FAQs

Question

When should I book a hotel if I think it is remotely possible I can make it?

Answer

As soon as possible!! Many places will fill up soon, Most off the hotels and Airbnb's in the area will offer no money down and/or full refunds up to a few months before your reservation. They will start being booked out fully, particularly in Te Anau and Manapouri. We recommend 9 months out at the latest for getting in your reservation. Please see the travel section for recommendations!

Question

When should I book my flight?

Answer

We recommend at least 6 months out. There is more flexibility with this than the lodging.

Question

How and when should I get a visa?

Answer

To get a visa, please search NZeTA, there is also an app! It costs $17 per person on the app and $23 dollars online. Passport is required. Verification is fast (within minutes), but we recommend doing this 2 weeks before your trip to ensure you have it. Some countries are not NZeTA eligible (i.e Côte d'Ivoire). You will have to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa. Most take up to 2 weeks to process. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please reach out to Kim and Daniel.

Question

How do we get to and from the venue?

Answer

Buses will depart from and return to the Alpine View Motel the day of the wedding. You may also drive or hitch a ride with someone else who is driving. If you plan to taxi or shuttle we recommend booking well in advance.

Question

Where do I stay?

Answer

Te Anau is the easiest place to stay if you do not plan to have a car, buses will transport people back and forth the day of the wedding, and it is extremely walkable for restaurants, shopping, outdoor activities, etc. Manapouri is also a great option, it is a great little town and sits on its own lakefront. Lumsden and Mossburn are a bit further away, but can make for a great hub depending on the activities you plan in NZ. Queenstown and Invercargill are the largest places that are still relatively local to the venue. They will have lots of options when it comes to lodging and dining. Queenstown is also world renowned for its access to NZ outdoor activities and has many great things to do.

Question

What are the cities and towns like in NZ?

Answer

North Island Trip (flight or so away from venue): Auckland: The CITY in NZ, it has everything you want and don't want out of a city. Great food, everything is a bit more expensive, and lots of things to do. Whangarei (Northland): Beautiful and underexplored part of NZ where Karen's side of the family is from. If you are looking for some time on a beach away from everything (and I do mean everything). I cannot recommend more highly the little towns up here. Waitangi: Site of the first signing of the treaty of Waitangi. Beautiful to visit, and particularly great if you want to get some NZ history. There are incredible guided tours. Matamata: Hobbiton! Wellington: Daniel's birthplace! Te Papa! Weta Studios! So many things to do here, great nightlife and great activities. It is also the capital. Rotorua: Known for its hot springs! Great for those looking for a spa experience. Recommend the redwoods tree walk. South Island (Dayish Trips from the Venue): Dunedin: Home to Otago university (Andrew's alma mater). Beautiful college town with incredible food and great sights. Zealandia is an incredible and impactful wildlife preserve where you can see many of NZ's unique flora and fauna. If you can spare the time to get out to the peninsula the penguin tour is life changing. Larnarch Castle is great! Queenstown: Hub for international travel in Southland. Lots of restaurants and things to do. Te Anau: The Cardno hometown. Situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau, it has great access to Milford Sound and all sorts of outdoor activities. Top of the list are the boating tours of the lake, hiking around the lake (we might do a hike to the dam and discuss the questionably legal activities of Daniel's grandfather), and the glowworm caves (magical experience). Manapouri: Right on the Manapouri lakefront, somewhat quieter than Te Anau, but with all the same access to do the Southland things. Riverton: Home to the best iced chocolate in NZ ... according to Daniel.

Question

Camping?

Answer

For the more adventurous among you there are ample campsites and opportunities in and around Te Anau. The Te Anau holiday park being a great option for this.

Question

I am a Lord of the Rings superfan, please help me.

Answer

This all depends on how much time you have in NZ, but the easiest things to hit are: Auckland: Weta Workshop unleashed offers interactive activities. Matamata: Located just outside Auckland, this is where they maintain Hobbiton. There are amazing guided tours and you can even eat and drink at the Green Dragon when you are done. Wellington: Home to Weta studios, you can take a guided tour, as well as do some interactive sculpting. Queenstown: Nomad Safaris (or you can self-drive) out to: Ithilien, the Misty Mountains, Bruinen River, Amon Hen, Isengard, Arhonath, Lothlorien, the Dead Marshes, Beorn's House. Te Anau: Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) tour, the sound and the mountains serve as the backdrop of much of the movies. Many aerial shots in the movies are of Fiordland. There are way too many filming locations to hit all of them here. https://www.theroadtrip.co.nz/tour/ultimate-middle-earth-quest-new-zealand-lord-of-the-rings-tour/ This website gives a good overview of most/all of the potential spots to hit if you are interested.

Question

What else is happening before the wedding?

Answer

We are planning several events. Please stay tuned!

Question

What else is happening after the wedding?

Answer

a couple things.

Question

What is the food like?

Answer

It's amazing, try as much as you can! We recommend meat pies, sausage rolls, iced chocolates, fish and chips, and lamingtons to name a few. For those of you with dietary restrictions we recommend some deep research particularly in the Southland/Te Anau area. There will likely be limited vegan and non-dairy options.