How I traveled in New Zealand without renting a car or campervan?
Why New Zealand?
•Scenic places
•Environment friendly country, please respect nature. If you like to, you can walk barefoot.
•Safe country for solo trip (if you are a beginner amature person, this is a great beginning)
•You can drink tap water from the hotels/hostels in which you stay
•You can trust most of the people
•Best time to visit during Christmas - New Year vacation. More day time (sun set was around 9:00 pm in north island, south island sunset was 9:20 pm), so can cover more places which doesn't have time constraints (eg: hiking hills)
•You will get what you pay for (no hidden/extra charges, no guide/driver tricks, no hustle, no tipping, straight forward)
•I was excited to explore the beautiful landscapes and experience New Zealand 's renowned commitment to environmental conservation.
Key cities covered: Auckland -> Rotorua -> Wellington -> Queenstown -> Christchurch
Itinerary
Attractions
Accommodation
Transportation
Restaurant
Items
Bonus Tips
Itinerary
Attractions
Accommodation
Transportation
Restaurant
Items
Bonus Tips
Itinerary
Auckland Airport to Hotel: Taxi 🚕
Transportationon fly hire (without pre-booking)
Cost of transportation: 96 NZD, there was a cost meter display in taxi.
Alternatively you can choose Uber, Bus, shuttle service from supershuttle.co.nz.
Alternatively you can choose Uber, Bus, shuttle service from supershuttle.co.nz.
Kiwi International Hotel, 411 Queen Street, 68241, Auckland CBD
Accommodation2024-Dec-23 - 2024-Dec-26
Reached hotel around 4pm, Its a private room with common toilet/bath-room.
If you don't know how to use Hop-on, and If you hate to walk steep hike roads, you can avoid this hotel.
If you don't know how to use Hop-on, and If you hate to walk steep hike roads, you can avoid this hotel.
Hotel to Cornwall Park: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via YourRide app
Cost of transportation: 36 NZD
Cornwall Park, Auckland CBD
LocationCornwall Park
Captured In iPhone 12 mini
View from sheep view point
Cornwall Park to Sky Tower: Taxi 🚕
Transportationon fly hire (without pre-booking)
Sky Tower
LocationPre-booked via Sky Tower admissions.
(Pre-booking not really needed)
Stayed there for some hours
Best to visit late night (after checking sun set time) so that you can view both day light view and night view in one shot.
Since i went on December the sun set was around 9:30pm on that day
There is a casino in the building, which i visited later day
(Pre-booking not really needed)
Stayed there for some hours
Best to visit late night (after checking sun set time) so that you can view both day light view and night view in one shot.
Since i went on December the sun set was around 9:30pm on that day
There is a casino in the building, which i visited later day
Sky Tower to super market: Walk 🚶
TransportationSuper market, Auckland CBD
GenericMost of the shops will close soon like in Europe, so it was hard for me.
Still there were few super markets, where i bought few snacks, energy bar, burger buns, etc
Still there were few super markets, where i bought few snacks, energy bar, burger buns, etc
The picture shows the healthy green peas of the snacks suggested by my friend.
Super market to restaurant: Walk 🚶
TransportationRestaurant to Auckland harbour viewpoint: Walk 🚶
TransportationAuckland harbour viewpoint to Hotel: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via YourRide app
Cost of transportation: 27 NZD, Its walkable, but i was bit tired and lazy
Day 2 - 2024 December 24 Tuesday - Auckland - Hamilton - Auckland
GenericAuckland CBD to Hamilton Garden
TransportationThe bus is available from Auckland to Hamilton, then you can hire a taxi using Uber/YourRide app. However, one of my friend and family in Auckland was planning for Hamilton Gardens on the same day, so i got a chance to visit with them
Hamilton Garden to Hotel, Auckland CBD
TransportationThe bus is available from Hamilton to Auckland. However, my friend dropped me back in hotel in Auckland
Hotel, Auckland CBD to Albert park, Auckland: Walk 🚶
TransportationDay 3 - 2024 December 25 Wednesday - Auckland - Cathedral Cove - Auckland
GenericHotel, Auckland CBD to Cathedral Cove
TransportationYou can book a 1 day tour via GetYourGuide.com.
