New-Zealand-Travel-Tips

Please read carefully - these tips could be life saving!

I am setting out these New-Zealand-Travel-Tips so you arrive well informed and knowing what you will find to ensure a safe and trouble free holiday. Each country has their own idiosyncrasies.It can make your travel experience within the country so much more enjoyable if you know what to expect and how to deal with it.The old saying "fore warned is fore armed" is so true!

The New-Zealand-Travel-Tips advice I have put on this page are what I would consider the most important things you need to know.

Please do take the time to read these travel tips, especially the safety suggestions.

Our beaches,rivers,mountains and bush are all beautiful with plenty of activities to enjoy. Knowing some of the problems you might encounter and how to deal with them,should give you confidence to go out and enjoy the experience.

Fortunately New Zealand does not have snakes, or poisonous spiders to worry about!

With a mixture of cultures in our country, there are certain protocols and etiquettes it helps to know and understand.Especially if you are going on a Maori Marae.( Meeting Place)

Please read these New Zealand Travel tips on Health and Safety.

While enjoying your holidays in New Zealand there are a few health and safety issues to consider as you tour around.

New Zealand Travel Tips - 1

New Zealand Travel Tips - 2

New Zealanders have been brought up knowing what they should and should not do on our beaches.It is an ongoing part of the school curriculum and public education.We have some wonderful swimming and surfing beaches.But there are safety rules that should be followed.

If you are not a strong swimmer you should:

• Never go out beyond chest level.

• Always swim on an incoming tide. An outgoing tide can have a very strong pull.

• Swim at a beach manned with a lifesaving surf patrol. You will see the red and yellow flags on the beach, a small distance apart.

• You should always swim BETWEEN the flags. The life guards can then see if anyone gets into trouble.

• Swim where there are other people.

ALWAYS CHECK FOR WARNING SIGNS

Our West Coast beaches are pretty wild and rough with often, big surf.While our East Coast beaches tend to be more benign, they can still be dangerous depending on the weather and tides.

I suggest you inquire from local people about the beach where you plan to swim,if at all possible .Rips and holes develop suddenly and are constantly changing with the conditions.

If there is a smooth patch with bigger water around it,it could be a rip and is not as safe as a patch with waves and white water breaking.So......a patch of smooth in the rough is NOT a good place to swim!

After storms or cyclones there will be big swells.

Some beaches tend to drop away quite quickly, meaning you can get out of your depth easily.

If you are boogy boarding - a very popular sport in New Zealand when on holiday, wear the wrist band, and use flippers to give you a strong kick for getting back to shore.

NEVER swim in clothes.Especially jeans, which become very heavy when wet.

Nude sunbathing is NOT allowed on most beaches.There are a few specially allocated beaches.That includes no topless bikinis.

SHARKS - we do have sharks in our waters, but usually these are not close enough to shore to be a problem.LIFE GUARDS may clear the water if sharks are considered a danger to swimmers.This is rare.

RIVERS - Again find out about the river.We have all sorts.The biggest problem is probably hidden logs or rocks. Be sure of the depth before jumping into a river or water hole.

NEVER SWIM ALONE

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You are most likely to fish on an organised day tour if you are on a short holiday.There are many choices from deep sea fishing, trout fishing in our rivers, surf casting off a beach or wharf, or just dangling a line in the water.If you have the opportunity, you may decide to fish from rocks.Do watch the tides and wear a life jacket for safety.

We have limits on the quantities of fish and shellfish you are allowed to collect, and minimum sizes.Check these, as Fisheries officers are quite vigilant.Go to fish regulations and FAQ's for further information.

If you plan on trout fishing you will need a license.Taupo has many fishing tours, where you can hire the gear, buy the license etc.

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and where there are kayaks for hire.Wear a life jacket and check conditions with the hire place. Knowing tides and the weather forecast is very important.Always allow for the fact you have to get back.If you are doing more than a small kayak near the shore, carry as much safety equipment as you can .e.g pumps

Kayaking in the sea, rivers or lakes are all different. Lakes can be very cold.It is wise to paddle around the shore rather than cut across the open lake.It may be longer, but is definitely safer.Ask the locals-preferably from a kayaking store.They know the conditions.

