Questions for New Zealanders

As a proud New Zealander, I thought it was about time we had a thread for the Kiwis! :D I know that for a long time New Zealand was just "that little island off Australia" (:grumble:) but now thanks to a little thing called The Lord of the Rings we have put ourselves on the map. We are well-known for other things such as rugby, kiwifruit, sheep, our clean green image, remaining nuclear-free and Sir Edmund Hillary. For those of you who have never heard of New Zealand (where have you been?!), you can find further information on our beautiful country here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand). :)

This thread is a place for non-New Zealanders to share their opinions on NZ or to direct questions about our country to New Zealanders, such as myself and ArryGrotter (http://cosforums.com/member.php?u=107672), who encouraged me to create this thread. :D I would also be very interested to meet some other New Zealanders so if you're a kiwi, post here!

Oooh! It's up!

Yeah, we're not all LotR fanatics!!!

I bet hardly ANY outsiders know about Maori, which is quite a big thing in NZ.

And we're known (only NZ-wide) for alot of things which almost everyone steals (Mainly the Aussies, though :lol:):
Yo4xcIETcvo
And our ads are awesome!!

I would've thought most people would have at least heard of the Maoris, but maybe not know much about them. A bit like how non-Americans don't really know much about Native Indians or non-Celts not knowing much about Celts and their history.

I have a question: with all the film backgrounds, has it increased the number of immigrants? Are house prices starting to rise?

I would've thought most people would have at least heard of the Maoris, but maybe not know much about them. A bit like how non-Americans don't really know much about Native Indians or non-Celts not knowing much about Celts and their history.

I have a question: with all the film backgrounds, has it increased the number of immigrants? Are house prices starting to rise?

I don't much about the Native Indians, but what I do know be more than people know about something NZ.

House prices have increased, but I wouldn't say it's because of the film industry :lol:

I have a question about ANZACS and ANZAC Day in New Zealand.

Here in Australia it's a very big deal but we hear next to nothing about NZ's involvement! It really annoys me. In New Zealand is it a big deal and do you hear much about our involvement?

I have a question about ANZACS and ANZAC Day in New Zealand.

Here in Australia it's a very big deal but we hear next to nothing about NZ's involvement! It really annoys me. In New Zealand is it a big deal and do you hear much about our involvement?

No, not really. We have our ceremony, but don't know much about the Aussie's

Last Anzac day my sister was in Australia, so she went to a ceremony there.

PS, did you like the ad in Post 2? :lol:

did you like the ad in Post 2? :lol:

I did :lol: My brother watches those 'World's Greatest Ads' shows sometimes and the Kiwi ones are always really good.

That ad was so true - do you want Russell Crowe back? We'll let you have him if you wish.

My brother lives in NZ - he's married to a New Zealander so I barack for NZ as well as Oz if I happen to be watching any sports - which is rare I must admit but I do like the NZ Sav Blanc wine and I love the LOTR.

House prices have increased, but I wouldn't say it's because of the film industry :lol:

So why have they increased? Just because of the global financial problems? I have always attributed some of it to the films making people more aware of the country and since they always show the beautiful scenery it will make more people want to live there. New Zealand does have sense of being one of the best countries to live in, although I'm sure it has its problems too.

That ad was so true - do you want Russell Crowe back? We'll let you have him if you wish.


You can also have Richard Wilkins and Karmichael Hunt to. But we'll keep Sam Neill.

Who is Karmichael Hunt - I've never heard of him/her???

Oh Well they can have both of them....

Yo4xcIETcvo
And our ads are awesome!!

Did you know that NZI's parent company is Australian owned :p

Did you know that NZI's parent company is Australian owned :p

I think that the biggest joke!!!!! :lol:

I have a question about ANZACS and ANZAC Day in New Zealand.

Here in Australia it's a very big deal but we hear next to nothing about NZ's involvement! It really annoys me. In New Zealand is it a big deal and do you hear much about our involvement?
It's definitely a big deal here. :agree: But like ArryGrotter said, we don't get much coverage of what the Australians are doing.


So why have they increased? Just because of the global financial problems? I have always attributed some of it to the films making people more aware of the country and since they always show the beautiful scenery it will make more people want to live there. New Zealand does have sense of being one of the best countries to live in, although I'm sure it has its problems too.
I know tourism has certainly increased but I'm not sure about house prices, though I assume there would have been a rise initially. I can't say that I am very knowledgeable when it comes to real estate and such but from what I have heard, we are having a bit of a slump (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=292&objectid=10515713) in house prices at the moment.

That ad was so true - do you want Russell Crowe back? We'll let you have him if you wish.
Oh no, he's yours now...:lol:

Did you know that NZI's parent company is Australian owned :p
Gosh that is brilliant! :lol:

It's definitely a big deal here. :agree: But like ArryGrotter said, we don't get much coverage of what the Australians are doing.


