With just over 4.7 million friendly residents spread across the 104,000 square miles of this Pacific archipelago, New Zealand is about the same size as Colorado – but with a significantly lower population density. And with its magnificent fjords, lakes, forests and mountains, you can expect the splendors of nature to top the list of vacation delights. And indeed, your journey across the magnificent South Island will be well rewarded with unforgettable vistas, from the mountain landscapes that provided the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings films to the pristine waterways of the Milford Sound.
But New Zealand also promises memorable experiences that reflect the diversity and spirit of its residents. Fine congenial dining is enhanced by the islands’ abundant wealth of natural produce, its world-famous lamb, fresh seafood and – of course – highly acclaimed wines. From thrilling 4WD forays into the countryside to heart-pounding jet-boat expeditions on pristine rivers, New Zealand also promises unforgettable adventure. And every step of the way, the welcoming laidback attitude of its residents will make this one of the most delightful vacations you’ll ever have!
Passports + Visas
Passport holders from the United States are now required to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visa which is good for multiple entries valid for 2 years. You can apply online here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta. You pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA.
If you prefer to acquire your visa ahead of time, follow the link here:
https://www.pinnacle.gettraveldocs.com/New-Zealand-eTA-eservice22. Visitors from countries other than the United States should check on their specific entry requirements with the nearest New Zealand consular office.
American citizens will need to present a valid passport upon entry into New Zealand. Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the completion of your stay.
Now’s a good time to assemble and check your travel documents, then keep them together in a safe, accessible area of your home. If you keep your passport in a bank safe deposit, retrieve it now to avoid a last-minute rush - and double check the expiration date!
Your Health
Visitors coming from the United States to New Zealand do not require any specific vaccinations or inoculations. However, your personal physician knows your health history and is the best person to consult regarding inoculations, health precautions and other advice for your upcoming journey. Always check the World Health Organization (WHO) website
http://www.who.int/ith/en/ and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website
https://www.cdc.gov/ before you travel internationally.
Medical supplies including CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought as an additional carry-on with most airlines. If you are traveling with a CPAP machine, please let Alexander+Roberts know in advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent electricity supply. Distilled water is available in most destinations. Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors, although newer machines have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltages. Bring extra supplies (especially cushions) and replacement parts as repairing the machine while travelling may not be possible.
If You Face Physical Challenges
Journeys to New Zealand tend to be active trips. The excursions and activities we include often involve a great deal of walking over uneven terrain, and you assume responsibility for your personal safety. There will be hills to climb and descend, and steps often have no wheelchair access. Even indoor sites like museums and historical buildings may only have steps - no elevators or ramps. Hotels may be limited in the provisions they make for wheelchair access and airports may require steps to board and deplane without jetway access to the gate or terminal.
Mobility issues or physical challenges must be reported to Alexander+Roberts when making your reservation. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs, but cannot always provide individual assistance nor can we ensure that local vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance.
You may encounter limitations at hotels, airports, rail stations and transportation facilities that may make your trip challenging. Many natural and historical sites are in walking zones with uneven paving and uphill or downhill walkways with no wheelchair access. Some museums and historical buildings may have only steps and no elevators.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance for guests who need mobility assistance. Nor can we ensure that local vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance.
If you have any mobility or medical issues of which we should be aware, please advise Alexander+Roberts well in advance of your departure.
A Word about Hotels
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Should you arrive early to find that your room is not yet ready, the hotel will likely be more than happy to store your luggage securely for a few hours. That leaves you unencumbered to explore a bit at your own pace - or to relax with a cup of tea or coffee either in the lobby or at a nearby cafe.
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you free to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are, hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure.
If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either.
Climate…What You Can Expect
New Zealand weather and climate is of paramount importance to the people of New Zealand, as many New Zealander's make their living from the land. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. New Zealand's climate is dominated by two main geographical features: the mountains and the sea.
Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 60 - 85º F and in winter between 35 - 60º F.
Money Matters
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar, NZ$ (NZD). You can exchange cash and traveler’s checks for local currency at hotels, banks and international airports. Please note that these establishments will charge a fee to exchange traveler’s checks; some establishments may also charge a fee to exchange cash.
Many locations will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need local currency. It is a good idea to contact your credit card company before you travel to advise which countries you are visiting.
ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards. But be sure to pay attention to any fees – as some local banks charge a per transaction fee for use of their ATM’s. If you wish to use your ATM card, we recommend that you notify your bank that you will be traveling internationally, and also to ask about any bank fees you might incur by using your card abroad.
Tipping
For your on-tour convenience, we have included all gratuities except for your Trip Leaders or guides. This includes drivers, baggage porters and restaurant staff for all included meals; certainly, if any of these services are exceptional and go above-and-beyond, then feel free to tip additionally.
For your Trip Leaders or guides, many of our guests find it helpful to have some guidelines; in that spirit, we recommend tipping them $10 to $15 per person, per day.
Although not included in your Tour Fare, please remember that these gratuities are always at your discretion. They are appreciated as recognition for excellent service, but whether you tip, and how much, is entirely up to you.
