General Travel information ~ NEW ZEALAND
Check with your travel agent to confirm which of New Zealand's fabulous holiday destinations fits with the season in which you are travelling.
Entry to New Zealand
- Every one entering New Zealand must have a valid Passport, travel documentation and return airfare.
- In addition, visitors from some countries do need a Visa, for which a fee is paid. Please check the Department of Immigration website, for further details and clarification. (Short-stay, Visa-Free countries)
- Application for a Visitor visa must be completed using the appropriate forms (these may be downloaded) and posted or taken to the nearest New Zealand Embassy/High Commission Office.
- Address details for these offices and fee calculation are also on the website. Leave penty of time for the administration of these forms...
Travel insurance
Advisable for all travellers - domestic and international. Website for on-line insurance provided by Columbus Insurance. I have used this insurer previously and the process is simple.
Exit Tax
Everyone departing the country must pay an Exit Tax. These are paid in person at the Bureaux de Change at the International Airport of point of departure from the country. LEAVE ENOUGH TIME BETWEEN ANY CONNECTING DOMESTIC FLIGHTS TO DO THIS!!! The offices are dotted around Departures at New Zealand's International Airports - ask for directions at the barrier, and be prepared for a long wait....
USEFUL SITES
- COMPREHENSIVE LIST of important things!! Visitor Services, climate...
- Useful links - Driving, currency, quarantine etc
- Heritage Inns
- Essence of New Zealand Luxury holiday homes
REGION DIRECTORY NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS
These two beautiful Islands are different in climate and natural features, and linked by a romantic, Inter-Island Ferry...
Website has location maps, a New Zealand Distance Calculator, and links to all the regions - 15 in the North Island and 12 in the South Island, stretching from Northland (North of Auckland) to Southland and Stewart Island at the extreme tip of the South Island.
The choice is vast! You can be as active or somnolent as you like - adrenalin rush, and quiet solitude seem to co-exist comfortably!
Please check with your travel agent to see which of the holiday destinations fits with the season in which you are travelling to New Zealand.