Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eac02]

I�m interested in going to New Zealand but all the flights I�ve seen there are really expensive, a lot more than I want to spend. I assumed that they would be cheaper departing from Korea than the US but it doesn�t seem to be true.

Anyone travel to New Zealand? What is the average price of the ticket? Is there a low season when flights are cheaper? Is it cheaper to fly to Australia and they get a flight to New Zealand?

[Bibbitybop]

I looked at going to New Zealand last winter from Korea or from Australia.

I paid 1,400 USD for round trip from Korea to Australia. Round trip from Korea to NZ was gong to be about 1,600 USD, that's an estimate.

Round trip from Aus. to NZ was going to be $275 AUS on the cheapest airline from Brisbane (the cheapest airport to NZ).

My girl got us tickets through a Korean agent. We flew to Aus via Bali on Garuda Indonesian Airline. I strongly recommend another carrier, they sucked worse than anything I've ever flown on. Worse than budget airlines in Europe and the US. Awful airline, stay away.

[eac02]

This is probably a dumb question but why is it so expensive to fly to NZ?

Flights from chicago to NZ are comparable in price (maybe even cheaper) to those from korea. I've looked into it and I can fly almost anywhere else in the world for less than $1400.

In the end I'll probably still go from Korea just because the flight is not nearly as long. But I was hoping to find cheaper tickets

[Chris_Dixon]

Just demand i guess.

Im from New Zealand and my boss said i mays well choose any place in the world to go to on completion of my contract as nz is one of the dearest places to travel to

[qwerty]

Cathay Pacific and Eva Air usually are the cheapest.
I saw 800,000Won(including tax) fare until June 30 to Auckland with Cathay.

[PINI]

$1400 is the price that you'd pay on short notice. If you were smart and booked 2/3 months in advance, you could get tickets for ~800,000W. Go to www.whypaymore.co.kr and type AKL in 목적지 in the 'quicksearch' function. This will give you a number of options. IMO Cathay Pacific is the best (cheap and decent). That flight has a lay-over in Hong Kong.

If you are intending to fly in the Korean 'peak' seasons, you need to book really early. The prices almost double at those times if you wait too long.

[Bibbitybop]

[PINI]

[eac02]

Thanks for all the responses/ info

Once in NZ, how easy/ expensive is it to get around? I'll be staying with family for a while but after that I'll be on my own. How are the hostels?

[Bibbitybop]

[PINI]

That all depends on how long you're there and where you want to go.

If you're going to be there for a while and want to get around, you don't really want to be relying too much on public transport as it can be expensive and unfrequent (but for just cruising around the major cities it's fine). I would suggest either buying a sh*tty car ($500-1000 or van, which you could also sleep in) or renting (probably ~ $30-40/day).

'Hitching' is also a good option if the weather is fine, as long as you use your common sense and good judgement. It's also a good way to meet some of the locals and get some inside info.

It's pretty easy to find cheap accommodation. Backpacker hostels are commonplace in cities and are pretty cheap. In rural areas, pubs (old-skool kiwi bars) usually offer rooms (and good pub-meals) or camping grounds (these usually offer cabins).

These are relatively easy to find. In the city, just visit a tourism office or travel agent (there are plenty around) and pick up some brochures (or ask). In the country, you'll see a number of camping grounds and pubs. Just go in and ask. If they don't have anything, they'll usually point you in the right direction. A good accommodation guide book is called the AA accommodation guide, it has all this info. in there. It's free from the AA (Automobile Association) office. Ask someone!

[PINI]

[eac02]

[Chris_Dixon]

hitching is ok, but id prob not do it if i was a chick. Alot of my friends do it, but yeah being a woman and a tourist i wouldnt. . Hostels are about 20 nz a night, staying at the backpackers which can be found in most towns, there not bad.
Public transport is pretty much non-existant and renting a car is expensive. There are buses that will take you to most towns but ive never used them so not sure how much or how frequently they run, also there are trains but yeah never been on them either haha...i think the dude who suggested buying a car has a pretty good idea, probably the same price as renting, you have your freedom, and it will be easy as to sell after....

just depends on how long your going for.

IF you want to know the best spots or have any questions pm me, im from Tauranga and dont mind answering any questions if i can help.
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