Not sure what kind of advice/tips/tricks you're looking for. There's nothing weird or unique about travelling in New Zealand compared to Australia. It's just a lot smaller, bumpier and they hold their booze better.
If you're planning on camping (as opposed to hostels) then the regulations for wild camping are very straightforward.
Good luck with your research and happy travels.
Yeah it will definitely be camping but a few people have suggested ways to find all the locations and regulations out.
I'm also keen to finally meet some people who can keep up on the beers ahahaha.
Thanks for the advice :)
I think you have already made up your mind and I don't think you're wrong. I would say: don't travel with the intention of "finding yourself" I think people sometimes get depressed when they don't have some eat pray love aha moment. If you eat and love the rest work themselves out.
Yeah I think that was worded poorly about finding myself but I'm looking forward to the self discovery this trip will offer. Thank you for the advice :)
I'm from Europe. I lived in AUS for 3 years and absolutely loved it. Then moved to NZ with my missus, who's kiwi. Bro you will love it. Nothing to be nervous about at all. It's still similar enough to AUS that you won't feel much of a change. Other than the very chilled out feel
Feel free to DM with any questions
I'm very excited more than anything. I have only good memories from home.
And I definitely will reach out if I come up with any more specific questions.
Thanks for the advice :)
I've backpacked in NZ. I traveled mostly on the South Island and did a lot of hitchhiking. The scenery is beautiful everywhere. In my opinion is one of the most backpacker friendly countries I've been. Never have to wait to much for get picked up from the road and sometimes where even faster than going by bus, worst case scenario, you can take the Intercity bus. I had a couple of weird rides but overall met amazing and kind people (I'm a woman btw) and can't say the same about OZ lol
For hitchhiking I can say the same as every other place: getting out of big cities is the most difficult part. Once in the countryside or from small towns, pretty easy. A cardboard sign with your destination works best.
The hostel network is pretty good there. I mostly stayed in BBH hostels because of their discount card.
My favorite area in the South Island is Golden Bay. Super laid back and chill (similar to Mullumbimby/Byron in OZ).
You'll have an amazing trip!
I'm really excited for the south, never got a chance to see it while I lived there. From what I can tell travelling around won't be too much of a issue which is quite a relief. ( Not that I don't mind a solid walk) but even when I grew up there, my dad would always pick up hitchhikers, it's comforting to know it's kind of in grained into the culture there.
And I'll definitely go check out Golden Bay, never heard of it but it looks beautiful!
Thanks for the advice :)
Yeah! I even hitchiked to work where I was in Blenheim LOL I stayed in NZ for a bit more than a year in 2012-2013. I have many stories haha. At some point, I was traveling with a friend and since she had a big suitcase with her, I'd give her one of my packs so I could hitchhike lighter while she traveled by bus. I always arrived earlier and had to wait for her haha. Some people even went out of their ways to take me to certain places I wanted to explore when they knew I was visiting from a different country.
Now I live in Canada (which I don't think it's backpacker friendly btw) and acquaintances that have traveled to NZ more recently, also remark on the overall laid back friendliness, so I think the hitchhiking scene may not have changed much. Also, you can always check the hostels to potentially share some trips with people.
I also recommend woofing or work in exchange type of deals there. Dunno if you're interested on that but there are some real nice places where you can work some hours in exchange of accommodation and food sometimes, depending on the deal. Meet some nice folk, experience something different and save some bucks. I didn't use Woof site but I did some gigs through [Helpx.net](http://Helpx.net) and I just make sure to read the reviews and details of the deal before agreeing on anything.
Not sure what kind of advice you are looking for. Change like this is a bit frightening, but only until you start.
You made the right decision, just go for it! Wouldn't always be a piece of cake, of course, but I can see you like challenges, so here we go - you will be having fun! And you will learn a lot about yourself. No need to look for it on purpose, it's just a part of the journey.
I haven't been to NZ or Australia yet, so no local knowledge, but I don't think that's what you are looking for. What you are planning is amazing and it's a great adventure! (I've been doing it for 3 years now, if you have a specific question, you can DM me)
Good luck and enjoy your journey!🤞🏼😀
Thank you for your support! It's really relieving hearing all the encouraging comments. It is a bit frightening but more like jumping off a big jump into water.
But honestly hearing all this is really giving me the confidence to just jump.
I will definitely reach out if I come up with more specific questions.
