New Zealand FAQ’s

  • Do I need a New Zealand Tourist visa?

    Tourist Visas must be obtained prior to arrival into New Zealand. You will require two blank pages in your passport and the validity of the passport has to be within six months of your arrival date. Please refer to the Immigration New Zealand website for more information.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance. It should cover, trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, emergency accident, illness and evacuation, delay or interruption, 24- hour medical assistance and traveller’s assistance.

  • What documents will I need to bring with me?

    Passport, Valid visa, plane tickets, itinerary, travel insurance documents, Yellow fever vaccine certificate, credit cards/bank cards, cash for tipping and for personal use, Vaccine certificate. Please confirm your flights before departure.

  • What is the weather like?

    New Zealand’s summer is from December to February. March to May is Autumn; June to August is winter; September to November is spring.

  • What languages are spoken?

    English is the official language.

  • Tipping in New Zealand

    Tipping is not expected in most situations and before you tip it is important to know where tipping is accepted and where it is not. Offering a tip is a sign that the service was truly excellent.

    Suggested tipping guideline:

    Restaurants and Lodge/Camp staff: 10%

    Alternatively, you can use the tipping box at the Lodges and Camps. These tips will be shared out equally to all those staff who assist you behind the scenes.

  • What to wear on a safari?

    Pack some comfortable and light attire that will enable you to sit comfortably in the safari vehicle. Neutral coloured clothing is recommended to improve game viewing. Having layers on helps with the varied temperatures as the mornings and evenings can get cold. Make sure to pack a sweater and gloves when travelling in the cold season. Sunglasses and a sun hat is essential. Swimming costume will be ideal when relaxing by the pool. Hiking boots for the excursions. Comfortable footwear for biking.

  • What essential items to pack for the safari?

    Insect repellent, sun cream, sun block, small first aid medical kit, personal toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, anti-bacterial hand sanitiser. Binoculars, UK plug adapter, torch or flashlight will be essential.

  • Important Information

    Don’t leave valuables lying around. Lock them in the safe in the Lodges or camps or give them to the camp manager for safe keeping.

    7kg (15lbs) is the luggage allowance on domestic flights (in addition to a handbag).