I am going to New Zealand in December. What do I need to do?

Question

I have a car, I rent a room, and I have no recent vaccinations, no passport, no work visa, no equipment, etc...I know nothing about international traveling, but I am going to go to new zealand in december. I have three months. What do I do? (I have to: get a passport, pay off debt, sell my car, get a work visa, find a place to store my belongings, ...what else?) I will be camping out, perhaps an occasional hostel, and will be working odd-jobs so that I can be there for the expected year or longer. what do I do?

Answer 1

I can relate because I am moving to Poland. Get a Visa and passport from your local post office. (If they do them, I know mine does.) If they don't do them go to a revenue office. Sell the car to pay off the debts (Hoping you don't have a lot of debt) Store your items with your friends (You know... Let them "Borrow" them for a year. Also maybe mow a few lawns to pay for camping equipment. Or deal drugs... Which ever you prefer. Be careful with hostels. Remember your an American and someone may try to take advantage of that. (Only slightly referring to the movie.) Get a good Back pack.

Answer 2

Also get a copy of the Lonely Planet guide New Zealand, they list a lot of things you will need, like hostels and campsites, shops, how to travel.
They cater for tourists on a budget but also for people staying long.

And have a look at the Lonely Planet site.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Before you sell everything, make sure you can get a working visa, as they are not always given.
And get your passport as soon as possible, you will need it to apply for your visa.
And get yourself a youth hostel card, you get incredible reductions on traveling costs in NZ, LP guide will have details.

I loved New Zealand, I am sure you will find it great too.
Do try to travel the length of the country, as the Milford sound is incredible, as are the glaciers.