My best travel tip is - Know your limitations.

BOATING is similar.Life jackets are essential.

If you hire jetskiis be sure you also find out the regulations.Look out for swimmers and snorkellers who are sometimes difficult to see.

For further information go to: n_http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/publications/boat_notices/b031996.

New Zealand Travel Tips - 5

New Zealand water is safe to drink.Some areas have water that may not taste nice.Bottled water is readily available from supermarkets.

Water from Streams and Rivers - I would recommend you boil all water before drinking.With increased numbers of people using our bush, the waterways are no longer as free of bugs as they once were.

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Quote:"New Zealand has periods of very high Ultraviolet Radiation meaning that everyone, regardless of skin type, should be aware of the risk of skin damage. Many people with olive skin under estimate how much protection they need."

New Zealand has much stronger sun than most other countries.You will therefore get sunburnt much quicker, even though we may not have higher temperatures.Our children are taught from a young age to Slip- on a shirt,Slop - on the sunscreen, and Slap- on a hat.These days people are aware they should stay out of the sun, ( sunbathing) between 11.00am and about 3.30pm.Although you can still get burnt in the shade, or on cloudy days.

You will probably need a much stronger sunscreen lotion than from your home country.Nothing less than SPF 15+Broad Spectrum sun screen lotion and if you have fair skin you should use SPF 30+Broad Spectrum.Readily available from supermarkets and chemists.You also need to put it on frequently.Many Europeans will find their sunscreen is not suitable for our conditions being only 4 or 5+

For further information go here: http://www.sunsmart.org.nz/faq.aspx

New Zealand Travel Tips - 7

TRAVEL TIPS FOR NEW ZEALAND BUSH WALKING,HIKING AND TRAMPING

You can do any number of bush walks from a few minutes to a few hours to a few days!

Our bush is thick and you DO need to be prepared!There are many lovely well formed tracks, often with board walks across swamp areas and well sign posted.

Even for a short walk it is advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes, have some food with you for emergencies, have warm clothing ( New Zealand Merino wool garments are great - light and warm)and a weather proof jacket.Do not wear cotton T shirts as they get heavy and do not keep you warm once you have perspired.

Take plenty of water.

For long hikes a good thing to have is a thermal blanket.These fold up to the size of a matchbox.Are quite cheap( from outdoor stores) and will be protection from cold if for any reason you did end up having to spend a night in the open.

A small torch is also a good idea.Check when night falls, so you can plan your return.

CHECK THE LEVEL OF FITNESS REQUIRED if you are doing more than a short walk.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST

Tell people where you are going and how long you plan to be.

If you are travelling alone,(although if at all possible try and go with at least one other person) tell the people where you are staying, as they will know if you have not returned. A cell phone is a good idea although you may not have coverage necessarily.

Whether you are going on an overnight tramp or hike, or for several days on one of our many lovely tracks, you should register with the ranger.

Sign the book with details of where you are going, route your taking and when you plan to be back.PLEASE ENSURE YOU SIGN OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE New Zealanders have paid for Search and Rescue for many tourists who have failed to advise they are safely out of the bush.

Many tracks have huts, and in some cases you need to book.The Milford track has both guided tours where meals are provided and comfortable accommodation is waiting for you.Freedom walkers still need to book, but you will need to carry your own food, bedding etc.Some tracks eg.Routeburn or Greenstone tracks can get crowded in summer and huts may be full, as these are first come first served.

If the weather deteriorates beware of swollen rivers.Some areas have high rainfall.

If you do get lost you should generally stay where you are, prepare a warm safe spot to sleep, and leave some form of marking for searchers.

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We have beautiful mountains where you can do some amazing walks,climbs,ski or snowboard.

The weather is again an important consideration.What may start as a beautiful sunny day can quickly change to cold, impenetrable fog.

Prepare as for tramping.Warm and waterproof clothing, extra food and water, good walking boots, medication if you need it etc.

Tell people where you are going and stick to the tracks.

tourist information centres where you can check whether the conditions are currently suitable.

If you follow these travel tips on New Zealand bush and mountains you should be able to enjoy some really gorgeous scenery and nature experiences.

