New Zealand

What validity do I need on my passport?
All passengers are required to possess a passport valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip.

What visas do I require?
It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to have the necessary visas and to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited. More advice can also be found at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website. You do not require a visa to enter New Zealand when you are travelling on an Australian passport.

Please note: If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, please take the time to check especially carefully with your local consulates concerning visa and passport requirements for your travels. Holidays can be disrupted or have to be altered altogether if the correct documents cannot be supplied at airports or borders, so check very carefully that you have the required papers.

Can Scenic Tours arrange my passport and visas?
No, Scenic Tours and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited, and will not be liable for any costs or cancellation penalties or inconvenience where travellers do not have a travel authorisation, and are not permitted to travel.

Can Scenic Tours organise my travel insurance?
No, this is the responsibility of the passenger, however your travel agent can do this on your behalf. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances, which may arise as defined in the respective proposal forms. It is a good idea to take your travel insurance documents with you.

How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance whilst on tour is one suitcase with a maximum size of 76 x 53 x 28 cms (30 x 21 x 11’’) and weight of 20 kilograms. You may also carry a small backpack or the Scenic Tours issued overnight bag on board the coach for the duration of the tour. Additional bags beyond the luggage allowance may incur additional charges and are to be settled directly to the hotel or as required. It is advised that you check airline luggage requirements directly with your most significant airline carrier.

Is porterage included?
Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance above) is included in your tour.  Additional bags beyond the allowance may be charged or it may be the responsibility of the passenger to forward the baggage to another destination.  Luggage handling is not included during any independent or non-escorted touring. In this situation, luggage handling and porterage will need to be organised directly with the hotel porters.

Should I attach the Scenic Tours luggage label provided prior to departure?
No, please wait until you have claimed your luggage at your destination airport. This will ensure airline companies will not tear off this tag, as it is required to easily identify your luggage for transfer services and hotels.

Are there any luggage restrictions on tour?
The Australian and New Zealand Governments have enhanced security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people who are flying to and from Australia. Details of these restrictions and requirements can be found on the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s website. or the New Zealand Government’s Aviation Security Service website. For information regarding carry on restrictions for other countries, please contact the relevant government agencies.

Will my luggage be secure?
We strongly advise that you do not pack anything of value in your check-in luggage and that you check-in ONLY your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed by other people. Never accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry onboard the aircraft. As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.

What happens if my luggage goes missing?
It is highly unlikely for your luggage to be mislaid, however we suggest if travelling as a couple to pack each suitcase with back up clothes and toiletries for each person. We also suggest writing your personal and tour details on a label INSIDE each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write only your name and destination address on outside labels.

What clothing should I pack?
Due to changeable weather conditions, packing for your New Zealand tour requires a certain amount of flexibility. It may be warmer or cooler than normal and you may be travelling through different climates so dressing in layers is highly recommended for versatility and travelling light is recommended.

• Casual sportswear for daytime that can be mixed/matched/layered 
• Jumper/warm jacket/gloves/hat/scarf 
• Swimwear 
• Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for good grip 
• Sunglasses and sun hat

What else do I need to pack?
The following list may be useful when packing for your trip:

• Airline tickets and passport (plus a photocopy and extra passport photos) 
• Travel and travel insurance documentation, and itinerary (make a copy for your emergency contact) 
• Travellers cheques/cash/debit or credit card and emergency contact numbers if lost or stolen, plus local currency for first day and a money belt 
• Spare memory card for your digital camera or film in clear plastic containers 
• Only those keys needed on return 
• Personal medication and prescriptions, extra glasses/contacts and prescriptions
• Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent 
• Pocket calculator, address book, journal and pens 
• Tissues and anti-bacterial hand wipes or hand sanitiser  
• Raincoat or umbrella 
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry, washing powder and elastic clothesline 
• Travel alarm clock, earplugs and sleep mask 
• Adaptor plugs, mobile phone charger, battery charger

Should I provide Scenic Tours with my health and fitness details prior to travelling?
We will supply a Health and Fitness form in your travel wallet. These forms are designed to provide us with instant information if an emergency should arise. These forms will be returned unopened at the completion of the tour. It is not compulsory to fill out these forms but is strongly recommended.

