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Large boulders on a beach, New Zealand

South Island Intrigues

The Moeraki Boulders are shrouded in mystery

New Zealand Travel Tips

We are very excited to have you join us to explore New Zealand. Below are a few key bits of information you will want to know before departing on your New Zealand adventure.

Before You Leave Home

Caregiver holding hands of elder

Travel Insurance

For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost luggage, medical evacuation, and airline cancellation charges under a variety of circumstances. Medical treatment can be very expensive and some hospitals in North America may not treat people who have no proof of insurance.
Close up of a young woman waiting to board the plane at the airport

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour; or if pre and post accommodation is booked with APT. Transfers must be booked and arrival and departure details advised to APT at least 60 days prior to travel, otherwise transfers cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy the Hauraki Blue overnight cruise through Waitemata Harbour.

Clothing

Summer/Spring: The dress code while on tour is casual and for daytime, we recommend that you pack a variety of light to medium-weight clothing, plus rainwear in case of cooler or wet weather. Layers are a good option to cover a range of temperatures and to suit changing conditions. Comfortable footwear is a must. Autumn/Winter: You will need to pack a good quality, warm water-proof coat, and dressing with multiple layers underneath will help keep you warm and comfortable on excursion. Comfortable, sturdy footwear with grip is a must.
Recommended Packing List
Generic Tourist

Luggage

The luggage regulations vary tour-to-tour, but this will be confirmed in your documents closer to your departure date. Generally, each guest is limited to one piece of luggage weighing up to 20kg.

While You Are Travelling With APT

salmon dish with wine glass and alpine background south island new zealand
Friends having a glass of wine standing near the grape vines

Dining
Throughout your journey you will dine at the best restaurants available and enjoy multiple opportunities to try local fare. We pay careful attention to ensure all menus on the tour offer a variety of choices to suit all tastes, and healthy options are available.
* If you have any special dietary requirements or other special needs, you may be required to complete a special request form prior to departing for your trip.

Dress Code
Most people dress casually on tour, however, for evening meals, you might want to wear something a little smarter.

Currency
We recommend that you carry minimal cash with you. On arrival, the most convenient way to acquire money is via an ATM.

Daily Itinerary

Get an idea of what to expect on a day on tour, view an example itinerary below. Note this is only an example and itineraries vary daily tour-to-tour.

River winding through the valley floor, surrounded by the mountains

Land Tour Example

7:00am: Have your luggage ready for collection outside your room door by Hotel Porter staff & head to the Hotel Restaurant for Breakfast at leisure

8:00-8:15am: Board APT Tour Coach and depart the Hotel

9:30am: Arrive at Huntly township by the Waikato River for a Morning Tea Break

9:50am: Depart Huntly Tea break

Waitomo Caves with Glow Worms, North Island, New Zealand

11:25am: Begin Waitomo Glowworm Caves to view the limestone formations and view the amazing Glowworms. (Including an underground boat ride)

12:30pm: Depart Caves

12:45pm: Arrive at the Farming township of Otorohanga. Wander the local eateries and cafes and choose where to partake in some lunch

13:45pm: Depart Otorohanga Township

14:50pm: Brief photo stop & Restroom stop at Tirau Township

Rotorua Champagne Pool at Sunset, North Island, New Zealand

15:40pm: Arrive Rotorua, brief orientation drive around town to allow guests to get their bearings on the area; followed by brief photo stop at Rotorua Government Gardens

16:00pm: Arrive at hotel accommodation. Time for guests to freshen up and get ready for the evening dinner and cultural concert experience

17:00 -17:40pm: Transfer to for an evening experience, a Māori Concert, Cultural experience and Hangi Dinner (Note: Hangi is a traditional Māori method of cooking food underground with heated rocks)

20:00 -20:30pm: Transfer back to the Hotel accommodation.

Returning to Australia

Amble along gorgeous cobblestone streets

Souvenirs

There are different restrictions for each country on which products can and cannot be imported into Australia. For up-to-date information go to the Australian Customers and Border Protection website.
Can I Bring It Home?

Find Out More

For a more extensive guide to your trip to New Zealand, you can read the New Zealand Guide, which covers everything from what to pack to destination insights.

View More New Zealand Tour Hints

Explore More

Two passengers sitting by bondhus lake, Norway

Book with Confidence

We know that now, more than ever, you want flexibility when making your holiday plans. If you’d like freedom to change your plans, our flexible booking policies allow you to cancel and move your holiday to another time.
View our Booking Policies
Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand

From sailboat-studded horizons of Auckland to alpine vistas of Queenstown, we cover everything from New Zealand’s major attractions to the smallest of nooks. Join us and experience it for yourself.
Discover New Zealand
A happy couple amongst a vineyard

FAQs

To help prepare you for your travels, you can find answers to all your questions in our Frequently Asked Questions.
View our FAQs