#partner of post study work visa nz

[immigrationz]

partner of post study work visa nz

Unlock the opportunity to work alongside your partner with the Partner of Student Work Visa in NZ. Explore how you can join your partner during their study-related employment. Embrace a shared professional endeavor in New Zealand.

know more: https://nzimmigration.info/partnership-visa/partner-of-student/

[iclegalnz]

Study in New Zealand to discover new viewpoints, creative concepts, and thrilling new experiences. Explore how to apply for a partner dependent visa, a post-study work visa in New Zealand, and a student work visa.

[aroticv]

Can I settle in New Zealand after study?

The subject of “how to acquire PR in New Zealand from India?” is one among the most frequently asked ones concerning this nation. Students who stay in New Zealand can establish themselves in a place that is advantageous to them in terms of academics, culture, employment growth, and many other areas. To do this, consulting Arotic Visa one of the best visa consultant in Delhi is the option.

How long a post-study work visa is valid for?

The degree you earned in New Zealand will determine the duration of your Post Study Work Visa. You can work in New Zealand for three years if you earned a master’s or doctoral degree there and attended classes for at least 30 weeks.

Your work visa will be valid for the same period of time as your studies if you have a qualification at level 8 or lower. We will resolve this using your offer of a location. For instance, if the length of your study period is specified in your offer of a place, your visa will be valid for 32 weeks.

Your visa will not be extended if you drop a class or study for a longer period of time than what is specified on your offer of admission. We could ask your education provider for more details if the period of your studies actually differs from what was promised.

You can stay in New Zealand after completing your education in a few different ways.

1) A post-study work permit (Open)

Students who have recently finished their education and are looking for employment prospects can choose this option. With this visa, you are permitted to stay in a nation for a year while searching for employment in your area of study or research. Additionally, you might hunt for other sources of income in any industry to support your stay in New Zealand.

2) Visa for Post-Study Employment (Employer Assisted)

Students have the opportunity to work for a specific employer while they are on this visa. Make sure to submit your application for this visa three months before your student visa expires.

Indian Students’ Permanent Residency in New Zealand

If you want to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand after completing your studies, you can review the visa categories listed below and select the one that best fits your qualifications. Arotic Visa can help you in suggesting the best options as we are one of the reputed study visa consultants in Delhi

Category of Skilled Migrant Visa

One of the best routes for aspiring students is to submit an expression of interest (EOI). Within a few weeks, NZ immigration will notify you if your EOI is accepted. After completing the EOI portion, you must submit the residence application and include all required documentation.

Visa Type 2 for Families

You may apply for a Family category visa for permanent residency if your spouse/partner or parent is a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand.

3. Visa for Business and Investment

You can apply under the Investor category if you intend to invest in New Zealand. Another choice is the Entrepreneur category, which requires you to start your own company in New Zealand.

How do we proceed?

It would be advisable for you to ask for our advice at Arotic visa as we are one of the best Visa Consultants in Delhi in this regard. Reach out to us, one of the best study visa consultants right now.

[manpreetkaurr32-blog]

Plan Your Study Trip to New Zealand For High-Quality Education

In addition to attracting a lot of tourists every year, New Zealand is a world-renowned educational hub for international students interested in higher education abroad. There are several key factors behind foreign students applying for New Zealand student visas, such as good and internationally renowned education, best study and job opportunities, affordable costs a healthy and charming environment, and many more.

 If you are among the many students who want to pursue higher education overseas in an excellent quality study environment, it is a good idea to call an experienced New Zealand Study Visa Consultants Team. They not only guide and help you finalize your decision to study in New Zealand but also provide you needful assistance throughout the New Zealand study visa process.

In case you are confused about studying abroad, here we discuss the main reasons why you should apply for a New Zealand study visa.

World-Renowned Education

In New Zealand, eight universities position among the top-ranking universities in the world. Thus, acquiring education from New Zealand will help foreign students shine anywhere in the world. The government of New Zealand periodically monitors the quality of education of the universities to maintain a high-level curriculum. The Government of New Zealand actively monitors the quality of education at universities and schools to ensure the highest standards of learning for students.

Practical and Research-Based Learning

New Zealand's university system is based on the British model of education, with an entire focus on practical and research. Since India also follows the British education system, it is easier for Indian students to adjust to the NZ education system, which guarantees a high-quality learning experience.

Affordable Study and Living Costs

New Zealand has fairly low tuition and New Zealand study visa fees for higher education as compared to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. This country also offers students moderately priced public transport options, as well as providing easy access to beautiful lakes, rivers, forests, and beaches for leisure activities.

Work while Studying

New Zealand provides students the opportunity to work through semesters and holidays. Over the course of study, international students can work for up to 20 hours a week during the whole semester and work full time during holiday breaks. Throughout the study course, international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week throughout the semester and work full-time during holiday breaks. After graduation, foreign students can apply to New Zealand for a 3-year post-graduate program.

Stay with the Family or Spouse

New Zealand is a family-friendly country that provides international students with both financial and emotional support. The spouse or partner of an international student in New Zealand is also eligible for a New Zealand study visa that is valid for the duration of the course. Moreover, any dependent children in New Zealand from international students can attend primary and secondary education at an affordable rate in the country.

A Beautiful & Safe Destination

New Zealand is a beautiful country, offering a multicultural atmosphere, snowy mountains, calming green hills, steaming volcanoes, and moderate rain-forests, where students spend time enjoying the embrace of nature. Students can also enjoy and experience the excitement of an endless list of adventure sports. New Zealand is ranked second next to Iceland on the Global Peace Index. The country is politically stable and has a friendly and welcoming society. New Zealand is, therefore, one of the safest countries for students in the world.

If you're planning to start your study trip to New Zealand, make sure you meet all of New Zealand's study visa requirements.

[nzimmigration20]

Getting Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand

In case you wish to apply for New Zealand after a Study Work visa, then you should be 100% sure about partnering with the experts at NZ Immigration Advisers. https://nzimmigration.info/work-visa/post-study-work-visa/

[watchonlinewds]

Covid 19 coronavirus: Post-study work visa holders say they're suffering with closed borders

A couple stranded in Brazil are among migrants overseas who are continuing to work for their New Zealand employers - despite time zone challenges that mean clocking off in the middle of the night.

A company director says the remote working brought on by border closures has been frustrating for him and for his engineer, who has been stuck in China since travel restrictions started there at the beginning of last year.

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Janaina Wanderley has kept her job in marketing for an English language school in Auckland by working online from Sao Paulo, while her husband also works remotely in his job as a kitchen designer.

"I usually start working at 5pm Brazilian time so it's 8am in New Zealand," she said. "My husband goes until 2 in the morning working. So it's quite hard. The company values my position and experience, although the Government doesn't care at all. However, they want my money through the taxes I'm still paying."

As for getting another job, she said bureaucratic demands in other countries were different from New Zealand - she could not even apply for work or government funds because all her belongings and documents remained in Auckland.

Auckland University engineering graduate Zhongxin Wang has been locked out for 16 months.

He works for Everest Surveyors/Hollier Greig, which has kept him on because of the key role he plays in a skills shortage area - but he does not fit the criteria to return to New Zealand as a critical worker.

The easing of border restrictions announced so far do not include post-study work visa holders - unless they meet other criteria such as a high salary or working on government-prioritised infrastructure.

"We are working on projects in a number of Kāinga Ora neighbourhoods but predominantly we do private sector work to deliver housing across Auckland," said Wang's company director, Albert Herron.

"I have kept him on all of this time as I expected at some point the government would change their position on this, however they do not seem to be moving on it. Being in engineering, there is a skill shortage and we have already invested heavily in Zhongxin's training - however now I am at a cross-roads and it is very frustrating."

Time zones were also a challenge, he said, with his engineer starting at 2pm New Zealand time.

Herron said he empathised with his civil engineer.

"He has a house here that he's renting and a car, got friends and his life has been here, having finished study here and having lived here for a year post-study, so I think it's pretty frustrating for him. I feel for him as he really does want to be here and it is really impacting on his professional development."

Wang and his partner, who has completed her masters degree, had travelled to China to celebrate Chinese New Year with relatives.

Work challenges include accessing documents online from Beijing and not being able to visit sites, he said.

"I cannot go on-site to check what actually happened and I can only request my colleague to help me to take some photos, but sometimes the photos can't show everything so the start of the job is quite slow and quite hard."

Figures from March this year show 5685 post-study visa holders were still overseas.

Many employers have had to let their graduate workers go - or have kept their job open, but they cannot work remotely. The income from the one to three years of post-graduate work was in many cases meant to pay for the migrants' studies.

"I have a bank loan for which I have to pay a monthly instalment of $1000," said one woman. "Also, I have no income for a year now. I still have my job in New Zealand. They are waiting for me to come and join them. I'm suffering mentally, physically and emotionally because of New Zealand.

"Me and my family are having a real terrible time. I have taken all my parents' savings to New Zealand to pursue higher education and now it's my responsibility to return them, but it's not possible from India to do so."

In a statement, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said all individual requests for an exception to the border restrictions were considered against strict criteria.

"While Immigration New Zealand is empathetic to the situation some migrants find themselves in as a result of these border restrictions, INZ has no ability to apply discretion when considering requests for border exceptions," said border and visa operations general manager Nicola Hogg.

She confirmed Wang's application for an exemption in November under the "normally resident work visa holder" category was not successful because he held a post-study work visa. Only holders of three other temporary visas were eligible.

"Post-study work visas are just one immigration pathway, and former students with skills needed in New Zealand and a job offer may be eligible for other work visas once the border reopens.

"At this stage, we cannot provide any certainty on when current post-study work visa holders may be able to enter the country, and their current visa expiry remains in place."

For many migrants, that loss of time on their visa - and uncertainty about whether the government will extend their visas when the border re-opens - is adding to their pain.

"Neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister of Immigration has spoken about our [post-study] visas," said Janaina Wanderley, who had two humanitarian applications rejected.

