Tips for Couchsurfers coming to New Zealand.

These tips are a summary and of a general nature only. Rely on them at your own risk
and none to me!

These tips are time sensitive (ie thay may change depending on offers etc) so do not forward
them to someone else as they will be out of date. Ask for a current one just before you come.

1. Phone – If you are going to be here for anything more than a week consider getting a
mobile connection. There are three networks here and that have a GSM connections;
Vodafone (www.vodafone.co.nz ), 2degrees ( www.2degreesmobile.co.nz ) and
Telecom New Zealand (www.telecom.co.nz/mobile ). Note that the Telecom GSM
network (called XT) operates on a different frequency (850 Mhz) and you will require a
quad-band phone (like those used in Central America) (most GSM phones from Europe
should work here).

2degrees is a new entrant in NZ. Their SIM cards cost $5 with a $2 credit or a $20 card
with $20 credit. Their rates are currently the cheapest on Prepay with 44cents per
minute for a call and 9 cents for a message. Sometimes they have promotions where, if
you recharge, the charges drop to 22 cents per minute for other 2degree numbers
and landline numbers in NZ with free sms - from 100 sms to 500 sms depending on the
value of the top up. They also have 22 cent per minute international calls to a number
of countries, for details, see (http://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/calling-overseas).

Vodafone prepaid SIM cards cost NZ$35 with a $5 credit. Register online and you get
an additional credit of $10. Bring your GSM phone from home. Vodafone has prepaid
numbers with 7, 8 and 9 digits. Ask for one with 7 or 8 digits (that is not 021
123456789 but 021 12345678). The one with 9 digits can pose problems if someone is
calling you.

As far as I am aware there is No PCS network in NZ (sorry Sprint customers).

Note that calls beginning with 0800 and 0508 made in NZ on a NZ SIM card are free
calls (unlike in Australia where they are charged). It does not cost to receive calls or
text messages on any mobile network if you are using a NZ SIM Card (not like in the
US, Canada, Singapore).

Summary: With the cheap cost of SIM Cards and low cost of calls, there really is no
reason for you not to get one; especially if you wish to Couchsurf and need to get in
touch with hosts and be contactable by hosts.

2. Communication overseas. Prepaid cards that can be used at payphones or landlines are
a good option.

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 An alternative is to use Voip (ie Computer to Landline). Options are Skype or a cheaper
alternative with great features is www.voipcheap.com (There are many alternatives,
this is only one). The latter service allows you to have free calls to landlines for 90 days
to 39 countries or the option to use a landline to landline connection (great when you
are staying with hosts as it will not cost them anything).

3. Bank Accounts – It is easy to open a bank account in NZ. Just bring your passport and
drivers license to any bank and your account can be opened immediately. Ask for an
ATM (Bankomat) card and internet access immediately. Virtually all the banks have an
account type which does not have monthly charges.

Options are Kiwibank ( www.kiwibank.co.nz least charges but least services as well),
ANZ or National Bank ( www.nbnz.co.nz both these banks are part of one group) have
the largest number of ATMs in the country, ASB Bank ( www.asb.co.nz has very good
customer reviews and the only bank in NZ that has real time processing).

4. Money – If you are going to be here for any significant time, you will probably need to
transfer funds from home from time to time. Best way is to get a Bank Draft (from your
bank at home) made payable in New Zealand Dollars at a NZ Bank. The draft should be
addressed (payable) to you. Funds should be available to you in a few days.

Using your ATM card to get money from your bank account in your home country
costs a lot in the exchange rate that the banks use and the charges that will be made on
your home account.

5. Tax File Number – If you intend to and are legally entitled to work here, you will
need to obtain a tax file number. See www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers

(If you want to download the form, click on the link in the right margin of this page.)

I don’t think that this can be applied from overseas but check with the NZ Embassy in
your country. You will need a New Zealand address so get a couchsurfer to “lend” you
his/her addresses or use the hostel that you are staying at.

6. Transportation. NZ does not have a wide rail network. The best way to get
around is by car or van or buses. You can also use the bus network, but that will require
more time and planning and may not get you to all the places. Depends on what
you would like to do and see and how long you have.

In Auckland, you can go to www.maxx.co.nz for bus/train information.

