Check back soon
Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.
First of all, if you are thinking of applying to teach in New Zealand through SNC, do IT! You will not regret it. Even if you just want to visit! - Here are some tips and top things to do in NZ.
Tips:
- get a public transit (ATHop) card right away if you plan on using any public transit, which I highly recommend! It's not super expensive and you can get downtown, other places in the city, and to your friends' houses no problem! Also, download the ATHop app, which is SUPER nice. It tracks your location even if you don't have data so you can see where you are on the bus route, and you can save journeys you'll take more than once, amongst other things.
- get used to converting US to NZ dollars for your mental reference, haha. And also the metric system to US measurements. ;)
- check your credit and debit cards for their international charges, so you are aware unlike me before you go. Most credit cards don't have terrible international charges, which was my case, but there were $8ish charges every time I had to take out cash from an ATM. Just something to be aware of.
- Jetstar has really cheap flights, which are awesome. I'd recommend them for domestic flights only. Air New Zealand sometimes has flight sales, so check on there if you want to go somewhere fun!
- If you want to go to church while you're in Auckland, Church Unlimited is a great one to go to! There are several locations in the city.
- make sure to remember to purchase electrical converters! If you search New Zealand converters on Amazon you will find them no problem (and they're not expensive).
- If you're booking hostels for your travels, use HostelWorld.com and book things that have 8 star reviews and above.
- The ozone layer above New Zealand has a giant tear in it, so the sun there is some of the strongest in the world. Take care of your skin!! Seriously.
Top 5 in NZ:
1. Queenstown and Milford Sound (on the South Island)
We had a long weekend at school and flew down to the South Island. It was SO cool to spend time in Queenstown. The entire city is pretty small so it was no big deal to walk everywhere. We took a day long trip to Milford Sound, which was a package deal we bought online including the bus ride there, a cruise around the Sound, and lunch on the boat. Queenstown has a lot going on as well, with some hikes, the gondola ride, luge, bunjee jumping, etc.
2. Waiheke Island
We did a day trip out to Waiheke for our first weekend and it was a great first trip outside of Auckland. It's an island about a half hour ferry trip from Auckland. Make sure to purchase your ferry tickets online and at least glance at the island bus system beforehand. Wineries and towns look walking distance but aren't, haha.
3. Coromandel
Spend a weekend somewhere in the Coromandel! If one of you is brave enough to drive in NZ (I wasn't but others in the group were), you can rent a car and grab an Air B&B bach for the weekend! Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove were awesome and free, and there are a lot of cool beaches in the area.
4. Rotorua
Rotorua is a great weekend destination, only a few hours from Auckland. It's pretty touristy but there are a lot of fun things to do there! Namely, the Redwood walk, Te Puia, the Polynesian spas, lots of good food, Eat Streat, and more.
5. Spend time with your host family!
Nothing is better than spending time with your Kiwi family! They are the people who know all the tips and tricks of the area and want to spend time with you showing you their beloved Auckland.
There are many more things to do than what I just listed, obviously! Most of the fun of this adventure has been figuring stuff out for myself, finding my favorite local places to frequent, and meeting some amazing Kiwis. There are one of the friendliest cultures I've ever encountered.