FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flying time to New Zealand?

On average 12 to 13 hours from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver. This is just one hour longer than the average flying time from Los Angeles to Europe.

Do I need any inoculations or vaccinations?

Not if you have been residing in the USA for the previous 3 months.

Is New Zealand a safe place to travel around?

New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world, in fact some visitors can sometimes become too relaxed about the security of their property. Sensible precautions should be taken - lock car doors, do not leave vehicles unattended for long periods in isolated spots. Do not camp by the side of the road when travelling alone.

What is Qualmark?

Qualmark® is the official mark of quality as designated on behalf of the government owned New Zealand Tourism Board. When you see the Qualmark® logo it means that the business has been independently assessed against a set of national quality standards. It identifies professional and trustworthy businesses that can be booked with confidence. If you would like a full description of each category please visit the Qualmark® website at Qualmark

Star grade definitions:
1 star = Acceptable
2 star = Good
3 star = Very good
4 star = Excellent
5 Star = Exceptional

Do I need a driving license?

You will need a valid US license if you hire a car. Driving is on the left.

Can I take an escorted coach tour in New Zealand?

Click on "Getting Around" in Menu above

Where should I purchase my airfares for New Zealand?

Click on "Airfares" in Menu above

Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?

No visa is required for U.S. passport holders for a stay of up to 3 months. Your passport must be valid for at least a further three months beyond the date you intend to leave New Zealand. Please check these documents carefully.
In addition you will need a return ticket back to the USA or an onward ticket to a country that you have the required documents to enter. You must also have sufficient available funds to support yourself during your stay - approximately NZ$1000 per month per person although this is rarely actually checked, especially when you have a valid credit card

How much time do I need to enjoy a New Zealand vacation?

A 5 week vacation in New Zealand is an ideal duration while 28 days allows most of the highlights to be enjoyed. 21 days allows a good impression of the country to be gained but anything shorter than 21 days will make it difficult to see both North & South Islands in any depth. To visit New Zealand and not experience both islands would be a pity.

Which New Zealand regions should I give priority to when planning my vacation?

It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Here's a very brief summary -

Sun, surf, forests, beaches - North Island: Northland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty. South Island - Nelson.

Great wines - North Island: Gisborne, Napier, Wairarapa (Lower North Island). South Island: Marlborough, Central Otago

Great Food - all of the wine growing regions and throughout New Zealand but especially - North Island: Auckland & Wellington South Island: Christchurch, Queenstown

Maori Culture - Throughout New Zealand but especially North Island: Northland, Rotorua, Wellington (Te Papa National Museum) South Island: Christchurch

When is the best time to visit to get the best weather?

Weather in the 21st century is becoming more unpredictable, but New Zealand's marine climate means that weather fronts usually move very quickly across both islands and a storm on Wednesday can turn to beautiful weather 2 days later!

Weather in the South Island is usually a couple of degrees cooler than the north.

Springtime starts in November so there is still the chance of rain. December, January, February are the summer months with temperatures averaging between 70 and 90 Fahrenheit.

March, April can be the excellent months of the year for weather but by May Fall weather is setting in.

June to October is winter, cold (in the South island down to freezing point from Christchurch south) Excellent skiing opportunities available. Fine days with blue skies, although cold are invigorating.

In the North Island more rain and squally weather.

Can I use my mobile phone in New Zealand?

Mobile phones that use the GSM network can be used (the phone must be unlocked) SIM cards can be purchased on arrival. Check with your phone provider.

Are ATM's readily available throughout New Zealand?

ATM machines are found throughout the country in both small towns and cities. ATM cards with a four-digit PIN encoded are widely accepted but please check with your bank before leaving home to make sure your card can be used outside of the USA or it might need to be "un-locked" for international use.

Are credit cards widely accepted in New Zealand?

All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers Checks are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes - please check carefully with your insurance agent

Are there any customs or rituals I should be aware of?

When you meet a Maori person in a Maori meeting place or at a formal function, depending on the situation, you might be greeted by a light touching of noses, one touch on each side.

Is tipping expected?

In restaurants and bars, in fact in most places tips are not expected for normal service. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

What should I do in an emergency?

In a serious emergency requiring immediate police involvement contact the New Zealand Police (Dial 111)

What is the best way to change my US$ into NZ$?

Take the advice of your bank

Where can I find information about cultural events that might be available in New Zealand while I am on vacation?

A list of upcoming events can be found at www.eventfinder.co.nz

We particularly recommend the world class New Zealand Symphony Orchestra - their schedule can be found at www.nzso.co.nz

Look at www.ticketek.co.nz for purchasing of tickets to special events.

Are there any extra little tips you can give us?

New Zealanders call the two main islands The North Island and The South Island, not North Island and / or South island

When you see Maori place names and words beginning with the letters "Wh..." the "Wh..." part is spoken as a "F" So for example Whangamata is pronounced "Fonga-mata"

Many New Zealanders are fans of the national sport of rugby and the national team known as "The All Blacks". The powerhouses of the domestic game are teams from Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury. To express your knowledge of these facts in conversation with Kiwis will gain you admiration and possibly lead to a mournful dissertation on why New Zealand failed to win the World Cup of rugby in 2007. Express sympathy and understanding!

Can uplanit.com organize travel for a group of people who wish to visit New Zealand?

Yes - organizing the travel of group of people visiting New Zealand is a specialty of uplanit.com. Getting around in a group can be organized by coach, mini-bus or even by campervan, 4WD or car. Contact us on groups@uplanit.com with information about your plans and we will contact you with our suggestions.

Can uplanit.com arrange for us to also visit Australia as part of a Down-Under vacation?

Yes. Just click on'Australia' at the top of the page.

However, we urge our customers not to rush their New Zealand vacation so that they can also visit Australia or to rush their Australia vacation so they can include New Zealand. Our advice is always to maximize your stay in one country or the other. If visiting New Zeland perhaps restrict your Australia segment to Sydney and the sorrounding region of New South Wales for just a few days.

If you are considering adding Australia to your vacation plans please make a note on the Wish List page.

Can uplanit.com arrange for us to also visit a Pacific island as part of a Down-Under vacation?

Yes. We have personally visited the following Pacific Islands and can give you the benefit of our experiences with each of them - Western Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tongan Islands, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia.

If you are considering adding a Pacific island to your vacation plans please make a note on the Wish List page. Later this year uplanit.com - Pacific Islands will be launched.