Travel Notices

New ZealandNew Zealand

Discover New Zealand's wonders, where the Māori people's unique culture and incredible wildlife, like the iconic kiwi bird, blend with breathtaking landscapes. From glaciers and fjords to pristine beaches and lush rainforests, these South Pacific islands offer endless natural beauty. Whether you're up for an adrenaline-pumping bungee jump, a serene wine-tasting tour, or exploring picturesque hiking trails, there’s an adventure for everyone. Marvel at the majestic Southern Alps, famous as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings, or visit the geothermal marvels of Rotorua to witness nature’s power up close.

Tours & Packages

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New Value Vacation Discover New Zealand's South Island
Christchurch, the "Garden City"; majestic Franz Josef; cosmopolitan Queenstown; historic Arrowtown; Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park; Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South"; Oamaru & Twizel
from $5099 w/ Flights from $4249 Tour Only 12 days
per person, double occupancy*
New Value Vacation Discover Ultimate New Zealand
Explore New Zealand’s South and North Islands. Discover vibrant cities and stunning landscapes: Christchurch, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Wellington, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, and Auckland
from $8899 w/ Flights from $8049 Tour Only 18 days
per person, double occupancy*

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Highlights

  1. Natural Scenery

    Mt. CookNew Zealand’s natural scenery is a breathtaking showcase of diverse landscapes. Fiordland National Park captivates with its dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and pristine waterfalls, particularly in the renowned Milford Sound. Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak, rises majestically in a sea of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes, offering stunning alpine vistas. Rotorua's geothermal wonders bubble and steam, with vibrant geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools amidst lush forests. Along the coast, golden beaches and rugged shorelines stretch for miles, from the tranquil bays of the North Island to the wild, untamed beauty of the South Island’s west coast.

  2. Adventure Sports & Outdoor Activities

    Helicopter flight over Franz JosefNew Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise, offering a thrilling array of outdoor activities set against some of the world’s most spectacular backdrops. Adrenaline seekers can take a heart-pounding jet boat ride through narrow river gorges, skimming past cliffs and racing over rapids at high speed. Helicopter rides offer a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of glaciers, soaring over shimmering ice fields before landing for an up-close exploration of these frozen wonders. For the ultimate thrill, bungee jumping takes center stage, with iconic locations like Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge offering daring leaps into the abyss, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine lakes. 

  3. Māori Culture

    Traditional Māori welcomeMāori culture is an integral part of the nation’s identity, offering visitors a deep connection to its history and traditions. A traditional Hāngi feast, cooked underground using heated stones, is a communal experience that showcases the rich flavors of Māori cuisine, with tender meats and vegetables infused with smoky earth aromas. Māori performances bring ancient stories to life through captivating haka (war dances), poi (dance with rhythmic balls), and soulful waiata (songs), sharing the spirit of the culture through movement and music. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds hold great historical significance, as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, marking the partnership between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. Visitors to the grounds can explore the history, see traditional waka (canoes), and walk through the iconic Treaty House, gaining insight into New Zealand’s foundation and the enduring legacy of its indigenous people.

  4. Wildlife

    Yellow-eyed penguinNew Zealand’s wildlife is as unique as its landscapes, offering unforgettable encounters with rare species in their natural habitats. The yellow-eyed penguin, one of the world’s rarest penguins, can be spotted along the rugged coastlines, shyly waddling ashore after a day of fishing. Playful fur seals bask on rocky outcrops, while majestic albatrosses with their impressive wingspans soar gracefully above. An Eco Wildlife Tour provides the perfect opportunity to observe these creatures, along with the vibrant birdlife that thrives in the forests and wetlands, such as tui and kererū. The waters around New Zealand are teeming with marine life, where dolphins leap alongside boats, and whale watching reveals the awe-inspiring presence of these ocean giants.

  5. Cities

    QueenstownNew Zealand’s cities each blend urban energy with natural beauty. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, offering a thrilling mix of outdoor activities and a lively nightlife. Christchurch, the “Garden City,” combines historic charm with modern innovation, featuring beautiful parks, art galleries, and a resilient spirit that has shaped its ongoing urban renewal. Auckland, the country’s largest city, boasts a stunning harbor dotted with sailboats, world-class shopping, and diverse dining, all within reach of picturesque beaches and nearby islands. Wellington, New Zealand’s creative heart, is a bustling capital where culture thrives, with its buzzing café scene, art galleries, and the iconic Te Papa Museum celebrating the country’s rich history and Maori heritage.

Fast Facts

Already booked on one of our packages to New Zealand? See everything you need to know before you go.

Overview

Capital: Wellington
Population:  4.596 million
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Languages: English and Maori
Drives on the: Left
Time zone: NZST (UTC +12)

Entry requirements Please see our Entry Requirements page.
Staying Healthy

The sun is the biggest health concern in New Zealand, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget the bug repellent!

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Weather

Remember that New Zealand's seasons are opposite those in regions north of the equator. July is the coldest month and January is the warmest. The climate in New Zealand is quite mild with extremes only in the high mountains. Temperatures range from 60 F in the northern regions of North Island, and 50 degrees F near the bottom of the South Island. Take a sweater and umbrella no matter when you visit. September and October, flowers and trees are in bloom, and pose a beautiful site for any traveler. 

Money & Credit Cards

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling.

Shopping

Shop in local markets and stop for off-the-beaten-path artist studios for wonderful surprises. Also shop for paua-shell jewelry, Maori items such as carvings and music, rugs, sweaters, fleece jackets, greenstone jewelry and ornaments, jams, and wine. 

Electricity & Power Adapters

230 volts. Plug I. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Did you know?
  • There are 9 sheep per each person in New Zealand, making it the highest ratio in the world.
  • New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893.
  • New Zealand is the 3rd closest country to Antarctica, only after Chile and Argentina.
  • There are no snakes in New Zealand...none!
  • With more than 400, New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world.
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

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