"They included all work to residence visas but forgot to think about what they have sold to all of us in the past - invest your money in NZ education for at least a year and you'll be able to get one to three years of open work visa, which can help you with the residence process in the future. So we all did. I have already lost one year and three months of my visa, some lost their whole visa."

[immigrationz]

Spouse or Partner Visa in New Zealand: Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd

If your partner currently possesses a student visa or is in the process of applying for one, they can sponsor you for a visa based on your relationship with them.

know more: https://tinyurl.com/bdz893zs

[immigrationnz]

Critical Purpose Reasons for Travel to New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand may invite you to apply for this visa if you have a critical purpose as listed below, for coming to New Zealand while the border is closed.

Partners & Family:

You can request to travel to New Zealand based on your relationship if you:

are an Australian citizen or permanent resident & in a genuine & stable relationship with an NZ citizen or resident, including any dependent children

hold a passport from a country on the visa-waiver countries list & are in a genuine & stable relationship with an NZ citizen or resident, including any dependent children

are a partner, dependent child, or legal guardian of an NZ citizen or resident & you don't have a visa based on this relationship, like a partner visa

hold a work, normally live in New Zealand, student, or have a partner or parent who is currently in NZ & holds a work or student visa

It would be worthwhile if the latest travel advisory is checked on the Immigration New Zealand(INZ) website before planning travel.

Normally Resident Work Visa Holders:  

Temporary work visa holders who are currently outside NZ, but have retained a job or business in NZ & have lived here for some time before departing (must depart between 1 December 2019 & 9 October 2020 with a relevant visa), may be compatible to travel under this border exception category.

Critical Health Workers:  

You must be a current health or disability worker in a critical service delivery position in NZ. If you are a new employee, your start date must be on or before March 31, 2021 . It does not include roles that are indirectly connected to the provision of health & disability services, or corporate functions such as human resources, office administration, or property maintenance.

Other Critical Workers:

You may request to bring workers into NZ based on the fact that they are 'other critical workers' whether you are an employer or a supporting organization. Requests from individual workers will not consider.

Humanitarian Reasons:

We may allow travel for humanitarian reasons in exceptional cases. You must get permission from the Ministry of Health or the District Health Board before making your request if you travel to get medical treatment.

Study Reasons:

The Government is allowing up to 250 International Ph.D. and Postgraduate Students to return to NZ to pursue their studies after being nominated by their education provider. These students may be eligible for this exception to the border restrictions if they possess or have held a 2020 NZ study visa but have not been able to enter the country.

Up to 1,000 priority returning degree and post-graduate students who have been nominated by their education provider will be allowed to return to New Zealand to continue their studies.

Partners and dependants of nominated students may be included in requests, in line with current visa requirements.

Ship Crew:

If you are a replacement cargo ship crew you can request to travel to NZ by air or sea to join a cargo ship soon departing New Zealand. Requests from the individual marine crew will not consider.  

Travel to & from Pacific Islands:

In consultation with New Zealand Managed Isolation & Quarantine, the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade will review critical travel requests from the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau & Tonga. Nominated travelers undertaking key activities will use the existing immigration NZ process to request travel to New Zealand.

Some terms & conditions are also applicable in all the above cases, which you should have to know before requesting to travel to NZ for a critical purpose.

For more information, contact Immigration Advisers at +6493790219 or email at contact@nzimmigration.info

For Full Audio Version : Click Here

[pathvista-blog]

Ph.D. from New Zealand – Pathvista Consultants

If you are all set to pursue doctoral research or Ph.D., New Zealand could provide you high-quality education and an extraordinary living experience—that you’ve always wanted.

(Apply for your study visa or work visa with Pathvista Consultants—one of the best immigration adviser company.)

High-class Universities

Pursue your Ph.D. from New Zealand and you will become a part of a university that is rated top 3% (in the world) as per the QS World University Rankings.

There are 8 universities in New Zealand (government-funded), respected internationally for their outstanding academic performance. You can explore from a range of subjects such as Engineering, Healthcare, Agriculture, and more.

Requirements for Entry

To pursue your Ph.D., you will have to show your academic qualifications to prove that you have sufficient knowledge in your chosen subject area. For Example, you might be required to show your Post-Graduate Degree.

You also have to show that you have the potential to carry out independent research work; your research would contribute significantly to understanding that particular field of study.

Studying for a Ph.D.

While pursuing a Ph.D. programme in New Zealand, you’ll work under expert supervision. You’ll be able to explore the depths of your subject and carry out your own original work into an approved thesis. The research work for a Ph.D. generally takes 3-4 years of your study.

Benefits

Great Research Opportunities

New Zealand’s universities lookup for efficient students to take up projects that are not available elsewhere.

No International fee rate

Unlike many countries offering popular research programmes, you don’t have to pay any extra to study a Ph.D. in New Zealand. You’ll pay the same fees for your academic programme—like the domestic students of NZ.

Safe & Protected

New Zealand encourages talented students to study at its best universities. New Zealand is a safe & peaceful country—perfect for carrying out your research work.

By enrolling in New Zealand’s Ph.D. programme, you can also take the following advantages:

Enroll your child as a domestic student in NZ state schools—free of cost.

Stay back for three years after completing your study.

Your partner/spouse can apply for a work visa during the duration of your study.

A Ph.D. gained in New Zealand will make you an expert in your subject and help you gain recognition from around the world. You’ll also gain valuable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Explore a wider range of jobs, stay in New Zealand to work after finishing your degree, and build a great life for your coming future.

for more information visit http://pathvista.co.nz/

[anexperimentallife]

To clarify... (for those who missed earlier posts)

I’m not just moving because of Drumpf, but also because a) living in the US on what I get for disability is rather difficult, so I need to find a place where my dollars will go further, b) I miss experiencing other cultures, and feel like living outside one’s country of origin gives one greater perspective and insight on the human condition in general, and c) as a F&SF writer (you’ve never heard of me--I’ve only sold a handful of stories so far), broadening my personal experiences gives me more grist for the mill, as the saying goes--and stressing less about finances will probably help my writing, as well; right now it’s rather hard to focus.

Why now? With Maria and me breaking up, the best time financially for me to do this will probably be around the end of this summer, unless I get some unexpected windfall.

This impending move is why I’ve been asking my followers who live (or HAVE lived) outside the US for their thoughts. So feel free to message me or send me an ask!

General thoughts (and a lot of this is to get my own thoughts in order):

I’ve been looking for a good mix of affordability, infrastructure, friendliness, ease of visa attainment/renewal, ease of assimilating, and “OMG WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE” factor. I’ve been getting most of my cost of living information from sources like numbeo.com, and my visa requirement information from official government sites, and tourism and visa services sites. And then of course I’ve been browsing expat forums for other people’s impressions.

So far my top choices are:

The Philippines--This is one of the least expensive places I’ve researched, and I’ve been fascinated with the Philippines for years--plus, although of course I’ll learn Filipino, English is one of the official languages, which will make it easier for me to start assimilating into the local scene.

The main downside is that I’d have to constantly be renewing a tourist visa--although that can eventually be renewed for a year or two at a time, if I understand correctly. So I'd have to make periodic visa runs (as in leave the country for a day and come back to get a new visa), but those would get less frequent over time. One other downside is that no matter how well I learn Filipino or integrate with the local culture, I will never, ever, ever pass for a local, but that’s the case with just about anywhere except North America, Europe, or Northern Asia. Another downside is that not all of my medications are available there, but it looks like there are some adequate substitutes.

The cheapest option for me to get permanent residency would be to either deposit and leave at least 10,000 dollars in an approved Filipino bank, or invest at least that much in a condo with a total cost of $50,000 or more. (Maybe if I found a rent to own place I could qualify after a few years.)

Panama--The easiest place in the world for Americans to get a long-term visa and qualify for residency. Basically, all I have to do is show up at the airport with my passport, proof I can support myself, and a ticket to leave the country before my six months was up, then lather, rinse, repeat. Qualifying for residency isn’t much harder, so for a little more paperwork and expense, I wouldn’t have to worry about border runs ever. They also have a great pensionado programs that would give me discounts on lots of stuff. Like most of Latin America, I’d want to learn Spanish, which is fine with me--I only speak two languages, and honestly, I’ve lost most of my German from living in the US since the late 80s. All my meds are available, and many I’d normally need a prescription for are available over the counter.

Mexico--I could DRIVE to Mexico city, and just make a visa run twice a year, since they give Americans a 180 day stay for the asking. Not a bad deal, plus I have a mutual who lives in Mexico City who has also lived in Panama and Costa Rica, and has been VERY helpful answering my questions.

Costa Rica--IF the parrot sanctuary goes through, this is a pretty likely destination. I would have to do some additional paperwork if I want to avoid frequent visa runs, but I think being affiliated with the sanctuary might remove that hassle. I’d have a built in place to stay, and my friends (who run a parrot sanctuary here, but are partnering with Parrot Rescue of Costa Rica to open a new one in N Costa Rica) have indicated that it’d be fine for me to bring my dogs.

Other places I’ve looked at or am still researching--

Western/Northern Europe: First off, although I loved living in Europe when I was stationed in Germany, cost of living in most of Western Europe isn’t that much less than in the US, and the visa situation would be tricky. I simply wouldn’t qualify financially for any long-term visa, so I’d have to constantly country-hop, and that comes with additional stresses, both personal and financial. The only way that could work out at all would be if I had friends in several European countries willing to let me rent a cheap room for 30-90 days at a time. (And by cheap I mean cheaper than most airbnb rates--with having to move country every 30-90 days, I’d have to constantly be making sure I had enough set aside for travel expenses).

Eastern Europe: Romania and a couple of other Eastern European countries look like possibilities, but I need to do more reasearch.

The bulk of the Anglosphere--as in Canada, Australia, NZ, and so on: Same concerns as above. Cost of living isn’t much lower than the US, and long term visas are hard to qualify for unless you can make a significant cash investment.