However, one of my friend from Auckland gave me a car to ride to Cathedral Cove.
Don’t miss the scenic views on the way to Cathedral Cove
However, one of my friend from Auckland gave me a car to ride to Cathedral Cove.
Don’t miss the scenic views on the way to Cathedral Cove
Coromandel Coastal Walkway
LocationI missed this place as my friend had family urgency, this walkway may not be open the entire year, please check with locals before your trip.
Cathedral Cove to Hotel, Auckland CBD
TransportationHotel, Auckland CBD to Mount Eden: Taxi 🚕
TransportationMount Eden, Auckland
LocationYou can see volcanic crater
Long view of “Eden Park” sports stadium which conducts international cricket, sky tower, harbor area
Long view of “Eden Park” sports stadium which conducts international cricket, sky tower, harbor area
Mount Eden to Auckland CBD: Taxi 🚕
TransportationAuckland city walk
LocationAuckland harbor area
Auckland harbor area to Casino, Auckland: Walk 🚶
TransportationDay 4 - 2024 December 26 Thursday - Auckland - Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours - Rotorua
GenericAuckland -> Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours -> Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland -> Rotorua
TransportationBooked 1 day shared trip from Cheeky Kiwi traveller which i booked using via viator.com.
This 1 day shared one side includes pickup from hotel including 1 luggage and drop in Rotorua
This 1 day shared one side includes pickup from hotel including 1 luggage and drop in Rotorua
Hobbiton Movie Set
LocationThis location used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
entry tickets included was included in the viator.com package,
Note: After covering the key items and providing a complimentary drink at the Hobbiton movie set, Viator-booked guests will exit, while non-Viator-booked guests will continue the tour in Hobbiton
entry tickets included was included in the viator.com package,
Note: After covering the key items and providing a complimentary drink at the Hobbiton movie set, Viator-booked guests will exit, while non-Viator-booked guests will continue the tour in Hobbiton
Lunch from Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland entry reception
RestaurantI had vegan sandwich
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
LocationThis is an additional place which I selected while I booked the viator.com package. entry tickets was included.
You have to bear the sulfur smell.
You have to bear the sulfur smell.
Rotorua Central to Hostel (hostel name: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park): Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via YourRide app
Cost of transportation: 27 NZD.
Hotel drop within Rotorua central area is included in viator.com package.
however, mine was bit outside, so i get down with others dropped in Rotorua, and then i booked a Taxi to my hostel
Hotel drop within Rotorua central area is included in viator.com package.
however, mine was bit outside, so i get down with others dropped in Rotorua, and then i booked a Taxi to my hostel
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, Hostel, Rotorua
Accommodation2024-Dec-26 - 2024-Dec-26
Note: I noticed local New Zealand people are not allowed to stay in this hostel.
It was a shared dormitory
It was a shared dormitory
Hostel (hostel name: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park) to Redwoods Treewalk, Rotorua: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via YourRide app
Cost of transportation: 30 NZD
Redwoods Treewalk
LocationI pre-booked the ticket from their website. You can book directly as well
Redwoods Treewalk kiosk, Rotorua
RestaurantI had a banana smoothie/milkshake
Redwoods Treewalk, Rotorua: Taxi to Hostel (hostel name: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park): Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 20 NZD, Uber is cheap than YourRide app
Government Gardens, Rotorua
LocationHostel (hostel name: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park) to Government Gardens, Rotorua: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 18 NZD, I checked-out from hostel
Government Gardens, Rotorua to Indian Star Restaurant: Walk 🚶
TransportationIndian Star Restaurant, Rotorua
RestaurantDinner
Note: The service in this restaurant was average and food was also average
Indian Star Restaurant, Rotorua to Rotorua Central Bus-station: Walk 🚶
TransportationWaitomo Caves, Maori Village
LocationI intentionally skipped these places near Rotorua due to time constraints
Rotorua to Wellington: Over night bus
TransportationPre-booking recommended. The bus was actually came from Auckland and it came 45 minutes late.