I find that really sad. Australia and New Zealand were in it together and each country practically ignores the other :(

I find that really sad. Australia and New Zealand were in it together and each country practically ignores the other :(
:agree: I absolutely agree. It's a shame really. I know that New Zealand and Australia have a bit of a rivalry going on but I'd like to see the two countries as "friends". We should really take more notice of each other, especially events that are significant to the both of us. :)

And our ads are awesome!!

Here's another awesome ad from our country:
1ff2lxcR2wQ

Man, I wish some of those ads were aired over here. Part of me wishes I had the money to go to NZ.

All of me wishes I had the money to live in both Ecuador and New Zealand........ and France, UK and even parts of Italy......

How's it possible to live in 5 countries? :lol:

For a few months at a time in each country?:hmm:

NZ is one of the places I LOVE!!It looks awesome from what i've seen in photos ..and i also LOVE your cricket team:p*Yay..NZ beat England in cricket!*
What are the languages spoken there?(apart from English of course)..and how well is cricket received there?

NZ is one of the places I LOVE!!It looks awesome from what i've seen in photos ..and i also LOVE your cricket team:p*Yay..NZ beat England in cricket!*
What are the languages spoken there?(apart from English of course)..and how well is cricket received there?

You do know they pick the extravagent pictures of the mountains and valleys and neglect the smoggy cities? :relax:

:lol:

I'm not a cricket fan. Cricket's not the most popular sport (Rugby :rolleyes:) but it's one of them, maybe 4th or 5th :hmm:

Languages: Well the official languages of NZ are English and Maori, though Maori is only spoken by those who know it. (The only Maori I know is the part of the National Anthem :lol:)

Other languages heard: Languages from the Pacific Islands (Tongan, Fijian etc.) Chinese, Japanese Anything-with-ese-on-the-endese, Indian languages... bascially any languages spoken by Imigrants that are here, though these are spoken in their cultural groups only. I live in a multi-cultural area and can get sick of other languages sometimes.

The only common langauge of the population is English.

Oh Arry! I dunno about the smoggy bit. Christchurch and Dunedin look rather picturesque to me from what I've seen from pics my relo's send me and also from various Travel shows. They also look rather cold in the winter though...... But then I suppose they are a bit like many European cities near a snowy area climate wise. Still most cities have their smog because of industry and traffic - cars, trucks etc.

Thanks for the earlier answers:)Also....how are the opportunities for Overseas students in NZ Universities?What are the best courses offered?

What a brilliant idea for a thread !
I've been like obsessed by NZ for a while (well, ever since I've watched LOTR :whistle:) and it really is my dream to go and settle there for some time.
Actually, after I graduate from univ, I plan to go and stay in NZ for a year as an assistant for French learners. I know very few people go there but I really wanna try cause from what I know, NZ seems to be the right place for me to live.
The landscapes, but also the people, the way of life, the sheep (lol), I like everything NZ (not to mention these handsome rugby players...) !

I've read on a blog that people often walk bare-footed, is it true ?
And what do you think would be the best place for a young people to settle ? I've heard Dunedin is one of the cities where there are the more students.

Anyway, if I can't settle in NZ, I know I will go and visit someday, like, a few months...I really hope so because in a way, I feel more Kiwi than French sometimes...

Yes Dunedin has a University there. Both my NZ nieces and nephew studied there. It's cold in winter but probably no colder than where you live in France. I've never been there but from pictures I've seen it looks like a beautiful place.

That said you will find young people in all the major centres in NZ should you want to stay elsewhere.

What a brilliant idea for a thread !
I've been like obsessed by NZ for a while (well, ever since I've watched LOTR :whistle:) and it really is my dream to go and settle there for some time.
Actually, after I graduate from univ, I plan to go and stay in NZ for a year as an assistant for French learners. I know very few people go there but I really wanna try cause from what I know, NZ seems to be the right place for me to live.
The landscapes, but also the people, the way of life, the sheep (lol), I like everything NZ (not to mention these handsome rugby players...) !

I've read on a blog that people often walk bare-footed, is it true ?
And what do you think would be the best place for a young people to settle ? I've heard Dunedin is one of the cities where there are the more students.

Anyway, if I can't settle in NZ, I know I will go and visit someday, like, a few months...I really hope so because in a way, I feel more Kiwi than French sometimes...

Listening to how foreigners talk about NZ, I feel like the aren't told EVERYTHING about NZ :sigh:.

The landscapes - yes the ones that aren't developed yet are quite nice.
The People - Most of them are immigrants...
The way of life - What's so different, unless you want to be a farmer... (and live with sheep :lol:)
The Sheep - You only meet them if you're a farmer...
The rugby players - Most of them get put away for something...