Latin America: A lot of good possibilities, but there are various issues with a lot of countries as far as long-term visas are concerned, and some places would still be hard to live in given my budget constraints. (Although three Latin American countries have already made my shortlist.)

East and Southeast Asia: For decades, I’ve dreamed of living in, or at least visiting, SE Asia. Partly because this area and the Asian subcontinent are the birthplace of various martial arts I’ve studied, and partly because the cultures are in so many ways about as far from Euro-American culture as one can get, and different perspectives are good. Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are places I’ve considered, but visas are getting trickier in some of those. (Note that there’s also a SE Asian country on my shortlist.)

[charllieeldridge]

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand

In a land far away where snowcapped mountains dot the country and rugged coastlines shape it, New Zealand is a magical place. Although a journey to get to, there are so many reasons why New Zealand should be your next backpacking destination.

Filled with world-class adventure activities such as hiking, skiing and bungee jumping, this country has become a haven for outdoor lovers and adventure junkies.

Boasting some of the most beautiful coastlines and mountains in the world, New Zealand urges to be explored.

It comes as no surprise, that it is a mecca for tourism with double-digit growth in annual visitors.

While it is also a popular destination for vacationers and honeymooners, the best way to see the country is to strap on your backpack and spend some quality time exploring.

Mount Awful, Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com

Backpacking New Zealand is the trip of a lifetime! Check out this in-depth guide for all you need to know about travelling here.

When to Visit New Zealand

Tourism in New Zealand is very seasonal.

Unless you are looking for winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding, it’s best to visit between November and May.

The summer, from December to February, gets very busy at tourist attractions. Campsites and backpackers tend to fill up quickly during this time.

Our favorite time of the year is April and May.

The temperatures start dropping quickly, but so do the tourists. This is a great time to hike and you should still be able to access the entire country before snowfall hits.

The best time to visit New Zealand really depends on what you’re interested in doing. But in reality, there’s no bad time to visit the country!

Visa Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Visitor Visa – If you want to stay longer than three months or you are not from a visa waiver country, you must apply online before your trip. This visa is valid for up to nine months stay in New Zealand.

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa – If your passport is from a visa waiver country, you do not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving. Visas are granted for three months. Some of the visa free countries include Canada, the USA, and the UK.

Working Holiday Visa – If you are between the age of 18 and 30 and mostly want to come to New Zealand to travel, but also want the option to work or study, this may be a perfect option. The visa is valid for 12 months and requires proof of $4,200 NZD ($3,000 USD) equivalent in your bank account as well as full medical insurance.

To read more on visa options related to your country and interest, check out the New Zealand Immigration page.

A waterfall in the Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Sim Card

Skinny Direct was our preferred mobile carrier of choice. They have the best rates for a prepaid monthly plan and very good service backed by the Spark Mobile network.

Prices are $30 ($21 USD) per month for 3GB of data or $50 ($36 USD) per month for 10 GB of date. All plans come with unlimited text and minutes.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand. It’s the one thing you should always pack. World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurers and travellers. Enter your details below to get a free quote.

  Banking in New Zealand

If you are planning to work, you may consider opening a local bank account. We recommend a free basic checking account with ANZ Bank.

A document, such as a vehicle insurance or registration, with a local address and a working holiday visa was enough to open an account. 

This was also very useful when selling a car. We could transfer New Zealand dollars to our own bank for under $100 ($72 USD), less than any other wire transfer option. ATMs are wildly available and most establishments take credit card.

Get a car that (hopefully) will not cause you any problems

Transportation

There are numerous ways to get around when backpacking New Zealand. Here are some of the popular options:

Shared Rides

Shared rides are very common with backpackers. This could include hitchhiking. The best way to partner up with another traveler is by posting on Backpacker Boards or the New Zealand Backpackers Facebook group.

Public buses

Between major cities there are some public buses, however, we felt their prices were very high considering the distances. For example, a bus from Wanaka to Queenstown cost $50 ($36 USD) for an hour drive.

Campervanfinder

One great option for finding a campervan around New Zealand is Campervan Finder.

They’ve been helping travellers and road trippers source the best deals on motorhomes, campervans and 4×4 campers since 2006 and they work with over 30 rental companies across New Zealand to help you find the best deal.

Their website works much like any booking site. Just enter your pick up & drop off locations, as well as the dates and times you’d like to rent and their algorithm will search through their 30+ partner rental companies to find the best deal.

Hop-on/Hop-off Bus

There are two major companies in New Zealand, Kiwi Experience and Stray Travel. Prices range from $650 NZD ($470 USD) for a two-week package to $1200 NZD ($860 USD) for a 6-week package. These services gear towards a younger backpacker crowd.

Rent a Vehicle

Renting can get expensive, but is the best choice for those coming for only a few weeks or one month. New Zealand is perfect for self-driving enthusiasts and having your own vehicle allows the freedom to create your own itinerary.

If you are looking for a smaller campervan, check out Wicked Campers and Jucy.

Costs range from $700 ($500 USD) to $1,500 ($1,080 USD) for one month. They come stocked with beds and cookware.

For those looking for a larger motorhome, check out Maui Rentals with prices ranging from $2,000 ($1,440 USD) to $6,000 ($4,300 USD) depending on the camper size.

Buy a Vehicle

If you’re staying for more than two months, buying a car or campervan is the most economical option.

This is very popular in New Zealand and a great way to save money. Try to find a vehicle with good resale value and consider the timing of buying/selling.

It is common to buy in the summer and sell just before winter. Depending on when you sell there is sometimes potential for a serious loss.

We recommend buying a station wagon such as a Nissan Wingroad. The seats fold flat and can sleep two, they are much better on petrol, and have a better resale value.

There is a lot of information to read in advance before making a purchase. Check out Beard and Curly’s article the Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Buying a Campervan in New Zealand.

Self-Contained Vehicles

Many areas of New Zealand allow freedom camping.

There are approximately 350 free campgrounds that are allocated only for self-contained vehicles. Although not as plentiful, there are free options for regular campervans.

There is a large cost increase to purchase a self-contained vehicle, but you can almost always find a free campsite to sleep at. For more on self-containment, check out the NZ Motor Caravan Association.

Some camping essentials. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

☞ Click here for more free travel guides!

Accommodation in New Zealand

There are lots of options for accommodation, many of which are great for budget backpackers.

Campsites 

A great option to cut down on costs is to camp. Campsites are either private or run by the Department of Conservation. They can range from basic with only vault toilets and no running water to full kitchens and shower/laundry facilities.

Costs range from $6 to $18 ($4 to $13 USD) per person. There are also a decent number of free campsites for both self-contained vehicles and non-self-contained vehicles.

In cities, there are limited campsites available and freedom camping is almost always prohibited.

Holiday Parks

If you are looking for an upgrade from camping, holiday parks are your best bet. They usually come stocked with wifi, electric hookups, showers and laundry facilities. Prices typically range from $40 to $60 ($28 to $43 USD) per camper.

Backpackers 

In cities, backpackers are a great choice to meet other travelers and to stay right in town.  Check out Base Backpackers or Nomads, both have hostels in major cities. Backpackers charge between $20 and $30 ($14 and $21 USD) for a dorm bed.

Airbnb 

We stayed at AirBnB’s while we were in a few of the major cities. As a couple, we often found prices lower than staying at a backpackers hostel. You can find a nice private room for $30 – $40 ($21 – $28 USD). Click here to check out Airbnbs in New Zealand, and click here to get your discount coupon.

Hotels 

Not many backpackers stay at hotels while in New Zealand, but if you want to splurge, hotels start from $100 ($70 USD) per night.

☞ Click here to compare costs of hotels in New Zealand on Booking.com

Must-Have App For New Zealand

Before going to New Zealand, download the Campermate App on your mobile device. It is crucial and we used it daily.

It provides information such as top things to do, wifi hotspots, toilet locations, supermarket locations, and most importantly, campsite information. The user reviews and comments are also helpful, especially when picking between campsites.

Recommended Campsites

There are hundreds of campsites in New Zealand, but these stuck out to us as a great deal or just an overall amazing campground:

Whatipu campground – $7.50 ($5 USD) Earl’s Paradise Coromandel – $10 ($7 USD) Mangaowkewa Gorge Scenic Reserve – Free Kidd’s Bush Lake Hawea – $8 ($5.75 USD) Lake Pukaki Reserve – Free Mrs. Woolly’s campground Glenorchy – $16 ($11.50 USD) Moke Lake – $13 ($9 USD) Lumsden parking area – Free Milford Sound Lodge – $27 ($19 USD)

Wwoofing

Wwoofing is an opportunity to work on a farm in exchange for housing and food. Although typically unpaid, during high season, paid jobs may be offered.

This is one of the top travel jobs for backpackers! Check out more information at www.wwoof.co.nz.

What to Eat in New Zealand

Restaurants are expensive in New Zealand and are not ideal for most backpackers. In cities such as Wellington or Queenstown there are some more affordable and great cheap eats for dishes under $12 ($8.50 USD).

Great Backpacker Food Options. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Takeaway is widely available throughout New Zealand and is typically fish and chips, Chinese food, or burgers. Takeaway can be cheap with meals for $6 ($4 USD), but at times could creep up to $10 ($7 USD).

Cooking for yourself is the best idea since most campervans come equipped with a stove and cookware.

Where to Stock Up

Four Square – small convenience store size supermarkets with all basic needs. Slightly higher priced, but not by much, sometimes with cheap veggies Countdown – large supermarket chain, often with the best prices New World – more upscale supermarket with good quality products, some prices are good Pak’N’Save – only located in larger towns and cities, has very good prices and good options for dry food and bulk The Warehouse – some stores carry dry food, cheapest option for canned chickpeas, four bean, peanut butter, chocolate, and candy Bunnings or Mitre 10 – building supplies stores (fuel and kerosene options)

Specialty Stores

Fruit and Veg – there are many fruit and veg stores throughout NZ, especially located within proximity to farming areas. There are also often fruit and veg stalls or fresh produce sold directly from farms with signs on the road. Asian – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and some other cities have good Asian supermarkets with great specialty Asian/Indian items.