Van Rentals – Try Escape www.escaperentals.co.nz ,Wicked Rentals

http://www.wicked-campers.co.nz – Cheap campervans (like old VWs) which have
place for sleeping and cooking. Very basic but economical. There are a number of other
rental companies. Check them out as they have specials.

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 Cars – Second hand cars are cheap in NZ. www.trademe.co.nz have online
auctions.

A better bet maybe to go to an auction as you can then check out the car and get an
idea of the prices before you commit yourself. Turners Car Auctions are the
largest in NZ.

If you buy a car, ensure that you get at least Third Party Insurance so that if you have
an accident you do not wind up paying a lot. (Third party, fire & theft is better) and that
you get the vehicle checked by a mechanic. Contact me if you need details as to how to
transfer the car etc.

Relocation deals (whereby you hire a car from one city and drop them off at another)
can be very cheap or free (remember to check if there are any charges and insurance
excess). Some of the sites are www.transfercar.co.nz , http://www.freecarrental.co.nz/ ,
google “nz car relocation” or you can call each rental car company individually.

Bus Companies that have special deals are Nakedbus (www.nakedbus.co.nz) where
there are $1 specials if you travel naked - just kidding about the traveling naked bit;),
Intercity (www.intercity.co.nz) Currently having $1 deals as well (but for how long?)
Backpacker Bus (http://www.backpackerbus.co.nz/)
Atomic Shuttles (http://www.atomictravel.co.nz/) Only in the South Island
Also check out http://www.bugpacific.com/transport/bus-companies-in-new-
zealand.html for the smaller and more focused bus companies

There are bus companies that do a route through NZ and stop at the sights along the
way. Consequently, they take quite long to go from point-to-point but are an excellent
option if you are not driving yourself and want to see the sights along the way. Magic
Bus (www.magicbus.co.nz) is a hop-on, hop-off ticket with a year’s validity.
Stray Travel (http://www.straytravel.com/) a close competitor to Magic Bus
Kiwi Experience http://www.kiwiexperience.com/nz-bus-pass-faq.aspx is known as the
party and sex bus. Mainly by very young travelers who enjoy drinking all the time
(wonder if they ever see any of the sights …)
All of these companies have special deals periodically so check and ask for them.

7. Freedom Camping. This is a term used locally where one is in a campervan which
does not have built-in toilet facilities. There are now restrictions as to where you are
able to camp and it would be wise to get details of this – otherwise you could receive a
ticket/fine.

8. Drivers License – Bring your home country Drivers License AND an International
Drivers License (if you want an IRD number or are going to be here for some time).
You can drive on your overseas license for 12 months in some circumstances. If you

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 bring your home license, it may be possible to get a NZ license without any further
tests. See http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/56.html

If you plan to spend some time in NZ, it may be advisable to get a NZ Driving License
as it serves as a form of ID as well.

9. Air Travel – Currently, NZ has 2 airlines that fly domestically; Air New Zealand
(http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz ) and Jetstar (http://jetstar.co.nz ). All airlines have
periodic specials so check for them first. Keep an eye out until then as they are
expected to have deep discount flights. Air New Zealand offer “grab-a-seat” specials
(both domestic and international) daily until they are sold out. Pacific Blue
(http:www.pacificblue.co.nz) have Happy Hour sales in NZ on Fridays between 12
noon and 1pm while Jetstar has Friday Frenzy sales on the same day in the afternoon
(4pm to 8pm).

Discount Airlines that fly to NZ internationally are Pacific Blue (to Australia and
Pacific Islands) and Jetstar www.jetstar.co.nz (to Australia and Singapore). Pacific Blue
in Australia (www.pacificblue.com.au) have Happy Hour specials between 12 noon and
1pm Australian Eastern Time (every day) and they may have specials between
Australia and New Zealand. Air Asia have announced that they will commence flights
to Christchurch in 2011 (see below).

If you are flying on Air New Zealand between Los Angeles and Auckland, you may
have an option. Most Air New Zealand tickets on this route will allow you to stop in
either Cook Islands, Tonga or Samoa for an extra NZ$100 per stopover. Periodically
Fiji and Tahiti are also included in the offer. Note that you can use this either coming to
NZ, returning to LA or in both directions (only one stop per direction). It is also
included on the Lufthansa “Wonderbar” tickets.

