USA vs New Zealand: 5 summer break differences

[@tracimckinstry8741]

You hit the nail on the head with the cost of camping in NZ. They always market to the international community and expect NZrs to pay OTT pricing as well. If not for the pandemic then a lot of people would still be oblivious to the rates that our tourist destinations charge and it needs to change. Most people can't take their families on holiday cos it's too expensive. Places like Queenstown have complained so much about tourists not being able to come to NZ and they are losing business with the pandemic. Sorry I have no sympathy for them. Drop your rates so your fellow NZrs can enjoy a beautiful part of the country without being ripped off every time they visit. Love your podcasts keep them up.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes there needs to be some middle ground here! Thanks for watching.

[@triarb5790]

People whingeing about prices in Australia and New Zealand there are three key things to remember... 1.both countries have low populations. Less people to do the work that other countries have thousands to do. 2.Australia and New Zealand are far away from the countries where many of our non perishable goods come from. Transport costs money. 3. Both countries have legal minimum wages. That's a good thing. It means everyone is treated humanely. And on the occasions when companies are caught paying under that minimum they pay huge fines and can even be closed down. So if you think only you deserve to be paid well and everyone else should be paid like they are your slaves, then great prices will be cheap. Yahoo for you, bugger everyone else. Thankfully, (so far) even conservative governments have disagreed with you.

[@chchwoman9960]

I'm a kiwi and I have spent time in Canada. It was so lovely to have a summer not punctuated by Christmas. There isn't much goodwill about shopping with crowds in the heat. Conversely I so loved having Christmas in the snow in Canada. With lights at night, mulled wine with the neighbour's, fireplace and cosy sweaters.

[@kymrobins2432]

OMG I came over to NZ with my family 54 years ago so having only had the hot sticky NZ Christmas, that my darling Irish Mum would pull out all the stops n give us the absolute traditional English Christmas with the full on roasted turkey, poatatoes as well as mashed potatoes which of course we all looked forward too. It was only when us kids grew n started having our own families that the more relaxed Kiwi way took over. Hearing of your experience in Canada with the snow n the much more friendly shopping temperature has made me put that on my bucket list it sounds sublime so I thanku

[@trevorpakai7763]

NZ is very expensive now. I moved to Australia about 20 years ago & remembered thinking then how cheap NZ was compared to Australia, but about 15 years ago I noticed that the cost of things was increasing. Now the cost of moving around NZ, accommodation & food is really more than it should be; especially food - so much is produced locally, so it shouldn't cost what it does. Don't get me started on the cost of housing - that is a national scandal!! Love your videos btw :)

[@aperaruapeeta4309]

Australia expensive you been to Melbourne or Sydney crazy more expensive then Auckland

[@pinayladyoz8044]

@@aperaruapeeta4309 Auckland is more expensive than Sydney. For the last 3 years before covid pandemic my husband (Kiwi) and I visits NZ every year to see his family. The prices of foods in restaurants and goods in Auckland is way expensive than here in Australia. We live in Australia for the last 15 years.

[@aperaruapeeta4309]

@@pinayladyoz8044 which part Auckland you go too Sydney's house prices are crazy petrols cheap liquor food expensive in sydney

[@triarb5790]

Both countries are expensive because we pay everyone a living wage. In the US, for example, and all of Asia ( except Japan) there is no minimum wage and many jobs pay as little as $2 per hour. So every time you are about to whinge about prices remember that it means the people who grow your food, cook your food, serve your food, make your hotel bed, clean the lobby of the buildings you enter, wrap your gifts etc etc are paid just like they are as human as you. Or would you rather we treat people like slaves?

[@English_Mapper24]

@@aperaruapeeta4309 yea I have been to Melbourne it’s so expensive it’s like 100x more expensive then Auckland

[@petnzme]

Opononi camp kitchen, I caught 4 big snapper and decided on fish and chips for dinner. The 4 poor Swiss tourists were drooling on the table next to us eating ramen noodles.. So we ended up making it making heaps for everyone. They had never tasted a salt water fish before. Ended teaching them how to catch their own.