Barefeet? :lol: Some may, some probably do ... Those who can't afford shoes...

I first thought of Palmerston North. That has turned into quite a student city. But I'm not sure how good the uni is...

Ah Arry - don't run down your country - my brother loves living in Christchurch so it can't be that bad.....

Arry> I know the things I've listed about NZ are stereotypes, like everything people can say about a country when they've never set foot in it.
But all the more, these stereotypes make me wanna go there and check for myself if everything is true.

Oh and I've got another question, about the Maoris. How do you feel they are integrated in the country ? I mean, is this like in the US with the Natives, or were the white settlers more respectful about the Maori's territories and traditions ?

the Maaoris are more integrated than the poor Kooris (Aboriginals) are in Australia unfortunately. The Maoris have a treaty whereas the Kooris haven't YET. Hopefully this wil happen soon....

OK, here's a really easy question: is NZ as gorgeous as LotR makes it look?
EDIT: lol, if I'd read the posts above me first I wouldn't have had to ask this.

OK, here's a really easy question: is NZ as gorgeous as LotR makes it look?
EDIT: lol, if I'd read the posts above me first I wouldn't have had to ask this.

Parts of NZ is. Just remember they only shot in remote places....

Some/a lot of the South Island is stunning. The Milford Track looks beautiful from the pics my sister and her husband took when walking it.

I haven't been to Milford, but I know that it is one of those stunning places in NZ that get shown around the world and then everyone thinks the rest of the countries like that...

When I went to the South Island, I went to the cities (Christchurch, Duniden, Invercargill, Queenstown), though I did go to Mt Cook which was quite nice (though had a long drive...)

But Arry from what I've heard from the many people I know who've travelled over most of NZ they say it is beautiful. Be proud of your country - sheep and all...:lol:

NZ is one of the places I LOVE!!It looks awesome from what i've seen in photos ..and i also LOVE your cricket team:p*Yay..NZ beat England in cricket!*
What are the languages spoken there?(apart from English of course)..and how well is cricket received there?
As ArryGrotter said, English and Maori (and sign language) are the official languages of New Zealand but Maori is nowhere near as widely spoken as English. I doubt there is anyone who can speak Maori and not English but Maori is given an equal "status" to English. Like I remember when I sat exams back in high school, we sometime had the option to sit it in Maori if we wanted (which I didn't, considering I don't speak it but there are a few people whose first language is Maori and I mean very few). And it was compulsary for me to take Maori in primary and high school, until I was about year 9 but I'm not sure if that is the case at other schools. I am far from fluent in the language though. Like ArryGrotter, I know the national anthem in Maori and then just a few phrases and words here and there.

Rugby is our national sport here but I would definitely say that cricket is among our main sports too. I'm not a fan personally though so I can't tell you much more than that sorry.

You do know they pick the extravagent pictures of the mountains and valleys and neglect the smoggy cities? :relax:

:lol:
Having been overseas, I'd say our cities (yes, even Auckland!) aren't very smoggy compared to big cities elsewhere. I've had exchange students live with me before (from China and japan) and they always said how fresh the air was and they loved going outside at night because the stars are so visible. Some of them had never seen starts before!

BUT I do agree that they only show the beautiful parts of NZ - that's tourism, I guess. So people shouldn't expect to be able walk down the street straight into a scene from LotR...:lol:

Thanks for the earlier answers:)Also....how are the opportunities for Overseas students in NZ Universities?What are the best courses offered?
As a university student myself, I can tell you that there are many overseas students here. NZ is very open to overseas students. Every single class I'm in has a significant amount of overseas students from Asia, America, Europe etc which is cool because you get to meet heaps of different kinds of people. I did a New Zealand Literature paper a few semesters ago and there were students from USA, Japan and the Middle East so it was really interesting to get their views on things. I'm not sure I can answer your question on the "best courses" as it depends on what you're looking for, I guess.

I've read on a blog that people often walk bare-footed, is it true ?
And what do you think would be the best place for a young people to settle ? I've heard Dunedin is one of the cities where there are the more students.
Certainly not in the cities but as a small-town girl growing up, I know that I ran around outside in bare feet in the summer. Dunedin is quite well-known for being a student city, as it Palmerston North which Arry mentioned.

That said you will find young people in all the major centres in NZ should you want to stay elsewhere.
:agree: Especially those cities that have universities/polytechnics.

