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Best Ways for Students to Travel around New Zealand Cheaper

New Zealand is a popular tourist destination for international tourists. It is a country with untouched nature, fascinating culture, and gorgeous beaches. Even though New Zealand is relatively far away and a plane ticket might cost you a lot, it doesn’t mean that traveling around should be expensive as well. You can explore this destination without spending too much money.

So if you are a student who is working with a limited travel budget, there is no need to worry because you can get around without breaking a bank. There are many affordable options out there that will allow you to experience this beautiful country to the fullest.

Public transport

Every major city in New Zealand has public bus routes which will take you almost anywhere in a matter of minutes (or hours). The ticket prices are not so high either, and you can save up some money by purchasing daily passes that will allow you to ride the bus throughout the day. Not to forget that some places offer free bus shuttles in the downtown area. These are excellent options for students who are not keen on guided tours but want to visit popular sights during their visit.

Intercity coach buses

While train travel is not very popular in New Zealand, especially among the younger crowd, busses are definitely the best way to move around the country. The bus companies operating in New Zealand really did their best to expand the available bus lines, and you can get almost anywhere on the islands. Yes, the bus rides might be a bit lengthy, especially if you are traveling to another side of New Zealand, but the tickets are very budget friendly which is suitable for students.

Since there are many backpackers visiting New Zealand, a couple of bus companies offer special passes for them as well. They are even more affordable, so consider getting one if you are trying to stay within your budget. You will get more than one ride with the pass, and it will also cover the cost of the ferry between the islands. It is good to remember that the prices of bus tickets are cheaper during the offseason. So if you don’t mind traveling to New Zealand in slightly colder months, you can get a great deal when it comes to the bus tickets.

Hop-on-hop-off buses

Created especially for the younger travelers, these buses are very convenient and affordable. The buses have planned routes and several stops along the way. You can hop off at any location you find interesting, spend a couple of days there, and then hop back on to another bus that is traveling on the schedule. You are supposed to take care of the food and accommodation yourself, so it is not a guided tour through the country. What makes hop-on-hop-off buses ideal for students? The tickets are cheap, and you will be in charge of your entire trip. So if you feel like exploring a place, simply get off the bus, and continue the ride later. Plus, you will meet a lot of new people who are traveling around New Zealand.

Train

As previously mentioned, trains are not commonly used by tourists in New Zealand. They only connect the major cities, which is a deal breaker for many travelers who want to experience nature. On the other hand, train rides are quite exciting in New Zealand due to the gorgeous nature and breathtaking views you can experience while traveling. The tickets are more expensive when compared to the buses, and you have a limited number of destinations you can visit, but you will experience New Zealand from a whole new perspective.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is not a popular way of transportation in a lot of countries around the globe, but it is legal in New Zealand, and many people use it to get around. According to a travel writer David Jones from ProWriting, it is an excellent way to meet new people and get to your destination without spending any money. The locals are very friendly and willing to pick up hitchhikers as well. However, keep in mind that you might end up waiting a bit while trying to get a ride. So if you are on a tight schedule, consider using another means of travel … like using a FREE RENTAL CAR booked on www.transfercar.co.nz.
And always be on a lookout because hitchhiking can also be risky.

>Free rental cars

Yes… that’s probably the best solution you could ever dream of… and it is a reality!

Conclusion

New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places you can visit. It is a blend of magical landscapes, welcoming locals, and interesting cultures. Tourists of all ages come here throughout the year, regardless of the season. If you want to visit New Zealand, but you don’t have unlimited resources, you need to be knowledgeable about the different means of traveling on the islands. There are many ways to explore New Zealand without blowing your budget, so use them to your advantage, and enjoy your time in this enchanting place.

Lucy Benton is a writing coach, an editor who finds her passion in expressing own thoughts as a blogger, and currently works at www.assignmenthelper.com.au. She is constantly looking for the ways to improve her skills and expertise. If you’re interested in working with Lucy, you can find her on Twitter.

The Freedom Camping Guide to New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most camper-friendly countries in the world, and there’s no better place to take your campervan or motorhome than out and about exploring the natural wonders of NZ. Freedom camping is becoming increasingly popular as the years go by, and today we’re going to share with you some common dos and don’ts of freedom camping, as well as some amazing spots you can call your home for a couple of days.

What is freedom camping?

In essence, freedom camping means you can set up camp somewhere outside the official camping grounds. Now, this doesn’t make it illegal, but you could end up paying substantial fines if you set up camp where freedom camping is not allowed.