When you’re out enjoying meals and activities that are not part of your A+R itinerary, here are tipping guidelines in accordance with local practices:
• Upscale restaurants: A service charge (10%-15%) is typically already included on the bill
• Bell hops: $2-$5
• Taxi's: Tips are not expected by taxi drivers
• Private Drivers: $2-5$ per trip
• Spa services: add 10%-15%
There is a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) included for purchases and services. Until recently, tipping in New Zealand was not customary and was even frowned upon by those in the service and tourism industries. New Zealand service workers are paid a decent wage to start with and do not count on tips as part of their salary. However, as foreign travelers continue to visit, tipping has become a bit more popular, but only in the tourist areas.
About Electricity
The voltage in New Zealand is 230-240 V AC. An adapter and a converter will be necessary to charge your electronic devices. We recommend purchasing an adapter prior to travel, but many hotels usually have them available at the front desk. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the information at:
www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm.
Internet and Phone calls
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at many hotels either complimentary or for a fee. Waiting until you have Wi-Fi access allows you to use email and other applications without using mobile data. Check with the front desk upon check in regarding access details.
If you need to place an international call from your hotel room, please check first with the Front Desk about their rates. Hotels often contract with outside vendors to provide direct-dial service for overseas calls – and the rates can be unexpectedly high!
The dialing code for New Zealand is +64 so prefix the local number with this code when dialing from outside of New Zealand.
Time Zone and Business Hours
New Zealand’s local time is 18 hours ahead of New York City, so if it is 12 noon eastern time, it is 6 AM on the following day in New Zealand. Most businesses including banks are open from 9 to 5 on weekdays excluding holidays.
Meal Time
It wasn’t really all that long ago – as recently as the 1980’s – when travelers would return from New Zealand with terrific stories about its friendly people and spectacular natural beauty. But often, they would be a bit less enthusiastic about the food they ate. But a lot can change in three decades and New Zealand dining has come a long way. Taking full advantage of the islands’ abundance of fine natural ingredients, New Zealand chefs are developing their own unique style of cuisine that is fresh, simple and relaxing.
It’s no longer just overcooked lamb and boiled vegetables. As you travel throughout the country, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy skillfully prepared meals featuring the freshest seafood, locally grown vegetables, the islands’ world-famous lamb and prime grass-fed beef. Ingredients are fresh and seasonal, and fine dishes are inspired by European, Asian and indigenous culinary styles. In the spring, young lamb is perfect for fast cooking or grilling. Mature by winter, chefs prefer lamb dishes that are slowly-cooked in casseroles and stews.
At the same time, New Zealand’s wine industry has become world-famous. The islands’ Sauvignon Blanc, in particular, is hailed for its fine citrus notes, making this wine the perfect accompaniment to oysters, scallops and other freshly harvested seafood!
Shopping
By all means, enjoy your shopping! But we do recommend that you avoid objects that appear to be ancient artifacts. Many so-called artifacts are anything but old. In addition, the export of genuine ancient relics is strictly controlled so that cultural treasures do not leave the country. Animal skins, things made with tropical bird feathers, and similar items should also be avoided. Some could be made from endangered species and their export (and import into the USA) may be illegal. Buying only from reputable shops will help you to avoid problems.
New Zealand’s Bio-Security
As New Zealand is an agricultural nation, it is illegal to bring fresh fruit, plants and some other items into the country. An instant ‘on the spot’ fine will be applied by New Zealand Immigration officials at the airport for any items found. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) aims to prevent the entry of pests and diseases which could endanger New Zealand's important agriculture and horticulture industries. It is important to remember that if you have any animal or plant item with you, or packed in your luggage, you must declare it on your passenger arrival card. Please note that unaccompanied baggage may attract inspection charges.
For further information about quarantine restrictions, please contact: MAF Biosecurity New Zealand www.maf.govt.nz
Phone: +64 4 894 0100
Overnight Bag
If your itinerary includes an overnight on Milford Sound aboard the Milford Mariner, you will need an overnight bag for your stay. This can be your carry on piece. Just make sure that this bag will hold everything you need for an overnight stay and is one that you can comfortably carry yourself. The rest of your luggage will be kept in a secure location.
Packing Advice to Get You Started
Generally, the attire is casual with the emphasis on comfort and convenience. Easy-to-care-for clothing and mix and match separates are ideal as to prevent the need to bring a lot of clothes. Restaurants range from coffee shops to elegant dining rooms where the dress varies from casual to semi-formal. We recommend that you dress in layers: bring along clothing that will allow you to add or subtract a layer if you become too hot or cold, especially for your excursions into the countryside where the temperature tends to be cooler. Your program includes a fair amount of walking during sightseeing tours so please pay particular attention to footwear - bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and firm arch support. The weather can be quite unpredictable, a rain jacket or travel sized umbrella will help to keep you dry if you do happen to encounter rain during your travels.
TSA Packing Tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at https://www.tsa.gov/travel.
For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear, 1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage.
Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them.
And a Few Words about Safety + Security
New Zealand is a safe country and violent crime involving travelers is quite rare. But petty crime is a reality no matter where in the world you travel. Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United States: Use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your possessions at all times. Remember to wash your hands frequently and use hand-sanitizer.
• Do not go out and about with your passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides.
• Keep your extra cash and passport in the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the front desk.
• Always make a copy of your passport, credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra copies with someone at home that you can reach while traveling. Or consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address which you can access while abroad.
• If you don’t already own one, consider investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing. This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring.
• Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling from your shoulder or arm.
These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.