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-   -   Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/new-zealand-83/things-buy-outside-nz-bring-flight-882795/)

JohnLH Sep 4th 2016 4:21 am

Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
Are there any items that are smart to buy outside of NZ to bring in? (For example before moving to NZ or while on vacation outside of the country), Such as things that are hard to find or unusually expensive in NZ?

For example my research has lead me to believe it's better to buy a water filtration system (to remove fluoride from tap water) outside of NZ, as the selection seems very limited in NZ. (Just an example of item that are seemingly better purchased outside of NZ, THIS IS NOT A THREAD ABOUT DISCUSSING FLOURIDE)

Bo-Jangles Sep 4th 2016 5:03 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
There's lot of things you could bring with your shipping but never heard of anyone mention water filters per se as somethng to bring in their luggage or in the container for that matter. The topic of flouridation is a bit of a hot potato: if you live outside of main centres it's a moot point as a lot of places are on tank water and fluoride will be the last of your worries anyway. Many districts have already opted out.


Is my town fluoridated? - fluoride free NZ

JohnLH Sep 4th 2016 5:23 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by Bo-Jangles (Post 12043144)
it's a moot point as a lot of places are on tank water and fluoride will be the last of your worries anyway.

Ah flouride is just an example of one of the things a water filter removes, but it would remove all those other things you're implying about as well. But yes you are right bringing in luggage is a bit extreme, a good one is 13 kgs.

Anyway water filter is the only thing Iv'e found to be extremely difficult to find in NZ, so I'm looking for other ideas as well.

barnsleymat Sep 4th 2016 6:22 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
Cucumbers.

Bring a 21kg suitcase of em.

MrsFychan Sep 4th 2016 8:27 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
decent shoes, stock up on decent clothes, but nothing to posh. buy a kindle, if you don't already have one and set up an amazon account for it, books are expensive.
If you bank with Barclays make sure you bring the stupid pin sentry thing and don't close your UK bank account.

and as already stated cucumbers, but you might have to stash them somewhere as not sure if you are allowed to bring them through customs.

MrsFychan Sep 4th 2016 8:27 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by barnsleymat (Post 12043174)
Cucumbers.

Bring a 21kg suitcase of em.

:goodpost:

BEVS Sep 4th 2016 10:23 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by barnsleymat (Post 12043174)
Cucumbers.

Bring a 21kg suitcase of em.

:goodpost:


Originally Posted by JohnLH (Post 12043152)
Anyway water filter is the only thing Iv'e found to be extremely difficult to find in NZ, so I'm looking for other ideas as well.

Bit puzzled on this one. We use a water filter and have never had an issue getting one. There again husband is a plumber.

Are you asking about items to bring in your own container for your own personal use?

Or are you asking what is in short supply in NZ with a view to retail.

simonsi Sep 5th 2016 1:10 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
There are per se many items you <could> bring that will be cheaper to buy outside NZ but thats not a hugely sensible way to look at things I don't think.

For instance anything that uses consumable parts (filters for example), you had better ensure there is a local supply otherwise it will be a doorstop in a short time. Other items will hugely depend on their usefulness as to the sort of property/lifestyle you end up with, the risk of bringing over something you don't end up using is quite high - especially if you are considering minor infrastructure like water filtration in my opinion, thats not like choosing to bring a new bicycle for example that you know you will use once here...

I'd save your money to spend on the inevitable "something" that you end up actually needing and have no choice but an expensive locally-sourced item...

snaps Sep 5th 2016 5:24 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
Most items are available, but NZ is maybe a little short choice for clothes. I would suggest that you may be visiting Kathmandu frequently for lots of outdoor wear, they have frequent sales as well as Briscoes and the ever open Warehouse for just about everything else.

Kotare Sep 5th 2016 8:47 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
In May on a flying visit I brought back a telescope (OTA), a chicken incubator, a solar pond pump, walking boots from Mountain Warehouse (and other shoes), fleeces and polos, aspirin/TCP from Boots, Marmite, books.... does that help :-) We did fly out with near empty cases other than presents so had a net 50 odd kg to play with.

j19fmm Sep 7th 2016 8:34 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by MrsFychan (Post 12043618)
decent shoes

Unless you are planning on living in a warm part of NZ where you wear sandals all year round....none of my lovely shoes fit my feet anymore, my feet are too wide from being free from confinement!!!

