Back from New Zealand: My 14-Day Travel Budget Insights and Tips

My spending habits completely unraveled in New Zealand, and I need help! After months of saving, my friends and I fell victim to a series of scams.
Despite thorough research beforehand, the online guides didn’t fully prepare us for the reality on the ground. New and unexpected scams caught us off guard, leaving us frustrated and out of pocket 😤.

➡ Today, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of essential precautions for anyone planning a trip to New Zealand. I sincerely hope these tips will help you avoid the pitfalls we encountered.
➡ Make sure to review this before you depart! If you can’t memorize everything, save it and read it at your leisure!

💥 **Beware of Traps**
🔸 When entering the country, be aware that fruits, meat, eggs, and dairy products are strictly prohibited. Any food and medicine must be declared!
🔸 New Zealanders drink cold water year-round, and restaurants generally don’t provide hot water. If you have a sensitive stomach or are menstruating, bring a thermos.

🔸 The local currency is the New Zealand dollar. Exchange some cash before you go; the current rate is approximately 1 NZD to 4.2780 CNY.
🔸 Pack a windproof and waterproof jacket. Umbrellas are prone to breaking, and locals rarely use them.
🔸 Chinese tourists often have different culinary preferences.

When dining out, communicate with the staff about your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for less salt or more spice; they are usually accommodating.
🔸 Domestic flights in New Zealand do not include checked baggage fees. You’ll need to pay extra for luggage.
🔸 Avoid wandering outside after 8:00 PM, especially in sparsely populated areas.

It’s safer to stay indoors when it gets dark.
🔸 If your English isn’t strong, joining a regular tour group might not be the best option. You could miss out on local cuisine and find it challenging to order food on your own, especially if you also have a poor sense of direction (ps. Fortunately, many of our drivers and guides are Chinese and speak excellent English, so you can ask them to order for you).

🚩【New Zealand Travel Itinerary to Avoid Pitfalls】
Day 1: Embark on your adventure from China, setting your sights on the vibrant city of Auckland.
Day 2: Fly from Auckland to Christchurch, where you’ll be greeted by the charming blend of historic architecture and modern flair.
Day 3: Journey from Christchurch to the picturesque Glacier Town, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and towering peaks.

Day 4: Continue your scenic drive to Wanaka, a tranquil lakeside town that offers breathtaking views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 5: Explore the quaint gold-mining town of Arrowtown before heading to the adventure capital, Queenstown.
Day 6: Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, where you can partake in thrilling activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, or simply savor the local cuisine and wine.

Day 7: Travel from Queenstown to Te Anau, the gateway to the magnificent Fiordland National Park.
Day 8: From Te Anau, make your way to Dunedin, known for its rich Scottish heritage, and then continue to the charming town of Oamaru.
Day 9: Head to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring alpine landscapes.

Day 10: Spend the day in Mount Cook National Park, then travel to the serene lakeside town of Tekapo, and finally return to Christchurch.
Day 11: Fly back to Auckland and then head to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal wonders and Māori culture.
Day 12: After exploring the geysers and hot springs of Rotorua, return to Auckland for your final night.

Day 13: Depart from Auckland and begin your journey back to China.
Day 14: Arrive back in China, filled with memories of an unforgettable New Zealand adventure.
👉 Content sourced from @YAYA. Authorization obtained.