Money and Costs

New Zealand money consists of the following denominations: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 in notes and 10 cents ($.10), 20 cents ($.20), 50 cents ($.50), $1 and $2 in coins, ignore the 5c in the photo, it was taken out of circulation in 2004.

Money can be exchanged at banks which are open from 9am to 4.30 pm or bureaux de change which exist in the major tourist towns, cities and also at airports. There are no restriction on the amount of foreign currency or travellers checks that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand.

Credit cards are widely accepted including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. The first two being more widely excepted than the later two. EFTPOS is more commonly used than credit cards and almost all businesses accept this method of payment.

Costs

The following is a rough guide as the cost of a loaf of bread is going to be more expensive in a corner shop in Te Anau than a major supermarket in Auckland.

Food

Expect to spend around $8 - $10 per day on food if you are cooking yourself and around $10 - $15 if eating takeaways. The below list was written in 2008. ( Latest supermarket prices

Item Cost Chicken No 20 $14 Lamb shoulder chops $13 kg Sirloin steak $20 kg Tarakihi fillets (fish) $20 kg Eggs $3.40 doz Milk $1.90 litre Cheese $7 500 grams Ice Cream $4.00 2 litres Potatoes $2.50 kg Oranges $3 kg Lettice $2.50 Baked beans $30 420 grams Bread $3 Batteries $4 4x AA eveready Cigarettes $12 pack of 20, $32 50 grams roll your own KFC $7.50 Pie $2.50 Pizza (pizza hut) $15 single pickup Fish and Chips $4.00 Can of Coke $1.50 12 x 330ml Speights Beer,Online liquor store $20 Jug of Beer $6.50

Tours and Activities

$90 - $140 for rafting or jetboating
$120 for whale watching
$140 for a bungy jump
$150 one day horse trek
$220 Ballooning
$320 Tandem Skydive from 12000 feet

Hiking is free apart from the price of huts and private walks.

Transport

Rental Car: $30 - $50 per day (depending on season and the length of time)
Buying a Car: $1500 (My 87 Honda Accord cost me $1500, previous car 86 Mitsi Sigma $600 Auto Trader, Trademe Online Auctions)
Both Islands Kiwi or Magic Bus pass: $700 - $1500
$1.99 litre petrol (April 08 - check Pricewatch for latest petrol prices)
$62+ for ferry crossing and about $180 for vehicle.
$35 Shuttle Christchurch - Picton (340 km)
$55 Shuttle Christchurch - Queenstown (486 km)

1 litre petrol gets you about 8 kilometers in distance.
NZ top to bottom is 2020km so ~$400 plus side trips etc about $500 in petrol.

Accommodation

$20 Dorm bed
$25 Double/Twin per person
$50 Single
$14 Tent site per person.
free - $35 DoC Hut's

If you are planning to stay in new Zealand a few months you may like to purchase either a VIP discount card or BBH club card. Or to save even more money buy yourself a tent and camp along side one of the many excellent camping spots besides the rivers, lakes and streams throughout the country.

This article is taken from http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/costs.html

New Zealand 旅游及住宿篇 Dunedin 27 May 2011

Departing from Queenstown, we are heading to Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Along the journey, we pass through many beautiful small towns, Cromwell, Alexandra, Ettrick, Beaumont and Milton.

Beautiful Vineyard

Roxburgh

One of the unforgettable one is Roxburgh, as there many fruit stalls. We stopped at one of the fruit stall selling apple. To our surprise, there is no one in the stall and customer all free to choose whatever apples in the stall and pay into the Honesty Box after weight it. I was so happy seeing all types of fresh apples and pears and of course, we bought a lot! We try it along our journey, the apples were so fresh and juicy^^

On the way, JL was so busy finding Jimmy Pie which is famous, and finally we get it at Ettrick. We also bought fish and chip as our lunch, very healthy lunch with apples!

Roxburgh Fruits Stall

Braeburn Apple, Pacific Queen Apple, Pacific Rose, Royal Gala, Sonya apple that we bought!

Finally we reach a town with many cars and students, which is lively and edgy compare to others town, that is Dunedin^^ We check in to Garden Motel, the owners was so friendly and free upgrade our room. After enjoyed the delicious coffee in our cozy room, we have a walk in Octagon, heart of Dunedin.

Being the second largest city in South Island, Dunedin possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. I believe the people here have strong religious believe as there are many historical Church here. The Knox Church, First Church and St Josephs Cathedral are the cities church with few minute walk from octagon.

