First Family Trip going to New Zealand - Please Help

LBar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 00:34
Last edited 07/07/2017 - 08:24 by 1 other user

Hi Everyone,

So our family is pretty bad at financing and thus I turn to Ozbargain forums quite frequently for all sorts of advice.
We are a family of 5 (age ranges from 24-80) and going across the seas to NZ (yay).

I was hoping to get some help from follow travelers who have been to NZ.
I will be heading around end of September during the school holidays (I know, worst time to book…oh well)

I need advice on:
- money: is it best to use credit card or get travelers money converted to NZ dollars?
- car rentals: just recently saw a recent post on hire cars; I'm keeping a close eye on that post! (but any advice is helpful)
- travel insurance: what type of cover is best, which company and is it really worth it (pls no hate; never had one before, but increasingly more aware of it)
- WHERE TO GO? any highly recommended places to see and EAT? (food is best)

If I have missed anything or would be vital to know to make my trip run smoothly / memorable, please let me know!

Much regards,
Bar2gains :)

Travel

Comments

  • edwardsajl on 07/07/2017 - 01:58
    +4

    Would you like us to go for you as well?

  • RockyRaccoon on 07/07/2017 - 02:57
    +1

    So our family is pretty bad at financing

    so why spend money on a trip and make it worse!!

  • Clivey In Space on 07/07/2017 - 06:44
    +1

    In the past we have used Travel Insurance Direct for our travel insurance. Wife did the research and chose them as they I believe were quite reasonable in cost and had great cover for our camera and computer gear.

    https://www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au/

    However I cannot comment on what they are like with processing claims as we have not had to.

    Where To Go - Perhaps sharing with us as to where you are flying to and really want to see and do would help others with giving you recommendations.

  • meowmeowmeow on 07/07/2017 - 08:08

    Where are you flying in/out of and how long are you there for?

  • iforgotmysocks on 07/07/2017 - 08:21

    Make sure you observe and pay proper respect to NZ's national anthem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWNLVogchpU

    They generally play it on the hour every hour in public places over PA systems until about 10pm, they're as fanatical as the US about it.

  • Lando on 07/07/2017 - 08:50
    +3

    Don't go to Auckland.

    Boring as fk

  • altomic on 07/07/2017 - 09:22

    Hhhmm, from your description it sounds like you're there for all of september and flying in and out Whangerai.

  • kieron212 on 07/07/2017 - 10:02
    +1

    Dont use CBAs travel card, wasted so much money using that. Try Citibank and transfer money to the account one business day in advance if you need to top up.

    • Bar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 23:15

      Yes, I think Citibank is one of the top choices! Better go majority rules!

  • Halo375 on 07/07/2017 - 10:50
    +1

    Head to south island - Milford sound is really amazing, Queenstown is heaps of fun and a lot to do - but can get expensive FAST. Have a good trip.

    • Bar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 22:47

      hi, thanks for replying and positivity.
      Only staying for a week at the end of September. Tips like this can go a long way in my research so thankyou!

  • Ughhh on 07/07/2017 - 10:51

    Do you even know where in NZ you are going to? Ie. North and/or South?

    Since you're clueless, I recommend going from Auckland to Queenstown to Rotorua to Christchurch to Dunedin to Wellington ;)

    • inherentchoice on 07/07/2017 - 11:05
      +1

      I recommend going from Auckland to Queenstown to Rotorua to Christchurch to Dunedin to Wellington ;)

      Nah swap Dunedin and Wellington that way you get to travel between North and South Island 5 times.

    • Bar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 23:23

      haha not that clueless ;)
      just wanted simple tips, not a whole itinerary. Do you recommended any particular places that are underrated? Milford Sounds as people have suggested, looks really amazing but im thinking more North region.

      • Ughhh on 08/07/2017 - 09:29

        I've been to North island, though only Auckland and Rotorua area. Auckland is kinda boring. Rotorua has geysers that are worth seeing imo. Nearby has a glowworm cave and waterfalls where you can do those jetboats.

        Will be going to the south very soon, mainly Queenstown, Milford sound, Franz Josef and christchurch. From what I can see, South is colder and more about snow and scenary. North and South is very different, beautiful in their own way. Mid year would be the best time to go to the south of you like Snow. Just a warning, Queenstown is very expensive!

