Pat_in_Mich

My 20 year old son just won round trip airfare to Auckland, New Zealand. The prize is JUST the airfare and he must depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Vancouver. He asked us if we would cover the fare from Detroit to one of these places as his Christmas present and we agreed. But now I'm wondering if he can afford to accept the prize. I know absolutely nothing about New Zealand so I was hoping someone could help with a cost estimate for lodging, food, transportation from the airport and around the city, and stuff to do. I'm assuming that he'll stay at hostels and eat budget meals and that he'll go for a week.

Also, he can only travel during June, July, or August. What's the weather like then?

Any help is greatly appreciated since he has only 48 hours to decide whether to accept or not. Thanks!

longhorn55

I have been to NZ 3 times, but they were all during the summer months (Dec - Feb). Having lived in Australia for a time, I know that the NZ winters can be cold and rainy, but I wasn't sure how much so. Take a look at the following website for details on average temperatures, rainfall, etc. http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/c...ml?tt=TT003100
The NZ dollar is now worth about U.S. $0.72 which is a good deal, especially considering that the Australian dollar is worth about US$0.92!
I suggest your son stop by a bookstore and/or library today and take a quick look at what there is to see and do in NZ in winter(preferably outside of Auckland which I found not to be that interesting). I think this would be a fabulous adventure for any young person and I am sure he can find something fun and affordable to do for a week in NZ in the winter.

longhorn55

Also, I forgot that your son will be coming from Detroit. Compared to winters in Detroit, winter in NZ might seem downright balmy!

LoveItaly

Hello, Pat, I believe your son will owe income tax on the value of the ticket, will this be a problem for him?

crellston

We spent July and August of 2008 in NZ. A comparatively cheap place to travel, good quality dorm accommodation in
hostel can be found for $15-20 pn (US). http://www.hostelworld.com/

A good way to see the country and meet other travellers is by one of the hop on hop off tour buses like:

http://www.kiwiexperience.com/nz-bus...FUgA4wodRk1F1g

NZ is not as cheap to

An amazing country with loads to see and it would be a real shame if he just stayed in Auckland. We found the weather to be VERY varied - blues sky, sunshine, warm days, storms, blizzards.... As they say,, it is quite usual to experience four seasons in one day. Overall, the weather was not a problem but with only a week your son could either be very lucky, or not so lucky. Bad weather really did not affect our enjoyment.

A budget traveller could get by on $50-60 per day. The following websites provide some more detail:

http://www.thetravellerslounge.co.uk/currencycosts.htm

http://www.solotravel.org/countrybud...ry=New-Zealand

Finally a link to our blog which may help to identfy some places to visit:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html
NZ starts at # 39

Melnq8

Hi Pat -

Lucky guy!

NZ is a fabulous place and your son shouldn't miss this opportunity. He should definitely get out of Auckland though - so many beautiful places in NZ to explore.

Jun-Aug is winter, but never mind that, it's still a good time to go IMO. We've visited NZ many times in Aug-Sept (the South Island mind you, which is even colder) and we love that time of year. I agree with longhorn55 that NZ will feel downright balmy after Detroit!

In addition to the wonderful advice provided by longhorn55 and crellston, your son might want to take a look at a Lonely Planet guide - loads of excellent, budget friendly ideas can be found there.

longhorn55

So, what did he decide?

Betsy

IMHO, he can't afford NOT to go. What a great opportunity! Low cost travel once he arrives shouldn't be a problem if he's willing to put in the time before the trip to research his options. Let us know what he decides.

Bokhara2

That's what I think too, Betsy. With 6 months to research & save up some funds, it's a no-brainer IMHO. Particularly for a 20yo who would almost certainly enjoy hostelling and a lot of the other cheaper options for accommodation & food that are available.

I'm imagining "The Scruffman" (see the thread on the Lounge) and his reaction to such a great prize, if he were in this young man's shoes.

Pat_in_Mich

Thanks to all. Turns out he had to send them some minimal info within 48 hours and then they sent him some documents yesterday and he has 10 days to return them if he wants to accept the prize. I think he has decided to go. He has some money saved up and will have 6 months to save more. He is including the taxes on the prize in his budget. I'm excited for him!

nelsonian

Tell him to go for it Pat, he won't regret it I'm sure. My son who lives in Wellington NZ won airfare and spending money to the Ice Hotel in Iceland a few years ago. A trip of a lifetime for him and his fiancee.