1st NZ Trip - Help Needed for Finding Deals

s0805 on 13/07/2017 - 18:49

Hi Guys,

Need some advise of our 1st NZ trip (Queenstown) ozbargain way. Its for 2 adults and we are going in Oct this year. Mrs. has done some research and we've decided to stay Te anau (2 nights), Queenstown (2 nights) Wanaka (3 nights), Mt cook (3 nights). Idea is to stay in small towns rather than queenstown is to save some money in accommodation. We'll hire a car for our stay so that should take care of us moving around.

NZ $$: what's the most economic way we can arrange NZ $$ required. I've anz credit card but believe that would be expensive. Heard about 28 degrees and Citibank card but not sure for 1 visit is it woth arranging. any recommendation on travel card. NAB travel card come in our list but seem not have good reviews.

Accomodation: We plan to book all accomodation before we go. But facing same issue as some sites we found but they seem to be charging in NZ $$ and that may add some additional transactions costs…any recommendation on this pls as per above locations. Cheaptickets was another option but they charge in USD as well.

Visa: given we are both aus citizens i think we can get the visitor visa on arrival there…is that right?

Phone costs: we don't need phones but mainly use it for gps navigation. Can navigation (here beta) works without phone network given maps are downloaded…

Activities: Not much activities planned but should we keep an eye on other website apart from https://www.cheapies.nz/deals & https://www.bookme.co.nz/bookings/christchurch-canterbury-ka…

Car Hire: We found some decent deals but they all seem to ve NZ sites hence adding transaction costs. Any aus site we can arrange this from in economic way. We are flying in/out from queenstown so wouldn't be able to use relocation deals.

Food: As we never been there, we planning to do same as we do in Aus, find accommodation with kitchen facilities so we can cook at least for one time. Do they have something like coles or something?

We would appreciate any advise/feedback/suggestions on saving money please…

thanks for your time.

Travel

Comments

  • altomic on 13/07/2017 - 19:17
    +3

    https://www.cheapies.nz/

  • KitchenSink on 13/07/2017 - 19:20
    +2

    Definitely get a Citibank Visa debit. You can use it for future trips to any country or online. 28 Degrees is also handy too but as a credit card, but if you have a Citibank card its fine. Both have the best conversion rates and no international fees. There's only ATM fees from using their machines (depending on the bank) but don't use 28 Degrees for ATMs - you get charged cash advance fee. Most places take credit card as a payment, so you don't need a lot of cash except small rural areas - NZ isn't all that different from Aus in terms of development. So its definitely worth the hassle to at least get a Citibank card.

    Pak n Save is a good and cheap place to buy food - like costco in a way. Their Woolworths is called Countdown which is the same thing. But definitely shop at Pak and Save.

    Australian passport holders don't need visas for NZ, but you still need your passport - its also the preferred way for ID checks for when you go out for drinks or buy alcohol at the store. They didn't accept my drivers licence for some reason.

    You can get cheaper cars from places outside the airport, but they aren't 24/7 like hertz at the airport.

    Phones: download Maps.me app on your phone and get offline maps of NZ. No data usage when travelling around. Just turn on Wifi and you're good to go. Also I recommend getting just 1 Spark SIM between the two with like 1GB data. They allow you to access public hotspots around like Telstra Air in most public places. Me and a friend shared the 1 account on our phones and both were able to connect at the same time to the hotspots.

    Cheaper accommodation alternative is hiring a camper van - allows for flexibility if you don't like the place you can go. Most campsites charge like $10 for usage and some have showers/kitchens/bathrooms. This is the ultimate tightass way but I had no problem with it.

    • s0805 on 13/07/2017 - 19:55
      -2

      Thanks a lot for your response. So, this citibank visa debit card I guess this is not credit card but just the account so depending on what money you have in the account equivalent to NZ dollars you can use them…is that right? i guess if I am not using then i can close it..

      Given they didn't recognise your driving licence, for car hiring is Victorian licence enough or international permit required?

      The cheaper cars from outside airport you are referring….can i find them on any websites. 11 days hire under $300 is good deal you reckon and do you need snow chains as we are going to milford sound or something (from memory…)

      The spark sim you are referring….where can i see plans available with data. i think it would be handy to have data and phone just in case….as some places we are driving been advised not much available. For maps we've it downloaded and thinking to use on our tab or using with HERE maps…

      campervan sounds good but no exp with that and will have hard time convincing mrs. on that.

