Explore New Zealand with Your Boyfriend: Affordable Small Group Tours for Under $13k

Recently, my boyfriend and I embarked on an unforgettable journey to New Zealand. Upon our return, a mountain of tasks awaited us, leaving me with little time to reflect on our adventure. Finally, with some free moments at hand, I’m excited to share our experience. We joined a local small group tour in New Zealand, which cost 13,000 RMB per person. This post is based on our personal experience, and I hope it will be helpful for those planning a similar trip.

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**Why?**

Both of us were admittedly lazy when it came to detailed travel planning. Being first-timers in New Zealand, we found the prospect of navigating an unfamiliar country daunting, especially with our average English skills. Additionally, our families were concerned about our safety and strongly advised against traveling independently.

They kindly offered to sponsor part of our travel expenses and suggested we find a reliable tour. In the end, we opted for a guided tour, which provided us with peace of mind and a sense of security.

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**Experience?**

We joined a semi-independent local tour and spent seven glorious days exploring New Zealand. The itinerary was meticulously planned, ensuring we made the most of our time. The hotels they arranged for us were top-notch, situated in prime locations, and provided a comfortable night’s rest. Our tour guide was a gem, fluent in Chinese and brimming with enthusiasm.

On the first day, he entertained us with his impressive tongue twisters and kept us engaged throughout the trip with fascinating stories from his previous tours, including a memorable proposal he helped orchestrate.

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**Suggestions?**

1. **Plan Your Itinerary Reasonably:** New Zealand is a place where you can truly savor the moment. The attractions are spread out, so avoid cramming too many places into your schedule. This way, you won’t spend most of your time on the road and can fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
2. **Adjust to the Time Difference:** New Zealand is 4 hours ahead of China.

To make the most of your trip, try to adjust your sleep schedule in advance. This will help you acclimate more quickly and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
3. **Currency and Payment:** The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar, but you don’t need to exchange a large amount. Many places accept Apple Pay, making transactions convenient and hassle-free.

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In retrospect, my parents’ advice was spot-on. We had an incredibly fun and worry-free trip. Otherwise, I’m sure we would have argued a lot, hahaha! If any of you are considering a tour, feel free to refer to my experience. For those planning a self-guided trip, make sure to familiarize yourself with right-hand driving. I wish everyone a happy and memorable trip!