Guided Trekking in South Island, New Zealand

Passport

A full passport is required and must be valid for at least three months from the date you are due to leave New Zealand.

Visas

Visas are not necessary for full British passport holders visiting for less than 6 months. Other passport holders are advised to check with their nearest New Zealand consulate or embassy.

If you are travelling to New Zealand via the USA, under the Visa Waiver Program, British citizens with full right of residence in the UK do not require a visa. Other nationals should check with their nearest United States embassy or consulate for details of entry requirements.

Visa Waiver Program travellers entering the United States by air or sea carrier are required to register under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

Health advice

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see if any health precautions are needed. The following websites provide a wealth of information on travelling and health: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk  www.traveldoctor.co.uk

Climate

All our holidays are planned around the New Zealand spring, summer and early autumn when all routes are open and the days are long. The warmest weather is likely to be from November to February although October and March are also excellent times to travel with fewer tourists and superb mountain flora.

Money

The local currency is New Zealand Dollars. Banks are open from 9am until 4.30pm on weekdays. Credit cards are widely accepted, and travellers' cheques can be changed at banks, hotels and at stores in the main towns and resorts. It is also possible to open a post office account. There are no restrictions on taking currency in and out of the country. For most people the easiest method will be to use cash machine cards – but please consult with your bank concerning suitable machines and their availability.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but is a means of recognising good service in most countries. Previously we have included tipping in the price of our holidays, but guest feedback has shown that guests would prefer this to be at their own discretion – to give more, or less, as a reflection of the service.

As guidance, we would recommend you allow £60 per person for tips on this holiday to cover local staff and services.

For flights information please see the Dates and Prices tab.