You've chosen to travel to New Zealand - fantastic! One of the best things about NZ is that it is considered one of the safest westernized countries in the world. However, there are still a few tips we'd like to share with you and hey, what's better than listening to the natives for a little local advice?

 Before arriving in New Zealand
 Arrival
 New Zealand information
 Driving stuff
 Language and culture
 Accommodation

 
 

Before arriving in New Zealand

What to bring?

  • Soft bags/packs are generally better for travelling than suitcases as they're easier to fit into each vehicle storage unit
  • New Zealand's got a sub tropical climate so it can also get cold at times (especially on our beautiful snowy mountains). Best pack some warm, wind and water-proof clothing for those outdoor adventures
  • Walking shoes are a must as are togs (NZ slang for bathing suit).

Communication

  • Many cellphones/mobile phones can be used in NZ but you'll need to check first that it is compatible with the New Zealand networks (Telecom and Vodafone). We have fairly good coverage across the country although many remote areas still don't have access
  • There are plenty of internet café's throughout NZ so don't worry, you'll still be able to keep your virtual world ticking along.
 

Arrival

Auckland

  • Auckland international/domestic airports - catch a ride on the Airbus Express to the city. FREE if you book an Explore More vehicle
  • Auckland city - contact us for a FREE pick up
  • See also Auckland Map.

Christchurch

  • Christchurch international/domestic airports - contact us for a FREE pick up
  • Christchurch city - contact us for a FREE pick up
  • See also Christchurch Map.
 

New Zealand information

  • Population = 4.5 million
  • Main centres = Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin
  • Language = English (with a twist of Kiwi)
  • Ethnicity = 65% European/Caucasian, 14% Maori, 9% Asian, 7% Pacific Islander, 5% Other, 1% Hobbit
  • Political status = democracy (a very peaceful one at that)
  • Famous for = friendly people, fresh produce, stunning scenery and adventure sports.
  • Temperature - Varies but the north island is generally warmer
  • Summer = December, January, February (but March is often hot too). Average maximum temperature = 20 - 30º Celsius (68 - 86º Fahrenheit)
  • Winter = June, July, August. Average maximum temperature = 10 - 15º Celsius (50 - 59º Fahrenheit).

We love our country. Please look after it while you are here.

 

Driving stuff

New Zealand driving rules

  • We provide Driving Rules and Vehicle Information brochures in each vehicle, so make sure that you have a read through. That "I'm a foreigner" line won't work every time.
  • Speed cameras are common in New Zealand and if you get caught the fines can be quite large and will be charged back to your credit card. Bugger
  • Speed cameras are often disguised as white vans on the side of the motorway - don't say we didn't warn you
  • Give way to the right when at intersections - NZ is the only country with that rule apparently. Once you're here we can help you more if you're unsure.

Security tips

  • Don't leave any visible valuables in your vehicle, especially if you've gone for a walk. Generally NZ is a safe place to travel, but still you need to be careful
  • Select one person as safety inspector and make it their job to check that the vehicle is secure when you leave it. (This way you have someone to blame!)

Parking tips

  • If you're not lucky enough to find a rare free parking spot you might have to use a parking meter. If you do not give them money, you can get caught by parking wardens and given a ticket. While some of the smaller towns will charge you just $10, in the big cities, it can be up to $40 or you can even get towed if you're in a no-parking place! Generally you don't have to pay on a Sunday, public holiday or after 6pm so make the most of these times!

Accommodation

  • In the busy summer months (Nov-March) it's often a good idea to find accommodation before you travel there (yip even if you're in a camper - NZ is a popular place ya know!). Booking in the afternoon is often enough - iSites (information centres) can do this for you, or you can do this yourself on the internet.
  • See New Zealand Accommodation

Driving games

  • Find the largest fizzy drink bottle in New Zealand
  • Find the Southern Cross (on the NZ flag) in the night sky, careful, there are several look alikes! The real one has two pointer stars to the side
  • First person to spot a white horse gets to sleep (in the passenger seat with a seatbelt though of course)
  • Follow the first sign post that interests you.

Final rule

  • Toot other Explore More vehicles as you drive past them (and of course our extended family: the big green Kiwi Experience buses).
 

Language & culture

Language

  • Kiwi = our native bird or a name for a New Zealander
  • Kiwis speak pretty good English (better than Aussies) but we do speak fast so just ask us to slow down if you can't keep up.
  • Sweet as bro = That's fine. ‘Bro' comes from ‘brother', we like to treat everyone as family
  • Dog's breakfast = a mess.
  • Hit the sack = go to bed.
  • Tiki-tour = a sightseeing drive to nowhere in particular
  • Aotearoa = "the land of the Long White Cloud"; the Maori word for New Zealand.
  • Kai = a feed = a meal. Also the Maori word for food.
  • Yack = a conversation with a friend.
  • ... and you'll learn many more as jump in your wheels and cruise the land.

Culture

  • Like most western countries we have sit down toilets and use toilet paper
  • We don't spit or throw rubbish on the roads or in our parks. Please be a tidy Kiwi...(at least an honorary one while you are here!)
  • We value personal space so be careful about how close you get to someone when speaking to them. Also, if you bump into someone say "sorry", or "sorry bro" if you're feeling like you've grasped our lingo.
 

Accommodation