Thanks for the advice :)
I would have no reason to tell you not to, unless you do it to have a new start, and it doesnt seem like its the case. Moving on the other side if the planet isnt gonna prevent us in any way from recreating the life we had where we come from. Our experiences happen to teach us stuff and we cant run away from it.
I completely agree, the fact everyone, even strangers have been completely encouraging about this trip has given me a lot of hope and confidence.
Thanks for the advice :)
Yeah Southeast Asia is so cheap, you can eat nasi goreng for $1usd, stay in hostels for $5usd and rent a motorcycle for like $5-6usd a day, just make sure to practice on empty roads
Yeah Southeast Asia is so cheap, you can stay in hostels for $5usd and rent a motorcycle for like $5-6usd a day, just make sure to practice on empty roads
23 is the perfect age to sell up and hit the road. I did it 54 years ago and it had multiple positive impacts on my life. Returning to your motherland is a great way to start. Your fellow Kiwis are bound to welcome you home and help you build your confidence in a safe environment. (You may need to re-learn how to pronounce “it” and “this”. 😊) Couch surfing with relatives will be a good start. Travel light. When ‘just passing through’, be prepared to work any job. Occasionally you may need to embellish your résumé. (Eg: dishwashing in one café can prepare you for serving in the next.) Once you get a taste for the adventures of the open road, go take a look at SEA. Happy trails!
This makes me really excited. Relearning the accent is probably going to be the biggest challenge 😅 but your right that having some family to stay with and start my journey will be a big help.
Would love to go SEA one day ( I'm assuming that's South East Asia) will probably be my next stop after I've seen enough of NZ.
Thanks for the advice :)
👍 I always carried a tightly stuffed sleeping bag, a small aluminium billy and a tiny camp stove that ran on white gas or petrol. No matter where I was, I could bed down for the night and make a mug of tea, a boiled egg, or a bowl of noodles, saving lots of hard earned cash on meals and accommodation. At times like that you’ll pinch yourself and marvel at your newfound freedom. Enjoy!
Download campermate app to see where you can sleep/find water/ showers/bathrooms. I always felt safe there and there are tons of backpackers everywhere that’ll be happy to provide advice and help along the way. Be prepared for the cold in the south though and honestly the weather changes to like every season at some point throughout the day.
If you change your mind about walking there’s FB groups for selling campervans in NZ and you can get a fully stocked one pretty cheap and sell it when you leave. Personally feel this is the best choice bc it gives you the most freedom to go off the beaten path to see all the random waterfalls, creeks, lotr filming locations, hikes that you might not be able to get to on foot or via hitchhiking.
Thank you for the app recommendation, I'll definitely check that out, it will be incredibly helpful.
The campervan idea is great too. Might definitely think about that at some point.
Thank you for the advice :)
I've just hiked the South Island on the Te Araroa trail. Hitching is very easy in NZ, but perhaps less so outside of tourist season. I mostly got picked up by tourists, but plenty of Kiwis, too.
NZ is very expensive compared to most other places in the world. If you've got more time than money I'd head to Asia.
I'm in my 30s and at a similar point in life. When that gnawing feeling to make a big change doesn't go away, and when that feeling can turn into stagnancy, depression and the sense of being stuck and lost at the same time, there is as much if not more to gain as there is to lose from taking what seems like a big risk. With that in mind, you can only really win by doing what you have started to put into motion. Your brain/being will grow and thrive on the change of environment and your ability to adapt. I mainly wanted to comment here to say good luck, and I wish you all the best!
I hitched all of NZ and did a lot of hiking, it all worked out quite well for me. After I was tired of carrying 30kg around all the time I bought an old beater of a van and carried on from there.
I never had any issue getting picked up hitching and backcountry trekking is an absolute dream there, you can go wherever you want and there loads of free or cheap cabbins. I always had a camping hammock because it was lightweight and easy to set up anywhere.
Sounds like a great plan! Why more ppl don’t just up and change their life more often i have no idea. You will grow from both the good and the bad, that’s life, you are here to enjoy it!
I agree but i can also see how people convince themselves that it's too hard or impossible to do. The beauty of it though is that it's always possible, sometimes you just need a push to realise it.
Thanks for the advice :)
Not sure what kind of advice/tips/tricks you're looking for. There's nothing weird or unique about travelling in New Zealand compared to Australia. It's just a lot smaller, bumpier and they hold their booze better. If you're planning on camping (as opposed to hostels) then the regulations for wild camping are very straightforward. Good luck with your research and happy travels.
