First Time Family Trip to New Zealand: Best Tips and Destinations

From the moment we touched down in Auckland on the 9th to finally settling into our new home today, it’s been a whirlwind of a week. I can now take a moment to breathe and jot down this diary entry.

Regarding [airplaneR], I flew directly from Shanghai to Auckland on the 8th. Traveling with a child, I decided to splurge on an Air New Zealand Skycouch, and it was absolutely worth every penny! It felt like flying in a cozy bed, making the 11-hour journey incredibly comfortable [YayR]. As a family of three, we were thrilled to find that there was an extra Skycouch available after boarding, which the flight attendant kindly offered us for free.

The Skycouch provided ample space for one adult and a child, though it might be a bit snug for two adults [JiMeiR].

Regarding 🚗, we hit the ground running and headed straight to the car dealership on our first afternoon. With a child in tow and the need to house hunt and shop, having a car was non-negotiable. We had already made contact with the dealership from back home, and a friend who had also purchased a car from them highly recommended their service.

The process was as smooth as buying groceries: set your budget, pick your model, test drive, sign the contract, and drive away. We opted for a Toyota C-HR, which perfectly suited our needs. Of course, the challenge of adjusting to right-hand drive fell to my partner [FacePalmR].

Regarding 🏠, we booked a week-long Airbnb and needed to secure a rental before school started on the 15th. With only three days to view and choose a place, the second day was packed with appointments. Focusing on central locations and whole rentals, we prioritized comfort and convenience. On the first day, we viewed five properties, and each one left us disappointed—either old, poorly laid out, or dark and damp, with no furniture or appliances [DisappointedR].

I was starting to worry, but on the second day, we found our dream home: a brand-new unit, fully furnished and equipped. The landlord, who was also Chinese, was incredibly kind, and we managed to secure it within our budget, which was a huge relief [PartyR]. After that, it was all about moving in and setting up.

I feel like I can finally exhale, knowing we have a stable place in Auckland.

During this time, we also registered at the school and received another student card, which I’m quite excited about, even though the all-English courses will be a significant challenge [FreakOutR].

We explored Green Supermarket and Yellow Supermarket, and dined at some local eateries. I must say, the prices in Auckland are steep, especially when you factor in the exchange rate [CryR]. A simple plate of fried rice or noodles can cost around 200 RMB…

All I can say is, the mountains are breathtaking, the waters are pristine, and the scenery is absolutely stunning—though it all comes with a hefty price tag.
Although I haven’t had much time to explore, Auckland has already left a fantastic first impression. The city is not only beautiful but also exudes a sense of tranquility.

As a newcomer, I’m genuinely excited about the life that awaits me here!
One small gripe: I never imagined that every single socket here would be three-pronged! I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my power strip by sea.