Can keep 1 luggage underneath the bus.
Stick a paper in the luggage with your name and phone number for safety
Later in the journey, the overnight bus got breakdown and there was a delay for getting it repaired.
So, the bus supposed to reach in Wellington Central at 6:30 AM next day, but was delayed by almost 5 hours.
Can keep 1 luggage underneath the bus.
Stick a paper in the luggage with your name and phone number for safety
Later in the journey, the overnight bus got breakdown and there was a delay for getting it repaired.
So, the bus supposed to reach in Wellington Central at 6:30 AM next day, but was delayed by almost 5 hours.
Day 5 - 2024 December 27 Friday - Wellington
GenericWellington Central bus station to Hostel (hostel name: Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers): Walk 🚶
TransportationHotel Waterloo & Backpackers, Hostel, Wellington
Accommodation2024-Dec-27 - 2024-Dec-27
Note: I didn't stayed here, rather I just put my luggage here
Hostel (hostel name: Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers) to New Zealand Parliament Buildings: Walk 🚶
TransportationNew Zealand Parliament Buildings to Rose Garden: Walk 🚶
TransportationRose garden, wellington
LocationDominion Observatory, Wellington to Cable car Boarding/dropping station 2: Walk 🚶
TransportationCable car, Wellington
LocationNote: Since I had online booking of Cable car, I could able to board from station 2
Cable car Boarding/dropping station 1 to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 10 NZD
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
LocationI had pre-booked entry ticket to museum (international vistors need ticket)
Restaurant in Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
RestaurantHad snacks
Lunch from Subway, 1 Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington
RestaurantHad veg roll
This subway is next to my hostel
This subway is next to my hostel
Hostel (hostel name: Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers) to another Hotel in Wellington: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 15 NZD
Willis Wellington Hotel
Accommodation2024-Dec-27 - 2024-Dec-29
Day 6 - 2024 December 28 Saturday - Wellington
GenericWillis Wellington Hotel to Mount Victoria Lookout: Walk
TransportationMount Victoria Lookout to Oriental Bay Beach: Walk
TransportationOriental Bay Beach to Cuba street: Walk
TransportationBrunch from Kera-la-carte, Wellington
RestaurantSouth indian restaurant in Cuba street
Cuba street to Wellington Museum: Walk
TransportationThe Wharf, Wellington to Willis Wellington Hotel: Walk
TransportationDay 7 - 2024 December 29 Sunday - Wellington - Queenstown
GenericWillis Wellington Hotel to Wellington Airport: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 15 NZD
Queenstown Airport to Nomads Queenstown hostel: Taxi 🚕
Transportationon fly hire (without pre-booking)
Nomads Queenstown hostel
Accommodation2024-Dec-29 - 2024-Dec-29
Note: I didn't stayed here, rather I just put my luggage here
Nomads Queenstown hostel to Gondola ride - Skyline: Walk
TransportationBungee jump from Kawaru Gorge suspension bridge
LocationPre-booked via book.bungy.co.nz - AJ Hackett website. Also selected pick and drop from AJ Hackett Centre, Queenstown
AJ Hackett Centre, Queenstown to Kiwi park: Walk
TransportationKiwi park to Queenstown garden: Walk
TransportationQueenstown garden to Queenstown Hill Walking Track: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 15 NZD
Queenstown City walk
LocationNomads Queenstown hostel to Airbnb in Frankton: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 30 NZD
Airbnb 58/1 douglas street, Frankton
Accommodation2024-Dec-29 - 2024-Dec-31
This google map location is not accurate, but somewhat close to the property.
Bit hard to find this AirBnb location as the entrance is through a small walkway between two other houses,
The host is staying in this property.
We will get full privacy in our room inside the house.
And, I had a nice sleep during my 2 nights.
The host also offered me to use her bus card, however, I never used it.
