Resources

            Last updated: 8/3/24

Below you'll find a list of helpful resources, followed by country-specific recommendations. 

Ruth's Top 10 Travel Resources : 

1. Google Translate App-- My favorite translation app. You can download it for free from the Google Play Store or iOS. While it's not perfect, it's great for reading a menu, grocery shopping, getting the most out of a museum and staying out of trouble. (Particularly reading those pesky signs that begin with Attention! or Verboten!) 

2. Going.com (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights)

3. Google Flights 

4. Thetrainline (for train schedules & tickets) 

5. Airbnb.com (for worldwide, low cost lodging) 

6. The Man in Seat Sixty-One (for info on train travel) 

New Zealand:

Before you go: Visitors from the UK, US or a visa waiver country listed here and must complete and pay for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay an International Visitor Levy (IVL) prior to visiting NZ. More information can be found here. The two fees together cost NZD $52 with the latter requiring a photo ID. 

Car Relocation: If you park your car at one end of the Routeburn track and want it waiting for you at the other, you can have your car relocated by one of the several car relocation companies. This generally adds about NZD $300 to the cost of your trip, so be sure to budget for it.