What a delightful wee soul you are . You do great things for your own country as you help travellers enjoy mine . I am 70 years old and have been a traveller . I have met quite a few Americans travellers who seem unable to enjoy the differences encountered along the way ,and see them as drawbacks . If it were possible I’d make you an honorary Newzealander. You certainly qualify . You video is very well done , very informative . Thank you .
Your ultimate travel tips will really help tourists or travellers planning to visit and explore New Zealand. We love New Zealand! Great video. Keep it up Mari. :)
Wow, awesome tips! So thorough! Just another tip, if you are travelling in New Zealand's summer season: December to February, it's best to book your accommodation in advance where ever you go - not just Queenstown. New Zealand goes a little bit nuts in summer. With that, we'd definitely recommend travelling in the shoulder seasons in New Zealand for all-round better deals and ease of spontaneous travel ;)
I am in the process of getting my work Visa and I am set to land in New Zealand in March 2021. Your videos have great information and I'm looking forward to experience this life changing trip. Again thanks for the great info.
I enjoy sightseeing around South Island and North Island New Zealand. Stopping for food is best part as well. I like to go by myself or others. Have fun at the same time. 🥑🍉🥐
New Zealand is my dream country since the 1980's to visit I haven't had a chance to go as yet but your amazing videos have inspired me to do so I am lucky that I live in Sydney Australia , as it is only a 3 hour flight to Christchurch New Zealand Thank you so much for all the fantastic info on New Zealand
Thank you for the helpful information! Helped me for my planning, the reversed seasons absolutely blew my mind! Never thought of that, thank you for pointing that out :]
Hi Mari :) I'm moving to Christchurch very soon and have been watching a lot of youtube videos to get some advice and tips..I came across your channel and have been binge watching your videos.. Love them! Thankyou for all the info :) xx
I'm a Kiwi and that was a great video! 😃 maybe some shots of roads, shops, transportation, etc would add more interest to those who have never been here. Other than that, it's awesome! I would recommend you pack an umbrella, good jacket, good walking shoes.. Just be prepared for the weather.
Mari, I am so happy to ran across your video, this is SO helpful. We are planning our trip to NZ and this is by far the most valuable info so far. Thank you!!
I just want to add, that this 'four seasons in one day' thing she keeps referring to doesn't apply on the East Coast of the North Island where the weather is moderated by the mountains in the centre of the North Island. Hawkes Bay and the Bay of Plenty for example, can be quite similar to the Mediterranean temperature and weather. Any place in NZ on the West Coast or that's surrounded by the sea will be variable.
So happy I found your chanel!! I plan to visit within 2 years, and are in planning mode. I wish to stay for a longer period :) Looking forward to exploring your chanel more during this winter !!!
Your videos are so helpful and I'm so thankful for all of your tips. I'll be traveling solo for the first time to New Zealand in 4 days. So nervous getting there, but I am so excited for the adventure ahead. Subscribed! 😁❤️
I’ve dreamt of coming here since high school and I’m finishing my masters at early June. So I’m planning to head to NZ during the winter time. Any recommendations? If I have to do one thing it would be the shot over jet experience. It would be my first flight international as well
If you’re going tramping/hiking very far, make sure DoC or at least someone knows your plans and when you expect to be back. Then make sure you tell them you are back or they'll call search and rescue to look for you. Expensive...
I've been watching all of your Vietnam videos cause I am off there in a month (wooh!), so it is interesting to watch a video on you talking about where I am from. I also didn't know that Eftpos wasn't a thing elsewhere :O The more you know. Really enjoying watching your videos, super helpful for a first time traveller. :D
At 4.40: If you are walking on the roadside, DO NOT walk on the left. You must walk on the side of the road facing the traffic, so that you can see the traffic and drivers can see you.
Have you been to Rangipo desert in the North island and Bannockburn in the South island.These places are actually dry desert like land formations.That is something different to the typical green landscapes on New Zealand.Thanks for the great advice
What do you recommend for a 1 day wow factor in Auckland that says..."wow this is cool Auckland/NZ. Not looking for sky/bungee jump or any adrenaline rush. I'm from NYC and will be staying a few days at Tatahi and Ulster to visit the Shire, Narnia and see beautiful rock formations on the beach. Any nice small villages/town similar to old european villages/town with restaurants, cafes, local shops? Appreciate any advice.
