I have long been attracted to NZ because its such an attractive country. There are no people here (around 4mil), so its mostly a nature experience, but over the last 8 years the cultural side has lifted a great deal, and its extended to the countryside. I had a generally negative experience of NZ the first time I came, both judging from Auckland and rural South Island, but having lived here for 2 weeks I've found people immensely friendly. Not bad for an Aussie used to the cross-Tasman Sea barbs. Kind of like the English-French relationships, or Canada-USA.
Getting to NZ is actually very expensive. It used to be cheap from the USA, and its ok from Australia, but from Asia its very expensive. Its ok from Japan. Once you get here though the cost of living is fairly cheap. Australians are being ripped off on petrol when you compare with NZ prices. The nonsense that the falling $AUD has kept prices high has some truth of course, but petrol is just $NZ1.43/litre here. Which means Australians are paying about 18% too much. I know Australia has 7 refineries when it should have one, but then... you can't blame the exchange rate.
My first task was to find accommodation. The first thing I realised was how unfriendly the airport was for tourists compared to say Sydney or Brisbane. The tourist information office is tucked away in the corner where the toilets would normally be. No pick ups for the lodge I booked with. I chose the Marukau City Budget Motel. I arranged to view the Holden Combo 2001 I wanted to buy on the 2nd day. Marukau City was a great place to stay because there is a regional Super Shopping City there, so I was able to buy heaps of car & sleeping stuff from places like Payless and Bresco, which had a day sale, so 30% off. After shopping I took off. First stop was New Plymouth. I never actually went into Auckland. Didn't want to take the risk because I had no address to insure my 'new' car.
That first night out of Auckland I stayed in the carpark of a pub in Stratford near New Plymouth. Didn't plan my overnight stay, and I thought I was having car problem, as the warning light was on, but I think on reflection it was just that I left the hand brake on. :) Anyway, it was ok sleeping in the back. I'd bought a mat, sleeping bag and pillow, and that worked fine. No back pain.
Getting to NZ is actually very expensive. It used to be cheap from the USA, and its ok from Australia, but from Asia its very expensive. Its ok from Japan. Once you get here though the cost of living is fairly cheap. Australians are being ripped off on petrol when you compare with NZ prices. The nonsense that the falling $AUD has kept prices high has some truth of course, but petrol is just $NZ1.43/litre here. Which means Australians are paying about 18% too much. I know Australia has 7 refineries when it should have one, but then... you can't blame the exchange rate.
My first task was to find accommodation. The first thing I realised was how unfriendly the airport was for tourists compared to say Sydney or Brisbane. The tourist information office is tucked away in the corner where the toilets would normally be. No pick ups for the lodge I booked with. I chose the Marukau City Budget Motel. I arranged to view the Holden Combo 2001 I wanted to buy on the 2nd day. Marukau City was a great place to stay because there is a regional Super Shopping City there, so I was able to buy heaps of car & sleeping stuff from places like Payless and Bresco, which had a day sale, so 30% off. After shopping I took off. First stop was New Plymouth. I never actually went into Auckland. Didn't want to take the risk because I had no address to insure my 'new' car.
That first night out of Auckland I stayed in the carpark of a pub in Stratford near New Plymouth. Didn't plan my overnight stay, and I thought I was having car problem, as the warning light was on, but I think on reflection it was just that I left the hand brake on. :) Anyway, it was ok sleeping in the back. I'd bought a mat, sleeping bag and pillow, and that worked fine. No back pain.