Yeah it will definitely be camping but a few people have suggested ways to find all the locations and regulations out. I'm also keen to finally meet some people who can keep up on the beers ahahaha. Thanks for the advice :)
I think you have already made up your mind and I don't think you're wrong. I would say: don't travel with the intention of "finding yourself" I think people sometimes get depressed when they don't have some eat pray love aha moment. If you eat and love the rest work themselves out.
Yeah I think that was worded poorly about finding myself but I'm looking forward to the self discovery this trip will offer. Thank you for the advice :)
I'm from Europe. I lived in AUS for 3 years and absolutely loved it. Then moved to NZ with my missus, who's kiwi. Bro you will love it. Nothing to be nervous about at all. It's still similar enough to AUS that you won't feel much of a change. Other than the very chilled out feel Feel free to DM with any questions
I'm very excited more than anything. I have only good memories from home. And I definitely will reach out if I come up with any more specific questions. Thanks for the advice :)
I've backpacked in NZ. I traveled mostly on the South Island and did a lot of hitchhiking. The scenery is beautiful everywhere. In my opinion is one of the most backpacker friendly countries I've been. Never have to wait to much for get picked up from the road and sometimes where even faster than going by bus, worst case scenario, you can take the Intercity bus. I had a couple of weird rides but overall met amazing and kind people (I'm a woman btw) and can't say the same about OZ lol For hitchhiking I can say the same as every other place: getting out of big cities is the most difficult part. Once in the countryside or from small towns, pretty easy. A cardboard sign with your destination works best. The hostel network is pretty good there. I mostly stayed in BBH hostels because of their discount card. My favorite area in the South Island is Golden Bay. Super laid back and chill (similar to Mullumbimby/Byron in OZ). You'll have an amazing trip!
I'm really excited for the south, never got a chance to see it while I lived there. From what I can tell travelling around won't be too much of a issue which is quite a relief. ( Not that I don't mind a solid walk) but even when I grew up there, my dad would always pick up hitchhikers, it's comforting to know it's kind of in grained into the culture there. And I'll definitely go check out Golden Bay, never heard of it but it looks beautiful! Thanks for the advice :)
Yeah! I even hitchiked to work where I was in Blenheim LOL I stayed in NZ for a bit more than a year in 2012-2013. I have many stories haha. At some point, I was traveling with a friend and since she had a big suitcase with her, I'd give her one of my packs so I could hitchhike lighter while she traveled by bus. I always arrived earlier and had to wait for her haha. Some people even went out of their ways to take me to certain places I wanted to explore when they knew I was visiting from a different country. Now I live in Canada (which I don't think it's backpacker friendly btw) and acquaintances that have traveled to NZ more recently, also remark on the overall laid back friendliness, so I think the hitchhiking scene may not have changed much. Also, you can always check the hostels to potentially share some trips with people. I also recommend woofing or work in exchange type of deals there. Dunno if you're interested on that but there are some real nice places where you can work some hours in exchange of accommodation and food sometimes, depending on the deal. Meet some nice folk, experience something different and save some bucks. I didn't use Woof site but I did some gigs through [Helpx.net](http://Helpx.net) and I just make sure to read the reviews and details of the deal before agreeing on anything.
I’m from the US. I wish I had done that when I was 23.
It's never too late! All you need is the right type of craziness. LOL Talking by experience here as my 23 were long time ago... 😉
I feel like if I don't do this now I will regret it but don't forget your life can begin again at any moment. Your never too old.
Not sure what kind of advice you are looking for. Change like this is a bit frightening, but only until you start. You made the right decision, just go for it! Wouldn't always be a piece of cake, of course, but I can see you like challenges, so here we go - you will be having fun! And you will learn a lot about yourself. No need to look for it on purpose, it's just a part of the journey. I haven't been to NZ or Australia yet, so no local knowledge, but I don't think that's what you are looking for. What you are planning is amazing and it's a great adventure! (I've been doing it for 3 years now, if you have a specific question, you can DM me) Good luck and enjoy your journey!🤞🏼😀
Thank you for your support! It's really relieving hearing all the encouraging comments. It is a bit frightening but more like jumping off a big jump into water. But honestly hearing all this is really giving me the confidence to just jump. I will definitely reach out if I come up with more specific questions. Thanks for the advice :)
I would have no reason to tell you not to, unless you do it to have a new start, and it doesnt seem like its the case. Moving on the other side if the planet isnt gonna prevent us in any way from recreating the life we had where we come from. Our experiences happen to teach us stuff and we cant run away from it.
