Travelling to New Zealand
Passports & Visas
Well before you leave for your trip, it's essential to check to make sure you have all the travel documents you will need – and that they are all up-to-date.
* To enter the country you must have a passport and it must be valid for at least six months past the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. Please be sure to re check this when you are booking your flights as rules are subject to change at any time and it is your responsibility to check the current status at the time you make your flight reservations.
* You must have an onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter + sufficient funds to cover your expenses while travelling in New Zealand
In addition to a valid passport, you may also need a visitor’s visa which allows you to stay in the country for up to nine months. This visa does not permit you to work for gain or reward while you are in the country. If you break any of the visa’s conditions you may be asked to leave the country.
Please check the following Immigration website to check your status before coming to New Zealand. Many countries are part of the Visa Waiver programme which means you can visit without having to apply for a visa.
Full details on the link below ....
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/visitor-visa
Well before you leave for your trip, it's essential to check to make sure you have all the travel documents you will need – and that they are all up-to-date.
* To enter the country you must have a passport and it must be valid for at least six months past the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. Please be sure to re check this when you are booking your flights as rules are subject to change at any time and it is your responsibility to check the current status at the time you make your flight reservations.
* You must have an onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter + sufficient funds to cover your expenses while travelling in New Zealand
In addition to a valid passport, you may also need a visitor’s visa which allows you to stay in the country for up to nine months. This visa does not permit you to work for gain or reward while you are in the country. If you break any of the visa’s conditions you may be asked to leave the country.
Please check the following Immigration website to check your status before coming to New Zealand. Many countries are part of the Visa Waiver programme which means you can visit without having to apply for a visa.
Full details on the link below ....
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/visitor-visa
Weather & Seasons
New Zealand's climate is generally temperate and we have a good mix of mild temperartures, high sunshine hours and moderate rainfall.
The further south you travel the seasons become more defined, with the likes of Central Otago experiencing four very distinct seasons. The further north you are the milder the temperatures tend to be all year round. Some of the country's sunniest regions include Central Otago, Nelson, Marlborough - all in the South Island, and then in the North Island the sunniest regions include the Hawke's Bay and Bay of Plenty.
As New Zealand observes daylight saving, during summer months daylight can last up until 9.00pm in the North Island and well past 10pm in the deep south.
Summer Months - December, January, February
* Average temperature ranges between 20 – 30ºC (68 – 86ºF)
The most popular time to visit and experience the great outdoors. Make the most of the long sunny days and balmy evenings during the summer months. A great time of year for all the summer food that is in abundance, including some of the worlds best fruits grown through out the country, so if food is a big part of your travel dream, then you won't be disappointed.
One important note when visiting New Zealand over summer is that our UV rays are higher than most other countries so it is essential to take care when out in the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-4pm). It is highly recommended that when you are out and about during the day you protect yourself by wearing good quality sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Autumn – March, April, May
* Average temperature ranges between 16-21°C (61-70°F).
For many travellers Autumn is the preferred time to travel to New Zealand, as the high season summer crowds have thinned out and the weather is generally still warm and sunny during the day while cooling off at night. It's a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors still and although the days have started to draw in, there is still plenty of time to make the most of the daylight hours sightseeing or enjoying a rest day backing in the more moderate sun present at this time of the year.
Autumn also brings the wonderful colour changes of the foliage in the South Island, Central Otago being well known for it's picture perfect vistas at this time of year. Deciduous trees turn brilliant hues of yellow, gold and hot orange, and it’s all set against a sky that seems far too blue to be true.
Winter - June, July, August
* Average temperature ranges between 10 – 15ºC (50 – 59ºF).
The winter months are when the mountains of the Central Plateau, Canterbury and Central Otago are blanketed with fresh snow - perfect for a ski holiday. There are ski fields in both islands, but for more reliable snow the busiest place to head is Queenstown / Wanaka which is a hive of activity during the busy snow season. The skiing is world class and don't be surprised to see world class ski professionals from the Northern Hemisphere in the area as they often head here for their off season training.
If you are adverse to the extreme cold, then heading to the 'winterless north' of the Bay of Islands is the place to be. Other areas such as the Hawke's Bay and Nelson / Marlborough are ideal places to visit during winter, as although they may start the day with a heavy frost, once the sun comes out you can be assured of a blue sky day ahead with glorious sun to sit out in and enjoy.
Between June and July the Matariki festival is held throughout New Zealand. Matariki has always been an important time in the Maori calendar – strongly connected to the seasons, Matariki is a celebration of the upcoming year.
Spring – September, October, November
* Average temperature range between 15 -18°C (58-65°F).
New Zealand is known to have up to four seasons in one day, and spring time is the most likely time to experience this. Although you may experience some changeable weather, it's also a magical time of year as the new growth seems to appear everywhere. New born lambs are literally jumping for joy in farms all over the country, blossoms are in full bloom and there is the anticipation of another glorious summer being just around the corner.
Apart of the chance of some unsettled weather days, this is a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive. So long as you are prepared for both warm and colder days, there are plenty of great reasons to visit us during the spring season.
New Zealand's climate is generally temperate and we have a good mix of mild temperartures, high sunshine hours and moderate rainfall.
The further south you travel the seasons become more defined, with the likes of Central Otago experiencing four very distinct seasons. The further north you are the milder the temperatures tend to be all year round. Some of the country's sunniest regions include Central Otago, Nelson, Marlborough - all in the South Island, and then in the North Island the sunniest regions include the Hawke's Bay and Bay of Plenty.
As New Zealand observes daylight saving, during summer months daylight can last up until 9.00pm in the North Island and well past 10pm in the deep south.