Knox Church

The First Church

Art gallery and musuem was found everywhere in this vibrant and cultured city. There is Otago Musuem which is free admission, Dunedin Gas work Museum, Quadrant Gallery, de Beer Gallery, Gallerry De Novo , Rockbourne Galley and many more.

Dunedin Railway Station, built in 1906, is said to be one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. This historical building is the most popular city sights with ornate stained glass windows inside to the wonderful block and stone features of the exterior. We also saw people held a wedding in this memorable place.

From the Taieri Gorge Raiway Station, we plan to go to very popular Otago Farmers Market, but later we get to know that it runs every Saturday morning from 8.30am to 12noon. So we plan to go next morning.

Another famous location in Dunedin is world’s steepest residential street, Baldwin Street, with total length of 161.2 meters, 47.22 meters in height and slope of about 38.3 degrees. Both sides of the street are houses and garden.

Baldwin Street

We then passed by University of Otago, New Zealand's first university (1869), and the Otago Polytechnic. It was a fruitful day as we took many good pictures of magnificent building in this city. At night, we have our self cook romantic dinner.

Many others attraction in Dunedin:

1. Cadbury World

2. Otago Museum

3. Speight's Brewery Tours and the Speight's Ale House

4. Larnach Castle

5. Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

6. Elm Wildlife Tours

7. Dunedin Botanical Garden

8. Dunedin Chinese Garden

9. St Clair Beach

New Zealand 旅游及住宿篇 Arrowtown & Queenstown 26 May 2011

The fifth day of the trip is the most challenging one, with many excited activities and travels through a very steep mountain road. We had a challenging drive to Arrowtown, the historic village as the road condition is crooked and weather is misty. Arrowtown is a quaint little place with strong autumn feel.Upon arrival at Arrowtown, i was in love with this charming historical village, with its picturesque tree-lined main street, quant shops and excellent eateries. We were shivering in the walk as it’s a misty and cool day.

Although it’s cool out there, i insist want to try the famous homemade ice cream/chocalatier, Patagonia. To my surprise, the ice cream was so delicious and the homemade chocolate is fabulous too. Love it very much:)

We then had a relaxing and remarkable lunch at Skyline Gondola Restaurant. As we are the first arriving, we are able to get the best view place for dining. It’s such a great experience to have such good food with magnificent and awe-inspiring view of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. From the Lookout point, one can see the remarkable mountain range to the east and cross the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks in the southest west. Here is the best way to take in the beauty of the alpine township.

Again, dessert is my favorite^^

Here, one can experience the trilling, gravity-fuelled ride in speedy three-wheel luge carts and bungy jump too!

After the exciting 730m Skyline Gondola ride, we passed by Kawarau Bridge to the luxurious Hilton Queenstown Hotel. We are very excited as this hotel is so new, which is just open five days before our stay. Our King Deluxe Guestroom features sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu, and an adjoining lounge area with a gas fireplace, creating a secluded private space for the perfect lakeside retreat. Queenstown is really an alpine town set on a sparkling lake amongst rugged mountains. We have a great stay here^^

Hilton Queenstown Hotel

We then catch TSS Earnslaw Cruise(NZ 50pp) at Steamer Wharf. It’s a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu on board a heritage coal-fired steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm. We visited the engine room, view the collection of historical photos in the Fo’c’sle gallery and enjoy the spectacular monutain and lake view at the deck. I have a feeling that is so near to the nature, a feeling that can’t describe by words…..

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

The onboard pianist plays very nice melody too^^

Its dawn while we reach Queenstown again. The nightscape in Queenstown is amazing. Wine/dining and shopping place are everywhere, from casual cafe style cuisine to the ultimate in the fine dining. We have pizza as dinner and shopping at some warehouse before enjoying our cozy night in Hilton Hotel.

Others interesting activities in Queenstowns:

1. Appellation Central Wine Tours
2. Kawarau Jet
3. NZONE Skydiving
4. Glenorchy
5. 4WD
6. Onsen Hot Pools
7. The Remarkables Ski Area
8. Kiwi Birdlife Park

New Zealand 旅游及住宿篇 Mount Cook 24 May 2011

Leaving the beautiful bay of Lake Tekapo, we are heading to Mount Cook. Stretching across the central and southern South Island, the mighty chain of mountains known as the Southern Alps was location shooting in the "Lord of the Rings". You can stand on the footsteps of the actors and get the best picture with the view over the White Mountains and battlefield if you take up the tour. We proceed our journey as time not allow, there are many interesting activity await us^^

Our journey to Mt Cook is once again surrounded with spectacular view, mountain, lakes and sheep. The road is small but the road condition is good. We travel along the Glacier River, where the water is clear and not being polluted. It’s so pure that you can drink it. The river is connected to Mt.Cook Alpine Salmon, which is the world’s highest Salmon farm. Its located at 667, above sea level in Tekapo hydro electric canal (6.5m deep), on a looping road midway between Tekapo and Twizel . We take up a self-guided tour cost NZ3 per person, with food feeding for salmon. All salmon here is reared under eco-sustainable practices, they swim all day against swift glacier fed currents making them fit and healthy.

