Dream Destination
New Zealand is a dream destination for many people. Lots of nature, few people and breathtaking
landscapes. I was there for about 4 years, I also worked there. I honestly have to say that you probably
experience New Zealand completely differently as a tourist than as a worker or immigrant. Never before
have I noticed such a clear difference between image and reality as there.
As a tourist, you are overwhelmed by the beauty of the almost untouched nature. There are
few people living in rural areas, apart from the metropolitan areas of Auckland, Wellington and
Christchurch in the South Island. Compared to Europe, New Zealand has little consumption or shopping
to offer because the variety is significantly less. There are fewer grocery chains or clothing stores than in
Europe. Many western brands do not find New Zealand a lucrative market because the population is too
small and rural and difficult to reach. Many villages found on maps consist of 5-6 houses. So when
planning tours or routes, you cannot assume that you will find a bakery or grocery store in every locality
listed. The picnic concept is very popular in New Zealand, because there are dream beaches, but no
cafe, for example, where you can buy something to eat and drink, or it is closed. Outside of larger cities,
it is therefore smart to take something to eat and drink with you.
This may seem idyllic to some, but others may not expect it. Medical care is often far away outside of
larger cities. You should also consider this if you are there and want to move around independently or if
you are traveling in national parks. New Zealand is also in a real estate bubble. Prices for sometimes
really badly built houses have skyrocketed in the early 2000s to such an extent that local people with
regular jobs cannot afford these properties unless they have a property to sell. Wages in New Zealand
tend to be low while rents are high. Many New Zealanders work in Australia, at least for a while, as
wages are higher there. Many poor people in New Zealand are Maori or Pacific Islanders whose way of
life is at odds with more western worlds.
I won't tell you how to get there, because it is clear that you can
only reach New Zealand by plane. Or you own a sailboat and sail there.