Discount travel from Europe/South East Asia. There is an option to travel to NZ with
discount carriers now. As is always the case, book far in advance and keep an eye out
for the specials from the airlines.

It is possible to fly from NZ to London for NZ$450 (approx Euros 230). From London
Stanstead, fly to Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia. The same airline has now commenced
flights from Paris (Orly) to Kuala Lumpur with effect from 14 Feb 2011.

Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (on either Jetstar, Tiger Airways or Air Asia) and
from Singapore to Auckland on Jetstar (Jetstar flights to Auckland commence in March
2011).

An alternative is to take Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne (Australia) and
catch a discount carrier to Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch or fly to Gold Coast
(Australia) and catch a discount carrier from either Gold Coast or Brisbane to the same

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 cities. This option may cost slightly more but gives the ability to stop in Australia as
well.

Air Asia has also announced flights from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch sometime in
2011 (start date unknown at this stage). This will then allow for one stop flights on
budget carriers from London/Paris to NZ.

10. Electricity – The voltage here is 230v, 50Mhz. We use a 3 pin plug system, different to
Europe, UK and the US. You can get converter plugs at most travel shops in NZ.

11. Internet Access at airports – Auckland. There are SAMSUNG booths on the left just
after you come out into the main concourse (arrivals) and there was a booth in the main
departure lounge (before you go into the departure formalities) – currently being
relocated. Renovations are in progress so the booths may be relocated in the process.
Wellington – free wifi access in the main concourse of the airport (not at the gates).

12. Internet/Wireless Access – There are hotspots in most of the major cities. Most
require you to purchase a coffee for an hour’s internet (eg Esquires Coffee in New
Zealand; Patagonia Chocolates and Dux de Lux in Queenstown). Most (but not all) city
public libraries offer free internet and wifi access. Examples are the Auckland Public
Library at 44 Lorne Street in central Auckland. Also in Christchurch, Kawakawa,
Kaitaia among others.

13. Couchsurfing Profile. It is best if you have a complete profile on Couchsurfing. You
are more likely to get replies when people know what you are like. Remember to
include if you are or are not a smoker as well. Have a complete and clear face pic. For
security and safety reasons, one would like to know if the person at one’s door who
wants to stay is the same person you have been in touch with.

14. Identity Card. Bring along your national Identity Card if you have one. It can serve as
an ID, especially if you have English on it (German = Personalausweis). That way you
may not need to carry your passport everywhere. An ISIC (International Student
Identity Card) card is worth its weight in gold so get one before you leave your country.
French ID cards will not suffice as there is no English text on it.

15. Automobile Association. If you have membership of your Automobile Association

(AAA in the US, ADAC in Germany, RACV in Victoria), bring that along as there are
some reciprocal membership privileges.

16. Travel Book. If you want your travel here to be effective, get a travel book like the
Lonely Planet. It will help you plan and advise you of pertinent information. You do
not need to follow the book, of course.

17. Travel Information is also available on the official tourism New Zealand website –
http://www.i-site.co.nz . The AA has listed the 101 must do in weekends in New

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 Zealand and can be found at: http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/?
section=MustDo&showAdvanceSearch=1

18. Agricultural Controls. NZ is VERY strict on what you can and cannot bring into the
country. Basically, ALL plant, animal and wood products, food/meat items are strictly
controlled. Heavy fines for non-disclosure. Check before you bring them in and declare
them if you do - or you will be fined or on the next plane out. All camping gear and
hiking boots must be cleaned before arrival into NZ and declared so that they can check
it.

19. Brochures at the airport. Pick these up after you enter the airport and before
immigration. Apart from the maps which will help you plan your trip, some of the
brochures have discount vouchers that are great. (Auckland A – Z guide has discount
coupons that you can use if you shop at the Duty-free in Auckland Airport.) The
Jason’s maps (free) are an excellent choice (8 maps for the regions and the whole of
NZ) http://www.jasons.com/guides/New-Zealand-route-planners/ (go to this page to see
what the maps look like and pick them up at racks). Jason also has maps for the Pacific
Islands and Queensland (Australia).

