Things you should know before you visit New Zealand

A real idea of what to expect will mean fewer surprises and make feeling at home in New Zealand that much easier.

At the boarder

• Every country has different rules and regulation are in place for protecting its environment. New Zealand has very strict bio security regulations and there are severe penalties for anyone who breaks the rules. So, declare any food items and be sure to check your carry on otherwise that mistake will cost you $400!
• You’ll also need to declare your hiking/tramping boots when you come through the boarder. Your boots will be checked on entry by border officials. As long as the soles are clean of soil and dirt you will be fine.

Nature

• There are no snakes, dangerous spiders or other creepy crawlies like scorpions that many other countries have. But we do have sandfly, it’s known to Maori as “namu”. Sandflies are not dangerous and do not spread disease, however they have a favourite past time of  biting people. Bushman repeller and Goodbye Sandfly is a huge help in staying bite free.
• New Zealand has some of the strongest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. This means you are likely to start to burn within 15 minutes of being in the strong New Zealand sun. Be sure to buy some high factor sun cream (SPF 50+) to use.
• New Zealand is a hugely diverse country with a very changeable climate year round. Be sure to pack plenty of layers, a good rain jacket and something windproof as part of your essentials.

Custom

• Kiwis spend their significant disposable income on the ‘good life’, which includes going to restaurants. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, has more food haunts per capita than New York. There are more than 300 cafés and restaurants in the inner city area which spans just 2km square. When you visit one of those restaurants don’t forget about that it is generally uncommon for locals to tip except for very exceptional service.
• Also, you don’t have to worried about tourist traps in New Zealand. New Zealanders are genuine people they just want you to come and stay, have a great time and tell your friends about it. You won’t find scammers or pickpockets trying to get at you,  and you won’t find any dodgy tourist attractions just there to fleece you.

Many visitors make the mistake of assuming they can see all New Zealand’s best sites in a week. Without having a private jet,  no spare time and a very good local expert, this is close to impossible. In reality, you’d be lucky to see all of New Zealand in 3 or 4 weeks.  Many visitors return again and again, focusing on different parts of the country each time. Even us, locals, still find pockets to discover in our own backyard and are surprised with what we find as the countryside is so diverse.