Oh and I've got another question, about the Maoris. How do you feel they are integrated in the country ? I mean, is this like in the US with the Natives, or were the white settlers more respectful about the Maori's territories and traditions ?
Please note that I am absolutely not an expert on this topic, I only know the stuff I learnt in History in my high school days. I don't know a lot about the situation with the Natives in the US to be honest but I know that Maori situation is a lot more "comfortable" (for want of a better word) than that Aborignal people of Australia as inkling said, due to the Treaty of Waitangi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Waitangi), signed in 1840, which said that the Maori acknowledged British sovereignty and gave Maori rights to their land. The white settlers and Maori did have their wars (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_land_wars) during the colonisation process and there was a fair bit of oppression, even after the Treaty. But (at the risk of doing a John Key here...:lol: - NZers should get this :p) I think we have been fairly lucky in terms of the integration process because I know there are lot of other countries that are worse off. There are still ongoing disputes, largely due to differences in the English/Maori translations of the Treaty, hence the Waitangi Tribunal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waitangi_Tribunal). However, I personally believe that Maori have an equal status to everyone else in the country and we are all basically happy with the relationship between Maori and Pakeha (NZ Europeans). I hope this helps, like I said I'm not expert. :shrug:

OK, here's a really easy question: is NZ as gorgeous as LotR makes it look?
Yes, to some degree but as I posted earlier, it's not like you see that everywhere you go. I have visited some of the locations where LotR was shot and they are nice places.

But Arry from what I've heard from the many people I know who've travelled over most of NZ they say it is beautiful. Be proud of your country - sheep and all...:lol:
:agree::D

Not a question really, but it seems that some from the shaky isles are in a frightful abit over "The Pitch" segment on The Gruen Transfer (http://www.abc.net.au/tv/gruentransfer/) when invading NZ was the concept that had to be sold.

"Jon McKie, from ad agency 303, appropriated New Zealand's 100 per cent pure image advertising campaign, featuring glorious landscapes, snowboarding and frolicking children, before adding: "0% Airforce, 0% Navy, 0% Infantry." It said New Zealand was "100% easy" and "100% there for the taking" before showing jets screaming over the mountains."

It was extremely clever. And funny.

SMH (http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/100-not-happy/2008/07/12/1215658195812.html)

Now come on WAB leave the Kiwis alone. At least their army isn't as involved as ours is in overseas disputes where they shouldn't be. Let's hope Kevin sees sense where little Johnny Howard refused to - or couldn't.....

I have nothing but respect for the Kiwi foreign policy but it remains a fact that the RNZAF has no combat aircraft, the RNZN has two frigates and the army's chief infantry weapon is supplied by Australia.

Aha but what do you really think about Aussie policy - as one Aussie to another?

Ps I was unaware of any Kiwi Toadying to the US - on the contrary it seems to be the opposite - thank god.....

Aha but what do you really think about Aussie policy - as one Aussie to another?

Improving. But we'll see.

Ps I was unaware of any Kiwi Toadying to the US - on the contrary it seems to be the opposite - thank god.....

Yeah, I've fixed that. In relation to the US NZ has for a long time (since the mid-eighties at least) had a far more independent attitude to our "powerful friends".

Not a question really, but it seems that some from the shaky isles are in a frightful abit over "The Pitch" segment on The Gruen Transfer (http://www.abc.net.au/tv/gruentransfer/) when invading NZ was the concept that had to be sold.

"Jon McKie, from ad agency 303, appropriated New Zealand's 100 per cent pure image advertising campaign, featuring glorious landscapes, snowboarding and frolicking children, before adding: "0% Airforce, 0% Navy, 0% Infantry." It said New Zealand was "100% easy" and "100% there for the taking" before showing jets screaming over the mountains."

It was extremely clever. And funny.

SMH (http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/100-not-happy/2008/07/12/1215658195812.html)

Yes, that was very funny :lol: I wonder how the Kiwis will 'get their revenge' in the final episode.

Yes I saw that in the paper.

leave NZ how it is please :relax:

This week past has been Maori Language Week. During it, the national Language of Maori is promoted.
Of the things promoted, the ones I can remember are: Google Aoteraroa was started this week, an episode of the popular TV show 'Shortland Street' had Maori subtitles, television stations used Maori in their commercials as well as English, the News had reports in Maori with English subtitles and used a different Maori each day in the weather forecast (Hapua means Cloud :lol:)

Arry is the Maori language the same all over NZ? I mean the Aborigines have several different languages depending on the region they are from. Is it like that in NZ - I mean those from the South Island might have a slightly different dialect from those on the North Island for example. Then again they may not.....

Arry is the Maori language the same all over NZ? I mean the Aborigines have several different languages depending on the region they are from. Is it like that in NZ - I mean those from the South Island might have a slightly different dialect from those on the North Island for example. Then again they may not.....

I beleive that it's the same everywhere. There were hardly any South Island Maoris as the North Island was more desirable locations, mainly because of its temperature.

Yes winters are cold down there and they would have needed twice as many clothes I suppose and there would have been a lot of island hopping between North and South. Perhaps those from the South Island spent the winter on the North Island....

Three pages in an no reference to Flight of the Conchords?

