Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Zealand too far away for my clients? Not at all. Located in the South Pacific, New Zealand is within easy reach of all countries on the Pacific Rim. From Asia it is only a 9- to 12-hour flight, meaning that many visitors can be in New Zealand after less than a day’s travel. For US visitors, New Zealand is a non-stop, 12-hour, overnight flight from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Honolulu, conveniently arriving in Auckland, New Zealand at sunrise.
Is New Zealand very different from Australia? Yes. New Zealand’s small size and diverse landscape enables visitors to easily access and enjoy a huge range of activities. A temperate maritime climate makes for pleasant temperatures, while Māori culture, spectacular scenery and unique wildlife make New Zealand truly special.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand? New Zealand is a great destination year-round. Seasonal temperatures vary by only 10°C throughout most of the country and visitors used to extreme seasonal changes will be delighted to find that golfing or a scenic walk may be enjoyed year-round in most parts of the country. If your clients want a ski holiday, then winter is the time to visit, and for beach holidays, summer is best.
Does it require a long visit to experience New Zealand? Although it would take several weeks to cover all of New Zealand, there are many ways to experience the variety of the country in a brief visit. Nine days is a good starting point for shorter visits to New Zealand, but even those visiting for a shorter period (or adding a few days of vacation to a business trip) can experience a taste of what the country has to offer. Encourage clients with less time to visit a smaller selection of New Zealand destinations rather than trying to do too much. See the Travel Planner section for ideas.
Do my clients need a passport or visa to visit New Zealand? All visitors must carry a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date on which they intend to leave New Zealand. Visa requirements vary depending on the country of origin. www.immigration.govt.nz
Is there much to do in New Zealand? New Zealand offers a wealth of activities – from action-packed adventures and indulgent relaxation to family-friendly activities. Visitors can hike through forests, kayak in sparkling rivers, bathe in thermal pools, experience Māori culture, sample boutique wines and visit exceptional museums. After all that, they will still have barely scratched the surface!
Is New Zealand expensive? Visitors from many parts of the world will enjoy a favourable exchange rate and find good value for money. As an indication, petrol costs about two-thirds of what it does in Europe and a cappuccino around NZ$4.50. When staying in motels or B&Bs a budget of around NZ$140 per person per day covers accommodation, some sightseeing and eating out once or twice a day.
What type of food can my clients expect? New Zealand food and wines are world-class. Fresh produce ensures high quality and the nation is renowned as a producer of premium wines.
How can my clients experience Māori culture? Opportunities to experience Māori culture are available throughout New Zealand. Visitors can go walking with a Māori guide, visit a marae (tribal meeting place) to learn about rituals, sample food cooked in a hangi (underground oven), or watch carving, weaving and performance art.
Where can my clients go walking in New Zealand? Hiking opportunities range from 10-minute walks to multi-day tramps. Find out about national parks, tracks and hut accommodation at the Department of Conservation website. The Great Walks are a series of premier hiking trails offering a higher standard of facilities for walkers. To manage visitor numbers, bookings are required to hike these trails.
Can my clients drive in New Zealand? Cars, campervans and small campers that lie somewhere between the two are readily available for hire. Minimum hire ages vary from 21 to 25 and hirers will need to produce an International Driver’s Permit or a valid driver’s licence (in English) from their home country. www.nzta.govt.nz
Sustainable New Zealand
New Zealand is recognised by historians as the last inhabited landmass on earth. The Land of the Long White Cloud is also relatively unaffected by the environmental ravages heavy industry and large settled populations have wrought in other parts of the world. Offering an abundance of unspoiled landscapes, the country is celebrated by travel writers and seasoned travellers as one of the world’s premier ‘clean and green’ destinations.
To protect this precious status, New Zealand has strict laws about what can be brought into the country. All visitors must complete an Arrival Declaration card, stating whether they are carrying food, plants or animals. www.biosecurity.govt.nz
