Foreword: Last year (2015) I decided that my wife and I were going to fulfill a long time dream of traveling to New Zealand. We planned the trip and made all the arrangements ourselves. They are not ranked in any particular order. These tips are given from a western world perspective, and I suspect western travelers will probably find it more useful.
1. Most of the Roads are Bidirectional, Single Lane
What: This is probably the biggest one. What do I mean by single lane, bidirectional? It means the roadways are single lanes in both directions. Though there are occasional passing lanes, and I mean occasional, the majority of the time you are going to be driving into oncoming traffic in order to pass other drivers. Almost every city or town is connected by roads like this.
Takeaway: Always leave extra time for driving. If you don't, you may find yourself risking unnecessary head-on collisions.
2. Use ATMs to Exchange Currency
What: If you need to exchange your currency into New Zealand dollars, wait until you arrive and use the ATMs. Using an exchange office will run you a significant tax resulting in less currency for travel. Using an ATM should only tax you for the withdrawal fee.
Takeaway: Using ATMs to get local currency is almost always cheaper unless you can pay in your national currency (only found this as an option once).
3. Towns Close Down at 5:00pm
What: Most of the towns, big or small, close down around 5:00pm. When you really think about it, this makes sense for a couple of reasons like energy conservation and family/friend time. This will come as a shock to most westerners who are used to cities with Walmart and always open fast food restaurants, but it's not how they do business in NZ.
Takeway: Get all your shopping done before 5:00pm or have groceries already purchased. If you arrive late into a town you are staying in, chances are no one will be at the hotel to receive you or the local food joints will be closed. Queenstown was our 5th or 6th day on the ground in New Zealand, and when we asked what time the town closed down they laughed at us, so this isn't a rule everywhere, just a custom in most places.
4. Food is Different
What: This should also be pretty obvious, but the food is going to taste very different. Not only do food makers change recipes depending on region, but different governing bodies also have different regulations. In short, the difference is that NZ food has much less sugar, and much less salt. We found this to be a good thing, but again was a surprise. The first couple times we found ourselves saying that the food was bland, but once you realize how much salt and sugar U.S. American food makers add to the food, you can see that the food is not bland, just more natural. Additionally, it is important to note that there are next to no vegetarian options which resulted in us making our own food for almost every meal.
Takeaway: Food has less sugar and salt, and tastes more natural, but good. Being vegetarian in NZ is not a thing; make your own meals.
5. Holiday Parks are Where to Stay
What: Holiday parks are similar to what U.S. Americans will think of as motor lodges or motels. Our goal was to stay in 'nice' places, but not 'expensive' places. This is of course relative to the traveler, but for us it meant having an attached toilet and shower room to our guest room. We traveled at the beginning of autumn, so the busy season was just ramping down. Because of this, most of the rooms cost us between 70 & 100 US dollars for a night. Each of the rooms we stayed in were probably the size of a small apartment or larger. Our 'we feel like kings' accommodation was actually a 4 person lodge in Tongariro National Park and it probably cost no more than 100 USD.
Takeaway: Staying at Holiday Parks, either by camper or by room, is a cheap and comfortable way to see New Zealand while still having access to luxuries like attached showers and toilets. All our accommodations had included kitchens as well.
*I will end up posting more about New Zealand since it was, and will remain, a big part of our lives. Stay tuned!
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