Just got back from New Zealand, sincerely offering the following advice…
🚙 Good news for those planning a self-drive trip in New Zealand! How to choose the best self-drive route in New Zealand? Here’s a clear explanation for everyone, listing the features of each route, simple and easy to understand. Save it now!
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🚌 Self-drive routes
1️⃣ East Route: Christchurch ➡ Oamaru ➡ Moeraki ➡ Big Round Stone ➡ Dunedin ➡ Te Anau Firefly Caves ➡ Queenstown
🌄 This route covers some of the most iconic attractions: historic cultural towns, ancient buildings, magnificent sea views, unique landforms, the mystery of the glowworm caves, and local gourmet food and wine.
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2️⃣ Central Route: Christchurch ➡ Mount Cook ➡ Tekapo ➡ Wanaka ➡ Arrowtown ➡ Queenstown
🌄 Compared to the East Route, this one focuses more on mountain scenery and outdoor activities, with spectacular snow-capped mountains, lakes, and alpine meadows along the way. The natural scenery is even more beautiful—highly recommended!
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3️⃣ West Route: Christchurch ➡ Greymouth ➡ Fox Glacier ➡ Wanaka ➡ Arrowtown ➡ Queenstown
🌄 This route emphasizes unique glaciers and alpine landscapes, glacier adventure activities, perfect for adventure lovers.
⚠️ New Zealand Tips! Please read carefully!
1️⃣ You can apply for your New Zealand visa yourself on the official New Zealand Immigration website. Collect the electronic documents and submit for review; if you already have one, make sure it’s still valid. If you plan to rent a car for self-driving, you also need to bring your driver’s license and a translation.
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2️⃣ It’s best to download Google offline maps in advance, as signal coverage on the South Island is poor and internet speed is slow.
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3️⃣ Buy a local New Zealand SIM card in advance on 🍑 or buy one locally, but avoid buying at the airport as it’s much more expensive. If you don’t need phone service, you can also rent a WiFi device~
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4️⃣ The local power sockets are three-prong, so bring a plug adapter. If you have many people, bring multiple power strips as outlets may be limited.
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5️⃣ New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to China:
December to March is summer, temperatures 10~25°C
March to May is autumn, temperatures 7~21°C
June to August is winter, temperatures -10~18°C
September to November is spring, temperatures 4~18°C
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6️⃣ Exchange a small amount of 💴 NZD before departure, about 1000 NZD is enough. Remember to bring Visa/Master cards, as many places accept card payments. UnionPay cards can also withdraw NZD directly from ATMs in New Zealand.
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7️⃣ Remember to bring sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses 🕶, and mosquito repellent. Many hotels don’t provide disposable toothbrushes, toothpaste, or slippers, so bring your own. However, most hotels do provide hairdryers and kettles, so no worries there.
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8️⃣ Do not bring fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, spices, fresh food, or dairy products into the country, as they will be confiscated and you may be fined. Packaged foods, cigarettes, alcohol, 💊, and cash must be declared. If you need to bring cold medicine or blood pressure medicine, prepare a doctor’s note and translation, and declare them proactively.
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9️⃣ For parking payments, it’s recommended to download the ParkMate app for easier parking lot selection, navigation, and payment. For fuel price comparison, download the Gaspy app.
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🤗 For more New Zealand travel tips and itineraries...
💌 Feel free to ask me anytime~