Hi everyone, I am planning to go to South Island during Christmas this year. It will be about 2 weeks self drive.

Anyone knows if the shops in towns along the way will still be open during the Christmas week, especially diners/cafes?

Thanks.

Hi,

I will be staying 2 nights in Christchurch. Do I need a car to go around? I don't take bus, are there any trams/MRT operational?

Is it easy to drive in the city? I have driven in Auckland, but not Christchurch.

Thanks.

Hi,

GST in NZ is about 13%, quite a sizeable amount. Anyone claimed GST upon leaving NZ? What are the T&Cs, e.g. period of stay in NZ, minimum amount?

Is there a customs office in AKL international terminal?

Thanks in advance.

Hi people, I will be in CHC mid Dec this year with a 9 year old. I have been scouting for accommodation but find that YMCA is the best in terms of location and pricing. However, there's only communal kitchen, which can be very crowded dinner time.

Motels are about NZD150-190 self contained, within my budget, but locations are out. I am not driving.

My questions are:
1. What time do the smaller cafes, eateries, takeaways close?
2. Are there any good takeaways close to YMCA?
3. Any other good motels within the CBD?
4. Which telco package is best if I just use data only around the south island, mainly for map?

Thanks in advance.

Hi eueu,

Thanks for your feedback. I have booked Southwark Apartments at NZD150+/night for 3 pax. Located at CBD with kitchenette, quite a gem actually. Close to 2 supermarts as well, this will solve my food prb.

As for telco, i would like to get data access for walking and also some light route/activity planning in the evening.

Maybe its better for this thread to have some sort of FAQ in the first post so that will benefit newbies, e.g. the Taiwan thread.

Hi rib,

I believe this is the $20/mth for 1GB data-only package? From the website, it only lasts 1 mth. How can your credit expire in June next year? Also, how is it that the credit balance is $16.08 when the package is $20 flat a month for 1GB data, even you use a little data, you would still had paid $20, right?

Thanks.

Nothing much on Christchurch. I would fly into Queenstown instead, then drive from there.

I compare car costs, 7 seater might be cheaper than 2 cars. But factor in all your luggage.

There's nothing much to see at CHC, unless you want to see ruins from earthquake, they are still there.

I would fly to Queenstown instead.

7 days is not much time. Roads in NZ/SI is narrow, you can't go fast, even if you can afford paying speed ticket. Maybe what you can do is to fly in to CHC, then: drive CHC -> Franz Josef/Fox Glacier -> Queenstown, then fly out fro Queenstown to AKL.

Another must see is Aoraki Mount Cook Village, but you wont have enough time.

Milford Sound to me is overrated and the amount of time and effort to drive there is not worth it.

Of course doable, but you will be zipping past. In NZ, you will need to slow down and enjoy the environment, take in the scenery. This itinerary missed Mt Cook, I would spend a couple of nights at Aoraki Village again if I go to SI. Queenstown, spend at least 2 nights there, it's amazing. Lake Tekapo - well its a very beautiful lake, but I wouldn't spend a night there, unless you have to.

I think your time in SI is just insufficient. If you can't extend your holiday, I would say that must go destinations (spending at least 2 nights) are Queenstown & Mt Cook. The rest, drop by if along the way.

Dont forget, it's tiring to drive in SI, due to long distance.