20. Couchsurfing in New Zealand. There are sub-groups which are specifically dedicated
to certain categories. Use them, rather than the city groups or the New Zealand group,
for a response. These include:

Rideshare New Zealand (if you would like to offer a ride to someone or to ride with
someone travelling in NZ) http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=16913
Tramping (Hiking) In New Zealand (hiking and going on camping trails)
http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=11753
Travel Companions for exploring New Zealand (if you want to meet up with other
travelers in NZ) http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7804
Living and Working in New Zealand (if you want a flat, or have a flat to share or any
questions about working in New Zealand)
http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=4752
Wikipedia article on Couchsurfing in NZ:
http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/New_Zealand_new_member_welcome_kit

Please do not make couchsurfing requests in the New Zealand group or in any of the
city groups. Contact the persons personally and you will have a better chance of getting
a response.

21. Fuel Vouchers Most supermarkets will give you a voucher for a discount on fuel
purchases. Foodtown, Countdown and Woolworths have a deal for a minimum of 4
cents per litre discount with Shell and Gull. PakNSave and New World have a tie up
with BP (or in some cases in their forecourt) for discounted petrol (4 cents to 6 cents
per litre). Some Caltex stations accept fuel vouchers from any supertmarket chain for a
4 cents per litre discount. (Note if you refuel at an automated service station at

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 PakNSave, use can use the same voucher again at a Caltex station!) At times there are
promotions with a 25 cents per litre discount.

22. Local music scene listings are at http://www.undertheradar.co.nz/ Covers all music
gigs in the country.

23. Local Tip sheets. These tips are for people coming to New Zealand. I will be creating
tip sheets for some cities. Currently have one for the Cook Islands and am working on
one for Queenstown. If you want these contact me.

24. Tramping in New Zealand. Hiking is called “tramping”, quite a different connotation
from what you may be used to. A great website to consult is NZ Tramper
http://tramper.co.nz/ . If you wish to connect with other couchsurfers who are tramping
in NZ, join the group Tramping (Hiking) In New Zealand (hiking and going on
camping trails) http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=11753

25. Health and Safety. New Zealand is blessed with a very clean environment. It is very
easy to see long distances on a clear day due to the unpolluted air. The flip side to this
is that the sun’s rays are not filtered by air particles and is very strong. Do use a high
factor sunscreen and use it regularly during the day – or look like a lobster very
quickly!

26. Tipping (at bars, restaurants etc) is not required in New Zealand or in Australia.

27. LASTLY if there is anything that I have missed out let me know so that it can be
included for the next CS. If there are any errors or information that should be in greater
detail, let me know as well. Please reply to me through the CS website, username is
kirinsingh.

Have a great stay in New Zealand.

RANDOM TIPS

These will eventually be separate sets for the various places.

Christchurch

1. Bus Travel One of the best deals is to get the Metro Card. It is a stored value card
for bus travel for upto two hours. Transfers within that time are not charged and the
trip to the airport is a standard fare of $2.10 instead of $7.00. The cards are free to
get (only the first card) and recharges are to be made in $10 increments (at kiosks or
from the bus driver). Cards are only available in the Central Bus Station during
office hours. Bring an ID (passport or NZ Drivers Licence) to get this. Note
Individual fares are more expensive than using the Metrocard.

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 2. Internet Free computers and wifi is available at the Christchurch Public Library. I
also managed to get a weak signal in Cathedral Square.

3.

Northland

1. Ferry to Russell Individual return tickets cost $10 per person. If there are 3 of you,
buy a 10 trip ticket for $25.

2. Toilets. Remember to check out the toilets in Kawakawa. They are on the main
street and were designed by a famous Austrian artist Hunderwasser. Yes, you are
allowed to take pictures in the toilets, just make sure you don’t take random people
doing what they do there.

Auckland

1. If traveling to Waiheke and returning the same day, get a Saver Seat fare
http://www.fullers.co.nz/tickets-fares/book-tickets.php (eg to Waiheke Island this
will cost $25 instead of a normal return fare of $33.50). Bookings MUST be done
online.
If you are traveling in a group and returning on a different day, consider getting a
10 trip ticket for $125. Note that only 3 persons at a time can travel on one sailing
with this ticket.
Similar deals exist for the other ferry trips with Fullers to Rangitoto, Great Barrier
Island, Rakino etc.