This was a great video and you are absolutely gorgeous! :) I'm headed there this fall! It would be cool to meet you if you're there at all this year too!
Could you tell me please, What will be a fair location, near transportation to stay for fourth day for a first time traveling in New Zealand? Thanks so much!
So cool! I’m from Tennessee and went on the 16 day NZ tour with Haka Tours and loved it! We stayed at YHA’s and Haka Lodges on both islands. Do you rent now that you live there? Or do you still stay at hostels?
Hi Mari ! I was wondering if you know anything about the Flexipass from Intercity company for long distance buses? I'm confused and skeptical about it. Are the buses there reliable?
I'm not sure about the Flexipass because I haven't used it, but I've taken a lot of Intercity buses and I've had no problems! They're definitely reliable I'd say. Good luck!
Nice video. I came across it via searching "explore nz" really wanted to find a series of videos of some ones trip around nz to see what people do. weirdly enough im born and raised here in the mighty Waikato. Top job on the video and seems like i found some content to keep me occupied during my breaks at work. :) btw video definitely nailed everything on the head
What do you like to do? Hottest month is February...... Skiing in winter in mddle of year... At the moment the temp is in the high 20's Celcius, sunset 8.18 p.m
.... and breathe! Have you thought of doing a tramping safety video? I think that because there aren't deadly animals in NZ people assume that it's completely safe, but weather + isolated, untamed wilderness + wrong decisions quickly turn tragic (and a third of all bush rescues are tourists). Btw: English, Māori and NZ Sign are all official languages, English is the lingua franca.
Yeah that's a good idea for a video! I think I would need to get an expert to help though, because I don't think I'm qualified to provide that kind of advice! Thank you for the clarification about the languages :)
I'm sure you have more than enough hiking expertise to advise most travellers - it probably just seems like common sense to you because you've done it for so long, but some travellers are newbies and won't know basic things to do to keep themselves safe.
Hi Mari, I and my daughter age 8 will be traveling to NZ in December for 10 days. I was watching a few of your videos and I was wondering which airpot to fly in that is closest to Rotorua (Glowworm), Hobbits and Ewoks, and Thermal? Are these places close to one another? Are there other things for families to do? Best hotel or Bnb near this places close to restaurants? etc.. how is the weather during this timeframe? I know its a lot but preparing early.
Great to see this as I am having trouble with the transportation and am leaving in few days lol Just a question, you mentioned InterCity and NakedBus did you get the Travel Pass/Flexi Pass or just the regular pass you get when taking bus?
Hey, I was wondering when you got your NZ drivers license, if the issuing authority punched a hole in your US one or if they just gave it back unsathed? Thanks, Mari!! I'm enjoying your videos as I prepare for my transition :)
Hi! Very helpful tips! I also got working holiday visa. So, this is all I need. The backpacker guide and tips really a need. Can i have your email so that I can ask questions regarding Working holiday scheme. This is my first anyway. Thanks!☺
You have an American accent but use a lot of British(OZ-NZ) words! Are you from the USA but have lived in the UK, OZ, NZ, etc or have a Parent from one of those Countries? My wife is English so I have traveled all over England, North America (50 states + Canada, Mexico, & Bahamas) + Western Europe & East Africa. I need to see NZ-OZ ie Oceana, Asia, South America & Antarctica + the Artic Ocean to get 7 Continents(3), 4 Oceans(3) & 50 States(DONE) ie my Bucket List. Cheers.
Hi I planing traveling to New Zealand but with My 4x4 from Oman Thanks for the useful information I would love to have more about camping rather than a hotel I would appreciate if you can send Me the camping location within the beaches/ mountains ext... Mohsin
If I was coming to New Zealand I would bring my debit card and get cash out of the atm like you said lot's of places take cards but when your in a different country you want to use there cash. I have questions about gas. so let's say somebody needs to fill up there tank with gas do gas stations have there own charge card like they do in the Us example for the Us would be , Shell, Sunoco, Gulf, Citgo, Bp , Exxon/Mobil does New Zealand have any gas station charge cards?
