Hidden Gems & Iconic Landmarks of New Zealand

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Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday.. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times.
Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you:

Please listen to any safety instructions and other directions from the leader
Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor
Please stay where you are if you become separated from the group. The leader will retrace their steps to find you.

Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List).
In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services. Please then call our emergency number (sent in your final dispatch) and let us know there is a problem.
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This information is subject to change. In all cases, we highly recommend you consult your GP both for up to date details and for more information on what is appropriate to your situation.
As a rule, travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK - including, for example, the MMR and diptheria, tetanus, polio vaccines.
Requirements can change, and we recommend you check in good time ahead of your holiday.
Some travellers may require:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B

Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is banned in some countries.
If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country’s embassy/consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution, it is recommended to:

Keep medication in its original packet
Take a copy of your prescription
If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country you’re visiting

For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk
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Passports
A full passport is required and we recommend that it is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from New Zealand.
Visas
From 1 October 2019, travellers from visa waiver countries must have an ETA to travel to New Zealand. You can request your ETA via the Immigration NZ website or mobile app – the cost is NZ$ 12 via the website or NZ$ 9 via the app. The application takes 5-10 minutes and once issued, the ETA is valid for up to 2 years and for multiple visits.
Most visitors to New Zealand will need to pay the International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (IVL). You can do this when you apply for your visa or ETA: it will be charged automatically when you make your application, and as of October 1st 2024 this costs NZ$100.
For a list of visa waiver countries please see: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/general-information/visa-waiver-countries
For details of visas if you are visiting from another country, please see: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas
Our ‘with-flight’ option currently transits via Singapore on the outbound journey. If you are transiting via the USA, you will need a visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). No visa is required by citizens with full right of residence in visa waiver programme (VWP) countries. This includes UK, Australia, New Zealand – please see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for details of other countries included in the VWP.  Citizens of VWP countries are required to obtain travel authorisation prior to travel. You can register for authorisation online through the website above.
If your holiday includes a stopover of more than 8 hours in Australia then you will need to apply for an Australian visa.
Canadian and US citizens require an ETA (electronic travel authorisation). These must be applied for in advance, and cost AUS $20. Please go to www.eta.immi.gov.au or consult your embassy for advice.
British and EU passport holders need an eVisitor visa (subclass 651). To do this you need to create an Immiaccount via https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login. There is no charge for an eVisitor visa.  Please see https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/651 for further information.
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It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   
Essentials  

Walking boots 
Waterproof jacket 
Waterproof trousers 
Insulated jacket/top 
Walking clothing  
Walking socks (plus spares)  
Sunhat 
Gloves/mitts and warm hat
Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
Headtorch 
High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
Sunglasses with a dark lens 
Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
Mobile phone 
Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
Passport 
Visa (if applicable) 
Copy of your travel insurance policy 
UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC) 

Recommended

Collapsible walking poles 
Swimwear and travel towel
Snacks
Dry bags
Rubbish bags
Insect repellent

Optional extras

Camera 
Sit mat
Flask for hot drinks 
Durable lunch box
Gaiters 
GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
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Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk.
If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.
On arrival in Auckland, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim. Your local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall (turn left as you exit into the public area) look out for the HF Holidays’ sign and a big smile! If you cannot find your leader please call NZ free phone 0800 697 232.
*Subject to availability
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If you prefer to book the holiday without flights and make your own travel arrangements you might still be able to make use of the free return group transfers between the airport and hotel, but you must contact us on +44 (0)20 3974 8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk at least 8 weeks before your holiday start date to inquire regarding availability. Transfers arranged at any other time will likely incur extra costs. If you do not contact us, we will assume you are making independent travel arrangements and meeting the group at the hotel.
When you check in at the hotel, please ask reception for your Auckland information pack which contains details on how to meet up with the group, plus other useful information such as the pre-trip meeting time and place, and departure time from the hotel the following morning.
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Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.
For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/
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Luggage Allowance
Please check details of your airline’s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked.
If you have chosen to upgrade your international flight, please be aware that any internal or connecting flights may have a lower baggage allowance.  In these cases, the baggage allowance of the internal flight will apply for the whole journey.
Lost or Damaged Luggage 
If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline’s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport on arrival. They will assess the damage; in some cases, the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately.
You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if an immediate settlement is not possible - in many cases, baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport.
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Customs Information
To ensure a smooth journey through customs in New Zealand, we advise you to research their entry requirements and criteria. Products such as fruits, vegetables and animal products are strictly prohibited to transport and failure to comply can lead to fines. You can check what items you are allowed to take into New Zealand here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/bringing-and-posting-items-to-nz/check-if-you-can-bring-or-send-an-item-to-nz/ but please note these are subject to change.
If you are in any doubt when arriving, we recommend declaring items you are unsure of, and their knowledgeable customs team will assist you.
It's important to declare any items of equipment you may be travelling with such as walking boots and walking poles. We recommend giving these a clean before you pack them and packing them somewhere easily accessible, to ensure a smoother and quicker process through customs.
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The local currency is New Zealand Dollars (NZD, NZ$).
We recommend you budget on needing approx. NZ$600pp for meals that are not included in the holiday price. In addition, you will need extra for drinks, any optional activities and souvenirs – what you bring for these will depend on your own spending habits, but an extra NZ$300pp may be a reasonable amount for someone looking to only pay for drinks and a reasonable amount of souvenirs.
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GMT/UTC +12 hours or +13 during New Zealand’s summer (end Sept - early April), when Daylight Saving applies
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New Zealand and Australia electricity supply is 230V and you will need a flat two or three pin adaptor. We recommend you take a universal adaptor.
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Debit / credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are widely available, offering the easiest way to access cash if you didn’t exchange any before travelling or on arrival at the airport.
Please note: American Express Is not widely accepted in New Zealand
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