We will get a spare key for the main entrance door.
Bit hard to find this AirBnb location as the entrance is through a small walkway between two other houses,
The host is staying in this property.
We will get full privacy in our room inside the house.
And, I had a nice sleep during my 2 nights.
The host also offered me to use her bus card, however, I never used it.
We will get a spare key for the main entrance door.
Airbnb in Frankton to McDonald's, Frankton: Walk
TransportationMcDonald's, Frankton to Airbnb in Frankton: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 11 NZD. Walkable distance, however, I was tired, so booked taxi
Day 8 - 2024 December 30 Monday - Frankton - Milford Sound - Frankton
GenericFrankton -> Fiordland National Park (few stops) -> Milford Sound -> Frankton
TransportationBooked 1 day shared trip from 'Pure Milford' traveller which i booked using via viator.com.
This 1 day shared trip includes pickup and drop from Frankton other areas
My pickup location was 'Frankton Terminus, Frankton, Queenstown'. I got confused regarding the bus station to wait, so here is attached the photo which I took by standing at the waiting station and which was correct and there were many others who came later for the same and different journey.
This 1 day shared trip includes pickup and drop from Frankton other areas
My pickup location was 'Frankton Terminus, Frankton, Queenstown'. I got confused regarding the bus station to wait, so here is attached the photo which I took by standing at the waiting station and which was correct and there were many others who came later for the same and different journey.
Frankton Terminus
Captured In iPhone 12 mini
View from bus stop
Breakfast from a restaurant, Te Anau
RestaurantCost is not included in the viator.com package
My New Zealand friend told me that, “Te-anau” is the place which they will stay whenever they travel to Milford Sound
My New Zealand friend told me that, “Te-anau” is the place which they will stay whenever they travel to Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park
LocationIncluded in the 1 day shared trip from 'Pure Milford' traveller which i booked via viator.com
Milford Sound cruise ride
LocationMilford Sound / Piopiotahi is world's top travel destination (2008), Also, call as '8th wonder of the world'.
Included in the 1 day shared trip from 'Pure Milford' traveller which i booked via viator.com
Included in the 1 day shared trip from 'Pure Milford' traveller which i booked via viator.com
Frankton Terminus to Queenstown: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 27 NZD
Queenstown City walk (2nd time)
LocationQueenstown to Frankton Airbnb: Taxi
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 30 NZD
Day 9 - 2024 December 31 Tuesday - Frankton - Christchurch
GenericFrankton -> Lake Pukaki -> Hooker Valley track (Aoraki / Mount Cook) -> Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd -> Christchurch
TransportationBooked 1 day shared trip from 'Cheeky Kiwi' traveller which i booked using via viator.com.
This 1 day shared one side trip includes pickup and drop from Frankton other areas
My pickup location was 'Frankton Terminus, Frankton, Queenstown'
Also, we can carry 1 luggage
This 1 day shared one side trip includes pickup and drop from Frankton other areas
My pickup location was 'Frankton Terminus, Frankton, Queenstown'
Also, we can carry 1 luggage
Lake Pukaki
LocationIncluded in the 1 day shared trip from 'Cheeky Kiwi' traveller which i booked using via viator.com.
Hooker Valley track (Aoraki / Mount Cook/ Mt cook)
Location20 minutes 1 side + 20 minutes return, total 40 minutes trekking was extremely good.
And it's my top favourite place in my entire New Zealand trip.
If you are not interested in this trekking, the van will drop you in a cafe.
Included in the 1 day shared trip from 'Cheeky Kiwi' traveller which i booked using via viator.com.
And it's my top favourite place in my entire New Zealand trip.
If you are not interested in this trekking, the van will drop you in a cafe.
Included in the 1 day shared trip from 'Cheeky Kiwi' traveller which i booked using via viator.com.
Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
LocationIncluded in the 1 day shared trip from 'Cheeky Kiwi' traveller which i booked using via viator.com.
