Before landing in New Zealand
What to bring for your campervan hire or backpacking trip?
- Soft backpacks or bags are generally better than suitcases as they're easier to pack into a campervan, car or bus.
- New Zealand can get cold at times (especially on our beautiful snowy mountains). Best bring warm, wind and water-proof clothing for those outdoor outings.
- Walking shoes are compulsory, as are togs (NZ slang for swim suits/trunks).
Communication
- Many cell/mobile phones can be used in NZ but you need to check first that it is compatible with the NZ's networks (Telecom and Vodafone).
- 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.
New Zealand info
- Population = just 4.5 million!
- Main centres = Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin
- Language = English (plus a twist of Kiwi) and Moari
- Ethnicity = 65% Caucasian, 14% Maori, 9% Asian, 7% Pacific Islander, 5% Other, 1% Hobbit
- Political status = democracy (a really peaceful one!)
- Famous for = friendly people, 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 max temperature = 20 - 30º Celsius (68 - 86º Fahrenheit)
- Winter = June, July, August. Average max temperature = 10 - 15º Celsius (50 - 59º Fahrenheit).
Driving a car or campervan in New Zealand
New Zealand driving rules
- They're a little different - The "I'm a foreigner" line won't work every time so make sure you learn them.
- Speed cameras are often disguised as white vans on the side of the motorway - you've been warned!
- Give way to the right when at intersections - NZ is the only country with that rule apparently. Don't blame me; I think it's stupid too.
- Often you have to feed parking meters with money after you park your car or campervan in a spot. If not you get a ticket. While some of the smaller towns will charge you just $10, in the big cities, it can be up to $40. (If you're from London, that's the cost of parking anyway).
Language & Culture
- 1.5 languages: Maori plus Kiwis speak pretty good English aswell (better than Aussies).
- Culture - we're a young country. You can't have everything.
New Zealand Map
Great Stuff on Amazon
New Zealand (Country Guide)
Essential guide for those backpacking or travelling round New Zealand
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009) 
A Land of Two Halves
Written by someone who hitch-hiked round New Zealand. He talks about all the best spots and the differences between the two islands.
Amazon Price: $11.86 (as of 07/11/2009)
Based on a True Story
CD by a good Kiwi band. Listen to it in your campervan.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Goodbye Pork Pie
Kiwi classic film. Car chases from Auckland to Invercargill.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Help me improve!
Reciprocity guaranteed:
GHouse wrote...
Hi!! Just come to see your nice lens. I did my travel lens too. It's about my hotel in hua hin Thailand. Hua Hin is a charming town of clean white sandy beach. If you come to Thailand, please visit us.
Posted December 07, 2008
surfchicky23 wrote...
Nice useful information for tourists looking to come to New Zealand. Also if you go backpacking, make sure you tell someone when you are expected to arrive back at the camp.
Posted September 18, 2008
Alpinefolk wrote...
Hi Nice lens, Maybe a bit more info on some of the places people can get to with their campervans ;-)
Please check out my lens on the Marlborough Sounds
Posted August 18, 2008
estherjane13 wrote...
We wished we'd had a campervan when we traveled around South Island of New Zealand. Useful tips. Thank you!
Posted August 06, 2008
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