New Zealand Tourist Traps

  Good sign: No surcharge on public...
by Kakapo2
 
  • Good sign: No surcharge on public holidays!
      Good sign: No surcharge on public...
    by Kakapo2
  • Agrodome
      Agrodome
    by Jim_Eliason
  • Agrodome
      Agrodome
    by Jim_Eliason
  •   Tourist Traps
    by Kakapo2
  • Agrodome
      Agrodome
    by Jim_Eliason
 

Most Viewed Tourist Traps in New Zealand

26.

Willowbank Wildlife Park   Christchurch

Willowbank Wildlife Park, Christchurch

 2 Reviews  ...almost good enough to be under 'attractions'...but to me, not quite.. Address: www.willowbank.co.nz/ 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch We wanted to see at least 1 wildlife Park during our 9 day stay in... 

 See All 12 Tourist Traps in Christchurch

Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Maori experience is an experience!

by tissie

The Mitai Maori village in Rotorua is billed as "A sacred place...a spiritual place" and it is probably the best of all the similar evenings on offer, certainly better than hotel-based "hangis", but it is primarily a tourist attraction and the worst part about it (for me anyway) was that there were hundreds of people attending and we were almost routemarched from one point of interest to the next. Be prepared to share the evening with coachloads of tourists. Once you accept that that is how it is you can enjoy this for what it is. Hearing the Maori warriors call from within the bush is blood-tingling. You will have a fairly authentic hangi meal, learn a little about the Maori culture and lifestyle and hear some great music. With the Mitai you will even see glow worms and a Maori canoe - if you can get a place at the front of the crowd!At $NZ68 for two for four hours entertainment and a...

New Zealand -- Not Always an Ecotourism Paradise

by AKtravelers

THe image of New Zealand as presented by glossy magazine ads, travel shows and other promotional activities is one of an adventurer's and ecotourist's paradaise. Certainly, it has lots of (expensive) things to do for the adrenaline junkie and many outdoor attractions, but don't forget that it is also home to three million people tat have to make a living so it has its environmental problems too. The most obvious of these to us was the clear-cutting of the South Islands northern mountains. New Zealand is one of the largest timber exporters in the world, and there is very little old-growth left in the country. After felling almost all of the original forest cover, they replanted New Zealand with fast-growing foreign trees. Don't be surprised when you cross over to the South Island to see lots of barren hill tops -- even fromn the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive. Of course, the world needs...

Tip Photo
Buller Gorge: NZ's Longest Swing Bridge *Yawn*

by AKtravelers

New Zealand is known as the world's adrenaline capital and the Buller Gorge Swingbridge sure sounded like it would live up to that billing. At 110 meters long swinging over the river, we imagined a hair-raising crossing that would send shivers up our spine and prepare us to be on "Fear Factor". The thrills pumping through our veins would remind us of how great it was to be alive! So we paid our $5.00 and readied ourselves for the rush. So, were we disappointed when the walk across the river was no more difficult than walking out of a bar as the designated driver -- not hard at all. Sure, we were given a map of some nice hiking trails on the other side, but even looking at the 10 meters of earth displacement caused by the 1929 White River Earthquake couldn't keep us from feeling like we had been suckered by the hype. We felt a little better when we recrossed the swing bridge -- at least...

Tip Photo
Huka Falls -- The Most Visited Spot in NZ

by AKtravelers

We heard that Huka Falls is the most visited spot in New Zealand, which alone is to make it a place to be wary of. Being around Lake Taupo and near Rotorua, Huka Falls is on the itinerary of every tour bus, including those that have very little time. To view the falls only takes a few minutes and they are beautiful (though hardly spectacular) so we wouldn't recommend skipping them. we would recommend having low expectations of communing with nature -- there's not much of that there. If you're a kayaker on the other hand, this looks like a great ride. Our friend Kirk kayaked over the falls and must have loved it. In fact, part of the reason we visited here was just to see where he rode. By the way, there is no entrance fee, so it's okay to go here, shrug your shoulders then go somewhere else. It's nice, but it doesn't deserve to be such a tourist spot. Walk to the end of the falls and...

Tip Photo
Advance bookings

by maverickboy

It's not really a tourist trap as such but, contrary to what you might expect, unless you really want the peace of mind of having everything pre-arranged, it's not always best to book your excursions in advance over the Web. This is because New Zealand has, without doubt, the best available tourist information in any country I've ever visited. At all airports, tourist information centres and even in regular shops, you can pick up a huge selection of FREE comprehensive maps and information publications, many of which also contain generous discount vouchers for excursions and attractions; so it's well worth waiting until you arrive there before booking.The one exception I found though was whale-watching in Kaikoura- not only did I not see any discount vouchers there, but also the trips are so popular, it is probably worth booking in advance.

