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 Australia went through a big sun protection promotion a few years ago, and New Zealand is no different. With the second highest rate of skin cancer in the world, it’s vital that you stay protected from the sun during your stay in New Zealand. The sun is intense in New Zealand, and even on [read more…]
Tweet If you come to visit New Zealand you’re bound to get tripped up by at least a few of the place names and local language. Many place names reflect their traditional Maori names, and some fruits may be named differently from back home. Read the guide and go local! If you haven’t watched [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 In New Zealand, you just don’t get the same choice of books as in some countries throughout the world so many locals order online from international websites. There are however some great book shops here and some great specialist stores specialising in specific subjects, particularly in Auckland and Wellington, but the costs can be [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…]
Tweet I always find shopping in a new country is interesting. In New Zealand there’s a whole load of interesting foods from feijoa fruits to kumara, and there can be different names used than what you may use back home. For everyday shopping in New Zealand there are only a few large chains around, but [read more…]
Tweet The Entertainment book is a bit of a institution in New Zealand and can be used to get 2 for 1 budget deals, discounts and other offers for dining, activities, hotels and entertainment. Offers are available throughout the country, particularly in the well populated locations such as Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown, Waikato and [read more…]