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Unfortunately, in writing these New Zealand travel tips I do need to include a section relating to safety of your personal possessions.

While we are generally considered a safe country, we are no longer a place where you leave cars and houses unlocked. Many tourist spots have carparks that are a little remote where you may be leaving your rental car or campervan for several hours as you do a bush walk, or some other activity.It is wise to ensure all your possessions are in the boot( trunk) of your car,or well out of sight.

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These travel tips on New Zealand are useful wherever you are in the world, and are things I always do for safety.

I would suggest if at all possible, that you carry your passport,credit cards and money on your person,and out of sight.It is a good idea to split your money, so it is not all together.Photocopies of all your travel documents are also a good safeguard.

New Zealand Travel Tips - 11

I highly recommend you have travel insurance including health cover.It will depend on your age and the type of travel you are planning which is your best option.

Smoking is no longer allowed in restaurants, bars, and public buildings.Nor is it allowed on public transport- buses, trains, in taxis etc. In fact, while you can smoke outside, there are few places where smoking is legal.

Hotels will have rooms allocated for smokers.Ask when you book.

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NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL TIPS for DRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

If you are renting a motorhome,or car, or even cycling, there are a few things to keep in the front of your mind.

We DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD If you are used to driving on the right side of the road please STOP and THINK everytime you set off!

Some rental vehicles have reminder notices in the front.If yours hasn't, you may like to make one.

You may find our roads are not as wide, or smooth as yours.We have many narrow, windy sometimes steep, roads in the country.Some may be unsealed.

Unfortunately New Zealand drivers tend to forget themselves and are not as polite as they could or should be when driving.

Cyclists could find they need to be extra vigilant.We can be impatient.

Slow drivers should check for a build up of traffic and pull off when you can safely, to let the queue pass.

Do not expect because we are a small country that we have little traffic! Many families have one car each. Partly due to a lack of a good public transport system.This is slowly improving but traffic in the cities, especially Auckland, is heavy.

Try and choose times other than morning - from 6.00am to 9.30am.Afternoons from 3.00pm to about 6.30pm to be on the motorways, if at all possible.This way you will get a more comfortable trip.

If you are driving to the airport allow plenty of time. Auckland can have bumper to bumper traffic on the motorways most of the day.The South Island has much less traffic than the North Island.The time of year does make a difference.When school and university are out, traffic is lighter.

On any public holiday expect to queue for maybe hours to leave Auckland.Ideally plan your holiday so you are leaving or returning to the city before or after the beginning or end of public holidays.

It is not advisable to try and drive a long distance if you have just come off a long flight.

HITCHHIKING -is definitely NOT advisable.Few people would attempt to hitch hike in New Zealand these days.It is not considered safe.Especially for females.

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To tip or not to tip?This is often something travellers are unsure of.The best New Zealand travel tip is - Tipping is not usual in New Zealand. People do sometimes tip in restaurants but generally it is not expected. If you are happy with the service and would like to show the staff this, by all means tip.

You may choose to tip the driver on a New Zealand tour bus.But again this is not expected, but something you do by choice to show your appreciation, and that he has done a great job.

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We have many different races living in New Zealand.Especially in Auckland where there is a large Asian population.Auckland has the largest Pacific Island population in the world.But Maori who were the first inhabitants have a culture you will see in many places, and need to know a little about the most. Read these New Zealand travel tips on Maori customs so you know what you might expect to experience.

MAORI CUSTOMS

HONGI- This is a light pressing of noses in greeting.

HAKA POWHIRI - This is a ritual usually as a welcome onto a Marae.You should stand still, and keep your eyes on the warrior as he does his haka.He will then lay a small branch on the ground.When he has finished you pick it up, and nod to accept it. You will then be shown onto the Marae.

MEETING HOUSE - Shoes must be taken off.Including in the Auckland War Memorial Museum meeting house.

INSIDE A MEETING HOUSE - If you have been invited to a meeting, women usually sit behind the men.It depends on the Marae.Often women are not allowed to speak.Again it varies from marae to marae.

Go here for a comprehensive look at Maori Culture and to understand the rituals you may need to know if you experience a Maori Powhiri

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