Summary of New Zealand

Our travels in New Zealand have now concluded. A few points of interest is below:


-The landscape and scenery is spectacular. Very tropical and green in the north, and lush rugged mountains in the South. The clear flowing rivers and crystal clear lakes were impressive! (Plum full of large trout I may add)

-According to the locals we hit one of the wettest and coolest summers in NZ for many years. It made for some challenging camping at times, but we managed. The main benefit was we saved money on sun-screen!


-Driving on the wrong side of the road! (I mean the left side of the road) - I finally got used to it, but it was time to leave. Parallel parking is hard enough as it is, try it on the wrong side of the road, with the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car and no view out the back window because it is full of camping gear.


-NZ is a breeding ground for traffic circles and yield signs. Very few traffic lights and minimal stop signs; Loved It!

-Car insurance in NZ is optional. A bit strange for a developed nation we thought.


COSTS
Hostel - $26 USD/person
Camp Site - $12-24/night
Water - Free (tap water)
Beer - $1.5 (store) $5 (Restaurant)
Meal for 2 - $40 (Restaurant - includes drinks)
Meal for 2 - $8 (Self made at campsite)
Gasoline - $1.90/L !!!