🇳🇿 New Zealand Trip | Days 1-2: Flight + Christchurch

🛬 Arrival & Customs 📝 Pre-landing prep: Fill out NZTD declaration (food/meds must be declared!) Download offline maps (Google Maps for walking/buses; Waze for driving – faster alerts!) Grab a Skinny SIM at the airport (see my earlier guide). Pro tip: If flying AKL→CHC straight from Shanghai, check if your baggage is tagged through – just scan at self-service kiosks! 🚍 Christchurch Airport → Hotel Bus #29 from Gate 9 (to city center): *"Mastercard promo = $0.10 fare! Visa charged $1.55 🤷‍♀️"* No tap-off – but press the bell early and say "Thank you!" when exiting. Novotel Airport hack: Stay here if you’re just transiting – easy bus rides to downtown (no luggage drag!). 🏙️ Christchurch City Walk "Downtown is tinier (and lovelier) than expected!" ✅ Hit list: Botanic Gardens 🌳 + Arts Centre 🎨 Riverside Market 🍴 ("Bluff oysters > Greek wraps") New Regent St. 🌈 (pastel buildings + tram tracks) Tram ride 🚋 ("Worth the $20 day pass!") 🛍️ Souvenirs: DF Souvenirs (99 Cashel St): "Cheapest in NZ!" – but limited selection. For quirky finds: Remarkable Gifts (Queenstown). 🚗 Day Trip Potential Akaroa (1hr drive): French vibes + alpaca farms! "Wish we had time!" #NZTravelTips #ChristchurchDiaries