Can I take prescription medication into New Zealand?
Yes and its advisable to pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug laws in some countries, drugs you take on doctor’s orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage.

Are there any health risks that I should be aware of?
Viral gastroenteritis is a very common virus that can be found almost anywhere, but its opportunity to spread is greater in contained environments. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It may also include fever, stomach issues and headache. The symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after viral infection and can last from 1 to 10 days. Most people who become sick with viral gastroenteritis recover quickly with no further problems.  However if the illness is more severe, further medical care may be required to treat dehydration. The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact.

Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.  It is recommended that passengers carry an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, which does not require rinsing with water. Use a sanitiser frequently i.e. after shore excursions, prior to meals and throughout the day.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at most pharmacies in Australia, however a side effect can be drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.
If you have any questions regarding your health or safety while on tour, please do not hesitate to ask your Tour Director.

What vaccinations do I require?
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary and are subject to change. You must consult your doctor on current vaccinations needed for your destination.

What sort of first aid and medical items should I bring with me?
It may be useful to bring a supply of basic items with you. A first aid kit may include band-aids, antiseptic, aspirin, cough medicine, throat lozenges, cold and flu medication, diarrhoea medication, mild laxative, eye ointments/drops for minor infections, a general antibiotic and any special medications you may need personally. Please remember to bring a letter from your doctor or a copy of the prescription for any medication that you are carrying with you.

Will my special requirements be met throughout the tour?
Your special requirements have been passed onto all suppliers. Special requirements refer to airline seating, special dietary and medical needs. These requirements are on a request basis only and cannot be guaranteed by Scenic Tours. We strongly advise that you reconfirm your meal requests with the Scenic Tour Director upon joining your tour.

What books can I read in preparation for this tour?
There are many wonderful books to choose from and we highly recommend:

• The Penguin History of New Zealand - Michael Kay
• A Short History of New Zealand - Gordon McLauchlan
• The Whale Rider - Witi Ihimaera
• Once Were Warriors - Alan Duff
• Making Peoples: A History of the New Zealanders, from Polynesian Settlement to the End of the Nineteenth Century - James Belich
• Maori: Art and Culture - Doro Starzecka
• The Maori of New Zealand - Steve Theunissen
• Land of the Long White Cloud: Maori Myths, Tales and Legends - Kiri Te Kanawa
• This Is New Zealand - David Wall
• Lord of the Ring Location Guidebook - Ian Brodie
• The Story of New Zealand - Bassett/Sinclair/Stenson
• Guide to New Zealand - Readers Digest

What time can I check in to my hotels?
If your flight arrives before noon (usually 14.00 is check-in time) at the city where your tour starts, the hotel may not have your room available until mid afternoon. We do our best to prevent this from happening. Some people use this time to explore the neighbourhood, shop or relax in the hotel public areas.

Are laundry facilities available?
Most hotels we stay at have coin-operated washing machines and dryers. Most machines take $2 coins. Laundry powder is available from most receptions.

What seat will I have on the coaches?
To ensure all passengers have the opportunity to enjoy front and window seats, a daily seat rotation system is employed on all our coaches. It works on a scatter system where you are rotated around the coach by numbers.

Do I need to bring electrical adaptor plugs?
New Zealand’s electricity current is 230/240 volts (50 hertz) therefore passengers from Australia will not need to use an adaptor.

What monetary currency is in use in New Zealand?
New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand dollar.

• Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 
• Coins: 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2

How much foreign money should I bring with me?
Before you leave on your trip, it is important to try and obtain a small amount of cash in New Zealand dollars for your immediate use on day one of your tour and for use at the airports during transit. Foreign currency can be purchased before you leave at major banks and international airports.

Are all credit cards accepted on all legs of the tour?
Most international credit cards are accepted locally. Before travelling, check that your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after the completion of the tour. Please note some banks and institutions require you to advise them that you will be using your credit card overseas.

