new zealand tourist traps

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Is New Zealand Overrated? 7 Tourist traps you should not avoid

• October 22, 2019
• Oceania , New Zealand

We’ve all been there, checking Google or your Lonely Planet for the coolest spots, only to find out that they are overpriced, overcrowded and overrated when you get there. Yup, the oh so familiar tourist traps that most travellers try to avoid like the plague. But what if we told you that some tourist traps in New Zealand are actually well worth a visit?

We’ve put together a list of of places in New Zealand that we thought would be overrated but lived up to the hype. These are the tourist traps that we’ve encountered in New Zealand that we think you shouldn’t avoid. In fact, we highly recommend checking them out!

The biggest tourist trap and most expensive place in New Zealand is undisputably Queenstown, but there is a reason why so many people get stuck in Queenstown; it is A LOT of fun! When Zi first came to Queenstown, she didn’t leave until two years later. Queenstown has the reputation of the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, and with basically every extreme activity you can possibly imagine, like bungee jumping, sky diving, jet boating, snowboarding & skiing, paragliding and mountain biking available, it more than lives up to that reputation. Combine that with countless hiking possibilities, the most scenic drive to Glenorchy , a buzzing town center and its location next to a beautiful lake in the most stunning mountain valley, makes it a place you really do not want to leave.

Cape Reinga

When you arrive at Cape Reinga and you didn’t get here ridiculously early, you’ll probably see groups of people swarming around the Cape Reinga lighthouse. While it is a cool sight to see the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean clash, we think the cliffs in the surrounding area are much more spectacular. Walk towards the lighthouse and you’ll see the road split when you’re about halfway there. Take a left at this intersection and 5 minutes in you’ll probably be all by yourself while the cliffside views are just getting better and better. Most people don’t drive north from Auckland, but we can assure you that Cape Reinga is a worthwhile addition to your New Zealand North Island itinerary . We recommend combining a visit to Cape Reinga with an overnight stay at the nearby Spirits Bay that lies in a beautiful valley and has a pure white sandy beach.

The Coromandel Peninsula and Cathedral Cove

During the Christmas holidays, it seems like every living soul on the North Island rushes to the Coromandel Peninsula for their holiday getaway, and we can see why. The drive around the peninsula alone already provides enough scenery to talk about for a week, but the most picturesque spot has to be Cathedral Cove. An hour-long walk takes you over cliff tops and then descends to this secluded sandy cove making you feel like Leonardi Di Caprio in a scene out of The Beach. A massive and incredibly photogenic archway provides access to the other side of the beach. Cathedral Cove is always busy, but its beauty completely outweighs the crowds. Want to find out about all the other spots in the Coromandel too? Read our full Coromandel guide !

new zealand must do – donut island, coromandel

Rotorua is best known for its geothermal geysers and hot pools, and the smell of rotten eggs caused by the sulfur gasses coming from the ground. There are several attractions showcasing these volcanic marvels, some of them, like the Kuirau Park in town, are free. Others, like the main tourist attraction; Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, you have to pay for. We liked them both, but Wai-O-Tapu is definitely more impressive and more diverese. This 18 square kilometer park is packed with geothermal phenomenon – from mud pools to craters and the iconic champagne pools. At 10:15 in the morning the Lady Knox Geyser erupts, and there’s steam and bubbling sounds wherever you go. The scenery really is something out of this world! For an even better experience we reccommend visiting Rotorua on a cloudy or cold day – the steam rolling over the boiling hot water will be more visible and the smell of sulfur will be milder. Read our Rotorua guide for more suggestions on what to do in Rotorua.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is arguably the most rewarding, but without a doubt the busiest day hike in New Zealand. The 19.4 km long track is designed for about 800 people a day, but on busy days up to 3000 people walk in a line from one end to the other. Don’t let this discourage you though, the hike offers some of the most diverse and scenic views you will find in a day hike, making it worth every single step. On top of that there are quite a few shooting locations of the Lord of the Rings movies (like Mount Doom in the picture above) alongside the track, making fans like Tom jump around like a kid in a candy store.

Hooker Valley Track / Mount Cook

Mount Cook has to be New Zealand’s most iconic landmark, making it a stop on almost any tourist’s itinerary and rightfully so. It is almost impossible not to be in awe when you’re driving towards Mount Cook alongside the massive and unbelievably blue Lake Pukaki. The Mount Cook campground is the starting point for multiple hikes of varying lenght. The most popular one, and the one that we like best is the Hooker Valley Track. It takes you over swingbridges through the winding valley showing incredible views almost every step of the way, ending at the glacial Hooker Lake right under Mount Cook. Even if you’re not into hiking, the Hooker Valley Track is a must to include in your New Zealand South Island itinerary .

The 4 best hikes in mount cook national park

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a mission to get to and its swarming with sandflies but still it attracts a million visitors a year. That’s because it is a jaw dropping sight you’ll never forget. Many people say that it is the most beautiful thing they have ever seen and it is often dubbed the 8th wonder of the world. The drive up to Milford Sound through the Fiordlands is an incredibly scenic drive that will probably take you all day because you’ll want to stop to take in the views around every corner. Other than taking a cruise (or a scenic flight if you want to splurge) over Milford Sound there isn’t much to do there, and its a massive undertaking to get to, but we’ll promise that you won’t regret a single minute of it.

A guide to visiting Milford Sound, New Zealand

Sometimes tourist traps aren’t worth it, and we are absolutely for avoiding the crowds and finding your own adventure, but often a tourist hotspot is famous for a very good reason and when it does actually live up to the hype, you should not miss out on it! The above are the hotspots that we think are worth a visit. How about you?

Castlepoint new zealand – the most instagrammable spot in the north island

Found this article helpful.

Tom & Zi

Once upon a time, two adventurers embarked on a journey together. Tom, a tall Dutch guy, and Zi crossed paths in Thailand and set out to explore the world side by side. From living in the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Slovenia to traversing much of Europe and Asia together, their paths eventually diverged. Tom contributed to some articles in the early days of Craving Adventure, and you might still catch a glimpse of him in some photos on the site.

14 Comments

I did a Contiki tour around NZ five years ago and loved it! As you no doubt know, group tours scream tourist traps haha so we did a lot of these but I love love loved it! I went sky diving, bungee jumping, Zorb balling and in the shot over jet in Queenstown! We also did rotorua and Milford sound! And the place where lots of the rings was filmed I can’t remember the name lol. But I loved it! I can’t wait to go back!

Hi Chelsea, awesome that you loved New Zealand! And those group tours really are a great way to see the country’s highlights in a relatively short amount of time. Are you planning a trip to New Zealand again?!

These photos are absolutely amazing! I would love to go back to New Zealand and see all of these places.

Thank you Bettina! New Zealand is amazing isn’t it? When did you go to New Zealand and how long did you travel around?

Yes definitely agree with you haha I am stuck in Queenstown rn and haven’t seen half of it yet but it’s on the list when we can go out again!

So much to see and do when this pandemic is over then! And I guess there are worse places to be stuck in than Queenstown 😉

I loved Rotorua! It was such a fascinating place! Also loved the Maori village nearby 🙂

Hi Jiayi, Rotorua is special right?! Almost feels like you’re on another planet haha. We loved the Maori village as well, especially the Hangi dinner was super yummie!

Your photos are absolutely amazing!! I’d love to come here someday, and I definitely think these places would be worth it! <3

Thank you Farrah! If you ask us there is hardly any place in New Zealand that isn’t worth it, haha!

I have been to six of the seven you highlighted here, and agree, they should not be missed. I am only missing Mount Cook (although I did see it from a helicopter.) Beautiful images.

Thank you Rhonda! And in our opinion, you can definitely add Mount Cook to your checked-off list! Seeing Mount Cook from a helicopter sounds super awesome!

Love your photos! Everything looks and sounds so amazing! We are thinking about going to New Zealand the end of March or first of April for one week. Do you have an itinerary of must see for 6 days?

Thank you for the kind words! 6 days is really short for New Zealand. My shortest itinerary is 2 weeks and I recommend you focus on only one island for that period of time.

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The 10 biggest tourist traps in New Zealand

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• New Zealand Travel Guide This New Zealand Town Is an All-season Destination With Epic Skiing, Hiking, and Wineries 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Trip to New Zealand, According to a Local CLOSE Part of New Zealand Travel Guide

From logistics to local etiquette, these are the most common mistakes to avoid on your trip to New Zealand.

Amy Louise Bailey is a freelance content creator and media specialist. Her work has been published in Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar , Elle , Condé Nast Traveler, Bloomberg Pursuits , and Robb Report .

Looking to explore somewhere new? Somewhere awe-inspiring and spectacularly beautiful? It's time, then, to head to New Zealand.

New Zealand is filled with varied terrain, crystalline waters, world-class cuisine, and a rich culture that's waiting for you to come and learn more. Of course, making the trip "down under" requires quite a lot of effort and planning, so you'll want to ensure that you're doing it properly. We're here to guarantee you don't waste a moment on frivolous mistakes. From logistics to local etiquette, these are the most common errors travelers make when visiting New Zealand, and how to avoid them.

Only Visiting During Winter

Sure, New Zealand has some great ski slopes, but if you're journeying to this far-flung corner of the world, you'll want to enjoy the great outdoors in all its glory, and the best time to do that is summer. You can swim at beautiful beaches, waterski on lakes, enjoy alfresco dining at world-class wineries, and explore some stunning walkways under the South Pacific sun. Don't forget: The seasons are the exact opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, so book between November and March for the best weather conditions.

Not Renting a Car

The best and most efficient way to see New Zealand is by car. Even when you've arrived at your destination, there are more things to do and places to see, and they are often spread out with no direct public transport option. Plus, there are so many fantastic road trips that are much better experienced in your own vehicle than on a tour bus. Keep in mind the terrain can be rough in New Zealand, and there are a lot of mountains, so opt for a car with a bit of power. The weather can also be temperamental, which means you'll want to avoid booking a convertible (as fun as it may be for traveling along the coast in the summer). Lastly, like most Commonwealth countries, people drive on the left-hand side in New Zealand, so familiarize yourself before hitting the road.

Overlooking the North Island

Many travelers default to designing their itinerary around the South Island, only spending a few days in Auckland on arrival. But any trip to New Zealand is incomplete without properly exploring the North Island; it's just as naturally beautiful as the South Island and home to four of seven of Relais & Chateaux properties in New Zealand. There are stunning black- and white-sand beaches, sprawling islands, and waterfalls, whereas the South Island is defined by dramatic mountains and alpine scenery — both spectacular and worth experiencing. Spend a few nights in the country's largest city, Auckland, known as the City of Sails. Here, you can check out the world-class restaurants, shopping, and art galleries; take a boat over to Waiheke for a long lunch at one of the elegant vineyards; head up north to the Bay of Islands for maritime activities; and see some of the cultural attractions in the nation's capital, Wellington.

Packing Mainly Casual Clothes

New Zealand is indeed a place to embrace the great outdoors and explore the natural splendor on foot. But hiking through the mountains isn't the only thing you'll be doing (or it shouldn't be), so your packing list should look as though you're heading to Europe. New Zealand has a vibrant local fashion scene, and while you won't find any black-tie establishments, there are many sophisticated bars and restaurants that warrant a more formal dress code. Might we suggest packing espadrilles that won't get stuck in the grass if you're day tripping to a winery? And a large bag to carry everything you'll need for a day out, with sunscreen and swimwear should the opportunity to take a dip arise. Also, remember to pack a jacket, even if you're traveling in the summer, as it can get chilly in the evenings.

Staying Within Your Comfort Zone

Where else can you take a hot air balloon with Champagne to start the day, jet boat through canyons at 50 mph, or helicopter over to an island for a long lunch? New Zealand offers many activities that cater to different tastes, ranging from adventure sports to incredible hiking trails and unique luxury excursions. It's a good place to tick off an invigorating once-in-a-lifetime experience.

5 Best Countries for Solo Travelers

Not planning your itinerary in advance.

Whether you need to reserve a car for certain dates or you've decided to embark on an adventure activity, it's always best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Restaurants are also worth looking up and reserving ahead of time as they can book out, especially on weekends (and the restaurants in New Zealand are not something you want to miss).

Not Buying a Local SIM Card

Roaming rates can be extortionate in this corner of the world. Purchasing a Vodafone SIM card at Auckland Airport (where the majority of international arrivals land) is the way to go — just remember to tape the original to the inside of your phone case so it doesn't get lost.

Condensing Your Trip Into Less Than Two Weeks

You could easily spend longer than two weeks in New Zealand, but that's the minimum amount of time you'll need to explore the country properly. Divide your time evenly between the North and South Island and take into account the days that will be lost to travel. Every road is scenic in New Zealand, and there are some fantastic lookouts and lovely townships worth stopping in, so be sure to allow extra time to wander if you're driving. And if Oceania is a one-off trip that you're unlikely to repeat, consider pausing in Sydney on the way back — it's an incredible city and a great way to break up the long-haul flight.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

Forgetting Your Motion Sickness Pills

The waters can be rocky and roads can be windy. Get ahead of it by packing the appropriate pills before taking off. Another thing to do if you're subject to motion sickness or encounter any precarious travel conditions: Keep your eyes up and off your phone, and don't sit backwards if you can avoid it (this applies everywhere, really).

Not Speaking to the Locals

New Zealanders are down-to-earth and friendly, and a smile goes a long way. Don't be afraid to ask for directions and recommendations — people will be happy to set you on the right track, whether it's where to get a decent latte or a dinner spot with a good atmosphere. Also, keep in mind that New Zealand uses the metric system, so distances will be given in kilometers rather than miles (likewise, the weather is measured in degrees Celsius instead of Fahrenheit).

New Zealand Travel Guide

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ANDREA VANCE Senior reporter

IAIN McGREGOR Visuals

Once an untamed natural wilderness, the West Coast is now firmly on the tourist trail.

Natural wonders, like the punakaiki rocks and blowholes, spectacular glaciers and the vivid, turquoise waters of the hokitika gorge are bringing visitors in droves., but conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts are horrified. new proposals for the  Ōpārara basin, fox and franz glaciers and aoraki/mt cook have led to accusations that the department of conservation wants to “pave over paradise.”, is the aggressive expansion of the tourism industry happening at the expense of conservation and protection of our most cherished landscapes, andrea vance investigates., chapter one:, value over values.

“Nowhere is solitude sweeter than on the West Coast.”

This poetic description is the opening lines in the Lonely Planet guide to the West Coast.

Its authors go on to point out that the region forms almost nine per cent of the land area of New Zealand, but contains less than one per cent of its population, about 33,000.

Of them, just over 2000 work in tourism, about 12 per cent of the total workforce. A third are employed by accommodation providers.

Tourism is the second biggest economic driver on the coast (behind dairy). And there are ambitious plans for growth.

Around a million visitors pour into the region each year. By 2021, tourism chiefs want to add another 200,000 to that total.

Forecast expenditure by these visitors would soar: from around $522m in 2017 to $598m by the end of this year (an increase of 7.4 per cent). By 2021, it could be as much as $810 million.

On those numbers, the sector would employ 3485 people.

That’s attractive because the West Coast is bucking national unemployment trends.

According to Infometrics, there were just shy of 16,000 filled jobs in the region last year, and growth was a sluggish 0.8 per cent. The national average is three per cent.

Tourists at the Punakaiki pancake rocks.