Christchurch Cathedral Square to Botanical garden, Christchurch
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 10 NZD, even though its walkable, the garden was about to close
Botanical garden, Christchurch to Airbnb, 15 Severn Street, Christchurch
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 15 NZD
AirBnB, 15 Servern Street, Christchurch
Accommodation2024-Dec-31 - 2025-Jan-01
This google map location is not accurate, but almost close to the property
My review in AirBnb:
“I had a wonderful stay at Tina's place. She was incredibly welcoming and friendly, offering to pick me up and drop me off at the airport since I didn’t have a car. The accommodation is a separate outbuilding from Tina’s main house, providing complete privacy and freedom throughout my stay. Tina was respectful of my space, never interrupting, and I felt completely at ease. The bed was comfortable, allowing me to get a great night's sleep, and the check-in/check-out process was smooth and hassle-free, making it easy for me to catch my early flight.
well-equipped with plenty of toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay. There are also ample power sockets, making it easy to charge all my devices. I especially appreciated the hot bed and room heater, which provided added warmth and comfort during my stay.”
Note: The toilet is not attached, it's located in the main building of the host, however, we have super easy access and privacy.
My review in AirBnb:
“I had a wonderful stay at Tina's place. She was incredibly welcoming and friendly, offering to pick me up and drop me off at the airport since I didn’t have a car. The accommodation is a separate outbuilding from Tina’s main house, providing complete privacy and freedom throughout my stay. Tina was respectful of my space, never interrupting, and I felt completely at ease. The bed was comfortable, allowing me to get a great night's sleep, and the check-in/check-out process was smooth and hassle-free, making it easy for me to catch my early flight.
well-equipped with plenty of toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay. There are also ample power sockets, making it easy to charge all my devices. I especially appreciated the hot bed and room heater, which provided added warmth and comfort during my stay.”
Note: The toilet is not attached, it's located in the main building of the host, however, we have super easy access and privacy.
Airbnb, 15 Severn Street, Christchurch to Riverside market, Christchurch
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 13 NZD
Riverside market, Christchurch to Airbnb, 15 Severn Street, Christchurch
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 10 NZD
Day 10 - 2025 January 1 Wednesday - Christchurch - Auckland
GenericAirbnb, 15 Severn Street, Christchurch to Christchurch Airport
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 34 NZD
Auckland Airport to Hotel: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 48 NZD
Alternatively you can choose Bus, shuttle service from supershuttle.co.nz.
Alternatively you can choose Bus, shuttle service from supershuttle.co.nz.
Kiwi International Hotel, 411 Queen Street, 68241, Auckland CBD
Accommodation2025-Jan-01 - 2025-Jan-02
Its a private room with common toilet/bath-room.
If you don't know how to use Hop-on, and If you hate to walk steep hike roads, you can avoid this hotel.
If you don't know how to use Hop-on, and If you hate to walk steep hike roads, you can avoid this hotel.
Auckland CBD Hotel to Auckland War Memorial Museum: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 13 NZD
Domain Wintergardens to Auckland CBD Hotel: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 11 NZD
Day 11 - 2025 January 2 Wednesday - Returning to home country
GenericAuckland CBD Hotel to Auckland Airport: Taxi 🚕
Transportationbooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 55 NZD
Items that I carried
▼iPhone 12 Mini
Brand: Apple
All images and videos are captured using iPhone 12 mini
Redmi 9a
Brand: Redmi
As a backup phone
power bank
Brand: Xiomi
Universal Travel Adapter
Advantage: If your electronic power plug won't support New Zealand sockets, you must need an adapter to charge your electronic devices
Pencil & Sharpner
Because of cabin pressure changes, ink pens sometimes leak and stain bags or clothes.
