Our 18 days in New Zealand have come to an end and we leave for Melbourne at 3:50 pm. The people of NZ are the most friendly, outgoing and helpful society we have ever met. Their driving skills are awful and pedestrians are dispensable. Even crossing in a crosswalk you are taking your life in your hands! The country has some beautiful spots but is it worth the price of admission? Like I said in previous blogs, the trip from North America is long and expensive. If your not planning a stop in Australia along the route I think you would be far better off spending your hard earned money elsewhere. They cater to the Asian and European travel market and have geared their pricing accordingly. We met a handful of North American traveller's during our stay and most had the same opinion of the country as us. One couple we met from Vancouver Island said they would cancel their trip and go home if it wasn't prepaid. I don't know if we would go that far! The accommodations are expensive, dated and very spartan. There are a lot of backpackers and people travelling in motorhomes or travel vans. If you a camper, this may be to your liking but definitely not CHEAP. A couple we met from the U.K. spent $5800 E.P.'s to rent a very small motorhome for 5 weeks. The Canadians from Vancouver Island spent $100/day for a JUNKER camper van from the 60's.
I think you basically get the drift from my previous blogs on MY opinion of NZ. Leslie may have a different opinion and no doubt she will leave her comments on her blog, Leslie...The Softer Side! Would we come back? Highly unlikely but never say never! Would we recommend the place? For earthy traveller's who are into backpacking, staying at cheap hostels. or love staying at overpriced, crapper motels/hotels, this may be the holiday for you. Everything in NZ is an extra including ketchup & mustard at your local McDonalds or fast food takeaway. I left feeling a bit nickel and dimed! We got the same feedback from many we spoke to prior to our departure but we had to see for ourselves.
Off to Australia!!!
I think you basically get the drift from my previous blogs on MY opinion of NZ. Leslie may have a different opinion and no doubt she will leave her comments on her blog, Leslie...The Softer Side! Would we come back? Highly unlikely but never say never! Would we recommend the place? For earthy traveller's who are into backpacking, staying at cheap hostels. or love staying at overpriced, crapper motels/hotels, this may be the holiday for you. Everything in NZ is an extra including ketchup & mustard at your local McDonalds or fast food takeaway. I left feeling a bit nickel and dimed! We got the same feedback from many we spoke to prior to our departure but we had to see for ourselves.
Off to Australia!!!
RSS Feed
