing through. Intercity buses generally stop right next to these places, and you can reserve your next ticket or tour right upon arrival. If you drive and need additional information or travel tips, you shouldn’t have too many problems finding the local branch.
Plan according to seasons
The summer months are perfect for exploring the coasts and vegetation. Winter will be very useful for those who want to take a look at the country’s best ski destinations and impressive glaciers. Autumn offers a remarkable sample of colorful foliage and tends to be quite temperate as well.
You might want to avoid the spring months. That’s when the weather is windier and more unstable. If you’re visiting in the coldest months, be sure to invest in a good windproof jacket, because those arctic gusts can really get through.
Book your accommodation well in advance
Remember, New Zealand is a very popular tourist destination. As such, you can generally expect accommodations to be reserved during the peak season. Whether you visit Waiheke Island in summer or relax at an eco-resort destination in winter, you should book your room as soon as possible.
If you’re trying to minimize costs, backpacker hostels tend to be much cheaper than their standard hotels. Couchsurfing is also an option in some of the main tourist areas, such as Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Airbnb in New Zealand is a bit confusing: although there are many rentals available, they can be as expensive as a hotel room.
Remember to budget accordingly
Take a look at how the New Zealand dollar is doing in comparison to your local currency. Even if yours is the strongest offer, prices are likely to be much higher than you are used to, that is the disadvantage of being isolated from the rest of the world. Needless to say, if you want to buy a souvenir or decide where to eat something, you should keep an eye on those funds.
If you’re trying to save money on food, choose your dining experiences in moderation and choose to prepare your own meals. Zomato will give you an idea of how much you will spend in a typical cafeteria, bar or restaurant. The cheapest supermarket chain in New Zealand is Pak’nSave, although Countdown and New World often make special offers as well.
