Tweet Can you turn left at a red light? Do you really have to give way to the right? What about parking? Driving in New Zealand is quite similar to other western countries but there are a few rules to bear in mind to avoid an accident ruining your time in the country. The most [read more…]
Tweet Free lift passes, working in the great outdoors, unlimited time to ski the fresh powder? Get real. Rumours had it that a position for shop staff in Queenstown had people queueing along the street for an interview during the 2010 season. As well as fruit picking, working a ski season is one of the [read more…]
Tweet WWOOfing is a worldwide scheme to allow people to volunteer on an organic farm in return for accommodation and often food. WWOOfing in Zealand is an ideal opportunity for backpackers, and working holiday visa holders to experience working and living on organic farms, market gardens, sustainable living projects and community projects. To participate in [read more…]
Tweet Seasonal working is what many backpackers will end up doing during their gap year, or working holiday visa duration in New Zealand. For most people, seasonal working either falls into one of two areas : Fruit Picking, or working on the ski fields. This guide will detail the fruit picking side of seasonal working. [read more…]
Tweet You’re considering hiring a camper van in New Zealand but you don’t know what you want. Are they difficult to drive? Expensive to run? Are they slow? This guide to hiring a camper van in New Zealand will guide you through many of the things to consider. This guide will only deal with renting [read more…]
Tweet Although it may seem crazy for a lot of countries, many long term budget travellers and backpackers in New Zealand buy used cars or campervans (motorhomes or smaller) to get around. There’s a huge choice of vehicles imported from Japan, auto and manual, diesel and petrol, and cars and vans. Optional (but recommended) insurance [read more…]
Tweet Before you start working and getting paid in New Zealand you’ll need to get yourself a tax reference number which is called an IRD number. Your tax number is issued by the Inland Revenue and is easy to get, assuming you already have a working holiday visa, or other visa that allows you to [read more…]
Tweet You’ve arrived off the plane as a backpacker with your working holiday visa, ready for your gap year, or you’ve moved over here as a resident and you need a bank account. So how hard is it to set up a bank account in New Zealand? The good news is it’s very easy, and [read more…]
Tweet Bus tours are one of the most popular methods of travelling around New Zealand for backpackers, longer term and budget travellers. The most popular options are Kiwi Experience, Magic Bus, Stray Travel, and the public transport network, but which is most suitable for you? Travel Passes Most of the transport options below will offer [read more…]
Tweet Universal Currency ConverterTypical costs for New Zealand are not too different from other ‘western’ countries – the largest differentiator to your home country will be the exchange rate. As this was typed the New Zealand dollar is quite strong which means a trip for the typical European or American visitor can be a bit [read more…]