The other thing with the UV levels is that the air is *really* clear, and there is very little stuff between you and the sun (ie dust, water vapour, air pollution). I grew up in NZ, and live in Melbourne Australia now. I am pasty white, but usually don’t get burnt as bad in Melbourne - which is roughly the same latitude as Auckland. When I go back home to NZ though, it’s smothering on sunscreen time, because I **will** get burnt in only a few minutes.
Absolutely, you've pinpointed a key reason why UV levels can be so intense in New Zealand. The clarity of the air, along with factors like low levels of air pollution and the position of the ozone layer, really does mean the sun's rays are stronger there. This difference, even compared to places at similar latitudes like Melbourne, can catch many off guard.
Main meal: Is that $30-$40 per person or per couple? This segment reminded me about the old saying......“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money”. -Unknown
Pak N Save is your friend (cheapest supermarket. AVOID New World and Countdown!) Research cheap eats in each major city - there is usually a list for each one on various websites.
Before moving to NZ I visited for a 2 week trip. During that time I drove from Christchurch to Auckland to check out where I might want to settle. 2 weeks barely let me scratch the surface, although it did enable me to assess that I preferred Christchurch over Auckland or Wellington.
I think the biggest problem with planning a trip to NZ is you DO need to plan at least 2 weeks. We were in NZ July of 2023 for 12 days. Flew into Auckland, rented a car and drove to South Island. Big mistake, a waste of 3 days not to mention cost to take the ferry. You should plan on either 2, 2 week trips or one 4 week or longer trip. For a 2 week trip, pick 1 island. We would do South Island first and fly directly to Nelson and rent a car from there. Looking back we would have saved 3 days of travel and the cost of the ferry. Air New Zealand has great deals where you can fly to many destinations in South Island for no extra charge(flying from LAX). Or some sales may be just a bit extra. We are planning on doing this again next year. Also keep in mind $40 NZ is about $24 US
Great insights! It’s true that trying to cover both islands in a short trip can eat up a lot of time. For a 2-week trip, focusing on one island is definitely the way to go. South Island is stunning and flying directly there saves a lot of time and hassle. Air New Zealand does offer some excellent deals for domestic flights, making it easier to get around. Thanks for sharing your experience-it's super helpful for others planning their trip. For more travel tips and personalized trip planning advice, join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. Safe travels on your next adventure!
@@NZPocketGuideOne other thing that I think a lot of people forget is that it is winter down there while it’s summer up here in the US. Definitely not tourist season in NZ so you’re not going to see lots of lines and tourists. We live in Arizona where the temperature is around 110° in July and we wanted a nice cool vacation! And NZ delivered.
Really enjoyed this video, thank you both! I'm wondering if it would be okay to ask a Q that you might choose for an upcoming Q&A? (I work on sunday mornings so can never catch them live unfortunately!) I have booked a south island trip for this coming July and am very excited 🤗 Our 7 day itinerary is as follows: Akaroa (1night) - Tekapo (1 night) - Mt. Cook (2 nights) - Wanaka (2 nights) - QT (1 night). I would be so interested if you had any suggestions for activities on this trip please 😊 Currently I would like to do the Shamarra Alpaca Farm, Tekapo Stargazing and hot pools, Hooker Valley Track and hopefully some skiing in Cardrona. If you had any other suggestions it would be awesome to get your perspective! Thank you for the awesome work that you do! 👍
Woah! That's an epic trip you've got planned! Spending 16 days in the South Island and 14 days in the North Island will let you soak up all the amazing sights. December-January is perfect timing too: hello, summer road trip! 🚙 If you want some personalized tips or help planning your itinerary, feel free to join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We've got weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where we share all the insider info. Safe travels and have a blast!
Thanks for sharing those tips! It's definitely helpful to know where to find the best deals on essentials like groceries and milk while in New Zealand.
Heya, we tend to use MAPS.ME personally, but we also have a Garmin App and Laura has the Tomtom one I think. The NZ maps cost only a few bucks and are well worth it. PLUS! We'll be live in less than an hour for our weekly show to answer all your questions about NZ, join us then!
I read that out-of-country debit and credit cards will get a small % added on, to pay for the fee that the store or restaurant get charged for processing those cards. EFTPOS doesn't pay that extra amount.
Thanks for the tips, covered them well, and a little in the flexible itinerary, but possibly one of the biggest driving tips is to allow a lot of extra time for the weather / road conditions. This is especially so for Aussie and other such nations where roads are fairly fast to drive between towns etc. Black ice any time of year, lots of winding roads, especially Fiordland region,, and plenty of scenic spots to just stop nad sit for a while and eat your (cheaper) packed lunch :)
Great points! Allowing extra time for weather and road conditions is essential, especially in New Zealand where the terrain and weather can be quite variable. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind: Black Ice: Always be cautious of black ice, particularly in shaded areas and during early morning or late evening drives. It can occur any time of the year but is more common in winter. Winding Roads: New Zealand's roads, especially in regions like Fiordland, are often winding and can be slower to navigate. Plan for extra travel time and take breaks as needed. Scenic Stops: There are countless scenic spots along the way. Taking time to stop, relax, and enjoy the view can make your journey even more enjoyable. Plus, packing your own lunch can save money and give you more flexibility. For more detailed travel advice and to connect with fellow travelers, consider joining our community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where you can get personalized tips and share experiences. Safe travels and enjoy your New Zealand adventure!
