FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: New Zealand

  • See New Zealand On a Budget – Money Tips for New Zealand Travel

    Once considered a budget location, the growing strength of the New Zealand dollar has seen prices in the country rise.

    But if you know how, you can make your money go further in the Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand's extreme sports are amongst the country’s most expensive. It'd be a shame to miss out on these famous adrenalin-pumping activities altogether, but if you want to get your blood pumping on a daily basis you might struggle. Spend some time online researching the activities before you leave to know how much you can expect to pay. Plan ahead and choose perhaps one or two extreme adventures that really interest you. New Zealand has many tourist attractions which are either free or close to it. Consider hiking through the national parks, browsing art galleries and museums, or simply walking about New Zealand's cities.new zealand cheap trips New Zealand's famous food is another luxury that could end up costing you plenty. Big breakfasts at trendy inner city cafes can easily cost more than $16, while main meals at high-end restaurants start at around $30. If you hope to sample some of New Zealand’s iconic sauvignon blanc with your meal, that’s an additional expense to factor in. To cut costs consider cooking your own meals in your hotel rooms or on public barbeques, and buying your wines directly from the cellar door. Accommodation can also add to the cost of your New Zealand trip. To save cash consider staying in fewer locations; many hotels and motels will offer discounted rates for travelers staying for extended periods. If you'd prefer to vacation on the move consider hiring a campervan or RV. It'd be a shame to deprive yourself of all New Zealand has to offer in an attempt to save cash, but some careful planning can ensure you don't spend more than you have to.

  • Ride the Schweeb in New Zealand, New Adventure Ride in Rotorua

    Thousands of tourists flock to New Zealand each year to get their blood pumping. The home of bungee jumping offers many adventure sports, including kayaking, kite surfing, and skiing.

    The country's latest contribution is the Shweeb, located just outside Rotorua at Agroventures. The Schweeb velodrome is the first human-powered monorail track in the world. Its name comes from the German word schwebebahn, which translates to hanging railway. There are two overhead rail circuits: one two meters above the ground and the other four. The pedal-powered vehicles are positioned underneath the tracks; they're secure but free to move around a bit to increase the thrills. As you pick up speed you'll swear that you're flying as you soar over the terrain below! Racing is encouraged with up to five vehicles able to be loaded on the tracks at any one time. Take on your friends one-on-one, team up for tandem races, or race against the clock and smash your own personal best!Global Travel Image The smooth track and aerodynamic configuration sees riders reaching speeds of up to 45 kays per hour. The bends can be bit hair-raising with angles up to 60 degrees, so you'll need to hold your nerve! The Shweeb's seats suit riders between 1.4 and two meters tall, although smaller children can ride as passengers. The Schweeb is suitable to ride in any weather conditions, as the pods keep the rain out and a metal roof minimizes the effects of the sun. Rides cost $35 per person. While you're at Agroventures, make sure you stop to check out some of the other wild rides. Activities include Agrojet, the fastest jet ride in the country, Freefall Xtreme, and of course, bungy jumping!

  • Luxury in the Bay of Islands at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa

    If you’re looking for ultimate luxury during your New Zealand stay, consider bunkering down at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

    Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa is located in the Cavalli Islands, a small cluster of isles located to the east of Matauri Bay.

    It opens its doors to just eight guests at a time, who clearly enjoy the privacy and pampering. These visitors arrive aboard a luxury yacht, which is also available to them at any time during their stay. On stepping foot on the island, the lucky travelers are greeted with a traditional Maori powhiri ceremony. There are contemporary and old world accommodation options. Modern tastes will love the sophisticated suite in the main pavilion. In contrast, the cottage dates back to the 1800s. Its open fireplace and antique bath are remnants of the past, but of course there are all the creature comforts of the 21st century too including cable television on the big screen.find cheap hotels The rooms are just a stone's throw from the beach, but guests preferring to avoid the waves can enjoy the water in the lodge's private pool. It's easy to relax here, with a jacuzzi and the famous spa treatments upping the opulence. If you want to raise your heart rate, the lodge also has a professional gymnasium. Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa also employs award-winning chefs who are willing to whip up a gourmet dish using the freshest local produce whenever your tummy grumbles. And these meals always taste best paired with one of New Zealand's favorite wines from the retreat's private cellar. It's probably obvious that a stay at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa isn’t cheap. At $13, 230 a night per couple at the time of writing, it's out of the reach of most mere mortals. But if you've got the cash to spare, there are worse ways to spend it!