Summer Months - December, January, February
* Average temperature ranges between 20 – 30ºC (68 – 86ºF)
The most popular time to visit and experience the great outdoors. Make the most of the long sunny days and balmy evenings during the summer months. A great time of year for all the summer food that is in abundance, including some of the worlds best fruits grown through out the country, so if food is a big part of your travel dream, then you won't be disappointed.
One important note when visiting New Zealand over summer is that our UV rays are higher than most other countries so it is essential to take care when out in the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-4pm). It is highly recommended that when you are out and about during the day you protect yourself by wearing good quality sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Autumn – March, April, May
* Average temperature ranges between 16-21°C (61-70°F).
For many travellers Autumn is the preferred time to travel to New Zealand, as the high season summer crowds have thinned out and the weather is generally still warm and sunny during the day while cooling off at night. It's a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors still and although the days have started to draw in, there is still plenty of time to make the most of the daylight hours sightseeing or enjoying a rest day backing in the more moderate sun present at this time of the year.
Autumn also brings the wonderful colour changes of the foliage in the South Island, Central Otago being well known for it's picture perfect vistas at this time of year. Deciduous trees turn brilliant hues of yellow, gold and hot orange, and it’s all set against a sky that seems far too blue to be true.
Winter - June, July, August
* Average temperature ranges between 10 – 15ºC (50 – 59ºF).
The winter months are when the mountains of the Central Plateau, Canterbury and Central Otago are blanketed with fresh snow - perfect for a ski holiday. There are ski fields in both islands, but for more reliable snow the busiest place to head is Queenstown / Wanaka which is a hive of activity during the busy snow season. The skiing is world class and don't be surprised to see world class ski professionals from the Northern Hemisphere in the area as they often head here for their off season training.
If you are adverse to the extreme cold, then heading to the 'winterless north' of the Bay of Islands is the place to be. Other areas such as the Hawke's Bay and Nelson / Marlborough are ideal places to visit during winter, as although they may start the day with a heavy frost, once the sun comes out you can be assured of a blue sky day ahead with glorious sun to sit out in and enjoy.
Between June and July the Matariki festival is held throughout New Zealand. Matariki has always been an important time in the Maori calendar – strongly connected to the seasons, Matariki is a celebration of the upcoming year.
Spring – September, October, November
* Average temperature range between 15 -18°C (58-65°F).
New Zealand is known to have up to four seasons in one day, and spring time is the most likely time to experience this. Although you may experience some changeable weather, it's also a magical time of year as the new growth seems to appear everywhere. New born lambs are literally jumping for joy in farms all over the country, blossoms are in full bloom and there is the anticipation of another glorious summer being just around the corner.
Apart of the chance of some unsettled weather days, this is a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive. So long as you are prepared for both warm and colder days, there are plenty of great reasons to visit us during the spring season.
Arrival into New Zealand - The Process
New Zealand has very strict biosecurity procedures at our international borders to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases. The Passenger Arrival Card tells you what New Zealand considers "risk goods". All risk goods must be declared or be disposed of in marked amnesty bins at air and sea ports. If you're unsure of any of the items you are carrying with you - declare it. To be further prepared please see full details on the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) link
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/items-to-declare/
Passport Control - You will need your completed Passenger Arrival Card, and your passport as you go through Passport Control. Once you've gone through Passport Control, you then need to collect your luggage from the carousel and make your way to the Biosecurity area. Don't be surprised to see sniffer dogs in the baggage area, they are well trained to detect items that may need to be checked in more detail
Customs and Biosecurity - Quarantine officers will ask you questions and may decide to have baggage may be x-rayed or searched for any reason. So long as there are no undeclared items found, the process is fairly quick, and you'll soon be on your way to the arrivals hall. The main items that can cause delay at this stage of the process are undeclared food items of any description, plants, animal products or outdoor sports / recreational equipment ie: Tramping boots that may have dirt lodged in the soles.
New Zealand has very strict biosecurity procedures at our international borders to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases. The Passenger Arrival Card tells you what New Zealand considers "risk goods". All risk goods must be declared or be disposed of in marked amnesty bins at air and sea ports. If you're unsure of any of the items you are carrying with you - declare it. To be further prepared please see full details on the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) link
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/items-to-declare/
Passport Control - You will need your completed Passenger Arrival Card, and your passport as you go through Passport Control. Once you've gone through Passport Control, you then need to collect your luggage from the carousel and make your way to the Biosecurity area. Don't be surprised to see sniffer dogs in the baggage area, they are well trained to detect items that may need to be checked in more detail
Customs and Biosecurity - Quarantine officers will ask you questions and may decide to have baggage may be x-rayed or searched for any reason. So long as there are no undeclared items found, the process is fairly quick, and you'll soon be on your way to the arrivals hall. The main items that can cause delay at this stage of the process are undeclared food items of any description, plants, animal products or outdoor sports / recreational equipment ie: Tramping boots that may have dirt lodged in the soles.
Driving in New Zealand
- We drive on the left-hand side of the road
- Our roads are narrower, more winding and sometimes steeper than you might expect
- Our roads are mostly two-way, with one lane in each direction - we have few motorways
- Not all railway crossings have active warnings
- Seat belts are compulsory for everyone in the vehicle
- It's illegal to use a phone while driving.
We want you to have a great trip and arrive safely at your destination, so make sure you allow plenty of time and take regular breaks. The trip may be slower, but the scenery is amazing so take your time and enjoy your journey.
If you're tired you're much more likely to have a crash. Before driving, allow plenty of time to rest when you first arrive in New Zealand and then make sure you get plenty of rest before each long drive. Ensure you allow enough time to drive safely between your destinations. If you find your attention wandering when driving, pull over to the roadside and have a rest.