Not everywhere accepts cash, usually business selling higher priced goods. Personally I find I don't need to use cash, except on a very rare occasion, and even when advised to take cash to an event I found that buying a drink had to be done with eftpos.
@NZPocketGuide the specific occasion where I was told in writing to take cash and then being told they weren't accepting cash when I was at the venue was the Queen concert at Wellington stadium. My local plumbing supplier has a big sign saying cash not accepted. The only place I find I may need cash is at certain stalls at the market.
Thank you for this! I'm visiting New Zealand soon so this video is very helpful! Is there anything that people in New Zealand don't like tourists doing or expect tourists to know about New Zealand? The don't complain thing was interesting, in the UK, where I'm from, we like to complain about the UK but we get a bit annoyed when someone from another nationality does it XD
Glad you found the video helpful! In New Zealand, locals appreciate it when tourists respect the environment-so try to stick to marked trails and carry out any rubbish. Being mindful of Māori culture is also important; learning a few basic greetings in Te Reo Māori can go a long way. And you're spot on about the complaining-Kiwis are pretty laid-back but might not love hearing visitors gripe about their home! For more tips on fitting in and making the most of your trip, feel free to join our Patreon at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. You'll get access to weekly group calls and our secret Facebook group where we share insider advice. Safe travels and enjoy your New Zealand adventure!
LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Learning a lot! THANKS!!! Headed to NZ this autumn. Wondering if you have advice for us about where to stay between Queenstown, Haast, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaki then to Blenheim. So much to do on the west side of the So Island! Thanks in advance.
Much appreciated! Thank you very much for the kind words! We have suggestions of accommodatiosn we know and love on the site (nzpocketguide.com) listed town by town. If you want to support us and get a TON more perks from us feel free to check out our Patreon page, one of the most popular perks is our help with itineraries where we add notes and suggestions to your itinerary. www.patreon.com/nzpocketguide, join in and we will provide a LOT of support to help you with your trip :)
If you drive in nz get used to driving on the left and keep to the left when turning corners. We appear casual, it manners are appreciated. Take your rubbish home and dispose of properly, line up don’t push and please and thank you is always valued.
For inter city tour or hop on hop off tours, what's the transport to travel from your accommodation place to the actual spot of sight seeing in that area? Please let me know when you get a chance.
Google maps is the same on the US. I have friends in rural America, and that bloody thing sent me down a county road with pot holes the size of small ponds and ruts for miles! Google maps are trash in rural areas.
It's actually quite easy to adapt. Most people are stressed about it but within a couple of hours you'll be fine. There is a bit more info for you here -> ua-cam.com/video/fMBzTewMjnk/v-deo.html
Just keep left, and pull over to let much faster local drivers pass when it’s safe too. As a local my biggest grumble about visitors driving is not keeping left, especially in passings lanes, and pulling over whereever you have a que of cars behind you to let us locals pass safely. The roads are generally in poor condition and have lots of bends so take it easy. All gud 😎
@@laurihalderman6242 practice the turns. They are tricky if you’re not used to it. Remember to focus and drink, drive rules are really strict. Safe on one glass, after that I wouldn’t advise trying to drive.
Oh! Hard one, Rangitoto Island, The Museum ('cause it will rain at least one day haha) and whatever you fancy on this list -> nzpocketguide.com/10-auckland-must-dos/ If you're looking for more travel tips or personalized advice, our Patreon community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide is always here to help. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Not "wave down" the bus -just raise an arm to signal! Lived here all my life into my 80's: never used sunscreen except Zn on mountains,. It's the chemicals in the sunscreen that causes cancer. I had a very expensive meal recently -cost $22. How you can spend $0 I don't know but in most countries local knowledge is needed to eat cheap. (In America they don't even have edible food - absolutely no vegetables , wholemeal bread, free-range eggs; but highly processed cold meats and cheese are in deli's.) EFT pay is quite different o debit and credit. EFTpos is like cash (no charge).
Thanks for sharing your insights! Raising an arm to signal the bus is definitely a handy tip for visitors. And you're spot on-local knowledge can make all the difference when it comes to finding affordable meals. If you'd like to share more tips or join in on travel chats, feel free to join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We've got weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where we dive into all things NZ. Cheers!
Maps.me is a great option we use frequently. It's reliable and works offline, which is perfect for remote areas with limited connectivity. Thanks for the insightful question! For more travel tips and personalized advice, consider joining our community on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where you can get all your travel questions answered. Safe travels!
NZ is a place I want to visit once in my life, as its an expensive place to travel n being a middle class boy I could only afford a foreign trip once in my life n tht trip for sure gonna be new zealand 🇳🇿
I am from the Philippines travelling to NZ with a visitor visa. My daughter works in NZ as a nurse. Can I bring my prescribed medicine good for 6 months duration of my stay in New Zealand?