  • Rent a Bach in New Zealand’s North Island – Self Contained Accommodation for Less

    The North Island of New Zealand is one of the most popular spots in the Southern Hemisphere, with many people flying in each year to experience the easy marriage of Maori culture and European history, the lush scenery, and the delicious wines.

    Of course, as with any tourist center, accommodation can be expensive. But it need not cost you a fortune if you avoid the hotels and rent a Bach instead! A Bach is the New Zealand term for a holiday house or shack, but don't let that description cloud your judgment. While some are basic, many offer luxuries like absolute beachfront locations and barbeque facilities. Of course if you want to live the high life, you'll need to pay for it! Whether you decide to live large or survive on the basics, you'll enjoy a working kitchen, laundry facilities, and more space to spread out than a hotel room would allow. In fact, many are so large that several couples can share the Bach to cut down on costs. [caption id="attachment_3486" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Bach in New Zealand"]A Bach in New Zealand[/caption] Moving away from the regular tourist beat can also help you experience the local area as a resident would. Your neighbors know the area better than most, so listen to their activity and restaurant recommendations! Prices vary considerably, but you can expect to pay as little as $300 or as much as $2000 a week. To find a Bach in your price range, visit the Rent a Bach website.

  • Wine Travel Tips – How to Transport Wine from Australia and New Zealand

    The wonderful wineries of Australia and New Zealand are a must see for any tourist traveling to the Southern Hemisphere.

    Most tourists will want to take a bottle or two home as a souvenir of their stay, but it can be confusing to know how to transport this precious cargo. By following these simple tips, you can guarantee that your wine will arrive home in the same condition it left the vineyard. If you're traveling in a hire car, the natural instinct of most drivers is to store the wine in the trunk. However, this area of the car can get very hot and cause the wine to spoil. A much better option is to keep the wine inside the car for the air conditioning to cool it. Just as you shouldn't store wine in the boot, you shouldn't store wine in the sun. Wine left in a parked car will also become overheated, so once your day of wine tasting is done make sure you take your purchases into your hotel. Ideally your wine should not roll about your vehicle. This movement can interfere with the natural aging process. If buying a small quantity of wine, ask the winemaker whether he can spare a box. This will generally have partitions inside so bottles sit securely and do not clink together. As you visit other wineries, you can then put your new purchases inside the same box. If your car isn't full, you could even secure the box in place with a seatbelt. While it's tempting to toast to your return home, it's much better to wait. Just as we suffer jet lag, wine experiences a kind of travel "bottle shock." It will taste much better once it's had a few days to recover.

  • Traditional Hangi, a Pacific Underground Feast

    A hangi is a traditional meal enjoyed in the island nations of New Zealand and the South Pacific. In Samoa it is called umu, and in Fiji it’s known as lovo.

    Hangi refers both to the food eaten, the method it is cooked, and the underground oven it’s cooked in.

