New Zealand trip - advice needed

[Chris Dunham]

One more question. A special one :-)

I wanted to bring along (in my checked-in luggage) a outdoor knife (like 10 - 12 cm blade) to wear on the belt - something I do take along when doing trips in mountains. It is allowed here in Germany (blades up to 12 cm). However the official NZ webpage that informs what is allowed to import states that only "collapsible" knives with blades up to 10 cm are allowed. What is your experience? I would leave it home if that should be a problem ...

It will cause all sorts of problems, leave it out. If you really feel the need once there buy a greenriver skinning knife as they are good, available everywhere and not expensive. Unless you are shooting or working I can't see the need.

Chris.

[Matus Kalisky]

I have sent one email to NY embassy in Berlin and one to NZ Police, so let's see.

Actually the NZ Police states also something following:

from: http://www.police.govt.nz/service/fi...ds-knives.html
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Specialist users - including, but not limited to, those involved in sports such as:

Diving
Tramping
Mountaineering
Medieval Role-play
Martial Arts
These sports are deemed legitimate as the use of the weapon is under controlled circumstances with a specific purpose.
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[otzi]

Hi and enjoy your trip. You may find that when you get to NZ that there is nothing much about that would bother you. May be a rabbit or two, or three, or more. People maybe but the use of a knife for any purpose on people tends to be frowned upon by the majority.

[Matus Kalisky]

A follow up on the "knife" issue - I just got a reply from the NZ police, see bellow:

From: [information@police.govt.nz]

Hello -
If the knife has a cutting edge on only one side you are permitted to bring it with you.
Only double-edged knives are restricted.
Pack it in your checked-in suitcase (not hand luggage of course); if in doubt declare it at the airport.

Regards,
info@police

I was also checking a tripod allowance in a carry-on luggage, as I recently bought a new Feisol 3442 (I will report on it later). I asked the airline company (Emirates), the Duesseldorf airport security and the NZ Christchurch airport security - the answer was always the same: As long as the tripod fits inside the carry on luggage it is no problem.

Some of you might find this information useful.

- otzi -
Where did you get the idea from that I want to use the knife on people !?! I just need to slice my bread and maybe cut a bench if there is a broken leg to fix or something. My multi-purpose knife is rather small and not really usable for beyond salami and paprika.

[Terry Hayden]

Matus,

I just got back to the states from N.Z. yesterday. You are in for an excellent experience.

Milford Sound Road is richer in "photo ops" than the sound itself.
Unfortunately, the days we were there, the sky was fairly bland white with smoke from the Aussie fires.

However, the side stops on the road were awesome.

Even just doing the short marked walks along the way provided
a lot of beautiful shooting options.

Everyone we met was incredibly friendly and helpful. We traveled from just north of Auckland to Milford Sound - a wonderful adventure.

I must admit that I've never seen so many sheep in my life. the must far outnumber any other life on the islands ( except for those damn sanflies - they are monsters!).

[otzi]

No offense, I was being a bit facetious or naughty really as it's mostly the self sufficiency types that carry knives. Personally I have never felt the need. If such an item were to be gathered up with other tools of trade, i.e. pliers screwdrivers and such it would barely raise concern, but it seems you have gone to great lengths to 'do it right.' And for that I must congratulate you.

[jamesklowe]

you're probably here by now.
i live in auckland/nz.

incase you do check this, go up tongariro crossing
although i suggest packing light for it. the start of the crossing is named 'devils staircase' ..i guess if you go you'll understand why.

[NoBob]

As long as it's not NZ holiday season, like Easter, or Christmas, or period when campsites close, this works - Hire a car. Pick up a copy of the NZ campsites, and rent a cabin when you get to your destination. Head south, north, east, west. Drive for three or four hours, book in at the campsite. Explore for the rest of the day. Next day move on.

I wouldn't worry about places to see, you see something great, sometimes breathtaking around every bend in the road in NZ.

It worked for me.

[Chris C]

you're probably here by now.
i live in auckland/nz.

incase you do check this, go up tongariro crossing
although i suggest packing light for it. the start of the crossing is named 'devils staircase' ..i guess if you go you'll understand why.

"Packing light" can be a dangerous thing to say. Pack as light as possible, but pack responsibly (jacket and warm top, even if it's a clear blue day when you start). There's a reason DOC changed it's name to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.