        • Bar2gain on 08/07/2017 - 22:21

          thanks so much! this kinda sounds more like our area; glowworm caves and waterfalls. I will look further into that! Much appreciated :D

  • inherentchoice on 07/07/2017 - 10:55
    +1

    Did you already book flights? Maybe fly into the south and out of the north, with a one-way car hire in between?

    For travel insurance personally I would consider going without for NZ. It's about as safe as Australia (or probably even safer) and they have a reciprocal health care agreement so if you bring your Medicare card you will have some cover in NZ by default…

    Travelling to New Zealand
    Your entitlements
    You will receive publicly funded health care if you immediately need necessary medical treatment and are on a temporary visit up to 2 years.

    What is covered
    While in New Zealand you will be covered for:

    • the same treatment as an eligible person, if that treatment is clinically necessary for the diagnosis, alleviation or care of the condition needing attention
    • necessary immediate hospital treatment, maternity services and pharmaceuticals

    What is not covered
    While in New Zealand you won't be covered for:

    • general practitioner and other primary care
    • GP prescribed medications are subject to part charges
    • publicly funded emergency transport by ambulance - this includes both non-injury and emergency transport

    However there are plenty of credit cards that give free travel insurance, some with no annual fee for the first year. For example this one: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/314904

    https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/…

    • boomramada on 07/07/2017 - 11:19

      Still wise to get travel insurance, which covers, if you going to NZ for short holiday;
      * Ambulance cover
      * GP fees?
      * Rental Car access
      * and more.

      • inherentchoice on 07/07/2017 - 11:27

        I think you mean rental car excess. But rental car excess will cost more and the travel insurance still has its own excess… so even with a $100 GP fee it will likely be within the excess and therefore must be paid out of your own pocket. Anyway it's about what risk you're willing to take.

        Pretty sure a policy for NZ will be quite cheap though.

    • Randxyz123 on 07/07/2017 - 11:46

      Still worth it. Travel insurance will cover your bag going missing or delays causing you to pay for extra accommodation or refund accommodation missed due to delays.

      It will also cover if you break your leg before you go and if you have a accident in your hire car. TBH if you have a platinum Amex the included insurance will probably be sufficient. Just make sure you register

    • Bar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 23:11

      Hi! thanks for replying and I completely forgot that Australia and NZ had a reciprocal health care agreement. I think I heard it in passing, never thought I would be one to possibly use it.

      I am still leaning towards getting a travel insurance though, as we do have an 80 year old coming with us. Best to err on caution.

  • Randxyz123 on 07/07/2017 - 11:07
    +2
    • money: is it best to use credit card or get travelers money converted to NZ dollars?

    As per the hundreds of other posts about the same thing, Bank west platinum card + Citibank debit.

    • travel insurance

    YES. Of course it is worth it. Only morons travel overseas without it.

    • inherentchoice on 07/07/2017 - 11:15

      Why do you say of course travel insurance is worth it? Isn't it paying for everyone else's misfortunes and some middle men to administer the scheme?

      • strangeloops66 on 07/07/2017 - 11:41
        +1

        Not if it's your misfortune.

  • WatchNerd on 07/07/2017 - 11:16

    Queenstown is choice bro hey, you should take your chilly bin & go there for sure cuz.

    • WreckTangle on 09/07/2017 - 10:27
      -1

      I don't see how the second half of your comment is relevant.In fact I find it offensive.

  • kieron212 on 07/07/2017 - 11:33
    +1

    I'd give Fergburger a miss if I were you.
    Every one recommends it as the burger place you must try in Queenstown, but its average at best. Not worth the long lines and 30+ min wait for your order during peak times for a burger that isn't as good as something like burger fuel. The onion rings can be pretty nice though, but thats about it. Just my 2c.

    • strangeloops66 on 07/07/2017 - 11:40

      Ferburger! Now I have coffee all over my desk! Oh, Fergburger. My bad.

    • Ughhh on 07/07/2017 - 12:59

      What restaurants/foods do you recommend in Queenstown?

    • Bar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 23:35

      yay a food comment! Appreciate your input! But curious to know, which place do you recommend a per question above?

