if im using camper van, does that means i can park wherever i want?
january is summer right?, so i wont be needing any winter cloth? or is it really cold there? will i be able to ski in summer?
and what NOT to do or something that we used to do in Malaysia which is not appropriate there?

I suggest you to go to Mt. Hutt or those around Queenstown & Wanaka as they target tourist (means got trainer and learner area). Also you can find more accommodation and food around.
No need to worry, just go there and all will be fine.


It is worth it! Arthur's Pass is the best at winter, the view is so much better and you can enjoy/take pictures as you like on the train (I don't like snow falling on my camera lens). You can also take bus but I really don't recommend those.
The last time I drive to Arthur's Pass I've been stuck by snow storm for 2 days because I don't have chains... very bad experience.


What is your budget for B&B, currently prices gone sky high because lack of places to live. Recommend you go backpackers.


Other than Stray, try Google for: Kiwi Experience, Magic Bus


No, do not park anywhere or will risk getting ticket. You must go to camping grounds and camp sites around the town.
Although January is summer, early morning and midnight will still be freezing cold at certain area (mountains, lakes, South Island). Otherwise, summer time is quite enjoyable like Malaysia's morning. Night time will still have frost and will be freezing in your camper van. Try to get yourself some sleeping bag/heater/electric blanket.
You won't be able to Ski in summer, wait till late June or July for Skiing.
What NOT to do... Speeding? Max speed in town is 50km/h. Just don't break the law and you'll be fine.

who wan 2 degree sim card for free, credit balances still have nzd10 left.

Freedom camping is no more. If you need to park or camp overnight then you have to go designated sites for campervqns like holiday parks, the cheapest you can go is DOC campsites which are mostly self-check in, cost from few dollars but there are limited facilities. even in summer, temperature can be quite cold at night. Take one or two warm clothes would be good plus you need some waterproof gear too. However, these can be found easily in local outdoor outlets like kathmandu or Bivouac.

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Added on September 6, 2011, 9:52 pmFor more discounted activities, meals or bargains in NZ. google one day deals NZ you will get lots of websites for these. Try GRABASEAT on NZair for bargain flights. Make sure you get yourself travel insuranse ad the medical expensenses are quite high

This post has been edited by cheeho04: Sep 6 2011, 09:52 PM

Me interest for the sim card, but will it be valid til July 2012?

hey, help me ask see who interested in this flight ticket. Thanks ya!

Hey guys, i have a flight ticket to let go, before it got burned..

JETSTAR air-ticket dated October 27, traveling from Auckland-Kuala Lumpur. Who's interested, please do let me know.. i got it as promo ticket under Plus Bundles fare. So, it's pretty cheap!

Reason for selling: i bought Auckland-Melbourne and Melbourne-KL already.. decided to travel to Aussie for few weeks

Price: Rm700 including one 20kg luggage fees. Slightly negotiable

I still left with few thousands of new Zealand dollar. The currency as if today is 1:2.58 (http://www.maybank2u.com.my/mbb_info/m2u/public/treasuryRates.do?chCatId=/mbb/Business/BTRE-Treasury&programId=BTRE04-Rates&cntTypeId=0&cntKey=BTRE04.01)

I would like to let go at 1:2.53
Please let me know if you are interested. Thanks

wow, few thousand dollars! You take it back in cash?

Wonder using AA fly to Christchurch RM2200 for 2 pax is expensive?

This question is too general... AA price change all the time, hard to tell you the price without knowing your travelling date. AA now offers RM 589.00 to CHC from 3rd May 2012

If you plan to do a short trip on summer, I suggest you do book early and plan ahead as places tend to pack with people. In winter... not recommended to go there as you'll have shorter day light and cold too. Unless you want to ski...

I have booked my trip, 20jul-28jul ^^ AA to CHC

So far my plan is stay 3d2n in CHC then Jetstar to Queenstown another (3d2n) for Skiing. If by car need 7.5 Hours from website.

How if Jetstar to QT, then back by Car to CHC? Thinking not to miss those tremendous scene Any suggestion?

Well, if you fly by MAS or SIA to NZ from here it will cost you around RM4k per person return.
My past trip from KL-CHC by AA was RM700 return inclusive of baggage and everything. It really depends as AA prices are always changing. In my opinion, any ticket below RM1500 return to NZ is consider cheap to me. The usual non-promo price is around RM1700 if not mistaken. Jetstar price for KL-Auckland is around there.

Sounds like a good idea. Driving in NZ is awesome. The scenery is very wonderful. Remember to always pay attention to the speed limit.
Also, take note that during winter, daylight is shorter, so plan your journey well so you won't be driving around after sunset trying to find your way. Bring a GPS along with NZ map. It'll really help.

yup.. Day short night long during winter.
So must pack my time very tight too hehe..

I wonder how is the night life in CHC or QT? Since the night is longer, any activities suggest?

And also will go Akaroa for dolphin and penguin seeing.. good?

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Added on September 30, 2011, 11:47 amAnybody know the car rental price from Queenstown to Christchurch? One way only, not return

This post has been edited by eueu: Sep 30 2011, 11:47 AM

Hi, Brother Munkeyflo,

May i known the more specific day/night hours in CHC in End of June/ Early July?. as example in Sheffield, uk, during winter, the daylight start on 9:30am till 3;00pm. it pretty short it travel around, so advance planning is crucial here.

or some other forumer which have been travel or stay in CHC during winter, pls share yrs experience.

Is it okay to travel to NZ in October? Probably would fly to Christchurch by AirAsia. Let's say it's around 10 - 12 days trip, solo, no driving - will be taking public transportation. Which area of NZ should I probably visit?

First of all, I'm not a guy.

I don't travel much around CHC, so I can't answer those questions.
My last trip to CHC was on transit for one night. I didn't do much as the city area was off limits. Even the local people advice us not to visit the city because there's nothing there. It was end of July (July is the coldest month btw) and I heard it snowed like crazy after I left. It was quite bright by 8.30am and got dark around 4pm or so.

Why wouldn't it be okay to travel in October. I don't see a problem at all. October is a really nice time to travel to NZ.
Since you're flying into CHC, try moving around South island. I'm not very familiar with South island so we shall wait for other forumer to reply where to visit. One of the must visit will be Queenstown for sure.

1. read the answers already in this forum first, then the stuff on the internet.
2. decide on what you're interested in and at least a budget. NZ has so many things.
3. ask specific questions

I went to qtown and absolutely love it. Stayed there for 4 nights. A living proof that god is unfair.

Lake Tekapo is another wonders. I was having a bowl of Maggi noodles overlooking the lake a week after the polar blast. The best bowl noodle I have ever had. I wish there were outdoor steamboat.

I think one of the most overlook

Go off to tracks, or tours to the sounds... I wonder why no one mentioned it??

Spend a night stay at Mt. Cook is recommended?