So New Zealand is ahead of us. if your coming from the Us would you recemond us having a pin in our credit not debit but credit card? there must be some places that are cash only? so paying at a restaurant sounds like paying at a diner. do they have cricket and Soccer what time of year and how many games do they play per season and whats the playoff format like?
New Zealand has has EFTPOS since the early 80s so pretty much everywhere has it now (including taxis and pizza delivery guys). We almost never use cash anymore. If you're visiting an attraction that is extremely remote or want to buy something from a road-side stall you'll probably need cash, but not during a normal day. It is a good idea to carry a little bit, though. You never know, eh? :D Cricket is played in the summer, soccer is played in both winter and summer as far as I know. Cricket is more popular than soccer (as far as mainstream media coverage goes), but both are DWARFED in popularity by Rugby. Rugby is our national game. It's pretty entertaining and fast-flowing to watch if you understand the rules (which are moderately complicated, but easy enough to learn). Season schedules are a bit beyond me, but good old uncle google will let you know :)
What a delightful wee soul you are . You do great things for your own country as you help travellers enjoy mine . I am 70 years old and have been a traveller . I have met quite a few Americans travellers who seem unable to enjoy the differences encountered along the way ,and see them as drawbacks . If it were possible I’d make you an honorary Newzealander. You certainly qualify . You video is very well done , very informative . Thank you .
Awesome 👍 love to see your enthusiasm for our little country 😊🇳🇿
The rocky water is awesome like walking a mountain in two motions
Your ultimate travel tips will really help tourists or travellers planning to visit and explore New Zealand. We love New Zealand! Great video. Keep it up Mari. :)
this is awesome. after studying abroad in NZ I couldn't agree more
As a local, I think you deserve a gold star and a scratch-and-sniff sticker for this :3
haha woo! Cheers xx
Took the words out of my mouth. Was super impressed by how much this covered!
***** Ditto. Spot on.
Well said, especially the advice about weather conditions and clothing.
Wow, awesome tips! So thorough! Just another tip, if you are travelling in New Zealand's summer season: December to February, it's best to book your accommodation in advance where ever you go - not just Queenstown. New Zealand goes a little bit nuts in summer. With that, we'd definitely recommend travelling in the shoulder seasons in New Zealand for all-round better deals and ease of spontaneous travel ;)
Hi you might remember me from your channel
@@yashasingh6068 Hi :)
I am in the process of getting my work Visa and I am set to land in New Zealand in March 2021. Your videos have great information and I'm looking forward to experience this life changing trip. Again thanks for the great info.
Can't wait for my second NZ trip. It is absolutely amazing!
hey Mari, this is super informative... thanks for the good work here.. cheers!!!!
Amazing tips! Thank you for taking the time to share this !
I enjoy sightseeing around South Island and North Island New Zealand. Stopping for food is best part as well. I like to go by myself or others. Have fun at the same time. 🥑🍉🥐
Planning a trip at the turn of the year 2023. Thank you for this: very informative and succinct. Hope you're doing well!
Great video! Loved the well organized ideas and thoughtful points. Such a beautiful country, NZ! 💕✌and you brought out the best of it. 😊
New Zealand is my dream country since the 1980's to visit I haven't had a chance to go as yet but your amazing videos have inspired me to do so I am lucky that I live in Sydney Australia , as it is only a 3 hour flight to Christchurch New Zealand Thank you so much for all the fantastic info on New Zealand
loving all the new videos this month! keep it up!
Thank you!
great tips, thanks!
"Be a tidy Kiwi", that is so cute lol. We really enjoyed this video! It would be really cool if you made these for every country you visit :)
Thanks for all the tips! New Zealand is on our list!
I'm planning to go to NZ next year with my family. This is really useful info. Thanks Mari ;) you earned my sub
Yay! I'm excited for your trip!
za8der it is far from indonesian man
Thank you for the helpful information! Helped me for my planning, the reversed seasons absolutely blew my mind! Never thought of that, thank you for pointing that out :]
I just got back from New Zealand, and this video is spot on! Nice job!