When you do find a free camping site, you want to make sure you have all the necessities at hand and that you follow the rules and act responsibly, or you’ll have to deal with a disgruntled parks officer. While there are hundreds of free holiday camping sites scattered across the two islands, you can also make use of the affordable powered camping sites if you find yourself unable to find a place to freedom camp for any reason whatsoever.

It’s all about a responsible behaviour and common sense

Your motorhome needs to be self-contained to meet the freedom camping criteria. You should also act in accordance with the following rules:

Do not leave traces of your visit. Unfortunately, some people have treated different public spots quite poorly in the past, forcing local communities to make those places ‘No Camping’ zones. So simply clean up after yourself as you don’t want to spoil it for others.

Never use waterways or the bush as a toilet. This is pretty self-explanatory, so make use of either your campervan toilet or public toilets.
Obey the ‘No Camping’ sign (unless you’re OK with being handed an on-the-spot fine).
Keep soap, toothpaste, detergents and other chemicals out of the waterways (having a bath in a lake is out of question, then).
Use approved dump stations to dispose of waste.

Now that you understand that freedom camping does require certain equipment and adequate provisions and a conscious behaviour, here are my top five spots.

Puketapu

Located just outside Napier in Hawkes Bay is Puketapu Park, a freedom camping zone perfect for families and group activities. You can stay for up to two nights, but you will have to keep the place clean. The place has a great playground for children, it’s riddled with trees and greenery, and you can make frequent visits to the village itself, Napier and its beaches.

Koha

Unlike the previous camping site, Koha campgrounds do not have toilets on site, so your motorhome really needs to be self-contained. Otherwise, the camping ground is a beautiful riverbank natural oasis where you can stay for a single night. The gates open at 3pm and close at 8pm.

The only thing you need to do it to rate them on social media and give your feedback, and you’ve welcome to camp!

Lake Pukaki

The breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Lake Pukaki, largely influenced by the unreal blue colour of the water created by glacial flour, is the perfect place to freedom camp with the family of your significant other. You’ll have the chance to wake up each morning with some magnificent views, and all of you Lord of the Rings fans will be happy to know that The Hobbit trilogy was filmed here.

Upper Waitohi

Waitohi is a great place for those of you looking to find a peaceful camping site, and stay there for the entire holiday. With up to fourteen days at your disposal, the only thing you need to do is refrain from lighting any fires, and leave the grounds as you found them.

Oh, and no pets allowed for some reason, so that’s a bummer, but a wonderful experience for nature lovers and backpacking enthusiasts as you will be going on long excursions into the great outdoors.

Port Ohope Reserve

Finally, Port Ohope, situated in the Whakatane region of the North Island, is a lovely quiet place on the shore, perfect for a couple’s getaway. You can stay for up to two nights, and there’s even a toilet block just a brisk walk from the site, but unfortunately there is no playground for children. Be sure to bring your snorkelling gear though.

There’s nothing quite like soaking in the charm and beauty of NZ’s countryside in the summer, so grab your free campervan, act responsibly, don’t forget you camera, and let the good times roll!

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Top Tips For Hiring A Car Abroad

Not having your own car when abroad on holiday can be frustrating for many people, as they want freedom without having to rely on expensive taxi or bus services – you are on holiday, after all! As a result, hiring a car abroad has become a very popular option, but, it isn’t always cheap to do so. While ensuring you’re comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road and that you’ve applied for your US visa online are key considerations, there are many other factors you need to consider when hiring a car abroad.

What Documents Do You Need?

You might be relieved to hear that there aren’t many documents attached with hiring a car abroad, however the necessary documents are essential in order to successfully hire a vehicle overseas. As you’d expect, bringing your driving license is indisputable, and the paper counterparts will not be sufficient enough, so ensure you have your physical license on you at all times. Furthermore, it’s recommended that you supply a driving-license check code, which can be found on the DVLA website. This code will only last for 21 days though, so keep it safe and ensure it’s activated during your time abroad.

Moreover, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP), which validates your UK driving license much easier when arranging car hire overseas.

Fuel-To-Empty Policy

Many countries will adopt a fuel-to-empty policy, which is a smart way to drain people of their money when hiring a car abroad. Essentially, this policy requires you to pay for a full tank of petrol in advance, and then return the car back to the depot as empty as possible. This method not only costs you more usually, but it also leaves you stressed out throughout the entirety of your holiday panicking that you’ll run out of petrol. When looking to hire a car abroad, look for a reputable hire company that offers a full-to-full option, as although it may increase the basic rental cost, you can rest assured that you will have enough fuel to last you the entire trip.