Pencils never leak, so they’re safer to carry
Pencils never leak, so they’re safer to carry
Toilet tissue
To save money and time I bought toilet tissue,
I didn’t used it much as most of the public toilet in New Zealand had toilet tissues
I didn’t used it much as most of the public toilet in New Zealand had toilet tissues
Base/Inner layer T-shirt
Men Long-sleeve Merino Wool T-shirt - MT500 Blue
Brand:FORCLAZ
Base/Inner layer tights pants
Men Trekking Merino Wool Base Layer - MT500
Brand:FORCLAZ
Hand gloves - Smart phone touch capable
Winter Gloves for Trekking - Stretchable Trek500 Black
Brand:FORCLAZ
Jacket 1
Watertight II Jacket Waterproof
Brand:Columbia
Advantage: I wore this jacket almost all the time during my entire trip to New Zealand. The weather there can change rapidly—you can experience all four seasons in a single day, with sudden rain, wind, cold, and heat. This jacket was incredibly helpful for the short rains, wind, and chilly temperatures in Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown, as well as for windy conditions in Auckland and Wellington. I also used it during basic hikes, such as Mount Eden in Auckland, Mount Victoria in Wellington, and the Queenstown Hill Walking Track
Jacket 2
columbia-mens-black-silver-falls-hooded-jacket-we6284-010
Brand:Columbia
Advantage: When i get more harsh cold weather, i was replacing Jacket 1 with Jacket 2
Primarily used in 4 AM walk to catch 1 day tour bus for Milford Sound from Frankton AirBnB,
5 AM walk to catch 1 day tour Benz van for Rotorua from Kiwi International Hotel, Auckland,
Hooker Valley Track hiking
Primarily used in 4 AM walk to catch 1 day tour bus for Milford Sound from Frankton AirBnB,
5 AM walk to catch 1 day tour Benz van for Rotorua from Kiwi International Hotel, Auckland,
Hooker Valley Track hiking
Credit Card Holder
Storite 6 Slots RFID Protected Metal Credit Card Holder Wallet for Men & Women(Shiny Black,9.5 x 6.5 x 1.3 cm)
Rain Cover for Backpack
Amazon Brand - Solimo
Advantages: It helped during harsh rain in Queenstown and Redwoods Treewalk (Rotorua), and spontaneous small drizzling in Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown
Belt waist bag
Advantage: Since I was keeping bags in hostels, and when I do water activities in Queenstown, I was worried about my passport safety, So i kept passport inside a zip lock and kept in the belt waist bag
Ziplock
Note: Some of the zip-lock bags in the link have weak zips. If you find better ones, go ahead and buy them.
Raincoat Rain Poncho
Advantage: I never stopped my walking when there was a heavy rain in Queenstown area, Kiwi Park Queenstown,
Wet wipes
Advantage: I never stopped my walking when there was a heavy rain in Queenstown area, Kiwi Park Queenstown,
Woolen Hat and Neck warmer
I used it only in 1 place for a 4 AM walk to catch 1 day tour bus for Milford Sound from Frankton Airbnb
Nivea UV protection Creme
I never used it as I was using Blunt UV umbrella most of my longer sun falling walks. And also, due to personal interest i dont use creme or Sun creme
However, almost everyone i have seen in New Zealand heavily use Sun creme a lot
However, almost everyone i have seen in New Zealand heavily use Sun creme a lot
Waterproof Phone Pouch
I carried it to keep my phone if I take any watersports in Queenstown, However, I never used it
Items that I bought
▼Blunt UV Umbrella
Brand: Blunt
On my second day i bought this as i was needing it in my entire trip. Advantage: New Zealand is a place were you can experience all the weathers in 1 day, frequently change the weather with Short rains, Wind, Cold, Heat. Umbrellas made in other countries may not survive New Zealand’s wind, especially in Wellington, so buy an umbrella from New Zealand. Also, Blunt is a great brand which I am aware of.