Please note: not all debit cards will work in New Zealand please check with your financial institution before departure.

Are ATMs readily available?
Yes, ATMs are commonly are found in the large cities and even in some small towns. The machines operate just as they do here. Simply withdraw money as you would at home. Of course, in New Zealand the money will be dispensed as NZD, but when you return home, your bank will have converted the NZD into Australian dollars. Be sure to check with your bank before departing to activate your card and don’t forget to bring your pin number.

Can I take travellers cheques or pre-paid travel money cards?
Yes, you can take both and we recommend that you take AUD travellers cheques.

What are banking hours?
Banks in New Zealand are open Monday through Friday from 09.30-16.30.

What is the tipping protocol?
Tipping is not common practice in New Zealand but is becoming more and more widespread especially in restaurants. Although you don't need to tip, you may like to show appreciation for excellent service received when dining on your own.

What are the customs allowances on return to Australia?
Apart from personal effects, returning travellers over 18 years of age are allowed to bring into Australia the following goods duty free:

• Alcohol – 2.25 litres
• Cigarettes and Tobacco – 250 grams or 50 cigars

Other articles up to a total combined value of AUD$900 are free of duty and tax, but goods in excess of this may attract both.

What are shopping hours?
Most shops and businesses are open 09.00-17.00, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays.

What type of souvenirs can I buy?
New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. For traditional New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of Maori carvings in wood, bone and pounamu (greenstone or jade); and jewellery and ornaments made from the iridescent paua shell (abalone). New Zealand potters are recognised as among the world’s finest and today many artisans are also working in stone, wood, glass and metals. The country's vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful hand knitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings, homespun yarns and top-quality sheepskins. Alongside top international fashion in boutique stores in the main city areas, you will also find New Zealand's own award-winning fashion labels.

What is the climate like in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has sub-tropical weather during summer and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as minus 10°C in winter; most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.

New Zealand’s summer months are December to February, bringing warm temperatures and sunshine with long and sunny days and mild nights.

March to May are New Zealand’s autumn months. While temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent, and it is possible to swim in some places on the North Island until April while the South Island can experience snow and showers.

New Zealand’s winter months of June to August bring colder weather to much of the country, and more rain to most areas in the North Island. Mountain ranges in both islands become snow-covered, providing beautiful vistas. While the South Island has cooler winter temperatures, some areas of the island experience little rainfall in winter, so this is an excellent time to visit glaciers, mountains, and other areas of scenic beauty.

Spring lasts from September to November and New Zealand’s spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot.

What temperatures can I expect?

How do I make telephone calls back to Australia?
The international telephone services are generally of excellent standard. It is important to remember that telephone calls from some hotels are surcharged. If you decide to make a direct call to Australia, dial the international access code 00 followed by the country code 61 (Australia), the area code (without the 0) and your phone number. Public telephones are available throughout New Zealand. Most public phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents, with a minimum value of NZ$2. Some public phones also accept credit cards, but very few accept coins.

Please note: mobile phone coverage in some parts of New Zealand is limited due to the remote areas we will be travelling.

What are the time zone differences?
New Zealand is 2 hours ahead of Australian Eastern time, however please use this as a guideline only, as daylight saving changes will alter respective time variances.

What languages are spoken?
Both English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand. An attempt by a visitor to use Maori greetings will almost certainly elicit a delighted response from Maori New Zealanders.

Is the water safe to drink?
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in all cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink.

Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes. If you have not already advised your travel agent at the time of booking please let your Tour Director know at the start of the tour any special needs or dietary requirements so they can be best accommodated. Remember your favourite food items will not always be available.

How do I judge how safe it is to travel in these countries?
You must make your own inquiries regarding safety warnings and government warnings in relation to the destinations you are travelling to. These change quite regularly and can be found through the Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advisory website. Scenic Tours can accept no responsibility for the actions of terrorism, etc in certain locations.

Are pickpockets prevalent?
Crowded tourist sites all over the world are at pickpocket risk so you should always be on alert. Keep your money hidden preferably in an inside pocket or money belt. Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home. While travelling don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.