One of my readers has reached out to me and offered to share some tips on traveling in New Zealand. It’s a country I hope to visit myself next year, albeit during a short stopover. Hopefully, like Seth, we can also go back and stay longer at some point in the future. Enjoy!
We fell in love with New Zealand on our first trip in 2003 and have been lucky enough to return a number of times (to the amazement/annoyance of friends who think we’re crazy, and want us to stop carrying on about how great it is).
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Nancy says
Thank you for this info, Seth! New Zealand looks like a spectacular country. My husband really wants to go.
Amanda says
Just thought of a couple more things.
Consider bunji jumping. For real. It’s not about the rush. It’s about the mind over matter and accomplishment. When I first travelled in NZ I swore I was not interested, but after a while I got sucked in and did it. Some Scottish guy in the hostel convinced me on St. Patti’s Day that it was the thing to do. And I did it! I did the baby jump at Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, which I think is the original bunji jumping place. If you can’t bring yourself to watch, go out with the kids and watch. You can walk out on the bridge and stand behind the jumpers and there’s a viewing platform over the river. It’s fun and beautiful. Go.
I wanted to say that Seth is totally right about airfares being cheaper on the Air New Zealand’s New Zealand site, as opposed to US.
And a tip – it’s probably too late for you Leana! But if you are travelling to NZ in summer you might get better prices in June or August. There is a two-week July holiday and all the prices in NZ get jacked up during that time!
And for those thinking of paying to go to NZ…watch Fijian Airways…perhaps with a VPN! There are good deals to have had. We recently flew Wellington to LA round trip for US$600/NZ$900 (roughly). And don’t forget to follow up and make sure you get your American miles (or whichever partner). Our miles didn’t automatically get credited (even though our frequent flier numbers were on our reservations) and I’m working on that right now. Need to send in copies of boarding passes – so hold on to them!
OK. Now I think I’m really done with my advice! ๐
Amanda says
Sorry –
a) if you can’t bring yourself to *jump* then go *watch*
b) a two week July “school vacation”
Leana says
@Amanda Thanks for all your tips! At this point, there is a big question mark next to this whole trip. I’m going to do my best in order to pull it off, but it’s quite uncertain at the moment. Fingers crossed my miles will save the day. ๐
I’ve mentioned to my SIL what you said about July, but I think that’s when we plan on going. At least that’s what she wants to do. I don’t feel like fighting that battle, I’m sure there will be plenty others! And yes, if my husband and I go, we’ll only be in NZ for 3 nights: 1 in Christchurch as an overnight, and 2 in Queenstown. We’ll make sure to buy train tickets on Glacier Express way ahead. Good tip, thanks!
If we enjoy it (which we probably will), maybe we’ll come back.
Amanda says
I agree that South Island is definitely where you’d want to spend your time if limited. If I remember right, Leana, you will only have 3 days? I’ve wondered if you’d want to just fly straight to Queenstown (although I understand maybe the train ride is a family thing). My favorite part about Queenstown, is the drive to Queenstown itself, and the gondola ride and luge ride down which are both totally worth it. Queenstown is a good base to do lots of expensive (and cool) excursions. Not sure if you are going to do any excursions while in Queenstown, if you do, I think my favorites are the drive down Skipper’s Canyon – that you really need to do with a professional, and the flight to Milford Sound in a little airplane, is seriously amazing, yet pricy, but a memory you’ll never forget. I remember not being too excited by the jet boat thing – maybe it was my mood that day…? Or the rainy cold weather…? Although the jet boat was a way to see rugged NZ country without hiking for days. If you’re not planning on expensive excursions, I would rather spend the time in Wanaka, and do a day trip to Queenstown. The drive from Wanaka to Queenstown is fabulous – but make sure you take the fabulous road (if I remember right there are two different roads?).
And by the way, I have tried to take that train ride – TWICE – unsuccessfully. Both times it was booked. So get your train tickets early to be safe, if that’s what you want to do.
Yes, driving in New Zealand is incredibly easy and fun. You don’t even need a map really, just read the signs! Jucy car rentals are really cheap! Especially if you reserve in advance. We have used them and had good experiences more than once.
I don’t think you’ll make it there, Leana, but for any readers thinking about Nelson – I agree that Tahunanui Beach is beautiful. My grandma lives in Tahunanui, about a 5-minute walk from the beach, and the park is great. My son always remembers the “rocket ship park” that has a slide that looks like a rocket ship. ๐ Nelson has a lovely “downtown” – small town with a big town attitude, full of cafes and art. The walk down the Maitai river is nice (and free). It starts in town and before you know it you are in the middle of nowhere and its’ shallow and safe so you can stop for a swim if you get hot (if you go in the summer, I mean winter, uh…you know!). And there’s the beautiful Queens Gardens (free) – that has a cool cafe right there on edge of the duck pond.
Another you probably won’t have time for, but is always worth considering is my favorite place: Akaroa. It’s about 1.5 hour drive (if I remember right?) from Christchurch. It’s a gorgeous drive and a gorgeous little town. If you haven’t been, Seth, go dolphin watching here instead! Just so that you can go here! Plus, not sure if the road to Kaikoura is driveable yet, after the last earthquake. But seriously, google images of Akaroa. It’s worth seeing the photos, even if you can’t go! Lots of free hikes here, and everywhere in NZ.
And let me say, I never liked hiking until I’d been to NZ. I thought of hiking as very boring, because in Minnesota it is. However, in NZ the views are very rewarding on many of the hikes, which made if much more inspiring for me!
I wouldn’t spend too much in Christchurch or Queenstown, if I only had three days. I’d be in Akaroa or Wanaka. And I love stopping at the church in Tekapo and sitting the by the water on the rocks. It’s an amazing place to pass time.
And finally, the only thing I have to add, is that if the weather is cooperative and there’s anyway to fit it into the plan, try to walk Hooker’s Valley. It’s free. It’s easy. It’s flat. It’s in a valley, with amazing views. If I remember right you can do the whole thing in 2-4 hours…? Absolutely worth it. My sister just went on my recommendation and loved it. Google images of Hooker’s Valley too!
Oh and the glaciers. I don’t know what it is about glaciers, but they don’t excite me that much. I’ve been to Fox and Franz Joseph. Maybe it’s from growing up in Minnesota, but large amounts of ice and snow, are somewhat interesting, but they have never blown my mind, like the view of Queenstown or Akaroa did the first time I saw it…driving over the pass. Again, maybe it’s because I grew up in Minnesota, that is flat. So hills and mountains are exotic. Snow and ice, not so much, to me. Cool to have experienced and done, but I prefer Hooker’s Valley and Akaroa, for example. ๐
Hope this helps a little. Great write-up Seth!
Seth says
Thanks for the additional tips, Amanda.
I second your thoughts on jet boating. Our boat driver kept doing 360 degree turns, which I didn’t particularly enjoy. It seemed like it would be a fun thing to do, but there are better ways to spend your time and money. That said, it was still a unique experience and great photo opp.
Amanda says
Yeah. New Zealanders are proud of the jet boat bc they invented it. And I guess it’s scientifically impressive because it can do all that in extremely shallow water… And can ergo take you places normal boats can’t… but…I probably would save my money for something else second time round.
Seth, next time your in NZ reach out via Leana. We live in Wellington. ๐
Anonymous says
Seth, As a born and bred Kiwi living in Australia with an American wife, you have absolutely nailed New Zealand perfectly. Well written and spot on – well done!
Uri says
Great post, thank you Seth and Leana
Leana says
Uri, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I can’t really take credit for it, I’m afraid. That’s all Seth!