First Steps in New Zealand: The Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step overview of what awaits you after arriving in New Zealand.
Here’s a depiction of a new backpacker after arriving in New Zealand: Confusion.
Understandable, because what should you really tackle first after arriving? In what order do you do it all? And where exactly should you go? Uff!
Let’s shed some light on this.
So here are the first steps in New Zealand for backpackers. And not just listed randomly, but in logical order with specific and tested locations.
And additionally, we’ve got:
A few hidden rewards.
Let’s go!
Intro
Our First Steps...
Our arrival was anything but relaxed. After what felt like 20,000 years on the plane, we stood at the airport looking like this:
Anna: “Uuuugh…!”
Nils: “Aaargh…!”
No fun at all. And there was: Killer jetlag.
For free! Gotta love it!
Nevertheless, we dragged ourselves forward. Like two zombies. Collecting luggage. Drinking water. Finding toilets. Fighting through immigration. And then finally:
Out of the airport.
Aaah, fresh air!
We took a deep breath and let the sun shine on our faces for a while. Slowly, we started to relax. But then Anna asked the first big question…
Anna: “And what do we do next?”
Nils: “Well…”
Arrival
Okay, the first steps in New Zealand are up. In this section, it’s all about enabling you to find your way around New Zealand as quickly and effectively as possible after your arrival.
Internet, Phone, and Apps
Google Maps allows you to save maps offline. So, it’s best to download the map for Auckland (or Wellington, etc., if landing elsewhere) before your arrival, so you always know where to head next, even without the internet.
User question:
Which SIM card is worthwhile?
User question:
Where is public WiFi available?
User question:
Which apps are worthwhile?
Transportation
So, you're at the airport and wondering how best to get to the city, your accommodation, or the car rental. Don't worry, you have plenty of options in Auckland. Here are a few:
Mindset - Take it slow!
Let’s face it: You’ve had an extremely long flight. The strains of the journey and the associated jetlag can be a real challenge for body and mind. The goal for this first day is relaxation.
Reward
The flight is over! Now it's time to chill. This will help:
What's Next?
Okay, next question:
Where are you going to sleep tonight?
Let’s find that out.
Step 1 - Accommodation
Okay, so far so good. You’ve got an internet connection, you’re getting your bearings in Auckland, you’ve collected your luggage, and left the airport. Now it’s off to your first accommodation.
Your First Accommodation
After a strenuous flight, a cozy first place to stay is incredibly important to really arrive in New Zealand. Apart from the classic hotel, there are mainly three options for backpackers:
We recommend booking at least the first two or three nights in a hostel before you arrive. In our Starter Pack, your accommodation after your arrival is already included, by the way. Just saying.
Note:
Hostel Recommendation 1 - Haka Lodge
Note:
Hostel Recommendation 2 - City Lodge
Note:
Hostel Recommendation 3 - Verandahs Lodge
Mindset - Still take it slow!
Especially during the first couple of days, it’s important to take things as calmly as possible. Treat yourself to a coffee (or two) and plenty of relaxation before diving into preparations.
Reward
Here's a little support for relaxing:
What's Next?
Woah, finally a bed! Have a good sleep first.
Because tomorrow is about the bank account and tax number.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 2 - Bank Account
First, it’s about opening your bank account. You need it to work legally in New Zealand. Remember to make an appointment beforehand. Our Bank Tutorial provides a step-by-step guide.
The Best Spots for a Bank Account
The best areas in Auckland for bureaucratic stuff are the suburbs of Ponsonby, Parnell, and Devonport. There, you’ve got everything you need: bank, post office, library with free WiFi, cafes, and museums to chill.
Note:
Spot 1 - Ponsonby
Note:
Spot 2 - ANZ in Parnell
Note:
Spot 3 - ANZ in Devonport
Note:
A Bit More About Devonport
Mindset - First the Work!
Alright, it’s time to tackle the first bureaucratic stuff. It’s not that much fun, so we say: Work through it as quickly as possible and then reward yourself with something. :-)
Reward
Here's something quickly for your bank account:
What's next?
Amazing! Bank account done! What’s next?
Oh right, the tax number. Okay, super.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 3 - Tax Number
Next up is the tax number (IRD Number). You’ll need this for work and job hunting. Conveniently, you can do this at the PostShop next door in either Devonport or Parnell. A step-by-step guide is available in our Tax Number Tutorial.
The Best Spots for the Tax Number
Again, the best spots are Devonport or Parnell, just because all the bureaucratic places are close together and there are plenty of beautiful places to explore nearby.
Note:
Spot 1 - Post-Shop in Devonport
Mindset - Let's get it done!
Getting both your bank account opened and your tax number applied for in one day is a great daily goal. So we say: Get it done! Even if it’s no fun.
Reward
Here's something so you don't lose your IRD number:
What's next?
Alrighty then, bank account and tax number sorted? Very nice!
Treat yourself to a reward! Because tomorrow is the car buying day.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 4 - Car
Yay, you’ve handled the formalities and are ready for the adventure! Or is something missing? Oh! Right, you need your own car. All backpacker tips for buying a car can be found in our Car Tutorial.
Buy or Rent a Car?
Uh-oh, one of the first big questions in New Zealand is always whether it's worth buying or renting a car. In our eyes, it always depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand.
User question:
How do I spot a good deal?
User question:
How do I protect myself from scams?
User question:
How much time should I plan for?
Alternatives to Your Own Car
A car is the best mode of transport in New Zealand. However, you also have some alternatives that we would like to introduce to you here. Most are a bit unconventional, but hey: everyone can have their own hobbies!
Mindset - Time to Chill!
If your financial reserves aren’t entirely depleted after buying a car, we think it’s time to relax a bit. After all, you’ve sorted out a bank account, tax number, and car purchase! So treat yourself to something!
Reward
How about a private concert, for example:
What's next?
Fantastico! You have your own car in New Zealand! So beautiful. Everyone’s happy.
Except the wallet. To help, it’s now time to find work.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 5 - Work
There are plenty of backpacker jobs in New Zealand. Especially in the summer months, you will find numerous offers on orchards, vineyards, or in the hospitality sector. More on this in our Job Search Tutorial.
Best Job Search Resources
In addition to bulletin boards in hostels or newspapers, the best jobs are still found online. Here are a few websites that are worth checking out for job searching. More of them can be found in the tutorial.
Seasonaljobs
One of the first platforms for backpacker jobs. Doesn't look pretty, but it works.
Seasonalwork
More up-to-date and thus prettier. However, the range of jobs is slightly smaller.
Backpackerboard
A true classic: Backpackerboard has been around forever. You'll find a lot here.
Mindset - Adventure-Time!
Wow, the first steps in New Zealand are done. You can now start your backpacker adventure and we envy your courage. If you feel like it: get in touch. Let’s grab a coffee.
Reward
And just in case, there's this:
What's Next?
Well, that’s entirely up to you now. Have fun in New Zealand.
We wish you lots of ups and downs. But most importantly, a super adventure!
Ready? Let’s go!
Misc - I Need Help
If you want support with these things, maybe check out our Starter Pack. We support you with all the steps presented here and, in return, you support KiwiQuest a little.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...
User question:
How do I get my money to New Zealand?
User question:
How can I make money in New Zealand?
What else is there?
We wish you an amazing adventure!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!
Team KiwiQuest
