Misconception #1: New Zealand is part of, or the “same” as, Australia
It’s like Canada and the US, or Ireland and the UK, the two countries are different. Different cultures, different governments, different laws, different histories, different currencies and different accents. It’s forgivable to get the two confused, after all they’re in the same region, come from a similar background and speak the same language, but ultimately they are two different entities with differences that far exceed their similarities.
Of course you’ll see the Kiwi and Aussie in the same bars abroad, bantering about who really owns Russell Crowe and who out of the two countries really did invent the meringue dessert favourite, Pavlova. But Australia and New Zealand are more like cousins, distantly related but with different homes and a different set of rules.
Misconception #2: New Zealand is small, so can be covered with a week or two of travel
Don’t be fooled by New Zealand’s size, they are a big culture with a diverse landscape. Geographically you could spend weeks getting lost in their immense natural beauty. New Zealand boasts everything from pristine beaches and island hideaways, to snow-capped mountains and enormous glaciers. You could get lost in a fiord, bathe in the natural thermal springs of dormant volcanoes, raft down rapids, witness the high-rising geysers or trek through the forest.
Beyond that New Zealand are a friendly and adventurous people and before you’ve even said hello to a local you’re being roped into some exciting activity, whether that be skydiving, bungy jumping or rolling down a hill in a giant plastic ball called a “zorb”. You’ll meet the locals, be invited to learn the history of the indigenous Maori and taught how to score a try in a game of Rugby Union. Before you know it, you’ve spent at least a month in New Zealand and it was all so good you’ll want to stay and do it all again.
Misconception #3: Auckland and Wellington are the only major cities to visit
These two cities get a lot of attention for a good reason, while Wellington is the nation’s capital city, Auckland is home to one-third of the whole of New Zealand’s population. And while there is much to experience and learn in both of these cities, you may find other cities to harbour more for the tourist.
Queenstown, situated on the country’s South Island, is known as the adventure capital of the nation. This draws in people from all over to join the locals in skiing, skydiving, bungy jumping, hiking and jet boating. These are the great outdoors, the beautiful backdrop used for the filming of the Lord of the Rings, this city is definitely not to be missed.
The other major city on the South Island is Christchurch. At the moment they are still recovering from being hit by a series of earthquakes over the last 12 months, but they are in full swing in restoring this beautiful city. Christchurch is very reminiscent of a European City. Boasting fine dining, wide streets, Victorian architecture and a lot of open space, Chirstchurch is a peaceful family favourite.
While not a city, Rotorua is one more must-go-destination to put on your list. Here you can witness high geothermal activity, go zorbing and meet and learn interactively about the traditions of Maori culture.
Misconception #4: New Zealand is expensive
At first glance it may appear that New Zealand travel is more expensive but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s take a beer for example. In the UK you may pay three to four GBP for a beer, in the US, three to five USD, in New Zealand you could pay up to seven NZD, but in light of the rate exchange, this all winds up being around the same price anyway. Keep this in mind when a Cheeseburger meal at McDonalds costs something like $8! It just looks more expensive, but it’s not.
The best way to keep on top of exchange rates is to compare them at the time of travel. The best place to go to for this is www.xe.com
Misconception #5: All Kiwis sheer sheep
Like the Aussies are known for “throwing shrimp on the barbie” or riding kangaroos, Kiwis tend to get a wrap for everyone owning sheep. Actually, it is funny, after hearing about the sheep legend of New Zealand, to go there and cruise around the country-side only to discover that they do, in fact, have a lot of sheep! But not everyone has them. This is not a backwards country stuck in the middle ages of farming.
Like Australia, New Zealand may be considered the country-town of the world, with it being so remote. But New Zealand is a dynamic, stable country with a well-established government, forging its way in the world with its hub of business in Auckland and reputation for extreme sports and adventure pulling in the tourists.