Hello This is Amit from India. I am planning to come to Christchurch. My arrival is 5th midnight to departure on 11th April in morning. I have conference in te pae Convention centre on 8th April. I am planning to do day trips from Christchurch. Can you suggest me itinerary for 6,7,8th evening , 9th and 10th April. It will be useful if it is cheap. We ll have 4 month old infant with us.
Hello Amit, For your trip to Christchurch with a day trip focus, here’s a concise suggestion that’s infant-friendly: 6th April: Spend your day exploring the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. It's peaceful and perfect for a relaxed day with your infant. 7th April: Visit Akaroa; it’s a beautiful drive and a quaint town to explore. 8th April Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at the Christchurch Art Gallery, which is near the convention center. 9th April: A trip to Hanmer Springs could offer a relaxing day with its thermal pools and beautiful landscapes. 10th April: Spend the day in the Port Hills for gentle walks with stunning views of Christchurch. For detailed trip planning, including day trips from Christchurch that are baby-friendly and cost-effective, we offer specialized itinerary planning as part of our Patreon services at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. Additionally, nzpocketguide.com has ready-made itineraries that might fit your needs. Joining our Patreon will give you access to our secret Facebook group and weekly group calls for more personalized travel advice. Safe travels to Christchurch, and I hope your conference and trip go wonderfully!
Thanks for the super honest feedback John! Despite being a hybrid, our car is not the quietest... Apologies for that. Most of our videos are shot in better locations haha
@@JohnHounslow Wow that's soon! We have a live show coming up in 30min to answer questions live if you want to chat about your trip. Feel free to pop in -> ua-cam.com/video/i01OXoYUYzk/v-deo.html (I promise that there will be no car noises in the studio haha!)
You must be hard of hearing, John. I'm an old man with reduced hearing and I can hear every word this lovely couple are saying. Perhaps you may benefit from wearing a hearing aid?
You got that right! Finding a traditional Haka performance on the South Island can be a bit more challenging compared to the North Island, where Māori culture is more prominently showcased. However, you can still experience a Haka on the South Island in Ko Tāne Māori Cultural Experience (Christchurch). This is one of the most popular cultural experiences in the South Island, offering a traditional Haka performance along with other aspects of Māori culture. For more tips on finding cultural experiences across New Zealand, check out our guide on NZ Pocket Guide. And if you want personalized recommendations, join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide for weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where you can get detailed travel advice. Enjoy your time in New Zealand!
Nice video. On point #2 ... Maps intentionally sends you on dirt roads, despite tarmac. You're improving its data on those dirt roads. So, always suspect when Google puts you on a dirt road. :-)
Glad you enjoyed it! We've got heaps more videos like this on the channel too! Did you ever watched that one from Laura? -> ua-cam.com/video/CzI8vC9_Jq4/v-deo.html
@@NZPocketGuide saw ur video of Hamilton city ,related to student ,cheap house rent and very imp. is its just 1and 2hour drive from auckland,and tauranga .liked it very much.thanks Keep going.
Are rice common in new zealand? I mean do you guys prefer bread or rice? I can live without bread but not without rice 😅 I'm not sure if rice per kg is expensive there or cheap. I am from the Philippines and rice is a must have on every meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner and sometimes afternoon break/ middle time of lunch and dinner). What foods are cheap in new zealand? Based on my research from other videos, they said bring clothes, umbrella, winter clothes (it doesnt even snow in my country but they said it is cheaper to buy here than in nz), dried fish, etc. Is it gonna be hard to get a job in nz but no related work exp? I want to work in a hotel as a receptionist but I don't have the work experience. I graduated from tourism management though.
Heya! That's a lot of questions, let's go over them one by one: 1/ Yes we have a lot of rice here and it is cheap enough (although not as cheap as in PH, our Filipino neighbor always complains about it haha) 2/ Don't bring an umbrella, you need a rain jacket. Don't bring food in NZ as we have tight biosecurity laws. 3/ Getting a job in NZ is easy enough, check all our tips on the site: nzpocketguide.com to be prepared You should really join one of our live show to ask questions and chat about your trip, it is a lot of fun. Here is the link to the next one -> ua-cam.com/video/wldLPSgmoSA/v-deo.html
@@NZPocketGuide @NZ Pocket Guide thank you! I am just worried employers might not want me if I don't have a related exp. Here in my country or in the US prior to being in the NZ. Sorry I ask a lot, I dont see answers to most of my questions anywhere. Looks like everything is expensive in NZ😅 It seems only healthcare is cheap... I wish food or any basic needs are 😢 Is there a city you recommend I prioritize if I wanna work in a hotel? I see lot's of hotel in Auckland but they said it's more expensive there. They mentioned wellington or Christchurch but I dont really know anymore what city to prioritize. I just wanna travel a bit and work more ( I wanna save a lot then splurge before I go home or still have something when I do go home). Super thank you for replying! I am currently on a marathon on your YT videos and I learn a lot 😍 i am now watching for 4+ hours (just discovered you today), I didn't even notice the time 😂
@@jorieneahmahilaga5834 Haha yeah we have a LOT of content to help you plan from UA-cam to the website mentioned above. I agree, don't settle in Auckland, it is wayyyy too expensive. Anywhere else is good :) We also have a great Patreon group with lots of extra content, live shows and even trip planning help. I think that it may be very beneficial to you as well. Check it out -> www.patreon.com/nzpocketguide it is super cheap. We'd love to have yo on board here.