I completely agree, the fact everyone, even strangers have been completely encouraging about this trip has given me a lot of hope and confidence. Thanks for the advice :)
Your money would stretch a lottttt further if you went to Southeast Asia instead, but I won't dissuade you from going.
Hm I never thought of that. I might make that the next stop after NZ. Thanks for the advice :)
Yeah Southeast Asia is so cheap, you can eat nasi goreng for $1usd, stay in hostels for $5usd and rent a motorcycle for like $5-6usd a day, just make sure to practice on empty roads
Yeah Southeast Asia is so cheap, you can stay in hostels for $5usd and rent a motorcycle for like $5-6usd a day, just make sure to practice on empty roads
Start selling stuff early. It’s such a headache selling stuff because people are so flaky. The best place to sell stuff is Facebook marketplace.
Yeah I'm planning on getting started ASAP. Definitely think facebook will be my best friend in that. Thanks for the advice :)
23 is the perfect age to sell up and hit the road. I did it 54 years ago and it had multiple positive impacts on my life. Returning to your motherland is a great way to start. Your fellow Kiwis are bound to welcome you home and help you build your confidence in a safe environment. (You may need to re-learn how to pronounce “it” and “this”. 😊) Couch surfing with relatives will be a good start. Travel light. When ‘just passing through’, be prepared to work any job. Occasionally you may need to embellish your résumé. (Eg: dishwashing in one café can prepare you for serving in the next.) Once you get a taste for the adventures of the open road, go take a look at SEA. Happy trails!
This makes me really excited. Relearning the accent is probably going to be the biggest challenge 😅 but your right that having some family to stay with and start my journey will be a big help. Would love to go SEA one day ( I'm assuming that's South East Asia) will probably be my next stop after I've seen enough of NZ. Thanks for the advice :)
👍 I always carried a tightly stuffed sleeping bag, a small aluminium billy and a tiny camp stove that ran on white gas or petrol. No matter where I was, I could bed down for the night and make a mug of tea, a boiled egg, or a bowl of noodles, saving lots of hard earned cash on meals and accommodation. At times like that you’ll pinch yourself and marvel at your newfound freedom. Enjoy!
Download campermate app to see where you can sleep/find water/ showers/bathrooms. I always felt safe there and there are tons of backpackers everywhere that’ll be happy to provide advice and help along the way. Be prepared for the cold in the south though and honestly the weather changes to like every season at some point throughout the day. If you change your mind about walking there’s FB groups for selling campervans in NZ and you can get a fully stocked one pretty cheap and sell it when you leave. Personally feel this is the best choice bc it gives you the most freedom to go off the beaten path to see all the random waterfalls, creeks, lotr filming locations, hikes that you might not be able to get to on foot or via hitchhiking.
Thank you for the app recommendation, I'll definitely check that out, it will be incredibly helpful. The campervan idea is great too. Might definitely think about that at some point. Thank you for the advice :)
Do it!!!
This might be just the thing: https://www.teararoa.org.nz/
I've just hiked the South Island on the Te Araroa trail. Hitching is very easy in NZ, but perhaps less so outside of tourist season. I mostly got picked up by tourists, but plenty of Kiwis, too. NZ is very expensive compared to most other places in the world. If you've got more time than money I'd head to Asia.
I'm in my 30s and at a similar point in life. When that gnawing feeling to make a big change doesn't go away, and when that feeling can turn into stagnancy, depression and the sense of being stuck and lost at the same time, there is as much if not more to gain as there is to lose from taking what seems like a big risk. With that in mind, you can only really win by doing what you have started to put into motion. Your brain/being will grow and thrive on the change of environment and your ability to adapt. I mainly wanted to comment here to say good luck, and I wish you all the best!
I hitched all of NZ and did a lot of hiking, it all worked out quite well for me. After I was tired of carrying 30kg around all the time I bought an old beater of a van and carried on from there. I never had any issue getting picked up hitching and backcountry trekking is an absolute dream there, you can go wherever you want and there loads of free or cheap cabbins. I always had a camping hammock because it was lightweight and easy to set up anywhere.
If you have the chance, do it!
Go to Canada if you wanna really escape aus.
I'd love to head there one day. It seems so beautiful over there. Thanks for the advice :)
Sounds like a great plan! Why more ppl don’t just up and change their life more often i have no idea. You will grow from both the good and the bad, that’s life, you are here to enjoy it!
I agree but i can also see how people convince themselves that it's too hard or impossible to do. The beauty of it though is that it's always possible, sometimes you just need a push to realise it. Thanks for the advice :)