Cheers Shawn!
One of the best new zealand travel videos i've watched! Thanks!
Thanks for making that video! We will be there in Nov and Dec..
Hi Mari :) I'm moving to Christchurch very soon and have been watching a lot of youtube videos to get some advice and tips..I came across your channel and have been binge watching your videos.. Love them! Thankyou for all the info :) xx
This is rather helpful, I am planning on going to NZ at some point in the near future so I appreciate hearing this. Really helpful video Mari.
Happy to help!
I'm a Kiwi and that was a great video! 😃 maybe some shots of roads, shops, transportation, etc would add more interest to those who have never been here. Other than that, it's awesome! I would recommend you pack an umbrella, good jacket, good walking shoes.. Just be prepared for the weather.
Great video! Very informative! Thanks.
Wow, you packed a lot of useful info into that! Thanks so much!
Can't wait for you to come visit!
We still need the driving tips video, please!
Great Video! also loved the Maori pronounciation video!
Love the video,I am planning to go on summer,so just checking everything
I'm excited! I'm going to New Zealand this November!
Awesome! I'm going in May, can't wait!
lol im going there by the end of october :D
Crys same!
I'm also going in November ! :)
WanderwithAliceVlogs nice plan
Mari, I am so happy to ran across your video, this is SO helpful. We are planning our trip to NZ and this is by far the most valuable info so far. Thank you!!
Happy to hear that! Enjoy your trip! :)
I just want to add, that this 'four seasons in one day' thing she keeps referring to doesn't apply on the East Coast of the North Island where the weather is moderated by the mountains in the centre of the North Island. Hawkes Bay and the Bay of Plenty for example, can be quite similar to the Mediterranean temperature and weather. Any place in NZ on the West Coast or that's surrounded by the sea will be variable.
Pretty much all down the east coast of the north island has hotter dryer summers. The grapevines are a good indicator.
Another really good video. Thanks for making cool content on my home!
thx for the information ..highly impressed :)
Thank yoi.God bless
Mari, you are so helpful. Thank you for your vlogs! Luv them. I'm from Chicago...and looking forward to my experience in NZ!😊
Happy to help! Hello to Chicago!
So happy I found your chanel!! I plan to visit within 2 years, and are in planning mode. I wish to stay for a longer period :) Looking forward to exploring your chanel more during this winter !!!
Thanks for this video, I'm going to New Zealand next month and i found it very helpful :)
Nice video ! We just had out road trip around New Zealand and just love it !
Very comprehensive Mari, thank you.
Your videos are so helpful and I'm so thankful for all of your tips. I'll be traveling solo for the first time to New Zealand in 4 days. So nervous getting there, but I am so excited for the adventure ahead. Subscribed! 😁❤️
I’ve dreamt of coming here since high school and I’m finishing my masters at early June. So I’m planning to head to NZ during the winter time. Any recommendations? If I have to do one thing it would be the shot over jet experience. It would be my first flight international as well
How did your trip go?
Great informative video I must say. Thanks for the tips and I am super excited to visit NZ. I like the phrase "Be the tidy kiwi" hahaha
Cheers! Enjoy your trip!
If you’re going tramping/hiking very far, make sure DoC or at least someone knows your plans and when you expect to be back. Then make sure you tell them you are back or they'll call search and rescue to look for you. Expensive...
I've been watching all of your Vietnam videos cause I am off there in a month (wooh!), so it is interesting to watch a video on you talking about where I am from. I also didn't know that Eftpos wasn't a thing elsewhere :O The more you know. Really enjoying watching your videos, super helpful for a first time traveller. :D
What are you going to do when your visa expires?
That my New Zealand - Born now England, UK same my family live English in England.
That's a helpful tips. Hopefully we could get there one day.
At 4.40: If you are walking on the roadside, DO NOT walk on the left. You must walk on the side of the road facing the traffic, so that you can see the traffic and drivers can see you.
Have you been to Rangipo desert in the North island and Bannockburn in the South island.These places are actually dry desert like land formations.That is something different to the typical green landscapes on New Zealand.Thanks for the great advice
I haven't been yet! I'll have to check them out! Cheers!
