Getting There & Logistics
Flights – Non-stop flights to Auckland operate from several US international airports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and a few central US gateways. The most frequent schedule is on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Auckland, which takes approximately 12-13 hours. It is also possible to factor in a South Pacific island stopover in either direction. Air New Zealand operates an extensive network of local flights within New Zealand, and one or more is usually required when visiting multiple locations around the country. Domestic New Zealand flights can often be built into your international ticket for the most streamlined service. Our Travel Designers are experts on international and local flights and can arrange the logistics.
It’s important to note that you’ll cross the International Dateline, so flights from the US to New Zealand arrive 2 calendar days later; but you make up that time on the return by departing New Zealand and arriving into the US all on the same calendar day.
Driving – Driving is on the opposite site of the road in New Zealand. Several locations are great for self-driving, and we can help you determine if it will enhance your itinerary, but driving is not necessary to have an amazing experience in New Zealand.
Trains – New Zealand features some of the most scenic train journeys in the world, providing a unique and classic Kiwi experience. A couple of our favorites that not only offer spectacular scenery but are also ideal methods of transportation between top locations on the South Island include The Coastal Pacific and The Tranz Alpine.
While traveling aboard The Coastal Pacific train between Picton and Christchurch, witness sweeping views of the untouched South Island eastern coastline, charming coastal towns and dramatic seascapes. This service operates in both directions.
On The Tranz Alpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth, travel through rolling pastures of Canterbury to the striking ice-fed lakes and stunning Southern Alps before reaching the wild, west coast of the South Island. This service operates in both directions.
New Zealand’s seasons are the opposite of the Northern hemisphere – summer officially starts in December and winter begins in June. New Zealand is a year-round destination and your consultant will help you determine the best time for your adventure. Many experiences are weather-dependent, as it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day.
Peak travel season is December through February and travel during this period should be booked well in advance. Shoulder season travel (March-May and September-October) offers pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
New Zealand is famous for adventure activities, including bungy jumping, jet boating, glacier heli-hiking and sky diving. There are hiking and biking trails galore, ideal for either single-day or multi-day experiences, plus other popular activities such as whitewater and blackwater rafting, kayaking, sailing and golfing. If you are a lover of adventure and nature, this is the destination for you! An exciting multi-sport adventure itinerary can be fully customized to suit your interests.
New Zealand boasts 10 major wine producing areas, offering some of the most sought-after wines in the world. The leading wine regions include Auckland, Gisborne, Wairarapa (Martinborough) and Hawke’s Bay in the North Island and Marlborough, Central Otago and Canterbury in the South Island. We pride ourselves on curating incredible food and wine experiences for our clients.
The Maori were the original Polynesian settlers of New Zealand and their culture is prevalent in everything from cuisine to customs, art and language. Ask us about arranging authentic Maori cultural experiences throughout the country.
New Zealand offers a variety of large hotels, luxury lodges, boutique hotels and bed and breakfast inns. Our style of traveler generally prefers lodges and unique local experiences in the more remote locales. We will talk with you about your priorities and amenities you wish to have available at your accommodation.
Passports & Visas (ETA) – We suggest your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. US citizens are also required to have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for entry into New Zealand. The ETA provides authorization to travel to and enter New Zealand and is electronically linked to your passport. Please visit https://www.etanewzealand.com/ to apply online.
For more information on entry/exit requirements and the most current visa information, visit Tourism New Zealand.
Tipping – Tipping is not mandatory or expected in New Zealand but it’s a nice gesture. Incomes are typically sufficient, and employees in tourism and service industries do not rely on tips, as in the US. Restaurants and cafes adhere to the original spirit of tipping as something you willingly give for a great standard of service. For example, 10% is a nice tip for great service.
Power Adapter – The electrical current in New Zealand is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. New Zealand uses a flat, but angled, two- or three-pronged plug. If plugging in an appliance or device from the US, you will need a plug adaptor. If your appliances or devices are 110V and do not have a voltage range capacity, you will also need a voltage converter.
Currency – New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD$), with both dollar bills and coins. Purchases are subject to “rounding” of amounts either up or down to the nearest 5 cents. ATMs are the best resource for obtaining local currency, so you’ll want to ensure that your bank is notified of your travel plans, and understand the fees that your bank charges for withdrawals from a non-network ATM.
Outdoor Safety – While enjoying outdoor activities in New Zealand, be ‘sun smart’ and minimize your exposure. The sun is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in their summertime. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover up, and frequently apply high SPF water-resistant sunscreen.
For more in-depth details on travel to New Zealand, you may want to visit Tourism New Zealand’s Travel Guide.