I beleive that it's the same everywhere. There were hardly any South Island Maoris as the North Island was more desirable locations, mainly because of its temperature.
Actually, I'm pretty sure there are different dialects across different tribes but there are only subtle differences between them; speakers of different dialects are still able to understand each other. Don't quote me on this though, this is only what I remember from Maori class in primary school. :)

Three pages in an no reference to Flight of the Conchords?
I'm surprised at this too. I'm not personally a fan of them but I hear they are fairly popular overseas.

Actually, I'm pretty sure there are different dialects across different tribes but there are only subtle differences between them; speakers of different dialects are still able to understand each other. Don't quote me on this though, this is only what I remember from Maori class in primary school. :)

James Cook found that, having learnt Maori, he could communicate with Polynesians in Tahiti and the Sandwich Islands.

Skrewtmaster and I are planning a gap year working holiday in NZ and I have a few questions:

1) How do you travel between North and South Island - is there a ferry? A really big bridge?
2) Which side of the road do you drive on?
3) Am I right in thinking that your Autumn (our Spring months), i.e. Jan-May thereabouts, is the best time for fruit-picking jobs?

We're thinking of travelling from north-south or vice versa, working along the way and visiting Maori villages and LOTR sets (Hobbiton - w00t!). Is there anything particulary seasonal that we should know? (General weather trends, music festivals, etc?) Any recommendations?

Thank you to anyone who can answer any of these questions!
:D

Skrewtmaster and I are planning a gap year working holiday in NZ and I have a few questions:

1) How do you travel between North and South Island - is there a ferry? A really big bridge?
2) Which side of the road do you drive on?
3) Am I right in thinking that your Autumn (our Spring months), i.e. Jan-May thereabouts, is the best time for fruit-picking jobs?

We're thinking of travelling from north-south or vice versa, working along the way and visiting Maori villages and LOTR sets (Hobbiton - w00t!). Is there anything particulary seasonal that we should know? (General weather trends, music festivals, etc?) Any recommendations?

Thank you to anyone who can answer any of these questions!
:D

I can easily answer the first two :lol:

A big bridge :rotfl: - I know it's possible, but it's just not thinkable.
Car Ferry ;) http://www.interislander.co.nz/

And we drive on the left side on the road.

Nothing really else I can comment on expect YAY!

:D Thank you ArryGrotter! Those were the two questions I still didn't have the answers to :tu:.

Yes dear old JJ has been doing ALOT of research, I'm leaving the cost sorting up to her! Just wondering, in New Zealand are there any rules about where you can and can't set up tents or just throw down a sleeping bag (because we want to cut as many corners as possible where money is concerned!)?

:tu: Yes, what are the "right-to-roam" rules in NZ? (Crosses fingers and hopes it's like Sweden - you can go skinny-dipping in any lake you please!:scared:)

Thanks!
:D

I think there are rules...

For tents, you'd have to make sure there isn't a 'no camping' sign - they are mostly on beaches....

*hopes some other NZer can help*

For tents, you'd have to make sure there isn't a 'no camping' sign

:rotfl: Funny that, I'd never have figured that out alone!

Sorry *appreciates ArryGrotter's information* :huggles:

:D

1. What is the best method to travel around? Public transportation I mean.
2. How expensive is it to live there? Regarding food, accomondation (hostel mostly or shared flat) and so on.
3. Is it easy to get a job there in smaller towns?
4. Is there a cheap airline that operates in NZ?

Last I checked there weren't any cheap domestic airlines as the place is too small and hasn't the population to support true budget carriers.

Sorry, I rather meant for international flights. Lets say from and to Australia or North America.

Has anyone been on the Ultimate Movie Tour in Weallington and if so, was it good?

Oh, and since Steph and I last posted, the plan has been turned on its head. Steph is no longer coming and I'm not going to take a gap year - I'm going to have an uber-long summer holidays next year when I've finished college, so I'm planning to spend 9 - 10 weeks in NZ during that time. My provisional plan is to fly into Auckland, spend a few days / a week there, travel up through Northland and see what's there, then come back down the west coast and visit Mount Taranaki (I won't go direct - I'll zigzag and explore) then go across, north-east to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, via mount Ruapehu and Lake Taupo. I'll then make my way (somehow) down to Wellington (where I plan on doing the movie tour), before hopping over to south island. On south island, I imagine I'll travel all the way down the west / north coast (the mountains and Fox's glacier, etc), round the bottom and back up to Christchurch, from which I will fly home.

Can anyone foresee any problems / alternative ideas pertaining to this plan, and does anyone have any recommendations, etc? And could anyone suggest how I should divide my time between the two islands (my impression is that there is more to do and see on North Island, but I may be mistaken)?

Thanks!

