Backpacking in New Zealand
Basics
New Zealand is very tame. Unlike Australia there are no animals or insects that pose serious health threats. In fact New Zealand is not that different from North America/UK with very similiar shops, stores, campgrounds, and language. It is a great 'first leg' for those going on to Asian countries—NZ to Australia then to Asia.
NZ can be a very fun place to be. Kiwi's like to party and enjoy their booze. They are a bit macho (more than a bit actually) and do have a tendency to use alot of slang. I found them very difficult to understand and often had to ask them to slow down and/or repeat themselves—actually more difficult to understand than the Brits!
Weather
Summer for NZ starts in Febuary. Kiwi's claim that the sun burns fast in NZ however I did not find that to be the case. That said it is best to bring the normal protection such as hats, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
Considering the low rate of the NZ dollar it is best to buy most of your gear in NZ—$100 US dollars equals $151.77 NZ dollars as of March 3/06. You can check out the currency exchange rate
here
Accomodations
NZ has a complete range of accomodations ranging from campsites, holiday parks, hostels, to hotels in all price ranges and facilities. Keeping in mind the exchange rate staying in a hotel, especially a budget hotel, is not a bad idea.
NZ's holiday parks are an excellent idea for the backpacker. Basically a holiday park is a campsite that also has cabins. These cabins will have a bed/beds, cooking plate/stove, perhaps a TV, a sink, and all cooking utensils required. You'll have to use the campsite's showers and toilets. These cabins will range from $20 to $50 NZ and are an excellent deal!
Activities
Lots to do on both North and South Islands.
I went to Queenstown to work and spent the majority of my time there. Queenstown (South Island close to Dunedin) is THE adventure capital of NZ (probably the world) with a wide selection of adrenaline sports/rides—sky diving, hang gliding, paragliding, skiing, jet boats etc. Tons of people in the summer most of them young, attractive, and filled with the joy of life.
Those less inclined to adventure and physical pusuits will have no trouble finding relaxing vistas, fine dining, and historical/natural sites. Check out the local tourist information booths to see what interest you.