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is an awesome story! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

First time I tasted trout was in a camp kitchen. Family of fishers had a good day on Lake Taupo and shared with others. Delicious

[@kymrobins2432]

I totally agree. Camping in NZ is totally expensive (and I’m moaning about the cost of 2 people not a family of 6) I feel for u,I really do. As a family we came over from the UK when I wz 3 I’m 57 nowadays n although I lived in different towns n cities over the years, I’ve never had the income to ski in the South Island or the North Island for that matter. When I was a teen Backpacking was an affordable way of seeing my country but now I may sound a bit precious but I’m over sharing a bunk room with a crowd of younger ones. So unless I come into money, I’m going to be satisfied living vicariously thru other peoples trips around NZ. May I say u have opened my heart to us NZers n our quirky ways, ways that until u bring them up have never been given a 2nd thought. So thank you U really are the perfect person to do what ur doing. Keep it up plez I do enjoy a giggle. Swt as❤👌

[@MrChiddler]

I have lived in NZ for 30 years and have never encountered a single business that closes for more than 2 weeks in the summer. Where are you encountering retail businesses that close for all of January?

[@stevie_M]

It’s normally only factories and commercial companies like insurance, lawyers etc.

[@garyarmstrong9530]

I agree, large factories may take the opportunity of doing major maintenance during a fortnight or 3 weeks over the Christmas/New Year period but smaller retail outlets usually start back around the second week of January. I agree with the pricing for a lot of tourist places, some are literally making hay while the sun shines while others are simply price gouging, especially those that are open all year round. A lot of kiwis would never think of paying eye watering prices for some of those "experiences" and it would seem a lot of overseas visitors are becoming very selective for the same reason.

[@drayner2517]

I saw a few small businesses (cafe, gift store, bakery and fish and chip place) closed until the second week of Jan this year, making their break 3 weeks.

[@margaretp1465]

There are more this year, especially hospitality in the central cities, due to the impact of Covid. A two week close down over Xmas-New Year is common in the building industry. Ministry offices often close between Xmas and New Year, and staff are encouraged to take longer leave as it is the quiet time for many-all their customers are on holiday.

[@rogerb4436]

I agree, travel around NEW ZEALAND is very expensive as I've lived here my whole life and it's cheaper traveling to Australia 🦘 than around my own country which is very sad. I been to way more places in Australia than here at home in NZ. Have you checked out the price of a Scenic Train Journey in NZ? OMG, it's crazy..DOC has alot of free camps and huts.

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

I did a snowboard lesson years ago, one of the other students was an Aussie who flew to NZ because it was cheaper to try snowboarding here than there. Pre covid of course.

[@garthrogers2269]

You should try camping in DOC campsites. They're usually much and tend to have firepits.

[@ghostchips7204]

I dont think I could ever camp at a " Top Ten" style campsite. DOC site are $10-20 per night for the whole group and way better views and locations. It does require a bit of initial outlay for your own gear though.

[@susanhammond2724]

Hi, I really enjoyed this video! Yes our country is very expensive to travel around. So many tourist attractions cost a small fortune to visit. Some places offer family group discounts but still not cheap. When our kids were young we camped occasionally as we didn't have a lot of spare money. I can't even imagine a 3 month summer break. It would be so long.🙂 It's much nicer having the 6 weeks at Christmas and the two week breaks at the end of the school terms. In my job I only had the days off between Christmas and New Year then back to work!

[@tanyaherriot1203]

Another plus about camping in NZ is that you don't have to worry so much about the "wildlife", no snakes, poisonous spiders, bears, wolves...

[@joolstoomey1823]

My grandmother camped into her 80s. We set her up and her campsite had great people. It was the highlight of her year.

[@brianmac1]

I totally agree about the cost of tours in NZ. The cost structure of these is really set up for international tourists with much greater spending power, and kiwis see it this way, not really for us. As a kiwi family, even well before Covid. we would do very few even with 2 kids. We do have a lake bach though. While it's our 'happy place' and a great escape from the city, in some respects it's a lot of work to keep it up.

[@bernicecowan5161]

It’s a legislative law that 4 weeks leave are enforced as minimum & holidays are calculated based on your hours of work so it’s cumulative. Companies manage it where if you have 20 days + leave they get you to take it or loose it

[@allykatblue]

I think more businesses are closed over summer at the moment because of the lack of foreign tourists so less business makes it worth having a summer for a change!

[@paullcameron5006]

Funny you say you prefer camping in the US to that over NZ. As an ex-patriate living in Canada (where I assume camping is similar to the US) i don't really like camping here. Much preferred what was in NZ. The campsites here for real camping (tents) are often not grass and too many people have huge fifth wheels etc. and have the audacity to call it camping. I think you will find the reason there are no fires is because it's better for the environment.

[@sylviagarcia9151]

Plus, you don't want your country to burn like California does!

[@rebeccasatherley4727]

I would suggest you consider looking for campervan relocations, basically you just fly to the pickup location, usually Auckland, Wellington, ChCh, or Queenstown and then you drive it to wherever it’s required. Often the cost for the campervan crossing the strait is paid for, sometimes the cost is free or it might be something like $1. And you can find them that will give you like a week to relocate it to the destination and sometimes there is an option to pay a few xtra dollars for a few extra nights.

