I have written a series of articles about the awesomeness of New Zealand tourism. However, do you know what the possible travel issues in New Zealand are? Well, yes, New Zealand has its own set of problems. In fact, I have already noted down some of the known issues – you may want to check out the Part 1 about the travel problems in New Zealand. This post is the second and final part detailing problems with New Zealand travel.
Windows XP operating system
You will be surprised that some of the internet cafés in Queenstown are still using Windows XP operating system (launched in 2001). It looked so different (and difficult) to operate the XP based computers. Wouldn’t it be better to upgrade the computers with the latest Windows operating system? Btw, how I got to know about the popularity of XP in Queenstown? Well, I visited a few internet cafés to take printouts.
Computer printout nightmare in Queenstown
Taking a computer printout in Queenstown could have been a better experience. For example, in the internet cafés, you are not allowed to connect your portable drive and take the printouts. In fact, you need to send your document files via an email to the café manager. I was actually reviewing a research paper manuscript (yeah, during the trip), and it was a confidential file. So I couldn’t take a printout in one of the internet cafés. Then I visited another café, and realised the same issue. Finally, I had to send an email by attaching the files.
I Lost manuscript review files
Well, the internet café in Queenstown where I got the printouts actually had each computer fitted with a coin operated timer box (to turn PC into Vending PC). So if you want to use a computer, you’d insert coins in the timer box. However, you can’t insert the paper notes as only coins are accepted. The prices for the internet usage were NZ$1 for 15 minutes. If you want to use a computer beyond 15 minutes, you need to insert more coins before the expiry of the previous time limits. If you don’t insert a new coin before the time expiry (e.g. 15 minutes), you will be logged out, and all the files will be automatically deleted permanently.
Basically, I ended up losing all the manuscript review files as I couldn’t insert a coin. You know, I had paper notes, and by the time I managed to arrange the coins, the system logged me out. No option – I had to rework the review. Moreover, attaching a file from the flash drive to the email never happened in the same café that I visited (I have a PhD in computer science). 😀
No direct Jetstar flight from Wellington to Queenstown
Jetstar provides connectivity across New Zealand at a reasonable price. Although Wellington is the capital city, there is no direct Jetstar flight from Wellington to Queenstown. You have to transit in Auckland, and it could be a quite long and tiring journey. We do have an option to fly non-stop with Air New Zealand, however, it may be relatively expensive. It makes sense to do your research and carefully rationalise the time vs cost trade-off.
I had to book the flights extremely carefully to ensure enough time gaps at Auckland Airport. What would happen if due to a bad weather condition your previous flight is cancelled? Well, that anyway happened later – check this one out – What Happens If You Miss Your Flight?
Expensive mobile internet data
The internet data are super expensive across New Zealand – even at the airports. Can you imagine that the Auckland airport, which is the largest airport in New Zealand, allows free internet usage only for 45 minutes or so (per device)?
Moreover, the internet speed was far from satisfactory. For example, I was on my way from Wellington to Queenstown via Auckland and had some free time in transit at the Auckland airport. I was trying to upload a YouTube video of the previous flight landing at the Auckland airport. Due to a slow internet speed and limited free usage time, I couldn’t upload the video. Basically, the data time limit got expired and the system would prompt me to purchase a data plan. However, soon I had to get into the next flight to Queenstown, and basically the upload got discarded.
International flight – No cash payments
Jetstar didn’t accept payment by cash on flights between Australia and New Zealand. They clearly informed the passengers that for a past few years they had strictly stopped accepting cash on international flights. Pay by cash, however, is accepted on domestic Jetstar flights.
Problems in New Zealand Travel- Junk Food
Similar to Australia, the food situation in New Zealand leaves a lot to be desired. The NZ cities are full of Junk food (pizza, burgers). These foods are by no means cheap. If you can have a filling-lunch for NZ $10, consider yourself lucky.
New Zealand Travel is expensive
In general, if you are not financially sound, you should reassess your situation about travelling in countries like Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand (and Australian) immigration would anyway look into your financial status before issuing a tourist visa. A poor financial condition may lead to lots of problems in New Zealand.
Bad weather can affect your trip
Travelling in winter in New Zealand is could be a great experience as you’d have a change to enjoy the snowfall. However, you should keep in mind the unpredictable weather conditions. In fact, due to a poor weather (heavy rain, snowfall, etc.) your flight may even be cancelled.
That’s all for this post – enjoy your New Zealand travel.
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Let me know if you have gotten in a similar situation (i.e. what happens if you miss your flight)
Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Happy wandering!
Last updated: Thursday, September 28, 2017
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.