A couple of tour guides talking into their dash am while driving in a small but noisy car. She is a Kiwi, I believe and he is...French, perhaps? Their choice of informing us while blurring at speed.through Aotearoa might have been off. They are somewhat difficult to understand, given the car noise, and the speeding scenery is a whacky background. You could get the same information from a quick Google search...
Very good feedback! Indeed you can find our content online in a written form right here -> nzpocketguide.com/10-mistakes-faux-pas-to-avoid-in-new-zealand/
Great guide but please don't use the car again, the music track for instance is completely covered by the road noise and it is very off-putting making himself difficult to interpret. Great guides as a rule.
Personally it is pretty strange to mention "be polite" more than once. Are french people that impolite in foreign countries? It should be expected to stay polite and respectful in my opinion despite coming from a more argumentative culture.
If you don’t want to loose $400 before getting into the country, don’t try to bring in food without declaring it!!! Got a sandwich in your carry on, declare it! Got a traditional snack, so small, who cares, declare it! In almost all cases, there’s no problem, you get to keep the food, BUT, fail to inform Customs….$400 fine! Try and hide the food…you may be REFUSED ENTRY. New Zealand’s Ecco system is unique and fragile. We take bio-security SERIOUSLY!!
Absolutely! It's crucial to declare all food items when entering New Zealand to avoid hefty fines and potential entry refusal. Whether it's a small snack or a larger food item, always declare it. New Zealand's biosecurity measures are in place to protect its unique and fragile ecosystem, so take them seriously. For more travel tips and advice on navigating New Zealand’s customs and biosecurity, consider joining our community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. You'll get access to weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group for personalized travel support. Safe travels and enjoy your time in New Zealand!
Well, that’s in a fancy restaurant. If you cook your own food or go to a local fish n chip shop, or get an Indian, Thai or what ever take out it’ll be half that.
I'm sorry to hear that road noise impacted your viewing experience. We strive for quality content, so feedback like this is invaluable for improving our future videos. We'll definitely take this into consideration and explore ways to minimize background noise, ensuring clearer and more enjoyable videos for our viewers. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope you'll find our upcoming content more to your liking. For more travel tips and insights, our Patreon community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide offers additional resources and a chance for more personalized interaction. We appreciate your support and understanding!
Haha you got that right, it's a mistake we have not made again since then... Feel free to join one of our weekly live shows if you'd like us to help you plan your trip.
The other thing with the UV levels is that the air is *really* clear, and there is very little stuff between you and the sun (ie dust, water vapour, air pollution). I grew up in NZ, and live in Melbourne Australia now. I am pasty white, but usually don’t get burnt as bad in Melbourne - which is roughly the same latitude as Auckland. When I go back home to NZ though, it’s smothering on sunscreen time, because I **will** get burnt in only a few minutes.
Absolutely, you've pinpointed a key reason why UV levels can be so intense in New Zealand. The clarity of the air, along with factors like low levels of air pollution and the position of the ozone layer, really does mean the sun's rays are stronger there. This difference, even compared to places at similar latitudes like Melbourne, can catch many off guard.
This is absolutely spot on. When I drive in Auckland it feels like I'm getting sunburnt through my window tint on a 10 degree day.
Main meal: Is that $30-$40 per person or per couple? This segment reminded me about the old saying......“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money”. -Unknown
Per person :) Real sit-down restaurants n NZ are not cheap :(
Also, I love that saying, I'll be using it! haha
Did it go up that much, when I was there 5 years ago you could find some Indian places for 10 NZD lunch
Pak N Save is your friend (cheapest supermarket. AVOID New World and Countdown!) Research cheap eats in each major city - there is usually a list for each one on various websites.
@@spl45hzyou still can .
Before moving to NZ I visited for a 2 week trip. During that time I drove from Christchurch to Auckland to check out where I might want to settle. 2 weeks barely let me scratch the surface, although it did enable me to assess that I preferred Christchurch over Auckland or Wellington.
Yeah 2 weeks does not do NZ justice at all, but it takes me less than 2 hours to know that AKL is not my vibe haha!
@@NZPocketGuide especially when that 2 hours just trying to get over the harbour bridge on a Friday evening.
@@iallso1 haha true!
I think the biggest problem with planning a trip to NZ is you DO need to plan at least 2 weeks. We were in NZ July of 2023 for 12 days. Flew into Auckland, rented a car and drove to South Island. Big mistake, a waste of 3 days not to mention cost to take the ferry. You should plan on either 2, 2 week trips or one 4 week or longer trip. For a 2 week trip, pick 1 island. We would do South Island first and fly directly to Nelson and rent a car from there. Looking back we would have saved 3 days of travel and the cost of the ferry. Air New Zealand has great deals where you can fly to many destinations in South Island for no extra charge(flying from LAX). Or some sales may be just a bit extra. We are planning on doing this again next year. Also keep in mind $40 NZ is about $24 US
Great insights! It’s true that trying to cover both islands in a short trip can eat up a lot of time. For a 2-week trip, focusing on one island is definitely the way to go. South Island is stunning and flying directly there saves a lot of time and hassle. Air New Zealand does offer some excellent deals for domestic flights, making it easier to get around.