Stick To Airport Sites

You’ll want to save as much money as possible when on holiday, and this starts from the arrival at the airport. When investing in car rental, you’ll want to consider whether the car will be delivered from the airport terminal or whether it involves a shuttle or bus ride to the off-terminal site. The latter can often cause unnecessary confusion and hassle, so we’d always suggest opting for an on-airport site, so you can pick up your car as soon as you walk off the plane and get started with your adventure!

Other Factors To Consider

You wouldn’t purchase a car without giving it a thorough inspection first, so you should always analyse the car you plan on hiring and ensure that it’s fully functioning. For your own peace of mind, conduct a short survey to document any issues with the car, whether that be dents or broken/missing parts. Inspect the interior as well, and ensure that all necessary items and functionalities are in place before deciding on your car rental. Moreover, the hire-car company should have a record for every car that they offer, covering the car’s history and any conditions that you should know about before you drive it away – always ask for this. While a car might look pristine and perfect, it’s worth reassuring yourself that it’ll function properly throughout the duration of your time abroad.

Hiring a car overseas can become a stressful ordeal if you aren’t aware of factors to look out for, however these top tips will ensure that the car rental process is seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to have your own freedom on holiday, or you need to hire a car to travel to an office abroad, these tips will become very useful.

6 Coastal Towns You Need to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is lucky enough to boast an impressive 15,000 kilometers of coastline. That makes it the 9th longest coastline in the world! This means there is no shortage of coastal towns just waiting to be explored.

New Zealand’s small coastal towns are some of the most inviting, laid-back and surprising places in the world. Every little town boasts its own special little something that the locals are proud of.

I could create an endless list of towns that you need to visit in New Zealand, however, this list is of my favorite 6 coastal towns in New Zealand. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

1: Raglan

Raglan is one of my personal favorite coastal towns in New Zealand. There are a couple of main reasons why.

The first is the Raglan Fish fish and chip shop. Anyone will (or should) tell you that New Zealand is home to the world’s best fish and chips. In my opinion, Raglan Fish is New Zealand’s best fish n chip shop.

Grab a crumbed Snapper, a serving of fresh hand cut chips, a bottle of L&P, Watties sauce, crumbed mussels, scallops & oysters and you are in for one perfect classic kiwi dinner! Now all that’s left is to head down to Manu Bay to eat, check out the surf & watch the sun go down.

The second reason Raglan is so loved, is due to all the amazing cafes, boutiques & galleries that litter this little town. If you are lucky enough to be here on a weekday you will be constantly amazed by all the empty galleries.

2: Kaikoura

A list of the best coastal towns in New Zealand would not be complete without Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a laid back, trendy, and inviting town with lots of cool little surprises. Not to mention home to some of the warmest and welcoming people you will ever meet!

For those of you who like your sealife, you will be pleasantly surprised when arriving in Kaikoura. You will be welcomed by the local seals, penguins, dolphins and if you are lucky enough, maybe even a pod of whales passing by. Kaikoura is New Zealand’s home of whale watching. The season generally runs from November to March.

Kaikoura is also home to Point Kean, one of the awe inspiring lookouts. On a sunny day in winter or fall, you get the stunning view of the snow-capped mountains, the lush green farmland, Kaikoura town and the South Pacific Ocean, it’s really is magical.

3: New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a playground for those who love a healthy and active lifestyle. Situated on the North Island’s wild West Coast, New Plymouth is set right at the foot of the glorious Mt Taranaki and wedged up next to the Tasman Sea. w Plymouth is famous for several things; the incredible 12.7km coastal walkway, the abundance of cafes, coffee shops & restaurants and the 105km state or ‘Surf’ Highway 45 coastal road. Surf Highway 45 heads south and boasts over 100 surf spots and endless options of beaches, coves and sand dunes.

If camping is your thing, New Plymouth has some amazing campgrounds and free camping options. Most of which with a stunning beach and mountain view. Sitting back with a glass of wine at your beachside campsite watching the sun go down is very hard to beat!

4: Bluff

Bluff is pretty much as far south as you can get on the mainland of New Zealand. Bluff is mainly famous for one thing. Oysters. The oysters from Bluff are world famous and are a must for anyone that visits New Zealand.

The best spot to get some fresh Bluff oysters is Fowler Oysters. This little shop is amazing. The friendliest service you will ever receive, swiftly followed by the freshest & tastiest oysters you have ever set your eyes on, and at only $24 NZD a dozen for A grade you really can’t go wrong.

