Travelling to New Zealand

Well it's pretty much official that I will be heading to NZ sometime this winter, er summer, Jan-march! I was just approved for my working holiday visa. Very excited! So bring forth the Kiwi knowledge, any tips, places to see (or avoid) anybody who would like to hang out or put me up for a few days would be most appreciated. I'm going to attempt to travel most of the country and hike all the great walks. So as well if anybody is interested in doing some backpacking/tramping I'm game!

:cheers2:

 

oh sweet, congrats

if youre in canterbury come to christchurch

 

Christchurch is definitely on the list, what are some cool things do do around there?

And I plan to buy a car as well. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road should be interesting.

 

Remember that in jan-feb it will be very warm, you will probably want to go to the beach. Personaly I dont think theres much to do in the city- NZ is all about the scenery.

 

No doubt, I'd love to try my hand at some surfing, I guess there are a few good spots for it right?

I'm an outdoors nature lovin guy, so that is indeed my main priority. Will be bringing my backpacking gear. Still want to see the towns of course, really I'm up for everything!

 

There are so many great places - I loved Raglan (learned to surf there), Lake Taupo (sky dive there!), Abel Tasman National Park - (go sea kayaking), and Wanaka (relax or go hiking)....I'm so jealous. I want to go back!!

Have fun!

Julie

iD Tech Camps Rules!

 

Thanks! I certainly will try. Looks like my trip is getting postponed a few months though. ahh well

 

Hey I just got my working holiday visa too. have you began to apply for jobs? If so, are they generally open to the idea of hiring/communicating with working holiday holders?

 

I haven't started applying. But I certainly hope they are open to it! I would assume so as it's a government sponsored program, sorta.

I'm too busy trying to sell all my stuff, and move right now. Haven't had much time to plan or worry about NZ unfortunately.

When were you planning on going?

 

As I understand I have 1 year to use my working holiday visa after it is issued. I honestly was not expecting it to go as quickly as it did. So I have to go sometime in 2009. How long did it take your visa to be approved? I have found jobs on the NZ job sites and I'm going to start applying soon. I wasn't expecting this to happen so fast! When are you expecting to go?

 

It took maybe 2 weeks to be approved. I've got to go by october 2009. I was originally planning to go in January, but there have been some complications so I figure I might stay here through the summer and go at the end of september now.

You looking to do any backpacking there?

 

I actually have thought about backpacking / stay in a cheap hostel. From the information that I've gathered so far, rent prices look similar to here in the states, but it turns out to be cheaper because they list their rates in NZD. Have you talked to any kiwis yet? Any advice that you'd like to share?

 

Keep watching the exchange rate. It's been hovering around 1.70-1.80 on the dollar but a few weeks ago it was $2.00! I should have jumped on it then but I was not prepared. Back in the summer it was 1.50-1.60

 

I have been thinking about doing what you guys are planning as well. What did you find was the best way to get a working holiday visa? Did you go through a company or apply yourself?

 

well i'll actually be doing the same thing in late oct. of this year...the program that i'm going thru is BUNAC...i went through them last year to go to england. i can't fucking wait to get over to NZ though...where is everyone planning on living etc..? i thought auckland sounded the most keen, but i dunno?

 

I'm going to move around and see as much of the country as possible.

 

how will you afford that?

 

Money.




Seriously though, saving it, working, and doing things as cheaply as possible.

 

sonik im so stoked for ya bud! wicked jealous too lol. ive got to set my RTW trip back like 4 years got sucked into goin to college haha. u guys should all check into helpx.net and ask the gov if they will accept that as good enough work for ya. this way u can travel around and also not have to pay for food or hostels. good luck to you all!

 

Thanks man. Better to go to school first anyway. The world can wait.