Backpack New Zealand > Forum > General
Just some general questions
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Kung
Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 6
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 Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:11 am Post subject: Just some general questions |
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I'm currently working on saving up to pay off a small credit card and get a plane ticket to NZ for WWOOF and i've just got a few general questions. Most of mine have been answered by a few weeks of browsing forums and such, but i've still got a few left over.
First of all, does it snow in NZ other than on mountains and such? I'm from Oregon, so i'm used to a few feet of snow on the ground for ~4 months every winter.
2. How plausible is it to purchase a half-decent bicycle when I get down there and just travel around that way? I don't know how long i'll be traveling around or where exactly i'm going but i thought it would be a nice alternative to walking/hitching.
3. With the exception of emergencies, is it possible to make it through the WWOOF program without bringing any alternate funds? I know I can go into the cities on my working holiday visa and do some cash jobs if I need to and can find them.
4. Are the seasons in NZ exactly opposite of north america? So if I went down in december, it would be summer months down there? Also, would i be able to tent camp on north island more comfortable than south island?
I think that's all i've got for now, i'll post more if I remember any.
Thanks in advance for any responses. |
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Kung
Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:14 am Post subject: |
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Oh, sorry. already remembered another one.
.) a holiday work visa is for 12 months, right? If I'm down there for a full year and wish to stay longer, is it possible to extend my visa or gain a residency? If so, how difficult are these to do? |
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Garry
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 290
Location: New Zealander in Scotland
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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"First of all, does it snow in NZ other than on mountains and such? I'm from Oregon, so i'm used to a few feet of snow on the ground for ~4 months every winter." Depends on where you are, some places it snows, but generally not constantly through winter.
"2. How plausible is it to purchase a half-decent bicycle when I get down there and just travel around that way? I don't know how long i'll be traveling around or where exactly i'm going but i thought it would be a nice alternative to walking/hitching." If you are a experienced cyclist and have nerves of steel! Seriously, we have more than our share of cowboys on the roads, and some roads are quite narrow.
"3. With the exception of emergencies, is it possible to make it through the WWOOF program without bringing any alternate funds? I know I can go into the cities on my working holiday visa and do some cash jobs if I need to and can find them. " Yeah you could, most farms include all meals and accommodation.
"4. Are the seasons in NZ exactly opposite of north america? So if I went down in december, it would be summer months down there? Also, would i be able to tent camp on north island more comfortable than south island?" Yes Christmas is in summer. Both islands are fine for a tent in summer, it can rain anytime however. The top of the North Island and Central Otago (inland from Dunedin - south island) generally get the best weather in summer.
") a holiday work visa is for 12 months, right? If I'm down there for a full year and wish to stay longer, is it possible to extend my visa or gain a residency? If so, how difficult are these to do?" No once the 12 months is up you can not work. It really is best contacting or reading the immigration website on this. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/ |
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Kung
Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 3:29 am Post subject: |
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Where does it snow at? What places does it not snow at all?
And what do you mean by nerves of steel? all the roads i'd be riding down have heavy vehicle traffic on them and i'm going to end up smeared across the road?
edit: also, are motorcycles common in NZ? are they less expensive than a car? |
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Garry
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 290
Location: New Zealander in Scotland
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:43 pm Post subject: |
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It doesn't snow at all in Auckland and North, may snow once or twice a year in christchurch, most of the coast around the entire county doesn't get much snow exept certain stretches. I mean there is a reasonable chance you can drive a car around the entire county without chains on any given day, inland central north island (Desert Road ), arthurs/ lewis and lindis pass in the south island are the roads that are sometimes closed for snow.
Some of our roads are quite narrow and our drivers drive a bit to fast, some people love cycling here and some think it is a bit to dangerous, I was exaggerating a bit with nerves of steel, just take it easy if you do cycle around. Sure we have plenty of motorcycles, obviously cheaper for gas but I don't think they are much cheaper than cars to purchase ( http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/mcat-0001-0026-.htm - http://www.autotrader.co.nz/ ) |
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Kung
Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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well when I say motorcycle, i mean something like a 4 stroke 250 or even a 400, not a chopper or a crotch rocket.
I want an older dirt bike.
edit: sorry, got too excited and didnt check your link before I responded.
What are the laws regarding dirt bikes on the main roads in NZ?
Here in my state, you have to be insured, have a license with a motorcycle endorsements, have a horn, license plate, fuctioning turn signals.
are they that strict in NZ? |
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Garry
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 290
Location: New Zealander in Scotland
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Kung
Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 2:22 am Post subject: |
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| so i don't even need a license then? |
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Garry
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 290
Location: New Zealander in Scotland
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:13 am Post subject: |
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| errr yes you do. |
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nightflyer
Joined: 01 Aug 2007
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:28 am Post subject: |
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| A yank in nz???? what next??? |
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Kung
Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:18 am Post subject: |
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| I wasn't aware that was an uncommon thing |
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