    At a hangi, different meats and vegetables are wrapped in leaves or aluminum foil, then placed in a pit lined with hot stones. The parcels are covered with wet cloths and earth to trap the heat inside. The dishes then steam for several hours until the vegetables are flavorsome and the meats are fall-apart tender. Chicken, beef, fish, and kumera are traditional dishes served at a hangi. Today pork, lamb, potatoes, and pumpkin are also often prepared this way. The unconventional cooking method imbues the food with a delicious earthy, smoky flavor. The decision to cook food underground may seem unusual to Westerners, but it makes sense when understanding that the native Islanders believe that the earth gives all life. As all life comes from soil, it seems right to return that life-giving food to the earth. A hangi is a communal experience, where food is shared freely amongst old friends and new ones. Traditionally a hangi was reserved for special occasions where a village came together to celebrate. All members of the family would assist in the feast, with the men preparing the underground oven and the women tending to the food. [caption id="attachment_3379" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Maori warrior"]A Maori warrior[/caption] Today many hotels and cultural villages in tourist towns regularly serve hangi feasts. These allow visitors to experience the country's culture, and are often accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Tourists can enjoy a hangi meal at many locations throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific including Tamaki Maori Village in the New Zealand city of Rotorua, Lalati Resort in Fiji, and Princess Tui Inn (NOTE: Fire destroyed the building in late 2010) in the Samoan beachside town of Apia.

    [Image Source: Geoftheref/Flickr]

  • Fishing in New Zealand – The Best Places to Land a Big Fish

    Seasoned anglers and casual fishermen should make sure they pack a rod and reel when traveling to New Zealand.

    With abundant coastline and countless lakes and rivers inland, it's always easy to find a private place to cast off. Stud farms and hatcheries replenish the fish in New Zealand's waterways, so there is plenty of sizable seafood to catch. While some Kiwi fishermen prefer to guard the secrets of their favorite fishing spots, most locals are happy to share their knowledge. The fish you'll catch depends on the area you lay down your line. Lake Taupo is famous for trout measuring at least half a meter. While that will lure in serious fishermen, casual casters may be perturbed by the $30 a day fishing fee. If you've got access to a boat, or want to join a tour, consider heading to the Bay or Plenty or The Coromandel. These are big game fishing areas, with yellowtail kingfish, marlin, puka, and snapper inhabiting the waters. [caption id="attachment_3358" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A brown trout, commonly found in New Zealand waters"]new zealand brown trout[/caption] A few kilometers from Lake Tekapo you'll find Mount Cook Salmon Farm. Free fishing is allowed along the canal, but if you’re happy to pay for a guaranteed catch you can fish inside the farm's net. Fly fishing is popular along Ngongotaha Stream at Rotorua Lake. The waters here are so clear, you can actually watch the trout as they swim past. Nearby Ohar Channel is another popular fly fishing spot. The waters of Pohara Harbour, near Abel Tasman National Park, are brimming with seafood. Spotties and Australian salmon are particularly common here, but watch out for the manta rays. They'll snap your line in a second, so you’ll need to carry some extra hooks! Before setting out, it's important to obtain a fishing license. These are available online from New Zealand's Fish and Game website. Whole season and shorter 24-hour licenses are available for adults, juniors, and families. While at the website, make sure you familiarize yourself with the regulations of the area you intend to fish. These rules govern minimum sizes, bag limits, and the times and areas that fishing is permitted. Of course, you shouldn't worry if you don't catch your dinner. With many seafood restaurants in every New Zealand city, you won’t miss out on tasting the local delicacies!

  • Ride the Naked Bus, Stripping Travel Costs in New Zealand

    Tourists looking to travel around New Zealand on the cheap should forget about planes and hire cars. There’s a much more affordable travel option: the cheekily named Naked Bus.

    Since 2006, Naked Bus has been providing budget travel between New Zealand’s major cities and towns.

    Its initial four routes have expanded to a national network crossing the North and South Island. If you want to jump from one to the other, that's no problem either. For an additional $39 your Naked Bus trip can include the ferry ride across Cook Strait. The first seat on every service costs just one dollar, so the sooner you book the less you'll pay. Naked Passports are also available, giving tourists discounted travel on a minimum of five trips. The priciest option is the Unlimited Travel Pass, although at less than $600 for a full year's travel it’s a great option for those taking an extended stay. Naked Bus staff are also happy to book activities for their guests, including the blackwater rafting in Waitomo or bungee jumping from the Auckland Bridge. Every activity you book also reduces the price of your bus fare. Day trips are also available at discounted prices, including scenic trips to Milford Sound or whitewater rafting adventures in Rotorua. Travelers can book a Naked Bus trip through their website or by calling 0900 62533 from a cell phone in New Zealand. Booking confirmation is sent via SMS, which is then shown to the driver.