[@anzackiwiastrix2850]

my family when i was young was 6 too, it just easier to get a house at a destination and do day trips around the area. Well that was how we did it. Mum and Dad would normally pick a location with a lot of family fun thing to do then let use kids run wild. A coz it was NZ i was ok to do that. But that was how our family did it renting a house or batch for 1 or 2 weeks and just carpet the town with it attractions, me a dad would head somewhere and mum and my sisters would do other things and so on. Don't know if it still a thing, but family passes used to be up to 7 people. Now day they might charge per kid tho. Nelson area and the bay of islands where good places to do what my mum and dad did, but in the end every summer we would always at least spend a week in Hanmer Springs for the hikes and hot pools. Kinda like that was our getaway location, rented the same house form the same family for a good 20 years.

[@usakiwi1986]

I loved camping growing up in NZ We would go every year after Christmas through New Years

[@Tonyafinau]

Always loves watching your vids. Keep them coming through ☺️ very interesting!!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

[@Chris-sx7sj]

American here. Paying that much per person for camping sounds ridiculous. I came from a family of 7 kids and we camped all the time because it was cheap. $15 a night for the site (though now it’s usually around $25-30 a night) and that’s for up to around 12 people per campsite. Honestly, I never thought much about wild animals, but yeah my parents did teach us about bear and mountain lion safety. You don’t keep food in your tents, always hang the trash bag up high from a tree branch, seal the coolers shut at night, etc. Anyway, love the video. Very informative. Especially for an American who wants to visit NZ some day.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

You don’t need a campfire in summer. And you CAN have a fire in some places but it’s winter when you want the fire. The communal kitchens are optional - I prefer to camp and not use a group kitchen.

[@boomertuxx]

Loved holidays in America as a kid…. 3 months is sweet.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes nice to visit when it is cold in NZ!

[@thnzadventure8486]

Summers are the best in New Zealand! Thanks for your honest summary. A big plus about camping here is not worrying about dangerous animals! I do love the privacy of camping in the states, the big campsite, tables etc. but I don’t miss the sleepless nights waking up at every little noise thinking a bear is going to rip through my tent 😳 and yes the travel is expensive. In the states many people travel(fly or drive) during summer and spring break. At least where I live in Taranaki no one really travels, they all stay local and hang out at the beach. Some will go camping nearby or to a family batch. Other expats I know only do international travel every 2-5 years because leaving the island is expensive too. I think this is all a part of living a simpler life here; people have and do less overall.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

I remember going to stay with my mum's friends family in Gisbourne and Tokomaru Bay. They loved gathering seafood so every day/night a different beach, bonfire and fresh seafood(could never do kina or paua myself). Biggest expense was that we took the train from Wellington to Napier, amazing scenery and good service. I don't think it runs anymore, although if it did it would probably be too expensive

[@julierose7841]

I'm surprised that you're finding so many dairies and fish and chip shops that are closing for so long over the holidays - most retail, food service and hospitality places stay open, and in fact this time of year is their busy time because everyone else is off.

[@ritawharepapa5884]

Kia Ora from Gisborne 👋 I appreciate your comparison to your home country about camping. Fire ban's around summer is a effective way in preserving life and our environment. Hopefully you have better holiday next year. Peace ✌️

[@musicbill101]

What year did you visit NZ over summer? At first, I thought I was watching a nostalgic memory from the 1950s or 60s when NZ families had a decent break over Xmas/New Year season. Now the the shop s are open every day(Except Xmas Day) have have Boxing Day sales which means the ones working in retail have one day off, then have a busy and stressful time to fulfil the needs of so-called retail therapy. On the other note if your teenage kid is not interested in partaking the activity, don’t waste money, do the trip without them.

[@micheledix2616]

Communal çooking/ kitchens are very common in many Australian camping grounds

[@Kiwiamericans]

ahh good to know! Thanks for watching.

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

@@Kiwiamericans do you have the coin operated gas hotplates in the US? Where I grew up just out of Wellington the forest parks had shelters with several hotplates for people to use.