I bought UV protected 2 fold umbrella
I Bought from Kathmandu store in Auckland CBD
I didn’t get expected color, so, if you have time, go to their main store in Auckland
Off-topic: Yes, i heard the Kathmandu store chains in New Zealand is inspired from Kathmandu place in Nepal (need to find authenticity)
I bought UV protected 2 fold umbrella
I Bought from Kathmandu store in Auckland CBD
I didn’t get expected color, so, if you have time, go to their main store in Auckland
Off-topic: Yes, i heard the Kathmandu store chains in New Zealand is inspired from Kathmandu place in Nepal (need to find authenticity)
Physical SIM of Spark
Brand: Spark
bought from Auckland Airport as soon as landed
Merino woolen cloths
Bought before security check-in in Auckland airport, (I was able to pay in mix of liquid cash and card for my purchase, Also, i was able to try out the dress in the store, however, i can see few negative comments in Google review about the shop)
Mānuka honey
Bought after security check-in in Auckland airport, they put in a sealed bag for transit safety.
(No one in my home liked the taste of Honey, so, no one used it even though it is healthy) 🙂
(No one in my home liked the taste of Honey, so, no one used it even though it is healthy) 🙂
Tips
▼Transportation from Airport to hotel or hotel in Auckland CBD to Airport
Alternative options you can choose for Transportation from Airport to hotel (or hotel in Auckland CBD to Airport): Uber, Shared taxi, Bus.
A photo which I captured in front of Kiwi International hotel, Auckland, in which supershuttle.co.nz service picking up a few members from my hotel.
A photo which I captured in front of Kiwi International hotel, Auckland, in which supershuttle.co.nz service picking up a few members from my hotel.
If you need to try food from world famous “Fergburger” restaurant in Queenstown
If it’s too crowded, my friends in New Zealand suggest ordering it online. As per my friend, we can customize our food with vegan options
Since I prioritize sightseeing over food and my time in the south island is too low, i didnt try food from here.
If it’s too crowded, my friends in New Zealand suggest ordering it online. As per my friend, we can customize our food with vegan options
Since I prioritize sightseeing over food and my time in the south island is too low, i didnt try food from here.
I felt “Cheeky Kiwi” is the best tour operator in New Zealand, so if you directly contact them, you might get some benefits.
If you have more days, rather than booking a flight from Wellington to South Island, Book a ferry from Wellington to Christ church. Then from Christ church book a one day one side tour to Franz Josef, and stay in Franz Josef and goto Glacier heli hike.
Then, from Franz Josef, book another one day one side tour to Queenstown, and from Queenstown come back to Christchurch via Mt Cook
Then, from Franz Josef, book another one day one side tour to Queenstown, and from Queenstown come back to Christchurch via Mt Cook
If you have more days, please include Glenorchy (46km car drive from Queenstown)
If you know how to drive electric scooter, you can avoid long walks in some cities. Check flamingoscooters.com and www.li.me
Mistakes
▼250 NZD hold in gas station
Gas station in NZ
On the Cathedral Cove drive, I swiped my Forex card in a petrol/Fuel station in New Zealand, and they held my 250 NZD for 1 month. However, after deducting the cost of the fuel, they credited the balance after returning to my home country.
Still that un-used balance amount is exist in my Forex card
Still that un-used balance amount is exist in my Forex card
Forex card challenges
My Forex card didn’t work in Uber for my first ride, however, after a few days it started working. Also, My BookMyForex card failed payment while buying an umbrella from Kathmandu store in Auckland CBD. Later I found out that it failed due to the per transaction limit. But I was late to find it and ended up paying using my VISA credit card.
Buffer days in South island
My scenic “Helicopter drive with one ice mountain stop“ which I booked got cancelled due to bad weather, i never kept buffer days in South island. Also the helicopter ride and Bungee jump was booked on same day, and Bungee jumping itself took many hours,
It was super tight to catch the helicopter ride if it was there. So, plan a more than 4 hour buffer if you are planning to do it on the same day.
It was super tight to catch the helicopter ride if it was there. So, plan a more than 4 hour buffer if you are planning to do it on the same day.
Bungee jumping from Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge booked via AJ Hacket.
It was a very short jump, So, wasn’t able to enjoy it much. So, you can choose to bungee jump in the world's highest from same AJ Hacket rather than the world's first.
It was a very short jump, So, wasn’t able to enjoy it much. So, you can choose to bungee jump in the world's highest from same AJ Hacket rather than the world's first.
