Recommendations & warnings about New Zealand?

Question

Can anyone tell me what they recommend doing in New Zealand, what to be wary of etc.

Answer 1

There is only one thing to be wary of here: When turning left from a straight stretch of road, you must give way to any oncoming car intending to make that turn, as well. Quirky, but important. If you don't heed, you crash. In return, you will be able to make a right turn from any straight stretch of road, even when an oncoming car intends to do so. You'll be expected to do that, and traffic will stop until you've done it, so don't "pass up" on it.
Good luck, and drive carefully. A lot of tourists here forget about which side of the road they should be on and bend the hell out of their cars.

Answer 2

There's a pretty well trodden tourist route around the country that most people do and includes all the sites. Look at some sites for companies that organise tours and copy their route.
There is very little to be wary of in NZ, it's a very safe country - not much crime, no scary insects etc.
Give yourself some time to get over the flight - don't head off in a car or campervan the same day. Beware of leaving valuables in your vehicle, especially in car parks at beauty spots. Don't swim in the sea where there is no lifeguard as there are dangerous rip tides. Don't feel you have to tip - it's not common practice.
Have a great trip.

Answer 3

I haven't lived in NZ for over 20 years but they are very fond of Rugby (all blacks), wind surfing, treking, skiing, visiting natural hot pools etc to name just a few.

Be wary of the Tekapo spider or Red Back, looks like black widow with red mark on back. (Small shiny black body with red mark on back) It definitely do have a red mark on back.

Unlikely you will spot one and this is the only poisonous insect in NZ.

A friend of mine from the UK mistook a possum for a domestic cat which could be dangerous as it has extremely long sharp claws. During the day you may spot a bushy tail hanging out of a tree. At night transfixed when you shine a light on them.

Apart from that not much to be wary of. Perhaps it is a good idea not to go in natural hot springs with a cut, open wound or to put head underwater.

Expect a lot of earth tremors, quite common in NZ but rarely large enough to cause loss of life. Most all buildings built to withstand earth tremors.

A wonderful land. Have Fun

Answer 4

/south Island, Queenstown ... you have got to go on the Shotover Jet, a mad speedboat on a raging river where you get the biggest adrenalin high.
Milford Sound is a very beautiful mountain and lake area; however I thought it very over-rated particularly if you have ever seen the Alps or the Pyrenees. There are a lot of tourist coaches there and it is very crowded. Only go if you really have never seen a mountain range and fjords.
Hammer Springs are fun, natural hot pools although, again, crowded in the tourist season. Go early in the morning, they're pretty much deserted and good fun.

Answer 5

I travelled to New Zealand years ago on my own - no trouble at all - beautiful country. Going back this summer (northern).

I couldn't honestly think of anything to be wary of.

Answer 6

Hi I've lived in New Zealand all my life so I might be able to tell you a bit about this little country:

Depending on what season you decide to visit will be a huge factor.

If you come in the summer (which is now) you might want to head up to the Bay Of Islands, Paihia (4 1/2 hrs north of Auckland) or The Bay Of Plenty, Mt Maunganui (about 3 1/2 hours southeast of auckland). the weathers massive in those places, Paihia (BOI) and Mt Maunganui (BOP) are just tourist attractions there are other nice places around those areas.

Autumn: Christchurch (South Island) A.K.A The Garden City is a awesome place to visit.

Winter: Taupo (center of the north Island), Queenstown (southwest of The south Island) are winter sport attractions.

Spring: anywhere really is quite nice but theres are other tourist attractions;

Rotorua (great if you want to see how the natives lived spas, etc)
Auckland (Yachts, Yachts & Yachts!)
Pukekohe (drag racing, Motor Sports)
Raglan (Surf City!)
Whangamata (Night Life for the young)
Hawkes Bay (Sight seeing)
New Plymouth (Laid Back country Life)
Taihape (Adrenelin rushing experiences, Bungee jumping, water rafting etc...)
Wellington (I'm not very fond of but, museums are a big one their but at night clubbing is a must!)

South Island: alot of sight seeing friendly people (not that us northies arent!)

Hanmer Springs (Pampering)
westland (Guided Tours of the rugged good for trampers)
Wanaka (spectacular views)
Kaikoura (whale watching)
Dunedin (Student City)

Those are the recommendations there are heaps more just can't be bothered typing anymore, but as far as crime & warnings go it's just about the same as any other country, but proberly even more safer, we don't have poisonious snakes or anything, My advice to you stay out of south Auckland! it's not that bad but it's bad if you know what I mean lets just say it has the highest crime rate in New Zealand.

Hope That Helps you out!

Answer 7

my friends just returned for 8weeks in NZ... the only warning seems to be you wont want to come home!

dont do B&B buy a tent and most pubs will let you crash out the back... trouble is..2 days became 9...

dont rent a wreck..buy one and flog it when you leave... you can save hudreds on car rental. (check with your uk insurace, it may be transferable)

and be aware wellington airport closes at night!

oh..and if you can, take the stopover option... on my friends return from picton to coventry they were travelling for 55 hours... 4 days later, they still arent back on english time.. and the poors sods got off the plane in flip flops and shorts..suntanned.. and shivering desperately in the MINUS 7 we had last thursday morning...

Answer 8

Enjoy the amazing geothermal region around Rotorua. Unlike anything else in the world ... some of our stories below ..

Answer 9

watch out for the mongrel gang