Awesome Food Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Cheese – Mainland Vintage Cheddar 1kg $11.49 ($8.25 USD) Tuna pouches – Sealord Lemon, Sesame & Ginger Tuna pouch $2.50 ($1.80 USD) Soba noodles – Hakubaku organic noodles from $3 ($2.15 USD) Indian spice mixes – Mother’s pre-made sauce and spice mixes $1.79 ($1.29 USD) (Only saw these in Auckland so stock up) Watties WOK creations – Thai Coconut Chili and Lime, Ginger and Sesame 3 for $5 ($3.60 USD) Pad Thai noodles –  Erawan noodles from $2 ($1.45 USD) Thai curry paste –  Mae Ploy green curry paste (spicy) $1.50 ($1.10 USD) Ramen: Just Noodles – Mexican Salsa, Indian Butter Chicken $6 for 5 packets ($4.30 USD) Bars – Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slice bars, Afghan and Sultana & Manuka honey flavors 2/$6 ($4.30 USD) Dehydrated Peas –  Continental Surprise Garden Peas $6 large bag ($4.30 USD) Hot Sauce –  Mr Number One Sriracha hot chili sauce $6 ($4.30 USD)

Our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com

How Much Time Is Needed?

The more time the better. We spent three months in New Zealand, with one month in the North and two months in the South Island.

We could have stayed much longer.

While it is not always possible to come for several months, we do not recommend going less than two weeks. With less time, focus on a smaller area such as Mount Aspiring and the Fiordlands on the South Island.

How Much Will Backpacking New Zealand Cost?

New Zealand can be an expensive country to visit, but road trips and epic hiking does not have to be expensive. Renting a vehicle will be the biggest expense, but if you are staying long enough to buy a vehicle, this can significantly cut down costs.

To save money, cook your own meals and try to stay at free campsites.

If you enjoy hiking, especially multi-day hikes, consider the DOC Hut Pass. It costs $92 ($66 USD) and covers any hut aside from Great Walks and a few others.

We spent on average $85 ($60 USD) per day between two people, and sold our car the same price we bought it for, making New Zealand an affordable destination for us.

For more budget tips and ways to save money when travelling in New Zealand, check out this 3 week road trip itinerary for budget travellers.

Typical Costs when backpacking New Zealand

Total Daily Budget – $60 to $100 ($42.50 – 70 USD) per couple, not including cost of renting/buying a vehicle

Basic Campgrounds – $6 – $10 ($4 – 7 USD) per person

Dorm Rooms at a Backpackers – $20 ($14 USD) per bed

Fuel/Petrol – $1.70 – $2.20 ($1.20 – 1.55 USD) per liter

Eating – $5 – $15 ($3.50 – $10.50 USD)

Alcohol – $8 ($5.70 USD) pints at a bar, $12 ($8.50 USD) for a six-pack at a supermarket, $8 – $12 ($5.70 – 8.50 USD) bottle of wine or $20 ($14.20 USD) box of wine at supermarkets

Things To Do in New Zealand

There are many amazing things to do and places to visit in New Zealand. Here are some of the best.

Road Trippin in New Zealand

Road Trip

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without an epic road trip. Whether you plan to search for the best surf spots, waterfalls, mountain hikes, or complete the drive from Cape Reinga down to Bluff, road-trippin’ should be #1 on your list. It is a perfect way to explore New Zealand.

For the best road trip, we recommend starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. Spend more time on the South Island. There is much more to see!

Go Surfing

New Zealand has some stunning coastline. While the water is cold, it does have some pretty good surf.

Some of the popular surf spots are Raglan, Piha, Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara Bay, Fitzroy Beach, St Clair Beach, Kahutara, Westport and Colac Bay. Don’t forget to bring a wetsuit!

Adventure Activities

Take your pick at one of the ohh so many adventure activities. Queenstown is a perfect base and known as the adventure capital of the world.

Choose between bungee jumping, skydiving, white river rafting, canyoning, cave exploring, jetboat tours, and for those craving some fresh winter snow, nothing tops heli-skiing.

Activities are very expensive in New Zealand and can range from $100 ($70 USD) to several hundred for tours. Heli-skiing starts at $1,000 NZD ($700 USD) per person.

Hiking the Kepler Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hiking

Great Walks – There are nine Great Walks in New Zealand (soon to be 10) and these are the most popular tracks in the country. They are marketed by the DOC and have world-class infrastructure and huts. Because of their popularity, they can feel like a highway at times and are not good for solitude.

We recommend the Tongariro Northern Circuit, the Routeburn track, the Kepler track, and the Milford Sound.

These hikes require bookings in advance and cost between $30 and $70 ($21.50 and $50 USD) for a bunk. Read Beard and Curly’s full article on the Nine Great Walks of New Zealand for more information.

Hut System – With over 1,000 huts across New Zealand, this is a perfect way to explore the outdoors and immerse yourself into some Kiwi culture. The DOC manages 950 huts, most of them are very affordable.

Buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for $92 ($66 USD) for 6 months which covers your stay at nearly all the DOC huts. There are only a few popular huts which are excluded from the pass in addition to the Great Walk huts.

Brewster Hut. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Day Hikes – There are so many day hikes with views that are completely out of this world. Our favorite day hikes were Mount Taranaki, Roys Peak, Isthmus Peak, Diamond Lake, Mueller Hut, Ben Lomond, Gertrudes Saddle, Key Summit, Lake Marian, and Avalanche Peak.

Multi-Day Hikes – Where to begin. One of the main reasons we went to New Zealand was for this alone. While it does require more gear (portable stove, sleeping bag, camping gear), it is completely worth it. Our best memories of New Zealand were days in the middle of the mountains with no people or towns in sight.

Our favorite multi-day hikes were the Tongariro Northern circuit, Travers-Sabine circuit, Cascade Saddle, Gillespies Pass, Mount Brewster, Copeland track, Routeburn track, Kepler track, and the Milford Sound track.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Trekking & Camping the “O” Circuit, Paine del Grande Chile

Places To Visit in New Zealand – North Island

90 Mile Beach, Northland. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Northland

The northernmost region of New Zealand has stunning coastline and many places to see. The drive through the Northland on its own is worth it. Check out the Bay of Island, 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.

Piha Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Waitakere Regional Park

Piha is one of the country’s most popular black sand beaches and great for photos. Our personal favorite beach was nearby Whatipu with very few people and a great coastal walk called the Omanawanui Track.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Coromandel

One of our favorite spots on the North Island, Coromandel has white sand beaches and the famous Cathedral Cove. Check out New Chumms Beach, Hot Water Beach (low tide only), Cathedral Cove (low tide), and the Karangahake Gorge.

Rotorua geothermal springs. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Rotorua

Bursting with volcanic activity and geothermal hot springs, Rotorua is one of the most popular and expensive tourist destinations in New Zealand. Wai’o’tapu is the main attraction, but Hellsgate Geothermal Park and Kuirau Park are other options.

Entry prices are around $30 ($21.50 USD) per person. Also, check out the Redwood Forest for some short hikes and world-class mountain biking trails. If on a budget, soak in the free natural hot springs, kerosene creek and secret spot.

The Emerald Lakes, Tongariro. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

There are numerous hot pools (both natural and manmade) around the North Island. There’s no better way to relax your aching muscles after backpacking and hiking around New Zealand. Check out this epic list of 40 pools that can be found in and around Aukland.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro is known for its famous alpine crossing, the most popular day walk in New Zealand. This hike is truly something special. The Lord of the Rings has made this location even more famous.

Mount Ngauruhoe, the main volcanic peak on this track was filmed as Mount Doom. The stunning emerald lakes alone are reason why this is a must-stop for all visiting New Zealand.

Puakai Tarns, Mount Taranaki. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Taranaki

This volcanic peak stands alone and on a clear day can be seen from hundreds of kilometers away. It is strikingly beautiful and one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. It also is one of the hardest, so for those not able to make it to the summit, a hike to the Pouakai Tarns is much easier and might have a better view.

Castlepoint Lighthouse. Photo by @mitchperfect.nz.

Castlepoint

One of the most stunning coastal areas and New Zealand’s best lighthouse resides at Castlepoint. It is only a 45-minute walk out to the lighthouse which comes with amazing views along the way.

Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Cape Palliser

Check out the seal colony on the way to the Cape Palliser lighthouse. The nearby Pinnacles is a great 1 hour walk through unique rock formations that were featured in a scene of the Lord of the Rings.

Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wellington

Ferries between the North and South Island depart from Wellington, so this likely will be in your travel plans. With that said, it was our favorite city in New Zealand.

There are so many great cafes to lounge during the day and hipster bars for the evening. The Te Papa National Museum is one of the best in the world (and free), and still to this day talk about our two for $40 ($28.50 USD) offer on large pizzas at Tommy Millions.

Places to Visit in New Zealand – South Island

Abel Tasman National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Abel Tasman

One of the most popular national parks in New Zealand, Abel Tasman has stunning coastline and emerald water. Boats offer shuttles to nearly any beach in the park.

As a result, the coastal track which is a Great Walk, is like a superhighway. We recommend skipping the walk and sticking to a kayak rental with R&R Kayaks starting from $60 ($43 USD).

Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Golden Bay

The cute hippy town Takaka is a great stop for some grub on the way to our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach.

Come in the afternoon for sunset. From the seal pups, caves, rock arches, and reflections, this might be one of the most photogenic beaches in the world.

The Pier at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Nelson Lakes

The pier at Lake Rotoiti is one of the best in New Zealand for photographs, but aside from this, the national park is best explored by hiking.

Mount Robert is a good day hike and with time, stay at Angelus Hut for some spectacular views. If into trekking, a visit to the Blue Lake is a must. It is considered the clearest lake in the world. It takes a couple of days to hike to Blue Lake, usually part of the Travers-Sabine circuit, a 7-day hike.

