1) The people
I think this point makes a lot of difference to your travel experience. The Kiwis are friendly, helpful and easy to talk to. They chat with you like you are one of their own. They talk to you like you have been their friend for a long time. They are very helpful, always helping you even though you are not buying anything from them.
I have been to most of Asia countries and some Southeast Asian countries. The Taiwanese, Japanese and Thais are the next top nicest people I have met. Always carrying a smile. It makes your travel comfortable and relaxed. Can you imagine people frowning or pulling long face at you while you are traveling? Ah ha...
2) Scenery
New Zealand is very protective of their own lands and they cherish their environment very much. No pollution, recycling bins placed in crowded areas. If you travel out of the cities, you probably would hardly see a bin (you don't see much litter around as they expect you to bring the trash out with you).
What awes you the most is the beautiful scenery that New Zealand provide you. The mountains, the waters, the sky. It is amazing in such a island. Every night we stare at the starry sky, looking for the Southern star. Every morning we wake up looking at the brilliant sky and sometimes rainbows (I have seen the most rainbows in my life in New Zealand). Every time you look at the waters, you would wonder what gives it the colour, what makes it so clear.
3) Adventure
It is 2 islands of adventure. Bungee jumping originates from New Zealand. You can do sky diving at most of the cities. River jets and river rafting is a MUST-DO. Skyline and luge originates from New Zealand as well, we love it! Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton took the scenes in New Zealand and you would know why they chose NZ if you are there yourself. Visit the vineyards, strawberries farm, sheep farms.
4) Animals
There are many native animals in New Zealand. There are also many animals that are not native. You learn the story of the animals. I visited like 3 to 4 zoos/bird sanctuaries in the North Island, just to look at Kiwis especially. Of course I love looking at Kaka, Toutouwai, Kea, Pukeko etc. We went around South Island looking at Kea, penguins, seals, whales, albatross etc.
It's a place I will never forget and never regret going in my life.
If you are planning to go New Zealand, take down the pointers below:
1) Airline
- Which airline are you taking?
- Where do you want to go?
- North or South Island?
- Which airport? There are a few airports. In the north, you have Auckland and Wellington. In the South, you have Christchurch and Queenstown.
2) Transport
- How are you going around the island?
- Are you a backpacker or going with family or your partner?
- Do you want to go by local bus/scenic train/tour coach/car/campervan?
- If by car or campervan, which company would you go for? Which one is near the airport? (Usually they do airport transfer if they are located near the airport)
- Be sure to read the road safety and rules if you are driving. NZ drives on the left.
- Some places do not have free parking, do your research well.
3) Accommodation
- If you are staying in a self-contain campervan, you already have a bed. Go anywhere, sleep anywhere.
- If not, next option: Hotel
- Hostel
- Airbnb (It's like a home stay, you stay with the Kiwis at their homes)
- Holiday Park (if you do not have a self-contain campervan, you need somewhere to sleep or charge your campervan)
4) Where to go
- New Zealand is a big place. You have to take into consideration driving hours. This almost killed our itinerary the last trip as the driving hours are long going from place to place.
- List down the places you are looking at, then draw up the driving route, then plan where to stay or eat.
5) Clothing
- Always check up the season that you are going
- New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so it's the opposite of the North. Winter starts in June. December/January is the peak summer season.
- Maximum temperature is at 25 Degree Celsius so do pick your clothing appropriately.
I hope I have covered enough. I would try to post our New Zealand routes soon. Do visit us often :)