In ASB’s latest quarterly regional economic scoreboard, the coast was ranked 13th equal, with Gisborne, out of 16 areas.

Since 2012, the West Coast has been in the grip of an economic downturn. It has seen the closure of the Cape Foulwind cement works, near Westport, the mothballing of a gold mine close to Reefton and a slump in commodity prices. Over five years, to 2017, the region lost 1500 jobs and GDP fell by 20 per cent, according to Development West Coast figures.

The area achieved no net GDP growth in the year from March 2017.

Coasters believe they are being left behind.

There is a lingering bitterness over the Government’s refusal to allow mining on conservation land and its reluctance to further intensify dairying.

So, those who scratch out a living in the seasonal sector balk at any limitations to its growth.  The heavy storms that batter the region - such as the March flood that ripped out the Waiho River bridge, stranding tourists - make it an unpredictable livelihood.

Growing tensions are pitting conservationists and outdoor lovers against the Department of Conservation (DOC) and tourism chiefs over plans to develop treasured West Coast national parks and increase the number passing through them.

The Ōpārara Cave system, a natural beauty of the West Coast, is attracting more and more tourists.

In particular, draft management plans for Westland Tai Poutini and Aoraki/Mt Cook national parks, have been heavily criticised by conservationists and outdoor advocates.

Last month, the department put the plans on hold at the request of Ngāi Tahu. But officials are charging ahead with other plans to drive more visitors into the region, and to redevelop the magical Ōpārara cave system.

Ivory Lake, at the head of the Waitaha Valley. (Photo: Dave Quested)

Matt Newton is a former rescue pilot who built up his helicopter business servicing Taranaki’s oil and gas industry.

When the Government ended all new oil and gas exploration, Newton began to search for opportunities elsewhere.

He expanded his family-run Precision Helicopter business into Hokitika, where he’s been taking tourists up to Ivory Lake, at the head of the Waitaha Valley.

A red-roofed, former meteorological hut sits atop polished rock, overlooking a brilliant blue lake.

It’s a treacherous three-day climb to reach - DOC no longer maintains the track - and the challenge makes it the destination of a lifetime for many trampers.

Matt Newton

Newton got a temporary permit for his flights, carried out a three month trial this summer and has applied for a permanent concession. But there’s opposition within the tramping community.

Permolat is a network of volunteers that look after a network of remote high-country huts and bivouacs in central Westland. Their online community ‘Remote Huts’ criticises Newton’s plans.

“This is a further example of the insidious creep of noise and activity into some of our prized remote destinations and wilderness spaces,” they wrote.

“There are not many of them left and DOC appear to have a pathetically passive and I would say irresponsible response in setting boundaries. It's a real challenge and achievement to reach Ivory Lake by foot and its isolation and remote ambience is what makes it unique.”

Newton’s application is now out for public submission.

He agrees that “it is a very rewarding trek in there. But I have flown in an elderly couple, in their eighties, and they found it very rewarding too. I look at both sides.”

He operates using the “Fly Neighbourly” principles established by the Helicopter Association International.

“If someone is already at the lake, we are not going to be landing, not even flying low. We carry on and not even interrupt their day,” Newton says.

“We’ll see them walking up the track, tents or deck chairs outside the hut, a sign of people being there. We try and create flight paths that are not over huts or regular tramping huts, we try and keep out of people’s sight and people’s ear range.

“I’m all about going in with minimal noise and impact and a lot of that is about how you fly the helicopter. You don’t choose a route that flies up the main track, and you don’t fly down low over the guts of the gully. Our take-off and landing area is miles away from any houses.”

It’s apparent Newton loves Ivory Lake, and wants others to appreciate it.  “It is the tail end of an old glacier, that once would have been hundreds of feet higher over where the hut is now and flowed 15km into the valley.

“It’s been receding and Ivory Lake is like a little ice block now, down to that last little bit that will be gone forever one day soon.

“In the spring, the fragrance of the wild flowers is phenomenal, you can smell them from 100 ft up.  

“It would be nice to make the parks more accessible. But in saying that, we don’t want to turn them into a circus.”

It took two years for Newton’s landlord to get resource consent to operate out of the Hokitika Gorge.

“A lot of people didn’t want it, so it’s not easy. We’ve been running our business for 15 or 16 years working in oil and gas, seismic exploration, but that’s all tapped out now.

“It’s important for the Government to recognise that they are closing doors for people like me.”

Neil Silverwood in the arches of the Ōpārara Caves.

It is this clash of values that it is at the heart of much of the opposition to development in the national parks and the wider West Coast. Around 85 per cent of the region is under Department of Conservation management.

The almost 40-year-old National Parks Act, and the 1987 Conservation Act govern management of the parks.  

Inherent in them is a priority to preserve “national park values,” says Federated Mountain Club’s vice president Jan Finlayson.

“There are all sorts of small and large problems with the [draft management] plans.  

“They are less plans for national parks, and all that national parks stand for, than they are plans for commercial tourism development. And that is sad. And wrong.

Jan Finlayson

“Our national parks are places of immense and tangible value, they are very special, they are very beautiful. More so all the time, I think, as wild nature becomes ever more compromised and ever-rarer.

“On entering the park, we should be able to have a proper, wild peaceful green national park experience, right from the boundary. You should be able to find quiet, solitude, no fences, no commercial intrusions.

“But people are having to go further away from the park boundary now to find that.

“There are large volumes of people, but people in themselves don't make a lot of noise.

“Where we are finding intrusion is from that commercial activity, the noisy, the mechanised things, the commercial things, and they do spoil it for everybody, recreationalists and tourists alike.”

Aoraki Mount Cook

She is particularly exercised by plans to increase the footprint of Mt Cook village, a tourist centre which mainly houses hotels and staff accommodation.

“The legislation is set up to actively foster traditional, New Zealand recreation, which is by nature, modest in its accoutrement.

“It allows our beautiful natural environment to shine, to be the star. We don't want to look at built structures, we want to appreciate its magic and mysteries.

“These sorts of commercial activities should take place outside the national parks. Twizel and Tekapo are very close by, tourists are adequately catered for outside the national park and that is where we would like to see development take place.

“This plan is shifting away from recreation to commercial tourism. We are not debating the best way to proceed with protecting our beautiful national park but rather to what degree its values will be compromised.”

Simon Milne

Simon Milne, who is director of AUT’s Tourism Research Institute, recently completed a visitor strategy for Great Barrier Island. The strategy strives to have minimal impact on the natural environment and the lifestyles of locals.

“Where-ever you establish a park, where-ever you put in rules, regulations and restrictions you are going to run up against some forms of tension,” Milne says. “Those are things we have to try and manage and work with as carefully as possible.”

Milne says it's vital local communities are on board with tourism development, or tensions quickly develop.

The Pororari River, near Punakaiki.

“You will have people in the region who feel strongly about a particular resource and there will be others who are looking to exploit that resource, and grow tourism within the local community.

“These are jewels in the crown that attract visitors - even when it is a place that is fairly remote or removed - but they are also something that local people will feel strongly attached to.

“If they feel that their ability to enjoy these resources is reduced significantly … that starts to eat away at the willingness of the people to play the role as hosts to these visitors.”

Losing the good will of locals inevitably impacts on the visitors’ experience, he says.

“In this particular part of the country, there are some strong willed people and people that are living in this area for lifestyle reasons … we need to not only understand what the impacts are on the natural environment but to also get a strong feel about how the community feels about that kind of growth in numbers.”

In Reefton, the closure of a gold mine in 2016 was a huge blow, with the loss of more than 50 jobs. But locals are reshaping the former mining town into a tourist destination. At the heart of their plans is a scheme to revive a derelict powerhouse, the first public electricity in the southern hemisphere.

Greg Topp is rebuilding the old hydro power station in Reefton as a tourist attraction.

Electrician Greg Topp , of the Reefton Powerhouse Trust, says the idea was formed over a quiet beer but has taken 17 years of planning.

He wants it to be an environmentally friendly tourist attraction. “We are going to recreate the buildings on the original sites… we will produce electricity - it has got to be sustainable. At the end of the day, when you finish you don't want to leave a liability.

The old Reefton power house foundations will be restored to a tourist attraction.

The main street in Reefton.

“I don't believe anyone sets out on the Coast to harm the environment, even our gold and coal miners - and a lot of people will disagree with that - they are really mindful of what they are doing. Coasters are mindful. There is just misconception that we only want to damage things - but no.

“We need to be proud of our heritage, we need to grab hold of it and we need to tell that story,” he says.

Dawson’s Hotel in Reefton.

International visitor numbers have swelled - overall the country has seen a 41 per cent increase in five years. More than five million visitors are predicted to arrive in New Zealand by 2024. Local frustrations over traffic, road access, parking, overcrowding, visitor driving, rubbish disposal and freedom camping have already surfaced.

Milne says it partly explains the intense, nation-wide reaction to the “unruly” English tourists, who dominated headlines in January with their anti-social and, sometimes criminal, behaviour.

“We have particular hotspots where we can see the tensions and issues related to over-tourism, especially during high seasons.

“These underlying tensions were that people felt visitors really need to respect the New Zealand environment and the values.”

Jim Little, chief executive of Tourism West Coast, shrugs off the tensions associated with “overtourism.”

Tourists cross the road at the Punakaiki pancake rocks.

“I think that is part of some very, very small areas, or areas of the national parks.

“It's not the parks in general. There are one or two little pressure points where yes, we do need to take some care, I don't think they are not under pressure.”

Asked to identify those problem areas, he says: “Look,  I'm not really quite sure.

“I just know there is one or two places where a whole lot of people get into car parks, like the hill where everyone can climb up to take photographs of Wanaka and places like the Tongariro Crossing. Those are some of those examples.

“We get a bit of pressure at the road going up to Franz Josef glacier over February, March but the Department of Conservation manages it very well.”

The 20 minute loop walk around Punakaiki's pancake rocks is popular with tourists.

Finlayson is calling for a “huge mindshift” away from aggressive growth.

“We need a supply-side focus not a demand-side focus. Let’s focus on what our beautiful places, with their immense and tangible values, can provide and what our people and our wonderful recreation tradition can allow - rather than what is being demanded.

“A very good analogy, I think, is one's domestic home. Would we be so prepared to compromise our home values and our home rules and our family life for the demands of absolute strangers? No, we'd be far more likely to lay down the law and tell people on our doorstep how we do things at home and invite them in on condition that they abide by our rules - and respect our way of life and our place.”

CHAPTER TWO:

Plans on ice.

High above the ancient icefalls of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, a group of Italian tourists is enjoying an unforgettable experience.

Their helicopter swoops low over the milky Waiho River, before climbing towards the glaciers, hugging the rainforest-clad valley walls.

The visitors peer down into the glacier crevices, before the Glacier Country Helicopters pilot Jay Grift points the bright blue chopper in the direction of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

As it circles around the rugged peak, Lake Pukaki glows turquoise in the distance.

To the right, the Tasman Glacier rises up from its melting snout, frozen in an inexorable flow.

The excited group land on a snow field and are immediately captivated by the frosty air and powdered snow. They snap dozens of photographs, posing with the aircraft and their pilot.

The 45 minute trip is a $495 splurge but a highlight of many New Zealand holidays.

Visitors get the perfect shot after a chopper touches down on a designated landing area near the top of Franz Josef Glacier.

Down on the valley floor, 6km from Fox Glacier, the experience is not so pleasant for local resident Raelene Tuck.

Her home is next to an airfield and she says she’s plagued by the deafening roar of rotor blades, as helicopters take-off and land.

“It’s three helicopters all day long in the peak of the season. It’s up-down, up-down. I’ve got all the windows shut. It does affect my health, the stress, the noise, my ears will ring for a good hour afterwards.”

She’s recorded noise at 90 decibels (the limit is 55). And she’s been writing letters of complaint to the Westland District Council since at least 2006.

Tuck runs Reflections Lodge. Her guests are attracted by the seclusion, a private lake, and panoramic views of Mounts Cook and Tasman. They are often looking for solitude, she says.

“They can’t believe it. They came for the peace and quiet and the views. They arrive and they want to have a rest, but there is no way they can have a rest.”

A tourist chopper is dwarfed by the fantastic scale of the Franz Josef glacier.

Tuck has sympathy for the helicopter operators: her daughter Poppy is a pilot and runs Glacier Country Helicopters, with her husband Gus Gordon.

Tuck’s not suggesting a limit on numbers - but she’s hoping a proposed new heliport in Fox will ease her problems.

Further up State Highway 6, the stench of aviation fuel hangs over Franz Josef. The beat of chopper blades is incessant as they take off and land from 15 helipads on a grass airfield, just a few hundred yards from the town’s main strip of bars, cafés and souvenir shops.

It’s a source of tension among locals who rely on the trade for their livelihoods, and those who are fed-up with the noise pollution.

Gus Gordon from Glacier Country Helicopters.

And more recently, the Department of Conservation’s proposed draft management plans for Westland Tai Poutini and Aoraki/Mt Cook national parks have made some of both township’s 700-800 permanent residents even more uneasy.

Currently, aircraft landings in the parks are limited. The new plans propose ditching that practice for larger landing zones. That would allow for 73,000 landings in Aoraki/Mt Cook park alone, critics say.

Climbers and trampers also object to landings in the neves of the glaciers and in altitude around revered climbing spots in the Spencer, Balfour and La Perouse, where no landings are currently permitted.

The inclusion of increased activity comes after DOC was ordered to call a halt to a trial which allowed for up to 70 glacier landings a day on Fiordland’s remote Ngapunatoru Plateau.

Opponents argued it breached the national park’s management plan - and the Office of the Ombudsman agreed, ordering it stop in April last year.

Gus Gordon employs 12 people and flies four helicopters out of the back yard of his family home, ten minutes drive from Franz Josef. His is one of eight companies offering tourist flights in the area.

“Some days, we will do ten flights with three machines - so up to 30 landings a day,” he says.

“Some of the bigger companies have got up to 10-16 helicopters. There would 200-300 people directly employed, it is massive.

“We are a town of helicopters and aeroplanes and that is what brings the people to town.”

The chopper companies try to work together to limit noise and air traffic, Gordon says.

“We go up one of the main valleys, the Fox or the Franz, and then we exit the park … we actually land outside the park.

“Then, we come back down - not the Fox or the Franz - which keeps the traffic one-way and really helps with the noise.”

That system also keeps pilots safe.

Gordon says opening the park up to more landings would actually reduce sound.

“We could then move more traffic to one-way and have some good circuits where we go up the valleys and out other valleys that don't have all the trampers and other people. [That way] We can keep noise to a decent level.”

Tasman Glacier

Climate change has seen the glaciers retreat further into the valleys, and they are harder to reach for those who wish to go on foot.

In early March, a massive land slip wiped out the only access road up to Fox Glacier, and its future remains uncertain. Later that month, the worst storm in 37 years battered the coast, leaving a trail of destruction and cutting off the West Coast circuit through the alpine passes.

Gordon says these factors will only increase demand for scenic flights.

“The best way to see [the glaciers] is by helicopter, or by aeroplane.

Fox Glacier

“You can look at it from a distance, but getting visitors up there, on the snow, on the outskirts of the glaciers is what really gets them happy. Soon the only way they are going to get there is by helicopter.

“I suppose everyone has got their own opinion and are welcome to it.

“But thousands of guests from all around the world, get to come and stand … on the snow fields and look at Mt Cook, Fox, Franz.

