Driving there is easy. When the sign shows 80, go 80. When it shows 50, do 50. No more, no less. If there's no sign, just drive the speed that is comfortable for you. Haha. Driving in the South Island is a bliss seriously. The views are just WOW.

If there is no sign, please don't drive over 100.

Haha. I don't think travelers would want to drive more than 100 over there unless required to. Still, I think my line was slightly misleading there. Haha.

Considering how we Malaysian drive and how empty the road there... haha

How true! Haha.

Still, an advice to all going. If you see 80, better drive 80. Don't drive slow/over the limit. Too slow, get stopped; too fast, confirmed get speeding ticket. Haha.

how much does petrol cost in NZ?
i'll be travelling to CHC mid march with a friend.. still decidin whether to self-drive or ride public bus..

Petrol cost depends on market price and also depends on how rural the place is. Expect 20 cents more if you driving in West Coast, southern most area in South Island. Not sure about North Island, didn't drive there myself.

Btw, word of advice: don't drive during winter times if you don't have winter experience before.

CHC. Not much to do after the quake unfortunately. =/ Still, petrol based on market price. It changes. Lol. For the car rentals, usual practice, they pump full for you, just pump it full again when you return the car. Simple as that. And like what fallout said, if you have no experience in driving during winter, don't drive. Even if you drive, go slow and not like the road sign.

This post has been edited by digitalz: Feb 11 2012, 09:23 PM

Hi All,

I'm travelling to NZ in May 2012 for the very first time & i dnt knw what to expect in terms of everything. Pls guide on items that i need to take with me as i will be travelling with my husband & 4 year old son. The weather is estimated to be -16 degree Celsius. So, what do i need to buy clothing wise? Any other travelling tips & ideas are most welcome. TQ.

I don think weather there got such cold like minus Celsius. May still in Autumn season. Have fun for your trip.

oic... hahaha!!! listening to too many people i guess.... first time so really dnt knw wat to expect. thks. but when i google may - sept in new zealand is supposed to be winter... how loh??? so confused.... staying thr 10 days sumore...scared i freeze to death...

The weather in NZ isn't that cold, the real problem is strong wind. To make sure, get yourself windproof clothing (better if it is waterproof as you might be going to ski field later). Don't buy those ugly cloths from Universal Traveler... they makes you looks like... well, a traveler. LOL

How long will you be there? If you are only staying for a week or so, just get a jacket and long sleeve clothing. Buy extra when you arrive if you still feel cold.

July/August are the coldest months.

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Added on February 14, 2012, 4:45 pmWill you be in CHC the whole time or going out of the city?
As digitalz said, CHC after earthquake nothing much to do. Even the locals don't go to the city area already.

If you're going out of town, you may wanna self-drive. But then as the others have mentioned, driving during winter isn't an easy thing to do, especially when there's snow.

This post has been edited by munkeyflo: Feb 14 2012, 04:45 PM

hi there,

i'll be going 21may - 31may 2012, like 10 days. wat other things that i might need to get? thks!

Your family travelling alone? Using what transport? Since you have a 4 year old son, then I think you need to consider these items:
1) hot water bottle - buy it when you arrive from supermarket. A 2 litre bottle should be around $5. Image
2) Thermos Flasks - use to store hot water, for drinking in case your son gets too cold. Buy when arrive, cheaper than MY. I got mine from Brisco.
3) Eat more - So your body will produce more heat. Google what to eat.
4) Ginger - Eat/Drink ginger, I hate ginger but I had no choice when I'm too cold...

I will going to Auckland at 28 april till 8may.... Got anything that I might need to get?? Can we bring our own water bottles over there?? Also can we brought back chocolate or jam from over there.... I got 30kg check-in.... All in fare is Rm2429....

Actually, NZ will get -0 celcius in different places and different situations.

@Smarties: With your kid around, my recommendation is that you'd better get a thick coat + a traveler's raincoat for everyone as the strong winds and rain sometimes is unpredictable.

Also, no worries on the temperature as it's really unlikely to have below 0 celcius in Autumn.

@yiyi: I've never brought jam back. But chocolates on the other hand. Whittakers? About RM10+/- only per bar. =D

hi,

this is the first time i go NZ... I heard many ppl say NZ immigration very strict than Singapore.... Do I need prepare any item since I will travelling with my mother... Anything travelling tips most welcome... Aslo the clothing, I should like winter or cameron??

TQ

April still not that cold, not much to worry about. I don't think you need to bring water bottles if you are not spending the night in the car or having a small kid with you.
Don't buy jam, get manuka honey, much more valuable and good for health.

Refer to NZ immigration website for any item not allowed in.
Travelling to NZ is just same like travelling other countries, declare everything that they stated and you'll be fine.

Like what fallout said, declare everything. Lol.

Immigration is quite alright there. Normally you'll see a person bringing a dog to smell your luggage (usual practice) so just let the dogs smell everything.

Show your return ticket, then a few normal questions as usual (how long, purpose, where).

As for declaration, I used to bring food and they are used to us Asians (esp students) bringing in food in already. Normally, once they read the form, they'll ask: "What type of food?" The most common answer of all: "Instant noodles."

@Yiyi: As for bottles, based on preferences, some do, some don't. =)