Hokitika Gorge. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hokitika Gorge

This glacier-fed river cuts through a forest creating the Hokitika Gorge. The short walk over a suspension bridge is a must. This is some of the brightest emerald green water we have ever seen.

Lake Matheson, West Coast. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

West Coast

When driving down the West Coast, the main attractions are the glaciers. We felt these are over-hyped. These glaciers have receded significantly in the past twenty years. For those not intending to do hiking in the South Island, it is worth the one hour walk at Franz Josef Glacier.

For those intending to hike, skip this altogether. Head up to Brewster Hut and get up close to the Brewster Glacier or save your glacier moments for while at Mount Cook. The best sight near the glaciers is not the glaciers themselves, it is Lake Matheson.

Roys Peak, Wanaka. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wanaka

Wanaka was our favorite town in New Zealand. A smaller more laid-back version of Queenstown nestled on a picturesque lake with mountains towering in the backdrop.

Some of the best day hikes in New Zealand are around Wanaka. The incredible Roys Peak hike is only 6km from town. Nearby Lake Hawea is maybe even more picturesque and is much quieter. Check out Isthmus Peak for a similar hike but a tenth of the crowds of Roys Peak. Don’t forget a picture of that Wanaka Tree.

Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Aspiring

Mount Aspiring National Park was our favorite for multi-day hikes.

From Wanaka, head over to Rob Roys Glacier where there is an abundance of hikes to Aspiring Hut, French Ridge, Livermore Hut, or our favorite hike in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle over to the Rees Dart Track.

This climb is not technical, but it is challenging and is a deathtrap in poor weather conditions. On clear days, this may be the best mountain shot in New Zealand.

Mount Cook. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Cook

Ohh Mount Cook. Where to begin. The tallest mountain in New Zealand has its own national park.

The drive in from Lake Pukaki is one of the most scenic, and arriving into Mount Cook village truly has a special feel. Massive peaks, glaciers, jagged ridgelines, and the glacier-fed lakes beneath Mount Cook are stunning.

There are several great hikes in the park. Mueller Hut is one of the best day hikes in the country, and if you score a reservation, you can stay the night watching the last sunlight on Mount Cook. The complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience.

Hiking on the Routeburn track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Queenstown – Glenorchy

Queenstown has become very popular and is the most touristy city in New Zealand. From hiking the Ben Lomond or skiing the Remarkables in the winter, Queenstown is a must-stop on the South Island. It is the adventure capital of the world and every other storefront is selling tours.

The drive to Glenorchy is considered one of the best in the world, and the surrounding area has endless spots that leave you in awe. The famous Routeburn track begins near Glenorchy.

McKay Falls on the Milford Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Te Anau – Milford Sound

Te Anau is a small town that is the last frontier of the wild Fiordlands National Park. From here, the Milford Sound road leads you on a two-hour journey of one of the most picturesque drives we ever experienced.

Finishing at the Milford Sound is the icing on the cake. Mountains rise vertically from the glacier-carved fjord. It is a magnificent sight.

Nugget Point Lighthouse, Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Catlins

The Catlins Forest Park is a large area, mostly uninhabited, with coastal rainforest and stunning, rugged beaches. It is also home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Known for waterfalls, check out McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and the Matai Falls. One of the most beautiful rocky coastlines is at Nugget Point.

A rainy morning at Moeraki Boulders. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Dunedin & East Coast

Dunedin is a college town with some good nightlife and proximity to amazing nature. Tunnel Beach is a famous sunset location, the rugged coastline near Sandymount has a great walking track to view the Chasm and Lovers Leap, and there are heaps of animals including seals and penguins. Just north of Dunedin are the famous Moeraki Boulders.

Driving to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Banks Peninsula

Christchurch was our least favorite city in New Zealand, so instead head out to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is a charming little town with a French influence and a perfect city getaway for those looking for a romantic B&B.

Looking for something more rugged? Check out the Packhorse Hut and hike up to Mount Herbert.

The Pros of Backpacking New Zealand

Nature – OK I know it has been stated several times already. But the truth is, there are few places in the world like New Zealand. If you enjoy the outdoors and immersing yourself in nature, your vacation or extended holiday probably will turn into a research project on how to immigrate to New Zealand. 

Hiking – This is one of the best places in the world for hiking. Not only can you get lost in the mountains completely alone and get connected with nature, but you can also do so with access to an amazing hut system.

For beginner hikers, it is also very special because a short hike can result with amazing alpine views. If hiking is your thing, New Zealand will leave you wanting more.

Road Trips – For self-driving enthusiast, pack your gear and hit the road. The scenery is stunning from the rugged coastlines to the Southern Alps. Driving is safe and easy in New Zealand, resulting in a top destination for a perfect road trip.

Hiking can bring you to amazing places. For example…glaciers. Photo by beardandcurly.com

The Cons of Backpacking New Zealand

Weather – Not only is the winter very rough and cold, but the weather in general is also completely sporadic. Because New Zealand is in the middle of the ocean, the subtropical weather can change very quickly. In our three months, we experienced two major cyclones.

The weather in the mountains can change in a matter of minutes. Every day in New Zealand we looked up weather reports and we always found ourselves chasing the good weather.

Costs – New Zealand is an expensive country. We made it cheaper by spending 30 nights in huts while hiking, and always looked for free campsites. Most of all, we never went out to restaurants or bars.

Staying in backpackers hostels and doing some of the activities in New Zealand will add up quickly, making it very easy to blow a budget. Because of this, we recommend trying to do all activities independently.

Lots of Tourists – The downside of how beautiful New Zealand is, is the number of tourists flocking in each year. Because the tourist season is short, the summer is just straight up hectic. I

t is not a large country. We would see people on the North Island and bump into them two weeks later somewhere on the South Island. As a result of the crowds, we recommend going in autumn to avoid the summer crowds.

What our picture looks like:

Reality:

Should You Visit New Zealand?

Our experience in New Zealand was incredible. We met some amazing people, saw some epic landscapes, and had a killer time with one of our favorite passions, hiking.

After spending forty-five days hiking over 800 kilometers, we still to this day dream of going back to hike some more.

We never thought we would fall in love with a place so much that it was truly hard to leave. New Zealand was definitely that place for us. It is time to book your flight and pack your bags. New Zealand is waiting…

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[nathanritchieph]

Study in New Zealand from Philippines | Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy and Toi Ohomai NZ

Study in New Zealand from Philippines by Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy! This is the testimonial of Wiezell Ho, one of the Pinoys studying in New Zealand at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology. The student shared how it’s like to study, live and work in New Zealand, who processed her New Zealand student visa application, and about her chosen job oriented courses in New Zealand. ⁉️ DID YOU KNOW?… That if you study in New Zealand for at least a 1-year course, while studying, you would be eligible to work part-time for 20 hours per week, full-time during the summer and scheduled vacations. That after course completion, you would be eligible to apply for a 2-3 year Post Study Work Visa, depending on the NZQA level of your course, and location of your school campus in New Zealand. That after acquiring a Post Study Work Visa, you could sponsor your dependents (partner/spouse, and children) to reunite with you in New Zealand. That your partner/spouse applies for Partnership-based Work Visa. Once approved, he/she may go to New Zealand and look for a full-time job in any industry, any employer, anywhere in New Zealand. That your school-aged children apply for Student Visa. Once approved, he/she may study in New Zealand for FREE from primary to secondary, just like a domestic student there. That there are courses in New Zealand that allow you to bring your partner/spouse and children while you’re studying. 👉 Want to know your best possible pathways to New Zealand, and be assessed by a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser? 🇳🇿 Send us a message now for FREE and INSTANT information! Messenger: https://www.messenger.com/t/GSICph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSICph Email: danabellanosa@goldensummitph.com Mobile No.: +639178354591 📍 Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is one of our partner schools in New Zealand. It is a New Zealand tertiary education institute with campuses in Rotorua, Tauranga, and other towns in the Bay of Plenty region. It is the largest tertiary provider in the Bay of Plenty, and one of the largest institute of technology in the whole of New Zealand. 📍 Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy (GSIC), is a 100% Pure New Zealand study and migration consultancy firm based in the Philippines, operating since November 2004. 📍 GSIC is represented by our in-house Full-Licensed Immigration Adviser, Mr. Joel Miranda Angon, licensed by Immigration Advisers Authority of New Zealand with License Number: 201000080. 📍 GSIC is also an Education New Zealand Recognised Agency (ENZRA). Some of our other videos: https://youtu.be/sLO2qatISi8 - Testimonials of Catherine Magalona, Jerome Halago, Evrhoy Coja https://youtu.be/pU_en90EQEo - Testimonials of Wiezell Ho, Jonah Lynn Quezon, Francis John Deferia https://youtu.be/9HpDb8UR59k - Testimonials of Jade Venuezuela, Jay-r Wijangco https://youtu.be/xWbRwKKjE18 - Testimonial of Jane Rose Cabatania https://youtu.be/z7GUnDgiZ4U - Testimonial of Lily Joy Al Omari https://youtu.be/KsHroj3aRBQ - Testimonial of Ma. Lyn Daza https://youtu.be/2xGk2ZAMCwo - Testimonial of Maria Gilda Lienaw https://youtu.be/4VdNDrYyyio - Testimonials of Michael Ortega, Cherry Gay Prieto, Mary Dwayne Fresco https://youtu.be/M06FvMrIEG8 - Testimonial of Richielyn Golero https://youtu.be/fQVn8j3ev7Q - Study in New Zealand Expo in Iloilo https://youtu.be/ttlb7keNwAI - Study in New Zealand Expo in Bacolod If you like our videos, please LIKE, SHARE, and let us know your thoughts by commenting below. Make sure also to SUBSCRIBE and CLICK the bell notification for you to be notified of our upcoming videos about visiting, studying, and migrating to New Zealand. #StudyInNewZealand #GoldenSummitImmigrationConsultancy #StudyInNewZealandFromPhilippines #ToiOhomaiInstituteOfTechnology #NewZealandStudyAbroad #LiveAndWorkInNewZealand #StudyNewZealandInternationalStudents #NewZealandStudentVisaApplication #JobOrientedCoursesInNewZealand #StudyInNewZealandConsultants #NewZealandPrograms #NewZealandStudentVisaBenefits #WorkInNewZealandFromPhilippines #PinoysStudyingInNewZealand #FilipinoMigrationToNewZealand #NewZealandConsultancyAgencyPhilippines #StudyAndWorkInNewZealandPhilippines #NewZealandImmigrationForFilipino #StudyInNewZealandAgencyPhilippines Watch video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/yJ8SEswX08g source https://goldensummitph.tumblr.com/post/611183659390812160

[inpeaks]

The picture-perfect landscape and the ambient weather has already made the tourists go Ga-Ga over this beautiful country of New Zealand. But, wait, this craze isn’t just limited to tourists, the country has fascinated hundreds of thousands of foreign students. Do you wonder why? Here is your answer. 