      • kieron212 on 08/07/2017 - 19:56

        Well I tried Botswana Butchery (for the Fiordland venison) and Flame (for the ribs) as they were recommended to me by some locals, the ribs were pretty good compared to other places I tried in NZ, same with the venison.
        Since that region is known for their venison I recommend trying it, HOWEVER I tried maybe 6 or 7 different places for venison and only 2 were actually nice (Botswana being one of them). I feel a lot of places just put it on their menu for the sake of it.
        Also tried Taco medic (better than Guzman) and the cookietime icecream shop, but I'd rather just have the normal cookie. If you're going to Christchurch go to the cookietime factory, everything is much cheaper and FRESH. Fair warning though Christchurch is not what it used to be. Every one regretted adding that stop on our trip, there are better places to see.

        • Bar2gain on 08/07/2017 - 22:22

          egg-cellent! thank you !! I shall taco-bout it with my family!

  • narcoleptic-haze on 07/07/2017 - 11:38
    +1

    Some things I did with my family, South Island only: (not sure if these will suit your budget though)

    "thrill-ride" jet boat down a skinny river.
    http://www.shotoverjet.com/

    expensive restaurant, but the best views and atmosphere probably.
    https://www.skyline.co.nz/en/queenstown/dining/stratosfare-r…

    Great way to get from the one side of the south island to the other.
    https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/tranzalpine/

    We did a cruise, as long as it's a nice sunny day it would be worth it ( it was grey and rainy for us)
    https://www.milford-sound.co.nz/

    • Bar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 23:31

      Hi! thanks for the links!

      Sounds like South of NZ is the place to go, we were more thinking staying up near the north region. But Milford Sounds, very impressive with the pictures uploaded on their website!

  • elliebargain on 07/07/2017 - 12:26
    +2

    If you want to use your phone over there, check out Vodafone's free roaming in NZ: https://www.vodafone.com.au/plans/international-roaming?cmp=…

    I just switch over to them on a month-to-month plan every time I go overseas. It's great. Best to go in store or call them to make sure you're on one of the plans that allows this.

    • Bar2gain on 07/07/2017 - 22:59
      +1

      whoa that's a huge tip! Some of us use Vodafone too, so it will most definitely come in handy! Thank you

  • lainey13 on 07/07/2017 - 21:41

    Travelers money? Where do I get my hands on that?

    • WatchNerd on 07/07/2017 - 21:51
      +2

      In traveller's pockets.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2017 - 02:36

    I went to NZ once. Got a hitch where the guy hit 230km/hour, and then dropped me off at some remote corner where a bunch of those little Jersey Cows stared at me kind of psycho like, but after a bit of a chat they seemed to lose interest.

    That all sounds like BS, but i tell you it's not.

  • kieron212 on 08/07/2017 - 20:17

    I used Go Rentals and EuropeCar for our car hires.

    I read online that people have hired a car, and told that stone chips and scratches are nothing to be concerned about only damage, then on returning the car they kick up a fuss and may try and charge you extra, even if the scratches were there before you hired it (Europe being one of them)

    EuropCar gave us a free upgrade, but seemed very disorganised, long story short they didn't check the car for damage before and after and took over 2 weeks to charge the proper amount on the credit card. Based on what I read online I was worried they might try and charge extra for any scratches previously there, but luckily it was all good.

    Booked the next 3 cars through Go Rentals, there service was much better and promptly check the car before and after (was also told they only care about major damage). You also get a 10% discount card to use at a few different attractions around NZ but we found that if you book online you will generally find better discounts.

    • Bar2gain on 08/07/2017 - 22:25

      ooh~ thank you. This will be a big help in choosing; as no one wants a fuss during a holiday. Many thanks!

  • Bar2gain on 08/07/2017 - 22:29

    Thank you to everyone who have pitched in. I think ive definitely got an idea of where to start and the direction too!! If I get the chance, I will return the favour and upload my itinerary for those interested going to NZ :)

  • LSGH on 09/07/2017 - 11:07

    for rental cars, I have used ACE rental cars, their cars are older models but cheaper than hertz ( we rented a minivan with ACE for $550 vs hertz at $900 for the same number of days) ….for money, I used 28 degrees…..

    for travel insurance, read the fine print on what are the conditions for reimbursement on cancelled flights/delayed flights….I used covermore once and they had specific rules on this…just because your flight is cancelled does not automatically mean you can get reimbursements..

    • Bar2gain on 10/07/2017 - 22:45

      so many options and T+C.

      nevertheless, thank you

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