<![CDATA[Travel: New Zealand]]>Anyone recently holidayed in New Zealand? Understand that Christchurch is now undergoing reconstruction after the earthquakes, is it still safe to go there?


What abt North Islands like Auckland and Rotorua etc? are they affected by the earthquakes? Heard that there is nothing much to see in North Islands…

Never been to New Zealand, have done some reading on it but would like to hear some real-life holiday experiences there. Thanks!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/24260/travel-new-zealandRSS for NodeSat, 18 Apr 2026 12:36:06 GMTMon, 25 Jul 2011 02:52:28 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:34:11 GMT]]>

jacsplace\" post_id=\"2095222\" time=\"1673864666\" user_id=\"7071:

Hi,

Family of four -- two adults and two teenagers -- would like to visit NZ this year. Any tips on how to get cheap flights from SG to NZ?

TIA!
You can try Kayak or Google flights to find cheap air tickets.

https://scottscheapflights.com/guides/google-flights-vs-kayak-how-to-use-both-to-find-cheap-flights

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095277https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095277Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:34:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:16:49 GMT]]>

Zappy\" post_id=\"2095245\" time=\"1673934589\" user_id=\"134817:

The direct airfares are now quite ex ~ +/- 2.5k.
One possibility you can look into is to get a transit route via Syd/ Mel - should be able to save quite a bit but will need to do a stopover.
Yes! Direct flight to Auckland will be around $2K for Air NZ. More if you take SIA.

If you are willing to have a stop over in Australia, the airfare to Auckland is about S$1.3K for Qantas with 1 transit stop at either Sydney or Melbourne.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095264https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095264Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:16:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:47:24 GMT]]>

Zappy\" post_id=\"2095245\" time=\"1673934589\" user_id=\"134817:

The direct airfares are now quite ex ~ +/- 2.5k.
One possibility you can look into is to get a transit route via Syd/ Mel - should be able to save quite a bit but will need to do a stopover.
I took SQ and stopover at Mel before heading to Wellington before the pandemic.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095247https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095247Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:47:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Tue, 17 Jan 2023 05:49:49 GMT]]>

jacsplace\" post_id=\"2095222\" time=\"1673864666\" user_id=\"7071:

Hi,

Family of four -- two adults and two teenagers -- would like to visit NZ this year. Any tips on how to get cheap flights from SG to NZ?

TIA!
The direct airfares are now quite ex ~ +/- 2.5k.
One possibility you can look into is to get a transit route via Syd/ Mel - should be able to save quite a bit but will need to do a stopover.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095245https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095245Tue, 17 Jan 2023 05:49:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:32:07 GMT]]>

jacsplace\" post_id=\"2095222\" time=\"1673864666\" user_id=\"7071:

Hi,

Family of four -- two adults and two teenagers -- would like to visit NZ this year. Any tips on how to get cheap flights from SG to NZ?

TIA!
You can look out for any promo on airfares.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095224https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095224Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:32:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:24:26 GMT]]>Hi,


Family of four – two adults and two teenagers – would like to visit NZ this year. Any tips on how to get cheap flights from SG to NZ?

TIA!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095222https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2095222Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:24:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:49:48 GMT]]>Anyone travelling to NZ soon? Any issues with the NZeta?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2090917https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2090917Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:49:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Sun, 08 May 2022 09:27:48 GMT]]>New Zealand’s First E-Bike Festival coming November 2022

https://www.cyclorama.co.nz/about-cyclorama/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2066769https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2066769Sun, 08 May 2022 09:27:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:05:51 GMT]]>Ex-Singaporean holds virtual tours of New Zealand farm that he lives on

https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/1722226

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1979294https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1979294Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:05:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Tue, 24 Dec 2019 01:42:18 GMT]]>To those who’ve done self-drive through Haast Pass, is it a difficult drive?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1955144https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1955144Tue, 24 Dec 2019 01:42:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Thu, 19 Dec 2019 12:54:11 GMT]]>Is it worthwhile to visit the Bay of Islands and do the Hole in the Rock cruise?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953907https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953907Thu, 19 Dec 2019 12:54:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Thu, 19 Dec 2019 09:02:21 GMT]]>

Rachel572\" post_id=\"1953841\" time=\"1576745072\" user_id=\"165775:

Serendipity\" post_id=\"1953757\" time=\"1576721253\" user_id=\"9658:

After further deliberation, we are thinking that self-drive may be a better option to fit in all that we wanna see.
Did a preliminary itinerary. Welcome any comments on the feasibility and recommendations for accommodation!