[@margaretp1465]

Not sure many families go on too many tours on holiday here. That's more for trips overseas. When I had kids at home, we usually went to a lake or the seaside and enjoyed what we could do for free, eg swimming, walking, using the facilities that campgrounds often provide, biking, sitting in the shade with a good book/friends and a glass of something, etc. Tours and expensive activities were maybe a once or twice treat during the holiday and not essential for us to have a good time.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Good point. I guess I am more of a tourist still than a local. Also having teens makes some adventures necessary. Thanks for watching :)

[@cnm757]

Take the money you'd spend on campsites, buy packs, boots, tents, sleeping bags, maybe fishing rods. Walk two hours up just about any river in a national park. You're as free as a bird, vanished from the face of the earth. You even get to have a camp fire, I mean, there's no one around to tell you to put it out. And you get to use the gear again next year, on another river. Even walk three hours, if you have to...

[@Kiwiamericans]

Ohhhh good idea!

[@marilynbarker8255]

I agree about the length of summer break in USA. It’s much too long. Kids actually get bored and so much learning is lost. 6 weeks break is enough and makes more sense.

[@francoiselafferty-hancock5112]

I find it weird in New Zealand that in order to go to Aoraki, you need to have a car, or be part of a tourist group. There's no buses or anything to get there. Don't know how accessible travel in the US is for people who don't have a car. Would be interested to hear.

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is a great question - will think about that one!

[@mariawhite1328]

I wonder if that has changed due to COVID as I used to work at the hermitage many years ago and I would take the inter-city bus to go back to my family town and to go back to Mt Cook again for work.

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

@@mariawhite1328 same here. Left in 2011 back then you could get great sights or naked bus right to the front door. There was also a twice daily local passenger service from twizel.

[@francoiselafferty-hancock5112]

It must have changed because of COVID. All the travel agents we spoke too said there weren't buses. Will be great when things go back to normal.

[@meg7088]

Good morning Tara, woah far out that's expensive $90 bucks that's such a rip off, typical of Queenstown, my hubby and I went to Queenstown 7 years back and I thought it was expensive then, the tickets to fly to Invercargill were $900 bucks and that was the cheapest flight at that time, my sis got married and couldn't miss that, I'm gobsmacked at that price for a bit of dirt, next time come this way to the Bay Of Plenty lots of bays to camp and plenty to do and cheaper, get ya fishing on and beautiful beaches to swim and swimming holes in our rivers here are the coolest, scenery is gorgeous we have such beautiful sunsets and the dirt is cheaper then the South Island dirt 😂 must be because it might have gold in it 😂

[@Kiwiamericans]

yes the North Island is amazing - the gold must be the reason :)

[@markvegar1442]

If you take 3weeks at xmas you will always have 1 week annual leave to take off during the year or you can safe up your annual leave for extra long holiday at any time so it is good

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

This year it was take 6 days and get two weeks off. I work for an electric servicing/contracting company so mon-fri usually. Obviously different for some businesses.

[@rosscollier3992]

Totally agree about the fires here. It sucks you cant have them many places. Even in Australia, which is ten times drier, they allow fires in most places. Totally takes the fun out of it!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh really that is interesting. I would expect that fires would be banned in Aussie. Interesting...

[@TheKL105]

Fires are banned in Aus during dry and heatwave conditions and when there has been no rain for days or weeks months even !

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

Used to work with a guy from South Africa. He took his family to a camping site, in SA they would have had a big fire pit, so he gathered up some wood and built a large fire, only to have the local volunteer brigade turn up to douse it. There was a fire ban active but they didn't charge him, he'd been in NZ for 8 weeks so they let him off

[@samirwildcat]

camping where you have to bring everything yourself is great. gas barbie, solar shower and a tent is all you need. Best camping ever back to nature is the best

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes agreed and that is what we generally prefer. It gets hard with 4 kids to not book an actual campground.

[@gregnz1]

What do you think about Boxing Day? Christmas is peak holiday time so price go up, prices drop from Late February. My parents had a caravan, we used that a lot.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yeah I went shopping on boxing day and was not impressed with the prices at all. Black Friday in the USA is much better.

[@gregnz1]

@@Kiwiamericans The new holiday in June may see a nice price reduction as we go into our long Winter until Labour Weekend. Shops may be having trouble replacing inventory because of supply issues?

[@juanitarichards1074]

When we were kids in the 1960s camping was very cheap. My parents had a caravan and a tent they attached to it. The kids slept in the tent attached to the caravan in our sleeping bags and on fold up canvas beds. We had BBQs all the time with lots of salads and sandwiches so my mother didn't have to cook. Us kids ran wild all day in the forests and at the beaches and rivers. There was nothing to do that cost money, just a large park full of kids swings and roundabouts and kids paddling pools etc. There were sometimes free concerts to attend and communal BBQs on the beach in the evenings. They had blocks of showers and camp kitchens but my mother never used the communal kitchens and us kids bathed in the river next to our campsite. It's a shame camping has become so expensive over the decades.

