Author	Message
jenny Member	# Posted: 19 Oct 2006 20:52:01 hello there im thinking about going to new zealand in july 07 as this will be my first big trip abroad im a little worried about going on my own, if anybody is going around this time it would be great to here from you or if anybodys been before and has any advice/tips about what to see let me know thanks

HorseHead Mcgee Member	# Posted: 26 Oct 2006 16:47:49 First, you need to realize it will be COLD in July, really cold, July is their winter so you won't get to do a lot of what you otherwise might if you went in summer. So just prepared for that reality. Second, New Zealand is a very easy place to travel around. The tourist infrastructure is really easy to use, they speak english, its all good. It's a great place to get your feet wet for overseas travel (better than Europe, Europe is highly over-rated). If your going to go for an extended period of time (about two months), and want to do the hostel thing, pick up the BBH card http://www.backpack.co.nz/ If you're going to be their less than 2 months, the BBH card may not be worth it becuase the cost of card will equal the amount of money you will save. I spent two months in New Zealand last year (Oct-Dec). And you can pretty much see everything worth seeing in New Zealand within that time. Your post doesn't say where you are from, but also realize that New Zealand is a common-wealth country, so it's not particularly unique. Its really the geography that makes New Zealand unique, not it's culture. I'd stay away from certain tour operators, i.e Magic Bus etc...everyone I spoke to says it really isn't worth the money...you can buy a pass for Newmans/state bus system. Although frankly, if I were to go back, I would spend the extra money and rent a car. New Zealand is a great place, its safe, you will have a blast. I just would not recommend going in July