ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for latest entry and exit advice; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/entry-requirements
US guests please see Travel State website;https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewZealand.html
Visas:
U.S., Canadian and European Union country citizens - You do not need a visa to enter New Zealand if you are a visitor staying less than 6 months for toursim purposes. However, you do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/nzeta (Allow up to 72 hours for it to be processed).
For more information on traveling to New Zealand, please click here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/your-journey-to-new-zealand/before-you-travel-to-new-zealand
**Note: Visa and entry requirements, regulations, and restrictions can change. Ensure you check the current requirements well in advance of travel.
Passports:
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport
Travel Insurance:
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication:
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the contact details of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines:
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
We would recommend comfortable clothes and shoes for this tour. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish, however there is no pressure to follow a dress code.
The weather should largely be warm and sunny throughout the journey, however it is always good to be prepared for every eventuality, so make sure you pack a light jacket in case of rain and the fact that it may be cooler in the evening.
Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards.
International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination. If you are traveling onward to Australia, please check the 'Pre-Tour Emails' for airline luggage restrictions.
LANGUAGE
The main language of New Zealand is English, though Maori is spoken widely across the country.
WEATHER
On both North and South Islands, the temperature may soar to 25° C / 77° F or higher, with lows on cooler days reaching 10° C / 50° F, especially in mountainous regions. Temperatures do vary between the two islands and as you go higher into the mountains. Please check the local weather reports prior to travel for the most up to date information. Ensure you check the weather 1 week before you travel!
ELECTRICITY
In New Zealand, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a Type I plug adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across New Zealand, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted, but it’s wise to carry some cash, as ATMs are limited in smaller villages. Cards like Diners Club and American Express may not be accepted everywhere.
Contact your bank before you travel to avoid any card issues. New Zealand uses chip-and-PIN cards, so cards with only magnetic strips may not work at all machines. Carrying extra cash can be useful, and you may need to show ID if chip-and-PIN is unavailable.
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
The tap water in New Zealand is generally of excellent quality. Unless otherwise advised, you can drink the local tap water. It is not advisable to drink the tap water on board the trains nor boats. Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
RELIGION
New Zealand is mostly Christianity, with some immigrants from South East Asia bringing Hindu, Buddhism and Islam to New Zealand.
PHOTOGRAPHY
New Zealand offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN NEW ZEALAND
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024