“And I think that's pretty unfair of some other people to say: ‘we will try and limit that.’ It should be shared for everyone.”

There may be another way to take in the incredible panoramic views - but it is at least five years away.

DOC’s plan introduces an amenities area, that could open the door for a gondola over the Franz Josef glacier.

Starting at the existing car park, the 5.7km cableway would cross over the rushing Waiho River, and run parallel to the glistening ice, before ending at a viewing platform close to the Almer glacier.

Skyline Enterprises, the company behind Queenstown’s famous gondola, has been working on the idea since 2012, when a collapse of the ice face made walking in perilous.

Looking towards Queenstown and Lake Wakitipu from the Skyline gondola.

The gondola plan has been met with horror by outdoor purists.

Forest and Bird's Canterbury-West Coast manager Nicky Snoyink says the installation “risks ecological integrity.”

“It is, essentially, disturbing acres of the front of the valley. This is a really fantastic habitat for kea and rock wren and all kinds of wonderful alpine shrub.

“Building a gondola in that area would require a heap of concrete and the loss of that habitat, a couple of years of disturbance while they are constructing it.”

Nicky Snoyink

But chairman Mark Quickfall rejects the criticism. “I don’t think the impact is as great as what’s perhaps being suggested.

“It is a trade-off. The negative impacts in some people's minds will be the visual impact, a blot on the wilderness landscape, other people won't even give that a thought and see it as another mode of transport.

“Here it is a very wide landscape and we would like to think that the landscape will dwarf the impact of the gondola. We wouldn't want to put something in Franz that is flashing lights, glitzy, bright colours - it will be sympathetic to the environment. It needs to blend in.”

A designated landing area on the top of Franz Josef Glacier.

He says tourism operators are now much more conscious of mitigating environmental impact.

“It will be very similar to many other examples around the world … where they take people to places they otherwise couldn't have reached.

“We also operate helicopters at both Fox and Franz Josef and frequently you can't operate because of the weather.

“A lot of people leave disappointed because they have come specifically to see the glaciers and they can't get near them.”

Locals have mixed views. Barnabas Young, who’s lived in the town for five years, told DOC in a written submission, that a gondola would “keep the local economy afloat.”

“Normally I see the benefit of keeping these places in their natural state and would say no, but I believe in this unique situation, where we have an amazing natural resource that is retreating at an alarming rate that the more people that can access it easily and safely and in all weather conditions, the better.”

Bronwyn Burrows, of Glacier Country Kayaks believes the gondola “future proofs” the town, which has around 300 permanent residents.

“Due to the retreat of the glacier, the view can no longer be enjoyed from a ‘short walk’ … A gondola will allow less able walkers, and small children to continue to experience the beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier.

“Tourism has been the leading driver of this region since the 1900s and I think that needs to continue. We now have competition for glacier trips in the Mt. Cook region so we need to think outside the box.

“A gondola is a great start to this vision.”

The shimmering blue Lake Pukaki lies on the doorstep of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Other contentious ideas in the plan include allowing recreational dog walking at four tracks: the Tatare Tunnels, Callery Gorge Walk, Canavan's Knob Walk and the Neils Creek Track.

Hang gliders are angry at plans to put restrictions around the glaciers, and fishers and hunters don’t like a proposed ban on personal motorised boating in some areas.

There is also alarm at a lack of focus on climate change mitigation.

Westland Tai Poutini and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Parks sit astride the Main Divide and stretch from our highest mountain peaks right down to the rugged, driftwood-strewn, beaches of Westland.

Along with Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, they form part of Te Wahipounamu (The Place of Greenstone) South Westland, a 2.6 million hectare UNESCO World Heritage site. And they are a sanctuary for threatened native species, like kiwi, jewelled gecko and white heron.

Both draft management plans set down the guidelines for how the parks and their epic landscapes, waterways, protected species and all human activity will be managed for the coming decade.

Their untouched beauty holds a special place in Kiwi hearts, reflected in the storm of controversy over the plans.

DOC received 1361 submissions on the Westland Tai Poutini plan, and 889 for Aoraki/Mt Cook.

The consultation process closed in early February. On the same day, DOC announced it had pressed pause on both drafts, at the request of Ngāi Tahu.

That came after a landmark Supreme Court ruling in favour of Auckland’s Ngāi Tai hapū, who had argued the Crown breached Treaty of Waitangi principles by granting tourism concessions on the Gulf islands of Motutapu and Rangitoto.

Ngāi Tai’s lawyers argued as mana whenua they should have exclusive tourism rights on their ancestral land, and a right to veto commercial operations.  

DOC had granted concessions for guided walks and tractor/ trailer tours, which breached section 4 of the Conservation Act.

That’s a “powerful” clause which can require DOC to give effect to the principles of the Treaty. It should enable iwi to reconnect to their ancestral lands by taking up opportunities on the conservation estate. And it can require them to decline concessions by other operators.  

DOC and the iwi say they now need time to work out what this means for the national park plans.

DOC’s Director of Planning, Permissions and Land Marie Long responded to Stuff’s questions with a written statement.

She said: “DOC will not be commenting on individual submissions on the draft Taipoutini Westland and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Management Plans.  We have paused the review of the plans while we work through the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision relating to Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki and what that might mean for Ngāi Tahu.

“We are aware that people have raised concerns about several issues such as noise and strategies for dealing with increased visitor numbers and we will be looking at ways of engaging with people about the content of the submissions.

“Once consultations with Ngāi Tahu have progressed we will come back and talk to people about their concerns.”

Ngāi Tahu refused to speak to Stuff for this article.

CHAPTER THREE:

Pave over paradise.

It’s a rough old road to the Ōpārara Basin.

Narrow twists and turns make the 15 km trip up Mccallums Mill Rd a slow, but picturesque, one.

The road into the Ōpārara Basin basin has had a number of accidents and development is planned to improve it.

Native forest drips over the gravel forestry track, as it traces its way into the heart of the Kahurangi National Park.

The busy car park is your first introduction to this spectacular wonderland. Blue duck (whio) keep watch over their nests around its edges.

From there, a short, gentle path under a beech canopy runs alongside a whiskey-hued river.

The Ōpārara River.

Over centuries those waters slowly dissolved limestone rock, leaving behind the 43 metre-high, 79 metre-long Ōpārara Arch, at the end of the track.

It never happened, but locals love to tell gullible tourists how an aeroplane once cleared the span, the largest limestone arch in Australasia.

A longer walk, through rimu and towering kahikatea and over a forest floor carpeted with moss and ferns passes by the Moria Gate Arch.  It's named after the abandoned, underground dwarf kingdom of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Duck down a side-track, grasping a chain and railings over slippery rocks and step into a dark and ancient Tolkien-like world. The chamber is 19 metres high, and overhead dripstones jut from the rocky ceiling. Underneath, whio paddle through the slow-moving water.

Neil Silverwood on the walkway at the Ōpārara Basin arch.

A path back to the car park, over the arch, leads to the Mirror Tarn where placid, clear waters reflect back the surrounding primaeval forest and mountainscapes.

The maze of tracks is already a popular destination. The gentle walks make it an easy visit for families to spend the day picnic-ing and wandering in the accessible caves.

"What makes Ōpārara Basin so special is that it is completely undeveloped," photographer, outdoor guide and caver Neil Silverwood says. He’s been exploring the vast network for thirty years.

“It’s probably the best place people can go to see limestone arches and caves in a fully preserved state, free of intrusive structures.

"If this was anywhere else in the world, we would have suspended walkways going through the arch, we'd probably have a lift coming right into the cave entrance.

“The Ōpārara caves are not unique - caves in the North Island are similar but those places have all been tamed. They have artificial walkways, stair wells going down inside, lights. You can raft or abseil through, they are heavily modified, the surface has been farmed.

"You can go to Waitomo and do that, but if you want to go to a place which is completely natural you come to the Ōpārara. It is completely untouched. It is wild.”

An estimated 12-15,000 now come to experience that wilderness every year. But that's not enough for tourism bosses, who have developed a strategy to boost numbers touring the West Coast by a quarter.

Tourists in the Ōpārara Basin arches.

They want to draw crowds north to the Buller region, away from choke points at Punakaiki and Franz Josef.

A Tourism West Coast marketing plan, produced in 2017, aspires to boosting Ōpārara visitors to 66,837 by 2021.

Numbers passing through the Basin have already begun to increase organically. Records only go back a decade but visitors have tripled in that time.

At the peak of the 2016/17 summer season just over 11,250 made the trip, two hours north of Westport.

To bring more people in, Tourism West Coast want to transform the caves into a "world class visitor attraction."

In November, the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund contributed $5.6m to the development, a share of an almost $90m investment in the West Coast’s tourist infrastructure.

Tourism growth has boomed in Westland, home to the glaciers, but visitor expenditure has declined in Buller.

It’s a region already buffeted by fluctuating dairy and coal prices and it was the area most affected by the West Coast’s economic downturn. Between 2012and 2018, 1452 jobs were lost in Buller, and its GDP decreased by 44 per cent.

The only sector to show GDP growth is tourism - which grew by just over 22 per cent, although Development West Coast points out that growth came from a low base.

The pay-off in luring tourists north to Karamea, could be an extra 155 jobs to the area - a 63 per cent increase. But at what cost?

The Ōpārara Basin from above.

For around 35 million years, Ōpārara lay untouched. Its only visitors were forest creatures and flightless birds, which fell through the shafts to their deaths. Fossilised bones now litter the rock floors.

In the late 1880s, gold miners jotted the underground cave system on their maps. But up until the 1970s, the caves were mainly isolated.

Forest Service workers stumbled over a cave entrance while logging native timber.  Within a few years caving enthusiasts began to explore the dark, cool depths.

Scientists followed. The Honeycomb Hill cave system was discovered. Inside was a treasure trove of relics of creatures dead for more than 20,000 years, including ancient snails, nine types of moa and the Haast eagle.

It was declared a Specially Protected Area. Public access to the most scientifically important areas was restricted, and you can only visit with a specially trained guide.

Neil Silverwood at the entry to the Ōpārara Basin arches.

Development of the wider area into a tourist attraction continued apace.

More than 30km of paths and mountain biking tracks were created and opened by celebrity botanist David Bellamy in 2008.

Outdoor enthusiasts were lured into a side-trip from the nearby Heaphy Great Walk.

The new visitors have put the cave system under pressure.

Ōpārara is a karst terrain, canyons and caves hewn out of rock over millions of years. New Zealand has very little karst (just three per cent of the landscape, compared with a global average of 14 per cent) and humans have already destroyed or transformed two-thirds of it through industry, agriculture and tourism.

Delicate limestone crumbles at the slightest touch, and formations sculpted over millions of years can be carelessly destroyed in a heartbeat.

The Honeycomb system is also reaching the end of its long "life." The limestone layers sit on top of granite, which can't be carved away like the more dissolvable limestone.

"It is probably the last area left where tourists can see unmodified karst landscapes, still in its original form," Silverwood, a member of the New Zealand Speleological Society, which represents cavers, explains.

"That is what the drawcard for the Ōpārara is, and that is why we have got to preserve it exactly as it is now."

Conservationists reserve their deepest concern for Ōpārara's shy and rare wildlife. The Nelson cave spider, or spelungula cavernicola, has made the twilight caverns its home.

“It is New Zealand's largest spider. It is terrifying actually. It is about the size of your hand, and there are very few … [they] live in the Ōpārara Basin in a handful of caves, the Heaphy River and a couple in Golden Bay,” Silverwood says.

The huge, furry beasties are disturbed by curious tourists brandishing torches or camera flashes, and are being driven further and further into the cave system.

They find their prey, mostly weta, by vibration so heavy footfall can be disconcerting. Their egg sacs, which hang down from the cave roofs, are extremely fragile.

At the moment, the spiders live in the Crazy Paving and Box Canyon caves, where access is unrestricted.

Spider-lovers say that might need to change. Their conservation status is "at risk" and they are the only spider protected under the Wildlife Act.

“On a recent trip, I saw tourists actually going around the cave searching for spelungula so they could get a selfie taken with them,” Silverwood says.

“We also saw a crushed egg sac. It had been knocked off the roof by someone's helmet and fallen down, still with the baby spelungula spiders [inside], and someone had actually stepped on it and crushed it.

"It's having a negative effect on the spelungula...when I first came here you could walk into Box or Crazy Paving and just see loads of spiders, now there is a last few … it looks like that population could be crashing. If we lose the population in this cave it's a massive blow for the spelungula.”

New Zealand's largest and rarest spider spelungula cavernicola can be found in the Ōpārara Basin.

Increased human activity also puts the Basin's other rich flora and fauna at risk. It’s meat-eating, giant land snail are endangered, as are whio, New Zealand falcon and kākā.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is yet to carry out an environmental assessment on the potential impacts of increased visitor numbers.

Silverwood says that's unusual because it is usually a first step in developing natural wonders. He believes it sets an uncomfortable precedent in which business interests are taking the lead.

"The Department of Conservation is working closely with MBIE [the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment] and Tourism West Coast to develop this Basin," he says.

"We've never seen DOC take on a development type role before. It's role is to look after our biodiversity, manage recreation and allow for tourism.

“But we are now seeing the department focus, more now than ever, on tourism rather than on recreation and biodiversity."

Neil Silverwood at the Ōpārara Basin, where development work is planned.

Forest and Bird's Canterbury-West Coast manager Nicky Snoyink shares Silverwood’s worries.

“The bottom line is, these caves, especially the Honeycomb caves, are specially protected.

“They are a living or a natural heritage and the protection for them is already inadequate.”

Currently, the Ōpārara Valley Project Trust operates guided tours into the Honeycomb Hill Caves, with a concession from DOC. Numbers are strictly limited and the tours cost between $95 and $150.

Snoyink says that doesn’t keep unwelcome visitors  - or looters - out. There is a thriving market for illegally plundered moa remains, which fetch up to $350 for a single bone.

“There is a gate you can get around to wander on in. Subsequently, the moa bones, get pilfered and the next thing is they are for sale.

“[The concession] also doesn't stop the free, independent travellers, they can walk in there morning, noon and night.

“It is impossible to fence it, or gate it off because there are heaps of different entrances. But putting a gate close to the existing car park would make it a 5km walk and that would put people off. That's probably a really good start.”

Conservationists are relieved elaborate plans to create a Moa-themed attraction at the caves were wound back last year. Karamea was to be rebranded “Moa Town,” with a giant bird installation planned and marketing based around a “lost world” of extinct moa and Haast eagles.

Neil Silverwood looking through the narrows of the Ōpārara Basin caves.

But the discordant proposals have left them mistrustful of further development.

“Originally, it was a Disney-esque type development, with artificial lights and suspended walkways, blasting open cave entrances to make them more accessible, blasting open a spring to make it more visually appealing, so a really aggressive development,” Silverwood says.

“It is still not to the point where I am happy with it. They are still planning a number of intrusive structures and actually it is not allowed for, if you look at the legislation which the Department of Conservation has to use when they manage the park, it doesn't allow for any intrusive structures in the Ōpārara Basin.

“It is really heartbreaking to see the degradation of the Ōpārara Basin - we have got to protect these places.”

Tourism West Coast chief executive Jim Little admits the Moa theme park plans were “outlandish.”

“Somebody from Lincoln University came up with some sort of what we would call outlandish ideas. Just as a concept of some things we could be considering. It was never really taken seriously anyway. Those things got pushed to one side.”

