The questions and answers below endeavour to answer your general questions regarding New Zealand. If you have specific questions relating to a tour you are interested in, then there will be a link to FAQ’s relating specifically to that tour on the tour itinerary page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is – as early as possible. New Zealand is unlike major tourist cities and destinations in that accommodation options are limited even in the most popular places. The earlier you book, the more you can be assured of your preferred accommodation. Car hire options can also be limited in peak travel periods.
Another factor to consider is that a lot of tours to New Zealand sell out quickly. Last year we had to disappoint a lot of people because their first option was unavailable. In these cases, we always do our best to find an alternative, however if you can decide as early as possible then the booking is a lot easier!
Every tour on our site has its own itinerary page outlining all costs associated with tour. There are no hidden extras. Travel insurance and flights to New Zealand are not included. Meals are generally included on coach tours, but this will be clearly stated in your quote.
You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round.
Read more in our Guide to New Zealand Seasons - from summer beach days to winter skiing.
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. Don’t let cold months put you off – winters tend to be short and generally mild.
Read more in our Guide to New Zealand Seasons - from summer beach days to winter skiing.
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.
Read more in our Guide to New Zealand Seasons - from summer beach days to winter skiing.
From 01 October 2019 visitors to New Zealand will require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). They will need to be obtained on-line and must be done before departure from the country of origin. Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents with a resident return visa and most Pacific Island Passport holders are exempt. Please go to https://immigration.govt.nz/nzeta for more detail.
If you want to stay longer than three months, then you will need to apply for a Visitor’s Visa. Read our Travel Requirements section carefully, and if you need more information look at the New Zealand Immigration Service website or the New Zealand Embassy website.
All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks, and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN number, you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the country. You can pay for your tour online using Visa or MasterCard via our secure online form.
New Zealand has no snakes or dangerous wild animals, making it safe for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and, in all cases, tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated, or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets.
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
New Zealand’s international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Queenstown and Dunedin.
Tracks such as the Abel Tasman, Heaphy and Queen Charlotte Sounds Walkway located at the top of the South Island can be walked all year round. However, those tracks at higher altitudes such as the world-famous Milford Track, Kepler and Routeburn are closed in the winter due to snow. You must book to walk the Milford and Routeburn tracks, which are open between October and April.
Wellington is the political, banking and financial centre for New Zealand. The Parliament building known as the ‘Beehive’ is one of the city’s top attractions. The National Archives, National Library and Old Government Buildings (the second largest wooden building in the world) are located nearby and are open to casual visitors free of charge.
The kiwi, New Zealand’s national emblem, is a flightless bird with hair-like feathers and a long, slender bill which it uses to pull worms and insects out of the ground. Found only in New Zealand, it is active at night in the wilderness areas of the country. Be sure to visit one of the many kiwi houses where you can watch them under special ‘nocturnal’ lighting.
New Zealanders often refer to themselves as Kiwis, and the term is also used as a short form for the famous kiwifruit. On the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as ‘the kiwi’.
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given New Zealand’s night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from, and there are also four casinos, in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.
New Zealand offers a wide range of activities for children to enjoy, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes and a variety of family-friendly attractions. Here are some popular activities for children in New Zealand:
1. Outdoor Adventures:
- Hiking: New Zealand has numerous family-friendly hiking trails suitable for children, such as the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and the Tongariro Crossing (for older kids).
- Cycling: There are many bike trails and parks, like the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Great Lake Trail.
- Beaches: New Zealand's coastlines offer safe and beautiful beaches for swimming and building sandcastles.
2. Wildlife Encounters:
- Zoos and Wildlife Parks: Auckland Zoo, Wellington Zoo, and Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch are great places to see native and exotic animals up close.
- Penguin Watching: Kids will love watching the penguins at places like the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
3. Museums and Educational Centers:
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Located in Wellington, this interactive museum offers exhibits and activities suitable for kids.
- Otago Museum: In Dunedin, this museum has a dedicated children's discovery world.
- Science Centers: Numerous interactive science centers can be found across the country, like the Auckland Stardome Observatory and Science Works in Christchurch.
4. Maori Culture and History:
- Tamaki Maori Village: In Rotorua, this cultural experience offers insights into Maori traditions.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds: In the Bay of Islands, kids can learn about New Zealand's history in a beautiful setting.
5. Water Activities:
- Swimming: New Zealand has many public pools and natural swimming holes.
- Kayaking: Rent kayaks and explore calm waters or join a guided family-friendly kayak tour.
- Whale Watching: Kaikoura is famous for its whale-watching tours, which can be fascinating for kids.
6. Geothermal Experiences:
- Geothermal Parks: Rotorua has various geothermal parks, like Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where kids can see bubbling mud pools and colorful hot springs.
7. Caving Adventures:
- Waitomo Caves: Explore underground caves and see glowworms on guided tours.
8. Boat Cruises: Take a family-friendly boat trip to see marine life, like dolphins and seals, in their natural habitats.
Remember to check age and height restrictions for some activities, and always prioritize safety when exploring New Zealand's diverse offerings with children.
• Friday, 07 April ~ Sunday, 23 April
• Saturday, 01 July ~ Sunday, 16 July
• Saturday, 23 September ~ Sunday, 08 October
• Thursday, 21 December ~ Mid-End January 2024
The most up to date details for School Holidays in New Zealand can be found at education.govt.nz
If you have any general questions about New Zealand that are not covered here, then please contact us for more information.