[@maraeacookson1573]

Have you been to the North Island camping? Tairawhiti [Gisborne Region] some camping sites cost money and some cost nothing and you don't need a campervan. Agree with you about a teen paying an adult price, ridiculous. I keep nicely pushing the owner to drop the price lol, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't, when I doesn't work I've left. Enjoyed your vid.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!!! Yes I love Gizzy :)

[@maraeacookson1573]

@@Kiwiamericans awwwww I missed meeting you, having a cuppa, and chat. Oh well take care, be safe.

[@tracyjbrown8010]

So agree with the idea of having reduced rates for resistants. I really hate the adult rates for teens also, especially as we all know that it's the parents paying! There are a lot of free things to enjoy but I think that these aren't widely known.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Totally agree Tracy!

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

Pretty sure they do that in some places. I remember being in Rotorua and getting on the gondola they asked if we were locals, although more overseas tourists then so we probably stuck out.

[@caitlinroy8678]

I've had your classic kiwi summer I went to Collingwood with our neighbors did some fishing and lots of swimming then I went to my friends batch in Carter's Beach Westport where I learnt to surf then I just returned from Lake Kaniere where we did lots of boating and water Sports

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awesome Caitlin - that sounds amazing!!!

[@micheledix2616]

Really enjoy your posts 🤩

[@Kiwiamericans]

I appreciate that!

[@robbietoms3128]

Its like you have said food here is expensive because we have to pay what they charge for export so they say. It's the same with holiday's we pay the same because that's what the tourist pays. In fact until covid our tourist industry didn't even think of us. Then they wanted us to bale them out lol during covid. If you can it's normally better to go away after march the weather still good and the prices do come down a bit if your lucky

[@eprohoda]

Ennjoyed, top edition.=))

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottforsythe2024]

I've lived in NZ my entire life. I've never come across a fish & chip shop or dairy that closes over the christmas holidays. Yes, lots of accountants, lawyers, engineering companies close.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Well some have closed by me...just sharing my experience.

[@annamarcel7654]

I live in Auckland and there are many small businesses that close over the Xmas/New Year period sometimes up to 2wks.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Your very welcome

[@clairephilip3259]

Its all expensive in NZ that’s why we decided to live in a van full time. For a middle age couple who want to start a family is just ridiculous as the rent cost $450-500 a week for a studio apartment. We made a bold move to quit our full time work and start a window cleaning business on Waiheke Island which works really well now. At least we are not pressured to pay the rent and still enjoy life and feel the freedom that we always want and at the same time we save money to buy a house one day xx

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh my goodness I love this - tell me more! I really love Waiheke island as well. Do you have any kids?

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

Good luck with the business and family starting. Waiheke is a cool place but sounds expensive

[@clairephilip3259]

Thank you for your response! You should visit the island, its got a different vibe from Auckland itself. Lots of business opportunities here. However, its hard to stay as its more of holiday houses that are available than long-term rental houses, in short its rare to find a rental place although we got offered a studio apartment but its still out of our league to pay. Now we found a small parking space surrounded by trees which we pay $150.00 for 5 days and we stay in the campsite for other days. We have been living in a van for more than a year but it is a great experience. There is free hot showers in the sports park. we used to park just anywhere we feel safe in the parking area along Onetangi beach. Come and Visit the island and see the beauty of the beaches in just a very short drive around :)

[@clairephilip3259]

@@suzannekirkwood6392 Thanks Suzanne! It is great if you are a beach lover though it is now becoming the home of the retired millionnairs as the house prices here just skyrocketed.

[@shadycatz85]

everything from camping to tours to local products, are more and more expensive because they want to wring every penny out of the wealthy tourists that come by the millions every year, but it has priced out us locals :(

[@laurenconnolly9596]

You say 2-4 week holiday where you aren’t working, but are you still getting paid while on holiday? For example I have a week a year paid vacation in the states, just wondering if it compares in that sense.

[@macdac9861]

Most western countries get 4 weeks paid vacation and unlimited sick days a year. That’s everyone, a full time worker at McDonald’s gets this

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes it is all paid time off. In NZ it is gov policy that everyone gets 4 weeks and there is also ALOT of sick days.

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

In NZ full time employees get 20 days annual leave. Your pay during that time is calculated depending on your previous earnings. You are eligible for that leave after I think 12 months, but most companies will give you leave in advance. For example I had a holiday planned but changed jobs. My new company gave me the 5 days off after being with them for 2 months. I was paid my normal rate. Two years later I took 5 days off but was actually paid more than usual as I had been doing a lot of overtime. Not sure how it works if you are on salary - probably just your normal pay. Part time is calculated differently, depends on your hours. They did just increase sickdays from 5 to 10 per year.