Thanks for sharing your experience-it's super helpful for others planning their trip. For more travel tips and personalized trip planning advice, join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. Safe travels on your next adventure!
@@NZPocketGuideOne other thing that I think a lot of people forget is that it is winter down there while it’s summer up here in the US. Definitely not tourist season in NZ so you’re not going to see lots of lines and tourists. We live in Arizona where the temperature is around 110° in July and we wanted a nice cool vacation! And NZ delivered.
@@craigonuschak5693 Let's hope that not Celcius haha!!!
Really enjoyed this video, thank you both! I'm wondering if it would be okay to ask a Q that you might choose for an upcoming Q&A? (I work on sunday mornings so can never catch them live unfortunately!)
I have booked a south island trip for this coming July and am very excited 🤗 Our 7 day itinerary is as follows: Akaroa (1night) - Tekapo (1 night) - Mt. Cook (2 nights) - Wanaka (2 nights) - QT (1 night). I would be so interested if you had any suggestions for activities on this trip please 😊 Currently I would like to do the Shamarra Alpaca Farm, Tekapo Stargazing and hot pools, Hooker Valley Track and hopefully some skiing in Cardrona. If you had any other suggestions it would be awesome to get your perspective! Thank you for the awesome work that you do! 👍
Heya! I'll go over your questionS (with an S) today in the live session with Robin ✌️😎
That doesnt give you much time to see the scenery or your destinations, there is a lot of driving in your planned itinerary.
Have fun doing that in the winter haha
Going to NZ in December-January spending 16 days in SI and 14 days in NI 🚙
Woah! That's an epic trip you've got planned! Spending 16 days in the South Island and 14 days in the North Island will let you soak up all the amazing sights. December-January is perfect timing too: hello, summer road trip! 🚙
If you want some personalized tips or help planning your itinerary, feel free to join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We've got weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where we share all the insider info. Safe travels and have a blast!
Pak n save is generally cheaper for groceries. The warehouse is cheapest for milk. Tip #13 Do not compare us Kiwi's for Aussie's.
Thanks for sharing those tips! It's definitely helpful to know where to find the best deals on essentials like groceries and milk while in New Zealand.
Thanks for the tips! Would like to know what travel app you would recommend instead of google maps then to plan our route? Thank you!
Heya, we tend to use MAPS.ME personally, but we also have a Garmin App and Laura has the Tomtom one I think. The NZ maps cost only a few bucks and are well worth it.
PLUS! We'll be live in less than an hour for our weekly show to answer all your questions about NZ, join us then!
Thanks for the recommendation :)
@@NZPocketGuide
I read that out-of-country debit and credit cards will get a small % added on, to pay for the fee that the store or restaurant get charged for processing those cards. EFTPOS doesn't pay that extra amount.
Thanks for the tips, covered them well, and a little in the flexible itinerary, but possibly one of the biggest driving tips is to allow a lot of extra time for the weather / road conditions.
This is especially so for Aussie and other such nations where roads are fairly fast to drive between towns etc.
Black ice any time of year, lots of winding roads, especially Fiordland region,, and plenty of scenic spots to just stop nad sit for a while and eat your (cheaper) packed lunch :)
Great points! Allowing extra time for weather and road conditions is essential, especially in New Zealand where the terrain and weather can be quite variable. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
Black Ice: Always be cautious of black ice, particularly in shaded areas and during early morning or late evening drives. It can occur any time of the year but is more common in winter.
Winding Roads: New Zealand's roads, especially in regions like Fiordland, are often winding and can be slower to navigate. Plan for extra travel time and take breaks as needed.
Scenic Stops: There are countless scenic spots along the way. Taking time to stop, relax, and enjoy the view can make your journey even more enjoyable. Plus, packing your own lunch can save money and give you more flexibility.
For more detailed travel advice and to connect with fellow travelers, consider joining our community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where you can get personalized tips and share experiences. Safe travels and enjoy your New Zealand adventure!
Not everywhere accepts cash, usually business selling higher priced goods. Personally I find I don't need to use cash, except on a very rare occasion, and even when advised to take cash to an event I found that buying a drink had to be done with eftpos.
Interesting, in 15 years in NZ I have never received a "no" when paying cash. Good to hear your experience though!
@NZPocketGuide the specific occasion where I was told in writing to take cash and then being told they weren't accepting cash when I was at the venue was the Queen concert at Wellington stadium.
My local plumbing supplier has a big sign saying cash not accepted.
The only place I find I may need cash is at certain stalls at the market.
@@iallso1 Oh that's annoying haha!
Thank you for this! I'm visiting New Zealand soon so this video is very helpful! Is there anything that people in New Zealand don't like tourists doing or expect tourists to know about New Zealand?
The don't complain thing was interesting, in the UK, where I'm from, we like to complain about the UK but we get a bit annoyed when someone from another nationality does it XD
Glad you found the video helpful! In New Zealand, locals appreciate it when tourists respect the environment-so try to stick to marked trails and carry out any rubbish. Being mindful of Māori culture is also important; learning a few basic greetings in Te Reo Māori can go a long way. And you're spot on about the complaining-Kiwis are pretty laid-back but might not love hearing visitors gripe about their home!
