Itinerary Details
Travel Period
21 June - 4 July 2018 , Winter Season
Temperature ~1-8°C
Accommodation (2 Pax)
~SGD60/night for Hostels (shared bathrooms)
~SGD57/night for Airbnbs
Food Expense (1 pax)
~SGD3/Home Cooked Meal
~SGD11 - 21/Outdoor Meal
~SGD6 /Pastries, Ice Cream
Flight (1 pax)
Singapore ↔ Melbourne (via Scoot)
SGD495
Melbourne ↔ Christchurch (via Jetstar)
SGD273
+ Travel Visa SGD19
Vehicle (5 seater)
06 Mazda Verisa, Unleaded (via Hitch)
Petrol Refilled 9 Times, ~SGD531.70
Rent SGD25/day + Insurance Covered
+ SGD33 Snow Chains
+ SGD25 Airport Pick Up
Catch the Highlights Live
General Information
01.
TRAVEL APP
Camper Mate
For campervan travellers but it is generally suitable for anyone travelling to New Zealand. Shows you a variety of attractions anywhere in New Zealand that is recommended by other travelers. They also provide other categories such as Things to Do, Accommodations, Groceries, Road Warnings, ATM, Petrol Stations and Information Centres.
Fuel Watch New Zealand
A handy fuel app that keeps track of petrol stations and their fuel prices. Prices are voluntarily updated by drivers and may not be 100% accurate.
02.
Grocery Shopping
Pak'nSave
The most affordable supermarket that is big and cheap. However, they are only located in a few towns / cities.
Four Square
The alternative to Pak > Save. A smaller store but it is still as cheap and are located in most towns.
Countdown, New World
Heard they are cheap as well but I did not shop in them.
03.
Purchasing Tickets
Bookme.co.nz
Locals have advised us to book our tickets through bookme as it comes along with daily discounts. Payment is to be made online in NZD.
Klook App
A ticket booking app catered to anywhere in the world. Under the New Zealand Tab, it has prices similar to bookme.
04.
Purchasing a Sim Card
(SG) Changi Recommends
From Singapore, I would recommend getting one at Changi Recommends for SGD18 (Service Provider: 2 Degrees, valid for 30 days, 1.25GB Data, 200mins Call, Unlimited Text Message).
(NZ) 2 Degrees
NZD10 (SGD9.50) for 30 days, 500MB Data.
(NZ) Vodafone
NZD29 (SGD27.60) for 30 days, 1.5GB Data, 200mins Call, Unlimited Text.
(NZ) Spark
NZD29 (SGD27.60) for 30 days, 1GB Data, 1GB Spark Wifi/day , 200mins Call, 200 Texts.
When Renting a Car
Look out for the following
Rental Pricing Considerations
Apart from daily rental fees, the options you choose may incur additional costs:
- Location pick up and drop off
- Timing for pick up and drop off
- Multiple drivers
- Insurance coverage per day
Insurance Coverage
Who exactly covers the Insurance? The Website that you booked from or the Car Rental Company? How much / far do they cover?
E.g. Car is Damaged, Car Website covers the Insurance, not the Car Rental Company.
Read the Fine Prints
Any damage to the vehicle regardless of fault can be straight up NZD2,000. A small dent on the car may not cost that amount to repair but you'll still be charged the same price. Be sure to get insurance as unexpected events may occur.
Car Tips During Winter
Save Extra Fuel, Switch off Air Conditioning
Wind down your windows every now and then for fresh cold air instead.
The Boot is your Fridge
Boots with rear windows are quite chilled. It is okay to use it as a fridge to store fruits, milk and vegetables.
Useful Links
Traffic Conditions Map
http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/
Journey Planner
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/
Topography Map for Hiking
https://www.topomap.co.nz/
Hiking Track Information
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/walking-and-tramping/
https://www.freewalks.nz/
https://www.alltrails.com/mobile
Full Attractions List
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/
https://www.newzealand.com/int/destinations/
i-SITE Visitor Information Website
https://www.newzealand.com/sg/visitor-information-centre/
Legal Camping Areas
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/camping/