NEW ZEALAND FAQ’s

Auckland GMT +12hrs

New Zealand Dollars

With seasons the opposite to those in the northern hemisphereNew Zealand is blessed with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and many hours of sunshine. The Bay of Islands in the far north has subtropical weather during summer. The New Zealand climate guide has more information about what to expect.

Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof. Any included evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. We would also recommend taking good insect repellent, a high factor sun screen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

Major credit cards and cash machines are widely available throughout your tour and your tour manger will be on hand to help you find the best places to exchange your money. When travelling to New Zealand, a currency card is a simple way to buy currency and lock in a great exchange rate before you travel. Distant Journeys recommends Revolut, a digital banking app which offers a pre-paid physical or virtual currency card. It is also simple to apply for, set up and use.

For more information on the Revolut Currency Card, please click here

We also recommend advising your bank of your travel plans prior to departing from the UK so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash.

Whilst it is not compulsory to tip in New Zealand, it is now an accepted practice in many areas. It is the norm, for example to tip in a restaurant if you are happy with the service, usually around 5-7%. For your tour, tipping is discretionary, however, suggested tipping amounts for your driver and guides would be as follows:

Coach Captains, Tour Managers & Drivers: $7.00 – $15.00 NZD per person per day

We recommend regularly checking the most up to date entry requirements and local guidance through the FCDO website: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Whilst we are happy to provide our customers with advice, it is important to note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of and comply with the entry requirements applicable to your holiday destination.

To Enter New Zealand, You Must Hold:

1) A valid passport

A valid ten-year British passport is required for all holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. Our recommendation is that you should apply at least three months before your holiday.

2) Hold a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority

The NZeTA costs NZD $17 if applying via the dedicated mobile app, or NZD $23 if completed online via the Immigration NZ website nzeta.immigration.govt.nz. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 when you apply. The New Zealand immigration authorities recommend that applicants allow up to 72 hours for processing.

3) Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration form.

ALL travellers are required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information and it aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. Complete the form via this link: travellerdeclaration.govt.nz and for further detail please see New Zealand Traveller Declaration factsheet.

New Zealand has very strict bio-security regulations. It is illegal to import most foodstuffs (meat and meat products, honey, fruit, dairy produce) and strict penalties are handed out to those breaking these rules. If in doubt, declare items to a Ministry of Agriculture official or dump them in one of the bins available at the airport. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a severe fine.

Please keep up to date with any updates by checking the FCO website here: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand

A valid ten-year British passport is required for all holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. Our recommendation is that you should apply at least three months before your holiday.

You are required to apply for an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand. Applications can be made online on the government’s immigration website and cost $12NZD, or by its smartphone app for a slightly lower cost of $9NZD. In addition to the fee for the NZeTA, you will also be required to pay an International Visitor Levy (IVL), at a cost of $35NZD. This will be processed at the same time as your NZeTA

For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website: www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports and the Foreign Office website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

It is important to note entry requirements may change and it is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel, passport, visa, other entry requirements before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation.

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary worldwide. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel. For more information on health and vaccinations please visit the Foreign Office website www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice and NHS Travel Vaccinations website on: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/

Advice may change and you should check the most up to date position with your GP or local health / travel clinic in good time before departure.