Flights – Non-stop flights to Auckland operate from several US international airports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and a few central US gateways. The most frequent schedule is on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Auckland, which takes approximately 12-13 hours. It is also possible to factor in a South Pacific island stopover in either direction. Air New Zealand operates an extensive network of local flights within New Zealand, and one or more is usually required when visiting multiple locations around the country. Domestic New Zealand flights can often be built into your international ticket for the most streamlined service. Our Travel Designers are experts on international and local flights and can arrange the logistics.
It’s important to note that you’ll cross the International Dateline, so flights from the US to New Zealand arrive 2 calendar days later; but you make up that time on the return by departing New Zealand and arriving into the US all on the same calendar day.
Driving – Driving is on the opposite site of the road in New Zealand. Several locations are great for self-driving, and we can help you determine if it will enhance your itinerary, but driving is not necessary to have an amazing experience in New Zealand.
Trains – New Zealand features some of the most scenic train journeys in the world, providing a unique and classic Kiwi experience. A couple of our favorites that not only offer spectacular scenery but are also ideal methods of transportation between top locations on the South Island include The Coastal Pacific and The Tranz Alpine.
While traveling aboard The Coastal Pacific train between Picton and Christchurch, witness sweeping views of the untouched South Island eastern coastline, charming coastal towns and dramatic seascapes. This service operates in both directions.
On The Tranz Alpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth, travel through rolling pastures of Canterbury to the striking ice-fed lakes and stunning Southern Alps before reaching the wild, west coast of the South Island. This service operates in both directions.
New Zealand’s seasons are the opposite of the Northern hemisphere – summer officially starts in December and winter begins in June. New Zealand is a year-round destination and your consultant will help you determine the best time for your adventure. Many experiences are weather-dependent, as it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day.
Peak travel season is December through February and travel during this period should be booked well in advance. Shoulder season travel (March-May and September-October) offers pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
New Zealand is famous for adventure activities, including bungy jumping, jet boating, glacier heli-hiking and sky diving. There are hiking and biking trails galore, ideal for either single-day or multi-day experiences, plus other popular activities such as whitewater and blackwater rafting, kayaking, sailing and golfing. If you are a lover of adventure and nature, this is the destination for you! An exciting multi-sport adventure itinerary can be fully customized to suit your interests.
New Zealand boasts 10 major wine producing areas, offering some of the most sought-after wines in the world. The leading wine regions include Auckland, Gisborne, Wairarapa (Martinborough) and Hawke’s Bay in the North Island and Marlborough, Central Otago and Canterbury in the South Island. We pride ourselves on curating incredible food and wine experiences for our clients.
The Maori were the original Polynesian settlers of New Zealand and their culture is prevalent in everything from cuisine to customs, art and language. Ask us about arranging authentic Maori cultural experiences throughout the country.
New Zealand offers a variety of large hotels, luxury lodges, boutique hotels and bed and breakfast inns. Our style of traveler generally prefers lodges and unique local experiences in the more remote locales. We will talk with you about your priorities and amenities you wish to have available at your accommodation.
Passports & Visas (ETA) – We suggest your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. US citizens are also required to have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for entry into New Zealand. The ETA provides authorization to travel to and enter New Zealand and is electronically linked to your passport. Please visit https://www.etanewzealand.com/ to apply online.
For more information on entry/exit requirements and the most current visa information, visit Tourism New Zealand.
Tipping – Tipping is not mandatory or expected in New Zealand but it’s a nice gesture. Incomes are typically sufficient, and employees in tourism and service industries do not rely on tips, as in the US. Restaurants and cafes adhere to the original spirit of tipping as something you willingly give for a great standard of service. For example, 10% is a nice tip for great service.
Power Adapter – The electrical current in New Zealand is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. New Zealand uses a flat, but angled, two- or three-pronged plug. If plugging in an appliance or device from the US, you will need a plug adaptor. If your appliances or devices are 110V and do not have a voltage range capacity, you will also need a voltage converter.
Currency – New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD$), with both dollar bills and coins. Purchases are subject to “rounding” of amounts either up or down to the nearest 5 cents. ATMs are the best resource for obtaining local currency, so you’ll want to ensure that your bank is notified of your travel plans, and understand the fees that your bank charges for withdrawals from a non-network ATM.
Outdoor Safety – While enjoying outdoor activities in New Zealand, be ‘sun smart’ and minimize your exposure. The sun is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in their summertime. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover up, and frequently apply high SPF water-resistant sunscreen.
For more in-depth details on travel to New Zealand, you may want to visit Tourism New Zealand’s Travel Guide.
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