Kotare Sep 7th 2016 8:41 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by j19fmm (Post 12045599)

Originally Posted by MrsFychan (Post 12043618)
decent shoes

Unless you are planning on living in a warm part of NZ where you wear sandals all year round....none of my lovely shoes fit my feet anymore, my feet are too wide from being free from confinement!!!

I thought teachers wore Doc Martens - it is beachcombing in Matauri Bay that does it.

j19fmm Sep 7th 2016 8:44 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by Kotare (Post 12045607)

I thought teachers wore Doc Martens - it is beachcombing in Matauri Bay that does it.

Haha, not this one! I've only worn a pair of shoes to school once so far this year :p

JohnLH Sep 8th 2016 1:06 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
thanks for the answers, I first asked on NZ reddit and haha what a bunch of losers over there.

Useful about the shoes, since I'm planning on doing lots of hiking. However I don't understand those sandals/barefoot comments.

Lisa Maree Sep 8th 2016 3:39 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by JohnLH (Post 12046731)

Useful about the shoes, since I'm planning on doing lots of hiking. However I don't understand those sandals/barefoot comments.

Kiwi's are notoriously casual, no doubt you will find some classy citizen wandering around the supermarket in their PJ's with bare feet before too long!

My friends are always lamenting their kids loosing shoes, they get in the classroom and off come the shoes!

So yes hiking boots great for purpose, every other situation trainers or flip flops!

Lisa Maree Sep 8th 2016 3:47 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
I have stocked up on all sorts of lotions and potions while they have been BOGOF at Superdrug / Boots but other than that, everyone has new ish clothes - in particular the kids, new Velcro sandals, current size plus size up in trainers from Decathlon and a really cute Gruffalo tin from Yorkshire Tea all to go in the luggage :), other than that I've replaced all our bedding and towels, lots of new kitchen things (oven trays, stick blender, glass wear etc) and want to get an upright cordless vacuum cleaner, oh and the new xbox being released soon will go in... we got new phones as well, Kindles last year and iPad last year too so we should be good for a little while. Basically we have worked on the principal of making sure our basic household items are all good for the next five years or so but don't really have the cash to go mad I guess.

LittleGreyCat Sep 8th 2016 5:09 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
Birkenstocks are good quality sandals and affordable in the UK, but trip before last we saw some in Wellington priced as a luxury import.

You probably own most or all of the clothing that you will need unless you plan to take up a new sport or hobby.

There are probably consumables (wonder if it is feasible to fill a shipping container with Heinz baked beans? 50p a tin over here). However you will sooner or later run out and then you will just have to buy locally.

To make it worth while shipping it really has to be a big ticket item like a caravan (if the price/exchange rate is favourable).

Kotare Sep 8th 2016 6:27 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by LittleGreyCat (Post 12046942)
Birkenstocks are good quality sandals and affordable in the UK, but trip before last we saw some in Wellington priced as a luxury import.

You probably own most or all of the clothing that you will need unless you plan to take up a new sport or hobby.

'Snap' my wife bought three pairs of Birkenstocks in uk which was a shock.

But don't assume that everything is more expensive in NZ, do a google trawl as many items are similarly priced to uk (especially in sales) eg my wife was buying this seasons casual fashion tops at £25 each yesterday, in Germany/France they would have been double that.

There is no obvious reason why some commodities are so highly priced eg paint, car tyres....

SSky Sep 9th 2016 5:40 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
I honestly can't think of a single thing.
Oh maybe stuff your container full of carpet rolls as that can be like taking out a second mortgage for if you want to buy new.
Even my yearnings for Ikea have waned over time, I suppose you just forget and learn to live with what's available here or buy online as you need to .. or you learn the local 'knowledge' of places to buy.
They use woodburners a lot over here to heat houses (including us), they're pretty boring and basic so maybe bring a nice ornate one of those cast iron ones complete with flue in your container and if you don't use it you can always sell it.

SSky Sep 9th 2016 5:41 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
Cucumbers are very easy to grow, so I wouldn't stress about those.

j19fmm Sep 9th 2016 6:35 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by JohnLH (Post 12046731)
However I don't understand those sandals/barefoot comments.