It just seems there's so much to see and do... was actually thinking of a shorter trip ard 11days. Any ideas if I can still shorten the itinerary without compromising too much on the activities? Is it possible to see everything in Taupo in one day? Or is it not worthwhile to stay overnight in Waitomo (and I should just head straight to Rotorua after Glowworm caves)?

Day 1\tArrive in Auckland:\t Rest & recharge; explore city
Day 2\tAuckland:\t Explore city
Day 3\tAuckland:\t Bay of Islands Day Tour with Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Day 4\tAuckland -> Waitomo:\t Glowworm Grotto + Ruakuri Cave; Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
Day 5\tWaitomo -> Rotorua:\t Whakarewarewa; Rainbow Springs; Redwoods Treewalk
Day 6\tRotorua:\t Wai-O-Tapu; Agrodome Farm Tour
Day 7\tRotorua -> Taupo:\t Hobbiton; Rotorua Skyline + Luge (Head to Taupo after)
Day 8\tTaupo:\t Lake Taupo; Huka Falls;
Day 9\tTaupo:\t Craters of the Moon; see Taupo Bungy (not doing! haha)
Day 10\tTaupo -> Wellington (by domestic flight): Explore city
Day 11\tWellington:\t Seal Coast Safari (Guided tour)
Day 12\tWellington:\t Weta Workshop Guided Tour
Day 13\tWellington -> Singapore


This is really helpful. Let me also present this one to my partner as we also planning to visit NZ next year. Please give us an update after your trip. Best of luck! :goodpost:

Lol... glad you found this useful! Though in less than a day I've tweaked my itinerary again! 😂

Now I'm planning to just have 2 nights in Taupo and try taking the Northern Explorer Train to Wellington instead of a flight for the views. Has anyone taken the Northern Explorer before and can share their experience?

Day 1\tArrive in Auckland:\tRest & recharge; explore city
Day 2\tAuckland:\tExplore city (Skytower; 12:50pm Behind-the-Scenes Tour @ Aquarium)
Day 3\tAuckland:\tBay of Islands Day Tour with Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Day 4\tAuckland -> Waitomo:\tGlowworm Grotto + Ruakuri Cave; Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
Day 5\tWaitomo -> Rotorua:\tRainbow Springs; Redwoods Treewalk; Spirit Mountain Combo - (Adventure Playground & Mitai Maori Village) 2.30pm
Day 6\tRotorua:\tWai-O-Tapu; Hamurana Springs; Rotorua Skyline + Luge + Stargazing
Day 7\tRotorua -> Taupo:\tHobbiton with Lunch; Agrodome Farm Tour
Day 8\tTaupo:\tLake Taupo Scenic Flight; Huka Falls River Cruise; see Taupo Bungy
Day 9\tTaupo -> National Park Railway Station -> Wellington:\tCraters of the Moon / Aratia Rapids (where they filmed a scene from the Hobbit); Board Northern Explorer Train at National Park by 12.50pm -> Wellington 6.25pm
Day 10\tWellington:\tWeta Workshop There and Back Again Tour; Zealandia Twilight Tours
Day 11\tWellington:\tSeal Coast Safari in Wellington; Explore Wellington city
Day 12\tWellington -> Singapore

Update: the train seemed like a good idea until I remembered I have little means of returning my rental car b4 boarding the train :slapshead: 😢

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953850https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953850Thu, 19 Dec 2019 09:02:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Thu, 19 Dec 2019 02:09:47 GMT]]>

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"1953746\" time=\"1576713615\" user_id=\"28674:

Serendipity\" post_id=\"1953697\" time=\"1576676355\" user_id=\"9658:

Hi starlight! I read that InterCity does not provide hotel pickup and drop off. Was that an issue? I'll be travelling with 2 kids so the thought of lugging luggage to a pickup point is a little 😓

How old are your kids? Are they able to walk reasonable distances? Because without a car, they will have to. You can try to pack light so you have fewer pieces to take care of. My family of 4 usually travels with 2 24\" trolley bags, so even when my kids were young, only the 2 adults had to pull a bag. The kids only carried a backpack each. Try to find accommodation near the bus stations so you won't have too far to walk.