Best of luck
Thanks for sharing
very informative. will visit New Zealand for the first time next year
nice where u going
What do you recommend for a 1 day wow factor in Auckland that says..."wow this is cool Auckland/NZ. Not looking for sky/bungee jump or any adrenaline rush. I'm from NYC and will be staying a few days at Tatahi and Ulster to visit the Shire, Narnia and see beautiful rock formations on the beach. Any nice small villages/town similar to old european villages/town with restaurants, cafes, local shops? Appreciate any advice.
Piha or Mangawhai Heads :p
This was a great video and you are absolutely gorgeous! :) I'm headed there this fall! It would be cool to meet you if you're there at all this year too!
Could you tell me please, What will be a fair location, near transportation to stay for fourth day for a first time traveling in New Zealand? Thanks so much!
When I first got here I was at a restaurant and by the end of the meal I just looked around like wait.. how do I pay? lol thanks for the helpful tips!
It would be nice if you could make presentation with pictures or video.However, i appreciate your information.
So cool! I’m from Tennessee and went on the 16 day NZ tour with Haka Tours and loved it! We stayed at YHA’s and Haka Lodges on both islands. Do you rent now that you live there? Or do you still stay at hostels?
That's awesome! I rent now :) But I still like staying at hostels sometimes when I travel
Welcome to you all for an adventure trek in Nepal !
For more detail message us🙏
I really like your content :) Keep it up!:)
Hi Mari ! I was wondering if you know anything about the Flexipass from Intercity company for long distance buses? I'm confused and skeptical about it. Are the buses there reliable?
I'm not sure about the Flexipass because I haven't used it, but I've taken a lot of Intercity buses and I've had no problems! They're definitely reliable I'd say. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your tip!
Awesome tips! I'm still in Auckland but heading south soon! :)
Nice.. 😊😊😊
Nice video. I came across it via searching "explore nz" really wanted to find a series of videos of some ones trip around nz to see what people do. weirdly enough im born and raised here in the mighty Waikato. Top job on the video and seems like i found some content to keep me occupied during my breaks at work. :) btw video definitely nailed everything on the head
Cheers Gregory! Glad a Kiwi can confirm this info! 😊
if I'm only there for a week, do I pick the north island or south?
You should be working for the NZ Tourism Board - well done roundup :-)
Pls can u tell which month is good to go
What do you like to do? Hottest month is February...... Skiing in winter in mddle of year... At the moment the temp is in the high 20's Celcius, sunset 8.18 p.m
.... and breathe!
Have you thought of doing a tramping safety video? I think that because there aren't deadly animals in NZ people assume that it's completely safe, but weather + isolated, untamed wilderness + wrong decisions quickly turn tragic (and a third of all bush rescues are tourists).
Btw: English, Māori and NZ Sign are all official languages, English is the lingua franca.
Perhaps she could do a course with the Mountain Safety Council? www.mountainsafety.org.nz/
Yeah that's a good idea for a video! I think I would need to get an expert to help though, because I don't think I'm qualified to provide that kind of advice! Thank you for the clarification about the languages :)
I'm sure you have more than enough hiking expertise to advise most travellers - it probably just seems like common sense to you because you've done it for so long, but some travellers are newbies and won't know basic things to do to keep themselves safe.
heres all ya need to know, stay on the dam track! the tracks are very obvious. none of those lost tourists were found on a track
Nice one can go together for travel.
I'll be traveling to New Zealand on August and do you know if it gets busy in Queenstown around that month?
Very busy. Height of the ski season.
Good video Mari, how long are you going to stay in NZ for? and are you planning on a North Island visit this time around?
Hi Mari, I and my daughter age 8 will be traveling to NZ in December for 10 days. I was watching a few of your videos and I was wondering which airpot to fly in that is closest to Rotorua (Glowworm), Hobbits and Ewoks, and Thermal? Are these places close to one another? Are there other things for families to do? Best hotel or Bnb near this places close to restaurants? etc.. how is the weather during this timeframe? I know its a lot but preparing early.