I had a loose motion and stomach upset after drinking a milk shake 'Helova Milk Bar' from a “Night ‘n Day” Super Market in Cuba street, Wellington
In India, if we pre-book the hotel by paying full amount, they will not give the room to anyone, however, Wellington Hostel and Queenstown Hostel didn’t hold my room as I reached the hotel in the next day early morning. Also, they didnt provide me refund (Which was ok for me, but just sharing the details to others)
Notes
▼public transport challenge
Compared to Europe, UAE, India, I felt, very less public transport facilities in the entire New Zealand, it will be worse in the South Island.
New Zealand is famous for Camper van or Rental car trips. Mostly you will be able to use your own country's Driving License, please check in official sites of New Zealand.
If you don't know how to take the round-about, about where to park, etc, learn that as well.
New Zealand is famous for Camper van or Rental car trips. Mostly you will be able to use your own country's Driving License, please check in official sites of New Zealand.
If you don't know how to take the round-about, about where to park, etc, learn that as well.
Even though almost every place accepts cards, there was only 1 moment in which I wanted to pay in cash as a security deposit in a hotel in Wellington, where they gave me back exact same cash note when i check-out 😀
Almost all shops will close around 4PM or 5PM. So plan to buy things accordingly.
The travel declaration form that you will get just before landing New Zealand airport is important, clearly mentioning items. In my case, I filled it via online prior to onboarding itself, and I was carrying my Hiking-Shoe, so I declared Outdoor gear.
As I mentioned, New Zealand gives priority to cleanliness, So, please don’t carry a dirty bag or shoe or anything that has dirt/mud.
If you are planning to take a 1 day trip and not planning to return back to your starting point, then you try to book one side trips online. Otherwise, your luggage won't be considered for travel. The below picture shows how my 1 day 1 side shared trip van carried luggages, and it allowed only 1 luggage per person.
If you are planning to take a 1 day trip package, When you book accommodation, good to check its location comes under the 1 day trip pick up location limit
Pre-Checklist
▼Entire Itinerary preparation from internet sources
Flight booking
Pre-booked all of my accommodations
Pre-booked for Bugee jump in Queenstown
Pre-booked overnight bus from Rotorua to Wellington
Get New Zealand tourist e-Visa
Add money to Forex card (i used BookMyForex card),
Bought liquid New Zealand cash from nearby currency exchange (i got comparatively cheaper rate than BookMyForex)
Pre-booked for 1 day trip from Auckland to Rotorua
Pre-booked for 1 day trip from Frankton - MilfordSound - Frankton
Pre-booked for 1 day trip from Frankton to Christchurch
Pre-booked domestic flight from wellington (north island) to queenstown (south island)
Pre-booked domestic flight from christchurch (south island) to auckland (north island)
Downloaded New Zealand map in my backup Android phone
Searched what not to do in New Zealand, (i got to know that, it’s considered really disrespectful to sit on a dining table, and you should avoid comparing New Zealanders with Australians, etc from youtube videos)
Flight booking
Pre-booked all of my accommodations
Pre-booked for Bugee jump in Queenstown
Pre-booked overnight bus from Rotorua to Wellington
Get New Zealand tourist e-Visa
Add money to Forex card (i used BookMyForex card),
Bought liquid New Zealand cash from nearby currency exchange (i got comparatively cheaper rate than BookMyForex)
Pre-booked for 1 day trip from Auckland to Rotorua
Pre-booked for 1 day trip from Frankton - MilfordSound - Frankton
Pre-booked for 1 day trip from Frankton to Christchurch
Pre-booked domestic flight from wellington (north island) to queenstown (south island)
Pre-booked domestic flight from christchurch (south island) to auckland (north island)
Downloaded New Zealand map in my backup Android phone
Searched what not to do in New Zealand, (i got to know that, it’s considered really disrespectful to sit on a dining table, and you should avoid comparing New Zealanders with Australians, etc from youtube videos)