Traveling through New Zealand with Your Partner: 10 Tips for Couples
Want to explore New Zealand with your boyfriend or girlfriend? No problem! We've got 10 pieces of advice for a harmonious trip.
Traveling together can be a real challenge for many couples. We can definitely confirm that it isn’t always easy.
After all, if you’ve decided on a longer joint stay in New Zealand, be aware: Essentially, you’ll be together 24/7 for months. Sounds a bit unbelievable, right? It is. Traveling through New Zealand with your partner can be incredibly beautiful and bring you closer together.
Or it can go spectacularly wrong. And then, good advice is expensive.
So what to do when tempers clash?
We’ve put together a few tips, tested by us personally, to help you make the most of your time together.
We wish you a fantastic time! And honestly… New Zealand is way too beautiful to waste time fighting.
Intro
Two Cats in a Box
Here’s an experiment:
Immediately get yourself two extremely grumpy cats. The color doesn’t matter, just make sure they are in a real bad mood. Pour a bucket of water over them and put them in a box. Then shake the box properly, and what do you have?
Exactly!
Us both.
In New Zealand.
We were totally convinced that spending a year traveling through New Zealand together was the best thing that could happen to our relationship. After all, everything is much nicer when you can share it with someone.
Well, until it came to actually making decisions on the spot. Where to next? Do we stay at the beach today or visit a museum? Do we spend our last few dollars on a crate of beer, or do we buy some snacks for the next journey?
Oh dear, oh dear. It wasn’t quite that simple. Tears were shed. Sometimes we didn’t speak for hours, and on occasion, a car door was closed a bit too hard.
Gradually, however, we learned to deal with our disagreements. We got better at making compromises – and every now and then, we decided to do something separately from each other.
Overview
Disagreements can never be completely avoided. Especially not when you’re together 24/7. But with a few precautions, you can ensure they remain small arguments, and at the end of the day, you’re happily watching the sunset together again.
The Journey as a Challenge
A shared journey is a real challenge for many couples. We can certainly confirm that it’s not always easy. Our year in New Zealand was truly a test for us.
We want to pass on the following advice to you and your partner. We had to find out the hard way what works and hope to spare you some trouble with these tips.
So what to do when tensions rise?
Tip 1 - Honesty
Honesty is always the best policy. Got a problem with your partner? Have a different opinion? Speak up, and do it immediately. Every minute you let pass just makes the problem bigger. Explain to your partner openly and honestly what’s bothering you, without hurting them. Most difficulties can be avoided this way, and you can work on a solution together.
Tip 2 - Communication
Just because you’ve both chosen New Zealand doesn’t mean you have similar expectations for your trip. A 5-minute conversation can save you weeks of arguments. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Sit down before your trip, with a cup of tea, and discuss what exactly you expect from your journey.
5 Questions for Couples Before a Joint Trip
Sometimes it's a good idea to take time before the trip with your partner to discuss topics like travel style, finances, closeness, or goals. Here are a few questions you might ask yourselves:
-
Step 1 Why do you actually want to travel? Do you have similar goals? Can you support each other?
-
Step 2 How do you handle money on the road? Plan expenses, treat yourself occasionally, frugal and safety-oriented?
-
Step 3 How do you generally prefer to travel? Planned, spontaneous, adventurous, or as safe as possible? Can you combine your needs?
-
Step 4 How much space do you need on the road? Plan time alone, do everything together, travel separately too?
-
Step 5 How do we want to handle stress? Address everything, cool down first, raise your voice sometimes, seek assistance?
Tip 3 - Solitude
You’ve been traveling with your partner for several weeks and suddenly feel like you need some time to yourself? Oh no! Is your relationship doomed? Certainly not. It’s perfectly normal and definitely not a bad omen for your relationship to want to do something alone. Talk about it and feel free to head out solo sometimes. This is how you meet new people faster anyway.
Reward
A tip for the tough solo hours:
Tip 4 - Togetherness
On a journey through New Zealand, you can spend every day together, meeting all sorts of people. That’s awesome, but you may find yourself in a small group instead of spending planned time alone together. Don’t miss the chance to grow as a couple. Overcoming obstacles hand-in-hand without outside help or enjoying special moments together can be an incredibly important experience for your relationship.
Tip 5 - Consideration
On a shared journey, the ego can become a real issue. Sometimes you have to step back to move forward. When disputes arise, try to understand first, and then to be understood. Be considerate of each other and remember that it’s okay to have different opinions.
Tip 6 - Expenses
You got lost. Your partner wants to take a cab, but you’d rather save the money. Everyone has to experience for themselves how such a trivial issue can put immense pressure on a relationship. To avoid arguments over money as much as possible, discuss your travel budget and set priorities with your partner beforehand.
Reward
You've created a financial plan.
Tip 7 - Talisman
Sometimes disagreements can’t be avoided. They just happen. To remind yourself in dark moments of all you’ve been through together and how wonderful it was, a talisman can be helpful. It might be a necklace or a ring. It should serve as a reminder of all you’ve already achieved together and how much your relationship means to you. Take it close when you’re feeling down and remind yourself what truly matters in life.
Tip 8 - Humor
Everything’s easier with a bit of humor. Lost your way? One of you forgot to buy snacks for the road? Try not to take everything so seriously. Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, make the best of it. Sometimes loud laughter is the best medicine.
Tip 9 - Responsibility
You know each other’s strengths, so use them. Agree on who handles what during the trip. From taking photos or blogging to who is in charge of GPS. If something goes wrong, avoid blaming each other!!! Instead, find a solution together.
Reward
Responsibilities have been clarified.
Tip 10 - Compromises
We’re not talking about half measures here. Ideally, you’ve both clarified your expectations beforehand and know what you want to experience on your shared journey through New Zealand. But things can always change. Talk openly if something isn’t right for you, and try to find a middle ground. Remember, you don’t have to do everything together.
Miscellaneous
Thank you for reading. We hope this article has helped you and will assist you on your journey! Do you have any tips that definitely shouldn’t be missing from our list? We always appreciate feedback and experiences!
And to keep your preparation for your joint year as smooth as possible, we have some extra tips and offers for you here.
The most popular concept for camper purchase in New Zealand is back
Frequently Asked Questions
What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...
User question:
What if we end up constantly arguing despite all the preparation?
User question:
What's particularly worthwhile for couples in New Zealand?
What else is there?
We wish you an amazing adventure!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!
Team KiwiQuest