Bluff is also home to Stirling Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand. Here you will find a great lookout and the classic signpost depicting distances to major cities all over the world. There is also 2 awesome scenic walks, the Foveaux Walk & the Glory Track. Both worth checking out if you have the time.

5: Coromandel

Coromandel is one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the North Island. Situated on the eastern tip of the North Island, Coromandel is surrounded by lots of beautiful beaches, coves and remote destinations.

My favorite spot is Ruffins Bay. Ruffins Bay is a beautiful private bay only accessible by boat or if you have a key to the private road. There are several small holiday rentals that are perfect for a little getaway. Make sure you bring your fishing rod, the fishing is always on at Ruffins!

The other cool attraction of Coromandel is the Driving Creek Railway. A narrow gauge train ride through the mountains and forests that surround the area. The railway 3 short tunnels, 2 spirals, and several viaducts. After winding up the hill you end up at the top with awesome views of the Island packed Hauraki Gulf.A really cool experience for any nature lover.

6: Ahipara

Right at the southern end of the world famous 90 mile beach in New Zealand’s Northland Lays the sleepy little town of Ahipara.

Ahipara is a town full of rich history also home to one of the best sunsets anywhere in the world. You will be pleasantly surprised at the suns beautiful glow glistening over 90 mile beach.

Shipwreck Bay is a situated to the left of the township and at low tide, you will see the various shipwrecks. A beautiful bay to get some alone time and soak up some of that beautiful New Zealand sun.

This is a small snippet of beautiful coastal towns you could explore. Hopefully this list inspires you to get out there and check out the beautiful coastline of New Zealand and discover your own favourite ‘must visit’ spots.

About the Author

Jay is a New Zealander who discovered the joys of food, travel and exploring in 2010, after deciding a traditional office job just wasn’t quite working out. Fast forward 7 years and 28 odd countries later, Jay finds himself living a nomadic lifestyle with his partner Brittnay. Currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Together they travel around the world house & Pet sitting. They love to document their house sitting adventures, travels and favourite cheese & wine discoveries on their website The Travelling House Sitters and Instagram account.

A Step-by- Step Guide to Writing an Unforgettable Road Trip Plan

Road trips are easier one of the best ways to spend a holiday and always guarantee to be an adventure from the start! Not only do you get to move around a country, or several countries, to everything it has to offer, who knows what people you’ll meet, what places you’ll stay at and what amazing memories you’ll make.

However, to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got a rough plan laid out. Of course, there’s room for twisting and turning what you do, but with a foundation of a plan, you can make sure you don’t miss out anything that you definitely want to see and might later on regret.

To help you get started with making this road trip plan, here’s a complete step by step guide!

Choose Point A and B

The first thing you want to choose is the starting and finishing destination for your road trip. Most commonly, this will be the city you land in, to the city that you’re going home from. For example, you might like to carry out a North American road trip where you start in New York and drive across country to Los Angeles.

Deciding the Fundamentals

Now that you’ve decided your two points, you want to start filling in the basics of your trip. First, how long is your road trip going to be? If this is based on the point above, this will be the dates of your flight, so it’s completely up to you.

“As you know the distance between both points, work out how long the basic drive will take and then how long you want to explore places on the way, making sure to add several days so your day can remain flexible” – explains Jonathon Ellis, a Travel Writer at Oxessays and Huffingtonpost contributor.

Choosing the Route

Now that you know exactly how much time you’ve got to work with, you can decide on what places you want to visit during your trip. Of course, if this is something you’ve been getting excited about for some time, the chances are that you’ll already know. Be sure to invest in guidebooks!

Looking for Amazing Places

Now that you’ve decided the foundation of your route, be sure to check online, in books or asking people for things that you simply won’t want to miss in those areas along your route. You might find out there’s an amazing theme park along the way, meaning that you’ll want to add another day to your trip.

Figure Out Accommodation

If you’re hiring a campervan, you’ll need to make sure you know roughly where you’re going to park and where you’re going to sleep. If you’re driving in a car, you’ll need to make sure that know roughly where you’ll be at the end of each day since getting lost in the dark can be incredibly stressful.

Know the Rules

Daniel Jones, a Travel adviser and a blog writer at UK Top Writers says: “Since you’ll be driving, possibly even across country borders, it’s important to know the rules and regulations of that country. Learn about speed limits, seatbelt rules, the side of the road you’re supposed to drive on and drink and drug rules”.

Packing Smart

When it comes to road trips, many people are under the impression that things are a lot easier because you can simply drive around in your vehicle and won’t have to worry about luggage. However, this kind of thinking will only get you into pickle further down the line.