He says the new plan is an infrastructure upgrade and “all about retaining the natural heritage of the place.”

Most of the $5.7m cash injection will go into widening the road, which currently isn’t suitable for motorhomes. Little says there will also be new toilets, hand rails and pathways.

And a viewing platform is planned for the Mirror Tarn.

He’s vague on the details, and refers queries to DOC. His visitor number projections are also much more conservative than the 60,000 outlined in his agency’s strategy documents.

“If they could get it up to around about 25,000 that would be the maximum during the year. That's sustainable, it works for the small community of Karamea.”

Little says he’s not worried larger crowds will put pressure on the ecosystem.

“Basically if people stick to the  tracks and walkways and so on, there is no change to that. If it is properly managed, no, I'm not [concerned]. The Department of Conservation and others need to manage it properly and do a good job of it.”

DOC’s Buller Operations Manager Robert Dickson says plans are still at a “concept phase” and the agency has been consulting with the community, conservation boards, Forest and Bird, Federated Mountain Club and the New Zealand Speleological Society.

“DOC will be managing the work and it will be in line with infrastructure at other DOC sites – low key, understated and designed to protect the environment with the increasing number of visitors the site receives,” he says.

The Ōpārara Basin arch.

No boardwalks or platforms are planned for inside the caves, Dickson says. “A plan to place a viewing area at the Mirror Tarn, to alleviate the effects of people walking inappropriately around it will require further scoping and an assessment of environmental effects.”

Visitor numbers to the site will be monitored over coming summers and the assessment will be done before any work is carried out , he says. “DOC is mindful of increasing numbers of visitors.

“With the increase in visitors comes additional risk to the wildlife within those caves. The Nelson Cave Spider is one example of this. Both caves will be part of an environmental assessment carried out by a cave fauna specialist to provide guidance and advice on how to ensure the best outcomes for cave dwelling species – this could include limiting access to these caves.”

Dickson says there are 65 entrances to the Honeycomb Hill Cave system.

“Gating these is not feasible. Additional security by way of camera monitoring will be installed at the carpark and cave access points which will remotely trigger alerts to rangers should people other than the concession holder be detected.”

Words: Andrea Vance

Visuals: Iain McGregor

Design & layout: Aaron Wood

Editor: John Hartevelt

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• Destinations

Home » News » Gotcha! Australian and New Zealand attractions revealed amongst worst tourist traps in the world

Gotcha! Australian and New Zealand attractions revealed amongst worst tourist traps in the world

Some of Australia and New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions have been listed amongst the worst tourist traps in the world, according to USA Today , which analysed 23.2 million Google reviews in search of the most overpriced and overrated attractions.

In July 2023, USA Today analysed 23.2 million Google reviews of the 500 most popular tourist attractions in the world, spanning 65 countries in six continents.

For each attraction, it asked a simple question: How frequently do the reviews mention the terms “tourist trap,” “overrated” or “expensive”?

Amongst the list of top tourist traps:

• Hobbiton Movie Set (#36),
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves (#55) and
• Larnach Castle (#94)

Australiasian locations on the list of the most overpriced attractions worldwide based on the frequency of user reviews mentioning the word “expensive”.

• Larnach Castle (#17),
• Hobbiton Movie Set (#30),
• Sky Tower (#34),
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves (#36),
• Taronga Zoo (#38),
• Port Arthur Historic Site (#41),
• Wellington Zoo (#51),
• Puzzling World (#76) &
• MONA (#100)

Australiasian locations on the list of the most overrated tourist attractions worldwide, based on the frequency of user reviews mentioning the word “overrated.”

• Hobbiton Movie Set (#56),
• Taronga Zoo (#65),
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves (#80),
• Wellington Zoo (#88) &

Credit: USA Today Key findings

• The Four Corners Monument (in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah) is the No. 1 tourist trap in the world, according to analysis
• The Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Penang Hill in Malaysia are the top tourist traps in Europe and Asia
• The Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia had 397,905 reviews on Google, as of our analysis, and not a single one mentioned “tourist trap.”
• The California Academy of Sciences, Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the South Carolina Aquarium are the most overpriced attractions in the United States.
• Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, is the most overrated tourist attraction in the world.

Top 100 tourist traps worldwide

• With the distinction of being the only place where four states meet — Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah — the Four Corners Monument sounds pretty cool. It’s also 30 miles from the closest gas station, so it might appeal to travellers seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, this attraction also topped our list in terms of the percentage of disgruntled reviews. Of 10,839 reviews analyzed, 139 flagged this spot as a tourist trap.
• Meanwhile, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin got the most mentions of “tourist trap” in the reviews we analysed of any tourist attraction in the world, with 400 out 76,269 reviews flagging it as one. This spot is a popular stop for travellers because of its historical significance as a border crossing during the Cold War, when the city was split in half between West Germany and East Germany.

Email the Travel Weekly team at [email protected]

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Overhyped, Overrated Tourist Traps to Avoid at All Costs

Overrated tourist destinations.

There are plenty of attractions that you must see when traveling. You can’t go to Paris for the first time without seeing the Eiffel Tower, and few people want to come home from Yellowstone without photos of Old Faithful. But for every tourist destination that’s come by its iconic reputation honestly, there’s a crappy tourist trap that isn’t worth your time or money.

Sure, a lot of this comes down to personal opinion. After all, one person’s tacky attraction is another person’s campy must-see perfect for Instagramming. Yet, we feel pretty confident that the overrated tourist destinations on this list are a total wash. Their lines are long, the crowds add hours to your visit, and the chances of having the time to genuinely take in what you’re seeing are very slim.

Our advice: With the time and money you saved by giving these a miss, find some place more beautiful, compelling and unique to visit instead.

Plymouth Rock

Let’s start where America started, except that America didn’t really start here, anyway.

Put bluntly, this attraction is massively lame. It’s just a rock, in a fancy canopy that’s way more impressive than the rock itself. As the story goes, the Pilgrims first disembarked onto this rock in 1620 when they arrived in what would become America. They quickly founded Plymouth Colony, which is recreated down the road in a tourist destination much more worthy of your time.

But the truth is that no one even claimed that this particular rock was the arrival point until the mid-18th century, so…yeah, it’s likely all made up. Also, Native Americans were here long before the pilgrims showed up. Besides, the pilgrims landed at what would become Provincetown, on the tip of Cape Cod, a month before Plymouth anyway.

Blarney Stone

Let’s move across the ocean from Plymouth to another big ol’ dumb rock: the Blarney Stone near Cork, Ireland. The deal with this rock is that you’re supposed to bend over backwards to kiss it, and thus receive the gift of “blarney” – essentially eloquence.

If waiting in line for several hours to plant your mouth on a rock slimy with the moisture of a million other lips touching it is your thing, be our guest. But we’d rather walk around the more interesting grounds, including a garden of poisonous plants.

Completing our tour of overrated rocks, we’ll scoot over to Wiltshire, England, in order to warn you to avoid Stonehenge.

It’s not that this prehistoric monument is a total waste, but it’s never quite as grand as you were expecting. The stones aren’t 50 feet high, and the crowds take away the sense of eerie wonder that must have entranced those who stumbled upon the mysterious circle back in the day.

We’ll be honest – there are tons of stone circles all over the United Kingdom, many of which are far more impressive in their location and beauty than Stonehenge. The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland are a great example.

Niagara Falls

It’s certainly not true that the waterfalls themselves are overrated. In fact, they’re stunning, a majestic display of the power of water.

The problem with the falls is the entire mini-economy of tourist crap that’s been built up beside (and under) them. The Canadian side is a little better than the American, but still, it’s just an unending array of gift shops, tacky restaurants and tourist attractions, as if Branson, Missouri set up shop beside one of Earth’s natural wonders…and blocked the view.

Times Square

Times Square, the beating heart of New York City, is loud, tacky, overcrowded and not very much fun. That won’t stop most tourists from venturing into it anyway, only to break free, several minutes or hours later, gasping at how awful it is. Yep, we said it.

While Manhattan has made real efforts to improve this area with pedestrian-only sections and better traffic flow, it’s still insanity, so we can only recommend going there if you’re on your way to a Broadway show. Otherwise, the best way to see it, if you must, is to walk down 8th Avenue and take a quick peek at its humming activity.

Four Corners

Lest you think we have something against crowds, our next stop on the overrated tourism tour is one that’s remote and rarely very crowded. Four Corners is where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet, forming, well…you get it.

As you may be aware, states don’t have actual physical borders, so there’s not much here but a plaque in the ground and a bunch of state flags. If you’re driving by anyway, sure, stop, but don’t go out of your way, like, at all. At least it’s free.

This might be the most controversial inclusion on this list, and we get it: If you’re taking the time to go to India as a tourist, you’re probably going to go to the Taj Mahal. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

First, you will drive forever to get there. Then, you will stand in line forever to get in. And then, once you’re in, you and approximately one million other people will pour through the palace, utterly ruining its serenity by chattering, taking photos and generally missing the entire point of the place, which was built to mourn and honor a lost love.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Your enjoyment of this attraction will really depend on how much you’ve taken in the title of the place, because it says it all: There is a tower in Pisa, and it leans. That’s about it.

Oh, you can climb it, too, if you like waiting in line to exert yourself near utter strangers in order to glimpse an ok-ish view of the Italian countryside. Also, it’s 18 Euros (about $20) to do so.

Westminster Abbey

It’s not that Westminster Abbey isn’t impressive – it is. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Brits like Charles Dickens and Darwin, and explore the aisle where royal luminaries such as H.R.H. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge walked on their wedding day.

It’s just that the church is so darn crowded, with guides leading herds of tourists around while braying out information. Also, a heads up before you go in: This is not the place where Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married (that’s St. Paul’s Cathedral) and it’s not where Jane Austen or William Shakespeare are buried (Winchester Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford, respectively).

There are a lot of famous churches and cathedrals in the UK; make sure this is one you really want to see.

Madame Tussauds

There are a bunch of these strange wax-figure museums in cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and Las Vegas. All of those cities are known as tourist destinations, which should give you all the warning you need.

This is, at best, a sort of weird place, and at worst, a hugely depressing slog which will make you question just why our society values celebrity so much. However, if interacting with creepy, poorly rendered copies of famous people is your thing, at least you know you have myriad opportunities to do so, as long as you’re willing to cough up some cash (generally between $20 and $35, or more if you want to tack on attractions like “Ghostbusters: Dimension Hyper Reality Experience”).

Versailles might be the most depressing tourist trap on this list, because it could be a beautiful and intriguing destination if it weren’t so filled with other tourists. But because so many people want to see Louis XIV’s palace about 30 minutes outside of Paris, and because the folks who run this place seem to have never heard of fire code guidelines, you’re almost guaranteed to see more of the back of strangers’ heads than the palace itself.

If you must go, explore the idyllic and less-crowded grounds instead, timed to when the fountains are on.

Wall Drug Store

About 10,000 signs alert you to the fact that Wall Drug is ahead when you drive across South Dakota, probably on your way to or from Mount Rushmore. The signs are fun, giving you something to look for while you drive what seems like an endless highway.

But just keep on driving and don’t stop: Once a gimmicky but real drug store, Wall Drug is now a shopping mall that specializes in crap. Imagine fake cowboy hats, fake cowboy boots and tacky t-shirts, not to mention overpriced food, as far as the eye can see. The only thing worth stopping for is the jackalope (a made-up jack rabbit/antelope cross-breed) statue, and the still-free cup of water.

South of the Border

Then there’s this place off three well-trodden highways in South Carolina, which makes Wall Drug look like the epitome of taste and subtlety. Like Wall Drug, South of the Border was designed to trap tourists (and their money), but it doesn't have Wall Drug’s history.

It was developed in 1950 to be intentionally campy, and boy, did the owners succeed. Attractions include a video arcade, a tiny amusement park, fireworks stores and a statue of “Pedro,” a crude caricature of a Mexican bandido.

This place is truly depressing, like the underbelly of American consumerism flipped over and left to burn in the sun.

Manneken Pis

Lest we start to think Americans have a lock on the tacky, Brussels steps up.

This inexplicably famous statue shows a little boy urinating into a fountain. Let’s be honest: If you go to Brussels, you’ll probably go to see him. But at least you won’t expect much. It’s a little boy. Peeing. That’s it.

The "Mona Lisa” at The Louvre

Millions of people flock to the Louvre in Paris every year, and a huge portion of those millions make their way to Room 711 to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous "Mona Lisa." We’ve been there. And we can tell you, it looks exactly like you were expecting, except smaller.

Is it worth it to wait in line for hours to peer through bullet-proof glass to see it? That’s up to you. But we can tell you that the Louvre has thousands of other pieces, almost all of which are beautiful and easier to see.

The Empire State Building

Yes, yes, it features in two of the greatest romantic movies of all time, “An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” All we can say is that these days, with its steep entrance fee, massive crowds and intensive security check, it’s hard to find much to love here. And when you actually get to the top, you can’t even see iconic sights like Central Park!

Our advice: Take photos of this building from outside, and move on. There are many places in the city that offer the opportunity to snap a great shot of the Manhattan skyline...and they won’t cost you $20.

Pyramids of Giza

They’re an ancient wonder, but pretty hellish for modern-day visitors.

For one thing, the Pyramids of Giza (the most visited pyramids in the world) are in a desert, and, as you may have heard, deserts are usually hot and dry. That makes for a difficult journey to the site. Add in the difficulties of negotiating your entrance fee — different prices are set for different pyramids — and the fact that exploring the structures involves navigating long, dark, narrow, low tunnels to see a bunch of empty rooms…and, well, we’ll pass.

Trevi Fountain

This fountain in Rome was completed in 1762 and has been revered for its beauty ever since. We’re mentioning that because you’ll likely have trouble doing more than glimpsing it unless you go at the crack of dawn.

Hundreds of people wait for hours to throw a coin in because a legend insists that doing so assures that they’ll return to Rome one day. Don’t bother being one of them — just book a return trip!

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The appeal of this array of stars set in concrete eludes us. It’s not like the famous people are there, or that the stars are in any way distinctive — they just have a famous person’s name on them.

If watching celebrity superfans and teenagers let loose on family vacations is your thing, then by all means, head down to Hollywood Boulevard. But we suggest you skip the stars as well as the former Mann’s Chinese Theatre (now the TCL Chinese Theatre), an inexplicably overhyped gaudy monstrosity of a cinema on the same street.

The history at this famous site in San Antonio is interesting, of course, and the courage of the people who died there compelling. But a glance at the website, where instructions for this “Shrine to Texas Liberty” include “Gentlemen, please remove your hats…” reveals the problem: It takes itself way too seriously, and streamlines a complicated history into simplified ideas about bravery and sacrifice.

Also, it’s small and often crowded and too hot.

Tower of London

Look, we know you’re going to go to the Tower of London if it’s your first time in the city. Just don’t say we didn’t tell you what to expect. The crowds are endless, so bad that in some parts you’ll queue for a half-hour in order to ride a people mover — including past the Crown Jewels — to maximize the number of people who can “see” the exhibits. And you’ll pay about $40 for the honor of doing so.

Also, keep in mind that this is a place that tries to pass off a bunch of loud crows as “the Tower Ravens.” Off with their heads.

Copenhagen Little Mermaid Statue

Fancy a long walk through Copenhagen for no other reason than to gaze at a four-foot-high statue stuck on the waterside, while jostling for space alongside a bunch of other tourists who got snookered into doing this?

