Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What travel documentation do I need?

UNITED STATES CITIZENS

All United States citizens must have a Government Issued Passport, valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your trip, in order to travel to New Zealand. Your passport must have at least one blank passport page per stamp. More information for United States citizens can be found HERE.

NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS

If you are NOT a United States citizen (are traveling on a non-United States passport), please verify your specific documentation and vaccination requirements with your country's consulate before departing. Please note that non-United States citizens may require a visa to enter and may require blank pages for entry and/or exit stamps.

ALL GUESTS

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify and obtain all necessary documentation and vaccination requirements when traveling to another country. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return and may require blank passport pages for entry and exit stamps. Some citizens may be required to obtain a Visa and/or have specific vaccinations to enter certain countries.

We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.

Q. How do I get a Passport? (United States Citizens)

Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about how to obtain or renew a United States Passport.

Q. What airport should I arrive at and depart from?

Flights should arrive and depart from either the Auckland Airport (AKL).

Q. When should I leave for the airport?

The recommended airport check-in time for international flights is three hours prior to departure.

Please check with your airline for schedule changes or flight delays and confirm the recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.

Q. Should I purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel Insurance gives you access to a 24-hour assistance hotline for expert, personalized support in a crisis. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs - including vacation rentals, car rentals, hotels and flights - if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and can reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodation and transportation expenses during a covered delay. Travel insurance can also reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling. Travel insurance can even arrange and pay for a medical evacuation if needed. Coverage is only available for United States citizens.

Please email our Destinations Travel Partner and advise you are interested in purchasing Travel insurance. They will provide the Sequel Travel Vacation Department the necessary information for your travel insurance quote and connect you with an agent.

Q. How much luggage can I take?

Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case. All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Most airlines will allow you to check bags as well. Please check with your airline to confirm current luggage limitations and any applicable fees* for carry-on and checked baggage. Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Luggage may be locked only with a TSA approved lock.

Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medication, jewelry or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

*Please note that all baggage fees are at your own expense.

Q. Can I travel with my medication?

One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

Additional Information

Q. What items can I carry on?

Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.

Q. What is the weather like in New Zealand?

In January, New Zealand experiences the peak of its summer season, with warm and pleasant weather across the country. The North Island typically enjoys higher temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with Auckland and Wellington experiencing sunny days and occasional humidity. The South Island, while slightly cooler, still sees temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with Christchurch and Queenstown basking in clear skies. Coastal areas are perfect for swimming and outdoor activities, while inland regions may experience cooler evenings. January is an ideal time for exploring New Zealand's beaches, hiking trails, and vibrant outdoor events.

Q. What currency is used in New Zealand?

The currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), often symbolized as $ or NZ$ to distinguish it from other dollar currencies. It is subdivided into 100 cents, and banknotes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, while coins are available in 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as $1 and $2 coins.

Q. What type of electrical adapter will I need?

In New Zealand, the power plugs and sockets are of type I, which have three flat pins in a triangular formation. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type (like the flat two-pin type found in North America or Europe), you will need a type I adapter to plug them into New Zealand outlets.

Additionally, if your devices don't support the 230V voltage, you may also need a voltage converter. Many modern electronics (like laptops and phone chargers) have built-in voltage conversion, but it's worth checking the voltage rating on your device to ensure compatibility.

Q. Do I need to tip?

Tipping in New Zealand is not mandatory, and it is not as common as in some other countries like the United States. In general, service workers are paid a fair wage, so tipping is not expected. However, it is appreciated for exceptional service. If you do wish to tip, a small amount (like rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% at a restaurant) is considered generous.

In some situations, such as in high-end restaurants or for personal services (like a tour guide or hotel porter), leaving a tip might be more customary, but it is still not required. Ultimately, it's up to your discretion and satisfaction with the service.

Q. What if I have a special health concern?

If you have any health concerns that may require special attention, please contact us prior to departure. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised to keep them in their carry-on luggage. While we don't require information about the extent of your health concern or disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you.