For more tips on fitting in and making the most of your trip, feel free to join our Patreon at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. You'll get access to weekly group calls and our secret Facebook group where we share insider advice. Safe travels and enjoy your New Zealand adventure!
LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Learning a lot! THANKS!!! Headed to NZ this autumn. Wondering if you have advice for us about where to stay between Queenstown, Haast, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaki then to Blenheim. So much to do on the west side of the So Island! Thanks in advance.
Much appreciated! Thank you very much for the kind words! We have suggestions of accommodatiosn we know and love on the site (nzpocketguide.com) listed town by town. If you want to support us and get a TON more perks from us feel free to check out our Patreon page, one of the most popular perks is our help with itineraries where we add notes and suggestions to your itinerary. www.patreon.com/nzpocketguide, join in and we will provide a LOT of support to help you with your trip :)
I'm looking for a video on using cellphones in NZ and the sort if you guys have one.
We sure do, in fact we have quite a few, how about any of those -> www.youtube.com/@NZPocketGuide/search?query=phone do they work for you?
The tip about the debate is very interesting. Need to keep that in mind as I’m Italian 😂😂
Haha You are Robin would get along well then!
Tip#11, Do not think Auckland prices are the same as the rest of the country. #12, Don't live in Auckland
haha great additions!
If you drive in nz get used to driving on the left and keep to the left when turning corners. We appear casual, it manners are appreciated. Take your rubbish home and dispose of properly, line up don’t push and please and thank you is always valued.
For inter city tour or hop on hop off tours, what's the transport to travel from your accommodation place to the actual spot of sight seeing in that area? Please let me know when you get a chance.
At this point you would rely on public transportation or day tours :)
Ditch inland flights and take the bus for fabulous views.
Google maps is fine in the south island, all over the island. Perhaps its not so good in the north island...?
Interesting, we had a few issues with it on the South Island a couple of weeks ago again :( We use Maps.me now, much better once you get used to it.
@@NZPocketGuide 🤔🤔🤔
no, it's good. does send you to the wrong places but that's everywhere.
Google maps is the same on the US. I have friends in rural America, and that bloody thing sent me down a county road with pot holes the size of small ponds and ruts for miles! Google maps are trash in rural areas.
I am kind of happy to hear that it's not just us haha! Have you tried Maps.me? We find it vastly superior.
Im going this year
Woop woop! What's the plan? Full gap year?!
Thanks for sharing those tips! Gonna visit NZ for the 1st time during Xmas time...
That's awesome! Join our weekly live show if you want us to go over your questions and help you plan your trip :)
How difficult is for visitors from the US to learn how to drive on the right side of the car?
It's actually quite easy to adapt. Most people are stressed about it but within a couple of hours you'll be fine. There is a bit more info for you here -> ua-cam.com/video/fMBzTewMjnk/v-deo.html
@@NZPocketGuide Thank you.
It’s fine. Except you keep turning on the windscreen wipers every time you go to indicate to change lanes 😂
Just keep left, and pull over to let much faster local drivers pass when it’s safe too. As a local my biggest grumble about visitors driving is not keeping left, especially in passings lanes, and pulling over whereever you have a que of cars behind you to let us locals pass safely. The roads are generally in poor condition and have lots of bends so take it easy. All gud 😎
@@laurihalderman6242 practice the turns. They are tricky if you’re not used to it. Remember to focus and drink, drive rules are really strict. Safe on one glass, after that I wouldn’t advise trying to drive.
I have 5 days. Land in Auckland what is must cover?
Oh! Hard one, Rangitoto Island, The Museum ('cause it will rain at least one day haha) and whatever you fancy on this list -> nzpocketguide.com/10-auckland-must-dos/
If you're looking for more travel tips or personalized advice, our Patreon community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide is always here to help. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Not "wave down" the bus -just raise an arm to signal! Lived here all my life into my 80's: never used sunscreen except Zn on mountains,. It's the chemicals in the sunscreen that causes cancer. I had a very expensive meal recently -cost $22. How you can spend $0 I don't know but in most countries local knowledge is needed to eat cheap. (In America they don't even have edible food - absolutely no vegetables , wholemeal bread, free-range eggs; but highly processed cold meats and cheese are in deli's.) EFT pay is quite different o debit and credit. EFTpos is like cash (no charge).
Thanks for sharing your insights! Raising an arm to signal the bus is definitely a handy tip for visitors. And you're spot on-local knowledge can make all the difference when it comes to finding affordable meals. If you'd like to share more tips or join in on travel chats, feel free to join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We've got weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where we dive into all things NZ. Cheers!
if not google maps what is other choices?
Maps.me is a great option we use frequently. It's reliable and works offline, which is perfect for remote areas with limited connectivity. Thanks for the insightful question!
For more travel tips and personalized advice, consider joining our community on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where you can get all your travel questions answered. Safe travels!
NZ is a place I want to visit once in my life, as its an expensive place to travel n being a middle class boy I could only afford a foreign trip once in my life n tht trip for sure gonna be new zealand 🇳🇿
Awesome! Hope you learned from us haha!