No such thing as a short-beaked kiwi.

by kiwi

If you are out in our bush and see one of these little darlings, NO it is not a "short-beaked" kiwi as one traveller told me! These are called Wekas and although similar in appearance to the Kiwi, that they are not. Besides the Weka is out and about during daylight hours, and the Kiwi is nocturnal.Wekas are very cheaky and like to steal from your pack, hoping for food. However it is not only food they take, equipment especially shiney stuff, they cart off too. they are quite strong. So keep a good eye on your gear, even your boots! Our native parrot the Kea, steals too, but so does this little Weka fella :-))

Tip Photo
Take A Plate!

by kiwi

If ever, during your travels, you are invited to a local function, you will be very happy I’m sure. But if the invitation includes the words “bring a plate” you need to understand it’s meaning. This is a local term, and means bring a plate of food. Please don’t be embarrassed as has often happened, when visitors from overseas arrive with an empty plate. It is not meaning that the host doesn’t have enough plates and you need to bring your own, it means that the food offered will be from a shared source and everyone coming should bring one item. Often a salad, or cold meat, or a dessert, or selection of breads etc. All the food is put together on a table and then everyone can select from there what they wish to eat. The theory behind this is if everyone brings enough food for one person to eat, then there should be enough on the table, if you see what I mean.It’s an old tradition here in...

Tip Photo
Taxi driver scams

by ashley05p

Just beware of taxi drivers! When they hear your foreign accent they think suddenly the standard taxi rates do not apply and they can charge you whatever they want. Make sure they keep their meter on and ask about rates before you get in...if it seems abnormally high, say "no thanks" and just find another taxi - there are plenty around! Buses run in the cities and are a good and cheap alternative

Queenstown--tackiest tourist town in NZ

by Loosechicken

Queenstown's setting is one of the more beautiful places for a city in the world. Unfortunately, they created an aesthetically displeasing town to go with it. And, being a very popular touristy city, its restaurants and activities are overpriced. That being said, though, the Shotover jetboat ride was fun. Shotover jetboat--overpriced, but fun. Skip the town entirely.

Tip Photo
Don't be overweight with baggage.

by kiwi

You have to send excess baggage home before you depart, if you are over your limit. You will be charged a LOT of money if you expect to fly with escess baggage. As you see, it's as high as $25/kg to some parts of the world. Call the airline before your day of departure to try to arrange some extra baggage allowance. Freight home a bag of stuff so you aren't overweight when you turn up at the airport for your flight.

Tip Photo
Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

Top 3 Hotels in New Zealand

Copthorne Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport  Christchurch

 6 Reviews and 293 Opinions  Prior to the earthquakes, I have always stayed in town at some renowned hotel chains. When I was... 

 Hotels in Christchurch

SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland  Auckland

 7 Reviews and 434 Opinions  The rooms and hotel in general were nicer than expected, and service was good. While this hotel may... 

 Hotels in Auckland

Browns Boutique Hotel  Queenstown

 1 Review and 170 Opinions  Within stroling distance from the main town. Welcoming and homely. A warm cozey room admist the cold... 

 Hotels in Queenstown

2,135 Hotels in New Zealand
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of New Zealand attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for New Zealand sightseeing.

Experience New Zealand
Tourist Traps: Cities in New Zealand
  1. Auckland Tourist Traps
  2. Christchurch Tourist Traps
  3. Queenstown Tourist Traps
  4. Wellington Tourist Traps
  5. Rotorua Tourist Traps
  6. Dunedin Tourist Traps
  7. Akaroa Tourist Traps
  8. Matamata Tourist Traps
  9. Whangarei Tourist Traps
  10. Tongariro National Park Tourist Traps
  11. Hokitika Tourist Traps
  12. Te Anau Tourist Traps
  13. Tirau Tourist Traps
  14. Nelson Tourist Traps
  15. Picton Tourist Traps
  16. Cape Reinga Tourist Traps
  17. Abel Tasman National Park Tourist Traps

More Cities in New Zealand

 

Popular Regions in New Zealand

North Island Tourist Traps  South Island Tourist Traps 

More Regions in New Zealand

Questions and Answers

globetrott profile photo

Q:  Last time in NSW/Australia it was quite easy to find good parking-places for my small motorhome, partly INside the villages, but... 

globetrott profile photo

A: With "official parkinglots" I mean rest-area along highways and other roads, such "Rest and revive-places" that are announced along the bigger roads ! I also saw some of... 

Read 9 Replies

postQuestion_button

New Zealand Members Meetings

Feb 26, 2012 
I will be in Akaroa on 26/2

see all New Zealand member meetings

Click here for best deals for New Zealand

Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Plenty of choices
agoda.com Save up to 75%, Don't miss! Live support, Instant confirmation.
Save on Air + Hotel ? Book a Getaway Today!
hotels.com Vacations The One Stop Shop for Your Next Trip. Click or call now: 1-800-764-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links