[@davidhughes6]

You are spot on. The cost of camping in a tent is often the same as a camping ground "Cabin".. The cabin is a better deal i think but not the romance of camping in a tent. I would like to see prices come down. There should be a set fee for families of every size. $50 set charge. Something like that. One thing you didnt mention is that there are no snakes or spiders to be fearful of in NZ. Camping in Australia is totally different. Crocodiles, snakes and poisinous spiders!!!!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Ahhh good point

[@markp1549]

DOC camping grounds are cheap.

[@williesful]

Yep travel is very expensive, maybe one good thing from covid a lot more kiwis have toured NZ. I relate to a pair of Levi’s in the $30-$50 tops and in NZ what start at $90 or more I think as it’s been so long since I bought any here due to travelling to the states for work once a year sets me up for the next 12 months. Hurry up n open the boarders the briefs are getting a bit briefer 😀

[@gregnz1]

brand shoes are expensive here,

[@robo4745]

Hi, thanks for the video. We are a family of five on middle income and I agree everything is super expensive. We recently paid over$100 PN for camping. We don't really do tours and just do the free stuff. Sometimes deals deals can be found on grab one or other discount websites. Totally agree NZ tourism is very expensive and almost out of reach for middle income earners. It was not always like this. I remember things being much more affordable in the 1990's and 2000's.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for sharing!

[@emilywoods6191]

This summer when i went camping we found freedom camp sites, much cheaper if you can do it that way.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes not as easy with 6 of us :)

[@RedDeadPandaGaming]

Doc campsite is really good, we used a caravan to travel around the SI or else bit would have cost an arm and a leg coz I'm from a family of 7

[@Kiwiamericans]

yes we like the doc sites. Our first two campsites were doc sites. Thanks for sharing!

[@georgedalgity1791]

Here in the Bay of Plenty Mt Tarawera volcano use to be free to walk up or drive up with 4x4 and was a staple for all local schools to have class trips to. They handed the control an up keep to the local tribe and Doc and since then it cost 100s of dollars for a only allowed guided trip with no other way to go up legally. My daughters will never go there unless they are adults and pay for them salves as just ridiculously expensive and no local rate. Shame and that's a classic example of what's happened in NZ over the last 20 years. It use to be cheap to have a family vacation in NZ.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Ok - I was literally planning on doing that tour last weekend! I did not as I am out of money but did not realise it used to be free??

[@clairephilip3259]

Great Video 😊 It could be because of the effect of pandemic that business are closed during holiday in NZ. Its normally open specially during summer.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@FerretKibble]

What part of NZ are you in? It's normal for the country to shut down after giftmas

[@Sydney4680]

Wow, $20 per adult and roughly $10 per kid....in NZ !! As a kiwi currently living in Australia, and being a big trout/fly fisherman, I thought I'd go camping with my young son on a fishing adventure, but I can get accomodation for roughly $50-60 per night, so I may do that option instead.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@eileenhildreth8355]

If you tell places like waitangi or rotorua attractions that you are nz residents they often have reduced...not advertised...rates. adult rate can start at 13...so unreasonable.

[@crazyoldworld7946]

I had to laugh a few years back when we hosted the Rugby World Cup. Visitors were talking about how expensive it was, all I was thinking was, try living here, it's not just targeted at tourists.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Haha so true

[@haleyrichardson8818]

We're a small country though. Can't compete with countries of larger populations...

[@crazyoldworld7946]

@@haleyrichardson8818 Agreed, but I also think that the are large players out there price gouging, particularly in the hardware and timber market, supermarkets, oil companies and govt levies a close second.

[@eileenhildreth8355]

No fire pits because if fire bans to protect our lovely Bush. Lack of tables no idea why, we always had portable table and seats, communal kitchens are fun, but always use our own chilli bin never the camp fridge . Prices usually geared to overseas tourists and should cover kitchen power sewerage, showers, and other shared facilities such as pools, lounge, playgrounds.

[@murrayedgar4791]

Yep to the chilli bin for anything of quality. Especially good meat, which will grow legs if in the campground fridge. Otherwise we have found Top10 camps to be super clean and with great facilities for kids; ours are grown now but keeping kids busy during the day means great quiet nights for us oldies. We use them heaps when travelling.

[@samanthahughes5590]

The reason why they shut down is likely because it would cost that business more to stay open for that time for a loss then it would for profit. It's better to go take a break then lose money, specially if you have to pay double time and a half on holidays and public holidays.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh interesting - never thought of that!