NZ, like many countries which rely on cars, isn't really set up for pedestrians except in the cities. If you take tours, they will drop you off at tourist sites, otherwise you may have to walk some way to the tourist places from the nearest bus stops, and you may find it difficult to get to the less popular ones. Driving is quite easy as traffic is generally light, but of course you have to be careful not to plan to drive too far each day, and be careful of different driving conditions.

Thanks slmkhoo! Yes it does seem like self-drive makes it so much more convenient for luggage. Just stow it in the car! So we're exploring that now for North Island where it should be easier to drive than in the South Island (I think?).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953759https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953759Thu, 19 Dec 2019 02:09:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Thu, 19 Dec 2019 02:07:33 GMT]]>After further deliberation, we are thinking that self-drive may be a better option to fit in all that we wanna see.

Did a preliminary itinerary. Welcome any comments on the feasibility and recommendations for accommodation!

It just seems there’s so much to see and do… was actually thinking of a shorter trip ard 11days. Any ideas if I can still shorten the itinerary without compromising too much on the activities? Is it possible to see everything in Taupo in one day? Or is it not worthwhile to stay overnight in Waitomo (and I should just head straight to Rotorua after Glowworm caves)?

Day 1\tArrive in Auckland:\t Rest & recharge; explore city
Day 2\tAuckland:\t Explore city
Day 3\tAuckland:\t Bay of Islands Day Tour with Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Day 4\tAuckland -> Waitomo:\t Glowworm Grotto + Ruakuri Cave; Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
Day 5\tWaitomo -> Rotorua:\t Whakarewarewa; Rainbow Springs; Redwoods Treewalk
Day 6\tRotorua:\t Wai-O-Tapu; Agrodome Farm Tour
Day 7\tRotorua -> Taupo:\t Hobbiton; Rotorua Skyline + Luge (Head to Taupo after)
Day 8\tTaupo:\t Lake Taupo; Huka Falls;
Day 9\tTaupo:\t Craters of the Moon; see Taupo Bungy (not doing! haha)
Day 10\tTaupo -> Wellington (by domestic flight): Explore city
Day 11\tWellington:\t Seal Coast Safari (Guided tour)
Day 12\tWellington:\t Weta Workshop Guided Tour
Day 13\tWellington -> Singapore

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953757https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953757Thu, 19 Dec 2019 02:07:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:15 GMT]]>

Serendipity\" post_id=\"1953697\" time=\"1576676355\" user_id=\"9658:

Hi starlight! I read that InterCity does not provide hotel pickup and drop off. Was that an issue? I'll be travelling with 2 kids so the thought of lugging luggage to a pickup point is a little 😓
How old are your kids? Are they able to walk reasonable distances? Because without a car, they will have to. You can try to pack light so you have fewer pieces to take care of. My family of 4 usually travels with 2 24\" trolley bags, so even when my kids were young, only the 2 adults had to pull a bag. The kids only carried a backpack each. Try to find accommodation near the bus stations so you won't have too far to walk.

NZ, like many countries which rely on cars, isn't really set up for pedestrians except in the cities. If you take tours, they will drop you off at tourist sites, otherwise you may have to walk some way to the tourist places from the nearest bus stops, and you may find it difficult to get to the less popular ones. Driving is quite easy as traffic is generally light, but of course you have to be careful not to plan to drive too far each day, and be careful of different driving conditions.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953746https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953746Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:59:31 GMT]]>Serendipity

We did not use the Intercity pass.

We booked the coach rides, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, Milford Sound cruise from Intercity.

During the coach rides, the driver will give brief description on the places. There are toilet and lunch breaks along the journey.

I cant rem the luggage entitlement. We didn't bother much as we always travel light.

As for pick up and drop off points, we choose accommodations which are close to these points.

There are plenty of accommodation options. We stayed in hostels and Airbnb. Both provide laundry facilities and thus is helpful as we travelled light.

For NZ NI, we went to Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Taupo and Wellington. Duration : 2 wks

For NZ SI, we went Franz Josef, Queenstown, Wanaka and Christchurch. Duration: 2 wks

Happy planning 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953721https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953721Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:59:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:39:15 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1953694\" time=\"1576674457\" user_id=\"14025:

Serendipity
I DIY for North and South Island.
I travelled from one city to another using Intercity coaches. Am pleased with its service. You can book early as the prices change as the date gets closer.
Their tours are value for money too.
Hi starlight! I read that InterCity does not provide hotel pickup and drop off. Was that an issue? I'll be travelling with 2 kids so the thought of lugging luggage to a pickup point is a little 😓

Any problems with luggage on Intercity?

