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Suggestions on how to behave with your hosts
We ask you to respect your hosts and not to abuse or take advantage of the hospitality they offer you. Unfortunately, we Israelis have a bad reputation around the world of being rude, loud, and with an attitude of "we do whatever we want!"
Make it your goal to change this reputation, not just for the sake of our country, but also for the Israelis who will come here in the future. Please remember that you are an Israeli ambassador wherever you are, inside and outside of Israel.
Kiwis have a completely different culture from Israelis. Here are a few suggestions for you on how to behave with your hosts:
1. Since many of your hosts will supply you with much more than a bed, it would be greatly appreciated if you would help cover their costs (petrol, food etc.), or even help with a small donation, especially if your hosts are elderly people or single mothers. There are many ways you can show your thankfulness to your hosts: helping in their garden, cooking a meal for them, buying them a small gift, writing them a 'thank you' card, etc.
2. Try not to travel in a big group. We've found that when more than two Israelis are travelling together, that's when their attitude becomes noticeable.
3. If you have arranged to visit a host and your plans change, please inform them. Do not let your host wait for you if you are not going to arrive!
4. Do not speak Hebrew among yourselves in front of your hosts. This would be rude! Use the opportunity to practice your English.
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Travel tips to help you enjoy your time in New Zealand a little better |
Arriving in NZ
Before arriving look at NZ Customs regulations - it will make your entry into NZ smoother.
Information
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Available from Information Centres in most cities and towns
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HIT hosts can give you information about their local area
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Book early, preferably from Israel, for walking tracks (Milford Track etc.). Information on tracks, parks and outdoor attractions available from DOC (Department of Conservation)
Maps
- Available from AA (Automobile Association) offices and most petrol/gas stations and booksellers
- View road and topographical maps online and print these as required
Buying and selling a car
- Local car fairs on Saturday and Sunday mornings and Backpacker car markets
- Weekly papers (Trade and Exchange and Loot advertise cheaper cars)
- Before buying, a quick check by a mechanic may save you money in repairs
- See legal requirements about buying and selling a car
Driving
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Vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Tip: Use sticky tape to put a large arrow pointing LEFT at the bottom inside of the windscreen.
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Look at general guide to NZ Road Rules. You can purchase a complete NZ Road Code from most booksellers.
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Consider joining the Automobile Association in Israel - they have a reciprocal agreement with NZ.
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Lock your car securely and do not leave any valuables and luggage visible. Hide maps etc. that would show you are a tourist.
Renting a cellphone
Phone cards
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easycall pre-paid phone cards - available from HIT agents and some hosts. The traditional phone card that gives you the best rates for calling within NZ and to Israel. You can use this card in Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand and many other countries too!
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HIT-connect pre-paid phone service - a no-card system that gives you a voice mailbox, currency converter, world time, latest calling rates and speed dialing. Use it in Australia too. Competitive calling rates. You can buy and recharge the service using your credit card from any phone.
Shopping
Most shops are open 7 days
Goods & Services Tax (GST) of 12.5% applies to all goods and services. This tax is usually included in the advertised price of an item - check when renting, buying or comparing rates. GST is not charged if you show your travel ticket when you buy at Duty Free shops before leaving NZ
Banks are closed Saturday and Sunday although some are open on Saturday in Auckland City Centre
Post Offices are open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning
Currency exchange is available 24 hours, 7days a week at International Airports
Are you buying or selling cars, camping equipment etc. especially in Auckland and Christchurch? Check with HIT hosts and also the noticeboards at backpacker hostels. Weekly papers such as Trade & Exchange and Loot advertise almost everything.
Food
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Kosher
Check out what is Kosher in NZ at www.kosherkiwidirectory.co.nz or visit the local Jewish Community centre - they may have a booklet.
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Kiwi food to try
~ Hokey Pokey Ice Cream - Vanilla icecream with pieces of golden sugar candy. A real Kiwi icon!
~ Marmite/Vegemite - Kiwis love this yeast extract spread on their breakfast toast, cracker biscuits, fresh bread and sandwiches. Important: Israelis trying this for the first time should spread Marmite/Vegemite VERY thinly!
~ Jaffas - a popular sweet. Orange flavoured shell covers a ball of creamy chocolate.
~ Pavlova - despite what the Australians say, this is an original NZ dessert. A meringue cake covered in cream and decorated with seasonal fresh fruit.
~ Lemon & Paeroa - A refeshing soft drink. The label on the bottle says - World famous in New Zealand.
~ Kumara - A type of sweet potato unique to NZ.
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Hummus - Yes, a selection of hummus is available from NZ supermarkets. You may even find some hosts make their own.
Sun
Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) and a hat. UV burn time in the summer is only about 10 minutes. Sunscreen made in NZ or Australia is designed for our high UV.
Insect repellant
Use plenty of insect repellant (DIMP, RID etc.), when visiting the West Coast. The high rainfall, humidity, dense forest and wetlands, make mosquitos and sandflies a nuisance.
Kiwi slang
You will meet many New Zealanders who will use words and terms that are not considered standard English. This is New Zealand or Kiwi slang. Some slang is unique to New Zealand and some has been adopted or modified from slang used in other English speaking countries. |