[@howlsatdesertmoon9840]

Don't know about NZ, but in Australia the 4 week close down is common among extended-family cultures like Italian-Australians.

[@glenradford5988]

Growing up in NZ was ok but if your parents worked you were just stuck at home and just watched tv. You really had to find your own fun. When we did get a holiday at the beach was so boring even at the beach. Unless you are into walking and sitting on the beach and just getting sun burnt. I like going on day hikes to view the native forest and rivers but certainly not overnight. Camping is gross and if you are at a camp site in summer there are just to many people.

[@flashrobbie]

It used to be closer to 2-3 months but the school year changed while I was in it (I'm old). I think it's less harsh on kids and families this way. Agree on the cost of camping with larger size families or when you take along one of the children's friends.

[@Gojuninja]

So the hotel, air B&b thing, NO JOKE! It’s like, dude, my kids can share a bed, and they’re good! So we have learned to search for motels that are like apartments with a kitchenette, then only one adult goes to “check in” and we just don’t mention that we may have an extra one or two people. I mean, they need to charge an extra $10 so my kids can share a bed? No. Also with the kitchenette, I can bring a few things and make everyone breakfast (saves $40 at a cafe), make coffee for the thermos, put together some sandwiches (saves another $40+ lunch). That has really made the difference. Also Air B&B are usually just get the key from the lock box, again, never see anyone, they don’t need to know I’ve got an extra kid. 😁Otherwise, your right, it just isn’t doable. Glad you had a nice holiday!

[@Kiwiamericans]

yes we have to bring all our own food as well for all meals and this is how we do it as well. I try to be straightforward about the number of people but sometimes it becomes so unreasonable.

[@Gojuninja]

@@Kiwiamericans Cooking, doing laundry because your kid vomited in the car three times and all over every set of clothes you brought for the trip, hanging clothes all over the air b&b every night to dry. Adulting during a vacation is overrated! Lol! 😆

[@Kiwiamericans]

@@Gojuninja oh man I had to laugh… been there :)

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

Having worked in hospitality there are other reasons for a host or provider to know how many people are staying, even if it's an infant who won't be charged for. I know hosts who have been denied insurance cover because there were more guests than stated on their policy.

[@rwags6848]

One thing that makes a difference with camping here in NZ.... there are no bears, wolves, snakes, alligators, mountain lions.... There can be sandflies (annoying).

[@michellezevenaar]

Non of those things are a problem in Europe either. No poisonous snakes, no bears, wolf's are extremely rare and non existing in many areas.

[@Kiwiamericans]

ahh true!!! I should have mentioned this!

[@rwags6848]

@@michellezevenaar Certainly less of a problem but snakes, wolves, bears, lynx and wolverine exist in Europe. Not a major concern I would imagine and as you say. Camping (or even gardening) in Oz… no way but then perhaps I’m a pussy. 😬

[@michellezevenaar]

@@rwags6848 there are only a handful of wolves in my county, every time anyone even gets a picture of 1 it makes the news. If one kills a sheep it makes the news. One was found dead next to a road and it made the news. Only farmers are concerned about them because they might kill a sheep or 2. I've never seen a wild snake in Europe. Never heard anyone talk about seeing one either. In the US I'd seen them. Basically all the scary wild things are only in the most wild nature reserves in Europe.

[@rwags6848]

@@michellezevenaar I’m sure you’re right. The point I was making… we have none.

[@ibrahimstevens3926]

The best camping is done in national parks etc not camp grounds. . . . . . Back to basics 😊

[@suekennedy1595]

And you get holiday pay with loading

[@TazDev29]

I just HAD to comment re the 15yr old being charge adults prices. Ours are 18 & 19 now, one just got those first full time job before Xmas and the other is still part time with university so still being supported. So while they considered adults by these businesses they being paid for still by us parents. So we still paying out for a family of four like we have for the past 18 yrs. BUT now we are paying adult prices for them. A event that we go to every year was costing $262 once the youngest turned 15 we paying $412 but we the parents are still the ones paying as they still don't earn a INCOME!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes exactly!!!

[@markvegar1442]

Every body want to take your on holidays right thats how these places stay in business it seasonal so they cream it when they can

[@lizwiz6434]

The price is ridiculous! Nz used to be cheap until we started catering for tourists. It’s as if we have become peasants in our own country. The Tourist industry devours itself. I agree about teens. They don’t have an income so they shouldn’t have to pay adult prices. Have you thought of doing a house swap?