I also see that they have TravelPass option. Did you use that?

I suppose their departure times are fixed each day and there's only one departure time?

Hope you don't mind my many questions. Thank you!!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953697https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953697Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:39:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:07:37 GMT]]>Serendipity

I DIY for North and South Island.
I travelled from one city to another using Intercity coaches. Am pleased with its service. You can book early as the prices change as the date gets closer.
Their tours are value for money too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953694https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953694Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:07:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:01:05 GMT]]>

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"1953683\" time=\"1576671298\" user_id=\"28674:

Serendipity\" post_id=\"1953651\" time=\"1576657701\" user_id=\"9658:

Anyone who's visited places like Whakarewarewa / Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Hobbiton and Waitomo caves on their own? Is it feasible to just turn up and book tickets and gain admission (almost immediately)? Or must we prebook?

I read abt Redwoods Treewalk too... seems rather interesting. Anyone tried it?

For Hobbiton, it's definitely safer to book online in advance. At peak seasons, I believe it can be quite crowded. I think I booked Te Puia online in advance too. I didn't visit the other places you mention. Sometimes, booking online is slightly cheaper than showing up in person, but I can't remember if that was the case in NZ. We were doing self-drive, so I preferred to be sure of entering at a convenient time for us, given the other things we were planning to fit in.

Thanks slmkhoo! Prob will be more kiasu and book first then 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953692https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953692Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:01:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:00:13 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1953675\" time=\"1576668321\" user_id=\"14025:

Serendipity\" post_id=\"1953651\" time=\"1576657701\" user_id=\"9658:

Anyone who's visited places like Whakarewarewa / Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Hobbiton and Waitomo caves on their own? Is it feasible to just turn up and book tickets and gain admission (almost immediately)? Or must we prebook?

I read abt Redwoods Treewalk too... seems rather interesting. Anyone tried it?

There is a bus service to Te Puia.
We joined Intercity Hobbiton and Waitomo caves which departs from Auckland and ends at Rotorua.

Thanks starlight! How was the Intercity experience? I'm also contemplating \"outsourcing\" driving. If you did a DIY trip without driving, would you mind sharing any tips or tour operators? :please:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953691https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953691Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:00:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 12:14:58 GMT]]>

Serendipity\" post_id=\"1953651\" time=\"1576657701\" user_id=\"9658:

Anyone who's visited places like Whakarewarewa / Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Hobbiton and Waitomo caves on their own? Is it feasible to just turn up and book tickets and gain admission (almost immediately)? Or must we prebook?

I read abt Redwoods Treewalk too... seems rather interesting. Anyone tried it?
For Hobbiton, it's definitely safer to book online in advance. At peak seasons, I believe it can be quite crowded. I think I booked Te Puia online in advance too. I didn't visit the other places you mention. Sometimes, booking online is slightly cheaper than showing up in person, but I can't remember if that was the case in NZ. We were doing self-drive, so I preferred to be sure of entering at a convenient time for us, given the other things we were planning to fit in.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953683https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953683Wed, 18 Dec 2019 12:14:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:25:21 GMT]]>

Serendipity\" post_id=\"1953651\" time=\"1576657701\" user_id=\"9658:

Anyone who's visited places like Whakarewarewa / Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Hobbiton and Waitomo caves on their own? Is it feasible to just turn up and book tickets and gain admission (almost immediately)? Or must we prebook?

I read abt Redwoods Treewalk too... seems rather interesting. Anyone tried it?
There is a bus service to Te Puia.
We joined Intercity Hobbiton and Waitomo caves which departs from Auckland and ends at Rotorua.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953675https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953675Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:25:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:28:21 GMT]]>Anyone who’s visited places like Whakarewarewa / Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Hobbiton and Waitomo caves on their own? Is it feasible to just turn up and book tickets and gain admission (almost immediately)? Or must we prebook?


I read abt Redwoods Treewalk too… seems rather interesting. Anyone tried it?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953651https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953651Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:28:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: New Zealand on Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:19:02 GMT]]>I am unsure the science behind.


The bubbling water from hot springs in Rotorua (or even Japan) is due to the heat at deep down the earth which heated up the water.

It is probably similar to our hot spring in Sembawang.

The hot springs may not be due to the volcanoes ???

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1952945https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1952945Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:19:02 GMT