If so, we have a suggestion of which statue to see. Prepare to wait a long, long time to get your photo taken with her.

Mount Rushmore

It’s a very cool sculpture, Mount Rushmore, set high in the Black Hills of South Dakota, begun by Gutzon Borglum in the 1920s and finished in 1941. But even if you have no issues with the men portrayed and the men who carved them, the problem is that it is set very high in the hills, so far away from the viewing platform at the National Park dedicated to it that you need to bring binoculars to really see much of anything.

Also, there are hundreds of people around you trying to see the same four faces. Next.

Roman Colosseum

When you’re planning a trip to Rome, people will tell you you have to visit the nearly 2,000-year-old Colosseum, but oh, we wish you wouldn’t. The queues to go in are long and disorganized. And once you make it in, the walking is difficult, there are tons of people there, and few interpretive signs are provided.

If you have to go, try to do so in the off-season, when there are fewer people and cooler temperatures. We hate to double-diss Rome in this list, but alas! Thumbs down. (And don’t worry: There are a million other amazing sites to explore in the city instead.)

Grand Canyon Skywalk

You might remember when this opened in 2007; people went nuts over the idea of a glass walkway jutting out over the rim of the Grand Canyon, theoretically allowing visitors to gaze down into the abyss. But the key word here is “theoretically.”

These days, the Skyrim is so crowded that you can barely see your own feet, let alone any tremendous views, and the price gouging is out of control: The cheapest ticket is nearly $50. Maybe instead just drive to a lookout on the canyon rim, and, you know, look out?

Statue of Liberty

The strange thing about the Statue of Liberty is that so many tourists are willing to go to Herculean efforts (generally involving at least a long subway ride and a ferry) to get to it when there is so much else to see and do in New York City. At least it’s now open, having been closed after September 11, 2001 for many years because of security concerns.

But the big secret of the Statue is that the views out of the crown aren’t very good, and you have to climb an extremely claustrophobic staircase to get to them. Our advice is to take the Staten Island ferry for a great view of Lady Liberty for far less time and money.

Whale Watching

We get it: Whales are majestic and beautiful creatures. But the truth of the matter is, unless you’re going whale watching in an area where there happen to be lots of active whales who like to jump and slap their tails around, you’re going to be underwhelmed.

Most whale-watching tours involve staring into the middle distance over the ocean for long periods of time, only to be sent running to the other side of the boat to see what looks like a small dark island appear and disappear in the water. And you paid $50 a person for that. Yay?

Bird poop. Sorry, but that’s what Venice is full of, due to all of the pigeons that flock here. Also flocking? Tons and tons of tourists.

What no one tells you about Venice (but we will) is that the canals make for lots of narrow and confusing streets, with quite a few dead-ends along the way. Now, picture those tiny streets packed with people, and smeared with…well, you know. Poop.

French Quarter

All anyone ever talks about regarding New Orleans is how charming it is, and given what the city has been through in the last 15 years, with Hurricane Katrina decimating it, we’re all for its charms being celebrated.

But the French Quarter is not charming. It’s full of visiting day drinkers and businesses that use sleaze to sell more drinking. Other areas of the city, like Algiers and the Garden District, are far more enticing and authentic.

The Las Vegas Strip

Everyone visiting Las Vegas thinks that it’ll be like being in one of the “Ocean’s 11” movies (original or 20th century versions). It is not. It’s much more like tromping around a bunch of fake (cool, but fake) attractions in the blazing desert heat.

Everything costs $1,000,000. Everyone is nice to you because they want your money. You can’t get close enough to those freaking fountains at the Bellagio to even really see the show.

Eventually, you’ll give in, go back inside, and play the slot machines for hours, just like everyone else.

The Hollywood Sign

For those who feel that giant letters just do not get enough tourist attention these days, this famous sign, high in the hills over Los Angeles, is must-visit. For everyone else, though, shots of it in your favorite L.A.-based movies or television shows are likely satisfying enough.

The hike up to the sign is steep, and, well, let’s just say the letters aren’t more interesting from behind. Hit pause next time you’re watching, instead.

Willis Tower

This used to be called the Sears Tower, and it’s a very, very tall building in Chicago, once the highest in the world, actually.

In theory, it offers amazing views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, but once you factor in the crowds and Chicago’s frequent bad weather, it’s not worth the trouble.

By the way, the Willis Tower offers the Skydeck, a glass-floor that extends out from the tower. You’ll pay $24 a person to enjoy all four feet of it. Yep. Four feet.

There’s no denying that Denali, the highest mountain in North America is stunning, an immense form on the horizon seen from the national park that bears its name.

The problem is that you have about a 1 in 3 chance of actually seeing it, since it makes its own weather and seems to be awfully fond of creating fog.

Alaska is a long way to travel to see fog, even if you vaguely understand that there’s a mountain in it somewhere.

Najing Dong Lu

Shanghai’s most famous street is frequently called a shopper’s paradise. It’s a pedestrian area, often compared to Times Square, which should be all the warning you need: like New York’s “shopper’s paradise,” Najing Dong Lu is crowded and full of scam artists.

And the shopping? Mediocre, and full of chain stores. Visitors who stand out from the Chinese crowd will be particularly targeted, harassed by frequent offers of counterfeit goods and ladies of the night.

Christ the Redeemer Statue

Like the Hollywood sign — a comparison that is not often made with Jesus — the famous Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro is better appreciated from afar or on screen.

The problem here isn’t the beauty of the statue, which is just as impressive up close, but rather the grueling traffic on the road to get there, and the massive crowds once you finally make it. Not to mention that plenty of tours stop for 10 minutes, tops.

Old Town Prague

Prague’s Old Town section, dating back to the Medieval era, is both historical and attractive.

Everyone else has figured this out too, however, so you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of the actual tiny, exquisite buildings while you trundle along, jostled constantly and trying not to trip over the cobblestones.

Arrive early or late for a better shot of actually seeing something there.

Sacre Couer

This cathedral in Paris, where prayers are said 24 hours a day, is stunning. As a bonus, the views over the city are gorgeous, too.

So, why is Sacre Couer on this list? Because of the super-aggressive hustlers on nearby streets, including by the entrance to the funicular that many visitors will take to and from the cathedral to avoid multiple steep staircases.

These ever-present scam artists don’t take no for an answer, and ruin what should be a peaceful, contemplative place.

Burj Khalifa

Oh, great, another super-tall building. This one is in Dubai, and, as of this writing, is the current record holder for tallest in the world.

The usual caveats apply here: if you absolutely must have a birds-eye view of Dubai or enjoy the idea of visiting an 148th floor, go for it, but most people will wonder if the trip to the top was worth $100 a person. Yes, really.

Forbidden City

Beijing’s most famous tourist attraction fails in the same way Versailles does: in an effort to let in as many tourists as possible, far too many people are in the Forbidden City most of the time.

It’s hard to imagine that a site as large as this one could feel crowded, but because most visitors want to see a relatively small portion of it, they tend to cluster together in cramped areas.

You’ll be moved along quickly by workers, and have a stunning view of the backs of many strangers’ heads.

Vatican City

There’s plenty to see in the Vatican City, but frankly, it’s depressing to experience this much wealth in one place. Everything not nailed down (and some things that are) seems to have been plated with gold, and there are enough tapestries and velvets and jewels to make you think you’ve wandered into Liberace’s closet.

Of course, there are some stunning works of art here, and you can enjoy them if you don’t think too hard about how much good such wealth could do in the world instead of piled up here.

Lavish in a completely different, tackier, way, Elvis’s mansion is still attracting visitors, 40 years after his death. It’s become one of those self-perpetuating tourist destinations, where people go because it’s there for people to go to, more than because they’re real fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Save yourself the trip and some money by buying a velvet Elvis painting at your local thrift shop. It has exactly the same effect.

The Sydney Opera House

Often referred to as one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and few visitors to Sydney will miss taking a photo of it. That’s all fine, but only those who actually want to attend a performance should make further efforts to see it up close.

Most visitors agree that the interior is nothing special, and not worth the trouble. Also, there are about a million steps around the property, making the appearance that you can glide right up to it decidedly incorrect.

Moscow’s jewel is a must-see for most visitors. But be warned: It’s just a square. There’s not much in there besides huge crowds. The better idea is to visit the old buildings around it and nearby, and snap photos of the skyline from outside of it.

Since construction scaffolding there seems to have become a new constant for Russia and it’s particularly dense around here, there’s even more reason to appreciate it from afar.

The White House

No matter what your opinion of the current residents of the White House, the tour itself is a bit of a snooze, unless you happen to snag a ticket during the winter holiday season when the decorations are pretty enough.

After waiting in a line for a very long time, it takes forever to clear security to get inside: seriously, it’s worse than taking a plane. The White House itself is surprisingly small, and the section you’re allowed to see even smaller. Add in the Secret Service watching everyone’s every move, and maybe you’d rather just watch another episode of “The West Wing”?

The Great Wall of China

Sure, if you’re in China, you should take the time to see the Great Wall. It’s pretty, uh, great. What’s not great, though, is Mutianyu, the restored section of the Wall not far from Beijing, where most tourists end up.

It’s frequently overcrowded, and, due to the restoration’s air-brushing effects, lacks the atmosphere of the rest of the wall. If you go, make sure you visit the less crowded, less tidy sections.

Khao San Road

We're sure this short street once deserved to be the most famous in Bangkok. But like so many places on this list, its popularity was its downfall. 

If you visit today, you'll mostly find a line of vendors selling the same elephant pants, cheesy bags with "Bangkok" printed all over or T-shirts with lewd references catering to the party backpacker crowd. Everything you find here, from the food to the alcohol to the souvenirs, is over priced and the entire road is meant for tourists. Do yourself a favor and skip visiting this "attraction" altogether.

It seems extreme to deem an entire country as a tourist trap, but when you're as small as Monaco, generalizations are a bit inevitable. 

We concede that the tiny country is very beautiful, with glittering views of the Cote d'Azur and aesthetically pleasing structures like the Prince's Palace. The problem is that Monaco is all looks and no substance. As an entire country that mostly seems to exist so the rich can go squander their money, the micro-nation is simply soulless. Unless you're part of the 1 percent and are going to gamble, a half-day trip from France is all you need. Better yet, don't bother visiting.

South Beach

We'll let you in on a secret: People who live in Miami usually skip South Beach. 

The city is filled with beaches, many of which are much more beautiful than the crowded and dirty one that basically puts Miami on the map. Yes, the area is definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience the legendary South Florida nightlife. But if you want to enjoy the sand, go elsewhere.

Sunny Isles Beach is the best in our opinion, but you can also stay within the city of Miami Beach by booking a hotel with a private beach.

The Eiffel Tower

We are by no means saying that the Eiffel Tower itself is overrated. In fact, we'd encourage you to cut ties with anyone snobbish enough to say so. 

What is overrated, however, is going up the tower. Sure, there's something romantic about saying you were at the top of one of the world's most famous buildings, but the problem is that the view you get of Paris is not the best. Why? Well, because a view of Paris that doesn't include the Eiffel Tower is inevitably underwhelming. Besides, the arduously long lines are not really worth it.

For the best view of the City of Lights, we recommend going up the Arc de Triumph at night. You'll get to see why the area is called l'etoile, or the star, and get a magnificent perspective of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower. Another option is to go up the Montparnasse Tower, if only so its ugliness doesn't intrude on the otherwise breathtaking panorama. 

Hoi An is included in every guidebook to Vietnam for its incredibly well-preserved ancient town. We won't deny its beauty, accentuated by canals and bridges connecting different architectural styles. 

But once again, tourists have ruined a good thing and Hoi An is now more like Disneyland than a real town. The entirety of the place seems to run mostly to please tourists, with aggressive vendors, exaggerated prices and too many crowds. If you visit in summer, the extreme heat exacerbated by the masses makes you feel like a sardine in a tin can.

Swing at the End of the World

If you use any kind of social media, chances are that you've stumbled upon pictures of travelers in Ecuador swinging right onto what looks like the edge of a steep mountain. 

Though the pictures are definitely Insta-worthy and the views are pretty, this is a case of fake social media. In reality, you have to wait in line for 30 to 40 minutes just to get on the swing for about three pushes while your friends or tour guide snap pictures of you. Besides that, the swing isn't really at the edge of a cliff but rather on a slope that gives that illusion if you point your camera at the right angle. 

Ecuador has many places that are truly breathtaking and wondrous. Wasting a couple of hours of your time just to go take a picture that's really an optical illusion is simply a bad decision.

The thing about Phuket city is that besides being overly touristy, its beaches are most definitely not what they look like in pictures. Perhaps before the area was a poster child for overtourism or before plastic waste overtook the world, Phuket was truly a beautiful place to visit. 

Sadly, that just isn't the case anymore. Go to any public beach in Phuket, and you won't be able to walk 2 feet without running into trash. Even the sand sometimes also has trash, so sunbathing isn't very pleasant. The only clean beaches you'll find are the private ones, and those are not only expensive but feel more like Miami's South Beach than anything. You'll get restaurants with Western food, pop songs blaring and overpriced beer. 

The one exception to this are the Phi Phi Islands, which are not actually in Phuket, but which constantly get tagged as such. This is partly the reason why people expect beaches in Phuket city to be idyllic.

La Sagrada Familia

The construction of the Sagrada Familia has has taken hundreds of years longer than that of the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

Gaudi's most famous work and Barcelona's most iconic landmark, this church is certainly unusual and worth seeing — from the outside. What's really overrated is standing in line for hours and hours and paying almost $25 to go inside. Not that the geometric patterns and columns of the inside aren't astonishing, but much of it is still not finished and the crowds are unbearable. 

Although this is a place of worship, its status as a main tourist attraction have stripped it of any introspective, spiritual or even sacred feeling. We're not sure this is what Gaudi had in mind for his masterpiece.

Sacred Monkey Forest

Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest is a tourist, backpacker and digital nomad favorite. It's lauded as a must-see place in Bali, which we think is just plain wrong. 

To begin with, Bali has many incredible sights that should be visited, including its numerous temples, like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, its rice terraces and the imposing Mount Batur.

The Monkey Forest could be interesting as a temple, but its main draw is the several wild monkeys that have made their home here. What you mostly spend your time on is seeing people get way too close to the monkeys to try to snap a picture, which is something we definitely don't recommend, as monkeys can be aggressive and have very powerful jaws. There are also monkeys all over this Indonesian island, so we don't get the appeal of going to a jammed-packed attraction just to see them.

Let's be honest: Maid cafes are creepy. 

Now a typical stop in the itinerary of Western travelers — many of which have a disconcerting obsession with Japan — maid cafes are something you should skip. Their whole gimmick is that they're normal cafes, but instead of a regularly-clothed waitress, you get one that's dressed like a sexy maid. If that doesn't give you the immediate creeps, there's not much we can do for you. 

If you want to check out a themed cafe, we recommend the Alice in Wonderland restaurant or the Vampire Cafe .

The Space Needle

As far as city symbols go, the Space Needle is nothing to gush about, but it does make the Seattle skyline instantly recognizable. 

We're not against the Space Needle per se, but we wouldn't recommend paying the $30 to go to the top. The price seems exaggerated given that the structure doesn't even provide the best views of the city. Seattle also has many mountains and viewpoints that provide much better scenery for free.

If you want to have the cheesiest, most expensive tourist experience of your life, go to Epcot. 

