NZ Administrative Logistics
From WildWiki
Money
Earlham credit cards are accepted at any store that accepts EFTPOS, Electronic Fund Transfer at Point Of Sale, their equivalent to debit cards.
Transportation in Christchurch
The Bus System "Metro" in Christchurch is widely used. Travel is cheapest with a metro card ($1.90 with card per ride as opposed to $2.50). Cards are free and can be collected at the Bus Exchange. Charge your card with a minimum of $10 for it to work. A minimum of $10 is needed for recharge and that can be done at the Bus exchange or with your bus driver.
We are suggesting students bring a bike helmet and lock if they are interested in biking around town. There are many stores around Christchurch that provide bike rentals. One that was recommended is Around Again Cycles. Bikes can be "purchased" for $120NZD with free tune-up services and returned at the end of the semester for a $60NZD refund. The store is located in Woolston, between downtown Christchurch and Sumner, SE of the city. They have a huge variety of bikes and told me that they are willing to switch out any bike for another until their client finds the one that satisfies.
Where to Shop before an excursion?
Gear: For outdoor ed equipment check out 100% New Zealand owned Bivouac. Be aware that New Zealand stores do not have a plentiful stock of anything, so be sure to get what you need in advance, or have it ordered.
Food: There are no real bulk food stores, but Pak'nSave comes close to have bulk food prices and good variety. Be sure to purchase cloth bags from the counter at the beginning of the trip and have them throughout, say no to plastic bags.
DOC - Department of Conservation Offices are found in most every city. Christchurch DOC Visitors Centre is centrally located in downtown on 195 Hereford St. DOC offices provide information on any track and can issue your reserved tickets (needed only for Great Walks). You can also purchase maps and hut permits at any DOC office. Hut permits are usually $5 and commonly two tickets are needed per person per night at any hut (Great Walk huts need to be reserved in advance).
Photocopies
