NZ TRANSPORTATION...WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET?

When traveling across NZ, you got a couple different options. So depending on your budget, here's some great tips to help get the most out of each option.

Buses: There's several bus companies that offer all sorts of routes across NZ.  This is the cheapest option to see the most of the country the easiest.  The setbacks are its a set route and set schedule.  Its a fast paced, up at 8am, get places and go. They say you can come and go as you please, but the issue is during the peak seasons it maybe very hard to get your spot on the bus once you give it up to stay longer. Its not as flexible as they say unless your calling weeks in advance.  Its great for meeting people and having the bus company do most of the legwork for you.  Me personally, I like to get lost and go at my own pace. The bus option gives you a highlight reel of things to do at the best price.  Downside is you're traveling with 40 people without much flexibility.  

RENTAL CARS: Traveling by car, you go when you want where you want.  For your wallet avoid the main rental car companies (Hertz, Eurocar, Avis, etc.) in the airport. They charge the most.  Instead, go off the beaten path a bit and you can find some real good deals if you look a bit. Gas is the real killer.  Everything in NZ from bananas to oil is imported, and therefore very expensive.  So be prepared for food, gas, and hotels are gonna burn a hole in that wallet.

CAMPER VANS: Campervans are really cool and probably the most expensive.  Where you save on hostels or hotels you probably spend in gas.  Some companies have really cool long term deals where you can get a Campervan for cheap but have to rent it for months at time to get that great price.

HITCHHIKING:  Let me start by saying THE WALNUTS SHOW DOES NOT ENCOURAGE HITCHING RIDES. That being said, it is practiced widely throughout NZ. NZ is possibly the friendliest, nicest, most helpful people left on the planet. Through my travels, I noticed that hitchhiking is encouraged and practiced widely throughout the country.  So if you're feeling a bit crazy (and really have no money), that's always an option too.  Truth be told, it'll take ya double the time to get anywhere, but I'm sure you'll get a good story out of it. :)  

Personally, if I had the money, Campervans have to be a great way to travel.  They are very popular in NZ, if you can afford.  For short term stuff, cars a good bet.  If you gotta real squeeze to save, then bus it you shall.    
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Episode 6: Milford Sound Baller

Walnuts on Pawn Stars!!!

SERENDIPITY 3 AND A BALD MAN.

Let's start this by saying I love chocolate. I love the smell, I love the shape, and I love the taste. I want to make out with it. I want to bathe in it. I want my clothes to be made of chocolate so I can eat them. You get the picture. So I took a recent trip to Sin City, good ol' Las Vegas and did my pants expand. If you enjoy indulging (and boy do I) I suggest you make two trips. Both are incredible, so don't ask me to pick a favorite. First up: Serendipity 3.

If you can't make it to Vegas, there's one in NY too. Serendipity 3 is perfectly located on the Strip in front of Caesar's, if you don't have a reservation expect to wait a couple hours. The Frozen Hot Chocolate is their signature, but their food is bomb too (their portions are huge!). That drink was like sipping heaven thru a straw. It was light and fluffy, a perfect after meal compliment. They had so many chocolate options I wanted to curl into the fetal position and wait for my stomach to make room. Great vibe, great food, great desserts, and priced quite reasonable. My advice: share an entree and get crazy with those many dessert options! Onto my other new favorite restaurant:
Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald Man!

He's a modern day Willy Wonka. I'm not kidding. His restaurant just opened in the Caesar's Palace last year, and it is PHENOMENAL. Dude. The restaurant has two levels and wasn't too busy (even on a Saturday night). The food, portions, and service were great. I especially loved the decor and the vibe. If you go, get the chocolate drink concoctions, the hot chocolate, the desserts, and if you have room buy something to bring home. So I could barely button my pants when I left. Whatever. This man knows chocolate. He only has a few locations in the U.S. (NY, Vegas, Philly, and now Boston!) It's an experience. If you love chocolate, you need to find your way to these two restaurants. Trust me.

TIPPING: ITS NOT JUST A CITY IN CHINA.

Everyone at some point in their lives should be in the service industry. EVERYONE. Then they would understand the trials and hurdles a waiter faces. This blog is inspired by two new buddies from Denmark
(whom I met on my travels in NZ and then proceeded to meet up with later in Hollywood). In NZ, Australia, and Denmark it is not customary to tip.  Here's why: the minimum wage in these countries is double (if not triple) than that of the United States.  That's why they don't need your money. In the United States, its a bit different (especially outside California).  The U.S. is kinda backwards all over (hello feet, inches, degrees, mph). We don't make what the rest of the world makes, precisely why we depend on your tips.  But Paul, my service really sucked! Well, the guy probably has been there too long or maybe he's having a bad day. It happens. Solution: Ask for a manager. I don't take it out the waiter's pocket.   Give the guy some $, and politely as for a manager.  That way, Mr. X got his money and you have someone to talk to about your bad service.  Don't make a scene, don't throw things, don't stomp about til you get a free appetizer (because that appetizer was dropped on the floor on purpose).  Say your peace, pay your money, and hopefully someone will respond with someone productive.  Scenario 2: You walk up to the bartender and say "Hey man, I'm a real big tipper, take care of me, and I'll get you back." More often than not, that dude stiffs you after you've been hooking him up all night.  Solution: You get to a bar, throw the bartender $ up front and say "Hey, you get me, there's more to come." Now I know you mean business. When I left $6 on the table after my $30 meal, my guys from Denmark thought I was crazy.  Dude is working at 3am and probably has been there since 6pm with no breaks.  Ya, I gave'em $6.  Minimum wage in Denmark is $20. I'll type that again. MINIMUM WAGE IN DENMARK IS $20. They get free healthcare and free university (college to you U.S. types). Sounds like paradise...where do I sign up?! The catch: they get taxed double what we do.  They make more and get taxed more, which in turn goes back into the country so they can pay for healthcare/school. We get taxed less and pay for everything. So it evens out really.  Well look at that, we all learned something today.  We all got some culture.  That's what I'm here for, education. Bringing the world together, one tip at a time
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GLACIER HIKING!!!