FAQs

Question

Overview of Your Next Steps:

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Book your flights to Auckland, New Zealand - $1000 for a round trip is a great price. Expect to pay $1400 closer to the date. Claim your Auckland hotel room - We have blocks of very reasonably priced rooms with kitchenettes reserved at the Quest Ponsonby in Auckland that you can claim. Instructions on Travel section and on email. Determine if you’re joining us for wine tasting on Waiheke Island (40 min ferry ride from Auckland) - Ferry rides and Waiheke bus tickets can be purchased the day of, but we will need to know your intention of joining ahead of time so we can help find you accommodations. Details on Travel section. Claim your Hobbiton hotel room (- We have rooms at three hotels in Matamata (the town closest to the Hobbiton film set) reserved for our group that you can claim. Dress in your best Fantasy / Renaissance Faire / Lord of the Rings outfit for the wedding taking place on Sunday, Feb 16th.

Question

Auckland (Mon, Feb 10 to Sat, Feb 15)

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The time zone difference is 21 hours (almost a whole day), so you won’t have a lot of jet lag if you’re coming from California. Climate - February is their summer time, which from my experience is pretty mild. Mid 80s fahrenheit during the day. Similar to Hawaii, weather can change rapidly and light rain is pretty common even during summer. It’s recommended to wear more sunscreen if you’re doing outdoor activities since the ozone layer is thinner near the South Pole. No predators or poisonous creatures to worry about, and I’ve only encountered a few mosquitoes directly near lakes and rivers. Money - Your US dollars go pretty far in NZ (currently $1 USD = $1.6 NZD). I’d take advantage of this fact and do some shopping in downtown Auckland towards the end of your trip, and fine dining all throughout (a fancy dinner + drinks will usually total no more than $100 USD). You can bring one bottle of wine or liquor back with you to the states, as long as it’s in checked-in luggage (not a carry-on). Transportation - Ubers are plentiful throughout Auckland… except on Waiheke Island, where you have to call an actual cab company (listed below). If you plan to rent a car, Snap Rentals is their biggest car rental company. Jucy is their biggest camper van rental company. Driving on the opposite side of the road takes a few hours to adjust to, but as long as you’re cautious you should be good. Unlike LA, Kiwis are very thoughtful and patient drivers. Have your passenger navigate and use your phone for you. You’ll want to reserve your rental car a few weeks ahead of time, since February is peak tourism time.

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Continued

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Communication - If you don’t have an international calling plan, calling locals is best done through WhatsApp. We plan to add everyone to a group Whatsapp thread for live updates. You don’t need to carry a lot of cash. Just like in the USA, almost every business takes credit card. Many take Apple Pay too. Remember, they drive on the left side of the road. Even if you’re not driving a rental car, be mindful to look both ways when crossing the street on foot. New Zealanders (aka Kiwis) are very genuine, thoughtful people. Tourists from all ethnic backgrounds are welcome. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Be adventurous, branch out, meet locals. It’s by far the safest, least sketchy country I’ve ever traveled in. This travel guide is merely a suggestion. You can do whatever you want - as long as you make it to Hobbiton for the wedding on time - and we encourage you to explore this beautiful country on your own. Definitely learn about the Maori culture and visit the beaches and nature parks while you’re here (we will announce some group activities around this soon).