New Zealand

The longest direct flight in New Zealand is from Auckland to Queenstown this is 2 hours. Shorter flights are also readily available such as the flight from Auckland to Rotorua taking only 40mins and the Christchurch to Queenstown flight only takes 1 hour. So it is very easy to fly around the country visiting lots of destinations during your vacation.

You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10°C (50°F) over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round. There are 4 quite distinct seasons – Spring (Sept-Nov), Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug). In summer there’s plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include Fishing (saltwater, freshwater and big game) mountain biking, Scuba diving, golf and hunting. In fact just about any thing you can imagine! You’ll find snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

New Zealand’s International Airports are at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown & Dunedin. Most International flights will land at Auckland.

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. Most visitors who intend to stay for less than 3 months do not require a visa. If you want to stay longer than three months, or your country of origin does not have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Visitor’s Visa. Please go to www.immigration.govt.nz for more information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility. All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport. If you need information regarding visa and other travel document requirements for your trip please let us know. You can find more information about entering New Zealand here.

Yes – Buying a local SIM at your destination is the way to go & often better than international roaming, especially if you’re staying for an extended time and your plan doesn’t have roaming inclusions. Even $5 per day can add up quickly. If you have an eSIM-enabled smartphone, you can literally just download a digital SIM card to your phone when you get to the airport, or even before you leave. You won’t need to hunt around the airport for a local SIM. All you’ll need to do is download an app or scan a QR code.

You can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence if:

-You have a current and valid overseas licence or driver permit, and

-You haven’t been given a disqualification or suspension in New Zealand, and

-You came into New Zealand less than 12 months ago, and

–Your overseas licence is in English, or you have an accurate translation, and

-You haven’t been granted a New Zealand driver licence since you last entered New Zealand.

As the holder of a valid and current overseas driver licence, you’re considered to hold a New Zealand driver licence of a class that allows you to drive the motor vehicles you are allowed to drive under your overseas licence

It is relatively easy to drive around New Zealand. New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.

Tipping in New Zealand is not expected. However, tipping for great service is at your discretion.

All goods and services are subject to a 15 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). This is included in the displayed price of most items.

Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit the high country. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. Pack warm winter clothing if visiting between May and September. Layer your clothing.

New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30°C and in winter between 10-15°C.