New Zealand: A North & South Island Adventure

Deposits: The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is £700 per person

Final Payment: Final Payment is due to Tauck 120 days before departure. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Customer Protection: Our UK-based agents comply with the bonding requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority and provide full financial protection for the package holidays that we sell in the UK. For flight-based holidays, this is through the Air Travel Organiser's Licence (details of which are available from the UK-based agent with whom you book). When you buy a package holiday that doesn't include a flight, protection of your monies paid to our UK-based agent will be provided by way of a bond.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for entry into New Zealand; however, an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required when entering Australia if you arrive from an infected area within 5 days. For complete vaccination information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of New Zealand to determine what vaccinations may be required for your travel.

MOBILITY

You should be in good health and able to walk moderate to significant distances over varied terrain. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in in order to appreciate fully the challenging terrain of the beaches, rainforests and outback.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

SMOKING

To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafés, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.

Airline Disinsection

Please check with your carrier or refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for entry into New Zealand; however, an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required when entering Australia if you arrive from an infected area within 5 days. For complete vaccination information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of New Zealand to determine what vaccinations may be required for your travel.

Our itinerary includes two intra-tour charter flights (three in 2027) allowing you to visit diverse destinations efficiently. Your Tauck Director will provide all necessary tickets and boarding passes during your journey. Please Note: These private charter flights operate with fixed departure and arrival times that cannot be adjusted and may occasionally change, impacting the daily itinerary. If a charter flight becomes unavailable, Tauck will make every effort to arrange alternative transportation, which may include commercial flights, to minimize disruption.

For safety reasons, each guest is allowed:

• One checked bag not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg) and total dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm)
• One small soft-sided carry-on not exceeding 15 lbs (7 kg) and 20" x 15" x 10" (50 x 38 x 25 cm)

Small rolling carry-ons must be checked with the main luggage and stored in the aircraft's cargo hold. Luggage exceeding these limits may be prohibited from charter flights and transported overland at your expense. Due to long distances and remote locations, delayed arrival of overland luggage by one or more days is possible.

Charter flight luggage limits may be stricter than those for your international or commercial flights. We recommend confirming all baggage allowances and packing according to the lowest weight and size limits applicable to your flights.

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

 

Weather: To determine current weather conditions and assist in your packing, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here. 

If you are traveling in August through October, it is towards the end of Australia and New Zealand's winter season. During this time period, you will experience vast temperature changes and may even encounter snow throughout parts of New Zealand. Please pack additional clothing for layering in colder climates, hats, gloves and heavier jackets.

As you prepare for travel "Down Under", select a wardrobe that is adaptable. Many days are spent outside or in transit. Therefore, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Occasionally cool weather will require warmer "layered" clothing.

For most evenings, resort casual attire is perfectly acceptable. However, you may enjoy dressing up a bit for our welcome and farewell dinners.  A sport coat with or without tie for men, and a cocktail dress for women are appropriate, and they may also be suitable for other nights during your journey.

Laundry service, including self-service facilities in some hotels, is available on this tour. Additionally, all the hotel rooms are outfitted with hair dryers. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We recommend you pack the following items for your journey:

• Comfortable, cotton clothing
• Resort wear
• Swimwear
• Gym wear
• Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen
• Light rain-repellent jacket
• Insect repellent
• Collapsible umbrella
• A pair of sturdy, yet comfortable, pre-worn walking shoes for uneven terrain
• Binoculars
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Please Note: For guests who choose the Wai Ariki Spa option in Rotorua, a bathing suit and sandals are recommended.

Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at www.necessarygear.com as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay for entry into New Zealand. A visa is not required.

In order to enter New Zealand, you must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority.) Information for New Zealand's ETA can be found at https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz. Please Note: You must obtain your ETA(s) at least 60 days (but not more than 90 days) in advance of your arrival in each country.

Please Note: A separate ETA is required for both Australia and New Zealand, if your Tauck journey includes both destinations. 

An ETA to New Zealand may be obtained with a smart phone. Please be sure to first remove your phone case and have your phone's Bluetooth connection turned on. Note: You may also use website-based forms to apply for a New Zealand ETA, but this is not recommended as the application procedure is more involved and processing times are not guaranteed.

REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS – NEW ZEALAND: Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and other countries will require both a passport and an Electronic Travel Authority, or eTA, in order in enter New Zealand. The eTA is an electronic visa waiver, and it is valid for two years.

In New Zealand. For a list of countries and to apply — please visit https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz.

To install the ETA app (for New Zealand): On your smart phone, search the Google Play Store (android) or the App Store (iPhone) for the Australian ETA app. Install the app. Once the app is installed, open it and follow the app's instructions. Using your phone, the app will scan and capture an image of your face and images from your passport, and connect with an electronic chip in your passport using NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology. Most smart phones are NFC-equipped, but if yours is not, you should be able to download an NFC reader from the Google Play or the App Store for a nominal fee. 

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Australia to determine what travel documentation is required.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of New Zealand to determine what travel documentation is required.

We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.