There are many amazing places to hike and camp in New Zealand, but here are some suggestions: the Abel Tasman National Coast Track, Tongariro National Park, Mount Cook National Park, and the Abbey Caves. [2] X Research source Never tramp alone. Always go with at least one other person and preferably in a group. Always let people know when you leave, where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Hypothermia is a real issue when tramping. Don’t get caught out overnight without adequate warmth. Even if you’re going on a short day tramp, always have a thermal (polyprop), rain jacket and a warm jacket just in case. Have plenty of water and trail mix to keep you well hydrated and energized.
Plane fares are reasonable between major cities and towns. You might want to consider buses for the less major hubs though, as the flights will be a lot more expensive.
Look for local comedy. Kiwi comedy is second to none, in the opinion of some, and cultivating your own sense of self-deprecating humor can come in handy for the rest of your life. Look for local current affairs programs. Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in your neck of the woods and hopefully worldwide too. Watch Maori TV. If you don’t already speak Te Reo, learn some by watching good Maori TV shows. The Maori channel also shows some good English language films too.
In the New Zealand iTunes, there will be a list of the top free and paid apps. This will give you a good idea of what’s popular right now and some of those apps are made by Kiwis!
Draw or paint. There are lots of different ways to learn to draw or paint. From Bob Ross videos on YouTube to books on drawing from you local library, artwork is a great way to be creative and develop your skills. Go to a nearby art store and buy supplies, and then find something you want to depict. Make jewellery: This can be a fun way to learn a new skill and make plenty of gifts for your whanau (family). You could also try to sew clothes: Make a whole new wardrobe by learning to sew and then tinkering around with the sewing machine and your favorite fabrics, try denim, wool mix fabrics, cotton, whatever you like. Weave flax. You can make all sorts of amazing things from flax, from baskets and clothes to toys and jewellery. Make sure you only pick flax that’s not tapu. Flax weaving is a tradition that is special to New Zealand’s history and culture. [4] X Research source
Make your own compost and mulch. Consider adding a few chickens to the backyard. Check with the council that it’s okay to do this though and don’t get a rooster in the city!
In New Zealand, entrepreneurial thinking is king, so being budget-wise is a good skill to learn early on. If you want to do the famous Kiwi OE, “overseas experience,” you’ll need good budgeting skills to achieve this successfully.