JJFinch:

I think you have a good plan! :D And I think there probably is more to see in the north (but I'm biased :lol:) In the south, have you considered visiting Queenstown? that's a really good tourist area :)

Sorry, I rather meant for international flights. Lets say from and to Australia or North America.

Airlines operating Australia-NZ include Qantas, Jetstar, Air NZ, Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue (I think). Jetstar and the Blues sell themselves as "budget" but aren't ultracheap.

Lan Chile, Aerolineas Argentinas and Emirates also fly AU-NZ.

JJFinch:

I think you have a good plan! :D And I think there probably is more to see in the north (but I'm biased :lol:) In the south, have you considered visiting Queenstown? that's a really good tourist area :)

:lol: Whereabouts do you live in the north (if you don't mind my asking)? And I hadn't seen Queenstown (though I think I've heard of it - I may be confusing it with Queensland, Aus :hmm:) because it's in tiny writing in the atlas I'm using. I've ordered a large map of NZ which should arrive in the next few days, then I'll be able to properly begin figuring out a route.

So, what's in Queenstown? It looks like it's in amongst the mountains, so is it a skiing area? Skiing has never appealed to me for some reason (possibly a fear of breaking my legs :lol:), but I should probably give it a try. Actually I'd love to try cross-country skiing - is there much of this in NZ? And how touristy is Queenstown? I'm not into Costa del Sol / Blackpool type touristy (blech...fat, sun-burnt Brits...in arcades...*vomit*) - I like kind of hippyish travelling, youth hostels, camping, etc, if you see what I mean. That's not to say I don't want to see the cities - Auckland looks fantastic. Am I right to be thinking that it's quite similar in character to Perth in Aus?

Anyway, thanks Aaron, for answering my questions!
:)

EDIT: actually I've just looked up Queenstown and apparently there is cross-country skiing. The place looks fantastic! Thanks for the tip Aaron!

I like kind of hippyish travelling, youth hostels, camping, etc, if you see what I mean.

You can't throw a rock in Queenstown without hitting a backpacker as it bills itself as the adventure sport capital of the world.

You can't throw a rock in Queenstown without hitting a backpacker as it bills itself as the adventure sport capital of the world.

:lol: Well I'll keep an eye out for flying rocks...

It sounds perfect. Definitely going on my list. :agree:

:)

Does cricket have a large fan following in NZ? :D

Because your team is quite awesome :cool:

:lol: Whereabouts do you live in the north (if you don't mind my asking)?

Auckland :)

EDIT: actually I've just looked up Queenstown and apparently there is cross-country skiing. The place looks fantastic! Thanks for the tip Aaron!

You are welcome :)

Does cricket have a large fan following in NZ? :D

Because your team is quite awesome :cool:

Actually, no :p

Airlines operating Australia-NZ include Qantas, Jetstar, Air NZ, Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue (I think). Jetstar and the Blues sell themselves as "budget" but aren't ultracheap.

Lan Chile, Aerolineas Argentinas and Emirates also fly AU-NZ.
I'm already in NZ for weeks, so a bit too late. Thanks anyways. :p

Go to Northland, they have the good weather!

hello! im not from NZ but i have been there twice to play in a rugby tournament and i love the country!
go allblacks!

How busy are Youth Hostels likely to be between mid-July and early/mid-September - how far in advance will I need to book in order to ensure I get a bed? (I'm travelling alone).

Thanks! :)

And also, how likely are there to be last minute flights for a single person (who can travel any day at any time) in July? (i.e. how far in advance will I need to book my flight (to Auckland), given that I'm just one person and can travel at the least busy times).

Thanks!

How busy are Youth Hostels likely to be between mid-July and early/mid-September - how far in advance will I need to book in order to ensure I get a bed? (I'm travelling alone).

Thanks! :)

And also, how likely are there to be last minute flights for a single person (who can travel any day at any time) in July? (i.e. how far in advance will I need to book my flight (to Auckland), given that I'm just one person and can travel at the least busy times).

Thanks!

Well, being that I've never travelled to New Zealand, I'm not precisely sure :lol:

July's Winter here, so it's likely that they'd be less people travelling, but as it is Summer up north, that could also mean a lot of people from there come :shrug:

How busy are Youth Hostels likely to be between mid-July and early/mid-September - how far in advance will I need to book in order to ensure I get a bed? (I'm travelling alone).

Thanks! :)
I worked in NZ hostels during NZ-Winter and I can say that it's not busy at all. Many hostels offer you a special winter price and give you upgrades for nothing. You have to call them and prebook with your creditcard, but usually are a few days before enough.

And also, how likely are there to be last minute flights for a single person (who can travel any day at any time) in July? (i.e. how far in advance will I need to book my flight (to Auckland), given that I'm just one person and can travel at the least busy times).