This Disney park in Orlando, Florida, has you pay around $120 for the privilege to go in and see stereotypical replicas of actually cool places. Then, you get to go and spend even more money for inauthentic experiences and food that is for the most part pretty awful. 

Epcot may not be the worst Disney park in the U.S. , but it's a pretty close contender.

Even if you're not a die-hard fan of the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies, this preserved movie set looks like a place you'd want to visit. 

Small houses with round doors are carved into the sides of soft hills and surrounded by the green countryside. The problem is that to see them, you have to pay about $85 for a tour that lasts around two hours. Groups of tourists are rushed through the set, so you don't have much time to really take it in and enjoy the beauty. As it should be obvious, the houses don't have interiors. 

Hobbiton is certainly pretty, but the experience of it is an expensive let down, especially when there are so many other amazing places in New Zealand.

Lombard Street

Winding down the hill like a snake, we can understand why Lombard Street in San Francisco first drew attention as a tourist attraction. What we don't understand is why it has remained one. 

An estimated 6,000 people visit Lombard Street daily , creating heavy traffic and making it impossible for residents to go on with their life. People willingly wait in traffic just to spend a few minutes driving down a zig-zagging street. Given that residents have complained about this problem for years, we deem this attraction one of the worst examples of tourism gone wrong in the U.S.

We hate to be those people, but if you had visited Tulum 10 years ago, you would have found the perfect jungle paradise that people still go look for. 

Then, of course, tourists arrived in masses. With them came the bulldozers that turned the town from small and sleepy to loud and crowded. Jungle was replaced by concrete and luxury condos, and resorts stand where there were once wooden structures. Sacred cenotes are being used for raves by spring breakers. Beaches are now also facing serious trash problems, even those within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, which are supposed to be protected. The situation is so bad that there are several op-eds trying to decipher who killed Tulum .

This area of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is one of the saddest examples of a magical place turned amusement park by unregulated and unconscious mass tourism. We're sorry to say this, but don't waste your time with it. 

The London Eye

The London Eye, the Ferris wheel that dominates part of the city's skyline is beautiful ... from afar. But doing a long line and paying a lot of money to go on it really isn't worth it. 

For one, the views aren't that great, and the experience is basically the same you'd get at any carnival that comes through your town. Unless you're dying to be trapped above the ground with your date, there are many more exciting things to do in London.

The Middle of the World

Ecuador capitalized on its location right on the Equator (hence the country's name) by building a monument and a museum on the "middle of the world." Both were really just a gimmick to allure tourists, and when the GPS was invented, it was discovered that the spot was actually around 700 feet off. 

While the distance to the real middle of the world isn't huge, it's still not very worth it. Yes, you can balance an egg on a nail according to testimonies, but besides bragging rights that don't mean much to anyone, it's not a very interesting place.

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is definitely one of the best small towns in the U.S. But while we love the town, we'd advise anyone visiting to avoid its boardwalk on the weekends. 

During the week in the off-season, it's very pleasant, but when the crowds take over, it turns from peaceful to loud and crowded. All the stores and restaurants nearby are also overpriced and usually not that good anyways.

Waikiki Beach

Like much of Hawaii, Oahu was taken over after the kingdom was colonized by the U.S. and turned into a cash cow. But no place on the island has suffered as much as Waikiki Beach.

Where there was once a rugged shoreline and one of the most sustainable societies in the world, there are now countless hotels and resorts. None of these resorts are visually interesting, and they only work to provide visitors with access to the beach while blocking the sun and the view for everyone else.

You'll hardly see a Hawaiian at Waikiki unless they're working — that should be the only sign you need.

Casa di Giulietta

The house that supposedly inspired Shakespeare's most famous play is incredibly beautiful. Sadly, visitors saw its traditional beauty and decided that the best way to honor it would be by treating it like a bathroom stall in a dingy bar. 

You'll see the walls full of gum, love notes and scribblings that make it look like a sixth grader's notebook. Somehow, nobody has thought to put a stop to this infamous practice or the creepy tourist tradition of groping a Juliet statue to "get good luck in love." 

Once again, tourists have damaged a place that could've been incredible.

Mall of America

Mall of America is the largest mall in the U.S. That's its entire claim to fame. But really, it's nothing except a mall, and we'd hope that after the age of 15, we wouldn't have to hang out at the mall for no reason anymore.

It does have a roller coaster inside, but so do other much cooler attractions. It's not even good for shopping since you'll have to walk long distances to get from one side to the other. Skip it altogether when visiting Minnesota.

Seattle's Gum Wall

We thought hipsters had stopped being a thing a while ago, but this wall in Seattle proves us wrong. What's the attraction? That it's covered in gum. Big deal, so is every desk in every high school in the world. 

The worst part about it is that people actually make lines to take pictures in this unsanitary "attraction." Hopefully, a global pandemic will make them see the error of their ways, and this wall — who some ridiculous people call a work of public art — will disappear soon.

Drottninggatan Street

Every travel guide to Stockholm sends people to Drottninggatan for shopping. And, apparently, every tourist heeds the call. 

Rather than being good for shopping, the street has become a long gallery of souvenir shops that locals avoid like the plague.

Myeong-Dong

Like Drottninggatan, Myeong-Dong is a shopping district in Seoul, South Korea, that now mostly exists for tourists. The street does have actual shops, but the crowds make it annoying for actual shopping, and things are overpriced. 

People who don't know better also say the street food is great. They're simply wrong. Most of the street food stalls on the street are subpar, probably because they know tourists don't know any better. 

If you really want to see it, satisfy your curiosity. It definitely isn't terrible. But there's much better places for food and shopping in the South Korean capital. We personally love Hongdae's youthful vibe and Insa-dong.

St. Louis' Gateway Arch

The arch once marked the westward expansion of the United States. It's the largest arch in the world and something worth seeing if you're in St. Louis. 

But it's definitely not cool enough for you to make a trip to St. Louis just to see it. And given that it's basically the only attraction in the city, unless you have family or business there, you'll be fine seeing it in pictures.

Sydney Fish Market

The largest fish market in the whole world is bound to attract tourists. Many, many tourists. 

This is what dooms Australia's Sydney Fish Market, which could be cool otherwise. But the walking dollar signs that tourists often are to locals has inflated the prices of the fish here. Rather than a local shopping experience, you'll spend most of your time bumping into other people and trying to hear anything over the noise.

Myrtle Beach

Why is Myrtle Beach still a thing? Everyone knows that the South Carolinian beach town is dirty, overcrowded and overpriced. What's worse is that its beaches really aren't that nice at all.

We get air travel used to be expensive, so people didn't have a choice except to go to nearby beaches. But that has changed, and you can now access actually nice beaches in the same amount of time and for the same amount of money. Don't go to Myrtle Beach. Just don't do it.

Victoria Peak

The towering mountain that dominates the skyline of Hong Kong could be its greatest treasure. After all, it is the tallest hill in the city, meaning that it provides sweeping views. You also take a cute historic tram up to the top, which is actually an enjoyable ride. 

So what's the problem with Victoria Peak? Greed. 

Once you get to the peak, you're invaded by an ugly mall filled with overpriced restaurants and gimmick-y attractions like Madame Tussauds. You can still get a view, but you have to basically work to escape the traps. The whole experience feels like the definition of a tourist trap, which is terrible given that this is one of the most visited attractions in the world .

Disneyland Paris

Yes, yes, Disney is a dream destination for many people who can't get to Florida or California. 

But wasting time you could be using to explore Paris and its surroundings going on rides designed for children and meeting people in large cartoon suits? That's just not right.

We're sorry, Dubrovnik. We really do think you're one of the most beautiful places in Europe. 

Like so many other places on this list, however, Dubrovnik is impossible to enjoy. It's not just that it's popular and many people visit. It's that a lot of these people are day trippers who come in giant cruise ships. It's basically Venice 2.0. 

These people come down the ship in swarms, filling up the Croatian city with hundreds, sometimes thousands of more people who are in a rush to take pictures in the same spots. Given that Dubrovnik is a very old city and was not designed for a large population, the amount of people that come is simply unsustainable.

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How to Avoid Tourist Traps on your Motorhome Holiday

The true magic of New Zealand is in its hidden gems — those off-the-beaten-track places that you might sometimes miss unless you have local knowledge. It’s these locations where you’ll find peace, tranquillity and superlative landscapes that the country is famous for.

In this blog, we share some New Zealand motorhome travel tips, such as utilising freedom camping spots, embracing the outdoors, shopping for community food produce and chatting to the locals.

Enhance your motorhome holiday experience by following some of our expert advice — and avoiding crowded tourist traps.

Be open to local knowledge

Chatting with the people who live in a place is probably the single best way you can find out what to see and do — without the crowds. 

It’s like winding back the clock to a time before the internet gave you all the answers. New Zealand is a country that’s full of friendly people who mostly love to chat. Make the most of it by getting inside knowledge from:

• Campground workers — who often know about short hiking trails in their area
• Small retail business owners — like dairies or cafes in small towns
• Beachgoers — who may know some secret inlets or caves nearby
• Kiwi holidaymakers — many of whom vacation at the same spots annually.

Advice on where to go, what to do, how to stay safe and how to be mindful of the environment will be freely available if you can strike up a conversation.

Take a look at our blog on why New Zealand is a great road trip destination .

Research and plan well

A little research goes a long way, especially when planning to bypass overcrowded areas on your New Zealand motorhome holiday. A few steps you can take to minimise your chances of getting trapped amongst tourists is to:

• Travel outside the peak seasons — which are commonly the summer holiday period throughout December and January, and during school holidays
• Check Google — to find out which hours of the day are busiest for popular eateries and activities
• Visit lesser-known attractions — for example, the Abel Tasman National Park has many beaches but Kaiteriteri gets overcrowded whereas Tōtaranui Campground has an amazing beach with fewer people
• Download useful travel apps — like CamperMate and Rankers NZ for alternative places to stay.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) also looks after more than 200 campsites in forests, by beaches and near lakes, often with very limited space available at each site.

New Zealand also offers opportunities to pull over for the night at vineyards, working farms and even out the back of rural pubs. Start your research early and continue asking around while on your motorhome hire vacation.

See our comprehensive guide to motorhome camping in New Zealand .

Take the opportunity to freedom camp

Freedom camping sites are usually in highly scenic locations right across New Zealand. Many of them are remote — making it easier for you to steer clear of the crowds.

Generally, freedom camping spots operate on a first come, first served basis. If you’re planning to travel outside of the high summer season and not during public holidays like Easter, you’ll be able to find freedom camping spaces available. Just ensure you:

• Park up in designated freedom camping areas
• Rent a recreational vehicle that’s fully self-contained
• Have the appropriate certified self-contained (CSC) sticker on your motorhome hire.

All Wilderness motorhomes are certified self-contained and have the blue responsible camping sticker displayed.

Keep in mind that having a plan B is a wise idea when it comes to freedom camping. Regardless of what time you arrive at your intended camping spot, all the spaces could be full. Being prepared to drive a little further for your second choice is smart planning.

Find out how freedom camping works in New Zealand .

Drive less but see more

The distinctive topography of New Zealand’s landscape means that travelling by road frequently takes longer than anticipated. Most roads aren’t straight — they undulate over hills and meander through mountain passes and around rugged coastlines.

To fully enjoy your motorhome rental holiday aim to keep travel days fairly short. If you can limit your daily distance to around 200km, you’ll spend more time enjoying the places you get to and less time driving.

Take a break every now and then when you see roadside rest stops — to appreciate the amazing scenery all around you.

Read our article about taking your time to travel New Zealand by motorhome .

Cook in your onboard kitchen

Joining the masses to look for a table at the country’s best establishments isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun holiday. But with a kitchen onboard, you’ll have the choice to skip eating out and can focus on preparing cordon bleu meals in your motorhome hire.

The country is fortunate to have many world class farmers’ markets , plenty of roadside stalls and numerous berry farms and orchards. Keep some cash on hand for honesty boxes — so you can gather up fresh produce and help out small rural traders. Picking your own fruit at berry farms is a joy on its own.

Create a few culinary masterpieces in your campervan rental with the help of our recipes for the road ebook .

Get information on-the-go at isite visitor centres

Information centres in New Zealand are known as isites — and the friendly folk working there can help you find:

• Authentic New Zealand experiences — involving culture, nature or wildlife
• Arts and craft studios — from carving to weaving to ceramics, the staff will know about the best locally-made creations
• The right campsites — to suit your tastes and itinerary.

With approximately 60 isite visitor centres, you can get access to comprehensive, up-to-date information as well as booking services for activities and attractions. You can also call or email individual i-sites before you leave or while you’re on the road. 

Find the isites where you plan to travel.

Explore the great outdoors 

If there’s one place where you can easily break away from the crowds, it’s the outdoors. New Zealand is world famous for its scenery — from native bush to rolling farmland and from the mountains to the sea.

As a campervan hire holidaymaker, you’ll find it easy to access walking tracks, bike trails, rivers and beaches in New Zealand’s natural environment. Spend some of your vacation time kayaking, swimming, hiking or fishing and you’ll avoid most tourist traps.

Check out New Zealand’s best hikes and walks .

Plan any visits to the busy spots

It can still be rewarding to visit a few tourist traps in moderation. Highlights like Hobbiton and Hanmer Springs are often packed with tourists yet still demand to be seen.

Lake Wakatipu is home to the country’s most hectic resort town. It’s rare to find a quiet Queenstown these days so consider a visit for lunch and stay outside the town itself — perhaps in tranquil Glenorchy, relaxing Kingston or beautiful Arrowtown.

Rotorua bustles with visitors year-round but you can still usually find serenity somewhere in the thermal wonderland. Hiring a boat or kayak to get out on Lake Rotorua or organising a private geothermal hot pool will take you away from other tourists.

Cape Reinga at the very top of the North Island tends to become crowded around the base of its famous lighthouse. However, the many nearby beaches have sand for miles dispersing any feelings of being around too many people.

See our blog about planning your first New Zealand campervan trip .

Travel to hidden gems without the crowds

To find your authentic, uncrowded New Zealand motorhome holiday experience, consider driving to a few of these spectacularly remote destinations:

• Mangakino — a heavenly place to pull over for a few nights just north of Lake Taupō to enjoy bush walks, trail rides, river swims and natural hot pools
• The West Coast — the entire west coast region of the South Island is a secluded paradise for many, with near-sea glaciers, temperate rainforests, heritage experiences, limestone caves and bush trails
• The Forgotten World Highway — this is one of the country’s most isolated and scenic highways which runs through the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamomona
• The Catlins — the epitome of unspoiled coastline teeming with wildlife, waterfalls and big waves, and very few people.

To plan your route, and avoid some of the country’s tourist traps, check out our wide variety of road trip itineraries .

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8 Travel Traps to Avoid If You're Heading to New Zealand

IT'S A TRAP!

Okay, this article isn't a trap. But there are some pretty important travel money traps you want to steer clear of.

We've put together our top eight travel traps we think you should avoid when travelling to New Zealand.

1. Not taking a prepaid card

Our first point is an important one. Using a prepaid card in New Zealand is a great way to avoid the fees and costly exchange rates that often come with ordinary debit and credit cards, not to mention the theft risk of carrying around large amounts of cash.

The Wise card is a good choice for a prepaid travel card. You get the market exchange rate, low fees and you'll only spend what you put on there.

Read the full review

2. Exchanging money at the Airport

Do not exchange currency at the airport. This goes for before you get on the plane in Australia and when you land in New Zealand. The rates are awful and the fees are high. You are much better off withdrawing cash from an ATM or going to a money exchange shop in a major city that you visit.