  • Bungy Jumping for Adrenalin Junkies in New Zealand

    New Zealand attracts thrill seekers from around the world keen to experience all this natural playground has to offer.

    From rock sailing to river boarding, New Zealand has plenty of adventure activities to get your blood pumping. But the granddaddy of them all is a New Zealand invention called bungy jumping. In this extreme activity, adrenalin junkies jump from a structure, such as a bridge or platform, while their feet are attached with a latex cord. The excitement comes both from the free-fall and the rebounds experienced at the bottom. [caption id="attachment_3277" align="alignright" width="130" caption="Bungy jumping in Nevis Canyon, Queenstown"]Bungy jumping in Nevis Canyon, Queenstown[/caption] While bungy jumping has become popular all around the globe, it's worth experiencing this activity where it all began. The world's first commercial bungy site, AJ Hackett Bungy, opened in Queenstown in 1988. Since then the business has expanded operations to include a location in Auckland and a variety of bungy jumping options. In Auckland you can jump off the city's main bridge, but on the original site there are many more experiences to choose from. There's the massive 134-meter Nevis Bungy set in the rugged Nevis Canyon, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, and the only urban bungy in Queenstown known as The Ledge. In Rotorua, adventurers head to Agrodome Park for their bungy fix. This is one of New Zealand's most picturesque bungee spots, with views of Mount Ngongotaha, the Paradise Valley, and nearby Lake Rotorua. Rotorua Bungy offers solo and tandem jumps from a 43-meter tower to the Ngongotaha River below. If that doesn't give you enough of a thrill, Agrodome Park also has zorbing, jetsprinting, and a giant swing called The Swoop. Nervous jumpers shouldn't let Thrillseeker's Canyon Bungy intimate them. Located on the Waiau River near Hanmer Springs, this is New Zealand's lowest bungy site at 35 meters. There's also jet boating and rafting on site for anyone looking for another high. New Zealand bungy jumping experiences can range between $20 and $220, depending on the operator and the package's inclusions. It's common for jumpers to receive a T-shirt and certificate, while videos and action photos may also be available at an additional cost.

  • Getting To and From Auckland Airport – New Zealand Transport Made Easy

    Auckland Airport is the largest in New Zealand, the gateway to your Kiwi getaway. However its location in suburban Mangere, a small town 21 kilometers out of Auckland, can perturb some visitors. With a little know how though it’s not hard to make your way from the airport to the city center and other local vacation spots.

    Regular MAXX bus services connect the airport to Auckland City and other major centers, including Paptoetoe, Manukau, and Botany.

    The MAXX website offers timetable information for its bus services. In addition to Auckland's regular MAXX bus service, Airbus Express also offers bus travel exclusively for travelers. Look for the bright blue buses,' which will take you to Auckland's central business district, the city's ferry terminal, or the suburban areas of Manukau, Botany, Pakuranga, and the Northshore. One-way tickets are available on board for approximately $12 NZD. City buses leave every 15 minutes, while suburban routes travel a little less frequently. Taxis and the larger shuttle buses will also take you from the airport to your accommodation. You'll find taxi ranks outside the arrivals area of the international airport, and outside the luggage collection area at the domestic terminal.cheap new zealand flights You can expect to pay between $60 and $80 NZD for a taxi to the city, and between $30 and $40 per person for a shuttle bus. Regular, affordable transport options make it easy to get from Auckland Airport to your accommodation. However, if you are lost or confused about which mode of transport will suit your needs, simply ask one of the friendly staff members at the visitor information kiosks around the airport.