[@Kiwiamericans]

A house swap? Tell me more

[@gregnz1]

most of the tourist sector is owned by Aussie, the tourist $ get spent before they arrive here,

[@markvegar1442]

No wonder there's alot of forest fires in America plus no fires is a safety thing in New zealand

[@English_Mapper24]

Yes it is expensive .

[@markvegar1442]

Residential fees agree tourist should pay more

[@wanda4573]

I stayed with family in a tourist area. Going on holiday other wise is so expensive. Gas and accommodation. I cannot afford accommodation and go see places.in the local area. I am lucky I have good friends I can stay with. Told them come to my place if they want too. My teenage American daughter thought America had more.holodays . I said no. I felt its more pressure to send kids to holiday camps in america. Glad I had one but camp was from $250 per week all day to . $350 for 2 hours a day for x amount of time at a summer reading camp where kids learn to get ahead for the following school year and learn in class. Library in america had summer reading incentive for kids to do their reading. Kids are expected to read over the summer and school sends home the list they should be picking from. Not sure if nz does. I wish nz had summer camps for different subjects if a child school report lacks at the end of the year so they dont get behind the following year more. I took my child once to a reading class for her age and the following year she was a top student. She paid more attention so she didnt have to go back to summer school Haha. .

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes the USA has summer camps -- but are expensive. I like the camps here in NZ - my kids go to them sometimes.

[@wanda4573]

@@Kiwiamericans kiwi ranch used to be Christian camp but now it's a camp kids go and learn to ride a horse. All levels of experiance. In roturoa' near their. Its excellent I heard. I planned sending my daughter.

[@markvegar1442]

You should contact the tourism minister and tell them off

[@usakiwi1986]

My Aunty had a Batch

[@mariawhite1328]

Camp fees here Are ridiculous! Just another Reason I don’t like camping 😁

[@richardcooper9015]

Great video you look beautiful.hope to visit new 🇳🇿 some day.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@libbysevicke-jones3160]

Object to your word ‘inefficient’. Stop thinking like a yank. The work ethic’s (laws) of American workers is negative and full of anti family values. Never seen a Dairy or fish n chip shop close over Xmas. We employee casual staff to work through holidays as businesses yearn maximum income through the busy seasons. Xmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, labour weekend are NZs highest earning periods through the year. There is no way 99.9% of businesses close unless they are not in an area that benefits from holiday makers. University and high school students rely heavily on summer holiday jobs. As for camping - your own fire pit. Fire banns don’t include fires lit in fire proof containers. Pick one up from Bunnings, and no l don’t eat at picnic tables provided by councils. Yuck. Buy your own fold up picnic table, then you know it’s hygienic. No true camping experience is genuine if all the amenities are laid on for you.

[@esetamorgan7978]

gosh, calm down @Libby Sevicke-Jones. They are just @kiwiamericas opinions, there is no need to sound so angry. And by the way, you should travel your country a bit more so that you see, there are businesses that close for the holidays.

[@martinlee5204]

One more thing: no snakes and no bears.

[@bernadetteP9999]

Lol... Camping (NZ) and Glamping (US)

[@Kiwiamericans]

I did real "camping" in the US. I think the NZ camping is much more glamourous to be honest with the nice toilets' and communal kitchens

[@peterhibbard347]

Everyone closes in January?.... really? Try shopping in Italy in August. The WHOLE COUNTRY is closed.

[@leahdewijze5061]

Your audio quality on this video isn't good, it's too soft.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh thanks for letting me know!

[@andrewshanaghan797]

Oh and for someone who professes to like the country...nice knife job.

[@Carlsfm1]

I haven't had any holidays.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh no - I am so sorry to hear that!

[@andrewshanaghan797]

This was basically a moan about prices ....I've been to America it's way cheeper here....so I'm confused about the whole clip to be honest....has anyone else ever paid to get in to Yellowstone or anywhere near the grand canyon...you need a bank loan ....

[@elahhale9057]

Well reported 👍🏻😎

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@johanmeischke9189]

In others words you like glamping not camping

[@Kiwiamericans]

No not true.. I prefer tramping and putting up tent. No hut for me.

[@johanmeischke9189]

@@Kiwiamericans yeah it's not a critisism but in your own words you prefer the camping experience in the us where undoubtedly the facilities are better. Probably as a result of a greater population

[@davidraymondpeiwa8710]

That's the downside in NZ ... too expensive

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes it is very expensive but worth it!

[@nzbeeker1]

If you need a fire pit, you dig a hole and put a fire in it.

[@dash4177]

You should stop moving towards the camera

[@dan4856]

Can I get a shout out for My main Man *Ron Swanson* 😅👍

[@shazza160]

10 Minutes talking without getting to the point. What’s with your odd tooth at the bottom