Thanks!
Check out sites like www.kayak.com, but the earlier you book the cheaper it comes of course. When you're lucky then you get a very last minute place but for what price is the question. I booked my flight from LA to Auckland one month before my flight for a very reasonable price (one way). You fly into the winter so it is cheaper than flying around Nov-Feb.

^ Tenshi knows :lol:

I worked in NZ hostels during NZ-Winter and I can say that it's not busy at all. Many hostels offer you a special winter price and give you upgrades for nothing. You have to call them and prebook with your creditcard, but usually are a few days before enough.


Check out sites like www.kayak.com, but the earlier you book the cheaper it comes of course. When you're lucky then you get a very last minute place but for what price is the question. I booked my flight from LA to Auckland one month before my flight for a very reasonable price (one way). You fly into the winter so it is cheaper than flying around Nov-Feb.

Brilliant, thank you! (And thanks ArryGrotter for answering as well ;))

I have a question about ANZACS and ANZAC Day in New Zealand.

Here in Australia it's a very big deal but we hear next to nothing about NZ's involvement! It really annoys me. In New Zealand is it a big deal and do you hear much about our involvement?


I don't know about the other Kiwis on COSforums but personally I don't hear a lot about Aussies involvement in ANZAC day....

Does cricket have a large fan following in NZ? :D

Because your team is quite awesome :cool:


They aren't at the moment.....

Wow, I haven't been on this thread for ages! I'm now going to be travelling in NZ for three weeks at the end of August and beginning of September (and I've booked my flight!!).

Couple of questions:

1. I know that the time of year I am going is end of winter/early spring, but, given the hole in the ozone layer, will I still need suncream? (I've got dark hair, pale skin and freckles, although I'm now quite tanned. I don't burn easily, basically - on the hottest days in the British summer, factor 10 is more than sufficient to stop me burning).

2. Unfortunately, some of the walks/tours I'd like to do only seem to run during the summer months. The Milford track sounds too risky in winter, so what alternative options there are for seeing the spectacular Fjordland scenery?

I will probably have many, many more questions over the next few weeks, as I actually hammer out my itinerary!

Thanks very much! :)

EDIT: I've got another question already: given that I'm going for three weeks, and want to see what you might call the "main attractions," how would people advise I divide my time between North and South island? Half and half? More on one than the other? Thanks! :)

I'd spend more time on the South Island. First it's bigger and there#s more to see scenery wise.

Hmm I definitelly wouldn#t do Milford track in winter or any other of those tracks, especially not when you are not a hiker with a lot of experience. People get in too trouble easily and they die.

I'm not sure if the tour buses go to the Sounds in winter, cause that would be a possibility.

1. I know that the time of year I am going is end of winter/early spring, but, given the hole in the ozone layer, will I still need suncream? (I've got dark hair, pale skin and freckles, although I'm now quite tanned. I don't burn easily, basically - on the hottest days in the British summer, factor 10 is more than sufficient to stop me burning).

If you are going up the mountains, yes you should, but if you are staying at ground level, I think you will be fine :)

2. Unfortunately, some of the walks/tours I'd like to do only seem to run during the summer months. The Milford track sounds too risky in winter, so what alternative options there are for seeing the spectacular Fjordland scenery?
Sorry, I've never been to the Fiords :shrug:

EDIT: I've got another question already: given that I'm going for three weeks, and want to see what you might call the "main attractions," how would people advise I divide my time between North and South island? Half and half? More on one than the other? Thanks!

Hmm, I'd say half and half. The Nth Island's got lots of cultural attractions, whereas south is more natural :)

The fiordland cruises are supposed to go all year.

Just make sure you book early and book via the web (or/and if you have a backpacker discount card, use that), it's cheaper. I was on Doubtful and Milford Sound in November and it wasn't the best weather but it was still a great experience because with a lot of rain you have thousands of waterfalls. I stayed the night on Milford btw, not cheap but worth it.

I would agree with Tenshi, spend most time on the South Island. If you like nature it's the place to be. The West coast route by car or bus is amazing and places like Wanaka and Te Anau are relaxed. Queenstown is busier but pretty with the Remarkables and the lake.

Thanks everyone! :) That's all really useful information.

A cruise around the fjords sounds really good, Hes - I'll look into that. :tu:

I've got quite a lot of ideas for what to do on North Island (Auckland, Waitangi Treaty House, "Hobbiton", Rotorua, Mt Taranaki, and the Waitomo glow-worm caves) but my plans concerning South island aren't much more detailed than "see pretty scenery. Stay in Queenstown. Do a cruise around the fjords." ;) So the details of South Island are what I really need to pound out. I should look through my guide-book to do this at some point, but, until I can be bothered to do that (:rolleyes:) does anyone have any suggestions of specific things to do, places to visit, or good places to stay? I will have more questions about South Island in due course :D.