@@NZPocketGuide yess 😉
Likewise 😂
Can a tourist (3 months) open an EFTPOS account? If, so, where does one do that?
Choose a bank, simple
Lived here 62 years … think I’ve been short changed once
Thanks for sharing your experience Heather!
It is possible they confused this because in New Zealand they round up/down prices. There are no 1, 2 or 5 cents in this country for example.
@@bodycounter9386 Swedish rounding.
I am from the Philippines travelling to NZ with a visitor visa. My daughter works in NZ as a nurse. Can I bring my prescribed medicine good for 6 months duration of my stay in New Zealand?
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure to declare them!
Of you're not sure get in touch with NZ embassy
No issue
Hello
This is Amit from India. I am planning to come to Christchurch. My arrival is 5th midnight to departure on 11th April in morning. I have conference in te pae Convention centre on 8th April. I am planning to do day trips from Christchurch. Can you suggest me itinerary for 6,7,8th evening , 9th and 10th April. It will be useful if it is cheap. We ll have 4 month old infant with us.
Hello Amit, For your trip to Christchurch with a day trip focus, here’s a concise suggestion that’s infant-friendly:
6th April: Spend your day exploring the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. It's peaceful and perfect for a relaxed day with your infant.
7th April: Visit Akaroa; it’s a beautiful drive and a quaint town to explore.
8th April Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at the Christchurch Art Gallery, which is near the convention center.
9th April: A trip to Hanmer Springs could offer a relaxing day with its thermal pools and beautiful landscapes.
10th April: Spend the day in the Port Hills for gentle walks with stunning views of Christchurch.
For detailed trip planning, including day trips from Christchurch that are baby-friendly and cost-effective, we offer specialized itinerary planning as part of our Patreon services at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. Additionally, nzpocketguide.com has ready-made itineraries that might fit your needs. Joining our Patreon will give you access to our secret Facebook group and weekly group calls for more personalized travel advice.
Safe travels to Christchurch, and I hope your conference and trip go wonderfully!
Useful video - but why do we have to have the road noise drowning you out?
Thanks for the super honest feedback John! Despite being a hybrid, our car is not the quietest... Apologies for that. Most of our videos are shot in better locations haha
@@NZPocketGuide ✈Thanks for advice we hope to be in Christchurch by 1st Feb to put it into effect!
@@JohnHounslow Wow that's soon! We have a live show coming up in 30min to answer questions live if you want to chat about your trip. Feel free to pop in -> ua-cam.com/video/i01OXoYUYzk/v-deo.html (I promise that there will be no car noises in the studio haha!)
You must be hard of hearing, John. I'm an old man with reduced hearing and I can hear every word this lovely couple are saying. Perhaps you may benefit from wearing a hearing aid?
Finding a Haka on the south island. It seems that it is easy to find them on the north island, but I cannot find one on the south island.
You got that right! Finding a traditional Haka performance on the South Island can be a bit more challenging compared to the North Island, where Māori culture is more prominently showcased. However, you can still experience a Haka on the South Island in Ko Tāne Māori Cultural Experience (Christchurch). This is one of the most popular cultural experiences in the South Island, offering a traditional Haka performance along with other aspects of Māori culture.
For more tips on finding cultural experiences across New Zealand, check out our guide on NZ Pocket Guide. And if you want personalized recommendations, join us on patreon.com/nzpocketguide for weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group where you can get detailed travel advice. Enjoy your time in New Zealand!
Love you guys! Thanks for the tips
Thanks for watching! Join our weekly live shows to ask your questions directly to us in real time, we're here to help!
Where do you live ?
We are based on the North Island of New Zealand :)
Nice video. On point #2 ... Maps intentionally sends you on dirt roads, despite tarmac. You're improving its data on those dirt roads. So, always suspect when Google puts you on a dirt road. :-)
The b*stards!!! Anyway, we learned our lessons haha!
Is Waze a better option than Google maps?
@@SamOnn19 Google Maps bought Waze about a year ago. I still prefer Waze but they are no longer really putting any investment into it.
Cool info
Glad you enjoyed it! We've got heaps more videos like this on the channel too! Did you ever watched that one from Laura? -> ua-cam.com/video/CzI8vC9_Jq4/v-deo.html
@@NZPocketGuide saw ur video of Hamilton city ,related to student ,cheap house rent and very imp. is its just 1and 2hour drive from auckland,and tauranga .liked it very much.thanks
Keep going.
Really basic stuff here guys, save enough money, flagging down a bus, etc etc etc. I don't think 3 year olds travel on their own .
Good recap!
not really, for me i found those are important informations. e.g bout checking the change, so i can aware on that.
Are rice common in new zealand? I mean do you guys prefer bread or rice? I can live without bread but not without rice 😅
I'm not sure if rice per kg is expensive there or cheap. I am from the Philippines and rice is a must have on every meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner and sometimes afternoon break/ middle time of lunch and dinner).
What foods are cheap in new zealand? Based on my research from other videos, they said bring clothes, umbrella, winter clothes (it doesnt even snow in my country but they said it is cheaper to buy here than in nz), dried fish, etc.