New Zealand has eight renowned universities;

Almost 43,000 students graduate from New Zealand university every year;

New Zealand has the second highest degree completion rate;

A graduate from New Zealand university earns between $1.3 -$4 million;

Every New Zealand university has marked its place in the top 500 universities of the world.

NZ universities generate $500+ million each year by commercializing the research and consulting services.

New Zealand is internationally famous as a provider of quality education. 

Are you satisfied with the facts and figures? Thousands of students visit New Zealand student visa consultants in Ahmedabad every year and inquire about this top spot of international education. New Zealand provides outstanding career opportunities and world-class education to students to prosper and glorify their lives. Are you also planning to settle down in this country but wish to know a few more reasons to convince yourself? If yes, here is your answer to the doubts. 

List of internationally recognized universities:

As mentioned earlier, the top 8 universities that have globally marked their place in the world rankings 2018 are:

University of Auckland

University of Otago

University of Canterbury

Victoria University of Wellington

University of Waikato

Massey University

Lincoln University

Auckland University of Technology

These universities offer quality education in arts, business, science and are well known for their own niche and variety of courses they provide to the students. 

Affordable tuition fees and other expenses:

If you check the annual tuition fees of New Zealand and that of other countries, you would be surprised to know that this country has lower annual fees than other countries. Additionally, the total cost of living in New Zealand is also quite cheaper than in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. Here we have listed down an approximate cost of tuition fees and living costs in New Zealand. For undergraduates, the course fees are around $18000-$25000 and for postgraduates $25000-$40000. The average cost of living per year in New Zealand turns out to be $12,000 to $15,000. 

Easy application procedures:

Unlike universities in other countries, just with minimal requirements, New Zealand universities give admission to the students. A student making an application in these universities do not have to undergo a lot of competitive checks for entering into the universities. This makes it easy for students with low or moderate grades in schools and gives them a brilliant chance to grab their position in international universities in New Zealand.

An added perk: New Zealand universities do not have limited seats for admission; instead, they have more capacity than any other universities in the world. 

Hence, once the candidate gets a New Zealand student visa, they can pay their tuition fees and confirm their admission to the universities.  

Quality Learning programs:

New Zealand universities follow the British education model, and this is the main reason why students are valuing NZ universities over other options. The universities have adopted similar teaching methods, and India too once followed the British education system, which is the reason why Indian students can easily accommodate themselves with the teaching style of NZ. Universities in NZ believe in empowering an excellent quality assurance system that monitors the education system running inside the country. The academic staff is responsible for researching well about a particular subject/topic before passing it to the students. The practical learning-based approach makes it easier for the students to grasp and learn as quickly as possible. 

Additionally, these NZ universities are spread across North and South of New Zealand, making it possible for students to understand the culture of the islands. Isn’t it really amazing? 

The universities have a beautiful landscape:

What more does a student want than a reckoned university to study in and a natural landscape across the university campuses? It is true that even the visitors are spellbound by the beauty of the campuses than imagine how a student entering the university will feel about it? Even a day spent at these landscape locations rejuvenates body and mind and the green trees across the locations ensure healthy living of not only students but the residents also.  

Students can go across the nearby tourist spot for biking, water rafting, and many other adventurous activities. The unique biodiversity of the country allows the student to enjoy their life in NZ to the fullest. 

The welcoming society:

It wouldn’t be wrong if we say the residents of New Zealand, welcome international students, warmly. The country has a stable lifestyle quite affordable to a foreign student. Every house in New Zealand has required amenities to offer to the students coming in for a stay. When it comes to peace and safety, NZ doesn’t give you a second thought. It is the second safest country out of the 163 other countries in the world. It has a low crime rate, and the government is stable.

Another great news is: The residents of NZ do not follow any kind of biases be it gender, religion or caste. 

Students have the opportunity to earn while they learn:

The government of New Zealand understands the importance of earning a living in the country. And hence students coming to New Zealand have the freedom to work for 20 hours weekly to earn a living and meet their expenses. Additionally, they can work full time during the scheduled holidays in sectors like retail, hospitality, banking, finance, etc. if you are lucky enough, you get a chance to work full-time in the university also. 

There are endless opportunities and benefits a student gets for studying in New Zealand. The country is wonderful and has a lot of tourist places to explore during long weekends and public holidays. Once you graduate from the NZ universities, you get an edge over the subject and compete well against the competitors. The country already has a huge number of international students making it perfect for the students to adjust and live cordially. 

If you have any concerns regarding the New Zealand student visa process, you can consult an experienced agency that shall help you further. 

PS: Author is a partner with Elsner Visa consultancy.

The post Why Should Students Make Their Career By Studying in New Zealand? appeared on Digital Ideas.

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The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand

In a land far far away where snowcapped mountains dot the country and rugged coastlines shape it, New Zealand is a magical place. Although a trek to get to, there are so many reasons why it should be your next backpacking destination.

Filled with world-class adventure activities such as hiking, skiing and bungee jumping, this country has become a haven for outdoor lovers and adventure junkies. Boasting some of the most beautiful coastlines and mountains in the world, New Zealand urges to be explored.

It comes as no surprise, that it is a mecca for tourism with double-digit growth in annual visitors. While it is also a popular destination for vacationers and honeymooners, the best way to see the country is to strap on your backpack and spend some quality time exploring.

Mount Awful, Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com

When to Visit New Zealand

Tourism in New Zealand is very seasonal. Unless you are looking for winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding, it’s best to visit between November and May. The summer, from December to February, gets very busy at tourist attractions. Campsites and backpackers tend to fill up quickly during this time.

Our favorite time of the year is April and May. The temperatures start dropping quickly, but so do the tourists. This is a great time to hike and you should still be able to access the entire country before snowfall hits.

Visa Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Visitor Visa – If you want to stay longer than three months or you are not from a visa waiver country, you must apply online before your trip. This visa is valid for up to nine months stay in New Zealand.

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa – If your passport is from a visa waiver country, you do not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving. Visas are granted for three months.

Working Holiday Visa – If you are between the age of 18 and 30 and mostly want to come to New Zealand to travel, but also want the option to work or study, this may be a perfect option. The visa is valid for 12 months and requires proof of $4,200 NZD ($3,000 USD) equivalent in your bank account as well as full medical insurance.

To read more on visa options related to your country and interest, check out the New Zealand Immigration page.

A waterfall in the Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Sim Card

Skinny Direct was our preferred mobile carrier of choice. They have the best rates for a prepaid monthly plan and very good service backed by the Spark Mobile network. Prices are $30 ($21 USD) per month for 3GB of data or $50 ($36 USD) per month for 10 GB of date. All plans come with unlimited text and minutes.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand. It’s the one thing you should always pack. World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurers and travellers. Enter your details below to get a free quote.

Banking in New Zealand

If you are planning to work, you may consider opening a local bank account. We recommend a free basic checking account with ANZ Bank. A document, such as vehicle insurance or registration, with a local address and a working holiday visa was enough to open an account.

This was also very useful when selling a car. We could transfer New Zealand dollars to our own bank for under $100 ($72 USD), less than any other wire transfer option. ATMs are wildly available and most establishments take credit card.

Get a car that (hopefully) will not cause you any problems

Transportation

Shared Rides

Shared rides are very common with backpackers. This could include hitch hiking. The best way to partner up with another traveler is by posting on Backpacker Boards or the New Zealand Backpackers Facebook group.

Public buses

Between major cities there are some public buses, however we felt their prices were very high considering the distances. For example, a bus from Wanaka to Queenstown cost $50 ($36 USD) for an hour drive.

Hop-on/Hop-off Bus

There are two major companies in New Zealand, Kiwi Experience and Stray Travel. Prices range from $650 NZD ($470 USD) for a two-week package to $1200 NZD ($860 USD) for a 6 week package. These services gear towards a younger backpacker crowd.

Rent a Vehicle

Renting can get expensive, but is the best choice for those coming for only a few weeks or one month. New Zealand is perfect for self-driving enthusiasts and having your own vehicle allows the freedom to create your own itinerary.

If you are looking for a smaller campervan, check out Wicked Campers and Jucy. Costs range from $700 ($500 USD) to $1,500 ($1,080 USD) for one month. They come stocked with beds and cookware. For those looking for a larger motorhome, check out Maui Rentals with prices ranging from $2,000 ($1,440 USD) to $6,000 ($4,300 USD) depending on the camper size.

Buy a Vehicle

If staying more than two months, buying a car or campervan is the most economical option. This is very popular in New Zealand and a great way to save money. Try to find a vehicle with good resale value and consider the timing of buying/selling. It is common to buy in the summer and sell just before winter. Depending on when you sell there is sometimes a potential for a serious loss.

We recommend buying a station wagon such as a Nissan Wingroad. Seats fold flat and can sleep two, they are much better on petrol, and have a better resale value. There is a lot of information to read in advance before making a purchase. Check out Beard and Curly’s article the Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Buying a Campervan in New Zealand.