Just like most holidays, be smart with your packing and only pack what you think you’ll need.

Set It in Stone

Once everything is complete, feel free to book your flights, book your rental car or sort out transport, book your hotel for the first couple of nights and get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the road trip of a lifetime!

Conclusion

As you can see, although organising a road trip might seem like a lot of work, it’s all about working smart and getting into the right mindset. With the right amount of care and flexibility, you can ensure your road trip will be one you’ll never forget.

Gloria Kopp is a travel adviser and writer at Boomessays. She is a regular contributor at The Tab and Paper Fellows. Gloria is an author if Studydemic educational and writing blog full of guides and samples for students.

6 Reasons to Visit New Plymouth

There are so many reasons why you need to visit New Plymouth! It has been voted one of the most livable cities in the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a bit of culture New Plymouth should certainly be your next stop. In fact, in addition to being rated one of the most livable cities, it also earned Lonely Planet’s number 2 spot for best up-and-coming holiday destination.

Here are 6 reasons you need to visit New Plymouth:

Surf Highway 45

Sea New Zealand Coast Volcanic Taranaki Mt Egmont

One of the best places to catch a wave in New Zealand is New Plymouth. Take a drive along what’s known as ‘Surf Highway 45’, which runs from New Plymouth in a Southerly direction to Hawera. Take it slow and explore the full length of the surf highway. You will find plenty of places to catch a wave. Otherwise New Plymouth has plenty of surf beaches to keep you occupied. The coast boasts 180 degrees of ocean swells, with reef breaks, point breaks and beaches. Offering something for both beginners and advanced surfers.

Pouakai Circuit

For the even more adventurous, there’s a 2- to 3-day journey around Mount Taranaki. Here hikers can take in everything the Egmont National Park has to offer. There are 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of hiking trails to follow through the forest, a sphagnum moss swamp, and across fields. This trip also takes you across the Boomerang slip, an active erosion scar from volcanic activity and over the Kokowai Stream with its red water.

Bike Riding

For those of you who are not into surfing or hiking, New Plymouth also offers world class mountain biking, trail riding and dirt Jumping. For those who love downhill and trail riding head out to Lake Mangamahoe, just 10 km South of New Plymouth on state highway 3. Here you will find kilometer after kilometer of professionally crafted cross country and downhill tracks, suitable for everyone from beginner to professional.

If dirt jumps are more of your thing head out to Rotoz Dirt Jump Park, which is situated at the entrance to Lake Rotomanu. Rotoz is a dirt jumpers paradise with hundreds of jump lines, wallrides, berms & drops. Rotoz also caters for beginners with pump tracks and a tonne of table top jumps to build your confidence.

The Coastal Walkway

The famous Coastal Walkway is a must-do in New Plymouth. The walkway is where you will find the locals jogging, cycling and working out. Head for a stroll along the sea-edge promenade and you will see some of the most beautiful coastal views New Plymouth has to offer. The walkway stretches 11km along the coastline. You will head past the black volcanic rock surf beaches, cliff tops and over the awe-inspiring bridge inspired by breaking waves. The walkway has recently been funded to be extended even further.

Pouakai Crossing

If you’re looking to spend a day hiking and taking in the beauty that is Mount Taranaki, the best way to do that is by heading to Egmont National Park. Here you will find Pouakai Crossing. At the Crossing you will encounter a magnificent waterfall, breathtakingly high cliffs, Ahukawakawa swamp, and a number of other amazing views along the way. Although it can be tough-going depending on the weather, it’s perfect for someone who wants to experience natural beauty that is New Zealand.

Art and Culture

For a more relaxing day in New Plymouth, you can take in the art and culture offered at several locations, starting with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. This art museum features contemporary art and recently added the Len Lye Center. The centre is has a display is devoted completely to kinetic sculpture and filmmaker Len Lye.

With stunning views of Mount Taranaki, the gorgeous long walkways and a relaxed vibe, New Plymouth is a perfect spot to spend a few days or (ideally) a week or two. Whether you are an adrenaline junky looking to get your fix or a hiking and nature enthusiast New Plymouth has you very well covered. You will leave refreshed with a new lease on life (and not to mention a memory card full of stunning photos).

Article by Brittnay Sharman for Transfercar.

Brittnay is a professional house sitter from Australia. She has been living in London for the past two years and recently moved to Dublin. She has visited over 21 countries in Europe and Africa in that time (including lots of cheese, wine & beaches). You can find all her adventures in housesitting and travels on The Travelling House Sitters.