If you spend a lot of time either barefoot or wearing flat jandals then your feet spread and the more delicate European shoes become too narrow 😁
My 17 year old son went to buy new running shoes and had to ask for a larger size. He was told they are made for the narrower European foot. ..heck, his feet have changed nationality 😊

Bo-Jangles Sep 9th 2016 8:27 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by Lisa Maree (Post 12046866)

So yes hiking boots great for purpose, every other situation trainers or flip flops!


Depends what you do for a living and whether you actually like flip flops and trainers. Presently Converse / Keds style plimmsols and Skechers Go Walk things seem to be the primary footwear of choice

I hate flip flops with a passion and despite hearsay to the contrary most people do wear boots, proper shoes or sandals for work.

If you appreciate 'proper' formal, good quality / basic leather shoes then yes do stock up, as you will weep at the choice and prices here. Alternatively if you don't give a rats arse for a good shoe No1 Shoe warehouse is the place to go for wall to ceiling mecca of tacky cheap, plastic crappy 'fashion' shoes and jandals.

maquis Sep 9th 2016 6:51 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by Lisa Maree (Post 12046875)
... Basically we have worked on the principal of making sure our basic household items are all good for the next five years or so but don't really have the cash to go mad I guess.

Oh, you sound super organised!! I feel like we're lurching from one panic to another. Currently attempting to complete the insurance inventory forms.

Kids all need socks, shoes, more clothes. Meanwhile, my antique welsh dresser arrived today, and second-hand book buying going well :lol: #priorities

Lisa Maree Sep 9th 2016 9:02 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by maquis (Post 12047933)
Oh, you sound super organised!! I feel like we're lurching from one panic to another. Currently attempting to complete the insurance inventory forms.

Funny enough it was a post on here that alerted me to M&S having 25% off bedding / towels so I splashed out! Also put alerts on camel camel camel for Amazon bits and grab them when they drop in price - got Pyrex oven trays, roasting dishes, glass bowls and jugs half price-ish.

Six weeks to go and only just booked our shipping so really, really not organised... I just like buying new stuff lol

maquis Sep 9th 2016 9:55 pm

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
Maybe just more organised than me! Shippers arrive Thursday, only confirmed them last week. Will be glad when that's done.

JohnLH Sep 23rd 2016 3:07 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by Lisa Maree (Post 12046875)
I have stocked up on all sorts of lotions and potions while they have been BOGOF at Superdrug / Boots but other than that, everyone has new ish clothes - in particular the kids, new Velcro sandals, current size plus size up in trainers from Decathlon and a really cute Gruffalo tin from Yorkshire Tea all to go in the luggage :), other than that I've replaced all our bedding and towels, lots of new kitchen things (oven trays, stick blender, glass wear etc) and want to get an upright cordless vacuum cleaner, oh and the new xbox being released soon will go in... we got new phones as well, Kindles last year and iPad last year too so we should be good for a little while. Basically we have worked on the principal of making sure our basic household items are all good for the next five years or so but don't really have the cash to go mad I guess.

Nice, good stuff!

MrsFychan Sep 23rd 2016 9:53 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 
Lisa Maree - hope you are bringing your own bed and mattress then as mattresses over here seem to be different size to the uk.

In New Zealand, these are:
Single 915 x 1880 mm.
King Single 1070 x 2030 mm.
Double 1380 x 1880 mm.
Queen 1530 x 2030mm.
King 1650 x 2030 mm.
Super King 1830 x 2030 mm

1 piece mattress in standard UK sizes
Metric (cm)
Single 900 x 1900
Double 1350 x 1900
King 1500 x 2000
Super king 1800 x 2000

Lisa Maree Sep 23rd 2016 10:31 am

Re: Things to buy outside of NZ to bring with flight?
 

Originally Posted by MrsFychan (Post 12059558)
Lisa Maree - hope you are bringing your own bed and mattress then as mattresses over here seem to be different size to the uk.

Yep that's why I stocked up! Should cover us for the next few years use of the bed and then there is always international delivery from M&S!

I've spend so much money this month, I'm getting serious frownage from the husband... should I risk further ire by getting a cordless upright vacuum cleaner that will be in storage for a year or should I just wait and get one once we are all settled late 2017??

I think my desire to buy all the things and go all the places and see all the people is normal for someone leaving potentially forever right???


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