Self-Contained Vehicles

Many areas of New Zealand allow freedom camping. There are approximately 350 free campgrounds that are allocated only for self-contained vehicles. Although not as plentiful, there are free options for regular campervans. There is a large cost increase to purchase a self-contained vehicle, but you can almost always find a free campsite to sleep at. For more on self-containment, check out the NZ Motor Caravan Association.

Some camping essentials. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

☞ Click here for more free travel guides!

Accommodation in New Zealand

Campsites – A great option to cut down on costs is to camp. Campsites are either private or run by the Department of Conservation. They can range from basic with only vault toilets and no running water to full kitchens and shower/laundry facilities.

Costs range from $6 to $18 ($4 to $13 USD) per person. There are also a decent number of free campsites for both self-contained vehicles and non self-contained vehicles. In cities, there are limited campsites available and freedom camping is almost always prohibited.

Holiday Parks – If you are looking for an upgrade from camping, holiday parks are your best bet. They usually come stocked with wifi, electric hookups, showers and laundry facilities. Prices typically range from $40 to $60 ($28 to $43 USD) per camper.

Backpackers – In cities, backpackers are a great choice to meet other travelers and to stay right in town.  Check out Base Backpackers or Nomads, both have hostels in major cities. Backpackers charge between $20 and $30 ($14 and $21 USD) for a dorm bed.

AirBnB – We stayed at AirBnB’s while we were in a few of the major cities. As a couple, we often found prices lower than staying at a backpackers hostel. You can find a nice private room for $30 – $40 ($21 – $28 USD).

Hotels – I do not know any backpackers who personally stayed at any hotels while in New Zealand, but if you want to splurge, hotels start from $100 ($70 USD) per night.

☞ Click here to compare costs of hotels in New Zealand on Booking.com

Must-Have App For New Zealand

Before going to New Zealand, download the Campermate App on your mobile device. It is crucial and we used it daily. It provides information such as top things to do, wifi hotspots, toilet locations, supermarket locations, and most importantly, campsite information. The user reviews and comments are also helpful, especially when picking between campsites.

Recommended Campsites

There are hundreds of campsites in New Zealand, but these stuck out to us as a great deal or just an overall amazing campground:

Whatipu campground – $7.50 ($5 USD) Earl’s Paradise Coromandel – $10 ($7 USD) Mangaowkewa Gorge Scenic Reserve – Free Kidd’s Bush Lake Hawea – $8 ($5.75 USD) Lake Pukaki Reserve – Free Mrs. Woolly’s campground Glenorchy – $16 ($11.50 USD) Moke Lake – $13 ($9 USD) Lumsden parking area – Free Milford Sound Lodge – $27 ($19 USD)

Wwoofing

Wwoofing is an opportunity to work on a farm in exchange for housing and food. Although typically unpaid, during high season, paid jobs may be offered. Check out more information at www.wwoof.co.nz.

What to Eat in New Zealand

Restaurants are expensive in New Zealand and is not ideal for most backpackers. In cities such as Wellington or Queenstown there are some more affordable and great cheap eats for dishes under $12 ($8.50 USD).

Great Backpacker Food Options. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Takeaway is widely available throughout New Zealand and is typically fish and chips, Chinese food, or burgers. Takeaway can be cheap with meals for $6 ($4 USD), but at times could creep up to $10 ($7 USD). Cooking is popular since most campervans come equipped with a stove and cookware.

Where to Stock Up

Four Square – small convenience store size supermarkets with all basic needs. Slightly higher priced, but not by much, sometimes with cheap veggies Countdown – large supermarket chain, often with the best prices New World – more upscale supermarket with good quality products, some prices are good Pak’N’Save – only located in larger towns and cities, has very good prices and good options for dry food and bulk The Warehouse – some stores carry dry food, cheapest option for canned chickpeas, four bean, peanut butter, chocolate, and candy Bunnings or Mitre 10 – building supplies stores (fuel and kerosene options)

Specialty Stores

Fruit and Veg – there are many fruit and veg stores throughout NZ, especially located within proximity to farming areas. There are also often fruit and veg stalls or fresh produce sold directly from farms with signs on the road. Asian – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and some other cities have good Asian supermarkets with great specialty Asian/Indian items.

Awesome Food Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Cheese – Mainland Vintage Cheddar 1kg $11.49 ($8.25 USD) Tuna pouches – Sealord Lemon, Sesame & Ginger Tuna pouch $2.50 ($1.80 USD) Soba noodles – Hakubaku organic noodles from $3 ($2.15 USD) Indian spice mixes – Mother’s pre-made sauce and spice mixes $1.79 ($1.29 USD) (Only saw these in Auckland so stock up) Watties WOK creations – Thai Coconut Chili and Lime, Ginger and Sesame 3 for $5 ($3.60 USD) Pad Thai noodles –  Erawan noodles from $2 ($1.45 USD) Thai curry paste –  Mae Ploy green curry paste (spicy) $1.50 ($1.10 USD) Ramen: Just Noodles – Mexican Salsa, Indian Butter Chicken $6 for 5 packets ($4.30 USD) Bars – Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slice bars, Afghan and Sultana & Manuka honey flavors 2/$6 ($4.30 USD) Dehydrated Peas –  Continental Surprise Garden Peas $6 large bag ($4.30 USD) Hot Sauce –  Mr Number One Sriracha hot chili sauce $6 ($4.30 USD)

Our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com

How Much Time Is Needed?

The more time the better. We spent three months in New Zealand, with one month in the North and two months in the South Island. We could have stayed much longer. While it is not always possible to come for several months, we do not recommend going less than two weeks. With less time, focus on a smaller area such as Mount Aspiring and the Fiordlands on the South Island.

How Much Will Backpacking New Zealand Cost?

New Zealand can be an expensive country to visit, but road trips and epic hiking does not have to be expensive. Renting a vehicle will be the biggest expense, but if you are staying long enough to buy a vehicle, this can significantly cut down costs.

To save money, cook your own meals and try to stay at free campsites. If you enjoy hiking, especially multi-day hikes, consider the DOC Hut Pass. It costs $92 ($66 USD) and covers any hut aside from Great Walks and a few others. We spent on average $85 ($60 USD) per day between two people, and sold our car the same price we bought it for, making New Zealand an affordable for us.

Typical Costs:

Total Daily Budget – $60 to $100 ($42.50 – 70 USD) per couple, not including cost of renting/buying a vehicle

Basic Campgrounds – $6 – $10 ($4 – 7 USD) per person

Dorm Rooms at a Backpackers – $20 ($14 USD) per bed

Fuel/Petrol – $1.70 – $2.20 ($1.20 – 1.55 USD) per liter

Eating – $5 – $15 ($3.50 – $10.50 USD)

Alcohol – $8 ($5.70 USD) pints at a bar, $12 ($8.50 USD) for a six-pack at a supermarket, $8 – $12 ($5.70 – 8.50 USD) bottle of wine or $20 ($14.20 USD) box of wine at supermarkets

Things To Do in New Zealand

Road Trippin in New Zealand

Road Trip

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without an epic road trip. Whether you plan to search for the best surf spots, waterfalls, mountain hikes, or complete the drive from Cape Reinga down to Bluff, road trippin’ should be #1 on your list. It is a perfect way to explore New Zealand.

For the best road trip, we recommend starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. Spend more time on the South Island. There is much more to see!

Surf

New Zealand has some stunning coastline. While the water is cold, it does have some pretty good surf. Some of the popular surf spots are Raglan, Piha, Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara Bay, Fitzroy Beach, St Clair Beach, Kahutara, Westport and Colac Bay. Don’t forget to bring a wetsuit!

Adventure Activities

Take your pick at one of the ohh so many adventure activities. Queenstown is a perfect base and known as the adventure capital of the world.

Choose between bungee jumping, skydiving, white river rafting, canyoning, cave exploring, jetboat tours, and for those craving some fresh winter snow, nothing tops heli-skiing. Activities are very expensive in New Zealand and can range from $100 ($70 USD) to several hundred for tours. Heli-skiing starts at $1,000 NZD ($700 USD) per person.

Hiking the Kepler Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hiking

Great Walks – There are nine Great Walks in New Zealand (soon to be 10) and these are the most popular tracks in the country. They are marketed by the DOC and have world-class infrastructure and huts. Because of their popularity, they can feel like a highway at times and are not good for solitude.

We recommend the Tongariro Northern Circuit, the Routeburn track, the Kepler track, and the Milford Sound. These hikes require bookings in advance and cost between $30 and $70 ($21.50 and $50 USD) for a bunk. Read Beard and Curly’s full article on the Nine Great Walks of New Zealand for more information.

Hut System – With over 1,000 huts across New Zealand, this is a perfect way to explore the outdoors and immerse yourself into some Kiwi culture. The DOC manages 950 huts, most of them are very affordable.

Buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for $92 ($66 USD) for 6 months which covers your stay at nearly all the DOC huts. There are only a few popular huts which are excluded from the pass in addition to the Great Walk huts.

Brewster Hut. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Day Hikes – There are so many day hikes with views that are completely out of this world. Our favorite day hikes were Mount Taranaki, Roys Peak, Isthmus Peak, Diamond Lake, Mueller Hut, Ben Lomond, Gertrudes Saddle, Key Summit, Lake Marian, and Avalanche Peak.

Multi-Day Hikes – Where to begin. One of the main reasons we went to New Zealand was for this alone. While it does require more gear (portable stove, sleeping bag, camping gear), it is completely worth it. Our best memories of New Zealand were days in the middle of the mountains with no people or towns in sight.

Our favorite multi-day hikes were the Tongariro Northern circuit, Travers-Sabine circuit, Cascade Saddle, Gillespies Pass, Mount Brewster, Copeland track, Routeburn track, Kepler track, and the Milford Sound track.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Trekking & Camping the “O” Circuit, Paine del Grande Chile

Where to Go – North Island

90 Mile Beach, Northland. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Northland

The northernmost region of New Zealand has stunning coastline and many places to see. The drive through the Northland on its own is worth it. Check out the Bay of Island, 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.