See, this King Salmon was so busy having their lunch….

After Salmon feeding, we then bought a salmon for our dinner in Mt Cook^^

We were amaze when Lake Pukaki comes into view, where the sun shine on the lake makes it more adorable. Amongst this remote landscape and hostile environment thrives an abundance of native flora and fauna which makes our journey more exciting.

Lake Pukaki

Aoraki Mount Cook

After check in to YHA, we have our lunch at The Hermitage Hotel. The hotel is so near to Aoraki Mount Cook - NZ's tallest mountain and the same peak that Sir Edmund Hillary "practised" on before his successful ascent of Everest.

Sir Edmund Hillary Statue

Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe in Hermitage Hotel

There is numerous hikes and walk for your choice. Due to windy and cool weather, we choose to have a walk at Kea Point and Hooker Valley. It’s very meaningful and touch to walk with the love one in this breathtaking alpine scenery of some New Zealand’s highest and most enthralling peaks. Some unique flora and fauna was found as we pass by. However, we didn’t see the native bird, ”Kea” as its only frequent visit in a warmer month.

Kea Point Track

Hooker Valley Track

At night, we have our self cook Salmon with fusilli. Many guest from different country was busy preparing their dinner in this kitchen. It’s a rainy night in Mt Cook, and we miss the chance for star gazing.

You can experience many others awesome range of activity in Mt Cook:

1. 4WD safaris at Tasman Valley

2. Boating on the glacier lakes

3. Horse treks

4. Fishing

5. Scenic flights with snow landing

6. Planetarium

7. Big Sky Stargazing

New Zealand 旅游及住宿篇 出发往南岛去 22 May 2011

期待已久的日子终于到来了！准备好行李后，我们整理装待发出发咯。经过十小时的飞行，我们在晚上十二时到达了Christchurch 机场。拿了行李后，我们就得到预先预定的Jucy Rental办事处那车子了。由于忘了预先在GPS 设置地点，在加上GPS无法接受讯号，我们开始慌了。在他忙着等GPS接受讯号时，我就在机场问人如何到达该地址。他们都说很远，需搭德司。这下可吓着了我们，因为从网上得知只需3分钟就可到达的。（保持冷静片刻）

亡天不负有心人，GPS终于接受到讯号了。在寒风中，我们拖着行李，跟着路线沿马路旁走向Jucy Rental。 一路上都没看见人，鼻涕水在直流，心里只想快点看到JUCY的办事处，好刺激的经验哦！走了不久，终于到达了，还蛮偏僻的，但却不如他们所说的如此遥远。那了我们的车子后，也不忘检查车子及拍个照留念着这难忘的一刻，嘻嘻！

在黑暗的街道上，几乎没看见几辆车，我们往Kiwi Basecamp驶去。这是我们唯一间Late Check In 的住宿。还好厨房里的Free Food Corner还有一包五分钟即煮的饭，让我们填饱肚子。别看他房间简单，睡床可蛮舒服的，睡得好甜的第一个晚上！

第二天早上，看见垃圾车把路旁排成一排的垃圾筒给清理，完全只用机器把垃圾筒拿起，实在很有效率且清洁。

离开了Kiwi Basecamp，我们到附近的Fresh Shopping Mall买了些粮食，因为在大城市买东西会比较便宜。在车上吃着刚买的早餐，往Lake Tekapo 出发咯。

沿途经过Ashburton，就停下走走及买杯咖啡提神。这就是Asburton的大钟及教堂。

当天天气很好，阳光普照，一路上都是好美的风景，让我忙得不可开交，非要捕捉它们。到处都可看见绵羊及牛子在大草原很忙的吃草。这些绵羊很机警，当我们靠近它们时，就会逃跑。瞧，它们的屁屁也很可爱的，哈哈！

这是我们第一次两个人来到西方国家，开车奔驰在南岛的土地上，让我们有说不出的感动及喜悦。