FAQs

Question

Flights

Answer

How Much Will Flights Cost? Return flights from Auckland to London Gatwick typically cost around NZD $2,500 per person, depending on how far in advance you book, the airline, and your travel dates.

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Accomodation

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Where Should I Stay? We are based in Eastbourne, which is on the south coast of England, about an hour and a half south of London, and 40 minutes east of Brighton. Depending on what you want to do while you're here, you could stay here in Eastbourne, or base yourself in London and travel down for the wedding and other events we have planned. If you want to save money, we recommend an Airbnb here in Eastbourne. As opposed to a hotel, at an Airbnb you can choose to have a full kitchen, meaning you don't have to eat out for all of your meals. Also, a note, eating out costs A LOT over here. It is probably the biggest difference in price that we've found compared to back home, so by staying somewhere where you can cook for yourself, you will save a lot of money. Groceries tend to be relatively comparative to NZ grocery prices, and sometimes cheaper. As some of you know each other, it would definitely be worthwhile considering sharing accommodation and splitting the cost, as for only one/two people, Airbnb's are expensive. I have attached some links to local Airbnb's below. 2 bed property: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/1438834056746752288?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1749921193_P3XsJRIeKdIXrn94 2 bed property: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/1233882148488718318?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1749921186_P3nEWKt4gDppQEuV 2 bed property: This one is on our road! https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/48688545?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1749921238_P375jsjzKJnAR1TS 3 bed property: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/1462842?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1749921027_P3aekTxg4x--ioUa 4 bed property: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/1319586851126266088?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1749921000_P3S2P2L3DD3p1ATC 4 bed property: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/53424671?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1749921082_P3iYnbsrJRqH-7i2

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Transport

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How Should I Get Around? The UK has great public transport, far superior to NZ in my opinion. Although train travel is quite expensive, it is the nicer way to travel and see the countryside. Depending on how much travel you plan on doing, you could purchase a rail card while you're here, which will save you up to 1/3 on train tickets. Click the link below to take you to the rail card website, which you can purchase online. https://tinyurl.com/yrcv7sf2 If you don't want to use public transport, you can hire a car. NZ and AU licenses are valid here, and as they drive on the same side of the road as us, it is pretty similar to driving in NZ or Aussie. However, be aware that some of the roads are VERY narrow (country lanes and villages etc) and they also use miles here, not kilometres.

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Length of Trip

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How Long Should I Stay For? As the travel time is roughly 30 hours each way (2.5 days in total), we recommend staying for at least two weeks. It normally takes a few days to get over the jet lag depending on how well you sleep on the flights, so to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy being over here, two weeks is a great minimum amount of time. But of course, it's completely up to you and your budget!

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Local Sights

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What Should I Do While I’m Here? Eastbourne has a number of local gems—especially if you love nature, history, or a relaxed seaside vibe. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs National Park, it’s the perfect base for exploring both coast and countryside. While you’re here, be sure to check out these highlights—ideal for a summer staycation: NATURE - Beachy Head & Seven Sisters Cliffs: A must-see. You can tailor the hike to your energy level, but whichever route you take, the coastal path offers breathtaking views of chalk cliffs and the English Channel. - Birling Gap: Set beneath the Seven Sisters cliffs, this dramatic coastline has a cliff-top viewing platform and steps down to the beach. It’s a magical spot at sunset - the photo at the top of this page is of a sunset here! - Cuckmere Haven: One of England’s most iconic views—where the meandering River Cuckmere meets the sea, backed by the Seven Sisters. Perfect for picnics, wildlife spotting, or peaceful walks. - South Downs Way: A national trail stretching for miles—great for walkers or cyclists wanting to experience the rolling green beauty of the Downs. - Friston Forest: Shaded woodland paths and peaceful picnic spots—an inviting, quieter alternative to the exposed clifftops. URBAN - Alfriston: Just 20 minutes away in the Cuckmere Valley. Ideal for riverside walks and cosy pub lunches. - Lewes: About 30 minutes from Eastbourne, with its own castle and a charming town centre full of independent shops and cafes. - Battle: Also around 30 minutes away, famous as the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. A must-visit for history lovers, with its impressive Abbey and battlefield walks. - Brighton: About 40 minutes from Eastbourne, a vibrant seaside city boasting an iconic pier, beautiful lanes filled with quirky shops, lively nightlife, and diverse culture. - Rye: An hour from Eastbourne, this fairytale town features cobbled streets, quirky shops, and antique treasures.

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International Sights

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Where Can I Go in Europe for $? Being in the UK, and only an hour away from London Gatwick airport, you're honestly spoilt for choice! Travel to Europe is generally very cheap, however since it'll be August (summer) your biggest obstacle will be crowds and prices. If you're wanting a trip for 1 week under $1,000 NZD per person without the massive crowds, but you still want to see amazing sights, I've listed some options below: - Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Brussels, Belgium - Krakow, Poland - Vienna, Austria - Prague, Czechia - Budapest, Hungary - Lake Bled, Slovenia - Venice, Italy - Rome, Italy - Paris, France - Porto, Portugal Brett and I have been to all of the places listed above, so if you do decide to visit any of them and want some advice, feel free to ask us, or check out my travel blog - www.wanderandbeyond.com Keep in mind, August is peak season, so flights and accommodation will be more expensive and places busier than other times of the year. Booking well in advance is key to keeping your trip under $1,000 NZD. Cities like Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Paris, and Vienna tend to be more crowded and pricier in summer, but with careful planning, you can still find good deals. Less tourist-heavy cities like Krakow, Budapest, Prague, and Porto generally offer better value for money and fewer crowds during summer - and are still gorgeous!