      • KitchenSink on 13/07/2017 - 21:41
        +1

        So, this citibank visa debit card I guess this is not credit card but just the account so depending on what money you have in the account equivalent to NZ dollars you can use them

        Citibank debit is like having an everyday account in AUD but handy for travel. It's your money, not the banks. Throw your funds in here and use it as your ATM card for overseas like you are in Australia. Its free so get it and you have it for life. When you're not using it, its still there. When you travel again, you can use it for that.

        When you withdraw money from an ATM with Citibank debit card or use EFTPOS its automatically converted for you from AUD -> NZD, but the ATM will display your withdrawal in NZD. The citibank app (highly recommened to download for Citibank visa debit) can show you how much you actually withdrew in AUD. I'm sure the NZD is roughly on parity with AUD so there's not much thinking anyway.

        I only bought $100 cash as a backup. I mostly withdrew from ATMs and used EFTPOS like I was a local.

        The cheaper cars from outside airport you are referring….can i find them on any websites.

        I flew into Auckland (north Island) and did it from there. I'm not so sure with the South island. It's probably just easier and better to rent from the airport. Less hassle. Differences you save is like ~$10 per day or so. You can make it up with smart food shopping and free activities like hiking. Also Oct is a quieter period. You may get lucky with some discounts.

        If you are keen and flexible have a look at Transfercar. Basically rent for $1 but you have to get the car to a particular place at a specified time. It may work with some of your plans.

        Given they didn't recognise your driving licence, for car hiring is Victorian licence enough or international permit required?

        Australian Drivers licence is recognised for hiring a car and you need to bring it to hire a car. I'm not sure with hertz or whatever, but the car company I hired from asked for a credit card with enough credit as a precaution/insurance for any damages. The drivers licence is just not recognised as ID for buying alcohol like if you're 18 again buying alcohol at a bar.

        do you need snow chains as we are going to milford sound or something

        Given that its in October, there shouldn't be any snow - its spring, but still cold. Chains aren't required unless you're going to the snows, but the locals can tell you that if you do need them and where to get them.

        The spark sim you are referring….where can i see plans available with data.

        You can get a Spark SIM at the airport when you land after collecting your bags. There's a few telcos around and they will sort you out with what you want especially for tourists. You just show them your passport. I think Spark had the best coverage. You can share the data via hotspot or find public Spark hotspots like telephone booths around.

        Maps.me works well for me. Great for when you're in the rural areas as it has maps for trials as well. Its free too. Always handy to have a backup.

        Hope that clarifies it. Don't stress. NZ is like going to another city in Australia.

        • s0805 on 14/07/2017 - 10:04

          Many many thanks for your comments. Not sure why my post voted down (maybe too many basic queries) nonetheless you've been very helpful.

          That Citibank card sounds a no brainer now. I will arrange that and it will also help me buy stuff online from overseas websites going forward so win-win. for rental excess cover i can always give them local aussie credit card as security. I'll get those maps.me as well.

          Your help very much appreciated.

    • sween64 on 02/08/2018 - 20:00

      Is Pak'n'Save good just for a week for two people? Or is it just like Costco where the savings come from buying in bulk? What about Pak'n'Save fuel?

      • s0805 on 03/08/2018 - 07:40

        I think for a week that should be fine. Fuel (i am sure) they also have discount if you do grocery buy from them….

  • Ughhh on 13/07/2017 - 19:33

    Accommodation: we got ours through agents like Expedia, they charge in AUD.

    Food: Pretty sure NZ isn't some third world country, so they do have supermarkets.

    Car hire: I went with Apex, even after transaction fees, I was still $100s ahead from Hertz, Thrify etc charging in AUD.

  • relicsinner on 23/12/2017 - 20:53

    Does anyone know which NZ ATM does not charge fees for withdrawals when using the Citibank Plus Account ATM card?

    • s0805 on 24/12/2017 - 07:28

      Have a read at this….I am assuming someone is keep updating that for any changes. http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/citibank_plus_transaction_accou…

      Also, from when we were there we used westpac atm. It did not charge fees but i've to say it was crappy exchange rate. ATMs is NZ seem to prompt you before they charge fees so you would know. We didn't find much use of cash to be honest, all places we go they happy to take the card.

      Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip.

      • relicsinner on 24/12/2017 - 12:06

        That is great, thanks.

  • brisbanegirl on 25/12/2017 - 01:20

    N.Z entertainment book is excellent for food and things to see and do

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