Whether you have already set off around the country with your backpack or if you are just in the planning stages at home, this is the place to ask all the questions you have about backpacking in New Zealand. From places to stay, budgets to allow, cheapest bars to drink in and must-do adventures to experience, we’ve been there and got plenty of T-shirts! We’re more than happy to pass on our local knowledge and advice and help answer any questions you have.
New Zealand Travel Forum » Backpacker's corner
Backpacker's corner
(5 posts)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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HI
im planning to do a work and travel year in nz and start in september so i would get a one yearlongsummer...But im not sure about the weather and if it would be better to explore first the south island (so it would be warm and nice because i heard that its not very nice in the winter) or the north island...because im planning to take a tent so i dont have to pay so much for accomondation...
I know that this might be a quite stupid question to ask but it is the first step in planning my trip...so if anyone could give me some helpful weather informations i would be very thankful =)
RebeccaPosted 1 year ago # -
Hi Rebecca
Not a stupid question at all – New Zealand is fortunate to experience four distinct seasons each year, so every few months brings something different to see and do. If you are planning on coming to New Zealand for a whole year, however, you’ll be lucky to enjoy all four seasons and therefore get a true insight in to kiwi life all year round.
If you are planning on camping, then I would certainly advise you do this in the warmer months between September right through to May. Winter here is June, July and August and gets pretty cold so you probably don’t want to camp then! You’re not going to find a huge difference in temperature between islands, although in general, the North Island can be slightly warmer in summer and the South Island slightly colder in winter.
I wouldn’t agree that the country is not very nice in winter – in fact, the first time I ever arrived here as a backpacker for four weeks was right in the middle of winter and I still loved it so much, I moved out here!
It also depends on what you want to do. The South Island is fabulous during the winter months as you have the dramatic mountain ranges which look stunning when they are covered in snow. You have the ski season running June to October, which is great fun if you ski/snowboard or want to learn. The West Coast of the South Island is also dramatic in winter, such as at Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Places like Milford Sound and whale watching in Kaikoura operate all year round, so this shouldn’t be a concern for winter visitors.
If however you like walking/hiking or mountain biking, there are some incredible tracks to do in the summer months that wouldn’t necessarily be accessible in winter. Also, if you’re looking to enjoy the beaches such as Abel Tasman in the South Island, or the Bay of Islands up north, the Coromandel or surfing up in Mount Maunganui, then it’s probably ideal to visit these during summer.
At the end of the day, Rebecca, it really comes down to what you want to do when you get here. In my opinion, there are so many amazing activities to do in New Zealand that operate year round and are not restricted by the weather, and I’m quite sure you will have an amazing time, however you plan your trip. Rather than considering the weather, I’d advise you have a look at all the places you want to visit in both the North and the South Islands (because both islands really are quite different) and the activities you want to do in each and plan your trip that way instead.
If you’ve any more questions, let me know. Good luck!
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi
I'm also planning a year travelling and working in New Zealand this year, flight is booked for 5th November. I'm really looking forward to mixing with fellow backpackers from all over the world. I've been given alot of info already but the more the better really, so I was wondering if you could tell me about finding work/cost of living etc. I dont really want to be tied down to one job in one place, and dont want to be running out of money either. Is it easy enough to find temp work so I could move around, work a few weeks on and off so I can enjoy my holiday and fund it? I should have about £2000 spends when I arrive, will this be enough incase I dont find work straight away?
And lastly could you give me a few 'Must-do's' while im in new zealand!Thanks
AnthonyPosted 1 year ago # -
Hi Anthony
Great to hear you’ve chosen to come to New Zealand for a year. November is a great time to be arriving as it’s the start of spring so you’ve got all the good weather to follow!
Regarding finding work, it really does depend on where you want to live and what kind of work you want to do. Generally, it’s easier to find work in the larger cities than the smaller towns, with a wider choice of work.
However if you are planning to work your way around the whole country, then I am assuming you don’t really mind what kind of work you’re going to be doing? If that’s the case, then as long as you can be flexible, you shouldn’t find it too difficult to find work, whether it’s cleaning, bar work, farm work, or even office admin. I assume you’ll be staying in backpacker hostels so it’s wise to keep an eye on the notice boards. Often the hostels themselves advertise for cleaners in return for free accommodation.
If you are spending a few months in any of the larger cities, such as Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland or Dunedin, it may be worth registering with a few recruitment agencies and they can let you know as soon as jobs become available. Keep an eye on the local papers and also online.
You may find that it’s worth spending a few months at a time in the larger cities, just to save a bit of money before moving on each time Anthony, otherwise you may find you’re only making enough to cover your accommodation and food and leaving yourself no money to enjoy yourself! Also if you stay put for a few months, you may be able to find yourself a house-share with other travellers and that can work out cheaper than staying in a hostel for long periods.
2000 GBP works out to be around $5000, so you should be fine for the first few weeks! It’s always good to try to keep a bit back though, in case of any emergencies.
A good piece of advice is to bring a memory stick and save your CV on to it (make sure it’s up-to-date!). When you arrive, you can just pop in to an internet café and print however many you need. It’s better than trying to print your CV at home and turn up to an interview with a screwed up piece of paper from the bottom of your backpack!
A good money saving tip for when you arrive is to buy an International V8 phone card and for just $10, you can call a UK landline from your (New Zealand) mobile for about 3 hours! It’s a great way to save money and beats you queuing to use the hostel pay phone.
Must-Do’s I would say are these:
Don’t leave the country until you’ve done one of the ‘Great Walks of New Zealand’; do a sky-dive; do a heli-hike on the glaciers at Franz Josef; visit Stewart Island and spend a night drinking beer with the locals; visit Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain; do the canyon swing in Queenstown; book on a boat trip around Milford or Doubtful Sound; soak in the natural hot pools at Maruia Springs; do the brewery tour in Greymouth; go whale watching in Kaikoura & buy a crayfish fritter from the road-side stalls; visit the Hawke’s Bay Museum in Napier and learn about the huge 1931 earthquake; take a boat trip out to White Island; do the Tongariro Crossing (rated as the best 1-day walk in NZ); go black-water rafting in Waitomo; spend a night in a Bach; ride on the cable car in Wellington; visit the Coromandel Peninsula and definitely go sand-boarding at Cape Reinga! Between June and September, we’ll be in the full swing of ski-season, so I’d also say, definitely give skiing or snowboarding a go, if you haven’t already.While most of these cost money, there are still heaps of things you can do for free Anthony and my best advice is to just get out and experience the real New Zealand. Get off the beaten track, hire a car, kayak or mountain bike and visit the many beautiful natural sights around the country. Be active and most of all, have fun!
Look out for the free New Zealand Travel Guide when you arrive at the airport Anthony, it’s packed with useful information. Check it out before you arrive, at www.destination-nz.com
Posted 1 year ago #
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