Piha Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Waitakere Regional Park

Piha is one of the country’s most popular black sand beaches and great for photos. Our personal favorite beach was nearby Whatipu with very few people and a great coastal walk called the Omanawanui Track.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Coromandel

One of our favorite spots on the North Island, Coromandel has white sand beaches and the famous Cathedral Cove. Check out New Chumms Beach, Hot Water Beach (low tide only), Cathedral Cove (low tide), and the Karangahake Gorge.

Rotorua geothermal springs. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Rotorua

Bursting with volcanic activity and geothermal hot springs, Rotorua is one of the most popular and expensive tourist destinations in New Zealand. Wai’o’tapu is the main attraction, but Hellsgate Geothermal Park and Kuirau Park are other options.

Entry prices are around $30 ($21.50 USD) per person. Also, check out the Redwood Forest for some short hikes and world-class mountain biking trails. If on a budget, soak in the free natural hot springs, kerosene creek and secret spot.

The Emerald Lakes, Tongariro. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro is known for its famous alpine crossing, the most popular day walk in New Zealand. This hike is truly something special. The Lord of the Rings has made this location even more famous.

Mount Ngauruhoe, the main volcanic peak on this track was filmed as Mount Doom. The stunning emerald lakes alone are reason why this is a must stop for all visiting New Zealand.

Puakai Tarns, Mount Taranaki. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Taranaki

This volcanic peak stands alone and on a clear day can be seen from hundreds of kilometers away. It is strikingly beautiful and one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. It also is one of the hardest, so for those not able to make it to the summit, a hike to the Pouakai Tarns is much easier and might have a better view.

Castlepoint Lighthouse. Photo by @mitchperfect.nz.

Castlepoint

One of the most stunning coastal areas and New Zealand’s best lighthouse resides at Castlepoint. It is only a 45-minute walk out to the lighthouse which comes with amazing views along the way.

Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Cape Palliser

Check out the seal colony on the way to the Cape Palliser lighthouse. The nearby Pinnacles is a great 1 hour walk through unique rock formations that were featured in a scene of the Lord of the Rings.

Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wellington

Ferries between the North and South Island depart from Wellington, so this likely will be in your travel plans. With that said, it was our favorite city in New Zealand. There are so many great cafes to lounge during the day and hipster bars for the evening. The Te Papa National Museum is one of the best in the world (and free), and still to this day talk about our two for $40 ($28.50 USD) offer on large pizzas at Tommy Millions.

Where to Go – South Island

Abel Tasman National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Abel Tasman

One of the most popular national parks in New Zealand, Abel Tasman has stunning coastline and emerald water. Boats offer shuttles to nearly any beach in the park. As a result, the coastal track which is a Great Walk, is like a superhighway. We recommend skipping the walk and sticking to a kayak rental with R&R Kayaks starting from $60 ($43 USD).

Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Golden Bay

The cute hippy town Takaka is a great stop for some grub on the way to our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Come in the afternoon for sunset. From the seal pups, caves, rock arches, and reflections, this might be one of the most photogenic beaches in the world.

The Pier at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Nelson Lakes

The pier at Lake Rotoiti is one of the best in New Zealand for photographs, but aside from this, the national park is best explored by hiking. Mount Robert is a good day hike and with time, stay at Angelus Hut for some spectacular views. If into trekking, a visit to the Blue Lake is a must. It is considered the clearest lake in the world. It takes a couple of days to hike to Blue Lake, usually part of the Travers-Sabine circuit, a 7-day hike.

Hokitika Gorge. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hokitika Gorge

This glacier fed river cuts through a forest creating the Hokitika Gorge. The short walk over a suspension bridge is a must. This is some of the brightest emerald green water we have ever seen.

Lake Matheson, West Coast. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

West Coast

When driving down the West Coast, the main attractions are the glaciers. We felt these are over-hyped. These glaciers have receded significantly in the past twenty years. For those not intending to do hiking in the South Island, it is worth the one hour walk at Franz Josef Glacier.

For those intending to hike, skip this all together. Head up to Brewster Hut and get up close to the Brewster Glacier or save your glacier moments for while at Mount Cook. The best sight near the glaciers is not the glaciers themselves, it is Lake Matheson.

Roys Peak, Wanaka. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wanaka

Wanaka was our favorite town in New Zealand. A smaller more laid-back version of Queenstown nestled on a picturesque lake with mountains towering in the backdrop. Some of the best day hikes in New Zealand are around Wanaka. The incredible Roys Peak hike is only 6km from town. Nearby Lake Hawea is maybe even more picturesque and is much quieter. Check out Isthmus Peak for a similar hike but a tenth of the crowds of Roys Peak. Don’t forget a picture of that Wanaka Tree.

Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Aspiring

Mount Aspiring National Park was our favorite for multi-day hikes. From Wanaka, head over to Rob Roys Glacier where there is an abundance of hikes to Aspiring Hut, French Ridge, Livermore Hut, or our favorite hike in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle over to the Rees Dart Track. This climb is not technical, but it is challenging and is a deathtrap in poor weather conditions. On clear days, this may be the best mountain porn in New Zealand.

Mount Cook. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Cook

Ohh Mount Cook. Where to begin. The tallest mountain in New Zealand has its own national park. The drive in from Lake Pukaki is one of the most scenic, and arriving into Mount Cook village truly has a special feel. Massive peaks, glaciers, jagged ridgelines, and the glacier-fed lakes beneath Mount Cook are stunning.

There are several great hikes in the park. Mueller Hut is one of the best day hikes in the country, and if you score a reservation, you can stay the night watching the last sunlight on Mount Cook. The complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience.

Hiking on the Routeburn track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Queenstown – Glenorchy

Queenstown has become very popular and is the most touristy city in New Zealand. From hiking the Ben Lomond or skiing the Remarkables in the winter, Queenstown is a must stop on the South Island. It is the adventure capital of the world and every other storefront is selling tours.

The drive to Glenorchy is considered one of the best in the world, and the surrounding area has endless spots that leave you in awe. The famous Routeburn track begins near Glenorchy.

McKay Falls on the Milford Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Te Anau – Milford Sound

Te Anau is a small town that is the last frontier of the wild Fiordlands National Park. From here, the Milford Sound road leads you on a two-hour journey of one of the most picturesque drives we ever experienced. Finishing at the Milford Sound is the icing on the cake. Mountains rise vertically from the glacier carved fjord. It is a magnificent sight.

Nugget Point Lighthouse, Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Catlins

The Catlins Forest Park is a large area, mostly uninhabited, with coastal rainforest and stunning, rugged beaches. It is also home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Known for waterfalls, check out McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and the Matai Falls. One of the most beautiful rocky coastlines is at Nugget Point.

A rainy morning at Moeraki Boulders. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Dunedin & East Coast

Dunedin is a college town with some good nightlife and proximity to amazing nature. Tunnel Beach is a famous sunset location, the rugged coastline near Sandymount has a great walking track to view the Chasm and Lovers Leap, and there are heaps of animals including seals and penguins. Just north of Dunedin are the famous Moeraki Boulders.

Driving to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Banks Peninsula

Christchurch was our least favorite city in New Zealand, so instead head out to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is a charming little town with French influence and a perfect city getaway for those looking for a romantic B&B. Looking for something more rugged? Check out the Packhorse Hut and hike up to Mount Herbert.

The Pros of Backpacking New Zealand

Nature – OK I know it has been stated several times already. But the truth is, there are few places in the world like New Zealand. If you enjoy the outdoors and immersing yourself in nature, your vacation or extended holiday probably will turn into a research project on how to immigrate to New Zealand. Just check out a few of my favorite photographers from New Zealand such as Rachel Stewart, Brent Purcell or Lee Cook (@rachstewartnz, @brentpurcell.nz, or @leecook_images respectively).

Hiking – This is one of the best places in the world for hiking. Not only can you get lost in the mountains completely alone and get connected with nature, you can do so with access to an amazing hut system. For beginner hikers, it is also very special because a short hike can result with amazing alpine views. If hiking is your thing, New Zealand will leave you wanting more.

Road Trips – For self-driving enthusiast, pack your gear and hit the road. The scenery is stunning from the rugged coastlines to the Southern Alps. Driving is safe and easy in New Zealand, resulting in a top destination for a perfect road trip.

Hiking can bring you to amazing places. For example…glaciers. Photo by beardandcurly.com

The Cons of Backpacking New Zealand

Weather – Not only is the winter very rough and cold, the weather in general is completely sporadic. Because New Zealand is in the middle of the ocean, the subtropical weather can change very quickly. In our three months, we experienced two major cyclones.

The weather in the mountains can change in a matter of minutes. Every day in New Zealand we looked up weather reports and we always found ourselves chasing the good weather.

Costs – New Zealand is an expensive country. We made it cheaper by spending 30 nights in huts while hiking, and always looked for free campsites. Most of all, we never went out to restaurants or bars. Staying in backpackers hostels and doing some of the activities in New Zealand will add up quickly, making it very easy to blow a budget. Because of this, we recommend trying to do all activities independently.

Lots of Tourists – The downside of how beautiful New Zealand is, is the number of tourists flocking in each year. Because the tourist season is short, the summer is just straight up hectic. It is not a large country. We would see people on the North Island and bump into them two weeks later somewhere on the South Island. As a result of the crowds, we recommend going in autumn to avoid the summer crowds.

What our picture looks like:

Reality:

Should You Visit?

Our experience in New Zealand was incredible. We met some amazing people, saw some epic landscapes, and had a killer time with one of our favorite passions, hiking. After spending forty five days hiking over 800 kilometers, we still to this day dream of going back to hike some more.

We never thought we would fall in love with a place so much that it was truly hard to leave. New Zealand was definitely that place for us. It is time to book your flight and pack your bags. New Zealand is waiting…

The post The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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Partner of Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand: Your Path to Professional Growth and Shared Opportunities

Discover the benefits and opportunities available to the partners of individuals holding a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand. https://nzimmigration.info/family-visa/partner-of-student/