Thank you very much! :)

EDIT: Thanks again for suggesting a cruise, Hes - I've just looked it up and found a fantastic website with lots of informationa bout sights to see in *** Fjordland (Homepage: http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/Main/)

On the North Island I personally like the Tongariro crossing, which would still be snowy and icy at your time, but brings you close to Mount Doom herself. It's a day hike and you would need cramp ons (which are provided if you go with a guide)


Abel Tasman national park is nice, it's generally the warmest place on the South Island.

In Franz Jozef and Fox Glacier you can go glacier climbing, which is fun.

If you want to see seals, sealions, albatros and penguins, Dunedin is perfect. They have a great wildlife tour there, Elm Wildlife tours, which brings you up close to rare penguins.

Kaikoura, close to Christchurch is the place to see whales and dolphins.

I loved Mount Cook village, but that's quite isolated. Has great walks.

Of course if you want to see wild Kiwi's (the birds) Stewart Island is the place to be.

yes, do the Elm's Wildlife Tour. That one was great. Also when you go to the Waitomo Caves. Do Black Water Rafting, that's quite an adventure.

When you go to Waitangi, don't miss out on Russel (just take the ferry across). And you could do a day tour up to the cape and 90-Miles Beach including seeing Kauri trees.

The Coromandel is pretty too, with it's beaches. Most famous one is the Hotwater Beach, with it's hot springs under the sand. You dig holes on the beach which will fill itself with hot water and you sit inside. BUT DON'T GO SWIMMING AT THAT BEACH. EVER. Trust me.

Like Hes said, the Abel Tasman is pretty too. I did a kayak tour there and hiked the track for 2 days. but you can also take a water taxi up there and hike down or other way round.

Wow, they're all fantastic suggestions - thanks, guys! :D I'm probably not going to be able to fit it all in, but I'll do as much as I can. That Elm wildlife tours thing sounds really great - I'll definitely do that if I can!

BUT DON'T GO SWIMMING AT THAT BEACH. EVER. Trust me.

:scared: Wh-wh-why??

What is blackwater rafting? Sounds...interesting...:)

Won't Stewart Island be quite difficult to get to in winter?

What sort of things are available on the east coast of South Island? I know someone who travelled around NZ (though we are no longer in contact) and she recommended travelling up the east coast. I've got a vague idea that I'm going to travel around south island in a more or less anti-clockwise direction (I have to get back to Auckland for my flight home - incidentally, would the best (meaning cheapest) idea be to fly back to Auckland from, maybe, Christchurch? Any other suggestions?).

Thanks very much again! :D

Oooh, just looking in my guidebook - hang-gliding from Queenstown. DEFINITELY doing that. I've hang-glided here in Cornwall and it was a wonderful experience! Over NZ scenery...:drool::love:

EDIT: just remembered some other questions I've been meaning to ask: 1) Will I be able to buy teabags in NZ (sorry. English.) 2) I've seen a great deal of sheep pictures but not any cows, so can I assume that you don't have fresh milk? (*please say you do...please say you do...*) Or do you have UHT milk? (*please say you don't...please say you don't...* :p )

There's a dangrous rip where the pools are, but when you go farther down the beach you can surf there.

You can do different tours down into the caves. You can do abseiling, floating down the cave, see glowworms, walk through the water for hours, rock climbing. All in one tour.

Besides Dunedin, Christchurch, Kaikoura etc, you find the Catlins. Difficult to reach without car, but I heared it's pretty.
Moeraki Boulders south of Oamaru. Not sure if I'd recommend Oamaru itself. You can see blue penguins there when you're lucky, but that's it I think.
Further north there are vineyards and stuff.

When you go anti clockwise then I'd take a flight from Christchurch. They have cheap airlines like Pacific Blue.

Yes, they do tea and even fish n' chips and stuff.

I remember a cow! ... I think. I am 1000% sure I saw llamas, but a cow... *racks brain*
They definitelly have milk, maybe that one cow is responsible for the milk supply of the whole country.

j/k :lol: There are enough cows there, especially on the south island.

Yes, they do tea and even fish n' chips and stuff.

I remember a cow! ... I think. I am 1000% sure I saw llamas, but a cow... *racks brain*
They definitelly have milk, maybe that one cow is responsible for the milk supply of the whole country.

j/k :lol: There are enough cows there, especially on the south island.

:rotfl: Well, thank goodness for that! :clap: I can deal with anything if I've got a half-decent cup of tea in me belly! I was having withdrawal symptoms after three days on a French exchange...:eeep:

I'm not going to be hiring a car at all - I can drive, but I haven't been driving long, and am definitely not ready to do so by myself in another country where I don't know the way :lol:! So I'll rule out places that are only really accessible by car. :)

Thanks! :tu:

Ha well i live in a small city called gisborne and im proud to be from nz
Im part Maori and part Croation