Is it gonna be hard to get a job in nz but no related work exp? I want to work in a hotel as a receptionist but I don't have the work experience. I graduated from tourism management though.
Heya! That's a lot of questions, let's go over them one by one:
1/ Yes we have a lot of rice here and it is cheap enough (although not as cheap as in PH, our Filipino neighbor always complains about it haha)
2/ Don't bring an umbrella, you need a rain jacket. Don't bring food in NZ as we have tight biosecurity laws.
3/ Getting a job in NZ is easy enough, check all our tips on the site: nzpocketguide.com to be prepared
You should really join one of our live show to ask questions and chat about your trip, it is a lot of fun. Here is the link to the next one -> ua-cam.com/video/wldLPSgmoSA/v-deo.html
@@NZPocketGuide @NZ Pocket Guide thank you! I am just worried employers might not want me if I don't have a related exp. Here in my country or in the US prior to being in the NZ.
Sorry I ask a lot, I dont see answers to most of my questions anywhere.
Looks like everything is expensive in NZ😅 It seems only healthcare is cheap... I wish food or any basic needs are 😢
Is there a city you recommend I prioritize if I wanna work in a hotel?
I see lot's of hotel in Auckland but they said it's more expensive there. They mentioned wellington or Christchurch but I dont really know anymore what city to prioritize. I just wanna travel a bit and work more ( I wanna save a lot then splurge before I go home or still have something when I do go home).
Super thank you for replying! I am currently on a marathon on your YT videos and I learn a lot 😍 i am now watching for 4+ hours (just discovered you today), I didn't even notice the time 😂
@@jorieneahmahilaga5834 Haha yeah we have a LOT of content to help you plan from UA-cam to the website mentioned above. I agree, don't settle in Auckland, it is wayyyy too expensive. Anywhere else is good :)
We also have a great Patreon group with lots of extra content, live shows and even trip planning help. I think that it may be very beneficial to you as well. Check it out -> www.patreon.com/nzpocketguide it is super cheap. We'd love to have yo on board here.
A couple of tour guides talking into their dash am while driving in a small but noisy car. She is a Kiwi, I believe and he is...French, perhaps? Their choice of informing us while blurring at speed.through Aotearoa might have been off. They are somewhat difficult to understand, given the car noise, and the speeding scenery is a whacky background. You could get the same information from a quick Google search...
Very good feedback! Indeed you can find our content online in a written form right here -> nzpocketguide.com/10-mistakes-faux-pas-to-avoid-in-new-zealand/
Which part of England are you from, North or Midlands? Nottingham?
What's the point of driving and all that noise? You could be anywhere.
Bad call on our part, we'll do better next time :)
Great guide but please don't use the car again, the music track for instance is completely covered by the road noise and it is very off-putting making himself difficult to interpret. Great guides as a rule.
Yeah we have improved our audio since this video :) Thanks for the feedback mate!
Personally it is pretty strange to mention "be polite" more than once. Are french people that impolite in foreign countries? It should be expected to stay polite and respectful in my opinion despite coming from a more argumentative culture.
Indeed :)
Not a great idea to complain in any country you are visiting.
Not at all indeed.
If you don’t want to loose $400 before getting into the country, don’t try to bring in food without declaring it!!!
Got a sandwich in your carry on, declare it!
Got a traditional snack, so small, who cares, declare it!
In almost all cases, there’s no problem, you get to keep the food, BUT, fail to inform Customs….$400 fine!
Try and hide the food…you may be REFUSED ENTRY.
New Zealand’s Ecco system is unique and fragile. We take bio-security SERIOUSLY!!
Absolutely! It's crucial to declare all food items when entering New Zealand to avoid hefty fines and potential entry refusal. Whether it's a small snack or a larger food item, always declare it. New Zealand's biosecurity measures are in place to protect its unique and fragile ecosystem, so take them seriously.
For more travel tips and advice on navigating New Zealand’s customs and biosecurity, consider joining our community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. You'll get access to weekly group calls and a secret Facebook group for personalized travel support. Safe travels and enjoy your time in New Zealand!
$30-40. Is that NZ dollars?
Yes all the prices mentioned in our video are NZD just so it is easier for our viewers all around the world.
Well, that’s in a fancy restaurant. If you cook your own food or go to a local fish n chip shop, or get an Indian, Thai or what ever take out it’ll be half that.
A big mistake is you not driving with ya hands on the wheel mate.
Laura did give me a smack on the back of the head when she noticed it too. Both hands at 10:10 from now on ✌️😎
road noise makes the video unwatchable
I'm sorry to hear that road noise impacted your viewing experience. We strive for quality content, so feedback like this is invaluable for improving our future videos. We'll definitely take this into consideration and explore ways to minimize background noise, ensuring clearer and more enjoyable videos for our viewers. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope you'll find our upcoming content more to your liking. For more travel tips and insights, our Patreon community at patreon.com/nzpocketguide offers additional resources and a chance for more personalized interaction. We appreciate your support and understanding!
Mistake #1 dont film a guide in a loud driving car 😅
Thanks for the tips though - great summary for our current trip ❤
Haha you got that right, it's a mistake we have not made again since then... Feel free to join one of our weekly live shows if you'd like us to help you plan your trip.