Hey Michelle! I replied to you on your other comment! :)
Great to see this as I am having trouble with the transportation and am leaving in few days lol
Just a question, you mentioned InterCity and NakedBus did you get the Travel Pass/Flexi Pass or just the regular pass you get when taking bus?
I would usually just get whatever was cheapest! :) Enjoy your trip!!
I read on the news that there is an activity called 'hold ups and shoot outs' in whangamomona, could anyone please explain it to me?please!!
Hey, I was wondering when you got your NZ drivers license, if the issuing authority punched a hole in your US one or if they just gave it back unsathed?
Thanks, Mari!! I'm enjoying your videos as I prepare for my transition :)
Hi! Very helpful tips! I also got working holiday visa. So, this is all I need. The backpacker guide and tips really a need. Can i have your email so that I can ask questions regarding Working holiday scheme. This is my first anyway. Thanks!☺
You have an American accent but use a lot of British(OZ-NZ) words! Are you from the USA but have lived in the UK, OZ, NZ, etc or have a Parent from one of those Countries? My wife is English so I have traveled all over England, North America (50 states + Canada, Mexico, & Bahamas) + Western Europe & East Africa. I need to see NZ-OZ ie Oceana, Asia, South America & Antarctica + the Artic Ocean to get 7 Continents(3), 4 Oceans(3) & 50 States(DONE) ie my Bucket List. Cheers.
Please stay you are most welcome :)
Hi I planing traveling to New Zealand but with My 4x4 from Oman
Thanks for the useful information
I would love to have more about camping rather than a hotel
I would appreciate if you can send Me the camping location within the beaches/ mountains ext...
Mohsin
Go and Google plenty of them around there
thanks for the info sweetheart!!
Where're you from??
If I was coming to New Zealand I would bring my debit card and get cash out of the atm like you said lot's of places take cards but when your in a different country you want to use there cash.
I have questions about gas. so let's say somebody needs to fill up there tank with gas do gas stations have there own charge card like they do in the Us example for the Us would be , Shell, Sunoco, Gulf, Citgo, Bp , Exxon/Mobil does New Zealand have any gas station charge cards?
Yeah but you need to apply for this credit checks etc just bring a Visa card and out it all on that cheers
shit girl ..relax and take a breather ..chill out !!
So New Zealand is ahead of us. if your coming from the Us would you recemond us having a pin in our credit not debit but credit card?
there must be some places that are cash only? so paying at a restaurant sounds like paying at a diner.
do they have cricket and Soccer what time of year and how many games do they play per season and whats the playoff format like?
You don't need to have a pin. Yes, I always recommend carrying some cash just in case. Sorry, can't answer any sports questions. :)
New Zealand has has EFTPOS since the early 80s so pretty much everywhere has it now (including taxis and pizza delivery guys). We almost never use cash anymore. If you're visiting an attraction that is extremely remote or want to buy something from a road-side stall you'll probably need cash, but not during a normal day. It is a good idea to carry a little bit, though. You never know, eh? :D
Cricket is played in the summer, soccer is played in both winter and summer as far as I know. Cricket is more popular than soccer (as far as mainstream media coverage goes), but both are DWARFED in popularity by Rugby. Rugby is our national game. It's pretty entertaining and fast-flowing to watch if you understand the rules (which are moderately complicated, but easy enough to learn). Season schedules are a bit beyond me, but good old uncle google will let you know :)
They have cricket and soccer here, getting popular usually around winter. general table rank format
Is there a big muslim community in New Zealand ? Are there many muslims there ?
Travelling NZ is nice but as self financing studentship is bed in all aspect.
I live in new zealand
Queenstown
Can I have ur contact like email. Cos I plan on moving there and settling too.
Did you buy a car Mari ?
Yeah I have a van now! But I didn't have a car at first
Mari Johnson are they fairly cheap? Recommended? I heard the insurance is optional, in my country insurance is mandatory and v expensive.
Instead of the ware house i'd recommend Kmart for cheap shopping. Much cheaper.
Maryanne Wongking i wish i vould be there
OMG them eyes!!! You are gorgeous.
your teeth are perfect
No pictures or maps thrown in? Just 15 minutes of you talking in your nicest sweatshirt? Hmm.