3. Not having different payment methods

Card is becoming more and more accepted in New Zealand. But having said this, there may be times when you will almost definitely need some cash. Having a combination of payment methods such as cash, debit card and credit card means you're covering all bases. As an extra tip, keep your money in different places. If the worst happens and you don't have access to some of your things it will put your mind at ease to know you still have money.

4. Paying in Australian dollars when using your card.

Sometimes when you make a purchase Internationally with your Australian debit or credit card, you will be asked if you want to make the payment in your currency, or the local currency. It is almost always better to pay in the local currency than it is to pay in AUD. The exchange rates are generally awful otherwise.

5. Forgetting to book luggage when you book your flight

Don't get caught out. If you're booking a flight, it can be tempting to save money by not booking any checked luggage. This can be a saving at the time, but it's much more expensive to buy luggage when you're checking in. Even if you're a light traveller, at least consider booking it for your flight home. This way you're covered in case you stock up on souvenirs and shopping.

6. Making too many ATM withdrawals

While it could be better to withdraw money from an ATM than it is to exchange money at the airport, or your hotel you still want to be careful. If you do decide to do this, just try to plan in advance. Because you will almost definitely need to make a withdrawal at some point during your stay in New Zealand, try and withdraw more money, less often. Fees will almost always be a set amount, so lessening the amount of times you're doing it can definitely help you save.

7. Not checking terms and conditions of travel cards

If you're worried about carrying cash, you may be tempted to buy a prepaid currency card. If you do this, just make yourself aware of all the fees and charges involved. Often they are advertised as free but can be expensive to reload and withdraw cash with. You can read more about the best cards to take to New Zealand  here .

8. Keeping too much cash on you

Our final tip is to safe guard you and those you are travelling with. If you choose to travel with cash, try to split up where you're keeping it. If you're keeping thousands of New Zealand dollars in your wallet, you're opening yourself to being left in a sticky situation if you lose it or it gets stolen. By keeping some cash on you, and maybe some in your luggage or in the safe at your hotel you will have a back up if the worst happens. But like we said in tip 2, it's best to have a few payment methods on you when you're travelling.

Where to get New Zealand currency from?

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand you need convenient ways to spend in NZD while you’re there. The good news is that you have several options, including ways to spend with a card, get NZD in cash, or make withdrawals in NZD on arrival as and when you need them. 

Ways to arrange your NZD travel money include:

• Open an online multi-currency account with a provider like Wise or Revolut , to add funds in AUD and convert to NZD in advance or as needed
• Get a travel card from a service like Wise or Revolut and spend and withdraw in NZD - often with no foreign transaction fees 
• Convert AUD to NZD at the airport or your hotel - this can be expensive to do, but convenient. Check the fees and rates before you go ahead
• Carry AUD cash and exchange in currency exchange shops in New Zealand, which you’ll find in larger towns and tourist areas
• Buy NZD from your bank in cash - if this service is supported

The different options have their own advantages in terms of cost and convenience so it’s worth weighing up a few to see which meets your specific needs. Read a comprehensive guide on currency in New Zealand .

Other travel money traps to avoid in New Zealand

In general, New Zealand is considered to be a very safe place to travel, so common sense is pretty much all you’ll need to avoid major issues while you’re there. Keep an eye on your belongings, use a secure deposit box or safe in your hotel if you have valuables, and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded places. Aside from that, there are just a couple of other common New Zealand travel money traps it’s worth considering:

Converting more AUD than you need to NZD

If you’re converting money to NZD before you travel, be mindful that switching more than you ultimately need to spend will mean paying conversion fees twice - once to switch to NZD, and then again to convert back to AUD when you get home. This pushes up your fees, and with travel money cards and multi-currency accounts, you really don’t need to convert lots of money all at once if you don’t want to. Get a multi-currency account and card that lets you convert with low fees and the mid-market rate, at the point of purchase, and you avoid the risks of having to pay conversion fees unnecessarily.

Sticking only to very touristy areas

New Zealand has some obvious high profile tourist destinations, but having a lot of tourists pass through can mean prices in the area shoot up. This makes hotels, stores and restaurants pricey, and can mean the quality isn’t that great. After all, when most customers simply pass through, there’s less need to keep up a consistent service standard. Ask around to find local gems wherever you’re staying, which are likely to be a little off the beaten track, but which can mean you get lower costs and a better experience.

New Zealand prices

What your trip to New Zealand costs will very much depend on the type of thing you want to do, and how long you’re planning on staying. However, arranging your budget in advance is the best way to make sure you make the most of your money. Here are a few figures to help you plan. 

How much does a trip to New Zealand cost from Australia?

Obviously the cost of your flight to New Zealand will depend on when you travel and which airline and class of ticket you pick. At the time of writing (July 2023), flight website Skyscanner reports cheapest ticket prices of around 315 AUD to 350 AUD, with the lowest predicted prices in November and the costs rising in December to fit holiday patterns.

Accommodation

You’ll be able to pick from a broad range of accommodation types and prices, depending on the type of trip you want to take. From budget hostels to high end luxury, you’re well catered in most of the top tourist destinations.

If you’re planning a bit of luxury, you can pay anything from about 150 AUD a night for a double room in a 4 star hotel, through to well over 300 AUD a night based on the location and hotel brand.

Restaurant prices in New Zealand

You’ll not struggle for good, fresh food in New Zealand. You’ll be able to pick up an informal lunch for around 20 AUD, and if you fancy pushing the boat out, a 3 course meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant will set you back from about 110 AUD, according to cost of living site Numbeo.com.

For more information about New Zealand prices read this guide on how much things cost in New Zealand .

FAQ - travel money traps to avoid in New Zealand

What is the safest way to take money to New Zealand?

One of the safest and most convenient ways to take your travel money to New Zealand is to get a multi-currency account and card from a service like Wise or Revolut. You can add money in AUD and spend or withdraw in NZD, often with the mid-market exchange rate and no foreign transaction fee. This means you don’t need to carry cash or your regular AUD everyday bank card.

Should I exchange money before I travel to New Zealand?

There’s no need to exchange money before you travel if you don’t want to. A good option is to open a specialist travel money account in advance, from a provider like Wise or Revolut. You’ll be able to use a multi-currency travel card conveniently to spend or make withdrawals, with fair exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees.

Is it better to use cash or card in New Zealand?

It’s almost always best to have several different ways to pay when you travel. So, carrying a bank card, a travel money card, and a small amount of cash, for example, can be a smart move. Use your travel money card to spend and withdraw with minimum fees, and keep your normal bank card somewhere secure as a back up.

Need to know more about travelling to New Zealand?

Passports, Visas and Vaccinations

How Much Things Cost in New Zealand

Currency in New Zealand

Banks, ATMs & Currency Exchange

The 3 Best Cards to use in New Zealand

7 Common Travel Money Traps to Avoid in New Zealand

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New Zealand North Island Secret Travel Guide : How To Avoid The Tourist Traps and Have Your Best Trip To New Zealand Kindle Edition

• Where to access luscious green forests with stunning vistas of crystal blue lakes seen best by both riding mountain bike trails or walking hiking trails.  This book tells you how to make it happen and where to get the gear.  Better yet, it can still be combined with the mud pools of Rotorua which is on most peoples "to do" in NZ.
• Interested in sampling some world class New Zealand's wines?  Sure you could head to Marlborough, but that isn't the only place to find them.  This book tells you about a niche winery region that is sure to get your taste buds going.  Better yet, not many foreigners are aware of it, and they sit on some rugged kiwi coastline complete with a region associated with delicious artisan cheeses and meals.
• What about beaches?  Tim will get you to some of New Zealand's most beautiful places with extra information on how to find other coves that are not covered in typical tour guides.
• Avoid the long line ups and find the trick to beating the crowds at the more popular destinations.  Yes, this means there are tourist spots in this book, but by reading the book you will find all the best ways to get the most out of the experience with quick hyperlinks to make booking your trip easy.
• Print length 104 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date January 4, 2018
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B078T57FN7
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ ; 1st edition (January 4, 2018)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 4, 2018
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 14001 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
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• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 104 pages
• #56 in Australia & South Pacific Travel
• #58 in New Zealand Travel Guides
• #172 in General Australia & South Pacific Travel

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• Travel Tips

6 Smart Ways to Recognize and Avoid Tourist Traps

See recent posts by Megan Wood

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What is a tourist trap exactly? It's a heavily advertised attraction that lures unsuspecting tourists away from their time and money without providing any insight or authenticity to the destination they're visiting. There are, of course, legendary landmarks and experiences that every traveler should see and have, but then there are obvious tourist traps that act as conveyor belts to separate the unsuspecting visitor from their hard-earned cash. We don't want you to waste a second or a cent on less-than-worthwhile travel experiences, so we came up with these smart ways to help you recognize and avoid tourist traps. 

1. Research before and after you arrive.

The easiest way to avoid a tourist trap is to get the inside scoop on your destination before you arrive. If every guidebook and website has an advertisement for a specific beach restaurant, it’s likely going to be filled with tourists and high prices. A good rule of thumb is that if you and everyone you know has heard of a specific place, it’s likely mostly for tourists. After you arrive in your destination, ask the hotel concierge or any local friends where they like to eat and what they like to do. You might get a touristy answer at first, but try phrasing your question differently. For example, you can ask: Where would you take a first date? Where do you shop for birthday presents?

2. Look for locals.

The number one sign that you’ve stumbled into a tourist trap is the complete lack of locals. The only New Yorkers in Times Square are the ones hurrying through as quickly as possible to get to work. You likely won’t see any actual Thai people haggling for knickknacks at the Damnoen Saduak floating market. And the few Jamaicans at Dunn’s River Falls are the guides who hustle for tips. Instead of choosing activities based on what you think you shoulddo on vacation, ask yourself what it is you like to do. Then, find a museum, bookstore, concert, surf lesson, or restaurant that isn’t advertised to the visiting masses or sold as a package deal.

3. Ignore hawkers and touts.

Think of your favorite restaurant at home. Does that restaurant employ people to roam the street, rounding up visitors and bringing them back to eat a three-course prix fixe? Probably not. That’s because your favorite restaurant isn’t a tourist trap. If an unsolicited stranger is insisting that you eat somewhere, this person gets a cut from the restaurant. And most restaurants that depend on tourists don’t truly care about providing a quality meal, since tourists don’t generally return for a future visit. Stick to reading restaurant reviews and asking locals where they eat before choosing a restaurant. Another good rule of thumb is to skip restaurants right near major landmarks. For example, the restaurants around the Acropolis in Greece are notoriously overpriced and serve low-quality food. (We got a cut up hot dog with pancakes at one restaurant.) The same common sense goes for booking tours. We were once convinced by a tout to visit an animal sanctuary in Thailand. After shelling out our cash, we stood in line with 50 other tourists who all got one minute to have their photo taken with a baby elephant.  

4. Don't sleep in tourist zones.

Most city and beach destinations that depend on tourism have a Hotel Zone or popular neighborhood filled with affordable chain hotels (think Midtown in Manhattan or the Hotel Zone in Cancun). So it makes sense that the restaurants and shops around the hotels cater heavily to tourists with chain stores, fast food restaurants, and hawkers selling tours. If you can, choose a hotel that’s located away from the beaten path. You may end up paying a bit more for transportation, but you’ll likely discover a much better food, shopping, and exploration scene where locals actually hang out. 

5. Watch for translations.

If something is advertised in English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin, you can almost guarantee that it’s a tourist trap. Activities and restaurants that try to appeal to everybody usually don’t do a very good job at appealing to anybody. Instead, look for places that are advertised solely in the country’s language. For example, Italian restaurants in Florence with Italian menus have a much better chance of being authentic than their multi-language counterparts. 

6. Avoid countries that rely solely on tourism.

Many Caribbean islands and Asian countries rely heavily on tourism. And while that’s not a terrible thing, it does mean that having an authentic experience or getting away from the crowds might be more difficult than you’d imagine. All-inclusive resorts are some of the worst offenders for providing a cattle call-like tourist trap experience. Hotels in the Dominican Republic line guests up for “free” 10-minute massages that are little more than an upsell for longer services. Dive boats in Belize are often packed to the brim with snorkelers, and guides illegally feed fish for photo ops. The best way to avoid these kinds of experiences is to stay at smaller boutique hotels with more personalized service, or choose a destination that doesn’t fully rely on tourism dollars. 

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If you consider yourself the kind of traveler who likes to seek out hidden gems and underrated destinations, the idea of visiting a tourist hotspot might fill you with horror. Expensive and overcrowded, they often represent the worst of the tourist industry. But there’s a reason why these places are so popular, and in some cases, to miss them really is to miss out. Here are ten “tourist traps” around the world that are actually worth visiting.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls is one of the most accesible major waterfalls in the world. Critics say its paths, tunnels and overlooks – not to mention the evening light show – detract from its natural beauty. However, the sight of such a huge volume of water cascading down is truly deserving of the word awesome. On average, 3160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second, falling at a rate of 32 feet per second. Whether you walk behind the curtain of water or feel the spray as you approach on the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour, it’s impossible not to be impressed by this magnificent landform.

Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge features on many wish lists for visitors keen to get out of London and see a bit of the English countryside. But visiting this English Heritage site, despite its value as an ancient ceremonial landscape, can be underwhelming. Still, it’s hard to write off a prehistoric stone circle that comprises unique sarsens and bluestones, particularly one whose original purpose and method of construction has been the subject of so many discussions. If you’re traveling on a budget, know that walkers can follow a permissive path to get close to the standing stones without having to shell out for the expensive admission fee. Make the trip out of the city extra worthwhile by stopping through a few nearby sites, as well, like the ancient ceremonial sites at Avebury.

The Long Bar, Singapore

You’ll need deep pockets if you want to be able to tell your friends you’ve sipped a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel . This iconic pink cocktail was invented here in 1915 and later adopted as Singapore’s national drink. It’s a blend of gin, Bénédictine, cherry liqueur, curaçao, fruit juices and the grenadine syrup which gives it that distinctive color. In upscale surroundings, bartenders invite customers to nibble on peanuts as they drink. It’s traditional to sweep the shells off the bar onto the floor, an unusual thing in a country that’s normally so anti-litter. A glass will set you back an eye-watering 39 Singapore dollars (around US $28). Despite the expense, it remains a quintessential experience, so save room in the budget for at least one.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

When the Blue Lagoon first opened in 1992, it was hailed as an innovative way to ensure surplus warm water from the nearby hydroelectric plant wouldn’t go to waste. Over the years, the facilities have been expanded and improved; today, this luxurious – and expensive – spa is a far cry from the original geothermal lagoon. Even in the depths of winter, you won’t have the warm, milky blue water to yourself. The number of visitors to Iceland has increased dramatically in recent years, spawning a clutch of high-end geothermal baths to visit. But while some travelers might extol the virtues of these competitors, the Blue Lagoon manages to hold its own and remains a must-do for anyone bound for Iceland.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand

Damnoen Saduak is where you’ll find Thailand’s most famous floating market. A canal was dug here in the 1860s to connect the Mae Klong and the Tha Chin rivers, and soon a network of smaller waterways popped up enabling locals to sell goods from wooden barges. Located a short drive from Bangkok, it’s the obvious stop for those hoping to venture beyond the capital. But such proximity makes it a prime example of a tourist trap, with vendors hawking cheap souvenirs alongside the traditional fresh produce for which the market was originally known. Still, it remains a colorful spectacle and offers the chance to learn about Thai culture and cuisine.

Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s Temple Bar district is a focus for visitors keen to experience Ireland’s legendary craic on a night out. But although the place is buzzing, the clientele that frequent its pubs is often made up of other foreigners, with eye-wateringly high prices. But there’s something about its namesake pub with its striking red livery and long history, which proves irresistible. Maybe it’s the claim to having Ireland’s largest selection of whiskeys that does it (more than 350), or just a yearning for a pint of Guinness as you listen to some catchy live music.

The Badaling Section of the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China stretches for more than 13,000 miles and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its strategic, historic, and archaeological importance. Sections of this remarkable fortification were constructed at different times and have been restored to varying degrees. One of the most accessible sections is Badaling . This part of the Great Wall, the first to open to visitors, has been heavily repaired, and it’s located less than 40 miles from Beijing. Unsurprisingly, that makes it far busier than more remote parts of the wall, leading the Chinese authorities to announce a visitor cap in 2019 to ease congestion. Yet even at its most crowded, the Great Wall at Badaling remains an extraordinary place.

The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul attracted almost 40 million visitors in 2022 . It boasts around 4,000 stalls, so it should be no surprise to learn that quite a number of them specialize in tourist keepsakes. However, don’t let this be a reason to put you off coming. This sprawling covered market dates back to the 15th century, making it one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander its streets and browse what’s on offer in the different sections of the market. For instance, bargain for an antique carpet in the Zincirli caravanserai or shop for handmade clothes at Eğin Tekstil which has stood at the entrance of the Örücüler Gate since the 19th century.

La Rambla, Barcelona

La Rambla is a broad tree-lined avenue laid out in 1766. Running perpendicular to the coast from Plaça de Catalunya and split into six sections, it’s changed a lot over the years; the flower sellers who used to ply their trade along La Rambla de Sant Josep are long gone, and today it is often crowded with tourists. Human statues, caricaturists, and street vendors distract those who amble by, making this a prime location for pickpockets. Duck into its tacky museums or overpriced restaurants and you’re highly unlikely to hear a local accent. So why bother? For starters this street is a convenient route to some of the city’s most attractive neighborhoods, such as the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), while its palm trees and tiled mosaic floors remain a pretty sight, despite the crowds. Just keep a firm hold on your purse.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

Some visitors to Italy dismiss the Leaning Tower of Pisa as nothing more than a tourist trap. On the face of it, it’s not hard to see why: hordes of visitors posing for the same clichéd photograph as they prop up history’s most notorious engineering fail. Many simply grab the shot and leave, keen to head off and see more of Tuscany’s treasures. However, it’s worth purchasing a ticket to climb the 251 steps that form the spiral staircase leading to the top of the tower. Its inclined steps have been worn smooth over the centuries and slant as dramatically as the structure itself, making this a unique ascent. At the top, you’ll get a close-up look at the bells of the Campanile and enjoy a bird’s eye view of this characterful university city.

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How Goodnature’s self-resetting traps are changing predator control in New Zealand

A Wellington company is delivering a lethal blow to the world’s pests.

The idea for Goodnature was born in 2004 somewhere on the West Coast of the South Island. Co-founder Robbie van Dam, an industrial design graduate, was working as a volunteer, placing and setting single-kill rat and stoat traps.

The job involved lugging steel traps and boxes uphill. It was back-breaking, calf-aching work. The return trips to reload and re-bait the same traps just weeks later were the clincher. Robbie had to hike all that way to kill one — single — rat per trap in a forest teeming with the buggers.

“It felt so futile it almost didn’t bear thinking about,” says Robbie. And that’s not mentioning the stoats. “Single-set traps are mostly about trying to control stoats, but rats end up being caught 98 per cent of the time because they are more prevalent,” he says.

“Stoats are bird-killing machines. They will kill an animal 10 times their weight. For example, one season in Fiordland just a couple of stoats halved the takahē population from 400 to 200, and takahē are big birds.”

Back in Wellington, Robbie and fellow industrial design graduate Craig Bond started sketching ideas for a self-resetting tap. In 2005, the duo presented some of their designs to DOC and received a $20,000 innovation grant to test them. The company, Goodnature, was formed.

“DOC had been trying to find a solution to the predator problem for 50 years. They wished us good luck, but I’m not sure they held their breath.”

Robbie and Craig persevered. By 2009 they had a prototype ready, a self-resetting trap powered by a CO2 canister. Goodnature now has two traps on the market. The A24, which targets rats and stoats and is effective at controlling hedgehogs and mice, and the larger A12, which targets possums. The company is growing and increasing production. It manufactured 2000 rat traps in its first year and now produces more than 2000 per week. Overseas sales — Goodnature exports to 20 countries — account for 50 per cent of sales.

The A24 trap retails for $189 and is more expensive than traditional traps, but the savings on labour costs are enormous. A Goodnature CO2 canister can deliver up to 24 lethal shots, and the automatic lure pump needs changing only once every six months.

A traditional single-use trap would require resetting 34 times a year, according to DOC best-practice guidelines. DOC saves $98 per trap a year by using Goodnature products. That’s an enormous saving in regions such as Fiordland where there are 28,000 traps.

Elevator pitch : Goodnature’s New Zealand-designed and manufactured traps kill pests instantly. The steel-cored piston, which delivers the shot, is powered by a CO2 canister and can fire up to 24 times per setting. The trap is triggered when pests try to eat a non-toxic lure inside the trap cavity, after which it immediately reloads. The trap is mounted above the ground so that the dead vermin drop to the forest floor, freeing up the trap cavity to catch more.

Headwinds : Goodnature’s R&D period was lengthy and “frustrating” for Robbie and Craig. For the trap to be considered humane, it needed to kill 10 out of 10 animals. “But the long trial period meant that when we did come to export five years ago, we had a product that was unquestionable. And we had many examples of how it had been used in the field.”

Tailwinds : The government’s goal of being predator-free by 2050 has escalated conservation projects around the country. Backyard trapping is becoming increasingly popular as New Zealanders become more aware of the need to trap in residential properties as well as wildlife reserves.

Aotearoa is considered a world-leader for predator control and this has helped Goodnature land contracts overseas. The projects include killing the small indian mongoose in Hawaii, the american mink in Sweden and the grey squirrel in Britain. Exports are predicted to become 90 per cent of Goodnature’s business in the next five years.

What next? : Goodnature recently launched a Bluetooth-enabled device called Chirp, which attaches to the trap. The device sends data to a smartphone app so customers can see when their traps have been triggered. Goodnature reinvests more than 10 per cent of its revenue into R&D and is currently exploring aerial biodegradable eradication technology.

“Customer feedback at the early stages of the business is gold. When developing your product, it’s critical to get it into the hands of consumers as quickly as possible.”

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ABOUT NATIONAL TRAPS

Focussed on sustainability and biodiversity.

We are a passionate group of people who are conscious of the need to be active participants in the protection of our natural taonga.

Get more traps on the ground - fast

Why we make traps.

National Traps is a division of National Springs , born from a desire to contribute in a meaningful way to the conservation of New Zealand’s delicate ecosystem. To this end, we have been supplying traps across New Zealand since 2010 to help Kiwis in their efforts to eradicate introduced predators. Allowing more of our native birds to safely re-enter the spaces they were once forced to flee.

We truly believe that the work we do is playing an important role in helping to rebuild New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.

We fully support the Predator Free 2050 initiative.

MIRAMAR PENINSULA

Eradication project, miramar peninsula eradication project, helping wellington in their quest to becoming the first predator free capitol.

Predator Free Miramar Peninsula is the first stage of the Wellington City predator free plan. With the peninsula having already successfully eradicated possums, the focus is now on rats.

Backyard trapping has successfully helped to suppress the rat population. The eradication project now includes a combination of methodically spaced bait stations and traps across the peninsula that are checked weekly to remove all remaining rats.

National Traps is proud to be a part of the Predator Free Miramar Peninsula project, supplying the traps that are necessary to support the team in their efforts to make Wellington a safe place for native animals such as tūī, kākā, kākāriki, kererū, geckos and more.

Committed to a More Sustainable New Zealand

An Environmentally Focused Team

Led by General Manager Mike Baird, our team is constantly working towards improving our impact on the environment by taking actionable steps to reduce our footprint.

Some of the steps we have taken include:

• Solar panels on the roof of our factory
• All LED lighting throughout our facility
• Electric fork hoist and stock picker
• Using rainwater to feed our toilets
• A thorough recycling initiative, allowing us to recycle up to 75% of our waste
• All our packaging is fully recyclable

We are always looking for ways to improve.

Want to get in touch with the team at National Traps?

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Visiting New Zealand just got more expensive as the country triples tourism fee

• New Zealand will triple entry fees for foreign tourists starting in October.
• It will now cost about $62, though Australians and some Pacific Islanders are exempt.
• The fee increase seeks to address tourism and conservation challenges from rising visitor numbers.

New Zealand 's government announced on Tuesday that it will triple entry fees for foreign tourists starting in October.

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) for foreign tourists will increase from the current fee of 35 New Zealand Dollars, about $22, to NZ$100, which is about $62.

According to New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, the IVL exists to "address current challenges in the tourism and conservation systems," ensuring that New Zealanders do not "unduly bear" the costs associated with international visitors.

The ministry noted that New Zealand has experienced a significant increase in international visitors in recent years, which it said has challenged the country's "infrastructure, environment, communities, and the social license for tourism to operate in certain areas."

Australian citizens, people from certain Pacific Island nations, and those transiting through New Zealand are exempt from the fee.

The IVL has been used to fund various tourism and conservation initiatives, including pest control, biodiversity investments, and enhancing visitor access to tourism sites.

A consultation held in June on proposed changes , which included 1,100 submissions, found that 88% of submitters agreed that the current level of IVL revenue — about $50 million US — was insufficient to address issues facing tourism and conservation.

Additionally, 93% of submitters agreed that the IVL fee should be increased, with a majority favoring the biggest price increase to NZD 100.

According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, the increased IVL amount is expected to generate about $229 million in New Zealand currency yearly.

A study published by Tourism New Zealand last year found that New Zealand residents felt that tourism negatively impacted their communities through increased litter, difficulty finding parking, and heavier traffic.

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About two-thirds of those surveyed also expressed concerns about the impact of tourism on the environment.

According to the Royal Society of New Zealand , an independent non-profit that provides funding and policy advice on the region's science and technology, an influx of tourists can lead to overcrowding, habitat destruction, wildlife disturbance, and noise pollution.

While tourism contributes to 3.7% of New Zealand's economy, forming one of its main industries, it also directly impacts the country's natural landmarks.

According to the country's Department of Conservation , about 70% of all international trips involve some "nature-base" activities, such as hiking or visiting scenic natural attractions.

The department noted in 2021 that increased tourism to Milford Sound-Piopiotahi, a fjord sometimes touted as the eighth wonder of the world, put it under "considerable stress." Funding from the IVL previously went toward a master plan for protecting it.

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• Main content

Is Morocco safe? Yes, if you’re aware of tourist traps

I found myself in the bustling heart of Jemaa El-Fnaa markets, in Marrakech , when a wave of unease swept over me. It wasn’t the crowd or the blaring music that triggered it, but a cautionary tale from my Intrepid Travel guide, Brahim.

“Whatever you do,” he told our small tour group “never follow anyone anywhere unless they have a certified tourism operator lanyard,” he said, holding his up so we could see.

“People will tell you they know of a secret market, or special event or shortcut, but instead they will lead you to a quiet alley where others may be waiting, and mug you”.

The dread was because, just several days prior, I had been promised such a ‘shortcut’ by a stranger. Not knowing better, I had followed him.

I don’t consider myself a particularly naive traveller. Sure, I’m a Kiwi, so I’m likely more trusting than the average person but my gut is good when it comes to sensing when things are off. As I would learn, it saved me from a potentially dangerous but allegedly common tourist trap in Morocco .

Before visiting Morocco, friends expressed concerns about me exploring cities alone, but my initial day in Marrakech surprised me with the warmth of its people.

After mentioning having free days in Marrakech, a young concierge from my hotel spent 25 minutes writing me a detailed itinerary for Tangier , jotting down recommended beaches , hotels , restaurants and even trains I should take to get there.

Read More: Best things to do in Marrakech, Morocco

After visiting the famous Jardin Majorelle later that day, I decided to walk 25 minutes back to my hotel (still uncertain about taxi prices), when a small elderly man fell into step beside me and began chatting.

As it happened, he had worked as a gardener at Jardin Majorelle for decades and asked if I enjoyed the visit. He then cycled through the typical tourist questions (Where was I from? Had I visited Morocco before? Where do I plan to visit?) and the conversation flowed easily. As we strode along dusty footpaths, I asked what his plan for the rest of the day was, attempting to wrap up the conversation.

He said he was off to a special celebration in a nearby Mosque and invited me to come and observe. As someone who loves getting off the beaten track, I was intrigued.

He then asked where I was heading and when I mentioned returning to my hotel in the old town he said that, not only was the celebration only known about by locals but was also a shortcut to the old town, pointing to a warren of streets to the left. As we crossed a busy intersection, I glanced at the map on my phone, certain my route to the right was the most direct.

My gut softly twinged but I didn’t want to be close-minded or judgemental. I wanted to be carefree and intrepid, to open myself up to these twists of fate that can often turn into the best stories. At the time, I had my credit card, passport, driver’s license, DSLR camera and about one hundred dollars of cash on me.

So, we turned left, away from the start of a busy market and he began talking about his wife and young children. With every step, the little knot in my gut tightened until, two minutes later, I stopped and said I was turning back.

“No no,” he said, “trust me it’s going be incredible, you want to see it”. I paused, unconvinced. “I understand why you might not trust me but I have a job, I have children and a family, you can trust me,” he added.

I was torn. I didn’t want to stereotype an innocent guy who simply wanted to show me a good time in Morocco and I didn’t want my wariness to hurt his feelings.

But, his increasing urgency, repeating how I could trust him, only tightened my gut further. Suddenly, I reached for my phone, and pulled it up to my ear, as if receiving a phone call.

“Hi Dad,” I said, hiding my blank screen from the man. “Oh, okay, I can come back, yes I’m 10 minutes away, I’ll start walking now.” Putting my hand over the speaker, I told the man I had to return to the hotel, spun around and quickly strode back to the right. The man began shouting for me to come back but I continued, phone to my ear, continuing my ‘call’ with a parent who was most certainly in New Zealand.

Unscathed, I forgot the experience quickly, until a few days later, in Jemma El-Faa market, when Brahim delivered his safety advice.

It was daunting to imagine what may have happened if I’d followed that man into the labyrinth of streets. I was glad to learn of this tourist trap the easy way but it did remind me of the line between trust and caution; one every traveller must draw for themselves.

On one hand, you don’t want to travel perpetually terrified of threats and strangers. Some of my best travel memories were made after meeting people and jumping on bandwagons. On the other hand, risks do become riskier when you’re in a foreign environment far away from support and people aren’t always as honest as back home.

The trick, for me, is taking precautious first and then accepting opportunities second, as long as I’m free to tap out when my gut speaks up. Update friends and family if you accept spontaneous plans or travel with new people. Don’t walk around with all your valuables on you (as I did), and always prioritise your gut instinct above someone feeling judged.

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